Friday, March 14, 2008

Learning more about the roots of the Anglican Church


THOMAS CRANMER
Thomas Cranmer, one time Archbishop of Canterbury, was one of the major forces in the re-founding of the Christian Church in England in the 1500s after years of domination from Rome since William the Conqueror invaded and brought the Roman Church with him in 1066AD. Learn more about this amazing man here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Cranmer
http://www.britannia.com/bios/abofc/tcranmer.html
http://www.greatsite.com/timeline-english-bible-history/thomas-cranmer.html
An excellent short biography HERE
The execution of Archbishop Thomas Cranmer in 1556 HERE


TRANSUBSTANTIATION
The doctrine of transubstantiation no longer seems to be a major factor in the Roman Church, but read more about it here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transubstantiation

JOHN CALVIN and CALVINISM
The thinking of John Calvin and other Calvinists influenced Cranmer, both positively and negatively. Read more about their beliefs here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calvinism

MARTIN LUTHER and the LUTHERANS
John Luther, in his early days, was a major influence on Cranmer. Read about him here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lutheranism

PURITANS and ROUNDHEADS
If you would like to see where “amuck” is and what happens if you let religion run there, look here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roundhead
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puritan

Sunday, March 9, 2008

The Fifth Sunday in Lent - commonly called Passion Sunday


Today was the Fifth Sunday in Lent, the Sunday known as Passion Sunday. It was clear on Mount Olympus, but the marine layer came all the way to West Willows Road. By the time church finished, it was a bright and clear day with temperatures in the low 70°s. Although today was the “Spring Forward” day for Daylight Savings Time, 18 of our members managed to both remember to change their clocks and make worship more important than 60 minutes of missed sleep; more than expected as we had quite a few people on travel.

Passion Sunday is the fifth Sunday in Lent, and the first Sunday in Passiontide, the last two weeks of Lent, beginning on Passion Sunday and ending on Holy Saturday (the Saturday before Easter). All crosses, pictures, images are covered with opaque purple veils and Gloria Patri is omitted during this period. Passion Sunday is so-called because in the gospel for that day (John 8: 46-59) Jesus begins his sufferings by being stoned out of the temple. Under the old calendar, Passion Sunday was also known as Judica Sunday, after that day's Introit: "Judica me, Deus" ("Judge me, O Lord") from Psalm 42 (43), and was called Black Sunday in Germany. This alternate name originates from the fact that after Passion Sunday, the Judica Psalm was not said again until Easter; the German title comes from the old practice of veiling the crosses and statues in the church on that day.

In the calendar reforms of the Second Vatican Council, the Roman Catholic Church has universally suppressed Passiontide. They now refer to Palm Sunday as “Passion Sunday.” Traditional Catholics still observe Passiontide as well as its rites and ceremonies. Passiontide is observed in the Anglican Communion.

Father Acker’s Pre-Service Class - Around the Bible in 140 days by popular demand
Today was the fifth in a twenty week tour of the Bible, 10 minutes of teaching each Sunday, beginning at 8:30am. 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 been making our way through the Bible and arrived at the Books of Samuel (Hebrew: Sefer Sh'muel ספר שמואל) The Books of Samuel are part of the Tanakh (part of Judaism's Hebrew Bible) and also of the Christian Old Testament. The work was originally written in Hebrew, and the Book(s) of Samuel originally formed a single text, as they are often considered today in Hebrew bibles. Together with what is now referred to as the Book(s) of Kings, the translators who created the Greek Septuagint divided the text into four books, which they named the Books of the Kingdoms. In the Latin Vulgate version, these then became the Books of the Kings, thus 1 and 2 Samuel were referred to as 1 and 2 Kings, with 3 and 4 Kings being what are called 1 and 2 Kings by the King James Bible and its successors.

The two books can be essentially broken down into five parts:

• God’s rejection of Eli, Samuel's birth, and subsequent judgment (1 Samuel 1:1–7:17)
• The life of Saul prior to meeting David (1 Samuel 8:1–15:35)
• Saul's interaction with David (1 Samuel 16:1–2 Samuel 1:27)
• David's reign and the rebellions he suffers (2 Samuel 2:1–20:22)
• An appendix of material concerning David in no particular order, and out of sequence with the rest of the text (2 Samuel 22:1–24:25)

A conclusion of sorts appears at 1 Kings 1–2, concerning Solomon enacting a final revenge on those who did what David perceived as wrongdoing, and having a similar narrative style. While the subject matter in the Book(s) of Samuel is also covered by the narrative in Chronicles, it is noticeable that the section (2 Sam. 11:2–12:29) containing an account of the matter of Bathsheba is omitted in the corresponding passage in 1 Chr. 20.

In Judges, we saw the settling the Promised Land; followed by a downward spiral. In Ruth we were introduced to the concept of the Kinsman Redeemer, dependent on: Position, Resources, Willingness. The First Book of Samuel brings us to the last Judges – Samuel. In Samuel's old age, he appoints his sons as Judges, but they do not follow his example, so the people clamour for a king.

Up to this point, God had been the King of the Jews, the Jews, a loose confederation of tribes until a threat arises and a Judge emerges. This was unlike other peoples. Now they wanted to be like other people. But they were to be a holy nation, a kingdom of priests.

God told Samuel, "They have not rejected you, but Me." Warn them what a king will do to them. At God’s instruction, Samuel told them what a king would do to them, he would:

• Take your sons to run in front of his chariots;
• Assign them to a military;
• Plow & reap the king's ground;
• Make equipment for war;
• Daughters as domestic servants;
• Take the best of your fields & vineyards;
• Take a tithe of your income for keeping his government;
• Take the best of your servants;
• Take a tithe of your livestock & you will become his slaves;
• When that day comes you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen & the Lord will not answer you in that day.

But the people wouldn't listen to Samuel. They wanted a king, to be like other nations. A king to lead us, to go before us into battle. Samuel told God what the people demanded. And the Lord, in total disgust, says "Listen to them; give them a king."

Having a king was not a good thing.

In 1050BC, the people choose their first king, Saul. Tall Saul - a head taller than everyone else - a king from central casting who looked the part; tall, dark haired, handsome.

Things were not all peaceful. If you recall, back in the Book of Judges, one of the later Judges, Samson began to defeat the Philistines, but didn't finish the job. Now King Saul is trying to defeat the Philistines, but the two armies are camped out for a great climatic battle--winner take all.

The scene was the Valley of Elah, one of the four main east-west valleys connecting the Coastal Plain with the Judean Hill Country. The Philistines on one hill and the nation of Israel on the other. A battle between the two armies would be a blood bath, they would fight nearly to the last man and the winner would take all that was left.

The leader of the Phillistines, Goliath came forward challenging the Hebrews to single combat, the winner again to take all, saying, "I'll fight for the Philistines, you choose a man to fight for you; winner take all; why shed all this blood. If you win, we'll become your subjects. If I win you'll become our subjects.”

Who should have stepped forward to represent his nation in battle? The leader of course, Tall Saul. But, there was a small catch. Goliath was over 9 feet tall, wearing heavy bronze armor, a spear like a 4x4. Tall Saul had no intention of damaging his handsome visage. Every day, morning and night, Goliath issued the challenge. No answer.

In comes David. David, the youngest of Jesse’s eight sons. David from the tribe of Ephraim, living in Bethlehem in Judah. David who was bringing food to three of his older brothers serving in Saul’s army, left the food and came out to the line. While he was there, he heard the daily challenge. Saul and his army are afraid to do anything.

David asks, “What's the deal?” He heard the king would give a fortune, his daughter in marriage, and exemption from taxes forever anyone who would defeat Goliath.

David tells the king, "I will go and remove the disgrace of Israel; I will fight him."

Saul looks at the 16 year old and says "Look at you. You're just a kid. Goliath is a professional soldier. You're just a shepherd boy."

