Today was the Tenth Sunday after Trinity Sunday. Sunrise temperature on Mount Olympus was a lovely 45°F under bright blue skies. By the time church ended, we were at 79°F. Weather does not get much better than this! Although we still had people on travel, we had 20 people at the service, one of whom was Annie Springer, more on that later on.
Annie Springer
For several years we have been praying for Annie Springer who has been dealing with the debilitating effects of kidney failure and diabetes. Annie, who never complains and is always cheerful, was nonetheless deeply affected by the afflictions. She had been on the kidney transplant list for what seemed like forever. Then, a miracle, San Diego Police Dispatcher Alicia Cates had the same birthday and more important a match for the transplant. A kidney for Annie right from where Mike worked, though he had never met Alicia. Mid-June and the kidney transplant was done. Annie is on the rise. "How do you thank this courageous woman for donating a part of her life, part of her body, so my wife can have a second chance at life? Its just amazing," asked her husband Mike. The best we can do is pray a prayer of thanksgiving for Alicia’s selflessness, putting into actions the words, “on behalf of others.” Action speaks far louder than mere words. Pray also for Annie’s complete recovery.
We were very fortunate to have Annie and Mike with us today! We know fully how fortunate we are each time we show up, but today was even more special.
Gathering Songs
Today Nick Patton was back from vacation, joining thee ever lively Father Iron hand and Jack Arnold who played more gathering songs than usual:
• All creatures of our God and King
• Seek ye first
• Just a closer walk
• Jesus loves me
As you may “gather” we do the gathering songs for a number of reasons; they are a change from our normal hymns, except sometimes when they are our normal hymns; they give people a chance to slip in a bit late and still be on time; and we like them. The gathering songs did their job today; they started with 10 and ended up with 20!
Pre-Service Class
For today’s pre-service class, Father Acker continued on with the Book of Luke, Chapter Four, Verse Fourteen; Jesus at the synagogue of Nazareth.
Then Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding country. He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone. When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. ” And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to say to them, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing. ”
All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They said, “Is not this Joseph’s son? ” He said to them, “Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, ‘Doctor, cure yourself! ’ And you will say, ‘Do here also in your hometown the things that we have heard you did at Capernaum. ’” And he said, “Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in the prophet’s hometown. But the truth is, there were many widows in Israel in the time of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, and there was a severe famine over all the land; yet Elijah was sent to none of them except to a widow at Zarephath in Sidon. There were also many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian. ” When they heard this, all in the synagogue were filled with rage. They got up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they might hurl him off the cliff. But he passed through the midst of them and went on his way.
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 Feasts, 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 Collect for the Tenth Sunday after Trinity follows:
The Tenth Sunday after Trinity.
The Collect.
LET thy merciful ears, O Lord, be open to the prayers of thy humble servants; and, that they may obtain their petitions, make them to ask such things as shall please thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Hap Arnold read the Epistle, which came from Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians, the Twelfth Chapter beginning at the First Verse. Paul starts off by telling us that no man who “speaketh by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.” He goes on to say, “Now there are diversities of gifts, but by the same Spirit.” “…it is the same God which worketh all in all.” Every one is gifted in one manner or another by God, the question really is not do you have a gift from God, but will you use it? Our gifts are so different in their character that we sometimes fail to recognize them for what they are, gifts from God, meant to be used, not ignored.
CONCERNING spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: but all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
Today’s Gospel started in the Nineteenth Chapter of the Gospel according to St. Luke, beginning at the Forty-First Verse.
The Gospel tell of Jesus’ time in the temple wherein he sees the people selling their wares having made the temple a den of thieves rather than a house of prayer and cast them out. He also predicts the fall of the temple saying it shall be laid “even with the ground, … they shall not leave one stone upon another,” because the people of the temple had rejected Jesus. The message to those who accept Jesus and his teaching is clear, their temple shall not fall. The message to those who will not hear his message will never be heard, let alone clear, their first indication of a problem will be when their temple falls.
Often people take this Epistle to preclude jumble sales at church. It does not preclude that. It does literally preclude cheating people at those jumble sales!
AND when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it, saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes. For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side, and shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation. And he went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold therein, and them that bought; saying unto them, It is written, My house is the house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of thieves. And he taught daily in the temple.
