Sunday, March 13, 2011

Ash Wednesday and the First Sunday in Lent


This report covers both Ash Wednesday and the First Sunday in Lent.


Ash Wednesday


Ash Wednesday services were held at Victoria Chapel. For whatever reason, we ended up with 16 people, three more than last year. Due to the large numbers of people, the services were held in the dining room of Victoria House.


Why Ashes on Ash Wednesday?

Jesus went into the wilderness and fasted for forty days to prepare for his ministry. It was for Him a time of contemplation, reflection, and preparation. By observing Lent, most Christians join Jesus on His retreat.


The Lenten period is calculated to extend from Resurrection Sunday back for forty days, not including Sundays. Sundays are not included because they commemorate Christ's glorious resurrection on "the day after the Sabbath," "the first day of the week," "the Lord's day." Sunday is always a joyful celebration of the Resurrection. Therefore, the first day of Lent in the western Church is always a Wednesday.


Biblical societies relied very heavily on wood fires for heating and cooking, which meant that keeping ashes under control was a major housekeeping task. Then as now, if a person was preoccupied with something serious, they didn’t always tend to the housekeeping—it’s the least of their concerns. Imagine that there is a death in the family. A friend stopping by to pay their respects might gently say, “Did you know you have ashes on your face? ”


So ashes became a sign of remorse, repentance, and mourning. Today someone might wear a black armband to signify that they are in mourning; back then people put ashes on their foreheads.


You can find biblical examples of this in 2 Samuel 13:19, Esther 4:1-3, Job 42:6, and Jeremiah 6:26. During Lent, ancient Christians mourned their sins and repented of them, so it was appropriate for them to show their sincerity by having ashes on their foreheads. The custom has persisted in the church as secular society has changed around us. It is most appropriate on Ash Wednesday, when we begin a period of sober reflection, self-examination, and spiritual redirection.


Traditionally, the ashes for the Ash Wednesday service come from burning the palm fronds from the previous years’ Palm Sunday celebration and are, like sour dough starter, kept for centuries.


Ash Wednesday should remind Christians that they are sinners in need of a savior, and that their salvation comes at the sacrifice of God's Son:


But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation. Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption (Heb. 9:11-12)


Some people only celebrate the happy times in Jesus’ life: Palm Sunday, Easter Sunday, and Christmas. True friends also watch and pray with Him on Maundy Thursday, stand by Him at the cross on Good Friday, and go with Him into the wilderness during Lent.


Lent

The word Lent has an obscure origin, and is probably a corruption of Lencten, or a similar term in ancient Anglo, Saxon, and Germanic languages, all of which referred to spring, new life, and hope. Although it is generally considered to be a time of mourning and repentance, it is also designated as a time of new life and hope because by means of the death of Christ, we receive new life.


Many avoid Lent and Holy Week because they think it isn’t a happy and uplifting time—but to be honest, neither is most of life. Sometimes we come to church all scrubbed up, dressed nicely, with smiles on our faces, and when people ask how we are, we reply that everything is fine and we even boast how wonderful things are—but is it? Life is not always uplifting, or wonderful, or pleasant, or joyous. To claim it is, is to miss the whole point of the incarnation! God became flesh in Jesus Christ. Jesus faced temptation, He suffered hunger and thirst, He suffered the agony of crucifixion. Jesus our God did not face these things so that we would be exempt from them, He faced these things so that we would have dignity in them.


The forty days commemorate the significant "forty" periods in Scripture (although forty is not always significant), including the forty years the Jews wandered in the desert after they had been rescued by God from Egypt, and which did not end until they repented. Jonah preached to Nineveh that God's judgment would come on them in forty days. During that time the people repented and thus were spared God's judgment. Jesus was tested by the Devil in the desert for forty days before He began His public ministry, announcing salvation to the repentant and judgment to those who continued to rebel against God. Jesus prophesied that God's judgment would come against Israel for rejecting Him as Messiah within the time of His own generation (Matt. 24; Luke 21; Mark 13). Within forty years of His death, burial, and resurrection, Jerusalem was destroyed and the temple was so ravaged that "not one stone [was] left here upon another" (Matt. 24:2). The Jewish Christians, however, escaped this judgment of God by fleeing to Pella before the final Roman siege, just as Jesus had warned them to do (Matt. 24:16-21).


