Today was the Sexagesima (see later in the report for the origin of this name), the Second Sunday before Lent. Sunrise temperature on Mount Olympus was a nice 26°F under beautiful clear blue skies, though there was 10 inches of SNOW on the ground. The Beadle was a bit late because he had to trudge out to Hangar One to pull out the FWD GMC. Down the hill at church, the temperature picked up to a reasonable 58°F under the same incredibly bright blue skies. Though they were slow in coming, we ended up with 22 people.
Gathering Songs
Today Father Acker and Nick Patton did the usual gathering songs. Jack Arnold missed the service because he was stuck in Burbank due to the snow! He did make it in time for snacks! Nick did a great job, not only as half the guitarists, but as the only acolyte which is a lot of work and he did it well.
The gathering songs are designed to provide an interlude between when church starts and when people really show up so that we have something to do in the interim and people don’t feel rushed to get in, sit down and shut up! A fine idea for letting people kind of drift in without being late. They have the added advantage of letting us do contemporary sing along music before the service and traditional organ accompanied hymns during the service. Today, the talented duo played:
• Just a closer walk
• Amazing Grace
• I’ll fly away
• I am here to worship
Once again, Great Job, gentlemen! You have to admire the guys; they always make it, rain or shine, sick or well, tired or rested.
Pre-Service Class
Father Acker continued on in Luke, Chapter Eight, Verse One, the parable of the sower, which by coincidence is our Gospel for this Sunday:
And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him,
And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,
And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.
And when much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable:
A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it.
And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture.
And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it.
And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be?
And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.
Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.
Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.
They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.
And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.
But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
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 120-122, with the Collect first:
The Sunday called Sexagesima, or the
second Sunday before Lent.
The Collect.
O LORD God, who seest that we put not our trust in any thing that we do; Mercifully grant that by thy power we may be defended against all adversity; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Stephanie Boyd read the Epistle, which came from the Eleventh Chapter of Saint Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians beginning at the Nineteenth Verse. Paul reminds us salvation, honor and glory come not from what we do or have done, but rather from God. Paul, who as Saul, had been a super star on his way to being the number one rabbi in the Hebrew nation, he was more learned, more vigorous in following the law, more vocal in all things. When he “saw the light” and converted, he took that same approach to Christianity. No one was more in any thing than he. He had been the best of the worst and the best of the best. Now he was aware of how short he himself fell. More importantly, he was keenly aware of the saving perfection of Christ.
No one did more than Paul, yet he counseled all to take comfort and pride in God, not themselves. Do your best and look towards God.
YE suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise. For ye suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face. I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also. Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I. Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not? If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities. The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not.
The Gospel for today came from the Eighth Chapter of the Gospel of St. Luke beginning at the Fourth Verse and tells the well known Parable of the Sower, which might be better referred to as the Parable of the Four Soils, for the seeds were all alike.
A sower scatters seed on to four different types of soil.
• Hard ground
• Stony ground
• Thorny ground
• Good ground
Hard ground “by the way side” prevents the seed from sprouting at all, and the seed becomes nothing more than bird food. Stony ground provides enough soil for the seeds to germinate and begin to grow, but because there is “no deepness of earth,” the plants do not take root and are soon withered in the sun. Thorny ground allows the seed to grow, but competing thorns choke the life out of the good plants. Good ground receives the seed and produces much fruit.
Jesus explains the seed is The Word.
Hard ground represents someone so hardened by sin that though he hears he cannotnot understand the Word. Thus, Satan can pluck the message away, keeping the heart dull and preventing the Word from making an impression.
Stony ground represents those who hear and express delight in The Word, but do not change to live The Word. When trouble arises, they abandon their faith.
Thorny ground represents one who hears and receives The Word, but who does not connect to it and whose heart is full of riches, pleasures, and lusts. The effort that should by rights given The Word are given to the things of this world and he has no time for The Word.
Good ground represents he who hears, understands, and implements The Word. Thus, The Word can work its wonders in his life and that person gains salvation.
The Word is there. We may hear it. We may take it in our heart. The benefit comes only when we take it in our heart and act on it. At that point, The Word is acting in our lives and salvation is in hand.
