Today was Sexagesima, the second Sunday before Lent. Sunrise temperature on Mount Olympus was a cool 36°F under rainy skies. Down the hill at church, the temperature picked up to a reasonable 52°F under more rainy clouds, with more rain predicted for tonight. The ducky weather brought 17 people to the service.
Free Teen Guitar Class and the Pre-Service Music
As you likely know if you are reading this, our parish sponsors a free guitar class for teenagers. Actually, the class is not really free. While it does not cost any money for the participants, it does require an expenditure on their part. The expenditure is really that most rare of things, time. The class is totally without dollar cost, we have all the needed equipment for those who do not have their own: good quality loaner guitars (both acoustic and electric), amplifiers and the like, even down to picks! But, the kids are required to spend TIME. They have to come to class, practice between classes and participate in the Free Teen Guitar Class (FTGC) events. The last Friday of the month, the FTGC has a jam session at the local Starbucks / Albertsons parking lot and the first Sunday of the month, they provide music for the parish service. It is a good deal for the kids. They get professional guitar instruction, Father Ironhand is a world class guitar teacher. That is not a hyperbole or Beadlism, he really is. They can even get “public service” credit for school from the events. Here in the People’s Republic, many kids need to “volunteer” their time for school. What a deal. All you need to do is invest your time and ours. The classes are held on Friday afternoons at the SCAIR Center in the center of Alpine. Check out the Free Teen Guitar Class website for details and pictures of the kids and events: http://www.freeteenguitarclass.com/
Anyway, on to this week’s service. Today, the FTGC was represented by Nick Patton and the ever present Jack Arnold and Father Ironhand. They played:
• Just a closer walk
• I'll fly away
• I am here to worship
• In the secret
• Amazing grace
• Humbly I adore thee
• Doxology
If you have not actually attended one of our services, you may not really appreciate the musical selection. The first three, the gathering or welcome songs, are a bit more modern and trendy, the next four are more traditional. All of them are singable and their theological message is quite clear. They are more than just, “He loves me, yah, yah, yah.” While a good message, there can be more and you will find it here. Come some time and see what they are about. We are confident you will really enjoy the music.
Father Acker’s Pre-Service Class – God gives new life
Many would try to characterize Christianity as being narrow minded, bigoted and no fun. Almost like God wants us to be straight laced and unhappy.
What is the truth? The truth is, God made us. He knows what’s best for us and He wants to help us to do what is best for us, so will be as happy as is “humanly” possible.
God’s plan for us is not about denial, but rather about abundance, overflowing abundance.
More grapes than we know what to do with. But, God knows what to do with the grapes. Wine and he doesn’t make Two Buck Chuck, though some may like it, there is more!
Sexigesima, the second Sunday before Lent, means we are two weeks out from Lent. To be precise we are 10 days from Ash Wednesday today. This is a time to prepare for the coming of Lent. We hear a lot these days in religious circles of “When two or three are gathered together in My Name I will grant their requests.” The number three recalls to mind Pray, Grow, Serve.
As we come upon Lent, we will be trying to prepare ourselves for the gift of life brought to us that first Easter.
We need to pray so that we will grow to the point where we can serve others and bring them to the point where they can pray and grow and serve others. We need to be truly useful in this world; not a self-licking ice cream cone.
People often think of Lent as a series of fastings or denials. Perhaps a better way to think of it is as a time to focus yourself away from your “inner true self” towards the outer world that God has given you.
Interestingly enough, the Christian church is not about Christ. Christ focused His life on others that they might come to God.
Propers
Each Sunday there are Propers: special prayers and readings from the Bible. There is a Collect for the Day; that is a single thought prayer, most written either before the re-founding of the Church of England in the 1540s or written by Bishop Thomas Cranmer, the first Archbishop of Canterbury after the re-founding. The Collect for the Day is to be read on Sunday and during Morning and Evening Prayer until the next Sunday. If you have a hard time remembering, “Do I read the Collect from last Sunday or next Sunday during the week?” Remember Sunday is the first day of the week. There are also two Bible readings, the Epistle and the Gospel. While they are “lessons”, they are not the First Lesson and the Second Lesson, they are the Epistle and the Gospel. The Epistle is normally a reading from one of the various Epistles, or letters, in the New Testament. The Gospel is a reading from one of the Holy Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The Collect is said by the priest as a prayer, the Epistle can be read by either a designated reader (as we do in our church) or by one of the priests and the Holy Gospel, which during the service in our church is read by an ordained priest.
