Sunday, October 19, 2008

Twenty-Second Sunday after Trinity


Today was the Twenty-Second Sunday after Trinity. Weather was back to a seasonal normal for the area, Mount Olympus saw a sunrise temperature of 53°F. By the time church was over, it was 67°F under high thin scattered clouds with mostly blue skies. With a number of people on travel, we had 16 participants by service start.

As usual, Father Acker, Nick Patton and Jack Arnold provided music for the welcome or gathering songs. Just like last week, it seemed to work. When they started singing, we had 12 people present. By the time they finished, there were 16 people!

Father Acker’s Pre-Service Class - Around the Bible in 280 days by popular demand
Today continued the forty week tour of the Bible, 10 minutes of teaching each Sunday, beginning at 8:30am. As is customary, the class started with one of the Collects for the Day, applicable to the subject at hand, in this case the Second Sunday in Advent:

BLESSED Lord, who hast caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning; Grant that we may in such wise hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and comfort of thy holy Word, we may embrace, and ever hold fast, the blessed hope of everlasting life, which thou hast given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.           Second Sunday of Advent BCPp92

We have made our way through the Bible from Genesis (the beginning) to the Book of Jonah, one of the minor prophets.

The Book of Jonah is the fifth book in the Minor Prophets. Unlike other prophetic books however, this book is not a record of a prophet’s words toward Israel. Instead the book tells the story of a reluctant prophet who arguably becomes one of the most effective prophets in the entire Bible. The character of the story is based on Jonah, an obscure figure who lived during the reign of Jeroboam II (786-746 BC). In the Old Testament, Jonah son of Amittai is only elsewhere mentioned at II Kings 14:25. The book was probably written in the post-exilic period (after 530 BC) and based on oral traditions that had been passed down from the eighth century BC. The book is found in both the Jewish Tanakh and the Christian Bible. The story has an interesting interpretive history and has become a well-known story through popular children’s stories. In Judaism it is the Haftarah for the afternoon of Yom Kippur due to its story of God's willingness to forgive those who repent.

The central points of the Book of Jonah, a short book of only for chapters are:

• Death
• Resurrection
• Mission
• Heart of God

The Book of Jonah is primarily a story about the character of God. As such, it can be divided into four sections, roughly divided by each chapter:

• God's sovereignty
• God’s deliverance
• God's mercy
• God's righteousness

It may also be outlined in the following manner:

• God's first commission and Jonah’s rebellion
• God's deliverance toward Jonah and Jonah’s prayer of thanksgiving
• God's second commission and Jonah’s obedience
• God's deliverance toward Nineveh and Jonah’s complaint of ingratitude

In the first half of the book, God's deliverance is demonstrated through His sovereignty. In the second half, God's deliverance is demonstrated through His mercy. Finally, God declares His righteousness in choosing to force and choosing to repent.

The plot centers on a conflict between Jonah and God. God calls Jonah to proclaim judgment to Nineveh, but Jonah resists and attempts to flee. He goes to Joppa and boards a ship bound for Tarshish. God calls up a great storm at sea, and the ship's crew cast Jonah overboard in an attempt to appease God. A great sea creature sent by God, swallows Jonah. For three days and three nights Jonah languishes inside the fish's belly. He says a prayer in which he repents for his disobedience and calls upon God for mercy. God speaks to the fish, which spits out Jonah safely on dry land. After his rescue, Jonah obeys the call to prophesy against Nineveh, and they repent and God forgives them. Ironically, the relentless God demonstrated in the first chapter becomes the merciful God in the last two chapters (see 3:10). In a parallel turnabout, Jonah becomes one of the most effective of all prophets, turning the entire population of Nineveh (about 120,000 people) to God.

Just like last year, Ben Lizak read the Epistle for today, which came from Saint Paul’s letter to the Philippians beginning at the Third Verse of the First Chapter. Writing to the church in Philippia, Paul sends his greetings letting them know he has been praying for them constantly. He tells them that the good work God has begun in them will surely continue until Christ returns to them. Paul tells them he prays that they will find more and more joy in following the will of God. Continually reminding people of the joy of being born a new person, Paul prays that their “love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; that ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.”

I THANK my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace. For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the tender mercies of Christ Jesus. And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; that ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

The Gospel was written in the Twenty-Eighth Chapter of the Gospel according to St. Matthew beginning at the Twenty-First Verse. On the subject of confession, repentance and forgiveness, knowing the rabbis had ordained forgiving one’s transgressors three times Peter asked Jesus, “Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.” Knowing Jesus as he did, Peter no doubt expected Jesus to say more times than three, but 490 may have been somewhat more than he expected. In one of the more important stories in the Bible concerning God’s forgiveness of us and our obligation to forgive others, Jesus went on to liken the kingdom of heaven to a king, who was balancing his accounts. He found a servant who owed him, in today’s terms, a million dollars. The man had no money, but promised to pay and begged for mercy rather than have himself and his family sold into slavery as the law allowed to repay the debt. The king forgave him the debt and set him free. Upon release, the man being reminded of his debts, began to attempt to collect from those who owed him. The first debtor he came across owed him $10.00 and had it not. The one who had been forgiven cast the $10.00 debtor into prison. The king found out and bye, bye.

The quote is - Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Not – Do unto others before they do unto you.

PETER said unto Jesus, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take ac-count of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellow-servants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. And his fellow-servant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. So when his fellow-servants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellow-servant, even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

Sermon – The Shredder
If anyone ask for mercy, love them, and forgive them. We have all been hurt, injured, slighted. Sometimes time after time, though perhaps not the requisite 490 times. Often by the same person, over and over. Like Lucy, Linus and the football. It has certainly happened to me. What to do?

Think about this when you think about that person:

• How much is the person worth?
• How much does Jesus care about that person?
• How much did Jesus give to save that person?

Then, think, have I heard this before, “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.”

No matter how bad we’ve messed up; if we repent, Jesus’ answer is “I forgive you.”

Birthdays and Anniversaries
There were no reported birthdays or anniversaries today.

After Church Hospitality
Today Martha Stevens brought the goodies. Or, was that greaties? Sadly, Tim was on travel, as Martha brought extra deviled eggs just for him. Not sad for Aaron and your Beadle who ate Tim’s eggs. In addition, there was pie, sliced apples with dipping sauce and Martha’s famous chocolate roll tacos. Many thanks to Martha and Tim!

Command Master Chief Brewer Macauley was on travel, Don Patton barrista’d up and made great coffee. Father Acker got up early to make (and bring) his signature low carb lemonade.

After church goodies providers as currently signed up:

Date Name
26 October 2008 Holly Lizak (Black Olive Egg Salad Sandwiches!)
2 November 2008 Diane and Greg Chase
9 November 2008 Martha Stevens
16 November 2008 Alice Acker
23 November 2008 Opportunity Available!
30 November 2008 Opportunity Available!
7 December 2008 Stephanie Boyd
14 December 2008 Alice Acker
21 December 2008 Martha Stevens

New Nametags
We had no new nametags today.

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 last 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 that on the green or orange 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 that their names and purpose be kept confidential, and then only Father Acker will know to pray for them.


Travel
Alice is on travel this week.
Chris, Stephanie, Alex and Andrew are on travel this week.
Tim and Jan are on travel this week.

Departed
Mary Mano (Monny) mother of Mary Parker passed away Friday 17 October 2008. Of your Christian charity, pray for the repose of her soul and comfort for her family and friends who remain here on earth.

Jim for whom we have been praying recently passed away from pancreatic cancer. Of your Christian charity, pray for the repose of his soul and comfort for his family and friends who remain here on earth.

Healing
Betty, Salvador (cancer), Betty, Marge, Uni, Karl, Christian, Marie, Wanda, Frank+ (brain tumor), Lois, Jennette (Alzheimer’s), Gary, Delores, Anna, Ruth, Connie, Tom, Crystal, Thomas, Hadley, Diane, Norm, Gregory, Nancy, Leucrecia (cancer), Michele, Marybeth (broken foot, stroke), Bill (infection), Teiko, Ernie, Ray, Betty, Hazel, Bruce (heart attack), Susanne, Paul (stroke), Ralph+ (eyes hip), Allison (kidney), Bill (ETOH poisoning)
, Joy, Kai, Jay, Tim, Diane, Amy (Thyroid cancer), Lise (peritoneal cancer), Joy, Evelyn, Kenny (ear surgery), Debbie, Joanna (stroke) [granddaughter of Father Holland a diocesan priest], Al (Ashley’s dad: surgery) Cyndi (arthritis pain; knee replacement 12/2), Scott (endocarditis and cow valve)

Rod Cook has a reoccurrence of lung cancer. Prognosis is not promising. Please pray for either a miraculous recovery or a maximization of his time remaining here on earth. Pray also for his daughter Lori that she might accept God’s will and enjoy whatever time she has with her father here on earth. In particular please pray for peace of mind for both Rod and Lori that they might put their trust in God and increase their faith.