David says, "When I keep my fathers sheep, when a lion or bear came, I would kill them with my sling. If it turned on me I grabbed it and killed it. This Philistine will be like one of them. The Lord who delivered my from the paw of the lion and bear will deliver me from this Philistine.”

When he put on Saul the Tall’s armor, he could not move. David decided to fight the way he trained. He chose 5 smooth stones, sling in hand he ran towards Goliath. And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face.

• David takes his sword, cuts off his head.
• The Philistines flee. And David is a national hero.
• David is a hero and Saul is known as a coward.
• David becomes a leader, he would lead his army into battle.
• Everyone wanted to serve under David.
• Saul descends into madness as David becomes more popular.
• Saul's son, Jonathan and David become fast friends.

Ben Lizak read the Epistle for today, which came from Paul’s letter to the Hebrews, starting at the Eleventh Verse of the Ninth Chapter. Paul summarizes the symbolism as well as the substance of the Lord’s sacrifice on our behalf, “Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.”

CHRIST being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

This morning’s Gospel comes from the Gospel of Saint John, starting at the Forty-Sixth Verse of the Thirteenth Chapter and tells the story of Jesus’ confrontation with the Pharisees in the temple. Jesus asked them, “Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?” In a point central to Christianity, he went on, “He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God. Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil? Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me. And I seek not mine own glory: there is one that seeketh and judgeth. Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death. Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death. Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself? Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God: yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you; but I know him, and keep his saying. Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad. Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple.”

JESUS said, Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me? He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God. Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil? Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me. And I seek not mine own glory: there is one that seeketh and judgeth. Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death. Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death. Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself? Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God: yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you; but I know him, and keep his saying. Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad. Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple.

Sermon - Passiontide
Today we enter into Passiontide. Lent began with focusing on our sin, turning to God. Now we focus on God’s plan for our sin. Like the cross today, God’s love is veiled to us, yet He made for us one time, for all time, for all mankind: a sin offering and by the blood of His own Son an atonement. We know Jesus died in our place, for us. We know Jesus did it because he loves us. In the words of a recent pre-service song:

“Amazing love, how could it be?
That you my king would die for me.”

How much does God love you? In the heavenly Tabernacle, a Sin Offering has been made for your sin—A perfect male lamb.

Jesus is the sacrifice, His life taken to restore us to life.

How much does He love you?

In the heavenly Tabernacle, Jesus’ blood is taken into the Holy of Holies, to the throne of God. Sprinkled upon the mercy seat, upon the Ark of the Covenant. That the mercy of God might be given to us sinners.

Jesus’ blood is offered that we might enter into communion with his heavenly Father.

At-one-ment: that we might be one as Jesus & Father.

How much does He love you?

We enter Passion to see what’s veiled from our eyes.
We enter Passion having been restored—a sin offering
We enter Passion to experience that unity of Divine Love, the At-one-ment.

How much does He love you?

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

After Church Hospitality
Martha Stevens brought the goodies today. Two kinds of cookies: lemony and chocolaty they were, fresh oranges and mixed nuts. Very nice!

Command Master Chief Brewer Macauley was back with his parents in Las Vegas. Barista Ben Lizak stood in for the CMCB and brewed wonderful coffee. Father Acker managed to get up early enough to make his famous low carb lemonade.

New Nametags
We had no new nametags today.

People in our Prayers
If you are on our prayer list, or you have submitted a person for us to pray for, please update Father Acker in person, by telephone or e-mail. It helps to be able to pray specifically for these individuals including their specific needs; plus if they get better, it is good 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, your can ask that the names and purpose be kept confidential, then only Father Acker will know to pray for them.

Travel
Ken is on travel this week.
Aaron, Traci and Warren are on travel this week.
Tim is on travel this week and is moving his dad back home.
Walt and Fran are on travel this week.

Sick or in need of healing

Healing
Annie, Salvador (cancer), Betty, Marge, Uni, Bethany (collision), Greg (shoulder surgery), Kathy, Richard, Christian, Trish, Marie, Wanda, Sarah, Tina, Mark, Lois, Jennette, Linn, Gary, Delores, Anna, Ruth, Theresa, Don (post surgery), Melanie, Connie, Tom, Crystal, Thomas, Hadley, Diane, Norm, Gregory, Betty, Terri, Mary, Edward, Bert, Jesusa (difficult pregnancy), Sheila, Michele, Marybeth (broken foot, stroke), Bill (infection), Kevin, Bruce, Susanne, Paul (stroke), Ralph (eyes), Allison (kidney)

Father Acker administered the Healing Blessing to Annie Springer

Guidance
Christiana, Alexander, Breyana, Vie, Asha, Cory, Heather, Holly, Ken, Maruja, Stella, Shelly, William, Joe, Alexander, Jonathan, Phil, Sandy, Larraine, Brad, Brian, Cindi, Uni, Jennifer, Greg, Ed, Ruthie, Rick, Carol, Susan, Curtis, Stephen, Donny, Chris, Andrew, Keith, Jeff, Penny

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

Armed Forces & Contractors
Tillman, Patrick, Justin, Tim, Evan, Jim, Jason, JR, Matt, Phillip

Back Door Lending Library
We have some new Amazing Grace books of several flavors, in addition, there are still several sets of the Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis, as well as some background books on the series. There are plenty of sets, so don’t be shy. There are also Annotated Holy Communion Books. These books have the Prayer Book Holy Communion service on the left page and an explanation on the right page. They are a great way to learn about the service. Pick one up when you come in and use it for the service, if you like.

Personal 1928 Books of Common Prayer & Bibles
During his many travels and general rooting around, your Beadle has come across some very nice personal 1928 Prayer Books, including a couple with Hymnals attached and leather bound Bibles. If you would like one, please contact him directly.

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.

Very Important
This is Christ’s Church, which makes it your church; it is not Father Acker’s church, the Beadle’s church, the Senior Warden’s church; it is your church, it is a gift from Christ to you. It is up to you to make it the very best you can.

So, if you see something that needs doing, do it or ask someone else to do it. If there is something you would like to see done or not done in our church, if there is something not being done right, tell someone. Let Father Acker, the Beadle or one of the Vestry know. You have an obligation to make this the very best church you can. Tell us how to help.

If you have a suggestion, criticism or query, tell the Vicar, the Beadle, one of the Vestry, or drop a note in the plate. We must have your help.

Church is like a bank: you get a certain return on your investment; but, if you don’t put anything in, you won’t get anything out.

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

16 March 2008 Holly Lizak
23 March 2008 Alex Boyd (Easter)
30 March 2008 Jan Macauley
6 April 2008 Hap Arnold
13 April 2008 Dru Arnold
20 April 2008 Jack Arnold
27 April 2008 Alice Acker

The near future, as well as Next Sunday
Next Sunday is the Sunday next before Easter, commonly called Palm Sunday. Sunday being the first day of the week, it is also the first day of Holy Week.

Pre-Service Class
Next Sunday will also be the seventh Sunday in Father Acker’s pre-service class series, Around the Bible in 70 Days, a ten week tour of the Bible, 10 minutes of teaching that begins at 8:30am on Sundays. The class provides an overview of the entire bible. This is the forest view for those feeling lost among the trees. Actually it a good reminder on the overall story and our reading it as God’s story.

The 10 minute teaching series begins at 8:30am each Sunday! This is an excellent opportunity to bring a friend who would like to know more about the Bible and Christianity.

Potential Deacon to Be Greg Chase and the Home Study Group - 13 March 2008 1830 – 2000 (6:30 pm – 8:00 pm)
Greg Chase is applying to be a Deacon in the church. This process is multifaceted and may or may not be in the order presented:

• Greg first convinces the Vicar that he is deacon material;
• The Vicar convinces the Vestry Greg is deacon material;
• The Vestry and the Vicar recommend Greg to the Bishop (Bishop Boyce);
• The Bishop provides an application and test;
• Greg’s background is investigated;
• Greg completes the application and test;
• The Bishop provides a course of study;
• Greg completes the course of study to the Bishop’s standard;
• Greg’s application is accepted;
• Greg is ordained a Deacon in the church;
• Blessed Trinity has a Deacon.