Sermon - Urban Legends and Myths
Father Acker continued talking today about Urban Legends and Myths. He provided the following summary so you can see what he was trying to get across:
Today's Message: Myths and Urban Legends II: Faith Can Fix Anything
Headlines can be amazing: Toddler buy pink convertible on eBay; Chiropractor treats patients with time travel; or Dog drives car into house. Are you thinking, “It could happen.” You may have crossed over into a place call Myths and Urban Legends.
Tabloid stories aren’t a great concern unless you’re Men in Black looking for aliens. However spiritual myths can make there way into popular culture and slip into our thinking quite unknowingly. One of those is has made it’s way in is “Faith can fix anything.”
So what is faith? And what can it fix? As Christians we want to start with what God has told us and if we understand it correctly we’ll see how it plays out in our life and the world around us. So what is faith?
Hebrews 11.1 “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” What does that mean for our everyday life? If you believe hard enough, deep down enough, you can have anything? Anything you’re hoping and wishing for?
What does Jesus have to say in Mark 11.22-24 “And Jesus answered them, Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”
Our prayer for today we pray that God would listen to our prayers. Jesus tells us, believe in your heart, don’t doubt, and Viejas mountain drops in the ocean just off La Jolla! But what about the new guitar, sports car, those Jimmy Choo’s, or those 6 pack abs? If I pray hard enough for…and believe.
What about each of us who’ve prayed for...and didn’t have it happen? What about our brothers and sisters in Jos, Nigeria who have been under attack for their Christian faith who pray for deliverance from the violence and for the love of Christ to win victory over their attackers and yet 500 of them were killed a couple of months ago?Do they not know about Mark 11? Do we not know about Mark 11? Is there something wrong with our faith?
Is there something wrong with ME? Well, yes, but it isn’t about having faith and believing that is my problem or your problem. Is it true I can have anything I want? The Myth has crept in: Faith fixes everything! Faith isn’t a super-power for super-Christians to get their super-wishes.
I believe those Anglicans in Jos do understand. The key to what Jesus said was “Have faith in God.” Not have faith in faith. Having faith in the power of faith skews the focus, distorts and mis-shapes faith. What Jesus said was “Have faith in God.”
Just think about the disciples who’ve been going all over the county, every weekend to hear Jesus preach. They always the ones who go early so they can get good seats. They wave to Jesus from the front.
Or what about the apostles, who travel in the same mini-van, ate at the Denny’s together with Jesus, and shared rooms at the Capernaum Super-8. They knew him. They followed him around. They had faith in him.
We have faith. We’re here week after week. We pray, read Scripture, and help others in Jesus’ name. What about our faith? It isn’t to be faith in our faith, but faith in God.
We need faith in the reality of Jesus, in the reality of God. Faith in his will, power, and person. Faith that he is God and Lord--over the situation and circumstances in your life; God and Lord in your life; God and Lord over your life.
The apostle John writes (1John 5.14-15) “And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.” It is when we pray “according to his will.” It is when what we want is God wants to happen, it will happen. It is faith in our own belief, our own self.
As I mentioned last Sunday, God doesn’t force it on you. Your prayer does make a difference. Your choice does make a difference to God and your life. But God won’t force you to choose his way. God won’t make you clean your room or take out the trash. You may not be able to find your shoes or the trash can may start to smell and overflow onto the floor. But God won’t make you do what is good and right for your life!
God is waiting for you to bring in your car to the shop to be fixed. He isn’t taking hostages of broken cars out on the highway. God does have AAA road-side assistance.
How does Faith work out in our everyday life? You’ll find that Faith doesn’t fiix our mistakes and unwise decisions. In finances, you may have chosen to spend a little more on a house than you could afford, saying “But we have faith that we can make the payments. We should be making just a little more next year, if we can just get through for the next few months… We can put some on the the credit card if things get a little tight… If everything goes smoothly we’ll be alright.” Is it faith in faith or faith in God?
And of course everything always goes according to plan--Murphy’s plan, right!
Murphy’s Law: What can go wrong will go wrong. It even appears on bumper stickers: Sxxxx Happens; you know Stuff Happens!
God, I need you now! God, I need you to fix this! And either it gets fixed and we’re saying, Yes, God! Thank you, God! Or it doesn’t get fixed and we’re saying, This faith stuff is a bunch of “stuff!”
Is that what Jesus mean when he said, “Have faith in God!”? Was Jesus saying faith does away with responsibility? If we have enough faith we can make bad choices, misuse what we have, and break God commands?
