Today was the Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany. Sunrise temperature on Mount Olympus was a relatively cool 29°F under gray skies. Down the hill at church, the temperature was a bit warmer at 48°F under the same gray sky. The cool gray weather brought 24 people to church.
Gathering Songs
Today Father Acker, Nick Patton and Jack Arnold provided the gathering songs. The gathering songs are our way of blending traditional hymns in the service with some contemporary singing before the service and keep our guitar players happy at the same time. They also service to give a 15 minute window to get to church and still be on time (some people use the class to make it a full half hour window)
Sometimes the songs work better than others. Today, they were exceptional in their power. We started with 11 people and ended up with 24 by the time the songs did their magic.
The gathering songs were:
• Forever
• Amazing Grace
• Just a closer walk with thee
• Here I am to worship
Once again, Great Job, gentlemen!
Pre-Service Class
Father Acker has moved to Luke, Chapter Seven, Verses Eleven through Seventeen, the story of the young man Jesus returned to life in the City of Nain:
And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people.
Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her.
And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.
And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.
And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother.
And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people.
And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about.
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 minister as a prayer, the Epistle can be read by either a designated reader (as we do in our church) or by one of the ministers and the Holy Gospel, which during the service in our church is read by an ordained minister.
The propers are the same each year, except if a Red Letter Feast, that is one with propers in the prayerbook, falls on a Sunday, then those propers are to be read instead. Red Letter Feast, so called because in the Altar Prayerbooks the titles are in red, are special days. Most of the Red Letter Feasts are dedicated to early saints instrumental in the development of the church, others to special events. Some days are particularly special and the Collect for that day is to be used for an octave (eight days) or an entire season, like Advent. The Propers for today are found on Page 114-115 with the Collect first:
The Fourth Sunday after The Epiphany.
The Collect.
O GOD, who knowest us to be set in the midst of so many and great dangers, that by reason of the frailty of our nature we cannot always stand upright; Grant to us such strength and protection, as may support us in all dangers, and carry us through all temptations; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Ben Lizak read the Epistle for today, which came from the Thirteenth Chapter of Paul’s letter to the Romans beginning at the First Verse:
LET every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God; and they that resist shall receive to themselves condemnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: for he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
The Gospel for today came from the Eighth Chapter of the Gospel according to Saint Matthew, beginning at the First Verse.
WHEN he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him. And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them. And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, and saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him. The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. And I say unto you, that many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.
Think about this …There came a leper … Leprosy is one of those biblical diseases, not real, just a bad thing we don’t want to associate with. Or, is it? No, leprosy is real and has nothing to do with leopards. Leprosy is a chronic disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium lepromatosis. It is primarily a granulomatous disease of the peripheral nerves and mucosa of the upper respiratory tract with skin lesions as the primary external sign. During biblical times, there was no treatment. As leprosy progressed, it permanently damaged skin, nerves, limbs and eyes. Body parts become numb, infected, infection results in tissue loss, so fingers and toes become shortened and deformed as the cartilage is absorbed into the body. About 95 percent of the population is actually immune to the disease, which seems to be spread by respiratory droplets.
So dreaded was the disease that leprosy became synonymous with being an outcast, one beyond the pale. To the people of the time, it appeared the person was disintegrating from the extremities inward, rotting away in a form altogether hideous and awful. At the time, there was no treatment. Yet, like the centurion in the verses right after, the leper knew Jesus could heal him. He had faith.
So he asked. When he asked there was no bargaining, no – If you do this, I will do that. He asked Jesus’ help with no conditions. What he got was likewise freely given. Go thou clean. No one ever asked Jesus for help and was refused.
If leprosy is not the best description of our human condition, I don't know what is. Yet, His Cure never fails.
Sermon - Lordship in Living
Father Acker provided a summary of his sermon so you can see exactly what he was trying to get across:
Today’s Message: Lordship In Living
“Jesus is Lord.” It was the first Christian statement of belief; the first creed is biblical. In our Collects, in the ascription, the last phrase of so many of our prayers “Through Jesus Christ our Lord.” The Lordship of Christ means we place ourselves under authority and under obedience—this is where love enters your life and new life in Christ becomes a reality.
So who is writing the story of your life? Under authority is acting on behalf of Christ with all the accountability and responsibility. You are speaking and acting on Jesus’ under orders. You report directly to Jesus. Obedience demonstrates the reality of Jesus being Lord in your life.