This brings us to the heading, Home Study Group. Greg’s course of study is heavily weighted to the Book of Common Prayer, in particular the version in use by our church, that of 1928. There are various reasons for the emphasis on the BCP, because deacons are expected to:

• Know what our church stands for, else how can they be leaders;
• Lead church services, which come from the BCP;
• Provide guidance for parishioners and others, much of which is in the BCP;
• Understand the history of our church, which resulted in the BCP;
• Lead others to the church.

To help Greg in his study, he and Father Acker have established a Home Study Group to delve into the Book of Common Prayer. The group will meet at Greg’s home the second Thursday of each month. The first meeting will be 13 March 2008, the time will be from 1830 – 2000 (6:30 pm – 8:00 pm). These sessions will be a great chance for Greg to learn the BCP and gain experience in group dynamics. They will also be an excellent opportunity for participants to gain an insight into one of the finest sources of religious experience outside the Bible.

Join Greg and Father Acker the second Thursday of each month from 1830 – 2000 (6:30 pm – 8:00 pm). For details talk to Greg at church or e-mail gnchase@cox.net.

Lenten Book Study – Last Chance!
Each Wednesday in Lent, we meet at 1815 (6:15pm) at the SCAIR Center in Alpine to discuss the book The Screwtape Letters by CS Lewis. This week we are covering Chapters 25 through the end. This is the last meeting, don’t miss it. Feel free to jump in the middle.

Evening Prayer 1815 (6:15 pm)
Soup Dinner Starts 1830 (6:30 pm)
Discussion Starts 1915 (7:15 pm)
Discussion Ends 2000 (8:00 pm)

Doubt not: this study is entertaining, the food great, and when you are done, you will feel far more comfortable and be far stronger in your Christian beliefs. If you have not ordered your copy, either call Father Acker or scrounge in the Lending Library (there are some there).

Holy Week Activities

Wednesday
Instructional Seder Dinner
The last Wednesday in Lent, we will be having an instructional Seder dinner at the SCAIR Center at 1815 (6:15 pm). Join us to find out what a Passover Dinner was like. Everyone is invited and very wanted. This is interesting and a lot of fun. Join us. If you don’t have a great time, the Beadle will personally refund double your money (easy to do as it is free). If you are coming, call, e-mail or see Father Acker so we can get a head count.

Thursday
Maunday Thursday Service
On Thursday of Holy Week, there will be a Maunday Thursday service at Victoria Chapel.

Friday
Good Friday Service
On Friday of Holy Week, there is an ecumenical service at noontime at Queen of Angels and an evening service at Victoria Chapel.

Saturday
There will be the traditional Easter Eve Service at Victoria Chapel with the first desert of Easter following.

Sunday
Easter Sunday Service
Our service for Easter Sunday will be held at the Alpine Community Center, as in years past. If you invite a friend and they come, you will each get a $25.00 iTunes gift card.

See you next week on Sunday!


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, March 2, 2008

The Fourth Sunday in Lent - Commonly known as Rose Sunday or Refreshment Sunday


Today was the Fourth Sunday in Lent. Sunrise brought a cool, but clear 34°F to Mount Olympus. Down at church it was 58°F when we got there and a lovely 65°F by the end of the service. The superb weather brought 26 attendees.

In addition to being the Fourth Sunday in Lent, this was also the First Sunday of the Month, also known as Free Teen Guitar Class Sunday. As most of you know, Father Acker teaches a guitar class on Wednesdays, which is FREE. Thus, the class is known as the “Free Teen Guitar Class”, or FTGC. They use the first Sunday of each month, as well as special occasions as a performance opportunity.

Rose Sunday
We are halfway through Lent, or close to it, 22 days down, 18 to go. Many people do not realize that Lent has 40 days, as Sundays are not counted. Sundays are not fast days, as we celebrate every Sunday in remembrance of the glorious resurrection of our Lord. Situated halfway through Lent, this Sunday is often called Refreshment Sunday after the Gospel, with the loaves and fishes. The liturgical color lightens from purple to rose as a break in our fasting. It is also the time when English children traditionally came home from boarding schools for Easter. It also is observed as Mother’s Day in England for that very reason.

Father Acker’s Pre-Service Class - Around the Bible in 140 days by popular demand
Today was the fifth in a twenty week tour of the Bible, 10 minutes of teaching each Sunday, beginning at 8:30am. 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 been making our way through the Bible and arrived at the Book of Judges (Hebrew: Sefer Shoftim ספר שופטים) is a book of the Bible originally written in Hebrew. It appears in the Tanakh and in the Christian Old Testament. Its title refers to its contents; it contains the history of Biblical judges (not to be confused with modern judges), who helped rule and guide the ancient Israelites, and of their times. As Judges stands today, the last judge it mentions is Samson, and although there are two further stories, the traditional view is that Samson's exploits probably synchronize with the period immediately preceding Eli, who was both high priest and judge. Both academic views and traditional thought hence view the narrative of the judges as ending at Samson, picking up again at 1 Samuel 1:1 to consider Eli, and continuing through to 1 Samuel 7:2. As for the stories at the end of the Book, which are set in the same time period as the judges, but discuss people other than the judges, there is much affinity between these and the Book of Ruth, and many people believe Ruth originally belonged amongst them.

Throughout the time described in Judges, the Hebrew nation is without a central leader:

In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes. (Judges 21:25)

As a result, over and over, the nation fell into Apostasy; they were Conquered; they turned to God who Delivered via a leader who he raised up from among them. Then, once all was clear, back to apostasy and the cycle began again.

Threat Judges or Leaders

Mesopotamia Othneil
Moabites & Philistines Ehud & Shamgar
King of Canaan Deborah & Barak
Midian Gideon
Civil War Abimelech, Tola, & Jair
Philistines & Ammonites Jephtha, Ibzan, Elon, & Abdon
Philistines Samson

Judges is the story of the downward spiral of Hebrew history:

• People serve God;
• Do evil;
• Forsake God;
• Follow their own way;
• Enter into depression & warfare;
• They are sold into slavery;
• They repent;
• They cry out to God;
• A Judge is raised and delivers the people.

The story in a nutshell:

In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes. (Judges 21:25)

A society adrift: morally, economically, religiously, & militarily. Hebrew people end up worse than the people they were replacing, spiraling down the drain.

You see nothing but the ruins of the people. Where is God’s plan of salvation? It’s almost devoid of hope. A ray of hope is in the next book—Ruth.

The Book of Ruth (Hebrew: מגילת רות;) is one of the books of the Ketuvim ("Writings") of the Tanakh (the Hebrew Bible) and of the Writings of the Old Testament. It is one of the shortest books in both Jewish and Christian scripture, consisting of only four chapters and is perfectly structured:

• Prolog of 73 words in Hebrew
• Chapters 1-2: Naomi loses everything
• Chapters 3-4: Naomi gains everything
• Epilog of 73 words in Hebrew

In many ways, it is the greatest love story in the Bible, telling of the friendship of Naomi and Ruth, as well as the marriage of Ruth and Boaz.

Naomi and her husband Elimelech move to Moab with their two sons Mahlon and Chilion . The two sons marry two Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth. First Elimelech dies, then the two sons, leaving the widowed Naomi with two widowed daughters in law. She tells them to marry new husbands and says she wil be returning to Judah. In response Ruth said, “Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.” (Ruth 1:16-17)

Naomi and Ruth stay. Ruth goes into a field to glean food, the field is owned by Boaz, who falls in love with her. Under the law, Boaz has the right to redeem Ruth, Naomi and their property. He, as a Kinsman Redeemer, does so, for he has the:

• Position
• Resources
• Willingness

to so do.

