Today was the Second Sunday after Easter, often referred to as Good Shepherd Sunday, because both the Epistle and Gospel reference Christ as the Good Shepherd. Sunrise on Mount Olympus brought gray overcast skies and 37°F; down the hill at church, temperatures climbed to a more reasonable 50°F. Even though the weather was less than postcard, we had 21 people come to worship the Lord.
Gathering Songs
Father Ironhand, Nick Patton and Jack Arnold played the gathering or welcome songs for the service.
· Lord, I lift your Name on high
· Amazing Grace
· Open the eyes of my heart
· How great is our God
We do the gathering songs for a number of reasons. It allows people a chance to “drift in” without being late. It gives us a bit of variety in our music. We can have more contemporary music before the service and still have organ music in the service, thus having something for everyone. It also a hit with our guitarists who love to play!
The gathering songs worked well today. We had 11 when they started and 21 when they finished.
Pre-Service Class
Before the service, Father Acker normally does a ten minute class. Today’s class continued the outline of Church History and discussed the “Start of the Church.” When Paul wrote to the people of Ephesus, he referred to Jesus Christ as the “chief corner stone” of the church. Christ is the solid reference point on which the church must build upward. Paul might well have said Christ was both the corner stone and key stone, for without Him as a reference and cap, we build crookedly and collapse on ourselves.
It is to be remembered, we are to be Christians, followers of Christ. We are not Anglicans or Catholics or whatever as our primary identity. Anglicanism is a way of practicing Christianity or the following of Christ. We must keep foremost in our hearts that our church is the church of Christ, not a creation of and for us.
Before we go on, a little on mothers
On this Mother’s Day, it is very easy for us to look back at our mother’s life and think of all the things we like about our mother. We like, it is all about us. Yet motherhood is about self-sacrifice. Putting the child’s welfare above that of the mother.
The love of the mother for her children comes with a price. The price paid is not without return. Most young soldiers who die in battle, die with a call to their mother on their lips.
“What did your mom chose? An extra child or an extra home or trailer?” Jesus commanded us to follow Him, He who put our lives before His. Who on this earth does this more consistently than mothers?
Saint James tells us in his Epistle, “Be ye doers of the word and not hearers only.” Who on this earth does this more consistently than mothers?
As Christians we need to uphold and recognize the example of sacrifice in motherhood so that we might understand the sacrifice made by God on our behalf in Jesus’ death for our sin.
Propers
Each Sunday there are Propers: special prayers and readings from the Bible. There is a Collect for the Day; that is a single thought prayer, most written either before the re-founding of the Church of England in the 1540s or written by Bishop Thomas Cranmer, the first Archbishop of Canterbury after the re-founding.
The Collect for the Day is to be read on Sunday and during Morning and Evening Prayer until the next Sunday. If you have a hard time remembering, “Do I read the Collect from last Sunday or next Sunday during the week?” Remember Sunday is the first day of the week. There are also two Bible readings, the Epistle and the Gospel. While they are “lessons”, they are not the First Lesson and the Second Lesson, they are the Epistle and the Gospel. The Epistle is normally a reading from one of the various Epistles, or letters, in the New Testament. The Gospel is a reading from one of the Holy Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The Collect is said by the priest as a prayer, the Epistle can be read by either a designated reader (as we do in our church) or by one of the priests and the Holy Gospel, which during the service in our church is read by an ordained priest.
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 or Lent.
The Propers for today are found on Page 171-172, with the Collect first:
The Second Sunday after Easter.
The Collect.
| A |
LMIGHTY God, who hast given thine only Son to be unto us both a sacrifice for sin, and also an ensample of godly life; Give us grace that we may always most thankfully receive that his inestimable benefit, and also daily endeavour ourselves to follow the blessed steps of his most holy life; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Tim Macauley read this morning’s Epistle from the First Epistle of St. Peter, beginning at the Nineteenth Verse of the Second Chapter. The Epistle reminds us that Christ, who was completely without sin or guile, not only died for our sins, but suffered humiliation and torture without complaint for us. Thus, if we, because we believe in God and our Lord Jesus, are subjected to unfavorable comment, criticism or even persecution, we should bear this gladly, as our Lord gave us his example. We are as sheep going astray who have been returned to the flock by our Lord, the Shepherd and Bishop of our souls.