During Lent, Christians should contemplate their sinfulness, repent, ask God's forgiveness, and realize the infinite sacrifice God made on their behalf. It is to be a time of quiet contemplation, but not a time of despair, since it culminates in the commemoration of the resurrection. Traditionally, those who are joining the church spend this period in special instruction regarding Christian doctrine, practice, and responsibility. Historically, prospective members ("catechumens") did not participate in the Lord's Supper portion of the Sunday services until they were received into full membership on the Sunday of the Resurrection of Our Lord. For them, this first experience of Ash Wednesday and Lent has special significance as God's eternal plan of salvation is applied to them personally.


When Jesus taught us how to pray, He didn’t say, “If you elect to pray, do it this way…” and when He taught about fasting, He didn’t say, “If you elect to fast, do it this way…”


He said, when you pray, don’t do it for show like the hypocrites do. It’s a conversation between you and God. And He gave us the Lord’s Prayer as an example of what we should pray about:


Address God

“Our Father, who art…”

Submit to God’s will

“Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done…”

Ask for your physical needs

“Give us this day our daily bread…”

Ask for forgiveness

“Forgive us our trespasses…”

To the degree that you yourself are willing to forgive…

“As we forgive our trespassers…”

Ask for help with temptations

“Lead us not into temptation…”

And preservation from evil

“Deliver us from evil…”

Recognizing whose world this really is

“For thine is the Kingdom, and the power and the glory, for ever and ever.”


Similarly, Jesus told us that when we fast (not if) we are not to make a show of it, like hypocrites do. A fast is different from a hunger strike: a fast is a personal act of devotion to God, while a hunger strike is a public act most often used to shine a spotlight on injustice. A fast is also different from anorexia nervosa: it is disciplined diet, not total abstention from food. During a religious fast, you still eat, you just abstain from certain foodstuffs. Traditionally, people have fasted by eliminating luxury items from their diets, such as meats. A fast can consist of eating whatever you want, but drinking only water.


More positively, you can fast in other areas beyond food, you can commit to a something that can benefit the church, such cutting back in an entertainment area, using that time for Bible study and donating the savings to the church.


On Palm Sunday, there were crowds who cheered Jesus as the King, but where were all those fair-weather friends when Jesus prayed in agony on Gethsemane, and where were they when He hung upon the cross? Let us be bold to join Him, fasting in the wilderness for forty days during Lent; let us be bold to pray with Him in the garden on Maundy Thursday, let us fearlessly stand at the foot of His cross on Good Friday, so that we may witness His Resurrection and His Ascension, and join in His triumphant reign.


The Epistle for Ash Wednesday was read by Greg Chase and comes from the Old Testament’s Book of Joel, the Second Chapter, beginning at the Twelfth Verse. With a New Testament approach, Joel writes:


TURN ye even to me, saith the LORD, with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: and rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil. Who knoweth if he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him; even a meat-offering and a drink-offering unto the Lord your God? Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly: gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts: let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet. Let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O Lord, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God?


The Gospel for Ash Wednesday begins in the Sixteenth Verse of the Sixth Chapter of the Gospel according to Saint Matthew, where Jesus tells us how to fast:


WHEN ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; that thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.” This is a familiar theme, we are constantly told to do what is good and what is right and not seek credit amongst man, for man easily impressed and easily corrupted. It is not man we should look to for praise, but rather God. Do what is right and what is needed and do not worry about who gets credit for it. Jesus goes on to tell us that we should consider what is important and put that first, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.


First Sunday in Lent


Today was the First Sunday in Lent. Sunrise temperature on Mount Olympus was a lovely 38°F under bright blue skies. It was a bit warmer down the hill at church at about 65°F by the time the service ended. Even though this was the first Sunday of Daylight Savings Time we had 22 people show up to worship our Lord.


Free Teen Guitar Class Sunday and Gathering Songs

Today Father Acker and Jack Arnold provided the gathering songs. Nick Patton had a hockey game and missed the fun! Our talented duo played:


Forever

Lord I lift your name on high

Jesus loves me

Wondrous Cross


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. Nick is there if he is in town!


Pre-Service Class

As we said the Decalogue (Ten Commandments) today, Father Acker decided to discuss them and got through Four:


The Decalogue.