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. Red Letter Feast, so called because in the Altar Prayerbooks the titles are in red, are special days. Most of the Red Letter Feasts are dedicated to early saints instrumental in the development of the church, others to special events. Some days are particularly special and the Collect for that day is to be used for an octave (eight days) or an entire season, like Advent. The Propers for today are found on Page 120-122, with the Collect first:
The Sunday called Sexagesima, or the
second Sunday before Lent.
The Collect.
O LORD God, who seest that we put not our trust in any thing that we do; Mercifully grant that by thy power we may be defended against all adversity; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Dru Arnold read the Epistle, which came from the Eleventh Chapter of Saint Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians beginning at the Nineteenth Verse. Paul reminds us salvation, honor and glory come not from what we do or have done, but rather from God. Paul, who as Saul, had been the number one rabbi in the Hebrew nation, he was more learned, more vigorous in following the law, more vocal in all things. When he “saw the light” and converted, he took that same approach to Christianity. No one was more in any thing than he. He wrote, “Ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise. For ye suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face. I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also. Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I. Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not? If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities. The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not.”
No one did more than Paul, yet he counseled all to take comfort and pride in God, not themselves. Do your best and look towards God.
YE suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise. For ye suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face. I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also. Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I. Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not? If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities. The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not.
The Gospel for today came from the Eighth Chapter of the Gospel of St. Luke beginning at the Fourth Verse and tells the well known parable of the seeds. “A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way-side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it. And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it. And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be? And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand. Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Those by the way-side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.”
WHEN much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable: A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way-side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it. And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it. And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be? And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand. Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Those by the way-side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
Sermon - Kingdom of God
Jesus went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. Lk8.1
Take a look at today’s Gospel, the parable of the sower. You don’t really need this sermon, all you need to do is look carefully and consider the parable. Our life is full of complications, things pulling at us this way and pulling that way. We often schedule ourselves for failure.
We hear the Gospel, yet it is often crushed in our hearts, eaten out of our hands or parted from us in one way or the other.
We need to consider Jesus advice. We need to plant the Gospel in good soil, then care for those plants and in treat them as important and help them to grow.
It is critical in our own lives we do our best to give the gospel place to grow. The best way to let the Word of God grow in your heart; to open your heart to God; invite the Holy Ghost into your heart. Schedule for success. Make time, treat your church life with the importance it deserves. It’s not so hard to get up to go to church. if we go to bed early tonight before. Think to yourself, which is more important television program or the church service. There is no TiVo for church.
Search out ways to help others. Consider your own actions. Would you do this if you had a bumper sticker on your back that said Christian?
This was actually pretty good sermon, although the summary might be lacking. If you think it lacking, come to church and see for yourself.
New Nametags
We had no new nametags today.
Birthdays and Anniversaries
There were no reported anniversaries today. We celebrated Dru Arnold’s 55th birthday today with her. Dru’s actual birthday was Tuesday, Ground Hog Day. When she came out, she saw her shadow; so there will be six more weeks of winter.
After Church Hospitality
This Sunday Muriel Pappin and Alice Acker brought the snacks. Muriel brought wonderful coffee cake that was almost like pound cake, with cinnamon and great brownies. Alice brought the egg thing that the Beadle loveth. It is about ¾ inch thick in a 9X13 cake pan and tastes like well done cheese. We do not know what it is called, but we call it the great egg thing. And, don’t forget the Spanish peanuts! What wonderful snacks. Thank Alice and Muriel.
After church goodies providers as currently signed up:
Date Name
14 February 2010 The Lanes
21 February 2010 Greg and Diane Chase
28 February 2010 Holly Lizak
7 March 2010 Jan Macauley
14 March 2010 Alice Acker
21 March 2010 Opportunity Available
28 March 2010 Greg and Diane Chase
4 April 2010 Easter
11 April 2010 Opportunity Available
18 April 2010 Opportunity Available
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
Dru Arnold celebrated her 55th birthday this week.
