The Twelfth Night of Christmas
Traditionally, if you can have tradition in a parish with only six Christmases behind it, we celebrate the twelfth and final night of the Christmas season as the Twelfth Night of Christmas with a gathering at the Rectory for a very short prayer service, about three minutes, followed by the traditional burning of Christmas greenery and a lovely trifle.
This year it was not to be. There was no running water at said Rectory the Sunday before and no solution in sight. What to do?
Jan and Tim Macauley stepped up to the plate, so to speak, and offered up their lovely home. Father Acker fixed the running water problem at the last minute and Alice managed come through not only with her traditional trifle, but also with a wonderful ginger bread cake, blueberries and almonds. Tim furnished all manner of drink, from ice tea to Ever Clear and anything you could desire in between!
We gathered together around the Macauleys’ fire pit. Father Acker gave a short history of the 12th Night of Christmas, then read a short prayer. Greg Chase read The Last Gospel. Father Acker read a couple more prayers, then the burning began.
One of the traditional events of a 12th Night celebration is a bonfire with all the old Christmas greenery, such as the cut Christmas trees of old. Having gone up weeks before Christmas, by the 12th Night, they would be pretty dry and ready to burn.
At least among those attending, our congregation had zero cut Christmas trees and little in the way of greenery. Tim did have a honking wreath though!
As you can see by the photographs, no problems with the fire this year. For a while, we thought we had the pillars of smoke that led the Jews in the desert!
Anyway, we had a great time! If you did not make it, resolve to do so next year. It was a really great time.
Many thanks to Jan Macualey, our lovely hostess, and Alice Acker, our Chief Dessert Provider!
The Epiphany, or the Manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles
What a long title for a simple thought. The Epiphany is the title of the feast recalling the arrival of the Magi to pay homage to the Lord Jesus. Epiphany means revealing or becoming aware. Our Lord was revealed first to the Hebrews through the shepherds. The first gentiles (non-Hebrews) to whom He was first revealed were the Magi or Wise Men who came from afar to pay Him honor.
Tonight we had a normal Holy Communion service at Victoria House at 1830 (6:30 pm) with 5 members present. You might think that is a small number. Consider the prayer of Saint John Chrysotom that God doth “promise that when two or three are gathered together in thy Name thou wilt grant their requests.” Seems like we had enough. In fact – We had two AND three. Those of you who were there know how wonderful it felt to celebrate the coming of the Lord to us gentiles. By the way, a “normal” service is about 25 minutes, start to finish; shows how much time singing takes up on Sunday.
Propers
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, with the Collect for the actual Sunday read also. Some days are particularly special, such as the Epiphany, and the Collect is read for eight days (the legendary Octave) The Propers for the Epiphany are found on Page 107-109 with the Collect first:
The Epiphany, or the Manifestation of Christ
to the Gentiles.
[January 6.]
The Collect.
O GOD, who by the leading of a star didst manifest thy only-begotten Son to the Gentiles; Mercifully grant that we, who know thee now by faith, may after this life have the fruition of thy glorious Godhead; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
¶ This Collect is to be said daily throughout the Octave
Hap Arnold read the Epistle for the evening, which came from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Ephesians beginning at the First Verse of the Third Chapter:
FOR this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, if ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God, which is given me to you-ward: how that by revela-tion he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; that the Gentiles should be fellow-heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; and to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: to the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: in whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.
The Gospel for the evening came from the Gospel of Saint Matthew, the Second Chapter beginning at the First Verse:
WHEN Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judæa, in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judæa: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they depart-ed into their own country another way.
Thought for the Day
The Epiphany service was not much different than that first Epiphany. Except this time there three wise women and two wise guys! Most important, Jesus was there! We had a great time worshipping. Join us some time, it is a lot of fun. It seems as if there is always plenty of room in the inn when there is church service going on. Cold outside, though!
The First Sunday after the Epiphany
Today was the first Sunday after the Epiphany and Second Sunday of the New Year 2011. Sunrise temperature on Mount Olympus was a coolish 34°F under low grey cloudy skies. Down the hill at church, the temperature picked up to 42°F. By the time church was over, it was a blistering 48°F under broken clouds. The weather apparently agreed with many as even though Ben was sick, we had 27 people present.
Gathering Songs
Today Father Acker, Nick Patton and provided the gathering songs. Sometimes the songs work better than others. Today, they were exceptional in their power. We started with 13 people and ended up with 27 by the time the songs did their magic.
The gathering songs were:
• We Three Kings of Orient are
• First Noel
• What star is this?
• Shine, Jesus shine
Father Acker’s Pre-Service Class
Each Sunday morning before the service, Father Acker teaches a 10 minute class on a subject of interest after the gathering songs and before the service. He had been working on the Book of Luke before he took a holiday tour onto other subjects. Today, he came back to where he left off on the Sermon on the Plain:
A Tree and Its Fruit
No good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit; for each tree is known by its own fruit. Figs are not gathered from thorns, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush. The good person out of the good treasure of the heart produces good, and the evil person out of evil treasure produces evil; for it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks.
