Third Sunday in Lent

Today was the Third Sunday in Lent.  Sunrise temperature on Mount Olympus was a cool 38°F under the cloudy skies rainy which precede a cold front passage.  It was about the same down the hill at church, but a bit warmer at about 48°F by the time the service ended.  Maybe the weather was a factor, but we ended up with 18 people showing up for the service.

Free Teen Guitar Class Sunday

This was the first Sunday of the month, thus Father Ironhand’s Free Teen Guitar Class provided all the music.  The newest students are not quite ready to perform, so this Sunday was our usual Three Teen Guitar Class;  Nick Patton, Jack Arnold and Father Ironhand played: 

• Just a closer walk

• Amazing grace

• Here I am to worship

• Wondrous Cross

• I sing a song of the saints of God

• Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty

• Humbly I adore thee

• Doxology

If you have not actually attended one of our services, you may not really appreciate the musical selection.  The gathering or welcome songs, are a bit more modern and trendy, the remainder of the songs are from the Hymnal and 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

Today Father Acker supplied his own summary of the class, so you can see just what he  was trying to get across:

You need to know the people we desire to bring to Christ

The 18-29 year olds are a generation who expect people to tell you what you want to hear and then do what they please. A young man in this age group confirmed what I taught saying, "My parents do it all the time." This generation is conditioned by it. They see no real difference among Christians--saying one thing and doing another. However, they aren't overly disappointed, it is "just the way it is." Hypocrisy is just part of their world--"deal with it."

As Alpine Anglicans have two things we are already doing to help reach those who don't expect much. First, we can make sure we are transparent in our lives. We are anything but perfect. We are "miserable offenders" (BCP Confession at Morning Prayer). We admit we fall short and miss the mark. Most importantly others will be able to see that we need, want, and seek God to forgive and restore us. Our goal is that when others look at our lives they can see past, through us, to see the love of Jesus Christ.

Second, we are committed to actions of love to speak louder than our words. Our Christmas Day Dinner, and all the other outreach service says "You can depend on us." As Christ came to serve, so we endeavor to serve. We do so that the love of God might be seen and recognized. These are just two things we can do to reach those expect hypocrisy in others.

So how do we come along side those who have experienced and expect hypocrisy in Christians? We allow them to see and know us; that our lives are in the process of transformation and growth, that we're on a spiritual quest to draw closer to God; that we are called to "walk in love" with others in this journey. We embody that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life not just in our word. 

My thanks to the folks at the Barna Institute polling and D. Kinnaman for his insights into the generation known as Mosaics.

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 or Lent.  The Propers for today are found on Page 128-130, with the Collect first:

The Third Sunday in Lent.

The Collect.

WE beseech thee, Almighty God, look upon the hearty desires of thy humble servants, and stretch forth the right hand of thy Majesty, to be our defence against all our enemies; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

And due to the rubric, the Collect for the Day is followed by the Collect for Ash Wednesday, which is found on Page 124:

The first day of Lent, commonly called

Ash Wednesday.

The Collect.

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who hatest nothing that thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all those who are penitent; Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

¶ This Collect is to be said every day in Lent, after the Collect appointed for the day, until Palm Sunday.

Dru Arnold read the Epistle for today, which came from the Fifth Chapter of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians beginning at the First Verse.  He echoes the advice of St. James in his general epistle to be Christians, not just claim to be followers of Christ, when James wrote, “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”

BE ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.

The Gospel for this morning came from in the Eleventh Chapter of the Gospel of St. Luke beginning at the Fourteenth Verse. 

JESUS was casting out a devil, and it was dumb. And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake; and the people wondered. But some of them said, He casteth out devils through Beelzebub the chief of the devils. And others, tempting him, sought of him a sign from heaven. But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth. If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub. And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast them out? therefore shall they be your judges. But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you. When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace: but when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils. He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth. When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out. And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked. But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.

Sermon  - Walking in love

Today Father Acker supplied his own summary of the sermon, so you can see just what he was trying to get across: 

Today's Message: Walking in love

In the fifth chapter of Ephesians, Saint Paul got my attention in saying, "everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous...has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God (5.5). 

It got my attention because like most everyone I know these short comings are my short coming (actually just part of my list). 

So what is our hope for the kingdom as Christians? Paul says, "walk in love." Allow Jesus to be the pattern for a new life. The immorality and wanting are settling for a poor knock-offs of genuine love. We have seen the true love of God in the person of Jesus and in his offering of himself for our benefit.