James gives us some insight into everyday life (4.1-3) “What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.” Doesn’t that describe our society? James is describing human nature. It was true 2000 years ago and it’s true today.
The stresses of today: Jobs being lost; Cutbacks in paychecks; Prices rising; Lots of uncertainty all around. Pressure at our work, at our schools, and in our homes.
The fight within us causes us to fight with spouses, children, neighbors, and the people around us. We want more. We want our problems solved. We want things in our life to get better. And what is inside us when squeezed with pressure, with stress, forces its way out. It’s the over carbonated, shaken up soda bottle, that when you crack open the top what’s inside bubbles up and out through the cap and go down the front of your shirt and pants and everybody standing around you.
We can either turn to God and tell God what to do or we can turn to God and ask God to teach you, lead you, and guide you on what you need to do next. Who is the person who “Has faith in God?” God wants to help us to know and do those things that are good and right, honorable and courageous, noble and true. God wants to give us his Wisdom
God does want your life to be perfect. God is willing to take the time and effort to make your life perfect. Your perfection is magic, but by God’s grace. Your life isn’t disposable, go out and buy a replacement.
I still have the second electric guitar I owned, the first I bought for myself--with some help from my parents. In my over exuberant high school days I gouged a four inch chunk of the finish off the back with my 1970’s wide big metal buck leather belt playing in the band one night. I definitely lost money that night instead of making enough money for pizza after the show.
I took my battered guitar to a friend who hand-made guitars. He agreed to help me refinish my guitar. He set me up with what sand paper to start with. Every time I brought the guitar back I thought I had it silky smooth and ready for 10 layers of laquer finish. Instead, he’d give me a finer grade of sand paper saying, “It’s looking better.” I thought I’d never get it smooth enough--Did he want it perfect? Fortunately, my friend did what I couldn’t do to finish it myself.
Faith doesn’t fix everything--that’s a Myth or Urban Legend. What does get things fixed is to “Have faith in God.” To keep coming back and asking “How’s this?” and “What do you want me to do next?”
And no matter how much stress, whatever difficulty we have, God loves you. God wants what is best and will make your life perfect. God wants to give his help, his grace.
Paul wrote to the Philippians (4.6), “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” No matter what we may have to be anxious over, bring it to God. God cares.
Paul also said (2Corinthians 4.18), “We look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” We need to look beyond our circumstances, our stresses.
And not be looking to a myth or urban legend.
Look to the reality of God. Look to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.
So that the “The peace of God that passes all understand” will fill your hearts and minds, that are found when we “Have faith in God.”
We don’t need Faith to fix everything. We need the reality of God to find the true life we long for. We need Faith in God.
New Nametags
We had no new nametags today.
Birthdays and Anniversaries
We had no reported birthdays today. We did celebrate the Ackers’ 16th anniversary with them.
After Church Hospitality
Alice Acker brought snacks today. First and foremost was the cheese egg thing that is so wonderful that hot sauce would be a travesty, then strawberries, including the biggest strawberry ever seen! And, last but not least four types of cookies! Thank you Alice!
After church goodies providers as currently signed up:
Date Name
15 August 2010 Someone, but I forgot to look! Worst case Dog Nuts
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!
Anniversary
Keith and Alice celebrated their 16th anniversary with us this week.
Birthday
Tim Macauley celebrated his 68th birthday with us week before last.
Moving
Alan, and his son Kenny, Parker moved to Mississippi for Alan’s job. Please pray they will make a good place for themselves there and adapt to their new surroundings in a positive manner.
Travel
Traci and Warren are on travel for the next few weeks.
Ryan is on travel throughout Southeast Asia until an undetermined time in the future. He is in China and is keeping his parents updated.
Departed
Wanda Roth fell from her horse on Saturday 24 July 2010, before she put on her helmet and sustained a head injury. She passed away the following evening. Please pray for the repose of her soul and for her family and friends who remain here on earth and miss her.
Peaceful Transition
Beatrice
Ruth is in home hospice care.
Prayers for those for whom there is a need for a miracle or understanding of God’s Plan
Sam Bish – Age 9 – who has osteosarcoma, seems to be near the end of his time here on earth absent a God granted miracle. God granted the family a miracle last week. Sam felt wonderful the entire week they were on his Make A Wish trip. He had no pain or discomfort and the family was truly able to make some wonderful memories that they will cherish for a lifetime. On return from the trip, they found out his cancer has spread throughout his body including his lungs, left leg, hip, spine and pelvis area. The extent of Sam's cancer is not curable. He is going home to be with his family for whatever time remains here on earth, continuing to make memories as long as God allows. Please pray for a miracle for Sam and his family, whether to stay or leave.