The Two Foundations
Why do you call me “Lord, Lord”, and do not do what I tell you? I will show you what someone is like who comes to me, hears my words, and acts on them. That one is like a man building a house, who dug deeply and laid the foundation on rock; when a flood arose, the river burst against that house but could not shake it, because it had been well built. But the one who hears and does not act is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the river burst against it, immediately it fell, and great was the ruin of that house.
Propers
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, with the Collect for the actual Sunday read also. In this case after the Collect for the Day, the Epiphany Collect will be read. The Propers are found on Page 109-111 with the Collect first:
The First Sunday after The Epiphany.
The Collect.
O LORD, we beseech thee mercifully to receive the prayers of thy people who call upon thee; and grant that they may both perceive and know what things they ought to do, and also may have grace and power faithfully to fulfil the same; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Collect for Epiphany is also read today as we are in the octave, you can find that above.
Hap Arnold read the Epistle for today, which came from the Twelfth Chapter of Paul’s letter to the Romans beginning at the First Verse. Paul asks not only those long gone Romans, but us, as well, to “present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” He tells us our home is in heaven. Life here is not the end, rather the stepping off point, either to heaven or hell. Thus were are “not conformed to this world: but to be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that we ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Some of us may be better than others, but all fall short of the minimum standard. Through Christ we attain eternal life. In the meantime, each of us should not “think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” Each of us has a place in the church, a reason to be and job to do. “For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.”
I BESEECH you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
The Gospel for today came from the Second Chapter of the Gospel of St. Luke beginning at the Forty-First Verse. It tells the story of when Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem after the Passover Feast in his twelfth year. When they were done, the family group, for they likely traveled with their extended family for safety, left together. After the first day’s travel they stopped for the night and could not find Jesus. So, fearing the worst, they headed back at night for Jerusalem. Braving robbers and worse, they made their way back. After looking for three days, they went to the temple, where lo, they found him. He was among the learned men “both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.” His parents were amazed and confounded. He asked them why they worried and why they did not understand that he was about his Father’s business. It is interesting to see that Jesus at twelve was able to “hold his own” with the learned scholars of Judah. He was able to out reason those who lived to dissect the Law. “A little child shall lead them,” Isaiah 11:1-10
NOW his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business? And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.
Sermon - The Will of God – The Basics
Father Acker provided the following summary of his sermon so you can enjoy the message.
Today's message: Understanding the Will of God—Back to Basics
The New Year is a fresh start. Resolutions are made. And it isn’t long before shine starts to lose it’s luster. Things are getting a little difficult and you ask, “If I just knew what God wanted me to do. If I just had some clear instructions…
”
The first time I went downhill skiing was with the Church Youth Group in Colorado. I rented skies with help from the kids. Paid, locked into my skies, looked around and none of the kids was around. I didn’t know how to get on a lift or what to do at the top. The enthusiasm may have been there, but it disappeared quickly.
God does want you to know and to do his will. God isn’t trying to keep it a secret. It is plain and simple. Love God and others.
It is important enough that we say it every week: You shall love the Lord thy God with all thy… We are to have our lives transformed, our minds renewed, to have our lives touched by God, to have our lives touch and transform the lives around us.
Paul writes to the Christians in Rome to explains that our lives are to be living sacrifices to God. Give your yourself, who you are, what have, do, and think, present yourself as a sacrifice, an offering to God. Be God’s woman, God’s man, here today, in your family, where you live, where you work or go to school.
So how do we go about making ourselves a sacrifice to God. It isn’t volunteering to become a martyr. Paul says, “Don’t be conformed to this world, this age.” Don’t make your life what everyone around you likes and expects. In this country we are extremely wealthy, we have running water, most of the time, and food police wanting us to avoid the four basic food groups: sugar, salt, starch, and grease. Jesus’ disciples ask, What is important to God; What does God want? “God, what do you want me to do?” It is the right question.
Here is what Paul says about getting the right answer,
“that to by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
We may not like taking tests. We may feel like were always being tested. But God want you to be the one doing the testing. God wants testing to see his will. When faced with a choice we need to put each answer to the test. Is it good, acceptable, and perfect.
Implied in this testing is you may not make the right choice. But if you are testing you’re going to be looking to see how things are working out. You’ll be checking the results. Here is Paul’s checklist for testing God’s will:
1. Good. Is something good, useful, upright, excellent, beneficial, a blessing, but also pleasant, joy-filled. Does this choice embody the goodness of God?
2. Acceptable. Is this choice pleasing, pleasant? You know what Paul is talking about: Jeff Foxworthy: You you’re a red-neck when you invite your friends to see who nasty something smells. Come check this out it is really foul! Pleasant, that new car smell. Does it have that “just right feel?” Does it look, smell, feel, taste, and sound like it’s God’s way.
3. Perfect. Is it complete, whole, fully grown, brought to the right end. We are too hung up on finding fault, but God desires, it is his will that what we should do end up in the right place. If the best, fastest, finest quality plane takes you to the wrong destination it isn’t perfect. Taking a skateboard to heaven is better than a balcony suite on the luxury cruise ship anywhere else.