So how do we actually "walk in love?" In our walking, Paul tells us we should be about "all that is good and right and true." These are to be the focus of our actions, our words, and our thoughts--those things that are pleasing to God (Eph 5.8c-10). 

We are expected to walk, to move, to take action. We are to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. In all our seeking, in all our study, in all our service, we should want to please our heavenly Father. Even in our falling short and in our getting lost, God is waiting for our return and to help us to find our way home.

Our Lenten prayer, fasting, and almsgiving are the tools of discerning what is pleasing to the Lord. We bring our lives and lay them before our Lord in our prayer. We set aside our need that in our fasting God's desire might be our true hunger. We give to others that in our almsgiving our lives might reflect that self-giving of our Lord. 

Let us walk, together, encouraging others, to come to the joy of our Lord's kingdom.

Next Sunday: The Ten Commandments--God's plan that we might know ourselves.

New Nametags

We had no new nametags today.  We did have Freddy Brooks, of Norcross, Georgia who has been staying with the Arnolds.

 Birthdays and Anniversaries

No birthdays or anniversaries today.

After Church Hospitality

Jan Macauley brought the after church snacks today, with a little help from Alice and Muriel.  First and foremost, there were curried deviled eggs, then; raspberry bars, oatmeal chocolate chip pecan cookies, supplemented by Alice’s coconut sprinkled brownies and Muriel brought two kinds of nuts!  What wonderful snacks!  Thanks, Holly, Alice and Muriel!

After church goodies providers as currently signed up:

                  Date Name

14 March 2010 Alice Acker

21 March 2010 Sandy Patton

28 March 2010 Greg and Diane Chase

   4 April 2010 Easter

 11 April 2010 Opportunity Available

 18 April 2010 Jan Macauley

 25 April 2010 Opportunity Available

    2 May 2010 Opportunity Available

  16 May 2010 Opportunity Available

  23 May 2010 Jan Macauley

  30 May 2010 Opportunity Available

    6 June 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.

Anniversary

Jan and Tim Macauley celebrated their 44th anniversary last week.

Dru and Hap Arnold celebrated their 23rd anniversary last this week

Birthday

Muriel Pappin celebrated her 83rd birthday week before last.

Evelyn Hunt celebrated her 87th birthday week before last.

Travel

Freddy is returning to his home in Georgia this week.

Ryan is on travel throughout Southeast Asia until May 2010.  He is in Thailand and is keeping his parents updated.

Peter traveling in China.

In memory of those who have gone before us

Malcom Pappin, beloved of our Muriel, remembered on the anniversary of his birth, 9 February 1925.

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

Peaceful Transition

Beatrice

Ruth is in home hospice care.

Mona's grandmother 

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, 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, Walter (skin cancer), Gabriella (surgery), Curtis, Doyle, Martha, 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 (Alzheimer’s: 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), Vivian

Muriel Pappin’s back has really been causing her a lot of pain and limiting her mobility; it seems to be getting better.  Please pray a prayer of thanksgiving for the initial horrible pain is over and pray for her continued improvement.

Rede Acker, Father Acker’s mom, is recovering from her broken leg, just above where she had a knee replacement.  She has been moved to a longer term facility while her leg is not weight bearing. She and husband Jack are pleased with the facility and the friendly staff. It is only a couple of miles from home so Jack is just about 5 minutes away.

Don Patton’s knee injury has improved some so that he is off crutches. No word on actual damage yet. 

Wanda M is still out work due to 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 had a successful pacemaker implant the morning of Wednesday 10 February 2010, and is doing very well.  Please give thanks for the great result and pray 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 has been needing greater assistance with continued seizures and strokes in recent months and is now receiving that help and his wife, Sandy, can spend time with Lee and have professional help of the nursing staff. This is especially important as Lee has great difficulty with saying just a word or two. Please pray for Lee, his family, and the care staff.  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.

Vicky developed a brain aneurysm, which ruptured the morning of 28 October 2009.  She has moved to a rehabilitation facility which specializes in brain injury patients and seems to be making progress.  Please pray for Vicky’s 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 has experienced some return of her hearing. She was unable to take one of the medications, so the recovery is slow. She continues receiving dialysis as she awaits a kidney transplant. 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 recovering from bronchitis. "I'm going to surprise everyone one of these Sundays," Mary said, by making it to our Sunday morning service.