We were asked the question, who is this man Jesus? We answered, he is the Son of God; are we following him? In this Epistle again, we are admonished to follow our Lord.
| T |
HIS is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
Today’s Gospel started in the Tenth chapter of the Gospel according to St. John beginning at the Eleventh Verse. Using the words that give this Sunday its name, Jesus said: “I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” He goes on to say He is not a hireling who cares not for the flock, but rather the shepherd himself. He understands his job and puts it first, before his desires. Jesus knows each of His sheep and they know Him, even as He knows His Father and His Father knows Him. Because we are His sheep, He willingly laid down His life that we might live. Jesus also points out He is not here to shepherd only the Jews, but all men, “And there are other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one flock, and one shepherd.”
| J |
ESUS said, I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd; and know my sheep, and am known of mine, even as the Father knoweth me, and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one flock, and one shepherd.
Sermon - Peace and Presence
Father Acker provided a summary of his sermon so you can see exactly what he was trying to get across:
Today's Message: - To Fill The Emptiness, Let Jesus Lead The Way
This has Sunday has been known as Good Shepherd Sunday for the last two thousand years. Every year I’m always reminded to two people, Mrs. Adams and Pete. In these weeks after Easter we’ve been looking at how Jesus’ risen life is to fill our lives. When it comes to asking Jesus to fill the emptiness, the longing, the wanting something more, and filling places where I feel “there should be more to life,” I need the reminders of Mrs. Adams and Pete.
Mrs. Adams was a semi-retired Sunday School teacher in my first congregation. She would only taught occasionally, but she would always ask to teach on Good Shepherd Sunday. I would be teaching other classes while she would tell the story about Jesus knowing his children as a shepherd knows his sheep. How the shepherd knew them by name and looked after them. She’d have cutouts of sheep and the kids would glue cotton balls onto the sheep for their wool.
Mrs. Adams loved teaching that lesson because she knew the kind of love that Jesus has for us. The reality of Jesus being the Good Shepherd was that no matter what wolf in life scares us, no matter what causes us to run off, no matter what danger or difficulty, Jesus is the one who truly loves us, knows you by name, will go after and bring you home. In our lives, things happen. It may be circumstances of the economy, disease, or accident. It may be abuse, betrayal, or injury. It may be what we’ve done or left undone. What Mrs. Adam’s knew, what she wanted those children to know was that Jesus loved them, would give his life for them, so they might know the love of God. You need to know you’ve got a Good Shepherd.
What I remember most was that after class the kids would bring there sheep to their parents to show what they had made. And the ones that I remember most were those that had about five lumps of cotton glued to the sheep with big bare spaces. I know in my life I keep finding there are spaces that are empty and I didn’t even realize the gapping holes. I’m working to put the wool on the sheep and I’m quick to say, “Ok, Lord, I’m done.” Fortunately, Jesus loves me, lumpy as I am. Jesus isn’t there in my life saying, “Look at all the places you missed.” No, instead Jesus rejoices in me where I am today. Jesus knows I’m a work in progress. Jesus knows I’m going to need His help. Jesus is the Good Shepherd who loves you today, will meet you where you, and see you make it home. It’s alright—Jesus knows and loves you, lumps and all.
The second person I think about is Pete, a guy who lived in the next room at the dorm at Colorado State. CSU was the five state regional veterinary school. Pete was a pre-Vet student from Wyoming. He grew up on a sheep ranch and he loved to tell “Sheep are so dumb…” stories. “Sheep are so dumb…” that when they get spooked they’ll follow the sheep in front of them no matter what. They’re so stupid that they follow the sheep right of a cliff. Cliffs are unusual in the grazing land of Wyoming, but they do have lots of fences. When the sheep in front run into a fence, the ones behind keep following and pill up on one another. The effect was the same as a cliff. You need to know whom you are following.