GOD spake these words, and said:

I am the Lord thy God; Thou shalt have none other gods but me.

Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.



Thou shalt not make to thyself any graven image, nor the likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or in the earth beneath, or in the water under the earth; thou shalt not bow down to them, nor worship them;

Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.


Thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vain;

Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.


Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath-day.

Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.


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 125-127, with the Collect first:


The First Sunday in Lent.

The Collect.


O LORD who for our sake didst fast forty days and forty nights; Give us grace to use such abstinence, that, our flesh being subdued to the Spirit we may ever obey thy godly motions in righteousness, and true holiness, to thy honour and glory, who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.


And due to the rubric, the Collect for the Day is followed by the Collect for Ash Wednesday, which is found on Page 124:


The first day of Lent, commonly called
Ash Wednesday.

The Collect.


ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who hatest nothing that thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all those who are penitent; Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


¶ This Collect is to be said every day in Lent, after the Collect appointed for the day, until Palm Sunday.


Don Patton read the Epistle for today, which came from Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians, starting at the First Verse of the Sixth Chapter. In what at first appears to be an incomprehensible single sentence, Paul asks us to be worthy of the grace that God has given us. He tells the people when they needed him, he was there. They need to be there for those around them. They must not frustrate God’s work by showing up late, or not at all. Those around us are watching our actions in the time of testing. We have been given eternal salvation by Jesus’s sacrifice, the understanding of the Gospel by the Holy Ghost. We are at this time dying here on earth, yet progressing towards eternal life in the next world, in Jesus’ world with His help. While we may never be wealthy here on earth, our actions can make our fellow Christians wealthy in spirit beyond measure.


If you claim to be a Christian, you know what is right. If you are a Christian, you do what is right, you don’t take a vote to see what the right course of action might be. Right does not change with public opinion and we must do the right thing. It is our actions that count, in good times or bad. We are Christ’s ambassadors to this world, unfortunately we do not have diplomatic immunity.


WE then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain; (for he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation;) giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed: but in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; by pureness, by knowledge, by long-suffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, by honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; as sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.


This morning’s Gospel comes from the Gospel of Saint Matthew, starting at the First Verse of the Fourth Chapter. This portion of the Gospel tells the story of the temptation of Christ. In many respects, it shows how little the devil understands of Christ, and through Him, of us. If you understand how little the devil really offers you and how much Christ offers, the temptation is ever so much less.


THEN was Jesus led up of the spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, and saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; and saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.


Sermon - Focus

Father Acker provided a summary of his sermon so you can see exactly what he was trying to get across:


Today’s Message: And lead us not into temptation

When I saw the news of the earthquake in Japan on Thursday night and the tsunami washing across the land, what wasn’t captured was the terror and helplessness


in facing the disaster. Japan, the most earthquake prepared country in the world, the buildings and people survived the shaking and still the wall of water has brought devastation and the destruction, and we ask God to enter in with his power and love, and to look with mercy.

In the face of evil, destruction, and tragedy, I realize, once again, how dependent we are on God’s mercy and protection. I need so much to start and end my day as millions of Christians have done for two millennia starting and ending their day with the Lord’s Prayer. I’m reminded of how much we need to be delivered from evil.

In the earthquake and tsunami, or in disasters close to home and tragedies in our own lives, it would be easy to focus only on these events of devastation and destruction. I find I’m easily praying for daily bread and being delivered from evil. For two thousand years Lent turns our attention not only to evils from which we need protection and deliverance, but to the personal spiritual battle ground of temptation in our lives—Lord, lead us not into temptation. I’m sure you know temptation; it is making the choice that cuts corners. It is too much bother to…; I’ll get what I want if…; It will be easier for me if…. I really need God to lead me away from temptation.

As a wise bishop once said, “I can make myself believe anything.” And of course that is to not choose God and reality, but to make up what is true, what is best, and what is good, according to the person everyone should have consulted in the first place, and that is ME! I could have a T-shirt made saying, “It’s all about me!”

Lent really brings temptation to the forefront. I easily let temptation slip by hardly notice—it’s all about ME once again. Am I letting God lead? Lent reminds me that temptation is a spiritual battle. I need Lent to help make me aware of how subtly temptation carries me away. Lent reminds me to let God do the leading.