This concept of Kinsman Redeemer is the same as that of Jesus Christ, but at a different level for a different redemption.

Ruth has a son with Boaz, who has Obed, the father of Jesse, the father of King David. Kings of Israel starting in 1st Samuel.

Jan Macauley read the Epistle for today, which came from the Fourth Chapter of Paul’s letter to the Galatians beginning at the Twenty-First Verse:

TELL me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law? For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise. Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar. For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all. For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not: break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband. Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise. But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now. Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman. So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.

The Gospel for this morning came from the Sixth Chapter of the Gospel of St. John beginning at the First Verse.

JESUS went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias. And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased. And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there he sat with his disciples. And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh. When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat? And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do. Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little. One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, saith unto him, There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many? And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would. When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost. Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten. Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world.

Sermon - How much should I give to God?
People often ask, “How much should I give to God?”

The answer is really simple, kind of like the Golden Rule:

Give unto God as you would have Him give unto you.
Give unto God that which you would have Him give unto you.

Think about today’s Gospel. The young man comes forward with all he has, five barley loaves of bread and two small fishes. What is that among so many?

Often we are tempted to do nothing, for what can we, with so little, do for so many?

If we don’t start, the answer is clear – Nothing!

If you want your life, you have to give it to God. If you want success in this world, you have to give your life here to God. God will take what you give Him, put it in order and give it back to you.

Like the five barley loaves of bread and two small fishes, He will take what you give Him, put it in order and make use of it. If you want credit for it, think of this: Other than our Lord, who do we remember from that grassy hillside two thousand years ago? The young boy who gave his all to our Lord.

Five barley loaves of bread and two small fishes -
What do you have to give?

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

After Church Hospitality
Fran and Walt Dexter brought goodies today. Two boxes of local fresh donuts and a huge bowl of mixed fruit. Sadly, your Beadle cannot report on the state of the fruit, but he can comment on the extremely high quality of the buttermilk bar donuts. Ben said the fruit was great and he can be trusted. The Dexters brought two huge boxes of donut, far too many for our congregation. Luckily, the congregation did not know there were too many and ate them all!

Command Master Chief Brewer Macauley was back visiting his parents in Las Vegas, and brewed wonderful coffee. Father Acker managed to get up early enough to make his famous low carb lemonade.

New Nametags
We had two new nametags today, Father Acker’s brother and his wife



Scott Acker Maureen Acker

People in our Prayers
If you are on our prayer list, or you have submitted a person for us to pray for, please update Father Acker in person, by telephone or e-mail. It helps to be able to pray specifically for these individuals including their specific needs; plus if they get better, it is good to give thanks!

Please note that on the green 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, your can ask that the names and purpose be kept confidential, then only Father Acker will know to pray for them.

Travel
Ken is on travel this week.
Tim and Stephanie are both traveling this week.

Sick or in need of healing

Healing
Annie, Salvador (cancer), Betty, Marge, Uni, Bethany (collision), Greg (shoulder surgery), Kathy, Richard, Christian, Trish, Marie, Wanda, Sarah, Tina, Mark, Lois, Jennette, Linn, Gary, Delores, Anna, Ruth, Theresa, Don (post surgery), Melanie, Connie, Tom, Crystal, Thomas, Hadley, Diane, Norm, Gregory, Betty, Terri, Mary, Edward, Bert, Jesusa (difficult pregnancy), Sheila, Michele, Marybeth (broken foot, stroke), Bill (infection), Kevin, Bruce, Susanne

Guidance
Christiana, Alexander, Breyana, Vie, Asha, Cory, Heather, Holly, Ken, Maruja, Stella, Shelly, William, Joe, Alexander, Jonathan, Phil, Sandy, Larraine, Brad, Brian, Cindi, Uni, Jennifer, Greg, Ed, Ruthie, Rick, Carol, Susan, Curtis, Stephen, Donny, Chris, Andrew, Keith

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

Armed Forces & Contractors
Tillman, Patrick, Justin, Tim, Evan, Jim, Jason, JR, Matt, Phillip

Back Door Lending Library
We have some new Amazing Grace books of several flavors, in addition, there are still several sets of the Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis, as well as some background books on the series. There are plenty of sets, so don’t be shy. There are also Annotated Holy Communion Books. These books have the Prayer Book Holy Communion service on the left page and an explanation on the right page. They are a great way to learn about the service. Pick one up when you come in and use it for the service, if you like.

Personal 1928 Books of Common Prayer & Bibles
During his many travels and general rooting around, your Beadle has come across some very nice personal 1928 Prayer Books, including a couple with Hymnals attached and leather bound Bibles. If you would like one, please contact him directly.

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.

Free Teen Guitar Class (FTGC – www.freeteenguitarclass.com)
The Free Teen Guitar Class is underway on Wednesdays with new times:

New Beginning Class 3:00-3:45pm String 1 and very basics.
Continuing Book Class 3:45-4:30pm We are doing pages 38 & 39 Key of G.
Techniques Class 4:30-5:15pm Starting improvisation on Ionian scale & rhythm part for Surfing with the Alien.

All classes are open to new students. You might know someone who already plays some and wants to join in. If you know someone who wants to play and does not have a guitar, we have a few loaner beginner guitars. If you haven’t done so, have a look at our website: http://www.freeteenguitarclass.com. I think you will like it.

Email me if you want a new FTGC Flyer! frkeitha@alpineanglican.com

The next performance opportunity is March 3rd.
- Father Ironhand

Deputy Beadle
Your Beadle is please to announce the appointment of a new Deputy Beadle. Alex Springer has been appointed a Deputy Beadle. Like all Beadles, he works where the need is greatest, but his primary duties are in the Front Door area. Alex is the son of Mike and Annie Springer and one of our Free Teen Guitar Class members.

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

9 March 2008 Ben Lizak
16 March 2008 Holly Lizak
23 March 2008 Alex Boyd (Easter)
30 March 2008 Jan Macauley
6 April 2008 Hap Arnold
13 April 2008 Dru Arnold
20 April 2008 Jack Arnold
27 April 2008 Alice Acker

The near future, as well as Next Sunday
Next Sunday is the Fifth Sunday in Lent, commonly called Passion Sunday.

Pre-Service Class
Next Sunday will also be the sixth Sunday in Father Acker’s new pre-service class series, Around the Bible in 70 Days, a ten week tour of the Bible, 10 minutes of teaching that begins at 8:30am on Sundays. The class provides an overview of the entire bible. This is the forest view for those feeling lost among the trees. Actually it a good reminder on the overall story and our reading it as God’s story.

The 10 minute teaching series begins at 8:30am each Sunday! This is an excellent opportunity to bring a friend who would like to know more about the Bible and Christianity.

Potential Deacon to Be Greg Chase and the Home Study Group
Greg Chase is applying to be a Deacon in the church. This process is multifaceted and may or may not be in the order presented:

• Greg first convinces the Vicar that he is deacon material;
• The Vicar convinces the Vestry Greg is deacon material;
• The Vestry and the Vicar recommend Greg to the Bishop (Bishop Boyce);
• The Bishop provides an application and test;
• Greg’s background is investigated;
• Greg completes the application and test;
• The Bishop provides a course of study;
• Greg completes the course of study to the Bishop’s standard;
• Greg’s application is accepted;
• Greg is ordained a Deacon in the church;
• Blessed Trinity has a Deacon.

This brings us to the heading, Home Study Group. Greg’s course of study is heavily weighted to the Book of Common Prayer, in particular the version in use by our church, that of 1928. There are various reasons for the emphasis on the BCP, because deacons are expected to:

• Know what our church stands for, else how can they be leaders;
• Lead church services, which come from the BCP;
• Provide guidance for parishioners and others, much of which is in the BCP;
• Understand the history of our church, which resulted in the BCP;
• Lead others to the church.

