Today was the second Sunday after the Epiphany. Sunrise temperature on Mount Olympus was a cool 39°F under cloudy skies. Down the hill at church, the temperature picked up to more manageable 57°F. Due to the three feet of snow in Sunderland, England, only 13 people were present:
Pre-Service Music
As they normally do, Father Acker and Nick Patton played their guitars for pre-service gathering or welcome songs:
- Shine Jesus shine
- Abide with me
- Amazing grace
- Jesus loves me
The concept of the gathering or welcome songs is simple, people just don’t seem to show up on time. The tradition seems to have started in Africa where most people walk to church, live differing distances, don’t have watches and are not quite as obsessive compulsive. Seems to work nicely in Alpine, too. The welcoming songs have a nice side effect of getting us all in to a nice “church mood” for the first day of our week. It is a nice way to start out and helps keep up a good attitude. Also, while we have traditional church organ music during our service, the pre-service guitar music helps blend old and new to everyone’s benefit. Take the word of someone who doesn’t even particularly like music.
Father Acker’s Pre-Service Class – Christianity from an Anglican Perspective and the Future
Today Father Acker discussed the identity of Anglicanism and its future direction. To understand the future of Anglicanism, you need to understand a bit about how it came into being and its structure. The Anglican Church started not at the Reformation, but in 37 AD when Joseph of Arimathea formed the first church at Glastonbury in Roman occupied Briton. As the church expanded, its basic unit was the diocese under the leadership of a bishop. It stayed organized around the bishop and his diocese until 1066 AD when William the Conqueror brought the Church of Rome to rule the island under the imperial rule of the Bishop of Rome, known by then as The Pope. The Reformation occurred in the mid-1500s when, under the leadership of Henry VIII, Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas Cranmer and others, the church in England separated itself from Rome and returned to its former independence. The unit of leadership was again the diocese under a bishop. The bishops looked to the Archbishop of Canterbury for leadership, but he had no special powers.
As England’s power was projected around the world, the Church of England spread with it. But, as Henry VIII was adamant when forming the Church of England that no decision regarding and Englishman might be made outside of England, so the churches were formed in the colonies and other countries. The form was followed and a series of national churches arose, loosely connected in a confederation with Canterbury.
An interesting thought, by the way, if you look at the chart above, on any given Sunday, 90 percent of the Anglicans in church are black.
The church adopted the Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion under King Edward VI and various Books of Common Prayer (BCP) most nations developing their own with national prayers and points of view, all theologically fairly closely aligned. The latest BCP in England is the 1662 BCP. The latest BCP in the United States is the 1928 BCP. The Articles of Religion tied all the churches together with common theology, a kind of written constitution. The Books of Common Prayer tied the daily lives of the church and the people together.
Until after the mid-1800s, the Church of England was the official and exclusive state religion of England and most of her colonies. The prayerbook was imposed by a Parliament not all of whom were even Church of England members.
As time went on, the empire disintegrated; the Church of England became a confederation as the Anglican Communion. Along the way, the Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion were sidelined. People with an agenda re-wrote the Book of Common Prayer to suit their goals to the point where there was no longer a Book of Common Prayer, no matter what was printed on the spine.
Today, the Anglican Communion is split. Some press for unity as a primary goal, others press of unity around a central figure: Christ. The goal of GAFCON, that would be the Global Anglican Future Conference, is to recapture the historic and patristic faith of the reformation in our present day.
Propers
The Propers are the same each year, except if a Red Letter Feast, that is one with Propers in the prayerbook, falls on a Sunday, then those Propers are to be read instead, with the Collect for the actual Sunday read also. In this case after the Collect for the Day, the Epiphany Collect will be read. The Propers are found on Page 111-112 with the Collect first:
The Second Sunday after The Epiphany.
The Collect.
ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who dost govern all things in heaven and earth; Mercifully hear the supplications of thy people, and grant us thy peace all the days of our life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Alice Acker read the Epistle for today, which came from the Twelfth Chapter of Paul’s letter to the Romans beginning at the Sixth Verse. As Paul often does, he gives guidance on what God would have us do. He notes that each of us have differing talents, skills and resources. What God wants us to do is use all of what He gave us to further His will and His way, so that we might be truly happy here on earth. To be gracious and hospitable to those around us, to remember each of us are equal in God’s eye.
| H |
AVING then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; or ministry, let us wait on our ministering; or he that teacheth, on teaching; or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate.
The Gospel for today came from the beginning of the Gospel according to St. Mark, the First Chapter, beginning at the First Verse. This is the very first of the New Testament, a New Covenant or agreement with God. It tells the story of “the beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” It talks of John the Baptist, who God sends as His “messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.” And the people came to John “and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.” But, as a harbinger the One to come, John told them of the One coming “ the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose.” He told them of the Holy Ghost. When Jesus, in His submission as a man to God came to John for baptism, as he came out of the water, “the heavens opened, and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon him: and there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
| T |
HE beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God; as it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. And there went out unto him all the land of Judæa, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins. And John was clothed with camel’s hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey; and preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose. I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost. And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon him: and there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
Sermon - Let your light so shine before men that they might see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven – Matthew v.16
The title of the sermon is more than just a sentence of Saint Matthew’s Gospel, handy for use at the offering time. It is a way of conducting yourself that might bring good to the church here on earth.
Saint Paul tells us to let our love be genuine, without guile. Sadly, for whatever reason, that is not what many people today see in Christians today. A fairly recent survey of 18-29 year olds found them making the following associations:
91 % Anti-homosexual
87 % Hypocritical—saying one thing & doing another
78 % Old-fashioned
75 % Too involved in politics
70 % Insensitive to others
Lest you get too wrapped up in percentages, the same group made the following associations:
82 % Teaches same basic idea
76 % Has good values & principles
71 % Friendly
41 % Seems genuine & real
41 % Something that makes sense
30 % Relevant to your life
Now, we run into a problem, as you will read later, your Beadle was not present for the sermon, thus I cannot really tell what fantastic and learned conclusion Father Acker made here. His notes do not reflect it. But, I can tell you rather than discouraging, these figures are encouraging. People are open to Christ’s message, we just need to stay out of His way to get His message to them. We need to do things differently than we have in the past. People have changed their outlook. God, on the other hand, has not changed. He is constant. His Love will never change. It is always there. It is up to us to get it across in terms people can understand.
Back to the sermon!
If you have genuine love and care, through your actions, consistent with your words, you show people:
· You really care about THEM.
· You think THEY are of worth.
· You will help and not hurt.
Look for ways to show God’s love to people through your actions. Be a light to lighten the Gentiles, a clear pane glass to let God’s light shine on them, not a door to keep them out. God needs to work through people and He needs you.
New Nametags
We had no new nametags today.
Birthdays and Anniversaries
There were no reported anniversaries today.
After Church Hospitality
Jan Macauley brought the snacks today. In addition to her always favored deviled eggs (best in the world), Jan brough asian pears, star cookies (the Beadle’s favorite) and lemon and ginger glazed tea cakes. A wonderful repast; enjoyed by all. Thank you very much, Jan.
After church goodies providers as currently signed up:
Date Name
24 January 2010 Jan Macauley
31 January 2010 Opportunity Available <- MAJOR PROBLEM
People in our Prayers - http://www.blessedtrinityprayerteam.blogspot.com/
Prayer is an extremely important activity.
It is not that God knows not our needs, for He surely does. Yet, Jesus commanded us to ask God for those same needs. In addition to the obvious of asking God for help, offering thanksgiving and the like, prayer helps us focus our thoughts on how we might do God's work.
The Prayer Team of the Alpine Anglican Church of the Blessed Trinity was established to help our members and fellow Christians pray for those in need and to give thanks as well for the blessings we have been granted.
Who can be on the list?