I think of this on Good Shepherd Sunday, because I know in my life it so easy just follow others. I could be one of those “Sheep are so dumb…” stories. Self-help books were one those sections of the book store that is always filled with “life could be so much better”—the sub-text was “If you buy this book.” Today, they have changed into “Living for dummies” books. You know the books. You’ll be able to play the Beatles, Nirvana, and Eric Clapton with a Do It Yourself: Acoustic Guitar for Dummies book.
Most of us are smart enough to know we need help. I’ve been teaching guitar for 30 years and I still need help. The real question is from whom am I going to get help. President Obama or any of those before him didn’t get to be President without being very good at asking for the help of others.
What Pete wasn’t able to tell you in his “Sheep are so dumb” stories was that sheep need a shepherd; they need to be led. If you want to have Jesus fill your life with new life, you need to let Jesus lead you. I have to ask, “Who is really leading my life?” Am I trying to lead myself? This is what is what is being glorified today. Each of us has the true sense of what is good, just, and right in ourselves. And “Sheep are so dumb…” that I might just believe it’s true. I need to let Jesus lead my life.
What we are praying for this week, in our Collect for this Second Sunday After Easter is that as God gave Jesus as a sacrifice for sin and showed us what a godly life truly is, we are asking for God’s grace to receive the gift of Jesus’ sacrifice and to follow Jesus daily. The gift of Jesus’ sacrifice was to take away our sin that we might have life in his risen life. We need to accept the forgiveness and be born again to new life. To daily follow in Jesus’ life, means learning that there are gaps between our lumps of cotton and that Jesus will lead and guide you, Jesus will help you, and Jesus will give you what is needed to fill in the gaps.
So I know I need Jesus to fill the emptiness as my Good Shepherd. I know I need to allow Jesus to lead me in my daily life. I’ll be praying our prayer every morning and evening this week as many of you will be doing as you take home your bulletin. There is a great prayer that helps me in allowing Jesus to be the Good Shepherd on a daily basis.
Dedication of Soul and Body to God’s Service,
with a Resolution to be growing daily in Goodness.
AND since it is of thy mercy, O gracious Father, that another day is added to our lives; We here dedicate both our souls and our bodies to thee and thy service, in a sober, righteous, and godly life: in which resolution, do thou, O merciful God, confirm and strengthen us; that, as we grow in age, we may grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer 1928, p588)
Or
For Our Service to God and Growth in Christ
GRACIOUS Father, your mercies are new every morning, and great is your faithfulness; Today we consecrate ourselves, our souls and bodies, to your service in holiness of life; Confirm and strengthen us, so that today we may grow in your grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
Ask God to confirm and strengthen you each day. Ask that you might grow in age, grace, and knowledge of Jesus. Ask Jesus to be the Good Shepherd of each day of your week, to be present and to guide you through each appointment and with each person. What I want to ask is that Jesus might help me to see what is good, right, and loving as I go into meet with others or the tasks I need to do. I may forget. That is what our morning prayer is about. It is for when I forget that Jesus won’t. As I am with other people I want to let Jesus lead me to say what is going to truly help this person. And when I forget, our evening prayer is about asking God to cover those places, those people with whom I’ve forgotten to let Jesus lead the way.
You have a Good Shepherd and Jesus is the one who can fill your life.
Scripture quotations a courtesy from ESV Bible®
Prayers courtesy of the Book of Common Prayer, 1928
© Keith J. Acker 2011
New Nametags
We had no new nametags today.
Birthdays and Anniversaries
We had no reported birthdays or anniversaries today.
After Church Hospitality
Greg Chase and Nancy Graham brought snacks today. First thing is the macaroni and cheese. That may seem odd for after church snacking, but it is in the Beadle’s top three, and now that Holly has moved to Prescott and taken her famous black olive egg salad sandwiches with her, the top two! It was great. There were also three kinds of donuts, two kinds of cookies and a lovely fruit plate. What wonderful snacks! Thank you very very much.
