Today was Trinity Sunday, as well as the Sunday before Memorial Day. Summer for now anyway. Thursday we had a 31°F sunrise temperature on Mount Olympus and this morning it was 57°F! As you will see from the travel list, much of the congregation was on travel. Even though it was Trinity Sunday, a Sunday which should be a big deal for us because it is our Feast of Title, we had our lowest attendance ever! With perfect weather inside and out, even though the school’s heating and air conditioning is shut off due to a “budget induced problem”, the temperature was a lovely 73°F, we had our lowest attendance ever of 11, which included Greg Chase who showed up about five minutes before the end of the service due to car problems!
Lest you worry, remember the words from the Prayer of Saint John Chrysostom (BCP Page 34) at the end of Evening Prayer
ALMIGHTY God, who hast given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplications unto thee; and dost promise that when two or three are gathered together in thy Name thou wilt grant their requests; Fulfill now, O Lord, the desires and petitions of thy servants, as may be most expedient for them; granting us in this world knowledge of thy truth, and in the world to come life everlasting. Amen.
Though our numbers were low, our spirit was high; we really had a great time. And, as you will read later, due to the efforts of Muriel and Holly, we had a fine FEAST! We had an opportunity to worship, learn and spend time together. We had a wonderful time and missed those who could not be with us. We also took the opportunity to remember in our prayers those whose sacrifice made our worship possible.
Gathering Songs
Father Ironhand and Jack Arnold played the usual gathering or welcome songs for the service, as well as all the music as our lovely and talented organist Marianne Lane had abandoned us for parts unknown for the day.
• Holy Holy/Amazing Love;
• Lord, I lift your name;
• How great is our God
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 hymns during the service, thus having something for everyone. It also a hit with our guitarists who love to play!
Once again, the gathering songs did their magic. When they started playing we numbered 6, by the time the service ended, we had 11!
By the way, a couple of today’s hymns the two had not had an opportunity to practice. I am told by the music gifted among the congregation they did great!
Trinity Sunday – Feast of Title
Our parish is named Alpine Anglican Church of the Blessed Trinity. This is another way of saying the Alpine Anglican Church of God, for God is three persons, a Trinity, which comes from Tri (three) and Unity (one), three in one. Like the oil, there is nothing he can’t do.
Trinity Joke
Jesus said, “Whom do men say that I am?”
And his disciples answered and said, “Some say you are John the Baptist returned from the dead; others say Elias or other of the old prophets.”
And Jesus answered and said, “But whom do you say that I am?”
Peter answered and said, "Thou art the Logos, existing in the Father as His rationality and then, by an act of His will, being generated, in consideration of the various functions by which God is related to his creation, but only on the fact that Scripture speaks of a Father, and a Son, and a Holy Spirit, each member of the Trinity being coequal with every other member, and each acting inseparably with and interpenetrating every other member, with only an economic subordination within God, but causing no division which would make the substance no longer simple."
And Jesus answering, said, "Say what?"
Memorial Day
Father Acker recalled tomorrow is Memorial Day, a day set aside to remember those members of our Armed Forces who made the ultimate sacrifice, without whose sacrifice we would not be free.
Memorial Days .
ALMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, in whose hands are the living and the dead; We give thee thanks for all those thy servants who have laid down their lives in the service of our country. Grant to them thy mercy and the light of thy presence, that the good work which thou hast begun in them may be perfected; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord. Amen.
Pre-Service Class
Today’s pre-service class today continued the Book of Luke from the Fifty-Seventh Verse of the First Chapter, which is primarily concerned with the birth of Mary’s nephew John, who would be known as John the Baptist.
Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. Her neighbours and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her. On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him Zechariah after his father. But his mother said, ‘No; he is to be called John.’ They said to her, ‘None of your relatives has this name.’ Then they began motioning to his father to find out what name he wanted to give him. He asked for a writing-tablet and wrote, ‘His name is John.’ And all of them were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue freed, and he began to speak, praising God. Fear came over all their neighbours, and all these things were talked about throughout the entire hill country of Judea. All who heard them pondered them and said, ‘What then will this child become?’ For, indeed, the hand of the Lord was with him. The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness until the day he appeared publicly to Israel.