Do I have to be a member of the Blessed Trinity Church to be prayed for? No! The only qualification to be on the list is that you want our prayer team to pray for you. We are Christians and are happy to pray for you, no matter who you are. If you want help from God, you are our kind of people.
What is the commitment from the prayer team?
Each member of the team will pray for the desired outcome at least once per day.
How do I get myself or someone else on the prayer list?
You can email one of the prayer team leaders: Greg - gnchase@cox.net or Dru - dru@descansorodents.com, or call the church office at (619) 722-1772 or fill out a prayer card at church.
What should I ask for?
Depends on what you want. Some people merely want God to be asked to heal their ills and be mentioned by their first name, others want a specific outcome and / or have more of their personal information known to the team. Ask for what you want. It is your desire and need for prayer the team is attempting to meet. For typical examples, see the list below.
Updating the Team
If you are on our prayer list, or if you have submitted a person that you have asked us to pray for, please update one of the team members or Father Acker in person, by telephone or email. It helps to be able to pray specifically for these individuals including their specific needs; plus if they get better, it is nice to give thanks!
Please note on the yellow (maybe green or orange, if you get an old one) cards at church, you can ask that those to be prayed for have their names disseminated to the "prayer team". Those names will be said in church and appear here. Or, you can ask their names and purpose be kept confidential, then only Father Acker will pray for them.
Birthday
Warren celebrated his SECOND birthday two weeks before last and we celebrated with him week before last!
Travel
Jack is on travel this week to Australia.
Repose of the Soul
Mrs. Martin perished in the Haitian earthquake while attending a medical conference there. Her son and daughter in law Luke and Sheri Martin live in Pine Valley. You may recall Luke and Sheri have attended Blessed Trinity's Seder meals for the past few years. Please pray for the repose of her sould and her family who remain behind, in particular, Luke, Sheri and their children Maya, Frida, David and Olivia.
Joan Jeffery passed away the afternoon of 21 December 2009, in Australia apparently as the result of radiation sustained during the treatment of a cancerous lymphoma in her throat. Please pray for the repose of Joan’s soul and for her family left behind here on earth. Pray in particular for her husband Peter, her mother Ada and the rest of her family as they deal with the loss of their beloved Joanie.
Peaceful Transition
Beatrice
Ruth is in home hospice care.
Healing
Marge, Karl, Christian, Lois, Jennette (Alzheimer’s), Ruth, Connie, Tom, Crystal, Thomas, Hadley, Diane, Norm, Gregory, Nancy, Bill (infection), Ernie, Ray, Hazel, Bruce (heart attack), Susanne, Ralph+ (prostate cancer; the doctors are at a loss on the decreasing cancer cell count except prayer; please add your thanksgiving to the prayers for healing.), Allison (kidney), Bill (ETOH poisoning and gout), Kai, Jay, Tim, Diane, Amy (Thyroid cancer), Evelyn, Debbie, Lona (shoulders), Wanda, Paul (stroke), Doris, Charles, Peter H (prostate), Marie (sprained ankle), June (cancer surgery), Susan, Jeff, David (leg injury), Judy, who suffers from mental illness, is undergoing tests for cancer, Greg, June (cancer), David (leg sprain), Cheri, Ben, Michael (heart valve replacement), Walter (skin cancer), Gabriella (surgery), Curtis, Doyle, Martha, Muriel, Richard, Ralph+, Jeffrey, Rod, Gary, Mark, Jeffery, Amy (staph infection), Jennifer, Curtis, Steve (cancer), Paula, Ashton, Marjorie, Mike G, Dave (knee surgery), Karl (shoulder surgery), Jeffrey (testing), Gary (sepsis; diabetic), Jim (stomach cancer), Eunice, Jeanette (Alzheimer’s), Kathleen (breast cancer), Mrs. Alvord, Angie, Madge, Betty (Healing from cancer. Betty has completed her chemotherapy after her surgery), Jeannie (testing for breast cancer), Ed, Betty, Karl (Healing of his shoulder injury, but not having surgery), Phil (Thanksgiving for his having received a pacemaker. Phil is suffering from renal failure and other complications), Dave (We had been praying for healing from a tumor. It now may require surgery), Jacque (Healing of her rare form of cancer. It is her second recurrence), Jeannie (cancer tests), Sarah, Stephen, Curtis; Angie, Madge, Veronica, Carmen, Alice, Dave (surgery recovery), Ed S (liver failure), Greg D (leg injury. Greg is making good progress still using a knee brace; Thanksgiving for the progress and requests continued healing) John (prostate cancer surgery), Martin, Pauline, Pat A (altz: things are stable); Charles A (altz: slight improvement in general awareness that he is disappointed not being allowed to drive, Maurice (in ICU with a congenital disease), Susan, George (reoccurrence of cancer); Maggie (surgery the week of 28 Dec 09), Lillian, Rob, Ken
John Alexander, III underwent a tonsillectomy on 13 January 2010. The procedure was successful, but the medical team had having trouble controlling post surgical bleeding. After much prayer, they stopped the bleeding. Please pray for rapid recovery and peace of mind for John, his wife and children.
