Today was the Second Sunday after Easter, often referred to as Good Shepherd Sunday, because both the Epistle and Gospel reference Christ as the Good Shepherd. Sunrise on Mount Olympus brought clear skies and 44°F. At church, temperatures had climbed to 68°F; it was 81°F by the end of church, but seemed much warmer. The exceedingly lovely weather brought out 19 members to worship our Lord.
Gathering Songs
Jack Arnold was back from travel, so he and Father Ironhand played the gathering songs, poor Nick Patton forgot his glasses, so could not read the music. Anyway, they played:
• Joyful, Joyful (instrumental)
• In Christ Alone
• Forever
• Amazing Grace
• Lord, I lift your Name on high
We do the gathering songs for a number of reasons. It allows people a chance to “drift in” without being late. It gives us a bit of variety in our music. We can have more contemporary music before the service and still have organ music in the service, thus having something for everyone. It also a hit with our guitarists who love to play!
We had 13 when they started and 19 when they finished. Great job!
Pre-Service Class
Today Father Acker continued talking about the Books of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles, both written by Luke, the Physician; the two are really a single book, divided into two parts. The Gospel of Luke, is the third and longest of the four canonical Gospels. This synoptic gospel is an account of the life and ministry of Jesus of Nazareth. It details his story from the events of his birth to his Ascension. Certain popular stories on these themes, such as the Prodigal Son and the Good Samaritan, are found only in this gospel. This gospel also has a special emphasis on prayer, the activity of the Holy Spirit, and joyfulness. Unlike the other books, Luke starts out with an introduction:
Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, 2just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.
Luke shows Christianity as divine, respectable, law-abiding, and international.
Acts tells the story of the Apostolic Age of the Early Christian church, with particular emphasis on the ministry of the Twelve Apostles and of Paul of Tarsus. Much of the book derives from Paul’s trip around the civilized world.
The early chapters, set in Jerusalem, discuss Jesus' Resurrection and Great Commission, his Ascension with a prophecy to return, the start of the Twelve Apostles' ministry, and the Day of Pentecost. The later chapters discuss Paul's conversion, his ministry, and finally his arrest and imprisonment and trip to Rome.
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 171-172, with the Collect first:
The Second Sunday after Easter.
The Collect.
ALMIGHTY God, who hast given thine only Son to be unto us both a sacrifice for sin, and also an ensample of godly life; Give us grace that we may always most thankfully receive that his inestimable benefit, and also daily endeavour ourselves to follow the blessed steps of his most holy life; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Ben Lizak read this morning’s Epistle from the First Epistle of St. Peter, beginning at the Nineteenth Verse of the Second Chapter. The Epistle reminds us that Christ, who was completely without sin or guile, not only died for our sins, but suffered humiliation and torture without complaint for us. Thus, if we because we believe in God and our Lord Jesus are subjected to unfavorable comment, criticism or even persecution, we should bear this gladly, as our Lord gave us his example. We are as sheep going astray who have been returned to the flock by our Lord, the Shepherd and Bishop of our souls.
We were asked the question, who is this man Jesus? We answered, he is the Son of God; are we following him? In this Epistle again, we are admonished to follow our Lord.
THIS is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
Today’s Gospel started in the Tenth chapter of the Gospel according to St. John beginning at the Eleventh Verse. Using the words that give this Sunday its name, Jesus said: “I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” He goes on to say He is not a hireling, but the shepherd himself, He knows each of His sheep and they know Him, even as He knows His Father and His Father knows Him. Because we are His sheep, He willingly laid down His life that we might live. Jesus also points out He is not here to shepherd only the Jews, but all men, “And there are other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one flock, and one shepherd.”
JESUS said, I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd; and know my sheep, and am known of mine, even as the Father knoweth me, and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one flock, and one shepherd.
Sermon - Hope in the Peace of God
Today Father Acker supplied his own summary of the sermon, so you can see just what he was trying to get across:
The Message: Hope in our Good Shepherd
Everywhere people are suffering due to selfish and self-serving leaders. We see self-centeredness in the demands of politicians, tyranny of the boss at work, or even in unloving husband or abusive parents in the home.