The Leper says to Jesus, ‘You can heal me if you will.’ The Centurion says to Jesus, ‘Just give the word.’ They placed themselves under authority, allowing Jesus to write the story of their life. Paul writes to the Christians in Rome, to those who could look up the street and see the White House, and in the opposite direction was the Capital Building. Paul says, place yourself under the authority the rulers of government, as they are God’s servants. If you live with Jesus as Lord, his word, promise, and action are sufficient.
I like it when government stays out of my life. It could be Law Enforcement or County Building inspectors. We expect to be able to write our own story. My natural tendency is to want to solve problems and take care of them myself. The dangers and trouble are enough without someone or some agency telling you how things are going to be.
If Jesus is Lord, I don’t get to decide when God is involved in my life. It isn’t my life, in reality it never was. But I placed myself under Him. Under Jesus’ Lordship, we allow Him to write our story. Jesus said, “Do this in remembrance of me; Love one another,” and the list goes on. Jesus prayed that Christians might all be one. We don’t get to pick and choose who and on what terms. Jesus has to write, to author your life story. Acts 3 calls Jesus the “Author of life.”
Here is the challenge: Am I willing to ask God to chose how I deal with the dangers, problems, and holes in my life? I really like to get my way. And it is the opposite of what Jesus does. Jesus came into this world and died to do the Father’s will. The reality in my life is I say, “Jesus is Lord.” And then I do what I want using my good, perfect, and righteous understanding of everything in eternity.
I need God’s help to love God enough, to let God enough, to leave my story to Him. It isn’t about my doing everything God wants me to do. God doesn’t want you to feel guilty—I do that quite well on my own. I need God’s help so that at every moment in my day I’m living out the words of the Centurion, “Lord, give the order,” direct and steer what I’m going to do at work, at home, at church.
Lordship also means obedience. We are to obey God. Paul says we need to obey our government. Why?
Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God's servant for your good.
It is about participation in “doing good.” I really should be happy government builds roads, and the highway patrol is out there to stop the reckless driver. Doing what is good is our participating in God working out his purpose and will.
We need God’s power if we are going to have Jesus as Lord in your life, if you hope to place yourself under His authority and to be obedience. Our love for Jesus needs us to be one of those who comes:
…many will come from east and west and recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven…
I need Jesus to be Lord in my life.
Our prayer for this week is to ask that God would come with his Power in our lives. It is a prayer to let the Lordship of Christ rule in your life this week. To recognize the lack of power and our “great dangers.” We are asking God to enter in as Lord.
If Jesus is Lord, when I face danger, problems, trouble, I know my faith, my principles, and resolve aren’t sufficient in facing fear, temptation, opposition, or depression. I need God’s strength and God wants to give it.
If Jesus is Lord, God will enter into our lives to cast out evils, to support us in danger, to carry us through all temptations. I need to call on God to ask for outward protection and for inward spiritual strength.
You need God’s help to love God enough, to let God enough, to leave your story to Him. Under authority and In obedience, Jesus Is to be Lord in every part of your life.
New Nametags
We had no new nametags today.
Birthdays and Anniversaries
There were no reported anniversaries. But, finally a birthday! Today we celebrated Ryan Welter’s 26th birthday with him!
After Church Hospitality
Betsy and Marianne Lane brought snacks today. There were fresh crisp veggies, with dip; chocolate chip cookies; sugar free muffins; fancy nuts and the world’s best red flame seedless grapes! Absolutely wonderful!
Many thanks!
After church goodies providers as currently signed up:
Date Name
6 February 2011 Greg and Alice
13 February 2011 The Lizaks
20 February 2011 Nancy Graham
27 February 2011 Stephanie Boyd
6 March 2011 Jan Macauley
13 March 2011 Greg and Alice
20 March 2011 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!
Anniversary
Sandy and Don Patton celebrated their 24th anniversary with us seventeen weeks ago. It would be appreciated if someone else had an anniversary.
Birthday
Warren Huber celebrated his 3rd birthday with us two weeks go.
Travel
Kurt is on travel this week.
Keith and Alice are on travel this week.