Matt Alcantara, age 15, has Osteosarcoma (bone cancer), a very rare and lethal form of cancer with limited treatment options. He underwent surgery in Houston in June for the surgery involving removal of most of the left ilium, all of the hip socket and the ball of the top of the femur. Fortunately, despite all of the risks of complications, Matt was able to get through the surgery. After spending approximately a month in the hospital recovering, he came back home to San Diego. His recent MRI came back clean, there is still much concern. He will continue chemo for at least another 8 months (from now). His physical therapy will continue at least 2 years before he reaches his maximum medical improvement.
His family asks for your prayers for Matt and we ask you to pray also for his family in this time of great stress. Their friends set up a donation account to help defray travel and other expenses not covered by insurance. You can look at http://www.mattalcantara.com for information. If you want to follow Matt's progress, look at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mattalcantara.
Danielle’s neck surgery to remove her lymph nodes and damaged tissue was successful. She completed the radiation and chemotherapy, her swollen throat is decreasing and she is starting to eat, she seems to be recovering considerably ahead of schedule. It is very tough, but she is making it. Please pray a good outcome and peace of mind for Danielle and her family.
Dan Heersema had four way bypass surgery on 7 December 2009, which he tolerated well. Dan is home and on his way to a full recovery. Please give thanks for a great result and pray for his continued recovery and that he may live a long and healthy life to God’s honor and glory. Pray for peace of mind for Dan and his family.
Claude Strauch was in the hospital with congestive heart failure and other heart related problems in Minnesota. Doctors are attempting to get medications under control. He had an appointment on 13 January 2010, to see if he is a candidate for a pacemaker. He is very concerned, as is his entire family. Please pray for guidance for the medical team treating him and for Claude and his family, that they might put their care and worry on God’s back so they can do their best for each other.
Mike Wysocki had aortic heart valve replacement and arterial replacement on 30 December 2009. He is now home and appears to be recovering remarkably well. Please give thanks to God for a successful result and for the great work on the part of the surgeons and their team. Mike, whose real name is Ronald, but who is universally known as Chief, asks you give thanks to God and pray for his recovery, guidance and peace of mind, both for him and his wife Wendy.
Lee Thomas had what appears to be a minor seizure last week. He was in the hospital for assessment and has not been released home. His wife Sandy is hopeful that being in familiar surroundings will be beneficial and he will regain some of the ground he has lost. Please pray for Lee, Sandy and their children to maintain their trust in God and to look towards Him for guidance. Pray also for the medical team treating Lee that God might guide and direct their assessment and treatment.
Jackson Babcock, father of Hope DeLong, has not been feeling well. He ended up in ICU, got better and is now home. Please give thanks for the great turn around and pray that he will continue to recover and thrive at home and live a long and fruitful life to God’s honor and glory.