Ryan Welter celebrated his 25th birthday week before last.
Travel
Ryan is on travel throughout Southeast Asia until May 2010. He is just leaving Singapore now and has promised to keep us updated.
In memory of those who have gone before us
Malcom Pappin who left us for home on 1 December 1999, beloved of our Muriel.
ALMIGHTY God, we remember this day before thee thy faithful servant Malcom, and we pray thee that, having opened to him the gates of larger life, thou wilt receive him more and more into thy joyful service; that he may win, with thee and thy servants everywhere, the eternal victory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
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 soul and her family who remain behind, in particular, Luke, Sheri and their children Maya, Frida, David and Olivia.
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), 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, Marlene, Emma W (Brain tumor), Janet (cold)
Wanda M has been out from work the last three weeks with bronchitis on top of her Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Please pray for her complete and rapid recovery, as well as her to keep her spirits up while she gets better.
Debbie Hunter has had a tumor in her chest for some time. Recently it has grown considerably. Apparently the tumor is in Debbie’s abdominal cavity and pressing on her lung causing shortness of breath. There are also tumor cells growing in her breast. There is good news in that it is believed this type of tumor does not tend to spread to other parts of the body. And, Debbie qualifies for a clinical study focused on this type of tumor that does not use IV, but rather oral (pills) which is a relief because it will allow her to maintain a more normal semblance of life. Debbie asks that you pray the clinical study works and that the skin on her chest remains healthy. Please pray also Debbie, her husband Todd and their children Jonathan and Carol might let God carry their worry and concern.
Vince (age 13), reoccurrence of cancer, recent testing found a nickel sized tumor in his lungs. The doctors are consulting with a specialist in Houston. Please pray for guidance for the medical team and for peace of mind for Vince and his family.
Brett (age 11) is hospitalized in Los Angeles, as the result of complications of a cochlear implant which has resulted in leaking spinal fluid. Please pray for guidance for the medical team and for peace of mind for Brett and his family.
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. A recent CT Scan, blood work and examination have given her a clean bill of health so far. She still needs to get off her feeding tube. Danielle will be following up monthly. 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 has congestive heart failure and other heart related problems in Minnesota. He is having a pacemaker installed on the morning of Wednesday 10 February 2010. 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 recovering remarkably well. He had is first checkup on 21 January 2010, blood pressure, heart rate, EKG etc. are all good. His legs and feet are still swollen so Dr. Stewart is focusing on that for now. 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 two weeks ago. 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. 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 released from hospital five 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.
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.
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 has severe arthritis pain in back, legs, and ankles. Please pray she will get relief from the pain which so limits her mobility.
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. Caroline 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), 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.
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
Father Keith is looking for additional employment to supplement his part-time stipend at Blessed Trinity. Keith believes his expertise lies in web site development and guitar teaching, both of which he is clearly good at. Please pray the Holy Ghost will enter into his heart and give him inspiration and guidance to lead him to a job which will use his considerable skills to support his family, bless the company he joins and further God’s Work, all together.
Obra, known to us as Commander O, has retired from the Navy after 20 years and now must find employment to support his family. Please pray for him to find a position which will use the skills he has and the training he got from the Navy to support his family and make his new employer more successful.
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.
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 – Deployed to Southwest Asia)
Thanksgiving
Jack gives thanks for safe travel to and from Australia this month.
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.
We ask that you pray, please ask God that the Holy Ghost might give you insight into how you might make the lives of your friends and family better. Remember helping others is not just those who you don’t know!
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.
What is Sexagesima?
Sexagesima, or, in full, Sexagesima Sunday, is the name for the second Sunday before Ash Wednesday in the Catholic (Universal or Whole) Church Calendar.
