Today was the Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany. Sunrise temperature on Mount Olympus was a calm nice 34°F under the bright blue skies of a spent Santa Ana condition. Down the hill at church, the temperature was a lovely at 67°F under a high very thin overcast. The beautiful weather brought 28 people to church.
Gathering Songs
Today Father Acker and Jack Arnold did the usual gathering songs. Nick Patton was off on a hockey tournament, so he missed the spectacular! The gathering songs are designed to provide an interlude between when church starts and when people really show up so that we have something to do in the interim and people don’t feel rushed to get in, sit down and shut up! They are a tradition inherited from the African wing of the Anglican Church. A fine idea for letting people kind of drift in without being late. They have the added advantage of letting us do contemporary sing along music before the service and traditional organ accompanied hymns during the service. Plus, our guitarists love to play! Today, the talented duo played:
• My heart’s desire
• Abide with me
• Jesus loves me
• How great is our God
Once again, Great Job, gentlemen! You have to admire the guys; Father Acker and Jack always make it, rain or shine, sick or well, tired or rested.
Pre-Service Class
Father Acker continued on in Luke, Chapter Seven, moving to Verse Twenty-Four, where John sends his messengers to see if Jesus is who he thinks he is. After John’s messengers depart to return to the Wild Man, the story continues:
And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind?
But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts.
But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet.
This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.
For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.
And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John.
But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.
And the Lord said, Whereunto then shall I liken the men of this generation? and to what are they like?
They are like unto children sitting in the marketplace, and calling one to another, and saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned to you, and ye have not wept.
For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, He hath a devil.
The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners!
But wisdom is justified of all her children.
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 117-118 with the Collect first:
The Sixth Sunday after The Epiphany.
The Collect.
O GOD, whose blessed Son was manifested that he might destroy the works of the devil, and make us the sons of God, and heirs of eternal life; Grant us, we beseech thee, that, having this hope, we may purify ourselves, even as he is pure; that, when he shall appear again with power and great glory, we may be made like unto him in his eternal and glorious kingdom; where with thee, O Father, and thee, O Holy Ghost, he liveth and reigneth ever, one God, world without end. Amen.
Holly Lizak read the Epistle for today, which came from the First Epistle of Saint John, the Third Chapter beginning at the First Verse.
BEHOLD, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. Whosoever committeth sin trans-gresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth right-eousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
The Gospel for today came from the Twenty-Fourth Chapter of the Gospel according to Saint Matthew, beginning at the Twenty-Third Verse.
THEN if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before. Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together. Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: and then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
Sermon - Living as a Child of God
Father Acker provided a summary of his sermon so you can see exactly what he was trying to get across:
Today’s Message: Living as a Child of God
How many call themselves Doctors and don’t heal? How many call themselves Guitarists and don’t play? How many call themselves Christians and don’t follow Jesus? This is where John directs our attention in today’s reading.
John outlived all the other apostles. He was also the youngest of apostles—14 or 16 year old starting out. Now in a lifetime of being an apostle, being a shepherd of the flock, he writes about what it means to be called by God.
See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. 1John 3.1
The Authorized Version just left out the phrase from the Greek text “and we are.” John wanted the children of God to know the reality of their being God’s children. John knew it was more than a description, more than a label. Being a “child of God” has a divine reality.
You may recall that John was able to be with Jesus in the three years of Jesus’ teaching ministry. Jesus took special care for the young man. He was the “beloved disciple.” John loved Jesus with all his heart, soul, and mind throughout a lifetime. And now he loving encourages others saying,
Look and see how much God loves you—He loves you so much that we are called his children. And we really are! (paraphrase 1John 3.1)
This is the close of Epiphanytide, of Christ being manifested, shown to the world. It ends with the Coming of the Son of Man as our Gospel reading. There will be no mistake when Jesus comes again:
They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
So if we are called children of God, what difference does it make in your life? What difference does it make that you are “elect,” so as to be gathered up? It makes enough difference that you are here this morning! Believing that Jesus is the only Son of God, who died for your sin, and rose to give you life may mean that you are “saved.” But this just the opening sentence of what God wants for you. We read in the Acts of the Apostles that those who called themselves Christians “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, the breading of bread, and the prayers.” They not only believed; they acted upon that belief, knowing the reality of being children of God, in the family of God, in relationship. Christ enters into a marriage with his Bride, the Church, not only to be One Flesh, but for the procreation of children, to give new life.
Life in God’s family is what God wants and desires for every person. Those of the world don’t know us as children of God as they don’t know the intimate reality of God, Christ and his Church, the living reality of being one, being a child of God—“We are family, all my brothers and sisters with me.” It is in God’s family that we know God; he is manifest to us in what you do with these people sitting next to you, in front of you and behind you; the generations before and the generations to come.
So we are called Children of God, so what does God want us to do? John says,
Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.
We are to be one with Christ. We are to be like him and we know we’re not there yet. We are to be looking to see him as he truly is. We are to look, seek, and know the reality of God. We are to Grow, Pray, and Serve. If you’re in God’s family you take part in growing up, maturing. Children become adolescents, adolescents become young adults, who mature into adults, who mature into seniors. Helping one another along the way and bring others to the new life in Christ and mentoring them so they to may mature. We are children living in God’s family.
So what am I to do? What is wise old John the Apostle tell me? He says this,
Everyone who thus hopes in [Jesus] purifies himself as he is pure
I used to make jewelry as a hobby. One of the things that always amazed me was the purifying of the molten metal. The impurities, the oxidation, would rise to the surface as the metal was heated.