Vicky developed a brain aneurysm, which ruptured the morning of 28 October 2009. She made it through seven hours of surgery and the drug induced coma in a Denver hospital. She regained consciousness, and is in a long term acute care hospital. She continues to make small improvements, she is talking and getting frustrated by her inability to communicate more fully. That in itself is great news, she knows she cannot talk as well as she can think. That is wonderful. Her husband and sons have been by her the entire time, so she has never been alone. Please pray for her recovery and for peace of mind for her family, that they might keep their trust in the Lord.
Obra was just released from hospital three weeks ago. From Shamim - The doctors cannot do a lot with a darling 86 year old man, who suffers from diabetes, high blood pressure, prostrate cancer, heart disease, and a variety of other ailments (much like my own father). We sincerely believe Daddy is missing his dear Pauline a lot, and is very down now. Thank you for continuing to keep him in all your prayers. We know God is our only salvation.
Please pray he will keep his trust and faith in God and turn his heart outward to the world, remembering God put him here to make a difference; that he will let his heart be open to God’s grace.
Cerrus, daughter in law of Hy, has had a relapse of her cancer. Please pray for a successful treatment and remission.
David is suffering from shingles and asks that we pray for a remission of the symptoms and a return to normalcy.
Faith, daughter of Craig, Associate Pastor at Bethel Christian, had major, serious and complicated heart surgery on 24 November 2009. The surgery went well was was successful, but her recovery took longer than hoped. But, with God’s grace she was able to go home for Christmas. Please give thanks for a successful result. Pray also for peace of mind and concentration on faith in God for Faith and her family during her continued recovery.
Jimmy had a stroke along with triple bypass heart surgery. Miney Farrell asks you pray for his recovery and positive frame of mind during his recovery.
Annie S had a sudden loss in hearing due to a rare viral infection. This is a critical three week treatment period for her besides being on dialysis, etc. She has been added to the kidney transplant wait list. Please pray for healing of her diabetic condition causing complications.
Jackie was involved in a rollover car accident, her passenger was not injured, but she sustained a serious head injury. She has regained consciousness and is up and walking. Pray for the medical team treating her that they might do their best. Pray for her and her family who are very worried about her.
Bashir Ahmed, father of Shamim Gray, father in law of Commander Obra Gray for whom we prayed while he was deployed to Iraq and on various carrier deployments, is gravely ill. Bashir lives in London. He has regained an increased awareness of those around him and his surroundings. This is a very good thing and a large step back to earth. Please pray God will deliver a miraculous recovery for Bashir; if that not be God’s will, a departure in peace to His world for him. Please pray God will extend His Grace to Bashir and his family and that they will accept. Shamim keeps her faith in the Lord. Above all, pray for his family to open their hearts to accept all God’s love will bring them.
Peter H is in Kaiser with a less than good prognosis of prostate cancer. Please offer prayers of healing. His wife Susan understands we have prayer warriors in other countries including England. She is confident Peter will appreciate that as he is English.
Hy cannot put much weight on her leg. She does not know why and so far the doctors have not been able to diagnose a problem. But, things are much better and she is getting around on using a cane. She thanks all who are praying for her.
Lise, originally diagnosed with "peritoneal cancer", has undergone multiple surgeries and chemotherapy. Lise's doctors hope she is in remission, but are uncertain and do not know if she will be with us for more than a year. Her friend requests you please pray for continued healing and full remission for Lise; and, and please pray that God might give wisdom and guidance to all of her medical providers. Lise appreciates your support and prayers.
Jan has just recovered from her fifth cancer surgery. Her friend asks you pray for Jan's continued healing and complete remission; and, please pray God might give wisdom and guidance to all of her medical providers.
Lauralee underwent a lumpectomy on Friday after Thanksgiving. Another anomaly has been discovered and she is back into preventative radiation treatment. Please pray for a complete remission of the cancer. Pray also Lauralee will maintain her great attitude and trust in God.