To help Greg in his study, he and Father Acker have established a Home Study Group to delve into the Book of Common Prayer. The group will meet at Greg’s home the second Thursday of each month. The first meeting will be 13 March 2008, the time will be from 1830 – 2000 (6:30 pm – 8:00 pm). These sessions will be a great chance for Greg to learn the BCP and gain experience in group dynamics. They will also be an excellent opportunity for participants to gain an insight into one of the finest sources of religious experience outside the Bible.

Join Greg and Father Acker the second Thursday of each month from 1830 – 2000 (6:30 pm – 8:00 pm). For details talk to Greg at church or e-mail gnchase@cox.net.

Lenten Book Study
Each Wednesday in Lent, we are meeting at 1815 (6:15pm) at the SCAIR Center in Alpine to discuss the book The Screwtape Letters by CS Lewis. This week we are covering Chapters 18 – 24.

Evening Prayer 1815 (6:15 pm)
Soup Dinner Starts 1830 (6:30 pm)
Discussion Starts 1915 (7:15 pm)
Discussion Ends 2000 (8:00 pm)

Doubt not: this study will be entertaining, the food great, and when you are done, you will feel far more comfortable and be far stronger in your Christian beliefs. If you have not ordered your copy, either call Father Acker or scrounge in the Lending Library (there are some there).

Instructional Seder Dinner
The last Wednesday in Lent, we will be having an instructional Seder dinner at the SCAIR Center at 1815 (6:15 pm). Join us to find out what a Passover Dinner was like.

Maunday Thursday Service
On Thursday of Holy Week, there will be a Maunday Thursday service at Victoria Chapel.

Good Friday Service
On Friday of Holy Week, there will be morning and evening services at Victoria Chapel.

Easter Sunday Service
Our service for Easter Sunday will be held at the Alpine Community Center, as in years past. If you invite a friend and they come, you will each get a $25.00 iTunes gift card.

See you next week on Sunday!

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, February 24, 2008

The Third Sunday in Lent


Today was the Third Sunday in Lent. After last week’s weather, the time for sun rise came at Mount Olympus, bringing 45°F and drizzly rain, by the time church started, we had 54°F and pouring rain. Nonetheless, we ended up with 19 attendees.

As those 19 of you know who were at church know, the service was a bit out of order today. Your Beadle forgot the video projector, while church was being set up, the Under Beadle went home to get it. To keep things flowing, Father Acker did his sermon before the service and the pre-service class fit into the sermon’s spot. Your Beadle apologizes and congratulates Father Acker on his flexibility. Also the slides were combined today into a single unit with both the class and the music on screen. The congregation liked the effect. We will change the slide setup so there is only one stained glass window to reduce distraction and increase contrast on the slides with text.

Father Acker’s Pre-Service Class - Around the Bible in 140 days by popular demand
Today was the fourth in a twenty week tour of the Bible, 10 minutes of teaching each Sunday, beginning at 8:30am. 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 been making our way through the Bible and arrived at the Book of Joshua, (Hebrew: Sefer Y'hoshua ספר יהושע), sixth book in both the Hebrew Tanakh and the Old Testament of the Christian Bible. This book stands as the first in the
Former (or First) Prophets covering the history of Israel from the possession of the Promised Land to the Babylonian Captivity.

The book of Joshua contains a history of the Israelites from the death of Moses to that of Joshua. After Moses' death, Joshua, by virtue of his previous appointment as Moses' successor, receives from God the command to cross the Jordan River. In execution of this order Joshua issues the requisite instructions to the stewards of the people for the crossing of the Jordan; and he reminds the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half of Manasseh of their pledge given to Moses to help their brethren.

The book essentially consists of three parts:
1. The history of the conquest of the land (1-12).
2. The allotment of the land to the different tribes, with the appointment of cities of refuge, the provision for the Levites (13-22), and the dismissal of the eastern tribes to their homes. This section has been compared to the Domesday Book of the Norman Conquest (though significantly shorter, and not the work of one man; i. e. not comparable in impressiveness).
3. Return of the Transjordan Tribes and farewell addresses of Joshua, with an account of his death (23, 24).

After the death of Moses, God calls on Joshua to lead the Israelites across the Jordan River and take possession of the promised land. God guarantees victory in the military campaign and vows never to leave the Israelites so long as they obey his laws.

The people swear their allegiance to Joshua, and he sends two spies across the river to investigate the territory. The men enter Jericho, where a prostitute named Rahab hides them in her home and lies to the city officials regarding the spies’ presence. Rahab tells the spies that the Canaanites are afraid of Israel and its miraculous successes. Professing belief in the God of the Israelites, she asks for protection for her family when the Israelites destroy Jericho. The spies pledge to preserve Rahab and return to Joshua, telling him of the weakened condition of Israel’s enemies.

The Israelites cross the Jordan River, led by a team of priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant. As the priests enter the water, the flow of the river stops and the Israelites cross the river on dry land. Arriving on the other side, the Israelites commemorate the miracle with an altar of twelve stones from the river bed (representing the twelve tribes of Israel).

The people begin to eat the produce of the new land—thus halting the daily supply of manna—and the Israelite men perform the ritual of circumcision in preparation for battle.

Approaching Jericho, Joshua encounters a mysterious man who explains that he is the commander of God’s army but that he is neither for nor against Israel. Joshua pays homage to the man and passes on.

Following divine instructions, Joshua leads the Israelites in carrying the Ark around Jericho for six days. On the seventh day, the Israelites march around the city seven times. Joshua rallies them to conquer the city and kill everyone except for Rahab. They are to refrain from taking any of the city’s religious items. At the sound of the Israelite war cry, the walls of Jericho collapse, and the Israelites destroy the city and its inhabitants.

Joshua’s fame spreads throughout the land, but the Israelites are humiliated in their attempts to take the next city, Ai. God attributes the disaster to the disobedience of Achan, an Israelite who has stolen a wedge of gold and a fine Babylonian garment from their temple, the Hebrews fail to capture the city of Ai. After the people stone Achan, the renewed attempt against Ai is successful as Joshua masterminds an elaborate ambush against the city’s forces with thirty thousand Hebrews.

The Israelites celebrate by erecting an altar to God and publicly reaffirming their commitment to God’s law. Fearful of the marauding Israelites, the people of Gibeon visit the Israelite camp in disguise, claiming to be travelers in the land and requesting peace with Israel. Joshua does not inquire with God and makes a hasty treaty with the men, only to discover later that the Gibeonites are natives of the land to be conquered. The Israelites refrain from attacking the city, but five other local kings attack Gibeon for making peace with Israel. The Israelites come to Gibeon’s aid and destroy the five armies. Joshua helps by commanding God to make the sun stand still during the fight. God listens and stops the sun’s movement—the only time in history, we are told, when God obeys a human.

The Israelites continue to destroy the southern and northern cities of Canaan, killing all living inhabitants, as God has stipulated. While much of the promised land still remains to be conquered, the people of Israel begin to settle in the land, dividing it amongst the twelve tribes.

After God gives Israel rest from its enemies for many years, an ailing Joshua makes a farewell pronouncement to the nation of Israel. Joshua goads the Israelites to be strong and to obey all of God’s laws, throwing away any idols and refraining from intermarriage with the native peoples. The people assure Joshua they will be faithful to the covenant, but Joshua reluctantly accepts this assurance, worried that obedience for Israel will prove quite difficult.

Scholars dispute the historical accuracy of the Book of Joshua. Although the writer claims to be writing in the thirteenth century BC, it is unlikely Joshua was written so early, and it is unlikely that the conquest of Palestine by the Hebrew people was as clean and neat as the first twelve chapters of Joshua suggest.

Some scholars choose to read the book not as an inaccurate record of history but as an accurate record of Hebrew cultural memory of the original invasion of Palestine by the wandering Israelites.