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 minister.
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, except in a White Season, where it is put off. 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 186-188, with the Collect first:
Trinity Sunday.
The Collect.
ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who hast given unto us thy servants grace, by the confession of a true faith, to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity, and in the power of the Divine Majesty to worship the Unity; We beseech thee that thou wouldest keep us stedfast in this faith, and evermore defend us from all adversities, who livest and reignest, one God, world without end. Amen.
Holly Lizak read this morning’s Epistle, which was written in the Fourth Chapter of the Revelation of Saint John the Divine beginning at the First Verse:
AFTER this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald. And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold. And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes before and behind. And the first was like a lion, and the second like a calf, and the third had a face as a man, and the fourth was like a flying eagle. And the four living creatures had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. And when those living creatures give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, the four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are, and were created.
Today’s Gospel was written the Third Chapter of the Gospel according to Saint John beginning at the First Verse:
THERE was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: the same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
Sermon - Pentecost
Father Acker provided a summary of today’s sermon so you can see what he was trying to get across:
Today's Message: Pentecost Message
We need to think big on Trinity Sunday. We’re celebrating the festival of the Blessed Trinity, our feast of Title. It is a major feast, the octave of Pentecost, the giving of the Holy Spirit. The ancient calendar of the Church intentionally described the Christian life in relationship to the blessed Trinity. The reference point for holy living is the Trinity. So each is named a Sunday after Trinity Sunday. So how do we live a holy life in relationship to the holy, the blessed Trinity? How do we Think BIG?
In our Baptism we have entered into the life of the blessed Trinity, into the life of God. And we are to know the reality of the God who is love. The apostle John wrote reflecting back, near the end of his life, passing on what he had learned:
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 1 John 4.7-8
John wasn’t telling us to “know God” as an intellectual exercise, thinking our way to God. Thinking BIG was not understanding “all mysteries and all knowledge.” John wanted us to have “a new heart and a new spirit” within us. It is to know in our daily living, in a dynamic relationship, the reality of the God of Love.
Thinking BIG is Bring In God. Bring in God to everything; live in the reality of God’s Love. BIG is unlike understanding the mysteries and knowledge. Understanding and knowledge living is “I” centered; it is not dynamic; it is ego centered--EGO: Edging God Out.
This is really BIG: We are given grace to enter into the life of God. God allows us to know, to be with, to live in, his reality of being trinity of persons and unity of substance. As God the Father interacts with God the Son who interacts with God the Holy Spirit, we are to interact, to live in relationship, in the Love of God. Christianity is different from neo-paganism, we don’t become God. In the blessed Trinity there is no confusion of persons. And we don’t become another “facet” of God. And we aren’t melded into a great oneness. No, the life to which you are called, the holy life, is to be a holy person, that is, set apart for God. You are set apart to be the image and likeness of God. So how do we come to holiness of life? How are we “set apart?”
As Christians, we look to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12.2). We use the Jesus Plan. Loving God was Jesus’ summary of the Law of God. The Law was “missing manual,” the directions for living with a holy God. But knowing the Law, knowing the Bible, is like knowing the “Tips and Tricks,” when in reality you want to use your computer, to use your golf clubs. The Food Channel is what Food is all about, its the eating, the actual experience.
Blessed Trinity is about getting to Snacks. In reality our Christian life starts with sharing in God’s table, that we might share with one another. What happens here at the Altar with Jesus’ present reality brought by us to the Snack table, then out to our Home table, and into the lunchroom, restaurant, breakroom, and hallway snack machine. You are to bring the Love of God wherever you go. You are to bring Christ present into everyplace you go, to every person you meet.
Nicodemus said, “How can these things be?” Jesus said,
That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. John 3.6
We bring the reality of God into our homes, our schools, our work, our recreation--we don’t Edge God Out. Instead, we’re to think BIG--Bring In God. Think Big:
Pray--Ask for God’s help, Listen to what he says
Grow--Share what you’ve learned. You learn more when you teach someone else. When you share what you discovered in reading the bible in the past week.