I am so much more aware of my appetite when I’m fasting or abstaining (doing without). It is also true in almsgiving, doing for others, in our Lenten discipline. Corporal acts of mercy, doing visible good for others, is made deliberate and intentional with a Lenten Rule. When I write a check to help missionary work in Argentina, when I make extra phone calls to those on the fringe of my life or in the life of our Church. I realize I’m a world class procrastinator. Unfortunately, it’s the important things I put off and not the time wasters and things of no lasting value. I love to go out looking at Cruise ship deals to Easter Island—Easter, it must be worthwhile! Or one of my favorites, trying to find a better way to get organized rather than to actually clean up my office.

The Church has a season of Lent to enter more fully into the Resurrection life. Lent is a gift so I might follow Jesus with all my heart, soul, and mind. I think it was great they were thinking about me, when the early Christians decided to keep Lent.

What is intended for me and for you is in our prayer book. The prayer book, on page li, in the Table of Fasts, lists not only Ash Wednesday and Good Friday as fast days, it says, in all caps (it was shouting even a century ago), “the Church requires such a measure of abstinence as is more especially suited to extraordinary acts and exercises of devotion.” It lists specifically the forty days of Lent, the Ember Days, when four times a year we pray for Pastors and Teachers of the Church, and all Fridays except at feasts of our Lord.

We are bidden to “Extraordinary acts and exercises of devotion” and in our Propers for today, the Collect, Epistle, and Gospel readings we have three things given to us for keeping this Lent, to better live the resurrection life in Jesus.

1. We ask God to give us grace, his help, his power, to be subject to the Holy Spirit, to be led, directed, and guided by God. If I follow my own way, I will give into temptation of Lay’s Potato Chips: I can’t eat just one. I need God’s plan and perspective on what is good, right, and helpful for myself and those around me. I need God to teach me how to love him and to love others. And God says, “You’ve come to the right place.” Or “Now we’re getting somewhere.”

2. In the Gospel we heard about Jesus being tempted. Satan offered to give an easier way out. Satan offered half truths and twisting of God’s purpose. It was in prayer and fasting that Jesus faced these temptations. I have a hard enough fasting for a day, let alone forty days, but what Jesus sets out for us is that love looks not to what is easy and beneficial for me, but for the ones we love. Jesus fasted and prayed forty days and nights before setting out to make a way for us the live with God for eternity. And Jesus knew what it would cost. Jesus knew and was willing to give his life that I might have that life with God.

3. In our epistle reading for today Paul points beyond the extraordinary acts and outward devotions saying, “Behold, now is the favorable time.” “Now is the day of salvation.” Today is where you life with God. It isn’t the past, things done and left undone. Good things. Bad things. It isn’t about what may or may not happen tomorrow, next week, or next year. Salvation, the acceptable time, is right now. Life in Christ is all about God with you today, this morning. It is about your knowing, feeling, and being in God’s presence, in the union, in communion with him. It is about one of my favorite Spanish phrase, todos juntos—all together. God’s intention is to include not exclude. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. Not to exclude, but in the reality that there is no other way, truth, and life except in God offering his Son’s life that we might have life for eternity.

“We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise, than when we’d first begun.” Today is the day of salvation. Paul says rejoice and be glad in it. In that salvation we are to be led, not into temptation, but into the glorious company of the saints in light, into the kingdom of life with God for eternity.

Today we come before the Altar of God. It is to enter today into Communion. If is to stand before God and receive his blessing, that we might look beyond the temptations, beyond the evils and disasters, to the risen life in Jesus Christ. To be led by God with his grace and presence, and in our lives today.

New Nametags

We had no new nametags today.


Birthdays and Anniversaries

We had no anniversaries, but we celebrated Nancy Graham’s 69th birthday with her!


After Church Hospitality

Alice Acker brought snacks today. There were wasabi coated peas for the unaware, Saint Patrick’s Day cookies, great honking green grapes and the world’s best egg thing. Then at the very last second, dognuts appeared, chocolate AND glazed! Well done and many thanks!


After church goodies providers as currently signed up:


Date Name

20 March 2011 The Arnolds

27 March 2011 The Lizaks

3 April 2011 Mary Lou Ruiz

10 April 2011 Bill and Liz Fuller

17 April 2011 Jan Macauley

24 April 2011 Opportunity Available

1 May 2011 Alice Acker

8 May 2011 Greg Chase and Nancy Graham

15 May 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

Hap and Dru Arnold celebrated their 24th anniversary with us last week.