Mary Parker is doing extremely well. She needs to be on oxygen with the altitude and she gets about nicely with the walker. She loved her carol visit and would like to make it to church, if she can make her way down the rocky road one day. Son, Alan, is likely to be moving to Tennessee with a company required relocation--not great with his sons Alan & Kenny in college and finishing high school here in San Diego area.
Evelyn Hunt was in the hospital recently and just got out. She is undergoing testing and not feeling well. She is doing much better, her medications seem to be more properly adjusted. She gives thanks for the card and your prayers.
Miney Farrell was happy for a carol visit from her friends at church. She is getting over a cold, but doing.
Lorraine Winkles loved her carol visit and is doing pretty darn well all things considered, some days are better than other days.
Kay Denton (Mrs. Kay) is still home and doing pretty well considering the bones in her neck and hands are degenerating as a side effect of her kidney failure. Her thumbs are not particularly useful any more. Mrs. Kay asks everyone who is praying for her know how grateful she is for their prayers. As always, she retains her trust in the Lord and her positive attitude.
Caroline just celebrated her 12th birthday earlier this month. Although she remains free of leukemia after her bone marrow transplant in July 2008, the side effect of the transplant, graft vs. host disease (GVHD), is so bad that she can barely walk and at times cannot even hold a pencil because her joints are so stiff and swollen.
After Christmas she will have a Hickman line surgically placed to allow frequent injection of meds that may help resolve her severe GVHD. Caroline sees this surgery as a major step backward and is quite depressed; please pray for her and for an improvement in her condition.
Natalie (age 10, leukemia recurrence) has not responded to any treatment since her relapse. Please pray for God’s grace for Natalie and her family to give them peace of heart, soul and mind.
Guidance
Adam, Tom, Mary, Lloyd & Jennifer to be guided to a church
Breyana, Vie, Asha, Cory, Heather, Holly, William, Phil, Rick, Susan, Curtis, Donny, Chris, Andrew, Keith (job decision), Sara (God's grace and His patience), Mark, Alexandra, Perlita, Lewis, Susie, Dru, Jack, Tina, William, Christina, Tuck, Jeff, Christiana (God’s grace), Tara (divorce), Patricia & her family, Errin, Elizabeth, Brandon, Steven, Nelson, Ashley, Betty who is considering moving into an assisted living home, Nick, Pat, Caroline, Stephen, Greg (vocation guidance and training for the diaconate), Stephanie, Richard, Daniel,, Sheryl, Edward, Jeannie, Rachel, Mikaela, Emma, Patrick, Mary (adoption); Ashley (job); Curt; Angelina & Ron C; Steven (strength); Vanessa H (trust), Jackie (God's grace), Sandy (Relief from stress; Her husband has severe medical problems), Jennifer, Margie, Phyllis, Sam (guidance on direction of his business), Susie (Pray for her successfully passing her school bus driving exam 12/8 or 9), Tara (divorce), Virginia, Darin & Brian (mom’s health issues), Jeanie (upset over her husband's cancer problems), Curt (Still providing care for his wife, Jacque, who is undergoing chemotherapy), Alex, Emilie, Stephen, Daniel S, Jan
Nancy G. asks your prayers for her as she starts her new job on Tuesday.
Hope asks you pray for God’s help in forcing the dissolution an aircraft partnership with two other people. For two and a half years she has been trying to come to an equitable agreement and cannot. She asks that she be open to God’s guidance in bringing this partnership to an end to the mutual benefit of all the partners.
Megan A is struggling with suicidal thoughts. Please pray for her to open her heart to God and accept His Love, Help, Guidance and Grace. Please pray for her parents to open their hearts to both God and Megan that they might see the world as she sees it and help her see the world as God would have her see it.
Megan C is experiencing chest pain and headaches, seemingly due to stress. The reason for them is not clear, the treatment has not been all that successful. An adverse reaction to the medication used to treat symptoms has caused significant problems. Please pray for the drugs to dissipate from her system and that Megan can renew her commitment to God and accept His Love, Help, Guidance and Grace so she can see the world as God would have her see it.