As a young priest I was getting ready for an early morning weekday Holy Communion service and a priest-retired, Father Rohane, told be he just realized after decades of reading Psalm 33.17, “A horse is counted but a vain thing to save a man;” was about a war-horse. An ancient day tank. And I remember not the information, but the reality of God being made known to him that morning.
We are given many opportunities not to preach at others, but to share our “being born again.”
Serve--We Bring In God in our serving others. As we care for, as we love them, do for them, on their behalf. It’s the stuff we do, it is the person we care for. If it isn’t about the people you’re left with a steeple. It is your life touching the life of another person. What did Jesus say after he asked Peter the third time, “Do you love me?” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.” (John 21.17)
Blessed Trinity, Trinity Sunday is about thinking BIG. Today, we are to bring God into a specific place, a specific time, and a specific person. As a person set apart for God, you are the one bringing in God, that the Love of God might be seen and known, not just informationally, but touching the lives of others--being in relationship.
New Nametags
We had no new nametags today.
Birthdays and Anniversaries
There were no reported birthdays or anniversaries today.
After Church Hospitality
Muriel Pappin noticed no one had signed up for snacks, so … A call to Holly and snacks were on! For pop-up snacks, they were a thing of beauty. Muriel brought three kinds of dognuts, plus three little fellows to guard them, and some cherries. Holly made what appeared at first glance to be deviled eggs, but were actually humus stuffed raw mushrooms that were really wonderful, as well as humus dogs (snow peas stuffed with humus) and cucumber slices topped with crab salad.
Snacks were absolutely great!
After church goodies providers as currently signed up:
Date Name
6 June 2010 Mary Lou Ruiz and Alan
13 June 2010 Opportunity Available
20 June 2010 Jan Macauley
27 June 2010 Betsy and Marianne Lane
4 July 2010 Opportunity Available
11 July 2010 Opportunity Available
18 July 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.
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!
Birth
Logan DeLong born two months early to Ashleigh and Jarrod DeLong 16 May 2010. Logan is the grandson of our Ralph and Hope DeLong, of Lima, OH. Logan was 18 inches long and weighed 4 lbs. 6 oz. Considering everything, he is doing extremely well and expected to come home in the next month. Please give thanks for the safe birth and pray for a rapid adjustment to this world for Logan.
Anniversary
Diane and Greg Chase celebrated their 39th anniversary two weeks ago.
Birthday
Tom Collins celebrated his 66th birthday last week.
Travel
Jan is on travel this week.
Alice is on travel this week.
Don, Sandy and Nick are on travel this week.
Dru and Jack are on travel today.
Betsy and Marianne are on travel this week.
Traci and Warren are on travel for the next few weeks.
Ryan is on travel throughout Southeast Asia until May 2010. He is in India (dot, not feather) and is keeping his parents updated.
Departed
Lilly, Steve Carpenter’s aunt, passed away the morning of 23 May 2010, after a protracted battle with cancer. Please pray for the repose of her soul and comfort for the family which she left behind.
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 (gall bladder surgery this month; waiting for heart transplant), 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, Jennifer, Curtis, Steve (cancer), Ashton, Marjorie, Mike G, Dave (knee surgery), Karl (shoulder surgery), Jeffrey (testing), Gary (sepsis; diabetic), Jim (stomach cancer), 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), 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, undergoing chemotherapy), Lillian, Rob, Ken, Marlene, Emma W (Brain tumor), Vivian, Kelly (undergoing test unexpectedly), Veronica, Irith, Shirley, TP, David, Mark, Doris, Mary, Ken, Rick, Mike
Doreen Wolf, mother of Melanie Zimmers, had very successful reconstructive orthopedic surgery on her foot the morning of Thursday 27 May 2010, to correct damage from previous surgeries which have caused her foot to be almost perpendicular to the desired position. Pre-surgery testing found she apparently sustained a "silent" heart attack. Luckily the tests came out fine and the surgery went forward. The damage was a bit less than expected and the result appears to have been good. Please pray a prayer of thanksgiving for the successful surgery and that Doreen will be a good patient, hard for a nurse we all know, during her recovery. Finally pray for a good result that Doreen might live a long and healthy life the glory of God.