Unlike Genesis and Exodus, Joshua contains detailed accounts of political and military battles, and more than half of the book is devoted to listing the allotment of land to each of the twelve tribes. Few of the characters are as dramatic as those in the first books of the Old Testament, and God interferes little with human lives.

In this sense, Joshua reads more like an ancient Hebrew history textbook than a collection of separate myths and legends. The Book of Joshua carefully structures its description of the invasion of Palestine. The strict organization of the book emphasizes that the description of the conquests is a literary interpretation, and shows the importance within this interpretation of the idea of land. Israel’s conquest is divided into two parts: the first twelve chapters tell the story of the conquest itself, and the final twelve chapters tell the story of how the land was allotted. These two sections are each subdivided into two sections. In these four parts, Israel prepares for the conquest, the campaigns themselves are carried out, the conquered land is allotted, and a concluding section exhorts Israel to remain loyal to God.

The geographic organization of the book is equally rigorous; both the conquests and the division of lands are grouped according to whether the lands are in the north, south, east, or west. In the process, the idea of land plays a role as antagonistic as any character’s.

Various people’s desire for and loyalty to specific regions is a source of great conflict, and God’s covenant with Israel is physically manifested in his promise of land. The Book of Joshua describes Joshua as an echo of Moses who engages in the same actions, only of lesser magnitude and with lesser effect. Moses leads the Israelites out of their oppression in Egypt; Joshua leads them into their domination of Canaan. Furthermore, Joshua causes the Jordan River to run dry in the same way that Moses parts the Red Sea. Finally, both Joshua and Moses perform similar administrative actions, sending out spies and allotting land to tribes. However, the differences between Moses’ and Joshua’s stories almost always indicate that Moses was a grander leader and prophet. While Moses communes directly with God, speaking with him face to face as though to a friend, God’s presence in the Book of Joshua is largely symbolic. God exists for them in the Ark of the Covenant, a container that contains the text of Mosaic law. He does not, however, take physical form. Moses both foreshadows and overshadows Joshua.

This simplified rendering of the military campaign is contrasted by a lingering ambivalence in the behavior and the future of the Israelite people throughout Joshua. Rahab may display a blind faith in God, and the treaty with the Gibeonites may be the result of a deception, but by sparing these figures the Israelites disobey God’s ongoing commandment to destroy all the native inhabitants of the promised land.

Equally perplexing is the man or angel who is “the commander of the army of the Lord.” He claims to be neither for nor against Israel, yet his presence at the battle of Jericho seems to connote God’s blessing on Israel’s military exercises. The ten chapters describing the allotment of tribal lands also undercut the decisive victories depicted in the first half of the book. Israel’s resettlement is a project of enormous proportions, occurring before all the land has even been conquered. In fact, it is not clear if the remaining lands will ever be conquered; but, although God requires the total conquest of the promised land, he nevertheless gives them rest from battle (23:1).

Finally, in his farewell to Israel, Joshua commands the people to throw away their religious idols and to refrain from allying with the native peoples. At no point do the people agree to either stipulation. Instead, they merely affirm that they will serve God (24:18, 24). Paradoxically, Joshua responds, “You cannot serve the Lord, for he is a holy God. ” (24:19). The ambivalence of the people regarding obedience to God in light of Joshua’s persistence suggests that the future of Israel is uncertain at best.

Alice Acker read the Epistle for today, which came from the Fifth Chapter of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians beginning at the First Verse. He echoes the advice of St. James in his general epistle, to be Christians, not just claim to be followers of Christ, when James wrote, “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”

BE ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.

The Gospel for this morning came from in the Eleventh Chapter of the Gospel of St. Luke beginning at the Fourteenth Verse.

JESUS was casting out a devil, and it was dumb. And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake; and the people wondered. But some of them said, He casteth out devils through Beelzebub the chief of the devils. And others, tempting him, sought of him a sign from heaven. But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth. If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub. And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast them out? therefore shall they be your judges. But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you. When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace: but when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils. He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth. When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out. And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked. But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.

Sermon - to be like God, try being human
God would like us to have our lives are to look like Jesus:

• We aren’t to settle for shallow perversions of humanity.
• We need to be more human if we are to love like God.
• We are to be “A Sweet Savor Offering.”
 
Walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, 
and hath given himself for us.
From today’s Epistle
If our life is to look like Jesus’ life:

• Don’t strive for anything less.
• Don’t be a “bent” (Lewis), a twisted perversion
• Realize, we are made to “love like God.”
• Not lust, but “the union of husband & wife”
• Not greed, but being “givers” of gifts.
• Not putting ourselves, or someone or something at the center of our lives, but a perfect relationship to God and his family.
• Not Married with Children, or the Simpsons
• We have a vision of that Perfect Family

We’ve all had deal with some manipulative aunt or uncle, and brat grandniece or weasel nephew. One who is twisted, who is bent. That is not who we want to emulate, rather look towards Jesus for an example, if you need one.
 
Our lives are to look like Jesus who says: Blessed are they who hear the word of God, and keep it.

• It is to know the reality of divine love lived out.
• Not avoiding the pleasures, which were all made by God.
• It is to enter in more fully—to be more human (hybrid--Lewis)
• That the physical sharing of yourself should be as God intended it—not some cheap, impersonal “hooking up.”
• Not some titillation of silicon and oil.

That the riches, the abundance we have…

If you have a toilet you are one of the rich folk of the world—40% don’t have a toilet!

We are to be givers of gifts—not hoarding or letting our goods control our decisions.
 
How? Look to Jesus: A sweet savor offering. Voluntary.

What was the offering described in Leviticus? Perfect, without spot or blemish, the best you had. That is what God did for us. He offered His first born son, Jesus, without spot of si to be a sweet savor offering.

Can you dedicate your life to the Lord, to be a sweet savor offering?

Why settle for a shallow perversion of humanity when the real thing is right there for the taking.

We need to be more human if we are to love like God.
We are to be “A Sweet Savor Offering.”
 
Walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, 
and hath given himself for us.
From today’s Epistle

Birthdays and Anniversaries
No birthdays today; but, we celebrated the Arnolds 21st Anniversary with them.

After Church Hospitality
Holly Lizak brought the snacks today. Whether she knew the Arnolds were celebrating their anniversary or not is not clear, but she brought the most favored snack, egg salad sandwiches, heavy on black olives. They are so wonderful! There were also curried chicken sandwiches (also very good), pumpkin bread and red flame seedless grapes.

Command Master Chief Brewer Macauley on travel visiting his parents in Las Vegas, Barrista Ben Lizak stood in with help from Assistant Barrista Don Patton. The coffee was great. Father Acker managed to get up early enough to make his famous low carb lemonade.

New Nametags
We had no new nametags today.

People in our Prayers
If you are on our prayer list, or you have submitted a person for us to pray for, please update Father Acker in person, by telephone or e-mail. It helps to be able to pray specifically for these individuals including their specific needs; plus if they get better, it is good to give thanks!

Please note that on the green 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, your can ask that the names and purpose be kept confidential, then only Father Acker will know to pray for them.

Travel
Ken is on travel this week.
Tim and Stephanie are on travel this week.
Mark on travel this week visiting his father who is nearing the end of his life on the East Coast.