Jeffrey Hasara (age 16) has been fighting bone cancer for over a year now. He may no longer be a viable surgical candidate, chemotherapy and radiation are no longer practical. There are numerous tumors throughout his body, the one in his left arm / body area has grown tremendously in the last few months. In the words of his father, Mark, “Now is the time to pray for miracles…” Please do.
We get our updates on Jeff from his father Mark, via Shredder Lynott: Mark just called me today, his has gained some strength, but the mass in his remaining armpit has grown. Not a good scenario here Mel, this kid is in a world of hurt and the only thing the doctors say to do is pray, Hell of a thing, huh? So please follow the doctors advice, and pray for young Jeffrey (16). Shredder
In the mean time, we leave you with a letter Jeffrey wrote to his family and friends. Please read and marvel at the great faith of this young man.
A letter from Jeffrey Hasara,
June 11, 2010
To my Family and Friends,
My condition has worsened considerably. On about May 29 the tumor pain started to increase and became constant. On the first of June I had my cancer IV injection port removed and spent the next several days in bed with pain on both sides. I thought I would regain strength. Over the next week my tumor (which had not grown since the priesthood blessing in March) has now tripled in size. Cancer is truly overtaking my body.
Why are we on this earth? To be tried and tested so we may come to know God and we may be found worthy to return to live with him someday. Our faith is tried so it may be strengthened. God allows us to be tested so we may more fully come to know him.
Don't worry or be afraid for me. Pray I might know God. I don't believe anything could test my physical, mental, or spiritual endurance more than the experience I am facing now. But now is not the time to worry about the outcome of whether I live or die. Now is the time to praise God, to petition to see his face and know him better.
Over the last several days my tumor has grown to the point I can't be upright and support the weight without great pain. I can only be up for about 5 minutes at a time. The rest of the time I must be in a laying position. I have been planning and looking forward to a trip to Utah since the first of the year. I have felt this trip was important not only for my enjoyment but to witness to my many cousins, aunts, uncles and family how much God has done for me.
When I was first diagnosed with cancer I was approved by the 'Make a Wish Foundation' to receive a wish. I was told to wish for anything and to think BIG. Over the next several weeks I had fun with friends and family thinking up bigger and bigger wishes. It always surprised me how small people's imagination was. I could not believe a thousand dollar shopping spree (or the like) was the biggest wish many of my friends could come up with.
A couple of nights ago I was praying to Father in Heaven and asking to please just let me go to Utah and have some pain free time with my family camping and enjoying life. Then whatever Gods wants I am ready. As I closed the prayer my mother pointed out to me I was not thinking big enough. Like my friends and 'Make a Wish' I was asking for a simple shopping spree when God stands ready to fulfill my greatest desires.
I have been tried and tested and stand firm in my faith, willing to submit to all things. What would you give to see God and know for sure you will live again through him. After you have given all, would you be afraid or forget to ask to know God? It is time for me to ask that I might receive.
My prayers have been very different the last two days. And I have received some direction from God. First, I was told if the Mormon pioneers could cross the plains with their sick I certainly can find my way to Utah this summer to share my testimony personally with my family. I believe this to be important and God will provide the way.
Second, God told me again I am to live. I will leave that in his hands. After all, who would not give their life to see God's face and know he lives. Yes, I am thinking big and know what ever God grants will strengthen my faith and help me to stand firm in the Gospel for the rest of my life. More importantly, I know I have a mission to fulfill as his special witness to Jesus Christ to bring others home to our Heavenly Father.
God lives and loves us,
Jeff Hasara
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, Don, Sandy, Fern is recovering from a fall which broke her arm and pelvis, Louis, Alan P (Stress test for chest pain), Lydia, Burton (neurological back pain), Terry (Breast Cancer; surgery 3 Aug10)
Dale, long time friend of the Ackers, was taken to the hospital as the result of a stroke the afternoon of 4 August 2010. Please pray for guidance for those who treat him and a complete recovery. Pray also for comfort and strength for Dale, his family and friends.