Instead of self-serving leadership, our hope in the Risen Christ is in being servant leaders. Our Lord’s Church is to have servant leaders who think and act in self-giving. Leadership in the Church is not reserved to our Bishops and other clergy. If we’ve been Confirmed, we’ve promised to carryout ministry and that means being a leader.
We should be encouraged that we’re not the first people to face hardship. If we look to the second and third centuries of the Church, Christians had to gather in the underground catacombs of Rome to come together for their teaching and worship. One of those ancient places is the Chapel of Saints Peter and Marcallus. On the 3rd century wall is a fresco of Jesus the Good Shepherd. And this morning, the Second Sunday after Easter in the historic lectionary we pray that we might follow the example of Christ and his being the Good Shepherd. Peter spoke of our Christian life as living a godly life: 1 Peter 2.24 That we might die to sin and live to righteousness.
So how are you doing at “Living to righteousness?” How are you growing to be like Jesus--to be Good Shepherds. In imitating our Lord we to grow into the full stature of Christ.
Paul teaches that there are three stages in your Christian Life: a Child, a Youth, and a Mature Christian. As a child you are needing to be taught the “life of righteousness.” We are instructed in the basic principles perhaps for three to five years. For children who are baptized it will be until they are Confirmed taking on their full responsibility as a Disciple, as a minister of Christ. If we’re baptized as an adult it will still be several years around our Baptism in which we learn the basics.
When we’re Confirmed we enter into being a Youth, having learned the basics we’re commissioned to DO discipleship, to DO ministry, to be at the front of making Christ known to others. The Church is not a place where adolescence is stretched out to 10 or 15 years. It is about DOING, being hands on and bringing Christ into your own culture--school, mall, or social networking. Our pastors and vestries need to empower our newly Confirmed giving them opportunity to bring Christ into their world, and not trying to mold them into the culture of our own generation. Victorian Christianity isn’t making a comeback! However, some of those wonderful words are being reshaped to contemporary tunes. The richness of our heritage is one of the great assets of Anglicanism. But we don’t bring back the past, we live it in the present. It is a living righteousness we share with every generation in Christ Jesus.
Most of us have been a Christian for more that ten years and certainly ought to be mature Christians, knowing how to handle the Word of God, to be the ones teaching our spiritual children how to Grow, Pray, and Serve in Christ. We should be accomplished at being spiritual mothers and fathers who allow our spiritual Youth to take the lead in ministry and service of our Lord. As spiritual mothers and fathers we embody and show what discipleship looks like and we help our Youth to face the struggles and failures, rejoice with them in their success in the work of the Lord, and to be a source of spiritual wisdom. We are to be living examples of righteousness, with all our flaws, mistakes, and successes point to Christ and his victory which has given us new life.
As a college student I had the opportunity to sit six feet away from the feet of Narcisco Yeppes, a world renowned classical guitarist. He described himself as learning to play the guitar. A master guitarist of the first order! The message I heard was there is always more to learn.
As a Christian, we rejoice that our Lord has more for us to learn. Life in Christ is to be something always opening on new joys and wonder at the Love of God. As Mature Christians we ought to always be Growing, Praying, and Serving. Discipleship, the life of righteousness is not static, but dynamic. We are called to make a difference.
The life of righteousness is not by the worldly optomism, which trusts that we can make a difference. No, it is by hope which trust God to make the difference. We don’t rely on self, but on God showed us the way, giving us the example of godly life.
Luke 22.26 et the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves.
We should never stop learning to Grow, Pray, and Serve, but from Youth on we should be servant leaders who Grow, Pray, and Serve. Do it and encourage others. Be spiritual mothers and fathers, good shepherds as members of the fellowship.
Proverbs 11.14 Where there is no guidance, a people falls.
We need wise leaders for this nation and our business in this time of suffering and struggle. As the Church, we need to put to the front those who imitate Jesus, where his life is the model for their lives. We need leaders whose heart is to be like the Servant Christ.
Matthew 20.28 The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Sacrificial serving is what our Youth and Mature Christians put into practice in a life of righteousness. Enabling the Young. Working with them. Think of geese flying in formation. We need to encourage the Young to jump into the lead for a while. Give them a rest as needed. Speeding up to fill in the gaps of the formation and fill in the holes. We need to be keeping formation as we are “drafting the Spirit of God.”