The name "Sexagesima" is derived from the Latin sexagesimus, meaning "sixtieth," and appears to be a back-formation of Quinquagesima, the term formerly used to denote the last Sunday before Lent (the latter name alluding to the fact that there are fifty days between that Sunday and Easter, if one counts both days themselves in the total). Through the same process, the Sunday before Sexagesima Sunday is known as Septuagesima Sunday, and marks the start of the Pre-Lenten Season, which eventually became the time for carnival celebrations throughout Europe, this custom being later exported to places settled and/or colonized by Europeans. While Quinquagesima (50th day) is mathematically correct (allowing for the inclusive counting), Sexagesima and Septuagesima are only approximations (the exact number of days is 57 and 64 respectively). The earliest Sexagesima can occur is January 25 and the latest is February 28 (or February 29 in a leap year).
The 17-day period beginning on Septuagesima Sunday spanning Sexuagesima and Quinquagesima Sundays was intended to be observed as a preparation for the season of Lent, which is itself a period of spiritual preparation (for Easter). In many countries, however, Septuagesima Sunday marks the start of the carnival season, culminating on Shrove Tuesday, more commonly known as Mardi Gras.
A View from Sophie’s World
Sophie, granddaughter of one of our readers in Louisiana, from time to time shares her thoughts with us. There is nothing your Beadle can say that would add to what Sophie has written.
A Little Voice in My Heart
By: Sophie Trist
I was five at the time of the dream. I'll never forget that dream. It was so inspiring to me. Every detail of that dream will always remain etched firmly in my mind, and I believe there is a message here. It wouldn't have been clearer if someone had screamed it in my ear. Now, eight years later, I can still recall that dream with astonishing vibrancy.
Mom tucked me into my warm, comfortable bed that night. I drifted off to sleep, expecting my usual five-year-old dreams of fairies, princesses, and castles.
I was in a city. It must've been an old city because the walls and streets were made of gray stone. A great crowd who were talking, chattering, and bustling filled the streets. It sounded like Mardi Gras. Everyone in that vast hoard of people seemed to have a purpose. All the women carried shopping bags, and the men carried briefcases. Children ran about the cobblestone streets, clinging to their mothers. I was standing against the stone wall of a very tall building. It must've been a skyscraper.
People passed me by constantly. Men, women, and children ran past without even seeing me, as though I were a ghost. Carts hurried past. All these people were so intent on their own purpose that they didn't notice anything around them. I remember wondering why I was there.
Suddenly, I saw a small child. Perhaps it was a child about my own age. It was a small, quiet voice that I heard then, and the crowd bustling through the street were making enough noise to wake the dead. How could I hear one child's voice clearer than all the others? The others sounded like a nonsensical babbling. This child's voice, however, sounded as clearly as if it were meant for my ears alone.
She was a little girl in a ragged brown dress. I don't remember much about her looks, only that she was small. The little girl was smaller than me; maybe she was four years old. She stood against the wall next to me, but somehow I hadn't noticed her before.
"Think of me with no name and no prayers to know," said the little girl.
Her voice was small but clear. I looked to see if any of the other people had heard her. None of them looked up. None of them reacted in the slightest way! It was as if they hadn't heard this small voice.
The child vanished, and I woke up in my own bed. There was no stone city, no bustling hoard of people, no small child whose voice I heard clearer than every voice in that multitude.
I lay awake the rest of the night thinking about that dream. I couldn't go back to sleep however hard I tried. In my five-year-old brain, I didn't understand what the dream meant. I knew that it meant something big though. I couldn't get that voice out of my head.
Now, eight years later, I have thought about that dream a lot. Sometimes I still hear that voice in my mind saying, "Think of me with no name and no prayers to know."
The dream screams a message to me now, loud and clear. I believe it was a calling to help those in need. Someone has to hear the small voices no one else hears. Someone has to help those in need. It might as well be me.
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
14 February 2010 Sandy Patton
21 February 2010 Ben Lizak
28 February 2010 Greg Chase
The near future, as well as Next Sunday
Next Sunday is The Sunday called Quinquagesima, or the Sunday next before Lent.
See you next week on Sunday!
All back issues of the Beadle’s Reports are available on request from: thebeadle@mac.com
Church is serious business!
If you don’t believe it, come and find out!
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