Jackson Babcock, father of Hope DeLong, asked her to come over to look in on him as he was not feeling well. She found him on the floor. Jackson ended up in the hospital, but it looks like they will be able to get him turned around and back on the road to health. Please give thanks for Hope’s timely attention and God’s Grace. Pray that Jackson will continue to recover, go home, thrive and live a long and fruitful life to God’s honor and glory.
Mrs. Ghana Soundari is suffering from severe bedsores and is in terrible pain. Her blood pressure is very low and her pulse is going down. She is not able to drink or take food. Doctors say they cannot help her. Please pray that God will let healing flow into Ghana and comfort her family, in particular her granddaughter Rita.
Mary Jo for guidance in taking care of her husband.
Betty Macauley, Tim’s mom, is currently in a state of failing health. Please pray she will gain interest in life around her and actively pursue life here on earth. Please pray for her family, in particular her son Tim, as they try to help her.
Lauralee underwent a lumpectomy on Friday after Thanksgiving. A further 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.
Luca, 5 years old, from our church family in Perth, Western Australia, who has just been diagnosed with leukemia. And for his Mum and Dad and extended family.
Doreen Wolf, mother of Melanie Zimmers, has her cast replaced with a boot, which stays for one more week. Please give thanks for the great results so far and for her being 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 to 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, seems to be recovering well from a ruptured colon.
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.
Rede Acker, Father Acker’s mom, is recovering from her broken leg, just above where she had a knee replacement. Rede is doing a great job walking, leading with both feet and using her walker. This is huge progress, please pray a prayer of thanksgiving. 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 finishes his last chemotherapy next week and goes back for a set of scans at the end of August, something few get to with this disease. 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. Vicky’s neighbor Sandy has been updating us periodically and just sent this:
On 28 October 2009, Vicky she told her husband Doug she had a terrible headache. As it turned out she had a ruptured brain aneurysm. After four surgeries and several months in hospitals, nursing homes and a rehabilitation hospital she came home five weeks ago. Considering the fact she was only given a slight chance to pull through and the fear was she would be an invalid and might never understand anything or talk again her coming home was a small miracle. Doug prepared for the worst but never gave hope and he made daily trips to Denver to be with her and their boys also went often.
The last time I saw Vicky was about 2 1/2 months ago when Doug brought her home for the day to attend a baby shower for their daughter-in-law -- first grandchild. She was very unresponsive and when she did respond her voice was barely a whisper. Her words and comments didn't always make sense and talking to her usually brought no response. She seemed totally disconnected. She couldn't feed herself. It was sad. Doug had told me she is making some progress. They have CNA's and therapists there much of each day. Vicky is now taking a few steps, with help, and can stand alone by holding on to a kitchen counter, etc. She is riding a stationary bike an hour twice a day. Of course, someone is always with her so if she starts to fall she can be caught.
Doug has asked me several times to come up for a visit (they live "up" the hill from us). He asked me again this morning, so this afternoon I went up about 2:00 not knowing it was their lunch time. I sat in a chair next to Vicky and said hello and told her she looked great, which she did. Her eyes were bright and she looked like herself again. She thanked me for the comment and then we carried on a conversation. I was stunned and absolutely thrilled. She was "tracking" beautifully. Doug said that she wouldn't remember I'd been there an hour later but as well as she's now doing her short term memory may come back in time, too. When I mentioned I had to leave to go see Lee, Vicky asked me "Where is Lee, isn't he at home?"
Doug asked me to go up and visit with her a few times a week because he says now that seems to be a really good thing for her. I'll be glad to do it if it will help. Vicky still has a long ways to go but seeing how far she's come is a miracle to me. Apparently she now realizes exactly where she is in terms of her disabilities and it frustrates her but I think that frustration will be dealt with by her strong determination. Thanks to all of you for your prayers. I will always believe that had a lot to with getting Vicky this far. Now He just has to help her the rest of the way and we'll pray, literally, that He will. - Sandy
Please pray for Vicky’s recovery and for peace of mind for her family, that they might keep their trust in the Lord.
Obra Gray continues to take day by day, despite still mourning the loss of his beloved wife, Pauline. Please continue to keep Obra in your prayers, and give him the strength of knowing the Lord is with him and will never forsake him. 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.