Greg Chase asks that you pray for his family:
Diane, Greg’s wife, to see some positive physical signs for the ongoing treatment of her ulcerative colitis.
Phyllis, Greg’s mom, to gain physical strength to overcome her frailties after her recent "small" stroke.
Ed, Greg’s cousin, after a long history of heart issues (two open heart surgeries) to gain physical strength that continues to decline due to a series of other debilitating health issues.
Billy Zoe, Greg’s cousin, was admitted to the hospital Friday 30 April 2010, for a probable ruptured colon.
Sunny, Greg’s sister, to continue her recovery from a broken ankle.
Freddy Para had a heart attack while fishing off Charleston, SC on Saturday 15 May 2010. After a ride back to shore courtesy of a US Coast Guard helicopter, he underwent surgery to put another stent in. The surgery went well and he is on his way home. Please pray a prayer of thanksgiving for his safe rescue and successful treatment to date. Pray for a complete recovery and peace of mind for Freddy and his wife Barbara.
Carl, Susanne Barrett’s dad had chest pains while visiting Hawaii. He underwent a successful double by-pass surgery. Please give thanks for the successful surgery and for a full and rapid recovery. Pray for peace of mind for Carl and his wife Judy. Carl believes he is self-made man who thinks he has always been able to do everything himself. Perhaps even more important, please pray for Carl to see the Hand of God in his life.
Michelle Cannariato (a former student of Susanne Barrett) had a stroke on her wedding night as the result of a benign tumor in her heart. She underwent what seems to have been very successful surgery for tumor removal on 20 May 2010, at Scripps-La Jolla. The surgery took several hours less than expected, the tumor is out, all the damage has been repaired and the mitral valve was not involved. Thanks be to God! Give prayers of thanksgiving for God’s gift of grace and the skill and attention of the surgeons and their team.
Please pray for peace of mind for Michelle and her husband Nick, as well as a full and rapid recovery for Michelle.
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 back home after a volcanically successful trip. Please pray this one too shall pass for a total of three.
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 has made great progress; she is walking with leg support and SHE IS HOME. In Rede’s position, attitude is 100 percent of the game, pray for continued positive attitude. 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.
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.
Matt Alcantara, age 15, has Osteosarcoma (bone cancer), a very rare and often lethal form of cancer with limited treatment options.
Matt has completed his chemotherapy. All looks good for now. Thanks be to God. 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 is in assisted living after a stroke. 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 specializing 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.
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 having difficulty with her medication. Please pray that the doctor might find the right medication and doses for her treatment.
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.
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, 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), 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, Tamera (her house is being taken by eminent domain and is in settlement phase; pray for a fair settlement), Rachel, Stephen, Paul, Seth C, Alan P (to control his feelings), Cris, Louis R (re-set court date), Sean, Leasa, Kenny,
Nick, age 90, grandfather of Dominique Mimnagh, friends of our Langstaff family members in Perth, is a UK citizen who suffers from various health issues, including what appears to be the onset of dementia. He has lived with his daughter Tina for 45 years. A year ago he moved to Perth with Tina, who is a permanent resident, on a temporary visa to be with his family. Immigration officials have refused to renew the temporary visa. Nick is faced with being forced to return to the UK, where he has no home and little family. Your prayers are so appreciated. This is a really troublesome time for the family. Tina has contacted a solicitor in Sydney who specializes in immigration law. Supposedly there is a "AGE DEPENDENT VISA' you can apply for. However it is not normal for UK citizens to be granted this visa, as the state provides a pension. If it can be proved Nick’s income is below the poverty line he stands a chance of getting this visa. Tina has yearned to be with her sister (who has lived in Perth for 10 years) who she is very close to. If Nick has to return to the UK, Tina will go back as well and that will break her sisters heart and Dominique’s too. Please pray the immigration authorities will reconsider their refusal to renew the visa or that the family will come upon a solution that will be in the best interests of all concerned. Pray also for peace of mind and trust in God for Nick, Tina, Dominique and the rest of their family.
