Today was the Fifteenth Sunday after Trinity Sunday. Sunrise temperature on Mount Olympus was a lovely 53°F under bright blue skies. By the time church ended, we were at 88°F with humidity hovering at 13 percent. Weather does not get much better than this in Southern California in mid-September! The perfect weather brought out 19 people to worship.
Gathering Songs
Yesterday Father Acker was teaching a class at Azuza Pacific, so no class today. That meant we had extra gathering songs instead of more Luke. There was a really nice selection of songs today played by Father Ironhand, Nick Patton and Jack Arnold:
• Holy, holy is the Lord
• Amazing Love
• Abide with me
• Jesus loves me
• How great is our God
Pre-Service Class
There was no pre-service class, Father Acker’s leisurely stroll through the Book of Luke being on hold until next Sunday.
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 minister.
The Collect for the Fifteenth Sunday after Trinity follows:
The Fifteenth Sunday after Trinity.
The Collect.
KEEP, we beseech thee, O Lord, thy Church with thy perpetual mercy; and, because the frailty of man without thee cannot but fall, keep us ever by thy help from all things hurtful, and lead us to all things profitable to our salvation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Sandy Patton read the Epistle, which came from Saint Paul’s Letter to the Galatians, the Sixth Chapter, beginning at the Eleventh Verse. Paul continues to warn us of the conflict in our lives between the things valued here on earth and those valued by the forces of heaven (God). Writing to the Gentiles in Galatia, using to the rite of circumcision as a symbol for all of the law, he warns, “As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.” Those who are every eager to have you follow the “law” themselves fail to follow it. He goes on to say that Jesus’ new covenant transcends the law and the law no longer has hold over man. For in Jesus there is salvation, may “the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.”
YE see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand. As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
Today’s Gospel was written in the Sixth Chapter of the Gospel according to St. Matthew, beginning at the Twenty-Fourth Verse. Jesus tells us, “No man can serve two masters …Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” There is only one first place, only one can be in that place. We either place God in first place or we put something else there. If we wish riches in this world as the most important thing in our life, we place the things of this world in first place. If we follow our Lord Jesus and His instruction, we place God in that first place. But, what of this world? “Be not anxious for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than the food, and the body than the raiment? Behold the birds of the heaven, that they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; and your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are not ye of much more value than they?” Jesus tells us not to worry, for worry is of no positive value. When faced with a problem, we must do our best, not merely claim to do our best, and trust in God. For, “which of you by being anxious can add one cubit unto the measure of his life?” God knows we have need of the things of this world while we are in it, he knows we worry about, “What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?” If we first seek “His kingdom, and His righteousness” He will take care of all our necessities. But we must do as He asks, not merely say we are doing so. If you follow God’s directions, you will be wealthy beyond description. While you will never be “Bill Gates” rich, you will never lack what you need.
Jesus tells us, “Be not therefore anxious for the morrow: for the morrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” We are not to worry, but to our best and let the morrow come as it will. We are to do our best, not merely say we are doing our best. For if we truly do our best, then that is all that can be done and there is no point in worrying.
Using an earlier phrase, Trust in God and Dread Naught.
NO man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Therefore I say unto you, Be not anxious for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than the food, and the body than the raiment? Behold the birds of the heaven, that they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; and your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are not ye of much more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add one cubit unto the measure of his life? And why are ye anxious concerning raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: yet I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God doth so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Be not therefore anxious, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? For after all these things do the Gentiles seek; for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Be not therefore anxious for the morrow: for the morrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
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: God gives good luck
There are lots of modern day superstitions, everything from stepping on a crack, to walking under ladders, especially those with a black cat sitting on the top step. Having just spent time with some baseball enthusiasts the past few days, it seems baseball abounds with superstitions. It turns out that it is more than the field keeper getting upset with you if you step on the foul ball line—it is bad luck! And no one dares mention the pitcher is on way to a “no hitter” for fear of jinxing it. And everyone knows that it has been scientifically proven when the whole team turns their caps inside out and sideways tilt of the brim is just right it will rally the team as it brings good luck.
It is a good thing I don’t have a million people watching me getting ready for the Sunday Service doing a play by play with color commentary. Hey, Bob! Did you see the way he adjusted that stole. Having the right side hanging slightly lower is a good luck sign for him. God has blessed us with no TV cameras, or color commentators, or mirrors. But what do Christians believe about luck?