Paula, daughter of Obra Gray, has been diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS) one month ago. The disease has impacted her far quicker than anyone can believe. Two months ago, she could walk with the aid of a cane, one month ago she could feed her self. Now she cannot move, cannot walk, cannot feed herself and has no movement from her neck downwards. Obra (Jr.) and Shamim raced down to Florida two weeks ago, to get things moving to get care for Paula and her elderly husband who suffers from severe back problems. They sorted out her insurance needs, found a good neurosurgeon, took her to doctor and physical therapy visits, hired a nursing agency to provide daily nurse care, sought out a charity to loan us hospital beds, wheel chairs, commodes and other equipment etc. Shamim managed to get a local charity (Good Will Easter Seals) to donate some wood for a ramp, and found a church who volunteered to build a wheel chair ramp for Paula this week. The worst thing for Shamim personally was having to tell Paula's kids they had another Mum to whom they could turn to. Please pray for Paula and her family, particularly for her sons Brian and Jimmy, as well as her father Obra.
Cerrus, daughter in law of Hy, has had a relapse of her cancer. Please pray for a successful treatment and remission.
David is suffering from shingles and asks that we pray for a remission of the symptoms and a return to normalcy.
Jimmy had a stroke along with triple bypass heart surgery. Miney Farrell asks you pray for his recovery and positive frame of mind during his recovery.
Annie S had a kidney donated to her by San Diego Police Dispatcher Alicia Cates. "How do you thank this courageous woman for donating a part of her life, part of her body, so my wife can have a second chance at life? Its just amazing," asked her husband Mike. The best we can do is pray a prayer of thanksgiving for Alicia’s selflessness, putting into actions the words, “on behalf of others.” Action speaks far louder than mere words. Pray also for Annie’s complete recovery.
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. Unfortunately he was involved in a relatively minor automobile accident when he decided to reposition his son’s car and mistook the gas pedal for a brake pedal and rammed into several cars. Please pray for God’s peace of mind for Bashir and his loving wife, who cares for him. Above all, pray for his entire family to open their hearts to accept all God’s love will bring them.
Mary Parker had her pacemaker replaced on Tuesday 6 July 2010. The procedure was completely successful and she feels significantly better. The Wii is still parked!
Evelyn Hunt is still having difficulty with her medication. She was back in the hospital for a week. She's at home now. Please pray that the doctor might find the right medication and doses for her treatment. Please pray for God's peace and goodness to surround her.
Miney Farrell has pain and weakness in her leg. She asks that you pray for strength to work hard on physical exertion required to regain her strength. She also thanks God for the wonderful people she lives with.
Lorraine Winkles is deals with the arthritis, but her shingles have resurfaced. She asks your prayer in dealing with the accompanying discomfort.
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, Lesa, Kenny, Carmen, Jeff, Jane (Bereavement of Caroline's death), Elizabeth B (Graduation from High School; preparation for Point Loma Nazarene), Kenny P (Graduation from High School), John, Cole, Gabe, Toni as she cares for Terry who is undergoing breast cancer treatment, Christy, Ray
Louis is in need of God's guidance and direction. Please pray that Louis might see God’s outstretched hand to him and guide him in all he does. In particular pray for him to be seen as the great young man he is in a job interview on 2 August 2010.
Mark Thomas is in need of God's guidance and direction. Please pray that Mark might take note God’s outstretched hand to him and accept his guidance in all he does.
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. Currently, he is on medical hold because his doctor has said that he cannot fly due to irregular heartbeat. Please pray the immigration authorities will not stamp his visa with an 8503 which would mean they will not be able grant him an "AGE DEPENDENT VISA” so he and Tina can stay 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 sister’s 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.
Ryan, Stephanie, Lisa and Jack – please pray for them as they deal with the loss of their friend Wanda.
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 to turn 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.
To Find Employment
Sandra asks that you pray she will be able to find new employment in which she can use her considerable talents to make her new employer more successful. Please pray for her as she searches that she might maintain a good attitude while she looks for work and to look to God for guidance and not her inner self.
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.
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, Peter, 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), Julian (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
Don, Sandy and Nick give thanks for safe travel to and from Alaska.
Kenny Parker and Jack Arnold give thanks for their graduation from high school and pray for God’s guidance as they move to the next phase of their lives.
Various Special Requests
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 continue to 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 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
15 August 2010 Jan Macauley
22 August 2010 Ben Lizak
29 August 2010 Holly 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
15 August 2010 – Eleventh Sunday after Trinity – 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
See you next week on Sunday!
No comments:
Post a Comment