Today was the Twelfth Sunday after Trinity Sunday. Sunrise temperature on Mount Olympus was a warmish 63°F under bright blue skies. By the time church ended, we were at 91°F with humidity hovering at 22 percent. Weather does not get much better than this in the Northern Hemisphere at the end of August! Although we still had people on travel, we had 19 people at the service.
Gathering Songs
Today Father Ironhand, Nick Patton and Jack Arnold played:
• Abide with me
• Lord I lift your name
• Here I am to worship
• In the secret
In addition to the songs, Father Ironhand and Jack played some really nice instrumentals before they began the gathering songs. I am not sure what they were, but they were good. It as kind of like some Christian jam music. Very nice, I might add.
There was GOOD NEWS and BAD NEWS. The Bad News came first, Nick was not there it start the gathering songs! The Good News was that the very first person the gathering songs gathered was Nick!
There was more good news, once again the gathering songs did their job today; they started with 11 and ended up with 19.
Pre-Service Class
Father Acker is continuing on his leisurely stroll through the Book of Luke, today he continued with the Book of Luke, Chapter 4, Verse 38-39:
After Jesus left the synagogue, he entered Simon’s house. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked Jesus to help her. So he stood over her, commanded the fever, and it left her. Immediately she got up and began to serve them.
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 is read by an ordained priest.
The Collect for the Twelfth Sunday after Trinity follows:
The Twelfth Sunday after Trinity.
The Collect.
ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who art always more ready to hear than we to pray, and art wont to give more than either we desire or deserve; Pour down upon us the abundance of thy mercy; forgiving us those things whereof our conscience is afraid, and giving us those good things which we are not worthy to ask, but through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ, thy Son, our Lord. Amen
Ben Lizak read the Epistle, which came from Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians, the Third Chapter beginning at the Fourth Verse. Paul reminds us through the Grace of God we can be able ministers of the new testament, on our own we can be in the end no good. If we are able to completely follow the Law, with good intent, we can through that please God, but inasmuch as that is impossible we fall short. The letter of the Law which cannot be complied with is death, the spirit of the Law gives life. That is Jesus’ message, for in the Law is death and in the spirit life. For if there is glory in administering the Law, how much more glory is there in the spirit of the Law, which is Jesus’ message?
SUCH trust have we through Christ to God-ward: not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away: how shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious? For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.
Today’s Gospel started in the Seventh Chapter of the Gospel according to St. Mark, beginning at the Thirty-First Verse. Jesus came in to the coast of Decapolis . The people brought unto him a deaf mute. Jesus examined the man, put his fingers in his ears, touched his tongue and said “Ephphatha” , that is, “Be opened.” What Jesus did here for the deaf mute physically is what he does for each of us spiritually. Through Jesus, we hear the Word of God and are given the ability to speak it. Conversely, there are none so deaf as those who will not hear and none so blind as those who will not see. It is up to each of us to choose if we will remain blind, deaf and dumb or open our eyes to see, hear and speak the Word of God. When we receive the gift of sight, hearing and speech we embark on a new life of freedom.
JESUS, departing from the coasts of Tyre and Sidon, came unto the sea of Galilee, through the midst of the coasts of Decapolis. And they bring unto him one that was deaf, and had an impediment in his speech; and they beseech him to put his hand upon him. And he took him aside from the multitude, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spit, and touched his tongue; and looking up to heaven, he sighed, and saith unto him, Ephphatha, that is, Be opened. And straightway his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spake plain. And he charged them that they should tell no man: but the more he charged them, so much the more a great deal they published it; and were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things well: he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.
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: Christians shouldn’t judge
We live in a society today where many people see Christians as mean spirited, narrow-minded, judgmental, nose in the air, and condemning others sins. Unfortunately, Christians on occasion are sadly acting in those ways. Many of these same people also note that these characteristics make Christians just about like everybody else.