Will your actions give you good luck? If you could just do all the things the Bible tells you, follow all the rules and carry them out just right, God will give you good fortune, right? Well, is it true? Is there some truth in it? What is really going on?
It would be wonderful if doing all the right things would make it so that God will keep any difficulty, problem, or bad thing from happening in your life! With the right words, the right actions and some practice, with the right phrase, a flick and a swoosh; you make things go the way you want. It would be magic.
In the Bible, we hear from Genesis onward, we hear that if you to what God command you will like the results; If you do what God tells you not to do you won’t like the results. This is all well and good until we run into Joh. In the Bible says Job was righteous, and then we ear of all these bad things happened to Job: sickness, death of his children and then the loss of his herds. Now Job was willing to examine his life and see if he had sinned, not following all of God’s commands. He even had some friends who were willing to see it they could point out his failing, but they found nothing. But bad things happened. And even though God didn’t cause them, God allowed them to happen. So what gives? Aren’t you supposed to be blessed in following God’s Word? This was Job’s question. I think this is a question most of us want to ask.
You need to know that you are blessed in doing what God asks. But you don’t get a reward for doing good. The Highway Patrol does send you a bravo certificate for having driven at the speed limit and following all the rules of the road. God’s blessing you isn’t because you did something right. You are blessed by God because God loves you and doing right will have a better result in your life than doing wrong. You don’t receive good luck in doing right. You may do right and have things go badly, very badly.
If we were planning how God deals with people, you might want your right actions to bring about good luck, a happy, trouble-free, worry-free life. Fortunately God has a bigger and better plan for you. He wants you to participate in his plan for today and for eternity.
Wanting to know God’s plan should be a top priority for us. We’re told his plan in John 3.16: For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son to the end that none should perish, but come to eternal life. What is the God plan? Suffering of his Son on the cross so that we might have life for eternity. So it isn’t a matter of luck, but of God’s love; love that would make the needed sacrifice for taking away the sins of the world.
But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Galatians 6.14
The Cross isn’t about luck, or fortune going our way. Following Jesus isn’t about getting what you want, it is about getting and having what God wants. And there should be no mistaking it that following Jesus, taking up your cross daily, leads to Calvary, it leads to the cross, it leads to sacrifice. Giving your life that others may have life. God in his love would have you be a partaker of the divine life of love, to live “on behalf of others.”
So rather than God’s luck, rather than us having the right formula, the right spell, and getting everything just right, if we could just be perfect—It is allowing God to be perfect. Living in the knowledge that God made you and loves and desires you to be with him for eternity. God doesn’t leave your life in eternity to chance, God enters your life to bring holiness.
We are called to labor in the vineyard (Matthew 20.1-7). We are called to take up our cross daily and to follow Jesus. We are to follow him to Calvary. No matter where you are. No matter what is happening in your life. It is about taking up the cross of Christ, with its weight, the suffering, the pain, the ridicule, and even hatred. All so that the love of God might enter in and be known by those around us.
So if we are to get by with luck, where do we turn? We turn to God’s grace. And God gives his grace. And it is grace for to day, not “someday.” We are not a “pie in the sky religion!” And as the song in the movie Michael, ‘Me o’ my, I love pie.’ Jesus wants you to taste and enjoy living the love of divine love today, here and now.
You don’t need God to give you luck, just his grace, his help. You need to turn to Jesus, the pioneer and perfector of your faith. Not that there will be no trouble and everything will go smoothly. It is that you might know the love and presence of God, no matter where you are, no matter what has happened in your life and in the lives of those around you.
In the Gospel for this morning Jesus says, “Don’t be anxious about your life” Matthew 6. God knows what you need. God knows the troubles and difficulties you face. And God gives sufficient grace that you might be part of the divine love bring about God’s purpose in the world and the lives around you. So Jesus tells us, “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
New Nametags
We had no new nametags today.
Birthdays and Anniversaries
We had no reported anniversaries today. But, birthdays we had aplenty! We celebrated Jan Macauley’s 64th birthday and Ben Lizak’s 74th birthday.
After Church Hospitality
Nancy Graham brought snacks today. There were wonderful wreath shaped cookies, soft yellow cheese slices, a beautiful selection of crackers and the requisite Anglican Red Seedless Grapes. Superb snacks, Nancy! Many thanks!