WHEN much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable: A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way-side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it. And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it. And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be? And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand. Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Those by the way-side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
Sermon - Preparing the Way
Father Acker provided a summary of his sermon so you can see exactly what he was trying to get across:
Today’s Message: Preparing Good Soil
We all have days when we wish we had just stay in bed, rollover, and pull the covers over our heads. Not because of the rain or the snow, but because “It’s a bad day.” There are also really bad things that happen in our lives.
Paul was someone who knew about bad days: whipped and beaten, stoned, shipwrecked, adrift at sea, traveling dangerous roads, dangerous people everywhere, betrayed, hungry, sleepless, left out in the cold, and to top it all off, his worry about all the churches. I had an adopted mother and family in college. I’d go out each Sunday for dinner after Church. Sandy would tell me, “You keep falling into the outhouse and come out smelling like roses.”
Paul knew about falling into the outhouse. Paul knew it wasn’t the problems or smelling like a rose that was important—because some times you do and some times you don’t. Paul would trade it all having the power of God, God’s glory enter his life. It is this power of God, his mercy, that makes “good days.”
As Christians we’re about to “prepare for Easter” in the six weeks of spiritual growth called Lent. I don’t need self-improvement, self-education, or even self-discipline. I need God improvement, God growth, and godly discipline. I need God’s power and mercy this Lent.
Jesus told the parable of the sower not just for those folk two-thousand years ago, but that I might see what I do makes a difference.
Where the power of God, the seed, the Word of God, enters my life will make a big difference in what is produced. If I give Jesus the trampled down, hard packed, not a chance to enter my life, I shouldn’t be surprised to see it disappear and vanish. If I give Jesus the dried up, leftovers, the outside edges of my life, the places that are far from my heart, I shouldn’t be surprised to see the power of God isn’t going to take root and it will make no real difference in my life. If I give Jesus second place, or third, or fourth, over my career or business, my education, my guitar playing, my hobby, politics, or charitable volunteer work, I shouldn’t be surprised that Jesus would get pushed a side. Jesus never force his way if I haven’t invited him in.
So where am I going to invite, to let Jesus be planted in my life? Consciously choose God; Persevere in trials; Care about eternal things more than temporal; Make room for God. These things are all good and reasonable, but what does it look like in my life? During Lent what can I do to make these things be good soil?
The three types of things Christians have done are Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving. So I want to build my six-week preparation for Easter around Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving, keeping in mind it is the Word of God which needs to grow in my life.
As Anglicans we start with the Word of God. Daily read your Bible. 40 days of Bible reading. Our prayer book suggests reading 1Corinthians about a half a chapter a day. Early Christians would read through books of the Bible, chapter by chapter. If you don’t start at 1Corinthians, I’d start either with John’s Gospel or Romans.
Ask God to let you know what to pray for, what you need or need to avoid spiritually (fasting/self-denial), and what to do for others (almsgiving). I need to make it specific and not a general thought or action. One of the best ways to be specific is to tell someone else. Have a Lent group of two or three. A couple of other people with whom you can help each other in growing closer to God. Think of how it will not only help you, when you ask them to help you, you are giving them an opportunity to participate in spiritual growth.
In our Lenten small group studies we have a few people to encourage you in praying, fasting, and almsgiving. Spiritually what are you asking of God, what are you doing to follow Jesus this week, and into who’s life are you bring God’s love.
Make each one small but specific. Don’t try to be a better person, or not complain. My prayer this week is to take two minutes each night to list the things in my day for which I’m thankful. You can go through a long list in two minutes. You also need to have already thought about these things. With Almsgiving, I’m helping someone specific doing…
Having a Lenten Rule, specifics of our Praying, Fasting, and Almsgiving, Christians find that God’s power enters in specifically. It is an invitation. It is a knock on God’s door. It is making some good soil so God can grow in your life.
I used to worry about what I was doing I’d do it all 40 days of Lent. What I really need is spiritual growth. You may not get the right mix for “good soil” the first week. So be willing to adjust the balance of the three components. If you’re only fasting, you’re not going to get the grow you will if you’re praying and giving.
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New Nametags
We had no new nametags today.
Birthdays and Anniversaries
We should have celebrated Evelyn Hunt’s 88th birthday, but she was not able to join us. In addition, we celebrated Dru and Hap Arnold’s 24th anniversary.