Muriel Pappin minor injuries from a kitchen cabinet that fell. Fortunately, it only grazed her and didn’t hit her on the way down. And just when you thought you were safe in your own kitchen!

John and Isabel Wilhelmy’s family ask your prayers on their behalf for God’s help through eye surgery and illness combined. We also pray that they will accept their family’s loving assistance in this difficult time.

Everett Joshua (EJ), grandson of Father Josh Acton, Rector of Christ the Redeemer Anglican Church in Yuma, seems to have a condition where he cannot swallow breast milk, but instead actually chokes on it. It is a severe reflux and can cause asphyxiation in infants. His mother Vanessa is now having to pump her milk and add "thickening fluids" to her milk and then feed by bottle. Apparently Vanessa watched an Xray of Everett swallowing, and consequently, choking on milk. His air way is clogged after every time he feeds.
 
This is not the definitive diagnosis. It sure beats the other possibilities. It is a dangerous but treatable condition. Your prayers and offers of help and support are greatly appreciated.

Please keep EJ and his family in your prayers.

Vince (12 yrs) who has bone cancer (a teammate of Andrew B) is doing well, things are much better of late. Please pray for his continued good progress!

Mary Parker is still in the Medical Intensive Care Unit, but she is making some great improvements. She is off the breathing mask part time and she is looking toward being well enough to go home. The doctors are working on getting her well enough to move to a regular ward, but she is feeling much better. Please continue to pray for God’s will to be done and that she and her family continue to put their trust in Him. In particular, please pray for her family’s peace.

Alice, friend of Fran Dexter, had lung cancer and surgery five years ago and has been in remission. After she started coughing up blood, radiological testing found a spot on her lung. She underwent surgery on 5 September 2008, which apparently went well. Fran asks in particular you pray for peace of mind for both Alice and Rick that they might put their trust in God.

Kenny had surgery to improve his hearing. It was hoped his hearing would improve over the next two or three months. There’s no improvement yet and he’s feeling frustrated. It is very difficult to have physical ailments and even harder when “promised” improvements apparently fail to materialize. Please continue to pray, not only for his improved hearing; but more importantly for his improved state of mind and faith.

Joshua Hamilton fell out of a car the morning of 27 July 2008. He sustained a closed head injury and potential spinal cord injuries. Joshua underwent three surgeries to relieve pressure on his brain, but has not yet awakened. He is being moved to a long term care facility. He needs miraculous healing as the doctors have done all they can. We are praying for God’s miraculous intervention and to do those things best for Joshua in his life with God. Please continue to pray for his wife, Tulani, and two children, Isaiah & Keanu, and of course his mom, Jo Ann, and his James brother who is in our FTGC, asking for God’s presence and comfort.

Glenn Finch is entering his last week (actually last 3 days) of rehab!!! It has been 3 months since his accident! It is astounding that he began this journey on life support and now is doing so incredibly well. Tuesday he takes a driving test, so that he can start driving again. Every day this week he will have to test out in all the areas...physical therapy, neuropsych, speech, occupational therapy (life skills), etc. Please keep him in your prayers! Thursday is his last day. You will probably hear us cheering from your houses! :-)

Evelyn Hunt has pain in her jaw, face, & neck. The doctors haven’t been able to diagnose the cause. She has been very limited in getting out, but continued to do her walking in the house. Most importantly, pray for her to keep a good attitude and maintain a trust in God, so she will not worry.

Miney Farrell has had pain and weakness in her leg that has been limiting her activity.

Lorraine Winkles is still dealing with shingles (now over 24 months). The level of discomfort varies but the condition is persisting.

Lona Walsh is in significant discomfort, but it looks like it is not Lupus. A recent MRI indicates she needs shoulder surgery on both sides, not great news, but much better than Lupus. She hopes for more information shortly, in the mean time, she asks that you continue your prayers for healing.

Kay Denton (Mrs. Kay) – is home and doing wonderfully well! As always, she retains her trust in the Lord and her positive attitude. 

 Mrs. Kay asks that everyone who is praying for her know how grateful she is for their prayers.

Nicole Ethridge - age 27, mother of two - Has a form of liver disease, which is causing her liver to shut down. She is near dialysis and would like you to pray for her disease to go into remission so that she can keep off dialysis and avoid a liver transplant. She asks that you pray for her continued faith and good spirits, as well as strength to take care of her children.

Caroline (age 10, leukemia recurrence) is doing quite well. She will need to stay in Pasadena for another month or two to be near City of Hope where her bone marrow transplant took place. She is still struggling with a few side effects, Graft vs. Host Disease, etc. Our major prayer for her is that she does not relapse. Right now the chance of relapse in patients with her kind of leukemia after recurrence and transplant is 40%. She also has genetic markers that make relapse more likely. Caroline is being homeschooled right now by her parents and is able to make short excursions with a mask on to bookstores, etc., when they aren't crowded. Please keep praying for this sweet girl to make a full recovery and live a long life, devoted to God and that she will be able to go home to Escondido soon as she misses being at home. She and her family are Catholic Christians.

George (recurrence of bladder cancer) is undergoing weekly chemotherapy which makes him quite ill. This last week he wasn't quite as ill as he has been, so please pray that he will be able to continue attending church each Sunday and will have a full recovery. The future regarding surgery and other treatment is unclear at this point. Please keep his wife LaVonda and their children Megan and George Jr., in prayer as well. They live in northern Georgia.

Bruce Denny lives in El Cajon and has experienced two major heart attacks in his early 40's. He was to have an appointment with a cardiologist last Thursday, but no results yet. His previous appointment showed further deterioration of his heart, including a fluid build-up in the sac surrounding his heart. The family is also under severe financial stress because Bruce has been unable to work after his heart attacks. His wife, Jennifer, is looking for a job and for childcare for their one-year-old. The church family at Lake Murray Community Church is helping out with taking their older boys to and from school and with meals, etc. Pray for no further deterioration in Bruce's heart and for help with their finances.

Guidance
Tom, Mary, Lloyd & Jennifer, Bob to be guided to a church
Ashley, Breyana, Vie, Asha, Cory, Heather, Holly, Ken, Maruja, William, Joe, Alexander, Jonathan, Phil, Sandy, Larraine, Brad, Brian, Uni, Jennifer, Greg, Margie, Phyllis, Walter, Rick, Carol, Susan, Curtis, Stephen, Donny, Chris, Eric (job), Andrew, Keith (job decision), Sara, Mark, Alexandra, Nelson, Perlita, Lewis, Sam & Susie

Sarah is still struggling with custody arrangements for her children and would appreciate our continued prayers. A hearing on 24 November 2008 will probably change custody to a more permanent arrangement (the children are currently switching between parents every other day). A hearing in February should finalize things. Sarah really appreciates our prayers and is asking for the decision to be in the best interest of the children. Sara asks you pray that God’s will for these children will be realized and they will be put in the best custody situation possible. Please pray for God’s guidance in the lives of the ex-husband, John and Sara and that they might hear Him.

Guidance and Protection
Christina, John and Sarah

Economic Guidance and Assistance
St. Andrew’s Academy (Lake Almanor, CA) Father Brian Foos (headmaster) – Please pray for help and guidance for the school, which is under severe pressure from economic down turn. You can pray and turn your heart towards this problem. If you can do something concrete to help them, contact Father Acker.

Keith has had no work for the past three weeks. Because of family medical expenses, they have no savings and are in debt. Please pray for God's leading for a new job or for new clients for Keith's drafting business or for another stained glass commission. Pray for Susanne as she tutors and teaches online classes while home schooling their four kids, that she may remain strong and able to do all she needs to do to teach their kids and help with finances despite herphysical condition (rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, etc.). Pray for them also to not fear for the future but to trust in the Lord.

Eric and Eric both to find a job that will allow them to use their skill and talent to make their new company more successful.

Sonny and Carol have lost their business, their home is in foreclosure. Please pray that they might find an opportunity for gainful employment where they can use their talents to make a positive impact on the world.

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.

Please pray for Kevin in the UK. He has been looking for a job for a long time and is 52. Please pray he might find an opportunity for gainful employment where he can use his talents to make a positive impact on the world. Please pray also for his family, in particular his wife Beverley, that they might open their hearts and minds to God’s guidance for their future.