As Christians we need to actively work at showing how Jesus makes the life of Christians different from the world. Jesus said that Christians should be known by their love for one another (John). One of the places that Christians run into trouble is with the popular spiritual belief “Christians shouldn’t judge.” As with many myths and urban legends they are based on partial truths. As Christians we need to go to the source; we need to look to see how Jesus acted.
Jesus spent much of his public ministry among people who, like most of us, are aware that they are sinful people. And the people flocked to him. When people where with Jesus, they didn’t feel condemned; they felt loved. Yes, some complained that Jesus hung out with sinners and, in the King James, Jesus is accused of being a wine bibber--a boozer. What the crowd knew, what the people knew was that Jesus loved them. They knew that Jesus’ words where God’s promises coming to life bring them hope and restoration. They could see in Jesus the love of God incarnate.
No one has ever accused Jesus of saying sin doesn’t matter or truth doesn’t matter. Or worst, truth and good are relative. In Jesus we see that love doesn’t approve of sin. Love isn’t compromising the true. Love isn’t about approving every thing, every action, and everything goes. What we do see of Jesus’ love is he meets people where they are and encourages them in seeking righteousness and the kingdom of God. What we see in Jesus is toleration.
During college it have occasion I’d go down to the machine shop in the basement of the chemistry building to see about having a part made for a broken machine. The machinist always asked, “What tolerance do you need on that one inch bolt with 16 thread to an inch?” The last thing you really wanted to say was “exactly one inch and exactly anything. If you did you’d find the exactly machined bolt wouldn’t fit into the less than exact nut. What you wanted was some tolerance, some wiggle room, something less than perfect to fit.
Tolerance has meant, giving some room, because other people are not perfect. It didn’t say there wasn’t a measurement, a standard, a guideline. Jesus allowed some room for the imperfection in the lives of people. His tolerance gave some room for imperfections, not anything goes and needs to be accepted. Plus or minus a bit, God can meet you where you are. God just needs a starting place in your life.
Jesus didn’t diminish right or truth. Instead Jesus made the truth known and visible. In John 14.6 Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Jesus knew the reality of wages of sin being death (Romans 6.23). Jesus wants life for every person. Jesus made possible to leave behind sin and to turn to life.
As Christians we time and time again return to the forgiveness and restored life we find in Jesus. We know what it is like to be a sinner. And it doesn’t matter what brand of sin is on your shelf, locally grown organic is just as much turning away from God as the most popular mass marketed brand. As Christians we also know that God is willing to forgive.
So what did Jesus teach about “judging others?” We ask the question so we can be thinking “How can I make this part of my spiritual life? How can I rightly deal with other people by the Jesus Standard?”
Jesus says,
Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Matthew 7.1-2
Don’t jump on others; Don’t criticize their faults--Unless that’s the way you want to be treated. You need to be careful when you throw a boomerang! It can come back and hit you in the head.
1. So we avoid assigning guilt. Rarely do we know the whole story of someone else’s life. We just aren’t in a position to judge rightly, unless you think you have God’s job!
There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor? James 4.12
The practical bottom line for our spiritual health: Don’t be a score keeper. Don’t label people. Realize you see only the outward visible exterior. And give others some room with their imperfections. We certainly want others to give us some room with ours.
We are to be people of hope. We should pray for those who need God’s grace in their lives. It is as much for you as for them. You need to keep your heart open to them and to love them if you want your life to be filled with the love that Jesus has for people.
1. Judging False Prophets.
Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Matthew 7:15-16
We are to judge the outcome of those who would speak for God--Prophets, but I believe it also includes pastors and teacher. Their life and their action will reveal their heart. Jesus warned the disciples not to be taken in by those who would destroy while wearing a smile and making the sign of the cross. Yes, they will have to answer to God, but we need to judge them by their actions so that we are not destroyed and that the innocent are preyed upon.
The bottom line for our spiritual life is look at the fruits of those who speak for God. For the spiritual welfare you need to be with leaders who speak the truth of God and the fruits of righteousness are seen in their lives.