After Church Hospitality
Stephanie Boyd brought snacks today. They were exceptional. The best was the black eyed pea salsa and chips - might sound weird, but it tasted really really great. Probably the best salsa EVER. Then there was a really beautiful veggie platter and some of the best thin Snickerdoodles ever eaten, not to mention chocolate coated raisins. Plus, Delores Fontanilla brought some apple chips, pretzels and cookies! What wonderful treats!
Many thanks!
After church goodies providers as currently signed up:
Date Name
6 March 2011 Jan Macauley
13 March 2011 Greg and Alice
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
Jan and Tim Macauley celebrated their 45th anniversary with us last week.
Birthday
Muriel Pappein celebrated her 84th birthday with us week before last.
Evelyn Hunt celebrated her 88th birthday last week.
Travel
Danielle is 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
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.
Francisco Mier passed away on 31 January 2011, after a long and hard fought battle with cancer. Pray for the repose of his soul and for peace of mind and trust in God for his family: his wife Rebeca and his children, in particular his daughter Lorena with whom he has been staying.
Paula Threat passed away on 31 January 2011, of Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS). Please pray for repose the soul of Paula and for her family who remain behind, particularly for her husband Jimmy and sons Brian (21) and Jimmy, Jr. (16), as well as her father Obra.
Donald passed away 29 January 2011
Homebound
Mary, Donna, Betty, Noko, Adelaide, Evelyn, Lorraine, Ellie, Ray (Alzheimer’s Disease)
Healing
Marge, Christian, Lois, Ruth, Connie, Tom, Crystal, Thomas, Hadley, Diane, Norm, Gregory, Nancy, Bill (infection), Ernie, Ray, Hazel, Bruce (waiting for heart transplant), Susanne, Ralph+ (prostate cancer; the doctors are at a loss on the decreasing cancer cell count except prayer; please add your thanksgiving to the prayers for healing.), Allison (kidney), Bill (ETOH poisoning and gout), Kai, Jay, Tim, Diane, Amy (Thyroid cancer), Evelyn, Debbie, Lona (shoulders), Paul (stroke), Doris, Charles, Marie (sprained ankle), June (cancer surgery), Susan, Jeff, David (leg injury), Judy, who suffers from mental illness, is undergoing tests for cancer, Greg, June (cancer), David (leg sprain), Cheri, Ben, Walter (skin cancer), Gabriella (surgery), Curtis, Doyle, Martha, Richard, Ralph+, Jeffrey, Rod, Gary, Mark, Jeffery, Jennifer, Curtis, Steve (cancer), Ashton, Marjorie, Mike G, Dave (knee surgery), Jeffrey (testing), Gary (sepsis; diabetic), Jim (stomach cancer), Kathleen (breast cancer), Mrs. Alvord, Angie, Madge, Jeannie (testing for breast cancer), Ed, Betty, Karl (Healing of his shoulder injury, but not having surgery), Stephen, Curtis; Angie, Madge, Veronica, Carmen, Dave (surgery recovery), Ed S (liver failure), Martin, Pauline, Pat A (Alzheimer’s: things are stable); Charles A (Alzheimer’s: slight improvement in general awareness that he is disappointed not being allowed to drive), Susan, Lillian, Rob, Ken, Marlene, Emma W (Brain tumor), Vivian, Kelly (undergoing test unexpectedly), Veronica, Irith, Shirley, TP, David, Mark, Doris, Mary, Ken, Rick, Mike, Don, Sandy, Fern (healing from fall, but still weak), Louis, Alan P (Stress test for chest pain), Lydia, Burton (neurological back pain), Terry (Breast Cancer; surgery 3 Aug10), Goodwin Family, Kathy who had surgery for a reoccurrence of cancer, Susan A, Dorothea, Liz F (diabetes and vertigo), Robert, John, Liz, Jack, Bill, Corina, Liz, Robert, Mark, Paul, Gilbert, Susan, Jeff, Addison, Gene, Kathy (low platelet count due to chemo treatment), Larry F., Bill F. (swelling of ankles), Mabel (stroke), Gabriela G. (terrorist shooting), Chloe, Sheila, Ryan (abdominal pain), Ronnie, Trevor, Scott (physical and testing), Alice, Liz, Charles, Vince, Rachel
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.