After church goodies providers as currently signed up:
Date Name
15 May 2011 Dru Arnold
22 May 2011 Jan Macauley
29 May 2011 Mary Lou Ruiz
5 June 2011 Opportunity Available
12 June 2011 Opportunity Available
19 June 2011 Opportunity Available
Date Name
26 June 2011 Stephanie Boyd
3 July 2011 Betsy and Marianne Lane
10 July 2011 Opportunity Available
17 July 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
Ben and Holly Lizak celebrated their 10th anniversary with us week before last.
Birthday
Holly Lizak celebrated her 65th birthday with us week before last.
Travel
Walt and Fran are on travel this week.
In need of a miracle or understanding of God’s Plan
Todd and Kenny have both been fighting osteocarcinoma for over five years and have been told their time here on earth is nearing its end, absent a miracle from God. Both are ready to go home and leave the pain, but would like to stay. Please pray for them and their families.
Peaceful Transition
Otis is in hospice care.
Beatrice
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
The mother of Sandra and Lydia
Trevor
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, 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, 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, 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, Ryan (abdominal pain), Ronnie, Scott (physical and testing), Alice, Liz, Charles, Vince, Rachel, Fred, Dot, Jim, Frank, Betty, Bert, Ronnie, Patty, Jack, Jenny, Eric, Marty, Chris B, Ellen A (on respirator hopes to be moving to rehabilitation soon), Eunice (Knee replacement), Suzi, Marcelino, Ellen A, Trish, Marty, Dean, Mary, Susan, Will G (leukemia 5/7; starts chemo 5/8 (4 wks)), Coby, Danielle (follow-up mammogram)
Steve Sundberg had a heart attack after Easter. Please pray for his complete recovery and for his three children and family who are very worried about him, pray also for his trust in our Lord and for both him and his family to let God carry their worries while he recovers.
Kai Laukkanen, grandson of Bill and Mirjami Laukkanen's grandson, son of Heikki & Casey Laukkanen, born 21 December 2010, has been in the hospital for 3 days in and out of consciousness. He is weak and the cause is unknown, but may be salmonella.
Please pray for our Lord to enfold Kai and his family with his healing power. Let the power of our Lord guide & strengthen the skills of the medical team at the Children's Hospital of Austin, TX to diagnose and provide care to baby Kai. We thank and praise Him for all the grace and wonders that he bestows upon us all.
Madelyn Calvert, 22 Months, for whom we prayed at her birth at 24 weeks and one pound seven ounces, is now in hospital with pneumonia. She is having problems breathing. She seems to feel much better, but still needs oxygen. Please pray for a complete recovery for Madelyn and peace of mind for her family.
Bill Aitken had a full knee replacement on 18 April 2011. He was doing pretty well; then he started doing poorly. The night of 30 April 2010, he went to the hospital and after much testing and ruling out, they decided that he has a severe gastrointestinal infection, which they say he may have picked up in hospital two weeks ago (start date of symptoms). They hope the infection will sort itself our in a week, but for now he only manages some water and has not been able to eat in almost six days. Please pray for guidance for the team treating Bill and for his recovery. Pray also for guidance for him and his wife Sara.
Melanie Zimmers has what appears to be a badly bulged disc at C5-C-6 which is causing radiating pain down her right arm and numbness in her thumb and forefinger. Please pray for resolution of her problem and a good attitude while a means to solve the problem is found.
June K has the shingles and did not get appropriate treatment until just recently. Please pray for her peace of mind, comfort and full and 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 where he will undergo six weeks of follow up Chemo and Radiation treatment to hopefully eradicate and cancerous cells that may remain. Please pray for a successful result and for his acceptance of Christ.
Kyle Thompson, CPL USMC was injured was seriously wounded while on foot patrol in Helmand Province of Afghanistan on 25 October 2010. 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.
Send Todd a note or log on to http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/toddlove.