Jacquie to open her heart to God and accept His Love and Grace.
Noriene for God's comfort as she mourns her mother and for her turning to God for His healing.
Paul S suffers from severe schizophrenia remains stable with his medication, but needs God’s guidance. He gives thanks for improvement in his housing situation.
Linda, after traveling to Chile to learn more about music therapy for developmentally challenged young people from a Christian perspective, is embarking on a project to actually do something about it. She asks that you pray for her that she might discern God’s will, her abilities and the need.
Hap asks you to pray that he might be able to trust God will help him make the right decisions at the right time and not to worry uselessly.
Guidance and Protection
Christina, Sarah
Economic Guidance and Assistance
Keith has been unable to find any full-time work since his custom home drafting business of 25 years really dropped off last year. He is working as a handyman, doing tile work, painting, home repairs, etc. Their family has a great deal of debt from Susanne’s medical needs. Pray also for God's peace to comfort them and for His leading and wisdom to be very evident to them.
Mark’s business is very very slow, he asks that God point him to new markets and give him guidance in following God’s will that his business might survive and his employees not lose their livelihood.
Toni is applying for a promotion and asks God’s guidance.
Please give thanks for Kevin in the UK who has found a job. Please continue to pray he will find a position that will maintain his family and where he can use his talents to make a positive impact on the world. Please pray also for his family, in particular his wife Beverley, that they might open their hearts and minds to God’s guidance.
To Find Employment
Marianne got the job she interviewed for, she believes she will be a great fit and an asset to the firm. Please give thanks for the guidance given both her and the person doing the hiring.
Jack has been laid off from his job as a construction manager in East San Diego County; due to the economy jobs in the field are hard to find. Please pray that Jack will find a job, not necessarily in the construction, that will allow him to use his considerable skills and talents to make his new employer more successful; guide him and his family is this difficult time.
Brad, Brian, Russell, Kris, Keith and Kevin each to find a job that will allow them to use their skill and talent to make their new employer more successful.
Shawna’s father lost his job in March 2009. After 33 years of working, he has been unable to find work. Please pray that he will find a job that will allow him to use his talents to make his new employer more successful. Pray also that he might put his trust in the Lord and look outward; that he might turn his heart away from depression and towards God. Pray also for his family in this very stressful time and that all those out of work might find gainful employment. There is little worse for a person than no work to turn to and no way to support their family.
Homebound/Aged and Infirm
Mary, Donna, Betty, Noko, Adelaide, Evelyn, Lorraine, Ellie
Armed Forces & Contractors
Tillman, Justin, Evan, RJ, Matt, Phillip, Julian, John Kelly (USN - USS Ronald Reagan), Evan (USMC-Afghanistan), Eric (USN-Afghanistan), Stuart (USMC-Afghanistan), Airman Donny Patton (RAF Mildenhall, UK), Eric (USN-Afghanistan through May 2010), Bob (USCG), Josh (USCG), Rachel Ziegler (USAF – in training at Fort Lewis for deployment to Southwest Asia)
Thanksgiving
Jane for answered prayer
Some fifteen years ago, Salamato Kogi and her husband who were living in Nigeria, who had been Muslims, came to know God and His Son, Jesus. As a result Salamato's husband was killed. She applied for asylum in the United Kingdom. Through the efforts of Shamim, then a London based solicitor, she was granted asylum. She recently tracked Shamim down to thank her one more time. When asked what she could do for Shamim, Shamin asked her to pray for her. Asked about her role, Shamim said, “I was only doing what anyone who loves God would do.” As long as there are people like this, we are headed towards God.
Persecuted
Around the world, Christians are under attack, not only in the Muslim world, but from Hindus and others in India. Also, they are under continual attack in the western world as it becomes actively atheist or pro-devil buddy. Please pray for God’s guidance and protection for all persecuted Christians and those around them.
Various Special Requests
Please pray for the earthquake victims in Haiti and ask God to guide relief efforts there. The country was in bad shape before the earthquake, now the situation is almost unbelievable. Pray for God to enter into the hearts of the people there and for the Holy Ghost to guide those attempting to provide relief for the suffering.