Hal Campbell will be undergoing surgery for a cancerous lesion on the inside of his cheek and the associated lymph node. So far it has not spread, but time is of the essence. Hal has been accepted for surgery at the Seattle Veteran’s Administration Hospital, for which his family is thankful. Please pray for God’s help for the right surgical team, a successful surgery and rapid 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. His heart must feel over whelmed with sorrow at Christmas time when he should be with the ones he loved. Todd is concerned that Christmas will come and pass with only the few cards that his family has sent him, however his birthday is 31 December. Todd asked that if anyone has any extra Christmas cards (even late) or birthday cards lying around please place a stamp on an envelope and send it, even if you are a bit late.
If these Marines tell you someone needs help, they know. ACT. Send those cards TODAY. Do not wait. Do not put it off. TODAY.
Shamim Gray underwent a lumpectomy on Saturday 6 November 2010 at Bethesda Naval Hospital, with apparent great result. Please give thanks for the successful surgery, the good result and a quick recovery. Please pray for a complete remission of the cancer. Pray also Shamim will maintain her great attitude and trust in God.
Judith Clingwall, afflicted with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), suffered a major setback in her coping with the disease. She is currently in a extended care facility. Please pray for her strength, peace of mind, trust in God and remission of the disease so she might return home to her family. Pray also for strength for her husband Martin as he deals with all the problems and stress of Judith’s situation.
Joan Balslev underwent another nerve surgery on her right hand to transfer a nerve from her leg to her hand. The surgery appears successful, though she will likely need another. Please give thanks for the good result and pray for a complete and quick recovery.
Victor is a senior in declining health who is a non-believer whose trust is in science. He appears to have congestive heart failure, as well as a Urinary Tract Infection and a viral infection in his lungs. He feels terrible and as might be expected is depressed. Please pray for healing for Victor and peace of mind through trust in God for Victor and his wife Karen as well as the rest of his family and friends.
Becky Madden is paralyzed from the neck down as the result of a tragic shooting accident. She has made it home and to church in a new donated magic wheelchair. Please pray for further recovery for Becky, as well as strength and guidance for each of those involved.
Won King had a small stroke near the end of August, the only residual appears to be a loss of vision in her left eye. Please pray for a complete healing and give thanks for the great progress so far.
JJ Davies, age 11, sustained a crushing injury to his left hand on 1 September 2010, which resulted in the loss of four fingers. He is still dealing with the loss of the fingers, but doing amazingly welll. Please pray for continued healing in his hand and arm. Pray for courage, strength and trust for JJ and his family.
Nancy Belk’s breast cancer had been in remission for seven years. It has apparently resurfaced in metastasized into her lungs and her arm. Please pray for treatment that will help her, as well as strength and comfort for both her and her family.
George Seddon woke to excruciating pain the morning of 2 January 2011. Please pray for resolution. He is a pharmacist and church leader in Georgia whose bladder cancer returned spreading to his pelvis a year ago is home after surgery on Monday 29 November 2010. The surgeon believes he was successful in removing ALL of the tumor in George's leg which was wrapped around his sciatic nerve.
Please give thanks for George walking and continue to pray for George's complete healing; pray for peace of mind for George, his wife LaVonda, and their children Megan and George III. Their faith is great, but so is their need.
Mary Jo for guidance in taking care of her husband.
Betty Macauley, Tim’s mom, is currently in a state of failing health. Please pray she will gain interest in life around her and actively pursue life here on earth. Please pray for her family, in particular her son Tim, as they try to help her.
Lauralee underwent a lumpectomy on Friday after Thanksgiving. A further anomaly has been discovered and she had additional preventative radiation treatment. Please pray for a complete remission of the cancer. Pray also Lauralee will maintain her great attitude and trust in God.
Luca, 5 years old, from our church family in Perth, Western Australia, who has just been diagnosed with leukemia. And for his Mum and Dad and extended family.
Jere Wolfe, Melanie Zimmers’ dad, has cardiomyopathy, a weakening of the heart muscle. He has been recovering slowly from severe anemia which affected his heart condition. Jere’s heart rate is down to 30 and he needs a pacemaker installed, but needs to waiting until they get an infection and fluid levels under control. Surgery is now scheduled for 14 February 2011, Valentines Day, what better auger for heart surgery! Please pray for the pacemaker installation to be done quickly and successfully and for Jere to maintain his trust in the Lord.