Homebound/Aged and Infirm
Mary, Donna, Betty, Noko, Adelaide, Evelyn, Lorraine, Ellie

Armed Forces & Contractors
Tillman, Justin, Evan, Jim, RJ, Matt, Phillip, Julian, Joe (USAF - Ali Al Salem AB, Kuwait), John Kelly (USN - USS Ronald Reagan)

Anglican Communion
Archbishop Peter Akinola, the head of the GAFCON Primates’ Council has asked us to pray for our Anglican Communion. Specifically during September to December, we are bidden to pray for:

1. Guidance of the Holy Spirit upon the GAFCON Primates Council that they may be united in their leadership for the Gospel of Jesus Christ

2. Upholding the Bible as authoritative for the life, faith, and conduct of all Christians

3. Remaining faithful in the central task of the Church to mission and evangelism, saving the lost, bringing life and health to the poor and needy

4. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit to bring renewal, revival and transformation of individuals, communities, and societies

5. Anglicans to focus upon God’s agenda set forth in Scripture, God’s authority as given by Jesus Christ, and God’s mission in saving sinners and by the Holy Spirit turning them into saints

6. The setting aside all other agendas, that Jesus alone be Lord.

What can we do to spread the Word, to increase church attendance and do the Lord’s work?
We are looking for suggestions as to what we can do to reach out to those who do not make it to church. What can we do to get people to come to church in general and Blessed Trinity in particular. We know we have a great product that people need, yet we don’t seem to be able to communicate that outside our usual attendees. What can we do to more effectively spread the Word of God? What can we do to get people to participate? After all, church is like a savings account. What you put in, you get back with interest. But, nothing in, nothing out. If you have any suggestions, please contact Father Acker, the Deacon, the Senior Warden or the Beadle.

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 want to write an article or make an announcement, please forward your item to the Beadle (with a note as to whether or not you would like editing help) to the following address: thebeadle@mac.com.

Keeping Up to Date with the Parish and the World
In an effort to keep us in touch with each other and the Christian and non-Christian world, Father is posting updates at the Thursday Evening News, oddly enough on Thursdays. This is a nice mid-week update for us, drop in and take a look. It is also linked to from the various Beadle’s Blogs.

http://thursdayeveningnews.blogspot.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

19 October 2008 Ben Lizak
26 October 2008 Jack Arnold
2 November 2008 Tim Macauley
9 November 2008 Don Patton
16 November 2008 Ben Lizak
23 November 2008 Holly Lizak
30 November 2008 Greg Chase

The near future, as well as Next Sunday
Next Sunday is the Twenty-Third Sunday after Trinity.

Come next Sunday and see if Father Acker remembers what book comes after Jonah. Or, maybe he finally tells us what the Green Season means. What about the sermon?  Will he preach on the Gospel or something all together different? Unless you come to the service, you will have to wait until you read the Beadle’s Report to find out.

See you next week on Sunday!

Alternate Sources of The Beadle’s Report
Father Acker posts a .pdf version of the current Beadle’s Report on the church website:
http://alpineanglican.com/BeadleReports.htm

An alternative version of the Beadle’s Report a single photograph and simple text is available at:
http://thebeadle.blogspot.com/

or with one photograph per issue and colorful text at

http://web.mac.com/thebeadle/iWeb/BeadleBlog/Blog/Blog.html

All back issues of the Beadle’s Reports are available on request from:

thebeadle@mac.com

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Twenty-First Sunday after Trinity


Today was the Twenty-First Sunday after Trinity. The weekend saw a cold snap, temperatures on Mount Olympus dropped to 34°F overnight, with a sunrise temperature of 41°F. A cold Santa Ana was about, by the time church was over, it was 57°F under clear skies. Even though we had a number of people on travel, we had 16 participants by service start.

As usual, Father Acker and Jack Arnold provided music for the welcome or gathering songs. Again, it seemed to work. When they started singing, we had 12 people present. By the time they finished, there were 16 people!

Father Acker’s Pre-Service Class - Around the Bible in 280 days by popular demand
Today continued the forty week tour of the Bible, 10 minutes of teaching each Sunday, beginning at 8:30am. As is customary, the class started with one of the Collects for the Day, applicable to the subject at hand, in this case the Second Sunday in Advent:

BLESSED Lord, who hast caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning; Grant that we may in such wise hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and comfort of thy holy Word, we may embrace, and ever hold fast, the blessed hope of everlasting life, which thou hast given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.          
Second Sunday of Advent BCPp92

We have made our way through the Bible from Genesis (the beginning) to the Book of Obadiah, one of the minor prophets.

The central points of the Book of Obadiah, the shortest prophetic book being only one chapter long containing twenty one sentences are:

• Punishment of Edom
• The Day of the Lord

Book of Obadiah lays out the Prophet Obadiah’s vision of the utter and absolute destruction of Esau’s family line, and the fall of his nation state, Edom, as he and his people are interchangeably called. The prophecy takes place during or shortly after the Babylonian expulsion of the southern Kingdom in 586 BC. Judah’s fresh stinging exilic wound is now vigorously salted by their Brother Esau’s final and most bitter betrayal.

It has been a long and tortuous relationship for Isaac’s twin boys from their initial in -utero battles which continued throughout their lives, and was extended by their descendants, long after they departed, for nearly a millennium. Their sibling rivalry was birthed and forged on the anvil of the competing marital relationship between their parents, Isaac and Rebecca.

This is not only a story of Esau’s end; it is also the story of what appears momentarily to be Jacob’s demise. The northern kingdom composed of ten out of twelve tribes of Jacob has already vanished, antedating Esau’s death. The Southern Kingdom, composed of two remaining tribes of Jacob, is now being expelled by the Babylonians, and it appears to the world, and especially to Esau, that it is the end of them, and hence the absolute destruction of Jacob.

This is a historical experience which the Edomites savor with great relish and celebrate with gusto, finally tasting absolute supremacy and victory over their rival brother Jacob with whom they have competed over land, inheritance, blessings, and power, and most importantly, the biggest prize of all, elusive paternal love. Jacob’s conniving may have gotten him the first-born blessing, but in the end it is Esau who snatches victory from the jaws of defeat by living to witness the death and destruction of his little back-stabbing brother, or so it seems.

The entire book of Obadiah admonishes Edom for their terrible behavior to be a single survivor from the house of Esau.

Obadiah and God are irritated when Edom’s brother Judah is troubled by the Babylonian. Not only do they not help; they take part in dividing the spoils.

“You should not have gloated over the misfortune of your relatives in Judah. You should not have been glad on the day of their ruin.

You should not have laughed at them in their distress. You should not have entered the city of my people to gloat over their suffering and to seize their riches on the day of their disaster.” Obadiah 12-13

Obadiah draws an analogy between Esau and his children, the nation of Edom and an eagle and his nest. “The pride of your heart has beguiled you, you that dwell in the clefts of the rock. My habitation is high, he said in his heart. Who will bring me down to earth? “

“If you make your nest as high as an eagle and if amidst the stars you shall place your nest, from there I will bring you down, says God”

"The day is near when I, the LORD, will judge all nations. Edom, what you have done will be done to you. You will get back what you have given.

But on Mount Zion some will escape, and it will be a sacred place. The people of Jacob will possess the land that is theirs by right.

The victorious men of Jerusalem will attack Edom and rule over it. And the LORD himself will be king." Obadiah 15-21

The name Obadiah in Hebrew is linguistically linked to one of Esau’s names, and hence the name Obadiah is not merely coincidental. In Hebrew, Obadiah’s name is spelled “EVDYH”, or broken down to its two root components; “EVeD” (slave or servant), of YH (God). The term “EVED” can have quite negative connotations i. e. a slave e. g. a slave in Egypt. Alternatively EVED can have positive spiritual connotations, as in EVED (servant) of God. Thus the word EVED depending on the grammatical context can be either pejorative or complimentary.

Esau in scripture is twice referred to as an EVED. When his mother is pregnant with him and Jacob, she beseeches God who tells her that two nations are struggling within her, and that the elder will serve (YaEVD) the younger.

When Isaac blesses both Jacob and Esau, he tells each of them that Esau will serve (YaEVD) Jacob. Hence Esau is an EVED of Jacob in as much as Obadiah is an EVED of God: Both Obadiah and Esau are EVEDs. One is an honored servant, and the other is a despised slave. Thus the object of Obadiah’s prophecy is also the root of his name.

The text also has an interesting linguistic play on the name EDOM. It contextually uses the word EYDOM for “destruction”, drawing an analogy between the definition of Edom and his impending destruction. One could take the different root definitions of EDOM one step further. The root of the word Edom is also ADAM, i.e. MAN, who is both destructive and destructible.

Esau is probably the greatest tragic figure in the Bible. Jacob finagles both birthright and primo blessing from him, yet when Esau meets up with Jacob many years later, he embraces Jacob, kisses him, forgives and forgets. Truly he is the son of Abraham and Isaac. But Esau’s descendants are not as forgiving as him. They can never forgive Jacob’s multiple slights to their great father, nor can they forgive or forget. Hence they cannot and will not extend any semblance of filial assistance or love to their brother’s descendants.