Our testing if something is the will of God, we don’t test it just once and go with it. We need to keep checking back. Aim, Fire, Check it. Re-aim and fire again. If you miss the target, it isn’t a good idea to keep shooting in the same place.
This is what we prayed this morning, it is our prayer for this week,
Grant that they may both perceive and know what things they ought to do, and also may have grace and power faithfully to fulfil the same.
Take your bulletin home and make the Prayer of the Week part of your daily prayer: “Grant that “I” may both perceive and know…” Talk to God about it; ask for his help.
If we are to love God we need to know the will of God. Know what God wants you to do, test it. Ask God to be part of your action as you love him and the people in your life.
New Nametags
We had no new nametags today.
Birthdays and Anniversaries
There were no reported anniversaries today. We celebrated Warren Huber’s 3rd birthday today with him. Joining Warren up front were his mom Traci and good friend Haleigh.
After Church Hospitality
Liz and Bill Fuller brought the snacks today. There was a great variety; crackers with two kinds of sausages, both great, two kinds of donut holes, roast beef sandwiches, which were really wonderful. Then, Delores Fontanilla brought in some more! We feasted like kings and queens! Plus, some.
Many thanks!
After church goodies providers as currently signed up:
Date Name
16 January 2011 Delores and Fausto Fontanilla
23 January 2011 Mary Lou Ruiz
30 January 2011 Betsy and Marianne Lane
6 February 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 thirteen weeks ago.
Birthday
Warren Huber celebrated his 3rd birthday with us this week.
Travel
Keith and Alice are on travel this week.
Hap, Dru and Jack are on travel this week.
Sara and Bill are on travel this week.
Skip and Joyce are traveling to visit Mabel who just had a stroke.
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
Ruth is in home hospice care.
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
Ed, Greg Chase’s cousin, passed away on 27 December 2010, two days after he entered hospice care with congestive heart failure, after a long history of heart issues, including two open heart surgeries. Pray the repose of his soul and peace of mind and trust in God for his family.
Homebound
Mary, Donna, Betty, Noko, Adelaide, Evelyn, Lorraine, Ellie, Ray (Alzheimer’s Disease)
Healing
Marge, Karl, Christian, Lois, Jennette (Alzheimer’s), 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), 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 (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), Ben
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 had apparently successful surgery on Thursday 16 December 2010, to remove blood in his right eye. It looks like the surgery went well, some vision is returning and he can walk about on his own!
He will need additional reconstructive surgery to replace his jawbone and his lost teeth. Pray for peace of mind, courage and healing for Kyle. Pray for the medical teams treating him.
Kyle is at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Palo Alto, CA and would appreciate any words of encouragement you could offer, a simple "thank you" would boost his morale immensely. You can reach out to him at either logging onto http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/kylethompson or by emailing his father, Mike Thompson, at miket4k@yahoo.com
CPL KYLE THOMPSON
C/O VETERANS AFFAIRS HOSPITAL
BUILDING 7 UNIT D ROOM 120
3801 MIRANDA AVE.
PALO ALTO, CA 94304
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!
Todd has moved out of Walter Reed Army Medical Center and in to new quarters to continue his recovery process. Send Todd a note at the address below 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 is about to be released home. 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 give thanks for 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 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 been diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, a weakening of the heart muscle. He just was released from the hospital after treatment for a very bad urinary tract infection, the apparent by-product of earlier radiation treatment. The treatment resulted in severe anemia which affected his heart condition. Please pray for his heart and urology doctors to talk to each other and for Jere to maintain his trust in the Lord.
Greg Chase asks that you pray for his family:
Greg broke his toe.
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. She had a CT Scan on 1 December 2010 to see how she is progressing. 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.
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), 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, 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, Fontonilla, 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, Jennifer F, Carmen, Vince, Vicki, Rick, Anthony, Salvatore, Danielle to be guided to God, Marcella, Mark, Stephen, Richard, Jenny
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 min 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
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, 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), 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 and the peace of mind it has given Nick, Tina, Dominique and the rest of their family.
Mike Springer retired Christmas Eve from the San Diego Police Department. He and his wife Annie give thanks for a successful and safe conclusion to a rewarding career with a great department. They are looking forward to retirement. Well, sort of. If you need a great chimney sweep, call Mike. He is now available to respond 7/24/365 to your chimney needs. At least if he can find his watch!
Ryan gives thanks for passing his Series 7 licensing examination.
Rachel gives thanks for the safe birth of Kalani David Parker after a difficult labor.
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.
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
16 January 2011 Sandy Patton
23 January 2011 Don Patton
30 January 2011 Ben Lizak
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
16 January 2011 – Second 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);
Vestry Meeting after church service at 1115L (11:15 am)
Location – Alpine Elementary School Auditorium – 1850 Alpine Boulevard, Alpine, CA
Sunday
23 January 2011 – Third 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
30 January 2011 – Fourth 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);
Annual Parish Meeting after church service at 1115L (11:15 am)
Location – Alpine Elementary School Auditorium – 1850 Alpine Boulevard, Alpine, CA
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
Write Todd and Kyle – They’re counting on you!
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