After church goodies providers as currently signed up:
Date Name
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 Betsy and Marianne Lane
31 October 2010 Primo Dew
7 November 2010 Opportunity Available!
14 November 2010 Opportunity Available!
21 November 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 four weeks ago.
Birthday
Jan Macauley celebrated her 64th birthday with us today.
Ben Lizak celebrated his 74th birthday with us today.
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
Tim is on travel this week.
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 Hasara (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.”
A note from the Hasara Family - From our Family to yours, thank you for your thoughts and condolences. Your prayer gave us and Jeff courage, strength and sustaining Love. God Bless in all the great things you do and have done for our family.
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.
Peaceful Transition
Otis is in hospice care.
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
Greg Garvin begins chemotherapy on Monday 13 September 2010, for testicular cancer. Please pray for good result and peace of mind for Greg and his family.
JJ Davies, age 11, sustained a crushing injury to his left hand on 1 September 2010, which resulted in the loss of four fingers. He was released from the hospital on the night of 3 September 2010, with no sign of infection. Please give thanks for no infection and the great results to date and pray for continued healing in his hand and arm. Pray for courage, strength and trust for JJ and his family.
Nancy Bologna underwent emergency surgery the night of 23 August 2010, for a brain tumor. Please pray for a successful outcome and strength and comfort for her and her family.
Nancy Belk’s breast cancer had been in remission for seven years. It has apparently resurfaced in metastasized into her lungs and her arm. Please pray for treatment that will help her, as well as strength and comfort for both her and her 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.
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’s attitude is great, she is working towards increased mobility and is making it to church! Rede us akready planning on visiting her sons for Thanksgiving! 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. After about 18 months of treatment, all his scans are clear and Friday 3 September 2010, he had his chemotherapy port removed. This with a disease that is about 90 percent fatal in that same time period. He has no hip joint on one side, but he walks and swims! Courage? Guts? You bet! Thanks be to God for the way things have gone. Thanks also for the great faith of Matt and his entire family. Their faith and trust is a wonderful example for each and every one of us. But, now is not the time to stop praying. Actually, it never is the time to stop praying!
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 continues her recovery from the kidney transplant and is doing incredibly well! Please give thanks for the great progress to date and pray for continued 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 coming out soon!
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
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.
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
Wanda for guidance on dealing with an employment situation for which her organization needs protection against those who would destroy and tear down the work of the helping organization; also for strength and guidance to deal with the extra stress and hours required to deal with these problems; and pray for her continued healing during this time of stress.
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.
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), 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
Nancy gives thanks for all God’s blessings.
Danielle Rubio Blomberg gives thanks for the safe birth of Cannon Christopher Rubio Blomberg the night of 9 September 2010, after a difficult pregnancy.
Stephen gives thanks for getting a job.
Louis gives thanks for getting a job with UPS.
Various Special Requests
Please remember the events of 11 September 2001, known for all time as 9-11, another day which will live in infamy. Pray for those who lost their lives and those who were injured, as well as their families. Pray for those who have answered their country’s call to protect us from another attack; those whose lives have been altered by that call.
Christchurch, New Zealand is reeling from the effects of an earthquake. Please pray for a rapid recovery, strength, guidance and help for those in need.
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.
Luck and God
Is there luck? No. There are factors and there is chance, not to forget randomness and uncertainty; superstition and a desire to avoid reality is what invented luck. Doing what God asks does not give you good luck; it will not guarantee success. What it will do is guarantee that things come out better than if you did not do what God asks. A friend of mine says he believes in luck, because he has noticed that the harder he works, the luckier he is. Luck and God are kind of related like that. Doing what God asks you to do does not guarantee success, doing what He asks you not to do does guarantee failure!
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
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
19 September 2010 – Vestry Meeting – Parish Management Meeting, like a Board of Directors, all parish members. Time 0930 (9:45 am); Location – Alpine Elementary School Auditorium – 1850 Alpine Boulevard, Alpine, CA
Sunday
19 September 2010 – Sixteenth 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
Friday
24 September 2010 – Free Teen Guitar Class Jam Session at Albertsons / Starbucks in Alpine, CA Food afterwards, no doubt - Time 1830 (6:30 pm); Location – Alpine Albertsons - 2955 Alpine Boulevard, Alpine, CA
Sunday
26 September 2010 – Seventeenth 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
Sunday
3 October 2010 – Eighteenth Sunday after Trinity – Free Teen Guitar Class Sunday - 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!
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