Did Jacob ever assist Esau? Did Jacob ever make up for what was unjustly taken from Esau? Did Jacob ever make amends? Does Edom owe Jacob? Should not love go both ways? Esau mightily loved his father; nevertheless it was Esau who was exiled from heart, hearth and home by the alliance forged between Jacob and his mother. A millennium later, Esau is both cursed and doomed by God because he could not bring himself to forgive Jacob for having come between him and his father. Dancing on Jacob’s grave (albeit prematurely) was one of the many jealous acts of vengeance which Esau thought was well deserved. Throughout Esau’s existence he is and always was a sad, noble and tragic figure. Obviously Esau missed, “Vengeance is mine, … saith the Lord.”

Alice Acker read the Epistle for this morning which came from Saint Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians, the Sixth Chapter, beginning at the Tenth Verse. In these passages, Paul gives his clearest definition of the spiritual war between the forces of Satan and those who would follow God. It not only assures us that there is a spiritual war, but it warns us that apart from utilizing the weapons which God has provided for us, we are hopelessly underpowered. This passage tells us what our divine weapons are. Beyond this, these weapons imply the nature of the struggle which we are in. The weapons which God has provided for us are those weapons which best repel the attacks of Satan, and thus we can learn a great deal about the nature of Satan’s opposition from simply considering each of the weapons at our disposal.

After a consideration of the war in general, we will then proceed to examine in more detail each of the weapons Paul mentions, and the offensive strategy of Satan which they imply. May God give us open hearts and minds to understand the spiritual war, and the means which He has provided for our defense.


MY brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; and for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

The Gospel was written in the Fourth Chapter of the Gospel according to St. John beginning at the Forty-Sixth Verse. This is a telling of the story of the healing of a Jewish nobleman's son Capernaum through the faith of his father. When the man came to him asking for help, he responded as he often did to Jews, “Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.” The man persisted and because Jesus saw faith in him, he said, focusing his attention on faith in God, “Go thy way; thy son liveth” or "Be on your way. Your son is alive." In other words: "Do not worry. My Word can heal your son at a distance." The boy was healed in the very instant when Jesus spoke the Word. The father believed this Word. So did his household, wife, children and servants. More than one person was healed on that occasion.

This miracle shares characteristics with the previous healing of the Centurion’s son:

• Jesus has just come back to Galilee.
• Someone comes to him with a request.
• Indirectly Jesus seems to refuse at first.
• The person persists.
• Jesus grants the request.
• This leads another group of people (his disciples, the nobleman’s household) to believe in him.

Note the necessity of trusting in Jesus as the giver of life. Of the text, Luther wrote: "Although the Lord performed miracles and signs to make Himself known and to lead people to faith in Him, the underlying purpose was to focus their attention on the Word rather than on the signs which served merely to attest the truth of His testimony. Faith must rest on the Word of God." Another Lutheran theologian wrote: "In affliction faith is practiced and chastened. If a person does not see, taste and experience the help and grace of the Lord, then that person learns to trust the Word and nothing but the Word. That is the true faith, trusting the Lord for its own sake. Such faith comes not from flesh and blood. It's the Lord to which faith clings. That almighty Word works faith."

Jesus led this nobleman from a "miracle" faith to a true faith in His Word. He does this to us also.

"Be on your way. Your son lives." This Word of Jesus was not only a prophecy. It had the power to heal the sick boy. And this Word took the nobleman's worries away.


THERE was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum. When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judæa into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son: for he was at the point of death. Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe. The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down ere my child die. Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way. And as he was now going down, his servants met him, and told him, saying, Thy son liveth. Then enquired he of them the hour when he began to amend. And they said unto him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him. So the father knew that it was at the same hour, in the which Jesus said unto him, Thy son liveth: and himself believed, and his whole house. This is again the second miracle that Jesus did, when he was come out of Judæa into Galilee.

Sermon – Are you UP-Armored?
God will give us armor, defensive and offensive for use in our daily battle with the forces of evil. But, we have to take an active role. We have to accept the armor, put it on, wear it and carry it.

Consider today’s Epistle, “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For [in today’s world] we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” The world is full of stuff, stuff that seems to consume our thoughts and minds to the point it diverts our soul from the true battle against evil.

We come to church each Sunday to build a foundation, to center our lives and priorities on Christ. Here at church we get fitted for the Armor of God, we practice the donning and doffing of the armor, we hear how to use it. Then off we go, six days the armor stays in the closet and back to church we come to wear our armor.

Trouble comes not only on Sunday morn! Trouble comes during the six and a half days you are not in church. You need to wear the Armor of God seven, twenty-four, three sixty-five. You need God’s protection, God’s power every day to resist the “powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” of every day life. You will fail on the odd, or not so odd, occasion, but God will forgive your sins, if you ask in the name of His Son. We get that forgiveness every Sunday, every Morning and Evening Prayer. Not that we are “awful sinners”, but rather we are awfully far from perfect. We need God’s help to get a fix on our current position, to grasp our destination and plot the best course to the final destination, to see REALITY. Forget not, “The Truth shall set you free!” It is reality, it is truth, it is not STUFF.

We need to remember: He who dies with the most toys, still dies. Stuff deadens our senses. Don’t put stuff first. Jesus did not. Eternal reality is important; not stuff. Remember the Spiritual Battle. Think Commandment Ten: Thou shall not covet. Not cover what? Thy neighbor’s anything.

God wants us to be successful. Successful as individuals, as families, as parishes, as a diocese, as a country and as a people of this world. He knows that we do this by being connected to Him and to other People of God. We need to reach out to others, to help those in need, to encourage those who can to do and those who will not, let them experience what they need to to make them understand why they need to do to live God’s will. God put us on this earth to make a difference.

Go forth and DO!

Birthdays and Anniversaries
There were no reported anniversaries today. We celebrated DeaconIT Greg Chase’s 60th birthday with him today, which was actually his birthday.

After Church Hospitality
Today being Greg Chase’s 60th birthday and his day to read the Epistle, his lovely wife Diane brought the goodies: birthday cake and fruit. The cake was a classic white cake, with white butter frosting (your Beadle’s favorite and apparently much liked by Greg) with no filling (excellent!). There was also much and varied fruit. Many thanks to Diane!

Command Master Chief Brewer Macauley was in La Paz on Hurricane Watch, Don Patton got there just in time to plug in the coffee. Father Acker got up early to make (and bring) his signature low carb lemonade.

After church goodies providers as currently signed up:

Date Name
19 October 2008 Martha Stevens
26 October 2008 Holly Lizak (Black Olive Egg Salad Sandwiches!)
2 November 2008 Diane and Greg Chase
9 November 2008 Opportunity Available!
16 November 2008 Alice Acker
23 November 2008 Opportunity Available!
30 November 2008 Opportunity Available!
7 December 2008 Stephanie Boyd
14 December 2008 Alice Acker
21 December 2008 Opportunity Available!

New Nametags
We had no new nametags today.

Prodigal Son (and Mother, too!)
While we had no new nametags today, we did have two "strangers." Traci Huber and son Warren came back after many months visiting family in Mississippi. While we were glad to have them back, we were not nearly so glad as husband and father Aaron! They just drove in Friday and were dead tired, but happy to be home.

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 last 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 that on the green or orange 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 that their names and purpose be kept confidential, and then only Father Acker will know to pray for them.

Travel
Ben, Holly and Ashley are on travel this week.
Chris, Stephanie, Alex and Andrew are on travel this week.
Tim and Jan are on travel this week.

Departed
Jim for whom we have been praying recently passed away from pancreatic cancer. Of your Christian charity, pray for the repose of his soul and comfort for his family and friends who remain here on earth.

Healing

 Betty, Salvador (cancer), Betty, Marge, Uni, Karl, Christian, Marie, Wanda, Frank+ (brain tumor), Lois, Jennette (Alzheimer’s), Gary, Delores, Anna, Ruth, Connie, Tom, Crystal, Thomas, Hadley, Diane, Norm, Gregory, Terri, Mary, Carmen, Yolanda, Jodi, Ken, Sheila, Nancy, Leucrecia (cancer), Michele, Marybeth (broken foot, stroke), Bill (infection), Teiko, Ernie, Ray, Betty, Hazel, Bruce (heart attack), Susanne, Paul (stroke), Ralph+ (eyes hip), Allison (kidney), Bill (ETOH poisoning)
, Joy, Kai, Jay, Tim, Diane, Amy (Thyroid cancer), Lise (peritoneal cancer), Joy, Martha, Evelyn, Sheryal, Kenny (ear surgery), Debbie, Joanna (stroke) [granddaughter of Father Holland a diocesan priest], Al (Ashley’s dad: surgery) Cyndi (arthritis pain; knee replacement 12/2), Scott (endocarditis and cow valve)

Muriel Pappin minor injuries from a kitchen cabinet that fell. Fortunately, it only grazed her and didn’t hit her on the way down. And just when you thought you were safe in your own kitchen!

John and Isabel Wilhelmy’s family ask your prayers on their behalf for God’s help through eye surgery and illness combined. We also pray that they will accept their family’s loving assistance in this difficult time.