In need of a miracle or understanding of God’s Plan
Todd and Kenny have both been fighting osteocarcinoma for over five years and have been told their time here on earth is nearing its end, absent a miracle from God. Both are ready to go home and leave the pain, but would like to stay. Please pray for them and their families.
Peaceful Transition
Otis is in hospice care.
Beatrice
Francisco Mier is nearing the end of his time here on earth, after a long and hard fought battle with cancer, there is nothing further medically that can be done. Pray for an acceptable passage from this world to home for Francisco, for peace of mind and trust in God for his family: his wife Rebeca and his children, in particular his daughter Lorena with whom he has been staying.
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.
Departed
Donald passed away 29 January 2011
Homebound
Mary, Donna, Betty, Noko, Adelaide, Evelyn, Lorraine, Ellie, Ray (Alzheimer’s Disease)
Healing
Marge, Christian, Lois, Ruth, Connie, Tom, Crystal, Thomas, Hadley, Diane, Norm, Gregory, Nancy, Bill (infection), Ernie, Ray, Hazel, Bruce (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), Jeffrey (testing), Gary (sepsis; diabetic), Jim (stomach cancer), Kathleen (breast cancer), Mrs. Alvord, Angie, Madge, Jeannie (testing for breast cancer), Ed, Betty, Karl (Healing of his shoulder injury, but not having surgery), Stephen, Curtis; Angie, Madge, Veronica, Carmen, Dave (surgery recovery), Ed S (liver failure), 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), 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 (healing from fall, but still weak), Louis, Alan P (Stress test for chest pain), Lydia, Burton (neurological back pain), Terry (Breast Cancer; surgery 3 Aug10), Goodwin Family, Kathy who had surgery for a reoccurrence of cancer, Susan A, Dorothea, Liz F (diabetes and vertigo), Robert, John, Liz, Jack, Bill, Corina, Liz, Robert, Mark, Paul, Gilbert, Susan, Jeff, Addison, Gene, Kathy (low platelet count due to chemo treatment), Larry F., Bill F. (swelling of ankles), Mabel (stroke), Gabriela G. (terrorist shooting), Chloe, Sheila, Ryan (abdominal pain), Ronnie, Trevor
Carl, Susanne Barrett’s father, had a mole removed earlier this week which came back as melanoma. He seeing an oncologist on Friday to test and see if the melanoma has spread to nearby lymph nodes; however, the dermatologist said he's "fairly certain" he removed it all. Please pray the dermatologist has removed all the melanoma already and that it hasn't spread. Carl seems closed to any discussion of faith matters. His family asks you to pray this situation shows him his need for God.
Jack Royce chipped his elbow in a fall on snow and ice. Please pray for a rapid and full recovery.
Kyle Thompson, CPL USMC was injured was seriously wounded while on foot patrol in Helmand Province of Afghanistan on 25 October 2010. Kyle and his point man, Todd Love, were hit by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) during a routine patrol. The IED ripped into Kyle's face, resulting in the loss of Kyle's left eye, and severely damaging the retina in the right eye. In early November his left eye was surgically removed.
Kyle was transferred to the Veterans Administration Hospital in Palo Alto, CA for further treatment where he had successful surgery in December 2010, on his right eye. His vision is clearing pretty well. Kyle may need further facial surgery. He has been released to Camp Pendleton on casual status until his medical condition is clear. Likely he will be medically discharged.
You can reach out to him by emailing his father, Mike Thompson, at miket4k@yahoo.com. We may have a new address soon.
Todd Love, CPL USMC was seriously wounded while on foot patrol in Helmand Province of Afghanistan on 25 October 2010. Todd and his squad leader, Kyle Thompson, were hit by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) during a routine patrol. The IED took both of Todd’s legs and part of his left arm. Pray for peace of mind, courage and healing for Todd. Pray for the medical teams treating him.
Todd is doing incredibly! He is “walking” on an arm and half! Falling, but getting back up and walking. Todd is amazing!
See video of Todd walking on his new bionic short legs. He is a fearless hobbit! If you don’t look at the videos, you are really missing out!
Send Todd a note or log on to http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/toddlove.