Greg Chase asks that you pray for his family:
Diane, Greg’s wife, to see some positive physical signs for the ongoing treatment of her ulcerative colitis, however now she is suffering the effects of shingles
Phyllis, Greg’s mom, to gain physical strength to overcome her frailties after her recent "small" stroke.
Rede Acker, Father Acker’s mom, 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.
Jan Macauley receives healing prayer Liz Fuller receives healing prayer
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
James Edward Gerard Fox asks that you please pray for him as he is not well in mind and body and needs raising up to perfection by God through our Lord Jesus. James suffers from anxiety and depression. He is desperate, he has bad asthma, panic attacks and blackouts - his mind and thinking is disordered. He asks for a complete lasting miracle in order to heal him. He feels a tormenting unclean spirit inside him that needs taking out for good. Pray for him to accept God’s help.
Steve asks that you pray for difficulties he is having with his family. Please pray that the Holy Ghost will enter into his heart and provide him with the heaven sent inspiration that he needs to see clearly and deal with problems and the courage to do what needs to be done in the manner it should be done.
Helen and her family are in need of God’s guidance that they might do His will, see things His way and hopefully come together through His love.
Sol and his family are in need of God’s guidance that they might do His will, see things His way and hopefully come together through His love.
Louis is in need of God's guidance and direction. Please pray that Louis might see God’s outstretched hand to him and guide him in all he does.
Mark Thomas is in need of God's guidance and direction. Please pray that Mark might take note God’s outstretched hand to him and accept his guidance in all he does.
Ali is searching for spiritual meaning; may the Holy Ghost guide those around her to help her in coming to Christ.
Jacquie to open her heart to God and accept His Love and Grace.
Noriene for God's comfort as she mourns her mother and for her to turn to God for His healing.
Paul S asked everyone to give thanks that his doctor is adjusting his medication for severe schizophrenia.
Hap asks you to pray that he might be able to trust God will help him make the right decisions at the right time and not to worry uselessly and that he will open his heart to the Holy Ghost.
Guidance and Protection
Christina, Sarah
Economic Guidance and Assistance
Keith has been unable to find any full-time work since his custom home drafting business of 25 years really dropped off last year. He is working as a handyman, doing tile work, painting, home repairs, etc. Pray also for God's peace to comfort them and for His leading and wisdom to be very evident to them.
Mark’s business is very very slow, he asks that God point him to new markets and give him guidance in following God’s will that his business might survive and his employees not lose their livelihood.
To Find Employment
Nancy asks your prayers for guidance for her as she seeks employment at both Viejas and Donovan Prison.
Father Keith is looking for additional employment to supplement his part-time stipend at Blessed Trinity. Keith believes his expertise lies in web site development and guitar teaching, both of which he is clearly good at. Please pray the Holy Ghost will enter into his heart and give him inspiration and guidance to lead him to a job which will use his considerable skills to support his family, bless the company he joins and further God’s Work, all together.
Jack has been laid off from his job as a construction manager in East San Diego County; due to the economy jobs in the field are hard to find. Please pray that Jack will find a job, not necessarily in the construction, that will allow him to use his considerable skills and talents to make his new employer more successful; guide him and his family is this difficult time.
Peter, Keith and Kevin each to find a job that will allow them to use their skill and talent to make their new employer more successful.
Armed Forces & Contractors
Tillman, Justin, RJ, Matt, Phillip, Julian, John Kelly (USN - USS Ronald Reagan), Evan (USMC-Afghanistan), Stuart (USMC-Afghanistan), Airman Donny Patton (RAF Mildenhall, UK), Josh (USCG), Julian (USMC), Jordan (USMC – Boot Camp 8 April 2011 Graduation)
Persecuted
Around the world, Christians are under attack, not only in the Muslim world, but from Hindus and others in India. Also, they are under continual attack in the name of “Separation of Church and State” in the western world, as it becomes actively atheist or pro-devil buddy. Please pray for God’s guidance and protection for all persecuted Christians and those around them.
Thanksgiving
Kurt Thomas (USN – Afghanistan FOB) returned from deployment to Afghanistan. He and his family give thanks for a safe return.