Evelyn Hunt still needs prayers of guidance in adjusting her medication. She still has pain in her neck and leg. She would appreciate your prayer as she changes her part time care giver.

Miney Farrell had a couple more falls, but nothing as dramatic as a few weeks ago. Being sore and hurting has just slightly dampened her enjoying life on ninety-plus. One of the big pluses are her two doxies and the good folks at the board and care.

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, 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, Sean (court case), Tamera (her house is being taken by eminent domain and is in settlement phase; pray for a fair settlement)

Jack A (making choices for the health care for his wife) 

Ali is searching for spiritual meaning; may the Holy Ghost guide those around her to help her in coming to Christ.

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.

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 asked everyone to give thanks that his doctor is adjusting his medication for severe schizophrenia.

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 and that he will open his heart to the Holy Ghost.

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. 

Freddy is looking for a job in the San Diego area and asks for your prayers for him during his search and interview process which he starts on 8 March 2010.

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), Aaron Huber (USNMC – Deployed to Southwest Asia with USMC),

Thanksgiving

Aaron made it to Camp Leatherneck in Afghanistan today.  All of us give thanks for his safe, but tired, arrival.  Continue to pray for success of his mission, that he might do his duty to God, Country and Comrades, that he might return home safely and keep a sense of humor the whole time.  Pray also for Traci and Warren as they wait for Aaron to return.

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

Lake Murray Community Church sent a mission team to Senegal, West Africa, last weekend. The goal: to make contact with the village of Ngar Diam which their church has "adopted" with plans to help them with clean water, education, and other physical needs as well as their need for a Saviour. 

The team consists of Associate Pastor, Nathan Hogan; the head of their Missions Committee, Ginny Valles; and Matt Toombs, who grew up in Senegal and is preparing to return with his wife and two boys to serve there as missionaries. All team members are leaving spouses and children behind while they travel, so please pray for their families as well.  The team will be gone 28 February 2010 – 10 March 2010.  The following is a note from AP Hogan: One item to keep in the church's prayers. I was pretty ill most of the time in the village (the one Lake Murray is "adopting" to help with water, education, etc.). I felt very feverish each night. When we returned to Thies I saw the missionary doctor and after running some tests it appears that I have contracted malaria. They have started me on 3 days of medication ,which will hopefully take care of it. I am actually feeling pretty good at the moment, but they say the symptoms come and go. Pray that the medication works before the symptoms return. One thing that is good is that malaria is so common here that the doctors in Senegal probably have much more experience with it than they do in the States. Thankfully I was able still able to minister in the village and even preach the Gospel at a village meeting on the last night in spite of being very feverish. I am back in Dakar now, so I can rest more. Thank the church body for their prayers.

Please pray for the earthquake victims in Argentina and Chile and ask God to guide relief efforts there.  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 God to fill us with the Holy Ghost, even if (or maybe particularly if) we need Him shoved down our throats, to provide 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.

National Prayer Time - If Christians really understood the full extent of the power we have available through prayer, we might be speechless. During WWII an advisor to Churchill organized a group of people who dropped what they were doing every day at a prescribed hour for one minute to collectively pray for the safety of England, its people and peace?  This thought has been taken up here and now, if you would like to participate, pray every day at:

9:00 pm 8:00 pm 7:00 pm 6:00 pm

Eastern Time Central Time Mountain Time Pacific Time

Stop what you are doing and spend one minute praying for the safety of the United States, our troops, our citizens and for a return to a Godly nation.  It won’t work unless you participate.  Encourage others to join us.

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 

 7 March 2010 Dru Arnold

14 March 2010 Alice Acker

21 March 2010 Jan Macauley

28 March 2010 Greg Chase

The near future, as well as Next Sunday

Friday

12 March 2010 – Friday Service - Times Morning Prayer at 0915 (9:15 am), followed by Holy Communion 0930 (9:30 am); Location – Victoria House, 2828 North Victoria Drive, Alpine, CA

12 March 2010 – Lenten Book Study – Basic Christianity by John Stott “Who is Jesus Christ” and “What does it mean to follow Him?” - Read through Part Two - Times Evening Prayer 1900 (7:00 pm) Study begins 1915 (7:15 pm) ends 2015 (8:15 pm); Location - SCAIR Learning Center, 2230 Alpine Boulevard, Alpine, CA 92101

Next Sunday

14 March 2010 – Fourth Sunday in Lent – Time 0830 (8:30 am); Location – Alpine Elementary School Auditorium

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!