Everett Joshua (EJ), grandson of Father Josh Acton, Rector of Christ the Redeemer Anglican Church in Yuma, seems to have a condition where he cannot swallow breast milk, but instead actually chokes on it.  It is a severe reflux and can cause asphyxiation in infants.  His mother Vanessa is now having to pump her milk and add "thickening fluids" to her milk and then feed by bottle.  Apparently Vanessa watched an Xray of Everett swallowing, and consequently, choking on milk.  His air way is clogged after every time he feeds. This is not the definitive diagnosis. It sure beats the other possibilities. It is a dangerous but treatable condition. Your prayers and offers of help and support are greatly appreciated.

Please keep EJ and his family in your prayers.

Vince (12 yrs) who has bone cancer (a teammate of Andrew B) is doing well, things are much better of late. Please pray for his continued good progress!

Mary Parker is still in the Medical Intensive Care Unit, but she is making some great improvements. She is off the breathing mask part time and she is looking toward being well enough to go home. The doctors are working on getting her well enough to move to a regular ward, but she is feeling much better. Liz Anne & Priscilla were both there when Father Acker and DeaconIT Greg Chase, visited on Saturday.
 Please continue to pray for God’s will to be done and that she and her family continue to put their trust in Him. In particular, please pray for her family’s peace.

Alice, friend of Fran Dexter, had lung cancer and surgery five years ago and has been in remission. After she started coughing up blood, radiological testing found a spot on her lung. She underwent surgery on 5 September 2008, which apparently went well. Fran asks in particular you pray for peace of mind for both Alice and Rick that they might put their trust in God.

Kenny had surgery to improve his hearing. It was hoped his hearing would improve over the next two or three months. There’s no improvement yet and he’s feeling frustrated. It is very difficult to have physical ailments and even harder when “promised” improvements apparently fail to materialize. Please continue to pray, not only for his improved hearing; but more importantly for his improved state of mind and faith.

Joshua Hamilton fell out of a car the morning of 27 July 2008. He sustained a closed head injury and potential spinal cord injuries. Joshua underwent three surgeries to relieve pressure on his brain, but has not yet awakened. He is being moved to a long term care facility. He needs miraculous healing as the doctors have done all they can. We are praying for God’s miraculous intervention and to do those things best for Joshua in his life with God. Please continue to pray for his wife, Tulani, and two children, Isaiah & Keanu, and of course his mom, Jo Ann, and his James brother who is in our FTGC, asking for God’s presence and comfort.

Glenn Finch – Awesome news! Glenn's evaluation was incredible! He has improved physically and mentally in leaps and bounds. He will be discharged from rehab on 23 October 2008. His most difficult challenge right now is the driving simulator. He is scheduled for a driving evaluation 21 October 2008 to see if he can have his license reinstated. He has asked for your prayers! So many people have been so wonderful to drive him everywhere, but he is looking forward to this step of independence! He plans to move back home in small chunks, having his girls join him there for a weekend. Now he is mostly working on getting his body back in great shape and on executive skills that will help him as he goes back to work. He is so grateful for your prayers and support!! Thank you! Thank you! Caralie

Evelyn Hunt has pain in her jaw, face, & neck. The doctors haven’t been able to diagnose the cause. She has been very limited in getting out, but continued to do her walking in the house. Most importantly, pray for her to keep a good attitude and maintain a trust in God, so she will not worry.

Miney Farrell has had pain and weakness in her leg that has been limiting her activity.

Lorraine Winkles is still dealing with shingles (now over 23 months). The level of discomfort varies but the condition is persisting.

Lona Walsh is in significant discomfort, but it looks like it is not Lupus. A recent MRI indicates she needs shoulder surgery on both sides, not great news, but much better than Lupus. She hopes for more information shortly, in the mean time, she asks that you continue your prayers for healing.

Kay Denton (Mrs. Kay) – is home and doing wonderfully well! As always, she retains her trust in the Lord and her positive attitude. Mrs. Kay asks that everyone who is praying for her know how grateful she is for their prayers.

Nicole Ethridge - age 27, mother of two - Has a form of liver disease, which is causing her liver to shut down. She is near dialysis and would like you to pray for her disease to go into remission so that she can keep off dialysis and avoid a liver transplant. She asks that you pray for her continued faith and good spirits, as well as strength to take care of her children.

Caroline (age 10, leukemia recurrence) is doing quite well.  She will need to stay in Pasadena for another month or two to be near City of Hope where her bone marrow transplant took place.  She is still struggling with a few side effects, Graft vs. Host Disease, etc.  Our major prayer for her is that she does not relapse.  Right now the chance of relapse in patients with her kind of leukemia after recurrence and transplant is 40%.  She also has genetic markers that make relapse more likely. Caroline is being homeschooled right now by her parents and is able to make short excursions with a mask on to bookstores, etc., when they aren't crowded.  Please keep praying for this sweet girl to make a full recovery and live a long life, devoted to God and that she will be able to go home to Escondido soon as she misses being at home.  She and her family are Catholic Christians.

George (recurrence of bladder cancer) is undergoing weekly chemotherapy which makes him quite ill.  This last week he wasn't quite as ill as he has been, so please pray that he will be able to continue attending church each Sunday and will have a full recovery.  The future regarding surgery and other treatment is unclear at this point.  Please keep his wife LaVonda and their children Megan and George Jr., in prayer as well.  They live in northern Georgia.

Bruce Denny lives in El Cajon and has experienced two major heart attacks in his early 40's.  He was to have an appointment with a cardiologist last Thursday, but no results yet.  His previous appointment showed further deterioration of his heart, including a fluid build-up in the sac surrounding his heart.  The family is also under severe financial stress because Bruce has been unable to work after his heart attacks.  His wife, Jennifer, is looking for a job and for childcare for their one-year-old.  The church family at Lake Murray Community Church is helping out with taking their older boys to and from school and with meals, etc.  Pray for no further deterioration in Bruce's heart and for help with their finances.

Guidance
Tom, Mary, Lloyd & Jennifer, Bob to be guided to a church
Ashley, Breyana, Vie, Asha, Cory, Heather, Holly, Ken, Maruja, Jerry, Martha, Matt, Marci, Nicholas, Carmen, Mary, John, William, Joe, Alexander, Jonathan, Phil, Sandy, Larraine, Brad, Brian, Uni, Jennifer, Greg, Margie, Phyllis, Walter, Rick, Carol, Susan, Curtis, Stephen, Donny, Chris, Eric (job), Andrew, Keith (job decision), Sara, Mark, Alexandra, Nelson, Perlita, Lewis, Sam & Susie

Sarah is still struggling with custody arrangements for her children and would appreciate our continued prayers. A hearing on 24 November 2008 will probably change custody to a more permanent arrangement (the children are currently switching between parents every other day). A hearing in February should finalize things. Sarah really appreciates our prayers and is asking for the decision to be in the best interest of the children. Sara asks you pray that God’s will for these children will be realized and they will be put in the best custody situation possible. Please pray for God’s guidance in the lives of the ex-husband, John and Sara and that they might hear Him.

Guidance and Protection
Christina

Economic Guidance and Assistance
St. Andrew’s Academy (Lake Almanor, CA) Father Brian Foos (headmaster) – Please pray for help and guidance for the school, which is under severe pressure from economic down turn. 
 You can pray and turn your heart towards this problem. If you can do something concrete to help them, contact Father Acker.

Keith has had no work for the past three weeks.  Because of family medical expenses, they have no savings and are in debt.  Please pray for God's leading for a new job or for new clients for Keith's drafting business or for another stained glass commission.  Pray for Susanne as she tutors and teaches online classes while home schooling their four kids, that she may remain strong and able to do all she needs to do to teach their kids and help with finances despite herphysical condition (rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, etc.).  Pray for them also to not fear for the future but to trust in the Lord. 

Eric and Eric both to find a job that will allow them to use their skill and talent to make their new company more successful.

Sonny and Carol have lost their business, their home is in foreclosure. Please pray that they might find an opportunity for gainful employment where they can use their talents to make a positive impact on the world.

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.

Please pray for Kevin in the UK. He has been looking for a job for a long time and is 52. Please pray he might find an opportunity for gainful employment where he can use his talents to make a positive impact on the world. Please pray also for his family, in particular his wife Beverley, that they might open their hearts and minds to God’s guidance for their future.