1. Judging those outside the fellowship of faith.
Jesus approach is to love them and to pray for them. Judging isn’t Jesus’ focus with the woman caught in adultery (John 8.1-11). Those who brought the woman to Jesus wanted judgment. How did Jesus respond, He who is without sin should cast the first stone. In the end it is just Jesus and the woman and he says, I don’t condemn you; Go and sin no more.
The bottom line for our spiritual life is to avoid condemning and look to bring healing and forgiveness. Build a life that has the ministry of reconciliation at your heart.
1. Judging of Believers
We have placed ourselves under Jesus’ rule and command. We have an opportunity to bring grace into the lives of our brothers and sisters. Where two or three are gathered, in that Christ relationship, we can ask for help. We all suffer from 2x4s and are irritated by specks in the eyes of others. When invited we should want our friend to let us know, give us the signal, when we’re worrying about specks of others and tripping over our 2x4.
The bottom line for our spiritual life is we don’t have many of these types of close Christian friends. It isn’t the relationship we have with our Sunday congregation, even if it were only a couple of dozen people. It has to be by invitation--your inviting, your asking for help. A good spiritual friend can help us to grow and their loving judgment can open our hearts to God’s love and grace.
So where is our heart when it comes to “Judging others?” Is it about proving ourselves right? Is it about true love and care for others? As Christians, we are a people who give others the benefit of the doubt. It isn’t our standard that matters. What matters is God’s standard. God’s commands are not about proving wrong. God’s commands are telling us, “You’ll like it a lot better, you’ll be happier, you’ll like the end result, if you do it God’s way.” As God’s people we aren’t about criticizing others, but allowing others to see how God has changed your life. It’s about giving hope to others that God can do the same for someone you know. We are to be people known by our genuine love of people.
New Nametags
We had no new nametags today.
Birthdays and Anniversaries
We had no reported anniversaries or birthdays today.
After Church Hospitality
Jan Macauley brought snacks today. First and foremost were the deviled eggs, then there were peanut butter cookies with splenda, banana chocolate brownies and another bar like cookie that I forgot, but looked great and the requisite veggie platter! Your Beadle was supposed to leave early, but then found out Jan was bringing snack. Time can wait. What wonderful snacks! Thank you Jan!
After church goodies providers as currently signed up:
Date Name
29 August 2010 Dru Arnold
5 September 2010 Holly Lizak
12 September 2010 Nancy Graham
19 September 2010 Greg Chase – Alice Acker
26 September 2010 Jan Macauley
3 October 2010 Holly Lizak
10 October 2010 The Pattons
17 October 2010 Mary Lou Ruiz
24 October 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!
Ordination
Reverend Deacon Colonel Al Ryan, USA Retired was ordained a deacon in the Anglican Communion on Saturday 14 August 2010 at Saint Paul’s Church in Portland, Maine. He is a reader of this report and comrade in arms of the Beadle. Please pray that he will fulfill the responsibilities he has undertaken in a manner which will reflect great credit up on his Lord. By the way, the Beadle has no doubts, but Al would still appreciate your prayers.
Anniversary
Keith and Alice celebrated their 16th anniversary with us week before last.
Birthday
Tim Macauley celebrated his 68th birthday with us three weeks ago.
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
Keith is on travel this week to see his parents.
Traci and Warren are on travel for the next few weeks.
Tim, Jan and Stephanie are on travel this week.
Ryan is on travel throughout Southeast Asia until an undetermined time in the future. He is in Singapore and is keeping his parents updated.
Departed
Sam Bish (age 9) passed away the evening of 20 August 2010 at home with his family after a fierce battle with osteosarcoma. Sam is home free and running with both legs. His faith is solid and so is he. Please pray for his family and friends who remain behind that they might let God carry their worries and sorrows
Jeffrey Hassara (age 16) passed away on Monday 16 August 2010 after a year’s battle with bone cancer. Jeff’s almost incredible faith has been a model for us all. He is home, happy and pain free now. Please pray for his family and friends who remain behind that they might let God carry their worries and sorrows. When you pray, recall Jeff’s words, “God lives and loves us.”