Sandra asks that you pray she will be able to concentrate her efforts at her job to do the tasks at hand, not to put off anything that can be done today, regardless of how easy it might be to justify putting it off and to do a little each day to reduce her backlog. Most importantly, for her to maintain a good attitude during her adjustment to the new process and to look to God for guidance and not her inner self.
Joan had just started her recovery from two back operations when she was given bad news, which she was unable to deal with on top of her physical problems. Things are looking up now. She is home and happy to be there. She has a new granddaughter, Eli, for whom she is grateful. Please pray Joan will look to God for the help He can give her, to help her accept those things she cannot change and change those things she can. Pray also for her husband Bob, that he might keep his mind clear to help Joan.
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.
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.
Stephen, 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, Ray (Alzheimer’s Disease)
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),
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.
Thanksgiving
Please join us in praying a prayer of thanksgiving for the recovery of Mona’s grandmother who was near the point of departure and has gotten well.
Lise is in remission from a cancer, which resulted in multiple surgeries and chemotherapy. Please join us in prayers of thanksgiving, not only for the good result but the wisdom and guidance granted to all of her medical providers. Lise appreciates your support and prayers.
Louis seems to be recovering very well from surgery for facial reconstruction. Please give thanks for the successful surgery. Please pray for God's guidance and direction for Louis that Louis might see God’s outstretched hand to him, as well as continued recovery in the weeks ahead.
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.
Free Teen Guitar Class – Last Friday Jam Session
Friday, the FTGC had their monthly Jam Session at Albertsons parking lot from 1830-2015, with dinner afterwards at Manañas. It was a total success. Our usual bass, Jack from Bethel, did not make it. But, all was not lost, World Class Bassist George Dreyer did make it. We had two of the new guitarists, Bryahna and Cassidy back. We were also joined by Zach and Jordan. Our usual team of Jack and Jonathan and the omnipresent Ironhand filled out the show bill. They did great.
From rock versions of Ode to Joy, to classic Amazing Grace, to White Room and Bell Bottom Blues, there was something for everyone! Even though it wasn’t too cold, the heaters were not laughed at, but rather snuggled up to.
Plan to join us next month for the last Friday of the Month!
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
6 June 2010 Sandy Patton (D Day)
13 June 2010 Don Patton
20 June 2010 Greg Chase
27 June 2010 Ben Lizak
The near future, as well as Next Sunday
You can go on line here and see our church calendar. There is also a link to subscribe. If you have problems finding this page, due to the typing requirement, go to the Beadle’s Blog or email the Beadle at thebeadle@mac.com for an emailed link.
Calendar Location - http://go.to/alpineanglicancalendar
Also, if we can get just five more members on our church Facebook Group page, we can have a name instead of a number. Help us get a name for go here and sign up for free:
Or, email the Beadle at thebeadle@mac.com for an emailed link.
Sunday
6 June 2010 – First Sunday after Trinity – Free Teen Guitar Class Sunday, guitar music for the whole service! - Come learn about the Green Season, remember D-Day 66 years later - 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
6 June 2010 – Hymning the Homebound – After the service, most of the congregation will be traveling to three or four of our homebound congregation members homes to bring their favorite hymns to them. Time 1100 (11:00 am); Location – Alpine Elementary School Auditorium – 1850 Alpine Boulevard, Alpine, CA
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
29 June 2010 – 1 July 2010 – Diocesan Synod or Meeting will be held at Mesilla, New Mexico, at the Holy Cross Retreat Center. The actual location is almost downtown Las Cruces, New Mexico. Representatives for each parish in the entire diocese get together to talk. It may be worthwhile if you have time. The Beadle has been to one, it was unique. If you would like more details, please contact the Beadle offline.
See you next week on Sunday!