Homebound/Aged and Infirm
Mary, Donna, Betty, Noko, Adelaide, Evelyn, Lorraine, Ellie

Armed Forces & Contractors
Tillman, Justin, Evan, Jim, RJ, Matt, Phillip, Julian, Joe (USAF - Ali Al Salem AB, Kuwait), John Kelly (USN - USS Ronald Reagan)

Anglican Communion
Archbishop Peter Akinola, the head of the GAFCON Primates’ Council has asked us to pray for our Anglican Communion. Specifically during September to December, we are bidden to pray for:

1. Guidance of the Holy Spirit upon the GAFCON Primates Council that they may be united in their leadership for the Gospel of Jesus Christ

2. Upholding the Bible as authoritative for the life, faith, and conduct of all Christians

3. Remaining faithful in the central task of the Church to mission and evangelism, saving the lost, bringing life and health to the poor and needy

4. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit to bring renewal, revival and transformation of individuals, communities, and societies

5. Anglicans to focus upon God’s agenda set forth in Scripture, God’s authority as given by Jesus Christ, and God’s mission in saving sinners and by the Holy Spirit turning them into saints

6. The setting aside all other agendas, that Jesus alone be Lord

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 want to write an article or make an announcement, please forward your item to the Beadle (with a note as to whether or not you would like editing help) to the following address: thebeadle@mac.com.

Keeping Up to Date with the Parish and the World
In an effort to keep us in touch with each other and the Christian and non-Christian world, Father is posting updates at the Thursday Evening News, oddly enough on Thursdays. This is a nice mid-week update for us, drop in and take a look. It is also linked to from the various Beadle’s Blogs.

http://thursdayeveningnews.blogspot.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

19 October 2008 Ben Lizak
26 October 2008 Jack Arnold
2 November 2008 Tim Macauley
9 November 2008 Don Patton
16 November 2008 Ben Lizak
23 November 2008 Holly Lizak
30 November 2008 Greg Chase

Anglicans on Travel
Our Under Beadle and Deputy Beadle just returned from an educational field trip covering the Revolutionary War period, which explains why they were not in church last Sunday. The Deputy Beadle has posted a travelblog which can be viewed here:

http://web.me.com/jackpippin/Site/Welcome.html

Your Beadle encourages you to not only look at the photographs, but check out the blog page which has narrative. The Under Beadle and Deputy Beadle attended an REC church in Arlington, Virginia last Sunday. The church borrows the building from a Greek Orthodox church for a 0930 service. The people were very nice and made them feel welcome. Their accouterments are a bit fancier and they are bit higher church. On the other hand, their priests and acolytes don’t play the guitar. Maybe we could provide them some acolyte shirts to lighten things up a bit. The church is about twice the size of ours (still clearly not a megachurch), with an average attendance of just over 40 people.

Post Church Dining
As we oft do, a bunch of us got together for lunch at a local taco shop. Occasionally, we go to a real restaurant, but mostly a taco shop. Today was a special day, the prodigal son (Warren) and his prodigal mother (that would be Traci) were back from Mississippi where they have been visiting family for many months. In addition, it was DeaconIT Greg Chase’s birthday. Not huge events, but they were way big enough to justify killing the fatted burrito for lunch. We figure out something to celebrate every week, almost anyway. Many times, we just celebrate it being Sunday and a new week about to begin. Join us sometime.

The near future, as well as Next Sunday
Next Sunday is the Twenty-Second Sunday after Trinity.

Come next Sunday and see if Father Acker remembers what book comes after Obadiah (hint – it is NOT Papaguyo). Or, maybe he finally tells us what the Green Season means. What about the sermon?  Will he preach on the Gospel or something all together different? Unless you come to the service, you will have to wait until you read the Beadle’s Report to find out.

See you next week on Sunday!

Alternate Sources of The Beadle’s Report
Father Acker posts a .pdf version of the current Beadle’s Report on the church website:
http://alpineanglican.com/BeadleReports.htm

An alternative version of the Beadle’s Report a single photograph and simple text is available at:
http://thebeadle.blogspot.com/

or with one photograph per issue and colorful text at

http://web.mac.com/thebeadle/iWeb/BeadleBlog/Blog/Blog.html

All back issues of the Beadle’s Reports are available on request from:

thebeadle@mac.com

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Twentieth Sunday after Trinity


Today was the Twentieth Sunday after Trinity. Saturday night saw a cold front move through bringing the first frontal system rain since April, ¼ inch of rain which was very welcome and a sunrise temperature on Mount Olympus of 49°F under cloudy skies. By the time church was over, the front had passed; it was 64°F under scattered clouds and beautiful. Even though we had a number of people on travel, the cold front (of Free Teen Guitar Class Sunday) brought two more people than last week and we had 18 participants by service start.

Free Teen Guitar Class Sunday
This being the first Sunday of the month, the music was provided by Father Acker’s Free Teen Guitar Class (http://www.freeteenguitarclass.com). Playing with Father Ironhand were Ryan Howell and Nick Patton. The music was great, we got to sing lots of fun songs and the kids did a super job!

Father Acker’s Pre-Service Class - Around the Bible in 140 days by popular demand
Today continued the twenty week tour of the Bible, 10 minutes of teaching each Sunday, beginning at 8:30am. As is customary, the class started with one of the Collects for the Day, applicable to the subject at hand, in this case the Second Sunday in Advent:

BLESSED Lord, who hast caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning; Grant that we may in such wise hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and comfort of thy holy Word, we may embrace, and ever hold fast, the blessed hope of everlasting life, which thou hast given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
Second Sunday of Advent BCPp92

We have made our way through the Bible from Genesis (the beginning) to the Book of Amos, one of the minor prophets .

The verse central to Amos is - “Let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream.” Its themes are:

• Judgment is coming
• Call for Justice & Righteousness
• Perhaps God will have mercy

The Prophet Amos wrote the Book of Amos between 760 and 753 BC during the reign of Jeroboam ben Joash (Jeroboam II), ruler of Israel from 793 BC to 753 BC, and the reign of Uzziah, King of Judah, at a time when both kingdoms (Israel in the North and Judah in the South) were peaking in prosperity. He was a contemporary of the prophet Hosea, but likely preceded him.

The Book of Amos is set in a time when the people of Israel have reached a low point in their devotion to God - the people have become greedy and stopped following and adhering to their values. The wealthy elite are becoming rich at the expense of others. Peasant farmers who once practiced subsistence farming are being forced to farm what is best for foreign trade, mostly wine and oil.

Amos was a shepherd and a fruit picker from the Judean village of Tekoa when God called him. With no education or priestly background, Amos' mission was directed to his neighbor to the north, Israel. His messages of impending doom and captivity for the nation because of her sins were largely unpopular and unheeded, however, because not since the days of Solomon have times been so good in Israel. Amos' ministry takes place while Jeroboam II reigns over Israel, and Uzziah reigns over Judah.

Amos can see that beneath Israel's external prosperity and power, internally the nation is corrupt to the core. The sins for which Amos chastens the people are extensive: neglect of God's Word, idolatry, pagan worship, greed, corrupted leadership and oppression of the poor. Amos begins by pronouncing a judgment upon all the surrounding nations, then upon his own nation of Judah, and finally the harshest sentence is given Israel. His visions from God reveal the same emphatic message: judgment is near. The book ends with God's promise to Amos of future restoration of the remnant.

Sometimes we think we are a "just-a"! We are just-a a salesman, farmer or housewife. Amos would be considered a "just-a." He wasn't a prophet or priest or the son of either. He was just a shepherd, a small businessman in Judah. Who would listen to him? But instead of making excuses, Amos obeyed and became God's powerful voice for change.

God has used "just-as" such as shepherds, carpenters, fishermen all through the Bible. Whatever you are in this life, God can use you. Amos wasn't much. He was a "just-a." "Just-a" servant for God. It is good to be God's "just-a."

Make it your aim to do what is right, not what is evil, so that you may live. Then the Lord God Almighty really will be with you, as you claim he is. Hate what is evil, love what is right, and see that justice prevails in the courts. Amos 5.14-15

Stop your noisy songs; I do not want to listen to your harps. Instead, let justice flow like a stream, and righteousness like a river that never goes dry. Amos 5.23-24

God – Honor – Country

Greg Chase read the Epistle for today, which came from Saint Paul’s letter to the Ephesians beginning at the Fifteenth Verse of the Fifth Chapter. “… the days are evil. … understand… what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; …” God wants us to be happy, to be good and to enjoy life. The key to happiness is to do what God asks of you. No more (you can’t), no less. Though you fall short, keep trying, that is all God asks. If you find this no other place, listen to the words of St. Paul.

SEE then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

The Gospel was written in the Twenty-Second Chapter of the Gospel according to St. Matthew beginning at the First Verse. Talking to the priests and scribes, Jesus told one of the wedding parables, “The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, and sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: and the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them. But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. Then” he sent “his servants … into the highways” to “gather… together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding-garment: and he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding-garment? And he was speechless. Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few are chosen.

JESUS said, The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, and sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: and the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them. But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding-garment: and he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding-garment? And he was speechless. Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few are chosen.

Sermon – God changing our world, working through us
Consider the point of today’s Epistle, “Look carefully then how you walk…making the most of the time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5.15-16 Then think of Amos on the Evil Days: Injustice, Insincere religion, & false peace & prosperity. Speak to one another with words of psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing to praise God. Thank God for everything in Jesus Name.

Look back to two weeks ago’s sermon. When others look at you do they see the reflection, however poor, of our Lord in you. Even though a poor mirror, are you doing your best to reflect our Lord’s light in your countenance? Do you “make a joyful noise unto the Lord.”?

In paraphrase of Augustine of Kent, He who sings, prays twice. Do you comprehend the words you are singing? Will you understand the meaning behind John Newton’s “Amazing Grace”? Notice, the question is not can you?, but rather will you?

While it may be normal to remember what did not go our way and gloss over that which did, our lives would be much better if we would follow God’s will. God would have us learn what we can from that which did not go our way, then thank Him in the name of our Lord Jesus for that which did go well. Small or large, we need to recognize all that went well and give thanks. Not just give thanks, but feel it in our hearts and souls. In the words of the Doxology (Hymn 139) which we sing about 51 Sundays out of the year as a closing hymn to remind us of our wonderful fortune to have been created in God’s image:

Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Birthdays and Anniversaries
There were no reported birthdays today. We celebrated the Pattons’ 22nd anniversary with them.

After Church Hospitality
Today’s goodies were brought by Jan Macauley. There had been no one signed up for goodies, your Beadle stepped into the breach with a gallant sign up. Jan, being ever thoughtful and mindful of the general well being of the parish, crossed his name off and wrote hers in. That in of itself was no minor gesture as her kitchen is undergoing a SLEP. As always, Jan’s goodies were great! Micro-quiches, chocolate covered pretzels, white chocolate macadamia nut cookies, chocolate sucker things and red flame grapes. The cookies were freshly baked and really superb. Your Beadle was advised by Nick Patton that the pretzels were THE BEST. All in all a very good show at the last minute by Jan. Thanks!

Command Master Chief Brewer Macauley made his usual excellent coffee, as well as bringing Don Patton up to speed on coffee making. Don will be filling in at least next week. Father Acker got up early to make (and bring) his signature low carb lemonade. The Deacon (In Training) advises that Father may have forgotten some of the sweetener, as he could not get his lips apart after the first sip.

After church goodies providers as currently signed up:

Date Name
12 October 2008 Diane and Greg Chase (Greg’s Birthday!)
19 October 2008 Martha Stevens
26 October 2008 Holly Lizak (Black Olive Egg Salad Sandwiches!)
2 November 2008 Diane and Greg Chase
9 November 2008 Opportunity Available!
16 November 2008 Alice Acker
23 November 2008 Opportunity Available!
30 November 2008 Opportunity Available!
7 December 2008 Stephanie Boyd
14 December 2008 Alice Acker
21 December 2008 Opportunity Available!

New Nametags
We had no new nametags today.

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 last 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 that on the green or orange 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 that their names and purpose be kept confidential, and then only Father Acker will know to pray for them.

Travel
Aaron, Traci and Warren are on travel this week.
Dru and Jack are on travel this week.
Ben, Holly and Ashley are on travel this week.
Chris, Stephanie, Alex and Andrew are on travel this week.

Departed
Jim for whom we have been praying recently passed away from pancreatic cancer. Of your Christian charity, pray for the repose of his soul and comfort for his family and friends who remain here on earth.

Healing
Betty, Salvador (cancer), Betty, Marge, Uni, Karl, Christian, Marie, Wanda, Frank+ (brain tumor), Lois, Jennette (Alzheimer’s), Gary, Delores, Anna, Ruth, Connie, Tom, Crystal, Thomas, Hadley, Diane, Norm, Gregory, Terri, Mary, Carmen, Yolanda, Jodi, Ken, Sheila, Nancy, Leucrecia (cancer), Michele, Marybeth (broken foot, stroke), Bill (infection), Teiko, Ernie, Ray, Betty, Hazel, Bruce (heart attack), Susanne, Paul (stroke), Ralph+ (eyes hip), Allison (kidney), Bill (ETOH poisoning), Joy, Kai, Jay, Tim, Diane, Amy (Thyroid cancer), Lise (peritoneal cancer), Joy, Martha, Evelyn, Sheryal, Kenny (ear surgery), Debbie, Joanna (stroke) [granddaughter of Father Holland a diocesan priest], Al (Ashley’s dad: surgery)

John and Isabel Wilhelmy’s family ask your prayers on their behalf for God’s help through eye surgery and illness combined. We also pray that they will accept their family’s loving assistance in this difficult time.

Everett Joshua (EJ), grandson of Father Josh Acton, Rector of Christ the Redeemer Anglican Church in Yuma, seems to have a condition where he cannot swallow breast milk, but instead actually chokes on it. It is a severe reflux and can cause asphyxiation in infants. His mother Vanessa is now having to pump her milk and add "thickening fluids" to her milk and then feed by bottle. Apparently Vanessa watched an Xray of Everett swallowing, and consequently, choking on milk. His air way is clogged after every time he feeds.
 
This is not the definitive diagnosis. It sure beats the other possibilities. It is a dangerous but treatable condition. Your prayers and offers of help and support are greatly appreciated.

Please keep EJ and his family in your prayers.

Bruce Denny, a friend of Susanne Barrett, is a young father who has had two heart attacks before age 40. Bruce just went to the doctor for a standard pacemaker/defibrillator check up. The test showed his heart has weakened some since the last test and he has fluid around his heart. Now the test showed it has weakened more from last time, although it could just be due to using a different machine since his last test with a different doctor as they just changed physicians. They are not sure about the fluid around the heart. They might be able to just adjust his medications and that will take care of it. He has an appointment with the cardiologist next week. Hopefully there will be more answers. He has not been feeling very well the last few weeks but is still working two jobs. This is the latest update on his condition from his wife, Jennifer. They have three boys. Please pray for Bruce and his family.

Vince (12 yrs) who has bone cancer (a teammate of Andrew B) is doing well, things are much better of late. Please pray for his continued good progress!

Mary Parker is in the Medical Intensive Care Unit at the Sharp Memorial Hospital with an infection and was not conscious. On Thursday, she opened her eyes. Her organs are getting better each day, although she is on a respirator. Doctors are amazed since they gave her 24/48 hours to live on Monday. Her family believe it is God's and her decision to still be here. They hope to take the oxygen tube out on Friday.
 Please continue to pray for God’s will to be done and that she and her family continue to put their trust in Him. In particular, please pray for her family’s peace.

Martha Stevens had a back spasm this past week, so bad that she went to the Emergency Room where she was given medication. She had an adverse reaction to the medication, but has gotten over that. Please give thanks for her recovery so far and pray that she will return to one hundred percent.

Alice, friend of Fran Dexter, had lung cancer and surgery five years ago and has been in remission. After she started coughing up blood, radiological testing found a spot on her lung. She underwent surgery on 5 September 2008, which apparently went well. Fran asks in particular you pray for peace of mind for both Alice and Rick that they might put their trust in God.

Kenny had surgery to improve his hearing. It was hoped his hearing would improve over the next two or three months. There’s no improvement yet and he’s feeling frustrated. It is very difficult to have physical ailments and even harder when “promised” improvements apparently fail to materialize. Please continue to pray, not only for his improved hearing; but more importantly for his improved state of mind and faith.

Joshua Hamilton has been upgraded to stable and was moved to a regular ward , but he still hasn’t regained consciousness. The staph infection has been taken care of, but he needs some miraculous healing as the doctors have been doing all the things that are available. Joshua fell out of a car the morning of 27 July 2008. He sustained a closed head injury and potential spinal cord injuries. Joshua has undergone three surgeries to relieve pressure on his brain, but he has not yet awakened. We are praying for God’s miraculous intervention and to do those things best for Joshua in his life with God. Please continue to pray for his wife, Tulani, and two children, Isaiah & Keanu, and of course his mom, Jo Ann, and his James brother who is in our FTGC, asking for God’s presence and comfort.

George, husband of LaVonda and friend of Susanne Barrett, whose bladder cancer has returned. George, the husband of my friend LaVonda, has been going through chemo after the recurrence of his bladder cancer. They are Christians who live in northern Georgia, and LaVonda has been such a prayer support for me when Susanne’s been ill. Saturday morning LaVonda e-mailed with this information:

George became very confused, the most he has ever been last night after we woke him up to bring him home from the hospital after the hydration was finished. He was completely talking out of his head. I don't know if this is normal for chemo after-effects or if it is because of kidney function being off and having toxins building up in his system. We have to go back today for more tests & more hydration, and we're hoping to come back home later today, but as of now I am unsure if he will be admitted. I didn't put all of this on the CaringBridge page because so many of the hospital employees read there also.

LaVonda is now talking to Carmen (Caroline's mom).

Specifically, you are asked to pray for:
• George to not react so strongly to the chemo;
• Not be so ill after each treatment;
• To be able to maintain, if not gain, weight;
• For his complete healing from the cancer;
• For LaVonda as she cares for him with no outside help;
• For their children, Megan and George III, as they struggle with their dad's illness.
• George is becoming very discouraged so please pray for the peace and hope that are in Christ Jesus to fill his heart, no matter how much his body is suffering.

Glenn Finch – is awake and walking. Glenn is living with Ron and Caralie for awhile. Since he needs 24 hour supervision and help, we will be getting trained this Wednesday by the therapy team. Though we are thrilled to be there for him, it's a bit scary and overwhelming. Someone suggested that we set up a resource calendar defining all his needs, in case there are those who would like to help. So that's what we are doing. It will be on www.carecalendar.org; type in ID number - 6351 and Code - 7647 to get to Glenn's calendar. I'm working on it, so give me a day or so.

Also, if you would like to be a helper in any way, please send me your name, email address and phone number so we can begin a file. Send to normancj@cox.net. Glenn will need rides to and from rehab 5 days a week; meals; TLC visits; people to help him with his therapy homework on the weekends; people to hang out with him, errands, etc. Glenn's Mom, Ron and I really will need some help I think.

Please pray that insurance will give Glenn an outpatient rehab agenda that will last longer than a month so that he can get the most out of this crucial time to work on all the parts of his brain. Thanks for your continued thoughts, prayers and care. Caralie

Evelyn Hunt has an ear infection for which she has been taking antibiotics. The antibiotics, in turn, have been adversely affecting the rest of her system and she feels terrible. Please pray for a triumph of the antibiotics over the ear infection, so she can get off them and the rest of her feel better, as well as an abatement of the nerve problems in her legs. Most importantly, pray for her to keep a good attitude and maintain a trust in God, so she will not worry.

Miney Farrell has had pain and weakness in her leg that has been limiting her activity.

Lorraine Winkles is still dealing with shingles (now over 21 months). The level of discomfort varies but the condition is persisting.

Lona Walsh is in significant discomfort, but it looks like it is not Lupus. A recent MRI indicates she needs shoulder surgery on both sides, not great news, but much better than Lupus. She hopes for more information shortly, in the mean time, she asks that you continue your prayers for healing.

Kay Denton (Mrs. Kay) – is home and doing wonderfully well! As always, she retains her trust in the Lord and her positive attitude. 

 Mrs. Kay asks that everyone who is praying for her know how grateful she is for their prayers.

Nicole Ethridge - age 27, mother of two - Has a form of liver disease, which is causing her liver to shut down. She is near dialysis and would like you to pray for her disease to go into remission so that she can keep off dialysis and avoid a liver transplant. She asks that you pray for her continued faith and good spirits, as well as strength to take care of her children.

Caroline (age 10, leukemia recurrence) Update on Caroline from Caroline's mom, Carmen, 28 August 2008:

This has been quite an eventful week. It has been filled with joy and concern. Caroline is doing quite well. Her platelets and hemoglobin have both made very nice increases and she is in the normal range with both of those! Her liver enzymes have also continued to drop, but are still on the elevated side. Thank you to everyone who has been praying. One area of significant concern is her white blood cell count. It has skyrocketed. Dr. Rosenthal is not too concerned and assures us that this happens sometimes as the new marrow is trying to equalize. However, it is definitely something he is keeping an eye on. We are praying that her white blood cell count comes down to the normal range and that she is cured and rid of the leukemia.

Guidance
Lloyd & Jennifer, Bob to be guided to a church
Ashley, Breyana, Vie, Asha, Cory, Heather, Holly, Ken, Maruja, Jerry, Martha, Matt, Marci, Nicholas, Carmen, Mary, John, William, Joe, Alexander, Jonathan, Phil, Sandy, Larraine, Brad, Brian, Uni, Jennifer, Greg, Margie, Phyllis, Walter, Rick, Carol, Susan, Curtis, Stephen, Donny, Chris, Eric (job), Andrew, Keith (job decision), Sara, Mark, Alexandra, Nelson, Perlita, Lewis, Sam & Susie

Sara, a good friend of John an old family friend of the Ackers. Sara has two small children and an abusive ex-husband. The ex-husband took the children and Sara is in court trying to get them back. The custody of her children is going to mediation (9/9/08). She has appreciated the prayers and is asking for the decision to be in the best interest of the children. Sara asks you pray that God’s will for these children will be realized and they will be put in the best custody situation possible. Please pray for God’s guidance in the lives of the ex-husband, John and Sara and that they might hear Him.

Guidance and Protection
Christina

Economic Guidance and Assistance
St. Andrew’s Academy (Lake Almanor, CA) Father Brian Foos (headmaster) – Please pray for help and guidance for the school, which is under severe pressure from economic down turn. You can pray and turn your heart towards this problem. If you can do something concrete to help them, contact Father Acker.

Eric and Eric both to find a job that will allow them to use their skill and talent to make their new company more successful.

Sonny and Carol have lost their business, their home is in foreclosure. Please pray that they might find an opportunity for gainful employment where they can use their talents to make a positive impact on the world

Please pray for Kevin in the UK. He has been looking for a job for a long time and is 52. Please pray he might find an opportunity for gainful employment where he can use his talents to make a positive impact on the world. Please pray also for his family, in particular his wife Beverley, that they might open their hearts and minds to God’s guidance for their future.


Homebound/Aged and Infirm
Mary, Donna, Betty, Noko, Adelaide, Evelyn, Lorraine, Ellie

Armed Forces & Contractors
Tillman, Justin, Evan, Jim, RJ, Matt, Phillip, Julian, Joe (USAF - Ali Al Salem AB, Kuwait), John Kelly (USN - USS Ronald Reagan)

Anglican Communion
Archbishop Peter Akinola , the head of the GAFCON Primates’ Council has asked us to pray for our Anglican Communion. Specifically during September to December, we are bidden to pray for:

1. Guidance of the Holy Spirit upon the GAFCON Primates Council that they may be united in their leadership for the Gospel of Jesus Christ

2. Upholding the Bible as authoritative for the life, faith, and conduct of all Christians

3. Remaining faithful in the central task of the Church to mission and evangelism, saving the lost, bringing life and health to the poor and needy

4. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit to bring renewal, revival and transformation of individuals, communities, and societies

5. Anglicans to focus upon God’s agenda set forth in Scripture, God’s authority as given by Jesus Christ, and God’s mission in saving sinners and by the Holy Spirit turning them into saints

6. The setting aside all other agendas, that Jesus alone be Lord

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 want to write an article or make an announcement, please forward your item to the Beadle (with a note as to whether or not you would like editing help) to the following address: thebeadle@mac.com.

Keeping Up to Date with the Parish and the World
In an effort to keep us in touch with each other and the Christian and non-Christian world, Father is posting updates at the Thursday Evening News, oddly enough on Thursdays. This is a nice mid-week update for us, drop in and take a look. It is also linked to from the various Beadle’s Blogs.

http://thursdayeveningnews.blogspot.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

12 October 2008 Alice Acker
19 October 2008 Ben Lizak
26 October 2008 Jack Arnold

Anglicans on Travel
Our Under Beadle and Deputy Beadle are currently on an educational field trip covering the Revolutionary War period, which explains why they were not in church today. The Deputy Beadle has posted a travelblog which can be viewed here:

http://web.me.com/jackpippin/Site_2/My_Albums/My_Albums.html

Your Beadle encourages you to not only look at the photographs, but check out the update page which has narrative.

The Under Beadle and Deputy Beadle attended an REC church in Arlington, Virginia today. The church borrows the building from a Greek Orthodox church for a 0930 service. Their sign is more permanent, but the message is the same! Their accouterments are a bit fancier and they are bit higher church. On the other hand, their priests and acolytes don’t play the guitar. Maybe we could provide them some acolyte shirts to lighten things up a bit. While the Greeks may not believe we are really Christian, they are reportedly quite agreeable landlords. The church is about twice the size of ours (still clearly not a megachurch), with an average attendance of just over 40 people.

The near future, as well as Next Sunday
Next Sunday is the Twenty-First Sunday after Trinity.

Come next Sunday and see if Father Acker remembers what book comes after Amos (hint – it is NOT Andy). Or, maybe he finally tells us what the Green Season means. What about the sermon? Will he preach on the Gospel or something all together different? Unless you come to the service, you will have to wait until you read the Beadle’s Report to find out.

See you next week on Sunday!

Alternate Sources of The Beadle’s Report
Father Acker posts a .pdf version of the current Beadle’s Report on the church website:

http://alpineanglican.com/BeadleReports.htm

An alternative version of the Beadle’s Report a single photograph and simple text is available at:

http://thebeadle.blogspot.com/

or with one photograph per issue and colorful text at

http://web.mac.com/thebeadle/iWeb/BeadleBlog/Blog/Blog.html

All back issues of the Beadle’s Reports are available on request from:

thebeadle@mac.com