Shamim Gray underwent a lumpectomy on Saturday 6 November 2010 at Bethesda Naval Hospital, with apparent great result. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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. The pacemaker installation helped a lot, but he lost ¼ of his weight, so he has to fight his way back. Keep praying for his continued recovery and for him 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.
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.
Lee Thomas is in assisted living after a stroke and after a limited recovery. Lee is doing a tad better with his speech, but his balance is so bad he cannot walk unassisted even with his walker. There are times when he knows what is going on around him and with family, etc. but other times when nothing seems to register. It's very sad for him. He wants to be home, he cannot live there safely. 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 a year and a half ago. Vicky is home and making progress. She is now walking without a cane, which is real progress. However, the gains on her thought process are much slower. Her husband ran into a store and told her to just wait in the car for him; within a couple of minutes he saw her wandering through the front door. He's now keeping the car keys hidden. She repeats anything she tells you several times in the same conversation. She's come an incredibly long way but still has a long way to go.
Please pray for Vicky’s recovery and for peace of mind for her husband Doug and 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. 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.
Guidance
June D, Adam, Tom, Mary, Lloyd & Jennifer to be guided to a church
Breyana, Vie, Asha, Cory, Heather, William, Phil, Rick, 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, 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), 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, Alan P (to control his feelings), Cris, 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 sorts out the affairs of her sister Terri who passed away intestate, 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, Betty, Eric, Mary, Terry, Fausto, Leticia, Russ, Scott, Jenny, Lupe, Patty, Neson, Stephen, Ashely, Barbie, Billy, Katrina, Marty, Medaline, Norma, Patty, Gayle (divorce), Veronica, Stephen, Elizabeth (Financial Aid deadline missed; deciding what to do next term), Veronica, Larry, Stephanie
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.
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.
To Find Employment, Housing and Other Needs
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 – AIT), Neal (USN-Afghanistan), Trevor (USAF - KC-10 Boom Operator), Trevor (USN – Pilot Training),
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
Bill who has battled a drinking problem which has adversely impacted his life and the lives of those around him has not had a drink in three weeks. For that he and his family give particular thanks.
Kay, age 90, who had a stroke in March 2011 has completely recovered and only now has residual tiredness so she is only out and about for ½ of each day rather than all day. She thanks everyone who kept her in their prayers. She is very special to Sara.
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. Badly injured, she has had an uphill battle. But, thanks be to God Chelsea has finished rehab and is walking on her injured leg without any support or any pain! She still has some double vision, which the doctors are optimistic about it going away. She has glasses with a prism that allows her to read. She also has some short-term memory loss, but doctors are hopeful it will improve as the brain heals. Please pray God will continue to guide Chelsea, her parents Rick and Tina and the medical team treating her.
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 building slowly; we need God’s inspiration to figure out where to go next or keep on keeping on. 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
15 May 2011 Greg Chase
22 May 2011 Dru Arnold
29 May 2011 Tim Macauley
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
15 May 2011 – Third Sunday after Easter – 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
Saturday
28 May 2011 – Cobblestone Cottage Tea Party – Cost $20.00, including tea and tip. Contact Jan Macauley to sign up – Time 1400 (2:00 pm); Location – Cobblestone Cottage – 1945 Alpine Boulevard, Alpine, CA
Scheduling Announcements from the Minister: Next Vestry Meeting: June 19, 2011
Friends of Blessed Trinity,
I want to wish all the mothers on our list a Happy Mother's Day! This morning we prayed for all mothers dear to us, living and departed giving thanks to God for their good examples and loving care.
I hope you will go out to our new web site. It is only partially upgraded. I'm posting articles on a regular basis, including Today's Message at Alpine Anglican.
Next Sunday SDG&E and the Fire Protection District are having a fair with free food, drinks, and ice cream. It starts at 11:00am. They've promised to work around us. So we'll have the regular upper level parking marked for our worship service, but plan on staying afterward. I believe the FTGC will be set up playing songs after they grab a quick bite. More info during the week!
Have a blessed week. Father Keith Acker, SSC