The life of righteousness to which Christ has called us is to imitate His example--the Good Shepherd who came not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.
New Nametags
We had no new nametags today.
Birthdays and Anniversaries
There were no reported anniversaries today. We did celebrate Holly Lizak’s 64th birthday with her today.
After Church Hospitality
Jan Macauley brought snacks today. First and foremost were the deviled eggs! Then, we were tricked, peanut butter cookies, but made with Splenda. Jan said they could be better. But, for things that could be better, none survived. Those of us on a low carb diet thought they were great! There were also Snickerdoodles, which were wonderful! Not low carb, but wonderful. And, Hermits, or was that Kermits? They were not green, they were good, so we suspect they were Hermits. And, to top it off, almonds, freshly roasted, and humongous strawberries. We had an unexpected treat when Mary Lou Ruiz brought dognuts. Between Jack and Nick, you could color them gone!
After church goodies providers as currently signed up:
Date Name
25 April 2010 Dru Arnold
2 May 2010 Alice Acker (FTGC Sunday)
16 May 2010 Fran Dexter
23 May 2010 Jan Macauley
30 May 2010 Holly Lizak
6 June 2010 D-Day - Opportunity Available (FTGC Sunday)
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.
Prayer List Notice – If you have someone on the prayer list and their needs have changed, please let us know. We are loathe to just stop praying, yet some of the entries are a bit long in the tooth. We don’t mind praying, at all. We just want to be praying for what is needed!
Birthday
Holly Lizak celebrated her 64th birthday this week.
Traci Huber celebrated her 36th birthday week before last.
Travel
Ryan is on travel throughout Southeast Asia until May 2010. He is in Laos and is keeping his parents updated.
Departed
Justus "Buck" Humphreys, a priest of our Diocese of the West, passed away at the end of March having had cancer for a long while. Father Buck was a priest in Texas arm of our diocese.
Tom Strouse passed away unexpectedly the morning of 22 March 2010. They had attended our church with their grandchildren for much of this past year. Please pray for the repose of Tom’s soul and for comfort for his wife Ginger and the rest of his family who remain behind.
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 (Alzheimer’s: 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, Kelly (undergoing test unexpectedly), Veronica, Irith, Shirley, TP
Louis had surgery on Monday for facial reconstruction after an assault, which went well, with a full recovery and little expectation of scarring. Please give thanks for the successful surgery. Please pray for God's guidance and direction for Louis, as well as continued recovery in the weeks ahead.
Karl is in ICU with a ruptured colon.
Carol and Rick, Muriel Pappin’s daughter and son-in-law, were in a motorcycle accident. They were banged up, but are now both home and healing. Please pray for their continued recovery and also give prayers of thanks that they were not more seriously injured.
Emma Langstaff thought she had a kidney stone, which might interfere with her upcoming trip to the UK with her family. Turns out that she did not have one; but three, two in one kidney, one in the other! Two of the three passed, she is in the UK heading for Rome. Please pray this one too shall pass for a total of three.
Phyllis Chase is home from the hospital and making a good recovery.
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. Rede made a very smooth transit to a new rehabilitation facility where she has taken her first step on the “bad” leg! Thank you for your prayers. She ended up in a different facility than the one we wanted for her; but, as always God knows what He's doing because the new facility turned out to be a very good match for her. She is now very enthusiastic about making progress and getting walking again. Please pray that her spirits remain high and she makes a smooth transition back to her own home. The whole family appreciates your prayers, thank you.
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 often lethal form of cancer with limited treatment options.
Matt had his final chemotherapy session Friday! Thanks be to God. And, after months of looking forward to the end, he got a new puppy! All is well. His attitude is great, he and his family faith is great. Pray they continue to put their trust in God as the time passes. The stress is great and His help sufficient.
His family asks for your prayers for Matt and we ask you to pray also for his family in this time of great stress. 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. Danielle will be following up monthly. Please pray a good outcome and peace of mind for Danielle and her family.