Birthday

Nancy GRaham celebrated her 69th birthday with us this week.

Travel

Jan is on travel this week.

Sandy and Nick are on travel this week.


In need of a miracle or understanding of God’s Plan

Ron Valkenaar, age 80, is hospitalized in Caldwell, Idaho hospital with congestive heart failure. Ron promised his brother Lew he would stay around at least another five years and his family would appreciate that. Ron’s wife Betty is at his side, though she is still recovering from kidney removal surgery. Please pray for God’s guidance in their lives and that they might be at peace with His 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

Mike passed away 27 February 2011.


Dave long time face of Hilltop Supply passed away on 24 February 2011. His smile will be missed by all in the community. Please pray for the repose of his soul and comfort for his family who remain behind.


Terri passed away on 18 February 2011, after breast cancer surgery on 3 August 2010. Please pray for the repose of her soul and for comfort for her family, in particular for her sisters Toni and Anna.


Sandra Lee’s Aunt Peggy passed away the week of 14 February 2011 after surgery to remove a gallstone several weeks ago. Her family is thankful she is no longer suffering and is with her Lord and Savior; but they will sorely miss for her loving spirit and warm hospitality. Please pray for the repose of her soul and God’s comfort and strength for her family, in particular for Archie, her husband of over 60 years. Archie not only must come to grips to the loss of his wife, but continued adjustment after his stroke several months ago.


Sheila Shaw passed away on 14 February 2011, after a long and hard fought battle with cancer. Sheila’s family misses her grievously. We ask your prayers for the repose of her soul and comfort for her husband Al and children who remain behind.


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, Charles, Vince, Rachel, Fred, Pete, Dot, Jim, Frank


Walter is experiencing serious angina and is set to undergo heart catheterization on Monday 14 March 2011. Please pray for peace of mind for him and his family, in particular his mother, and for his surgeon to pay attention and do his best. Please pray for a good result and a rapid recovery.


Jack Arnold is having oral surgery on Tuesday 15 March 2011 to graft bone to his jaw so some teeth can be installed. Please pray for peace of mind for him and for his surgeon to pay attention and do his best. Please pray for a good result and a rapid recovery.


Hal Campbell underwent apparently successful surgery for a cancerous lesion on the inside of his cheek and the associated lymph node on 7 March 2011, at the VA hospital in Seattle. Hal is currently in ICU and expects to be released by the end of the week. Please give thanks for the successful surgery and pray for a complete and rapid recovery.


Rick White had a massive heart attack on 15 February 2011, which he thankfully survived. He had two stents put in right away and two other coronary arteries successfully bypassed on 21 February 2011. Please join Rick and his family for praying a prayer of thanksgiving for him surviving the heart attack and a successful surgery. Pray also for peace of mind for Rick and his family, trust in God and a full recovery.


Chelsea, age 17, was hit by a car while walking home from a friend's house the night of 19 February 2011. She hit the windshield of the car then went over the back onto the pavement. She is in Sharp Memorial Hospital in San Diego, but awake awake and talking! She has a long recovery ahead of her, including surgeries on her ankle and the several compound fractures of her leg. But she's conscious and lucid--a great step forward! Thanks be to God! Please pray for Chelsea's goocomplete recovery, for her parents Rick and Tina, and for the medical team treating her.


Jason Gillis has a foot infection which has resulted in hospitalization for IV antibiotics. Please pray for his complete and rapid recovery.


Kyle Thompson, CPL USMC was injured was seriously wounded while on foot patrol in Helmand Province of Afghanistan on 25 October 2010. Kyle and his point man, Todd Love, were hit by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) during a routine patrol. The IED ripped into Kyle's face, resulting in the loss of Kyle's left eye, and severely damaging the retina in the right eye. In early November his left eye was surgically removed.


Kyle was transferred to the Veterans Administration Hospital in Palo Alto, CA for further treatment where he had successful surgery in December 2010, on his right eye. His vision is clearing pretty well. Kyle may need further facial surgery. He has been released to Camp Pendleton on casual status until his medical condition is clear. Likely he will be medically discharged.