I need some heat, some fire of God, I need the Spirit of God ablaze in my life if I’m going to be purified. Our prayer needs to be the Invocation of the Holy Spirit from our Confirmation: “Come Holy Ghost, our souls inspire; Enlighten with celestial fire.” If we are led by the Holy Spirit to Grow, Pray, and Serve, John says:
Don’t spend your time practicing how to sin. I need to keep turning to God and drawing closer to him and working with him in his purpose and will. I turn my back on God often enough, I don’t need to dedicate my effort and practice to turning from God. I need to turn to God at every opportunity to see him face to face.
What I don’t need is self-righteousness. I need it to be the rightness of God. If I make up my own list of self-improvements I will be creating my own image and likeness. I’ll be my own creation. As children of God we need to God to make us pure, to lead us into all righteousness.
If my life is to have the reality of being a “child of God” the purifying will take place in God’s family, surrounded by those who are also God’s children. I need those who love me in Christ to open the eyes of my heart that I might see the glory of the Son of Man, to see the reality of Christ present.
Our prayer this week is that “at his appearing again with great power and glory, we shall be made like him in his eternal and glorious kingdom”; that as we are called children of God; “and we are.”
New Nametags
We had no new nametags today.
Birthdays and Anniversaries
There were no reported anniversaries. We celebrated Muriel Pappin’s 84th birthday with her.
After Church Hospitality
As she often does when she reads the Epistle, Holly Lizak brought snacks today. What wonderful snacks; the world’s best black olive egg salad sandwiches, four kinds of cookies, grapes, chicken curry sandwiches, huge heart shaped dog nuts and to stop any leaks, dog nut hole plugs! Wonderful!
Many thanks!
After church goodies providers as currently signed up:
Date Name
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 eighteen weeks ago. It would be appreciated if someone else had an anniversary.
Birthday
Muriel Pappein celebrated her 84th birthday with us this week.
Travel
Keith and Alice are on travel this week.
Hap is 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
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
Francisco Mier passed away on 31 January 2011, after a long and hard fought battle with cancer. Pray for the repose of his soul and 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.
Paula Threat passed away on 31 January 2011, of Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS). Please pray for repose the soul of Paula and for her family who remain behind, particularly for her husband Jimmy and sons Brian (21) and Jimmy, Jr. (16), as well as her father Obra.
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, Scott (physical and testing), Alice, Liz
Hal Campbell will be undergoing surgery for a cancerous lesion on the inside of his cheek and the associated lymph node. Hal’s family asks that you pray for God’s help for the surgical team, a successful surgery and rapid recovery.
Jason Gillis has a foot infection which has resulted in hospitalization for IV antibiotics. Please pray for his complete and rapid recovery.
Carl, Susanne Barrett’s father, had a mole removed which came back as melanoma. The dermatologist said he's "fairly certain" he removed it all. Please pray the it was all removed and 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.
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 is a senior in declining health who is a non-believer whose trust is in science. He appears to have congestive heart failure, as well as a Urinary Tract Infection and a viral infection in his lungs. He feels terrible and as might be expected is depressed. 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, but needs to waiting until they get an infection and fluid levels under control. Surgery is now scheduled for 14 February 2011, Valentines Day, what better auger for heart surgery! 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 with the loss of his daughter Paula and pray for him to believe the almighty Lord will hold onto him, and not let go until he is in His arms. Obra needs security of what lies ahead of him, and only the Lord can grant the solace to answer his prayer.
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, Virginia, Nick, Nancy (legal proceeding), Rachel, Stephen
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.
Steve asks that you pray for difficulties he is having with his family. Please pray that the Holy Ghost will enter into his heart and provide him with the heaven sent inspiration that he needs to see clearly and deal with problems and the courage to do what needs to be done in the manner it should be done.
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.
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), Julian (USMC), Jordan (USMC – Boot Camp 8 April 2011 Graduation)
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
Kurt Thomas (USN – Afghanistan FOB) returned from deployment to Afghanistan this week. He and his family give thanks for a safe return.
Kurt and his family joined us for today’s service. It was great to see them all at church together! While we know that Mary and the kids were even happier to have Kurt home, we came in very close second! We give thanks for Kurt’s safe return and for the fact that he and his family chose to share precious time with us and worship together.
Jack Royce gives thanks for recovering from the elbow injury as the result of a fall on snow and ice. An MRI of his elbow showed the break originally seen on X Rays was actually an old break he never knew happened (he is tough). On the other hand they told him he has “mice” in his elbow. These are little bits of cartilage that broke off but there’s no use operating to try to pin them back in place because as soon as a person is under anesthesia, the bits hide in the muscle. Perhaps why they’re called “mice” and fortunately not “cockroaches”, a PR thing. All is well now and he is thankful, as is the rest of his family.
Nancy Graham gives thanks for answered prayers.
Mike and Annie Springer give thanks for finding a new and permanent home. We give thanks as a congregation that they will be staying with us rather than moving to the Midwest!
K and S give thanks for getting their daughter B and her month-old baby girl H out of Cairo where there have been mass demonstrations and violence. Please pray for their guidance, as well as God’s grace for the various groups of unbelievers who trouble the world around them.
Sandra gives thanks for finding what appears to be the perfect fit in new employment where she can use her considerable talents to make her new employer more successful. Please join her in a prayer of thanksgiving for God’s guidance.
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
13 February 2011 Holly Lizak
20 February 2011 Greg Chase
27 February 2011 Stephanie Boyd
6 March 2011 Greg Chase
15 March 2011 Sandy Patton
20 March 2011 Don Patton
27 March 2011 Dru Arnold
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.
Saturday
19 February 2011 – Albertsons Community Fair – Join the FTGC and spread the Word at the annual community fair sponsored by the Good Neighbor Store. Time 1000 - 1300 (10:00 am to 1:30 pm);
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
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