Lee Thomas fell and required a trip to the ER with a 5 inch gash on his head with many staples and stitches. 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 continues to take day by day, and had a wonderful uplifting week, when his youngest son, Obra Gray, wife Shamim and three grandchildren, visited him over the Eastertide. Please God give Obra the peace in his heart he needs, and pray for him to believe the almighty Lord will hold onto him, and not let go until he is in the Lord's arms. Obra needs security of what lies ahead of him, and only the Lord can grant the solace to answer his prayer.
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, and father in law of Commander Gray for whom we prayed for while he was deployed in Iraq, and on various carrier deployments, has been blessed with the Lord's breath of life to stay on this earth for the time being. Bashir has not left his house for the past six months, and would love for the Lord to give him strength to move freely enough so he can leave his four walls, and once again enjoy the freedom of what lies outside his current domain. We also pray Bashir is not upset when he loses his mental faculties, and is unable to understand what is happening to him. God has a plan for everyone, and please pray Bashir is part of God's blessed plan. Finally, please also pray for Bashir's wife, Sorraya, who spends her entire day and night time, taking care of her partner, despite suffering from terrible arthritic pains to her hands and legs. Sincerely, without our Lord, we would be lost. Shamim keeps her faith in the Lord. Above all, pray for his entire family to open their hearts to accept all God’s love will bring them.
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.
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 is still waiting on the results of some tests to help explain her symptoms. She has had a rough time in the change over from one medication to another.
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 who just celebrated her 88th birthday, is recovering from an outpatient cancer removal from the side of her head. This is the second time she has had growth there. But the arthritis and all the other things to consider, "I'm not doing too bad," said Lorraine.
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 (12 year old whose leukemia returned two years ago) is still really struggling with the Graft Vs. Host Disease (GVHD), and her doctors have just added a second medication that has side effects similar to chemotherapy. Her face and body are very swollen, her skin extremely blotchy and itchy, and it's very difficult for her to write or even hold a pencil, much less paint, sew, and do the other handicraft activities she so loves to do.
But, the good news is that the leukemia remains at bay. Caroline will reach the two year post-transplant anniversary in July, and if she remains cancer-free until then, she has much-improved odds for survival. Please keep Caroline, her sister Jane, and her parents Carmen and Jeff in your prayers--they so appreciate your dedication to praying for Caroline over the years.
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), Rachel, Stephen, Paul
Ali is searching for spiritual meaning; may the Holy Ghost guide those around her to help her in coming to Christ.
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
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), Stuart (USMC-Afghanistan), Airman Donny Patton (RAF Mildenhall, UK), Bob (USCG), Josh (USCG), Rachel Ziegler (USAF – Deployed to Southwest Asia), Aaron Huber (USNMC – Deployed to Southwest Asia with USMC),
Thanksgiving
Aaron, Traci and Warren give thanks for God's continued care and guidance in their lives. And, we give thanks for the joy they bring in to our lives!
Jack, Dru, Alice and Keith all give thanks for safe travel.
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 name of “Separation of Church and State” 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 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
25 April 2010 Greg Chase
The near future, as well as Next Sunday
Next Sunday
24 April 2010 – 1130-1300 (11:30 am to 1:00 pm) – Free Teen Guitar Class plays Tree Town at the Women’s Club in Alpine, right there at the five way stop! Come and enjoy the playing.
Saturday
24 April 2010 – 1400 (2:00 pm) – Tea at the Cottage in Alpine, see Jan Macauley for details, there are still a few slots left!
Sunday
25 April 2010 – Vestry Meeting 0900 before church
Sunday
25 April 2010 – The Feast of Saint Mark the Evangelist which supersedes The Third Sunday after Easter - Service start time 1000 (10:00 am); welcome or gathering songs before the service starting about 0945 (9:45 am). Time 1000 (10:00 am); Location – Alpine Elementary School Auditorium – 1850 Alpine Boulevard, Alpine, CA
Friday
30 April 2010 – Free Teen Guitar Class Jam Session at Starbucks / Albertson’s Parking Lot – 1830 – 2000 (6:30 pm – 8:00 pm). Blues Jamming, Manañas afterwards to talk it out!
See you next week on Sunday!
No comments:
Post a Comment