You can reach out to him by emailing his father, Mike Thompson, at miket4k@yahoo.com. We may have a new address soon.


Todd Love, CPL USMC was seriously wounded while on foot patrol in Helmand Province of Afghanistan on 25 October 2010. Todd and his squad leader, Kyle Thompson, were hit by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) during a routine patrol. The IED took both of Todd’s legs and part of his left arm. Pray for peace of mind, courage and healing for Todd. Pray for the medical teams treating him.


Todd is doing incredibly! He is “walking” on an arm and half! Falling, but getting back up and walking. Todd is amazing!


See video of Todd walking on his new bionic short legs. He is a fearless hobbit! If you don’t look at the videos, you are really missing out!


Send Todd a note or log on to http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/toddlove. Todd’s new address:


The Mologne House

CPL TODD LOVE Room 433

6900 Georgia Ave NW Building 20

Washington, DC 20307-5001


Todd has a family friend who needs your prayers and a hopeful note would go a long way:

Joseph Ardron

489 Chattin Drive

Canton, GA 30115


Joseph has had a hard year. His brother was killed in Iraq and then his 2 year old son was hit by a car and killed two weeks after the death of his brother.


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 is set to undergo a second lumbar surgery on 14 March 2011, this on top of several other orthopedic surgeries in the past couple of years. Please pray for guidance for the surgical team treating her, peace of mind for Joan and her husband Bob and a good result and a complete and rapid 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, seems to have done well recovering from her broken leg, just above where she had a knee replacement. She and her husband Jack are planning on traveling to visit the kids in a few weeks! This is wonderful! Please pray a prayer of thanksgiving for the good progress and pray for her continued health.


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, Susan, Hap, Don, Keith, Virginia R, Joy, Steve


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

Kay had a serious stroke on 8 March 2011, the result of a blot clot. Her medications have been changed, the clot dissolved and her brain responded correctly. She has apparently no residual effects from the stroke. Please pray a prayer of thanksgiving for her recovery, both for her, her family and friends; let them keep their faith in God, good times and bad.


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


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.


Sunday

27 March 2011 – Third Sunday in Lent – 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


Scheduling Announcements from the Minister: Lent is here!


Stations of the Cross, Fridays 7:30pm at Victoria House Chapel (2828 N Victoria).


Lenten Home Study Classes are being formed. [Father Acker is the coordinator for these Spiritual Growth Classes and will be leading the group discussions.]

The study book for these classes will be C.S.Lewis' Four Loves. If you would like to host a small group (4-6 people) in your home, I'm arranging study groups. Each group will be meeting once a week for four weeks. These classes will begin the week of March 22, 23, 24th. I'm looking at meeting for one hour.

If you would like to host a study the time slots available are Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday in the morning, afternoon, or evening. The locations could be anywhere from Mission Valley to Pine Valley. Time slots will be reserved on a "first come" basis, so call ASAP. If you have questions about hosting a group, please call me (Fr. Acker 619.722.1772).

Consider hosting a group or going together with someone nearby to host a group. If you have someone you know in your neighborhood or from work or school you think might have some interest, this would be a great opportunity to do some spiritual reading and discussion during this Lent. The people you invite don't need to be Anglicans, or even Christians. C.S. Lewis is a spiritual writer who is of interest to a very wide audience. Think outside the box, perhaps you want to have the group meet at your workplace over lunch, or at your dorm, or at your local pub!

Our focus for this Lent is to grow spiritually. I hope you will take this opportunity to get a few folks together to look at love in our relationship to others and to God. If you haven't been able to be involved in our church activities, this may be your opportunity.


Instructional Seder (tentative until we have a coordinator)

Our mission outreach and planning meeting today overwhelmingly felt that it would be helpful to have an Instructional Seder (the Passover meal as it relates to Jesus celebrating the Last Supper). If we are going to have a Seder we need someone organize this event (to delegate the signup, announcements, food assignments/potluck, and room arrangements). The tentative date will be April 18, 19, or 20th at 6:30pm. We hope to have this at the SCAIR Learning Center.


Holy Week Services (times to be announced)

Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Vigil.


Easter Day is April 24th

As usual we will not have our usual worship space available. We'll be having our Easter Morning Service in the Park as usual. The weather should be very nice with the late date of Easter.


No comments: