Today was the Sexagesima, the second Sunday before Lent. Sunrise temperature on Mount Olympus was a cool 36°F under high thin clouds. Down the hill at church, the temperature picked up to a reasonable 47°F under thinning clouds, with rain moving in tonight. Just like last week, we had 19 people present for the service.
Pre-Service Music
As they normally do, Father Acker and Jack Arnold played their guitars for pre-service gathering or welcome songs. Today they played three songs, which the congregation sang to, as well as the instrumental Ode to Joy:
• Wondrous Cross
• When the saints go marchin’ in
• Just a closer walk
The concept of the gathering or welcome songs is simple, people just don’t seem to show up on time. The tradition seems to have started in Africa where most people walk to church, live differing distances, don’t have watches and are not quite as obsessive compulsive. Seems to work nicely in Alpine, too.
Father Acker’s Pre-Service Class - Around the Bible in 370 days by popular demand
Today continued the fifty-three 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 to the fourth book of the New Testament – John, written by Saint John. The Book of John is the last of the four canonical gospels in the New Testament. The only one of the apostles to die a natural death, John was the last living apostle. He wrote his book in the early 90s while in exile on the island of Patmos, some 25 years after the first three gospels. His story relates the:
• Lord of our Will
• Lord of our Heart
• Lord of our Mind
The gospel starts:
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. … And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, … full of grace and truth.
John writes of both God and Jesus, Who was, is and always shall be; his Gospel is divided into two parts, both personal remembrances of our Lord:
• Prologue (Intro) 1
• Miracles demonstrating Jesus is “The One”
• Not events
• But signs
• Revelation
• Last Supper 13-19
• Sitting at the table, hearing the conversation
• Private time
• Last instructions
• Resurrection 20-21
If you will take the time to read John, you will find much of what you need to know of the theology of Christianity contained therein. Unlike Paul, he is not frugal with periods.
Tim Macauley read the Epistle, which came from the Eleventh Chapter of Saint Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians beginning at the Nineteenth Verse. Paul reminds us that salvation, honor and glory come not from what we do or have done, but rather from God. Paul, who as Saul, had been the number one rabbi in the Hebrew nation, he was more learned, more vigorous in following the law, more vocal in all things. When he “saw the light” and converted, he took that same approach to Christianity. No one was more in any thing than he. He wrote, “Ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise. For ye suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face. I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly, ) I am bold also. Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I. Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not? If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities. The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not.”
No one did more than Paul, yet he counseled all to take comfort and pride in God, not themselves. Do your best and look towards God.
YE suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise. For ye suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face. I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also. Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I. Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not? If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities. The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not.
The Gospel for today came from the Eighth Chapter of the Gospel of St. Luke beginning at the Fourth Verse and tells the well known parable of the seeds. “A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way-side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it. And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it. And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be? And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand. Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Those by the way-side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.”
WHEN much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable: A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way-side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it. And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it. And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be? And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand. Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Those by the way-side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
Sermon - How do you get God’s love in your life?
The answer is two fold and simple:
1. Know Jesus;
2. Tell The Truth.
Listen to Saint Paul, after twenty years of teaching and preaching, what did he say:
I will boast of the things that show my weakness. God’s love for me causes Him to forgive my weaknesses. It is not about me; rather it is about God’s love for me. Evil as I am, slothful as I am, unforgiving as I am, God’s love for me will get me into heaven. Not me, HIM.
The words from Saint Matthew often used for the offertory sentence are not just about money:
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. St. Matt. v. 16.
Jesus tells us it is about God’s Word “The seed is the word of God.” The God who Was, Is, and Always will be. It is about knowing God loves you. Christ came into this world to give His life that we might live. Truly live and live forever.
To be a Christian means one believes Jesus Christ is the Son of God, He came into this world and gave His mortal life here that we might have eternal salvation.
If you do not believe that Jesus was the Son of God, think what that means, listen to CS Lewis:
"I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: 'I'm ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don't accept His claim to be God.' That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic - on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg - or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God: or else a madman or something worse. You can shut Him up for a fool, you can spit at Him and kill Him as a demon; or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God. But let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about His being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to."
(C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity, The MacMillan Company, 1960, pp. 40-41.)
The Son of God. The Son of Man. Not just a “Nice Idea” that the Devil will twist into a Nice Lie.
Know Jesus
Tell “The Truth”
Birthdays and Anniversaries
There were birthdays or anniversaries out the kazoo today. Today we celebrated the Macauleys’ 43rd anniversary and the Dexters’ 28th anniversary, as well as Diane Chase’s 57th birthday.
After Church Hospitality
Today Diane Chase brought the goodies. Left to right, there was a lovely fruit assortment, Warren particularly like the pineapple, as did your Beadle, bear paws, miniature cinnamon rolls and several kinds of chocolates. The BEST!
Command Master Brewer Macauley was on brew duty today and produced wonderful coffee. Father Acker made his signature low carb lemonade.
After church goodies providers as currently signed up:
Date Name
22 February 2009 Dru Arnold
1 March 2009 Jan Macauley
8 March 2009 Alice Acker
15 March 2009 Martha Stevens
22 March 2009 Opportunity Available
29 March 2009 Holly Lizak (black olive egg salad sandwiches)
5 April 2009 Opportunity Available
12 April 2009 Easter – No snacks
19 April 2009 Diane Chase
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 yellow (maybe green or orange, if you get an old one) cards at church, you can ask that those to be prayed for have their names disseminated to the "prayer team". Those names will be said in church and appear here. Or, you can ask that their names and purpose be kept confidential, and then only Father Acker will know to pray for them.
Repose of the Soul
Frank Pannitti apparently sustained a massive heart attack following a car accident. He was taken off life support and passed away late the night of Tuesday 10 February 2009. Of your Christian charity, please pray for his soul that he might receive the Grace of God. Also pray for comfort for his wife June as she deals with his passing and her separation from him.
Travel
Aaron is traveling this week
Don, Sandy and Nick are traveling this week
Healing
Betty, Salvador (cancer), Betty, Marge, Uni, Karl, Christian, Marie, Wanda, 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 and gout), 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 (successful knee replacement surgery), Scott (endocarditis and cow valve), June (cancer surgery), Al, Susan, Jeff, David (leg injury), Judy, who suffers from mental illness, is undergoing tests for cancer, Jon, Jeffrey, Joy (cancer), Marie, Joe (broken neck), Loretta (cancer), Sue (surgery recovery), Greg, June (cancer), David (leg sprain), Cheri, David, Keith (ruptured disk), Ben, Norma (post surgery) continued healing, Michael (heart valve replacement)
Jim R will be having surgery to relieve his chronic back pain.
Kathryn’s ear surgery was successful. She has regained some limited hearing. She can communicate on the phone and expecting continued improvements during the six month healing process.
Chaplain Larry Witherspoon is recovering from a stroke before Christmas. He has made incredible progress. Please continue to pray for him, his wife Sheila and his family.
Joanne has had a significant increase her shoulder pain from an injury last year. She is looking for medical assessment and guidance.
Carol DeBolt, mother of Judy, a 3rd grade teacher at Greg Chase’s school. Carol was complaining of hip pain over the Christmas period. After numerous tests it was determined that she has breast and bone cancers, both are at stage 4 and have metastasized. She just finished surgery on her hip where the femur was been replaced with a steel rod. She now has to go through 4 months of PT in order to learn how to walk again. Carol needs your prayers for her and her family to deal with not only the pain and difficulty of her present physical condition, but also the uncertainty of her life. Please pray for Carol’s peace of mind and trust in God, as well as a remission of her cancers and a physical recovery.
Rachel works with Greg as a teacher's aide in the special education department and is going to night school to get her degree to allow her to be a fully credentialed teacher. She recently went to the ophthalmologist for a second opinion and found she has a melanoma in one eye. The melanoma is inside her eye and required nuclear surgery. She had her first eye surgery several days ago and the surgery went better than expected. Her second (and final) surgery is scheduled for later on this week. Please pray for her to understand God is there throughout all this; He does not test us; we are imperfect beings, including our bodies; all things are possible through Him; He always answers our prayers, though sometimes we don’t want to hear the answer and other times do not understand the answer. Pray for Rachel’s peace of mind and trust in God, as well as a good outcome for the surgery.
Sue Anne Adkins mother of Greg’s co-worker Vicki Jones has Stage Three lung cancer. She is doing well in her treatment, but is in need of your prayers. Please pray for her to accept God’s help through the pain, discomfort and bewilderment of treatment. Pray the doctors, nurses and technicians who treat her will pay attention and do their best. Please pray Sue Anne and her family will pull with together with God in all this and accept the help He will give them.
Tina Walden is having back pain and asks that you pray for her back to feel better.
Lauralee underwent a lumpectomy on Friday after Thanksgiving and into targeted radiation therapy for 10 days. Please give thanks for the successful treatment to date and for complete remission of the cancer. Pray also Lauralee will maintain her great attitude and trust in God.
Joy has non-operable abdominal cancer. She is home, but near the end of her time here on earth. Please pray for her as she prepares to depart this world for home that she might be confident in the love of God and her Lord Jesus Christ and thus make the transition in peace. She has asked in particular that you pray for peace in her life and for her family. She is having quite a bit of difficulty with nausea and asks that you pray for her overcome this and keep food down. Please pray that Joy will grow closer to God and to her family during the time she has left here on earth and that her family will do likewise. Pray that her family who will remain here on earth might be able to put their cares and worries aside for the moment and focus on God’s love for their mother; as well as her love for them. May they concentrate on the unity and not on the temporary separation.
Mary Parker is home and walking all around the house, as far as her 50 foot oxygen lead will let her. She made it to the table for Christmas dinner! She does physical therapy every day and is eating very well! She is enjoying reading books and the newspaper again! She is improving on a daily basis! Her recovery is truly a God given miracle. Please give thanks for her great recovery and continue to pray for her progress.
Joe Huber was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer and will undergo radiation seed implants within the next two weeks. Please pray for peace of mind for him and his family and that they might put their trust in God and increase their faith.
Binnie was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. Please pray for peace of mind for him and his family and that they might put their trust in God and increase their faith.
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.
Vince (12 yrs) who has bone cancer (a teammate of Andrew B) had what appears to be successful surgery to remove the tumor and replace his knee joint on 28 November 2008. Please pray for his healing and non-recurrence of the cancer, as well as that he and his family might put their trust in God and accept His comfort and encouragement in this difficult time.
Joshua Hamilton is still in a coma after a severe head trauma in July. He has gotten past the MRSA and other infections. He is in skilled nursing in El Cajon with some response to physical therapy and they are working toward independent breathing. 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 was in our FTGC, asking for God’s presence and comfort.
Glenn Finch gives thanks for near total recovery from the brain injury sustained in his cycling accident. He asks your continued prayer for the aortal aneurysm discovered during his treatment for the brain injury. Please pray for Glenn’s healing and trust in God.
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 32 months). The level of discomfort varies but the condition is persisting. She is in amazing spirits and sends her love to all.
Lona Walsh is in significant discomfort, but it looks like it is not Lupus. She asks that you continue your prayers for healing.
Kay Denton (Mrs. Kay) called this week, she is still home and doing pretty well! Mrs. Kay asks that everyone who is praying for her know how grateful she is for their prayers. As always, she retains her trust in the Lord and her positive attitude.
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 11, leukemia recurrence) Caroline was diagnosed with leukemia at age 7 and underwent a bone marrow transplant in July. Her mother Carmen e-mailed Wednesday relating Caroline has been lethargic, lost her appetite and has huge dark circles under her eyes; obviously they are quite concerned. They visited Children's Hospital earlier this week. Just this weekend her appetite had been down and she seemed more tired than usual. Her Hickman line removal was rescheduled for the 23rd. We are really looking forward to that and the freedom it will give her. Although she will still have to get peripheral IVs and blood draws about every five weeks, it will be a positive move. Please pray for Caroline's complete recovery from leukemia and for peace for her parents, Carmen and Jeff. Caroline has a 40% chance of relapsing after her transplant, and if she does chances of recovery are very slim. Please pray the leukemia has been eradicated and she remains clear of any cancerous cells Thanks so much for being faithful prayer warriors on Caroline's behalf. Please keep her in your prayers. She has always gained so much strength and healing from your prayers.
Natalie (age 10, leukemia recurrence) Natalie is 18 months into treatment for the same type of leukemia as Caroline's and has relapsed. She was in the hospital for two months, then had to return at Thanksgiving and was finally getting to go home. One month short of the year anniversary since transplant, she relapsed. She has been through so much. Her family hasn't even fully explained the implications of this to her. Seeing her hooked up to an IV pole again was devastating. Her chances of survival are slim, yet they are only chances and have naught to do with her. Please pray for her and her family.
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, Alfred, Marie, Dru, Jack, Hap, Estelle, Tina, William, Christina, Michael, Tuck
Sarah is still struggling with custody arrangements for her children and would appreciate our continued prayers. Sara asks you pray 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.
Paul S suffers from severe schizophrenia remains stable with his medication, but needs God’s guidance. He gives thanks for improvement in his housing situation.
Hap asks you to pray that he might be able to trust God will help him make the right decisions at the right time and not to worry uselessly.
Guidance and Protection
Christina, Sarah
Economic Guidance and Assistance
Keith is entering the handyman field. Please pray for God's leading him to work or work to him. 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 her physical condition (rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, etc.). Pray for them also to not fear for the future, but to trust in the Lord.
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 give thanks for Kevin in the UK who has found a job. While not what he was looking for, he is grateful for work. Please continue to pray that he will find a position that will maintain his family and 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.
To Find Employment
Stephen to find a job that will allow him to use his skill and talent to make his new employer more successful.
Michael and Lita both to find a job that will allow them to use their skill and talent to make their new employer more successful.
Eric, Keith, Kevin and Eric each to find a job that will allow them to use their skill and talent to make their new employer more successful.
Matt and Tracey very good friends of the Hubers. Matt is looking for a new job and they have two young children. Please pray that they are able to find employment soon.
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.
Saint Andrew’s Academy is looking for a staff teacher.
Homebound/Aged and Infirm
Mary, Donna, Betty, Noko, Adelaide, Evelyn, Lorraine, Ellie
Armed Forces & Contractors
Tillman, Justin, Evan, RJ, Matt, Phillip, Julian, John Kelly (USN - USS Ronald Reagan), Evan (USMC-Afghanistan), Eric (USN-Afghanistan)
Persecuted
Around the world, Christians are under attack, not only in the Muslim world, but from Hindus and others in India. Also, they are under continual attack in the western world as it becomes more and more actively atheist or pro-devil buddy. Please pray for God’s guidance and protection for all persecuted Christians and those around them.
Free Teen Guitar Class
Please join us in praying that the Free Teen Guitar Class will be an opportunity for God to work in the lives of the kids and their families. Help us to let the love of our Lord shine through us into their lives, putting Him first, so that He might enter in to their hearts and lives.
Question that only you can ask
What would you like to know about our history, what we believe, what we do or how we operate? Father Acker is looking for material for the continuing education class and the Beadle is looking for Thought for the Day material. Help us help you. Please send your question to the Beadle so we all can get an answer. Just because you don’t know the answer to your question doesn’t mean you are the only one who doesn’t know. But, if you don’t ask, no one will know.
I’d like to get a different point across or announce something
If you have a different point of view, I would be happy to give you room to get your point across. While this publication is my perspective on events, I recognize not everyone may agree and that some people would like to express their own opinion.
If you want to write something, please forward your item to the Beadle (with a note as to whether or not you would like editing help) to: thebeadle@mac.com.
Free Teen Guitar Class (FTGC – www.freeteenguitarclass.com)
There is a new Class Schedule in effect:
FTGC New Class Schedule:
Advanced 2:30-3:20pm
Continuing 3:20-4:00pm (Beginners shift to Intermediate having learned all 6 strings and get to move on to chords)
Beginning 4:00-4:50pm (A new class & those redoing the material; it’s okay to do both Intermediate and Beginner classes)
For anyone wanting to start again this is the time!
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
22 February 2009 Jack Arnold
1 March 2009 Jan Macauley
8 March 2009 Hap Arnold
22 March 2009 Ben Lizak
29 March 2009 Holly Lizak
The near future, as well as Next Sunday
Thursday
Thursday is Prayer Book study class at Greg and Diane Chase’s home. Evening Prayer at 1815 (6:15pm), Dinner and Study to follow. RSVP direct to Greg gnchase@cox.net.
Saturday
Next Saturday 21 February 2009, from 1100 – 1300 (11:00am – 1:00pm) the Free Teen Guitar Class will be playing at the Albertson’s Alpine Community Fair. If you get a chance, stop by and see them play.
Sunday
Next Sunday is Quinquagesima, the Sunday next before Lent. Do you think Father will remember what book comes after John? No telling, come and see!
Lent Soup Dinner and Class
This year we will be holding the traditional Wednesday Lent Soup Dinner and Class at the SCAIR Center in Alpine. The schedule looks something like this:
Evening Prayer 1815 (6:15 pm)
Dinner 1830 (6:30 pm)
Book Study 1900 (7:00pm)
Class Over 2000 (8:00pm)
The book is The Imitation of Christ, copies will be furnished by the parish.
Easter Service
After three Easter services in the Community Center, drawing absolutely no outside the congregation people, the parish voted today to do something different Easter. We are going to have a ìCalifornia Sunriseî (08:30 am) service in the park as an out reach to the community. There will be a weather backup indoor location at the Community Center. We will place the altar in front of the stage and have at least 50 folding chairs set out for the congregation.
We have identified the need to work on the following issues:
• Ready access for those with limited mobility;
• Supplemental spot heat for the temperature impaired;
• Setup preparation;
• Advertising;
• Invitation format, perhaps incorporating breakfast vouchers.
See you next week on Sunday!
Alternate Sources of The Beadle’s Report
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
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