Todd’s new address:
The Mologne House
CPL TODD LOVE Room 433
6900 Georgia Ave NW Building 20
Washington, DC 20307-5001
Todd has a family friend who needs your prayers and a hopeful note would go a long way:
Joseph Ardron
489 Chattin Drive
Canton, GA 30115
Joseph has had a hard year. His brother was killed in Iraq and then his 2 year old son was hit by a car and killed two weeks after the death of his brother. His heart must feel over whelmed with sorrow at Christmas time when he should be with the ones he loved. Todd is concerned that Christmas will come and pass with only the few cards that his family has sent him, however his birthday is 31 December. Todd asked that if anyone has any extra Christmas cards (even late) or birthday cards lying around please place a stamp on an envelope and send it, even if you are a bit late.
If these Marines tell you someone needs help, they know. ACT. Send those cards TODAY. Do not wait. Do not put it off. TODAY.
Shamim Gray underwent a lumpectomy on Saturday 6 November 2010 at Bethesda Naval Hospital, with apparent great result. Please give thanks for the successful surgery, the good result and a quick recovery. Please pray for a complete remission of the cancer. Pray also Shamim will maintain her great attitude and trust in God.
Judith Clingwall, afflicted with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), suffered a major setback in her coping with the disease. She is currently in a extended care facility. Please pray for her strength, peace of mind, trust in God and remission of the disease so she might return home to her family. Pray also for strength for her husband Martin as he deals with all the problems and stress of Judith’s situation.
Joan Balslev underwent another nerve surgery on her right hand to transfer a nerve from her leg to her hand. The surgery appears successful, though she will likely need another. Please give thanks for the good result and pray for a complete and quick recovery.
Victor’s heart was racing and it was expected he had a blocked coronary artery, but an angiogram on 13 October 2010, at Scripps Green Hospital found no blockage. They did find some plaque in his heart, but they don't know why his heart is racing. They plan to do more tests, but they may never know. They will put him on medication to help his heart heal. Please pray for healing for Victor and peace of mind through trust in God for Victor and his wife Karen as well as the rest of his family and friends.
Becky Madden is paralyzed from the neck down as the result of a tragic shooting accident. She has made it home and to church in a new donated magic wheelchair. Please pray for further recovery for Becky, as well as strength and guidance for each of those involved.
Won King had a small stroke near the end of August, the only residual appears to be a loss of vision in her left eye. Please pray for a complete healing and give thanks for the great progress so far.
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 is still dealing with the loss of the fingers, but doing amazingly welll. Please pray for continued healing in his hand and arm. Pray for courage, strength and trust for JJ and his 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 Seddon woke to excruciating pain the morning of 2 January 2011. Please pray for resolution. He is a pharmacist and church leader in Georgia whose bladder cancer returned spreading to his pelvis a year ago is home after surgery on Monday 29 November 2010. The surgeon believes he was successful in removing ALL of the tumor in George's leg which was wrapped around his sciatic nerve.
Please give thanks for George walking and continue to pray for George's complete healing; 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.
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 had additional 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.
Jere Wolfe, Melanie Zimmers’ dad, has cardiomyopathy, a weakening of the heart muscle. He has been recovering slowly from severe anemia which affected his heart condition. Jere’s heart rate is down to 30 and he needs a pacemaker installed. Please pray for the pacemaker installation to be done quickly and successfully and for Jere to maintain his trust in the Lord.
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, however now she is suffering the effects of shingles
Phyllis, Greg’s mom, to gain physical strength to overcome her frailties after her recent "small" stroke.
Rede Acker, Father Acker’s mom, is recovering from her broken leg, just above where she had a knee replacement. Things had been going great, but she had another fall on 20 November 2010. She was back in the hospital with an infection and had apparent problems with her pain medication. It appears the pain medication issue has resolved and the infection under control to the point she was released from the hospital on 5 December 2010, please give thanks for that. The whole family appreciates your prayers, thank you.
Evelyn Hunt is still having difficulty with her medication and other related problems. Please pray the doctor might find the right medication and doses for her treatment. Please pray for God's peace and goodness to surround her.
Wanda M is still out of 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. 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! And CLEAN SCANS! 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 and apparently declining after a limited recovery. 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.
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. 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.
Bashir Ahmed, father of Shamim Gray, has been blessed with the Lord's breath of life to stay on this earth for the time being. But, things are hard for him and his loving wife, who cares for him. They have two young nieces living with them who see no real need to help, pray for God to enter their hearts. Above all, pray for his entire family to open their hearts to accept all God’s love will bring them.