Sick or in need of healing

Healing
Annie, Salvador (cancer), Betty, Marge, Uni, Bethany (collision), Greg (shoulder surgery),  Kathy, Richard, Christian, Trish, Marie, Wanda,  Sarah, Tina, Mark, Lois, Jennette, Linn, Gary, Delores, Anna, Ruth, Theresa, Don (post surgery), Melanie, Connie, Tom, Crystal, Thomas, Hadley, Diane, Norm, Gregory, Betty, Terri, Mary, Edward, Bert, Jesusa (difficult pregnancy), Sheila, Michele, Marybeth (broken foot, stroke), Bill (infection), Kevin, Bruce, Susanne

Guidance
Christiana, Alexander, Breyana, Vie, Asha, Cory, Heather, Holly, Ken, Maruja, Stella, Shelly, William, Joe, Alexander, Jonathan, Phil, Sandy, Larraine, Brad, Brian, Cindi, Uni, Jennifer, Greg, Ed, Ruthie, Rick, Carol, Susan, Curtis, Stephen, Donny, Chris, Andrew, Keith

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

Armed Forces & Contractors
Tillman, Patrick, Justin, Tim, Evan, Jim, Jason, JR, Matt, Phillip

Holy Passing
Mark’s father

Back Door Lending Library
We have some new Amazing Grace books of several flavors, in addition, there are still several sets of the Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis, as well as some background books on the series. There are plenty of sets, so don’t be shy. There are also Annotated Holy Communion Books. These books have the Prayer Book Holy Communion service on the left page and an explanation on the right page. They are a great way to learn about the service. Pick one up when you come in and use it for the service, if you like.

Personal 1928 Books of Common Prayer & Bibles
During his many travels and general rooting around, your Beadle has come across some very nice personal 1928 Prayer Books, including a couple with Hymnals attached and leather bound Bibles. If you would like one, please contact him directly.

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.

Free Teen Guitar Class (FTGC – www.freeteenguitarclass.com)
The Free Teen Guitar Class is underway on Wednesdays with new times:

New Beginning Class 3:00-3:45pm String 1 and very basics.
Continuing Book Class 3:45-4:30pm We are doing pages 38 & 39 Key of G.
Techniques Class 4:30-5:15pm Starting improvisation on Ionian scale & rhythm part for Surfing with the Alien.

All classes are open to new students. You might know someone who already plays some and wants to join in. If you know someone who wants to play and does not have a guitar, we have a few loaner beginner guitars. If you haven’t done so, have a look at our website: http://www.freeteenguitarclass.com. I think you will like it.

Email me if you want a new FTGC Flyer! frkeitha@alpineanglican.com

The next performance opportunity is March 3rd.
- Father Ironhand

Free Teen Guitar Class Performs at the new Albertson’s
Saturday, mid-day, from 1100 – 1500 (11:00 am to 3:00 pm) Father Acker and Jack Arnold from the Free Teen Guitar Class performed at the new Albertson’s Very Super Market at Old Highway 80 and South Grade during their very first community service event.

The two musicians played non-stop for all four hours! There were quite a few people who stopped by, including our Senior Warden Ben Lizak and his lovely wife Holly. There was one teenager who would like to learn to play the guitar and another lady who asked for one of the handouts on our church. Many of the people thanked the two for providing music for the event. The Albertson’s Manager gave them a special thanks. She said she had been looking for a music player or radio or something to provide music when they started playing. She thought the music was much better than the box she had been looking for.

If you take a look at Father Acker or Jack’s hands, you will see the results of four hours of non-stop strumming. If you go to http://www.freeteenguitarclass.com/080223albertson/index.html, there are more pixs!

Excellent work, you two! Thanks for spending your day playing for our church!

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

2 March 2008 Stephanie Boyd
9 March 2008 Ben Lizak
16 March 2008 Holly Lizak
23 March 2008 Alex Boyd (Easter)
30 March 2008 Jan Macauley

The near future, as well as Next Sunday
Next Sunday is the Fourth Sunday in Lent.

Pre-Service Class
Next Sunday will also be the sixth Sunday in Father Acker’s new pre-service class series, Around the Bible in 70 Days, a ten week tour of the Bible, 10 minutes of teaching that begins at 8:30am on Sundays. The class provides an overview of the entire bible. This is the forest view for those feeling lost among the trees. Actually it a good reminder on the overall story and our reading it as God’s story.

The 10 minute teaching series begins at 8:30am each Sunday! This is an excellent opportunity to bring a friend who would like to know more about the Bible and Christianity.
 
Lenten Book Study
Each Wednesday in Lent, we are meeting at 1815 (6:15pm) at the SCAIR Center in Alpine to discuss the book The Screwtape Letters by CS Lewis. This week we are covering Chapters 13 – 18.

Evening Prayer 1815 (6:15 pm)
Soup Dinner Starts 1830 (6:30 pm)
Discussion Starts 1915 (7:15 pm)
Discussion Ends 2000 (8:00 pm)

John J. Miller, National Review Political Reporter -

CS Lewis once complained that writing The Screwtape Letters brought him no pleasure. “I never wrote with less enjoyment, ” he said. “The strain produced a spiritual cramp. ” That’s because Screwtape is a devil, and his letters are pieces of fiendish instruction sent to Wormwood, an apprentice demon who is trying to tempt a soul into Hell. “The world in which I had to project myself while I spoke through Screwtape was all dust, grit, thirst, and itch, ” said Lewis. “Every trace of beauty, freshness, and geniality had to be excluded. ”

And yet The Screwtape Letters, The Guardian in 1941, is one of Lewis’s best-loved books — it is probably more widely read than any of his titles, with the exception of Mere Christianity and The Chronicles of Narnia. It might even be said that in certain respects it was the most important book he ever wrote, if only because it “made Lewis a household name, ” according to biographer A. N. Wilson. Would we know Lewis if he had never written Screwtape? Probably. But it’s a little like asking whether we’d know Shakespeare if he had never written Hamlet — removing it from his opus diminishes him.

Anybody who has dipped into the book can sense its power. The concept of a devil writing letters to his subordinate is pure genius, and The Screwtape Letters if full of crackling-good prose. Here’s a sample, from the first letter in the book:

Your man has been accustomed, ever since he was a boy, to having a dozen incompatible philosophies dancing about together inside his head. He doesn’t think of doctrines as primarily “true” or “false, ” but as “academic” or “practical, ” “outworn” or “contemporary, ” “conventional” or “ruthless. ” Jargon, not argument, is your best ally in keeping him from the Church. Don’t waste time trying to make him think that materialism is true! Make him think it is strong or stark or courageous — that it is the philosophy of the future. That’s the sort of thing he cares about. This is at once a firm denunciation of moral relativism, a bracing plea for coming to grips with its seductive power, and a clear message of warning to readers. Lewis believes that by creating a fictional devil and trying to plumb his ways, his audience will improve its faith.

Screwtape is continually mystified by the agenda of the Enemy — i. e., the God that he and his fellow devils have rejected. This gives rise to one of the best passages in the book, from Screwtape’s eighth letter:

One must face the fact that all the talk about His love for men, and His service being perfect freedom, is not (as one would gladly believe) mere propaganda, but an appalling truth. He really does want to fill the universe with a lot of loathsome little replicas of Himself — creatures whose life, on its miniature scale, will be qualitatively like his own, not because He has absorbed them but because their wills freely conform to his.... He cannot “tempt” to virtue as we do to vice. He wants them to learn to walk and must therefore take away His hand; and if only the will to walk is there He is pleased even with their stumbles. Do not be deceived, Wormwood. Our cause is never more in danger than when a human, no longer desiring, but still intending, to do the Enemy’s will, looks round upon a universe from which every trace of Him seems to have vanished, and asks why he has been forsaken, and still obeys.

There are 31 such letters. They vary slightly in length but average perhaps 1,000 words each. Lewis was a speedy writer, spending only a few hours on each one, and they initially appeared in a weekly newspaper in serial form. (He donated the initial proceeds to a fund for the widows of clergymen.)