Riley passed away the night of 17 August 2010, due to cancer. Please pray for the repose of his soul and comfort for his family and friends who remain behind.
Chacko Mathews, brother of our occasional attendee Rev KM Mathews, passed away in the southern state of Kerala in India on 9 August 2010, local time, from a heart attack. Chacko was the driving force behind KM’s desire to become a minister. It is sad his treatment was delayed by bureaucracy beyond the time he had here on earth. He will be missed by all his family. Please pray for the repose of his soul and comfort for his family members who remain behind.
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.
Peter Hunter is in hospice palliative care and needs his wife Susan's continuous care. Please pray for peace of mind through trust in our Lord for both of them as Peter passes from this world to his home. Pray also for their friends and family.
Homebound
Mary, Donna, Betty, Noko, Adelaide, Evelyn, Lorraine, Ellie, Ray (Alzheimer’s Disease), Florence
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, 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 (Broken arm & pelvis from a fall; bedridden & pain; Back in hospital), Louis, Alan P (Stress test for chest pain), Lydia, Burton (neurological back pain), Terry (Breast Cancer; surgery 3 Aug10), Goodwin Family.
George’s bladder cancer resurfaced earlier this year, treatment to date has not been promising. Please pray for effective treatment and pain control, pray for peace of mind for George, his wife LaVonda, and their children Megan and George III. Their faith is great, but so is their need.
Tim had a basal cell spot removed from his neck, please prayer for a complete and rapid recovery.
Dale, long time friend of the Ackers, was taken to the hospital as the result of a stroke the afternoon of 4 August 2010. He is out of ICU, but still hospitalized. 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.
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 at least more weeks because of poor bone fusion to date. The boot is hot and uncomfortable, but Doreen give thanks for having a foot and a family. 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.
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 had his final dose of L-MTP-PE and he is now officially finished with treatment as of Friday the 13th, a lucky day for him! It has been about a year and a half since his diagnosis. Soon matt will have his port removed (deported), and at that time he will have gone through:
• 5 surgeries
• 2 clinical trials
• 21 rounds of chemo
• 48 infusions of L-MTP-PE
• 82 nights spent in the hospital
• 141 physical therapy sessions
• 26 injections of G-CSF (mom administered)
• 6 trips to houston
• 12 MRI's
• 9 chest C/T's
• 18 x-rays
• 4 PET/CT's
• 3 bone scans
• 9 blood transfusions
• countless IV's
• countless blood draws
• countless pills and medications
• countless doctor's appointments
It has been a very busy, challenging time, but there have been so many great folks that have helped us along the way. He and his family are grateful and appreciative of so many people....the incredible nurses and doctors at their local children's hospital, Matt's fun, enthusiastic physical therapist, the great folks in Houston at MDACC, the inspiring families they have met along the way and wonderful friends and family who have encouraged and supported them.
Matt is in water polo now. With no hip socket on his left side, he manages to play with what they call a flailing left leg. Courage? Guts? You bet!
His family asks for your continued 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.
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. 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. 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
June D, 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
Stephanie asks that the Holy Spirit might guide her in dealing with a problematic situation with one of her vendors.
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.
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.
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.
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
Jackson Babcock, father of Hope DeLong, is home and feeling well. Please give thanks for his recovery and trust that he will thrive and live a long and fruitful life to God’s honor and glory.
Louis gives thanks for getting a job with UPS.
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
29 August 2010 Holly Lizak
5 September 2010 Jack Arnold
12 September 2010 Sandy Patton
19 September 2010 Don Patton
26 September 2010 Greg Chase
The near future, as well as Next Sunday
You can go on line here and see our church calendar.
Calendar Location - http://go.to/alpineanglicancalendar
Church Facebook Groups Page - http://www.groups.to/alpineanglicanchurch
Or, email the Beadle at thebeadle@mac.com for an emailed link.
Sunday
29 August 2010 – Thirteenth 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
The reason the report is out late is that the Beadle was at Jack Arnold’s High School Graduation party!
See you next week on Sunday!
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