Jack Royce gives thanks for recovering from the elbow injury as the result of a fall on snow and ice. An MRI of his elbow showed the break originally seen on X Rays was actually an old break he never knew happened (he is tough). On the other hand they told him he has “mice” in his elbow. These are little bits of cartilage that broke off but there’s no use operating to try to pin them back in place because as soon as a person is under anesthesia, the bits hide in the muscle. Perhaps why they’re called “mice” and fortunately not “cockroaches”, a PR thing. All is well now and he is thankful, as is the rest of his family.
Nancy Graham gives thanks for answered prayers.
Sandra gives thanks for finding what appears to be the perfect fit in new employment where she can use her considerable talents to make her new employer more successful. She asks you =pray that God will guide her to be a good and well organized worker. Please join her in a prayer of thanksgiving for God’s guidance.
Various Special Requests
We ask that you pray, please ask God that the Holy Ghost might give you insight into how you might make the lives of your friends and family better. Remember helping others is not just those who you don’t know!
Please join us in praying for God to fill us with the Holy Ghost, even if (or maybe particularly if) we need Him shoved down our throats, to provide inspiration to grow our little church to the glory of God. Our numbers are static; we need God’s inspiration to figure out the next step. Please pray we will open our heart to the gentle prodding of the Holy Ghost; and not do what we have always done expecting a different result.
Please join us in praying that the Free Teen Guitar Class will be continue to be an opportunity for God to work in the lives of the kids and their families. Please ask God to guide the class to new opportunities to make Him known to others. Help us to let the love of our Lord shine through us into their lives, putting Him first, so that He might enter in to their hearts and lives.
What is Sexagesima?
Sexagesima, or, in full, Sexagesima Sunday, is the name for the second Sunday before Ash Wednesday in the Catholic (Universal or Whole) Church Calendar.
The name "Sexagesima" is derived from the Latin sexagesimus, meaning "sixtieth," and appears to be a back-formation of Quinquagesima, the term formerly used to denote the last Sunday before Lent (the latter name alluding to the fact that there are fifty days between that Sunday and Easter, if one counts both days themselves in the total). Through the same process, the Sunday before Sexagesima Sunday is known as Septuagesima Sunday, and marks the start of the Pre-Lenten Season, which eventually became the time for carnival celebrations throughout Europe, this custom being later exported to places settled and/or colonized by Europeans. While Quinquagesima (50th day) is mathematically correct (allowing for the inclusive counting), Sexagesima and Septuagesima are only approximations (the exact number of days is 57 and 64 respectively). The earliest Sexagesima can occur is January 25 and the latest is February 28 (or February 29 in a leap year).
The 17-day period beginning on Septuagesima Sunday spanning Sexuagesima and Quinquagesima Sundays was intended to be observed as a preparation for the season of Lent, which is itself a period of spiritual preparation (for Easter). In many countries, however, Septuagesima Sunday marks the start of the carnival season, culminating on Shrove Tuesday, more commonly known as Mardi Gras.
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
6 March 2011 Greg Chase
15 March 2011 Sandy Patton
20 March 2011 Don Patton
27 March 2011 Dru Arnold
The near future, as well as Next Sunday
You can go on line here and see our church calendar.
Calendar Location - http://go.to/alpineanglicancalendar
Church Facebook Groups Page - http://www.groups.to/alpineanglicanchurch
Or, email the Beadle at thebeadle@mac.com for an emailed link.
Friday
4 March 2011 - Free Teen Guitar Class Jam Session – Albertsons Starbucks Parking Lot in Alpine, Manañas afterwards for fine dining and great conversation – Time 1830 - 2000 - 1300 (6:30 pm to 8:00 pm);
Sunday
6 March 2011 – Quinquagesima Sunday – Bring your old blessed palm fronds and crosses to burn after the service for Ash Wednesday ashes. 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
Wednesday
9 March 2011 – Ash Wednesday – Two services – Morning and Night Time 0930 (9:30 am) or 1830 (6:30 pm); Location – Victoria House – 2828 North Victoria, Alpine, CA
Saturday
12 March 2011 – Alpine Community Fair – Free Teen Guitar Class and church outreach - Time 1000 - 1400 (10:00 am – 2:00 pm); Location – Alpine Albertsons Parking Lot – 2955 Alpine Boulevard, Alpine, CA
Sunday
13 March 2011 – First 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 coming!
Ash Wednesday is March 9th.
Services will be at 9:30am and 6:30pm at Victoria Chapel.
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.
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