THE SCREWTAPE LETTERS

Chapter Topics from the Devil’s point of view
• Preventing Conversion
• The Church
• The Family
• Prayer
• The War
• War & Fear
• Extremes
• The Law of Undulation
• Temptation in Trough Periods
• Acquaintances
• Laughter
• The Safest Road to Hell
• Repentance
• Humility
• Time
• Attending the Parish Church
• Gluttony
• Sexual Temptation, Marriage & Family
• God's Love and Being "In Love"
• Sexual Temptation, Continued
• Ownership
• "Losing in Love"
• Theology, Politics & "The Historical Jesus"
• The Christian "Inner Ring"
• Change
• Unselfishness
• Prayer, Free Will & Old Books
• Life & Death
• Cowardice & Courage
• Reality

Doubt not: this study will be entertaining, the food great, and when you are done, you will feel far more comfortable and be far stronger in your Christian beliefs. If you have not ordered your copy, either call Father Acker or scrounge in the Lending Library (there are some there).

See you next week on Sunday!

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

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Message from Bishop Richard J. Boyce - Anglican Province of America - Diocese of the West


This message is in response to questions about the position of APA and the Diocese of the West in particular regarding the Common Cause Partnership (CCP).

You have asked each of us for our response in regard to CCP. Although you are aware of my general position already, the following is a statement of why I believe CCP is a necessary commitment for us at present.

1) Biblical Mandate: We are a province which is committed to the authority of Scripture, holding "the One Faith revealed in Holy Writ," maintaining the "Doctrines, Sacraments and Discipline of Christ as the Lord hath commanded in His Holy Word." (from "Solemn Declaration" of the APA Constitution). That Lord is specific in His desires "that they [believers] all may be one, as You Father are in Me and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me." ( St.John 17:20-23), among other passages, with the thought repeated by St.Paul that we are one Body. Although we have many optional practices, oneness is not, not only because you cannot in fact divide Christ but also because it is crucial to the salvation of those who watch us, "that the world may believe." It is a command therefore that we seek diligently to achieve oneness. Those who resist this are no more followers of Biblical authority than the Jesus Seminar or Spong.

2) Anglican Unity; "We declare this Church to be... in full communion with all traditional Anglicans throughout the world, as an integral portion of the One Body of Christ" (also from "Solemn Declaration"). If in particular, we are to be "classic Anglicans" it is clear both from this Declaration and from the very definition of what constitutes an Anglican, that the apostolic and episcopal nature of our Faith requires common cause with other faithful Anglicans. If, as we allege, some, such as the TEC leadership, have strayed from Biblical norms and Anglican Tradition and order, we are hypocritical to then do the same along a different path related primarily to Donatism or sectarian self-righteousness rather than sexual and authority issues. In short, Anglicans belong together unless separated by drastic deviations such as TEC has done. We have been going around saying for a decade or so the Global South, REC and Forward in Faith churches are orthodox Anglicans- therefore what excuse can we possibly use to not talk with them about our shared Faith?

3) What Are We Joining?: CCP is not a jurisdiction nor church. It is a voluntary association of orthodox Anglicans. I know some of our people are still traumatized by the big boot of ECUSA leadership back when they left the Episcopal Church. But this is not the same. We can quit as easily as we can join. To be sure, the clear purpose of CCP is to shape the formation of a new province. That is what Jesus wants (see point #1 above). Surely we don't need to spell out that it should therefore be what we want. Further, the opportunity to sit at the table and help shape the new province is a wonderful way to do mission for classic Anglicanism. Our input as the "elder brother" of American orthodox Anglicanism is invaluable and could reawaken the traditional sense in people who have had to live with pressure from the other direction for a long time. My impression is that Bp. Duncan in particular has gone out of his way to invite our participation in this and it is unthinkable that we would pass it up. Even if our input is not accepted to the point where we could become an integral part of a new province, at least we have had a chance to shape the future of Anglicanism. To withdraw from these discussions, as is now proposed, and then sit back and criticize the outcome when instead we could have shaped the outcome is totally irresponsible. It will have a negative impact not only on the new province but also on us, as we become a marginalized sect of soreheads with nothing Anglican to offer.

4) Polity We talk of the congregationalist mindset and bewail it. But if we leave CCP, we have confirmed it as our real polity. Anglicans, as all catholics, see the basic unit as the diocese not the congregation. We have the right to expect the integrity (sorry about the word, but it is a good one even if the wrong people sometimes claim it) of our dioceses and hopefully the decency to respect the rights of others. But we need to be where the Anglican bishops are.

5) Who Loves Ya? as Kojak used to say. The Global South churches have come to our defense, because we proclaimed the Gospel, the same one they proclaim. They have been punished for this and suffered financial loss, many in areas of desperate poverty. It has been a real blow for them, but they have stuck with us. Now are we to proclaim they are not good enough, either, to even talk with us about the Anglican future of America? No wonder the criticism of our stand has been pretty strong.

6) What Are the Fears?
a) Women will rule our altars.
b) People, especially bishops, we don't like are part of this.
c) We will be forced to change- our parishes will be incorporated into other dioceses, maybe even ones which ordain women, or are (choose one) Anglo-Catholic or Evangelical.
d) We will be forced to use the 1979 BCP, and/or wave our arms in the air at prayer.

To answer:

a) 1.CCP is a discussion group. It has no power to force anything.
2. The great majority of orthodox Anglicans in the world do not ordain women as priests. The situation is the reverse of the ECUSA experience, and it is the minority who ordain women who will be asking for tolerance.
3. Once out of TEC, many who endured women priests have renounced their past (witness Jeffrey Steenson of Rio Grande).
4. The Church of Nigeria does not ordain women as priests, despite rumors and silly statements to the contrary.
5. It appears each jurisdiction will be free to follow its own practice but not to enforce it on others; we could help make sure of this if we sit at the table; some may even phase out women priests.
6. The fail/safe: In the unlikely event the other 5 reasons all are wrong, we do not have to join a new province if it happens. We would be justified in not doing so if this were imposed on us, having tried in the formation talks to prevent it. It is certainly not a reason to refuse to talk to people, most of whom, like ourselves, find women's ordination incorrect.

b) Not liking some people has been the greatest sin in the Continuum and the primary cause of its failure, from 1977 on, to be more than a fragmented and continually fragmenting bunch of ineffective sects instead of the Anglican voice in America. Much of what is happening now would have happened decades ago and in a better way if it were not for our sinful ego preference to trash personalities instead of preach the Gospel. God in His patience and mercy is now giving us a second chance. Unfortunately, obnoxious people are ever with us, and CCP has no monopoly on them. Let us bear our cross about them, remembering Jesus died for them too. They are never a valid reason for dividing Christ's Body.

c) There is no evidence currently of attempts to force polity or bad theology on us. Indeed the opposite is true. Again, if this happens by some ugly turn of events, all we need to do is leave, having done our best in the formation discussion to avoid it. But leaving in anticipation of an unlikely event when unity and the relevance of our Anglicanism to the rest of the church is at stake is unseemly and unfaithful.

d) This kind of pressure is even less likely.

Rumors
Bearing false witness is not taken lightly by God. All the hen talk about which bishops are really running things and how they will pollute the new province with heresies and bad ideas is beneath us. I understand some people would prefer to have church by themselves and never confront the mission being asked of them. That feeling in itself defines them as not Anglican. When such people then employ weapons from rumor through threats of withholding money or "quitting the church," they have by such acts disqualified themselves from contributing to the discussion. When they do so over simply joining an exploratory group, it is clear they are at the least overreacting. I would appeal to anyone opposed to these talks to review what it is they are really afraid of, given that we can decline joining a new province if it is not going to be truly orthodox. They may or may not have a case when we are asked to be a part of a jurisdictional structure. They have no case regarding CCP.

8) An Anglican Church My group joined APA because it was open to Anglican unity. We need a united voice, a good seminary or two, a Christian education resource, a national magazine, a profile to help announce the Gospel to a needy nation. We need to be part of a world of inspiring orthodox Anglican leaders. Should I give all that up to join an isolated cult of complainers?

All this is not intended to offend, just to plead with the worried among us to rethink our CCP participation.

- Written by Winfield Mott
Suffragan Bishop, Diocese of the West
Approved by Richard J. Boyce
Bishop of the Diocese of the West
Anglican Province of America