Please join us in praying for inspiration to grow our little church to the glory of God. Our numbers are static, we need God’s inspiration to figure out the next step. Please pray that we will open our heart to the gentle prodding of the Holy Ghost; and not do what we have always done expecting a different result.
Please join us in praying that the Free Teen Guitar Class will be an opportunity for God to work in the lives of the kids and their families. Please ask God to guide the class to new opportunities to make Him known to others. Help us to let the love of our Lord shine through us into their lives, putting Him first, so that He might enter in to their hearts and lives.
Question that only you can ask
What would you like to know about our history, what we believe, what we do or how we operate? Father Acker is looking for material for the continuing education class and the Beadle is looking for Thought for the Day material. Help us help you. Please send your question to the Beadle so we all can get an answer. Just because you don’t know the answer to your question doesn’t mean you are the only one who doesn’t know. But, if you don’t ask, no one will know.
I’d like to get a different point across or announce something
If you have a different point of view, I would be happy to give you room to get your point across. While this publication is my perspective on events, I recognize not everyone may agree and that some people would like to express their own opinion. If you want to write something, please forward your item to the Beadle (with a note as to whether or not you would like editing help) to: thebeadle@mac.com.
Epistle Readers
We post the list of Epistle Readers in the Beadle’s Report each week so you can either plan your attendance or your pre-reading as the spirit so moves you.
Date Reader
24 January 2010 Greg Chase
31 January 2010 Jack Arnold
7 February 2010 Mike Springer
14 February 2010 Sandy Patton
21 February 2010 Ben Lizak
28 February 2010 Greg Chase
Holy Trinity Church
The Arnolds were not at church this Sunday, Jack is in Australia (see below); Hap and Dru went to Orange County to attend an Anglican Mission in the Americas (AMIA) church, Holy Trinity Church (www.myholytrinitychurch.org). The Rector there, Todd Hunter, is also a Missionary Bishop in AMIA. The purpose of the trip was to see how Todd’s church operated, how they got new members and how they managed the new people they got. We found a very friendly atmosphere. Todd’s background is Vineyard Church, where he was the president. The carryover is noticeable. You will not find a more genuine personable likeable person than Todd, his wife Debbie is a real person, each member of the church we met was the same, personable and friendly. The service was faintly identifiable as Anglican, though not the music.
Their attendance is considerably larger than ours at just over 100 people. They have a separate class for children and high school kids, instead of integrating them into the service like we do.
On the other hand, they don’t do name tags and their snacks pale in comparison to ours.
A very interesting experience. We were glad to have met them and experienced their service.
Member on Travel
Jack Arnold, our Senior Acolyte, Guitarist and Scribe to the Vestry, is on travel to Perth, Western Australia for the next month. If you would like to follow his travels, he has a site here: http://poshkandaroog.blogspot.com/
While he has been to England, Canada and Australia before, as well as many times to Hawaii, this is Jack’s very first solo overseas trip. He thinks it should be less stressful than last summer’s trip to Wisconsin with Greg. But, who knows? It could be, or it could be that it will be more stressful. Nonetheless, off he has gone to the land of the Posh Kandaroog. If you are curious about the Posh Kandaroog, check out the site.
You can even pinpoint him on a map when he is about using the Sky Puke feature on the right side bar.
Jack will be his good friends the Langstaffs who, coincidentally, are Anglicans. They attended our Easter Service in the park this year while on holiday. You should see something of their service on his site. Anyway, you won’t see him at church until he is back to read the Epistle on the 31st of January 2010!
The near future, as well as Next Sunday
Sunday
Sunday is the Third Sunday after the Epiphany, Holy Communion Service at Church at 0830. Don’t miss the last Sunday of the Epiphany season!
See you next week on Sunday!
Church is serious business!
Paul Martin and Dru Arnold
If you don’t believe it, come and find out!
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