Mary Parker is currently in rehabilitation to learn to walk properly again. Please pray for a positive attitude for her and a great result.
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 dealing 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), 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; Steven (strength); Vanessa H (trust), Jackie (God's grace), Jennifer, Virginia, 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, 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, Alan (stress in family matters), Kenny (dealing with not being able to physically qualify for the Coast Guard), Sol F, Alex, Emilie, Delores, Will, Vinnie, Colleen and family, Maureen and family, Billy, Barbie, Robert, Terry, Tony, Sue (husband passed away after a long illness), June, Veronica, Richard, Ryan, Karen F., Toni, Carmen, Vince, Vicki, Rick, Anthony, Salvatore, Danielle to be guided to God, Marcella, Mark, Stephen, Richard, Jenny, Beth, Byron, Hector
James Edward Gerard Fox asks that you please pray for him as he is not well in mind and body and needs raising up to perfection by God through our Lord Jesus. James suffers from anxiety and depression. He is desperate, he has bad asthma, panic attacks and blackouts - his mind and thinking is disordered. He asks for a complete lasting miracle in order to heal him. He feels a tormenting unclean spirit inside him that needs taking out for good. Pray for him to accept God’s help.
Helen and her family are in need of God’s guidance that they might do His will, see things His way and hopefully come together through His love.
Sol and his family are in need of God’s guidance that they might do His will, see things His way and hopefully come together through His love.
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.
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
K and S are doing missions work in preparation for another trip to a central asian country where there has been a severe crackdown on Christians in the past week, with pastors and worshipers being jailed and beaten. Their daughter B and her month-old baby girl H live in Cairo where there have been mass demonstrations and violence. Please pray for their safety and guidance, as well as God’s grace for the various groups of unbelievers who trouble the world around them.
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. 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
Nancy asks your prayers for guidance for her as she seeks employment at both Viejas and Donovan Prison.
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, 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, RJ, Matt, Phillip, Julian, John Kelly (USN - USS Ronald Reagan), Evan (USMC-Afghanistan), Stuart (USMC-Afghanistan), Airman Donny Patton (RAF Mildenhall, UK), Josh (USCG), Kurt Thomas (USN – Afghanistan FOB), 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
Nick, age 90, grandfather of Dominique Mimnagh, friends of our Langstaff family members in Perth, has been granted a visa which will allow him to live out his days in Australia with his daughter Tina with whom he has spent the past 45 years. Please give thanks for this positive resolution.
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 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.
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.
Annual Parish Meeting
After today’s service, we held our annual parish meeting. The only two items that were really discussed were the election of vestry members and the budget.
Due to the size of our church, we voted to extend the term of each current Vestry member by one year. This keeps our current vestry intact. The next Vestry meeting will elect a Volkswarden or Junior Warden who will represent the concerns of the congregation in any matter and will designate a treasurer, secretary and scribe. The Vestry members present committed to keeping the same team members as secretary, treasurer and scribe. The minister will designate the Senior Warden who functions as his representative when he is absent. Once those appointments and designations are made, they will be reported.
The budget was adopted as presented, just under $29,000.00. Given there are fixed expenses for our church location rental and insurance, there really was nothing to discuss on the budget and it was passed as recommended.
Not real exciting stuff, but this parish is not about us. It is about GOD! <- all caps shouting! It is about spreading God’s Word and doing His Work.
Epistle Readers
We post the list of Epistle Readers in the Beadle’s Report each week so you can either plan your attendance or your pre-reading as the spirit so moves you.
Date Reader
6 February 2011 Tim Macauley
13 February 2011 Holly Lizak
20 February 2011 Greg Chase
27 February 2011 Stephanie Boyd
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
6 February 2011 – Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany – Free Teen Guitar Class Sunday, all guitar music for the service. 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
13 February 2011 – Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany – 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
20 February 2011 – Septuagesima 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);
Vestry Meeting after church service at 1115L (11:15 am)
Location – Alpine Elementary School Auditorium – 1850 Alpine Boulevard, Alpine, CA
Sunday
27 February 2011 – Sexagesima Sunday – Service start time 1000 (10:00 am); welcome or gathering songs before the service at 0945 (9:45 am); Time 1000 (10:00 am); Location – Alpine Elementary School Auditorium – 1850 Alpine Boulevard, Alpine, CA
