Diocese of the West Synod
Starting Monday afternoon, 29 June 2009, the Diocese of the West, Reformed Episcopal Church (REC), Anglican Church of North America (ACNA), held its synod at the Prince of Peace Abbey in Oceanside, California.
Father Acker provides this official summary of the Synod:
Alpine Anglican Church of the Blessed Trinity hosted the parishes of the Diocese of the West (Reformed Episcopal Church, and now Anglican Church in North America) for its annual gathering for the mission and work of the diocese. The three keynote addresses were on the place Youth as young participants in today's ministry as disciples of Jesus Christ, the prayer book teaching and practice of healing of individuals, for their being made whole and complete human beings, and the future for continuing the greater unity of the Church. We were able to see friends from past Synods and meet folks from new congregation in the diocese. We were especially blessed to have a group from Saint Andrew’s Academy providing music for Mass and Evensong worship. Their group include a couple of graduates, several residential students and even a couple of the boarding school students. What was evident throughout the Synod was how as Anglicans the prayer book embodies our Anglican identity in North America. While we don’t identify with a specific prayer book as a whole, although most use the 1928, we have inherited a form and shape to our common worship. Whether we look to the 1549 BCP, the Sarum Missal, or even a modern language form, we have a “North American” usage which reflects our history as a prayer book Church. As Bishop Boyce pointed out, “the prayer book is only a tool.” Worship is at the center of our being members of the Body, our growing in discipleship, our ministering to one another, and our mission to the world. It is our common prayer tradition that pulls it all together. Much of the discussion, formally and informally, revolved around how we make Christ known to others and for Anglicans we come together, in common prayer, to encounter God present. It was interesting to note that in the ACNA our diocese has the highest percentage of earned doctorates among its clergy, but our discussion was about spiritual growth and mission, knowing Christ and making Christ known.
And, now the Beadle’s summary:
The synod opened with Evensong, a semi-sung Evening Prayer lead by Father Brian Foos, of Saint Andrew’s Academy of Lake Almanor, California, and six of his students and one of the other teachers. Well known for his irrational dislike of music, even the Beadle enjoyed the service. The kids are very talented and even more important are good kids!
Following Evening Prayer, we had dinner in the Monk Café, formally known as the Refectory, or as referred to by the Philistinic Beadle as the Chow Hall. We had salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, green beans and some of the best cole slaw ever seen. There were also cupcakes for desert. The food was very good and the Monk in Charge very gracious.
After dinner, Father Acker, Jonathan Barrett and Jack Arnold played guitars for about 40 minutes.
Bishop Boyce gave a very short briefing on the formation of the Anglican Church of North America. In summary, it looks pretty good. The ACNA is a religious umbrella organization with little worldly power and funding. This means 16 pages of canon law, not 600. It is coming together along the theological lines of the REC. All good.
Father Acker provides this official summary of the ACNA formation:
Father Acker provides this official summary of the ACNA formation:
The last two weeks have marked great events in the life of our congregation and in wider Anglicanism. First, the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA)was officially established marking a major step toward the unity of Anglicans in the USA and Canada, but into union with the vast majority of the Anglican Communion throughout the world. We recognize that the two other significant segments of our tradition are taking steps toward the unity to which our Lord Jesus Christ has called us (the Traditional Anglican Communion and the Province of Christ the King). We are also saddened that “The Episcopal Church” continues to walk further apart from the “faith once delivered to the saints.” We have witness in the forming of the ACNA a commitment to work together for the mission of the Church, toward fuller communion, and in continuity with the life and practice of the faith grounded in Holy Scripture. Robert Duncan was elected Archbishop of this new province of the Anglican Communion by the College of Bishops who represent nine founding Church bodies and various jurisdictions, nationally and internationally. Our own bishops, Richard Boyce and Win Mott, have worked these past years toward the unity of Anglicanism. When Anglicans claim they have no doctrines unique to Anglicanism, but only holding to what was received and practiced by the whole of the Church, in all times and in places and by all, we must actualize this reality in a visible unity in Jesus Christ.
Synod—Bishops & Panel of those present at Anglican Church in NA Assembly (Bedford, TX; June 23-26)
What was most evident at this historic gathering founding the new province in North America was the spirit of mutual support and sense of urgency to be about the work of spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. While it was necessary to act legislatively to put the 16 pages of constitution and canons in place to give the new province the necessary structure to operate, it was clear that those present were more interested in working together for the Kingdom of God and making Jesus known. The most significant moment of the Assembly was not completion of the legally necessary documents, but when Metropolitan Jonas of the Eastern Orthodox Church publically opened dialog with the new province. Dialog was terminated with invention of women in holy orders by the Protestant Episcopal Church USA in 1976. This was not only a recognition of the ACNA as the legitimate successor of Anglicanism in North America, but the unity of the Church would again return as a mutual goal of Anglicans and Eastern Orthodox Christians.
Father Brian Foos was part of a group of about 16 priests who met with mega-church Pastor Rick Warren during the Assembly. Rick Warren encourage the priests saying, as Anglicans, ‘you have what the next generation is looking for…the mystery of God.’ In the public session, Rick Warren turned his familiar phrase to Anglicans, ‘A great commitment to the Great Commandment and the Great Commission will build a great Communion!” Throughout the Assembly it was predominated by a sense of moving forward with the Gospel, recognizing that we have yet to adequately address difficult issues of women in holy orders, and divorce and remarriage of clergy. There was an openness about those attending the Assembly; a willingness to allow God to lead the way; and a desire to follow as Jesus disciples. For many having recently come from other jurisdictions, gone was the hostility, the rancor, and politics. Instead there was a great sense of fellowship in the body of Christ and a desire to work together for the Kingdom.
There were many questions about how we move forward, as parishes in the Anglican Church in NA, in the Reformed Episcopal Church, in the Diocese of the West, and in participation in regional dioceses-in-formation or cluster groups such as Cascadia (in the North West) or Western Anglicans (in Southern California and surrounding regions). Again the answer was found in the willingness to walk together allowing the Holy Spirit to lead the way to make Christ known in our midst. It was clear we are living together in a dynamic Church where sitting back is an option. It is a Church where we have our part to play, our story to tell, and place among the faithful. The Synod discussion moved from the Assembly to how we are planting, growing, and reaching out in our local congregations.
Then, Father Foos talked on Youth in the Church. Father Foos joined the Anglican Church from a Protestant background and has been involved in “Youth Ministry” almost his entire life. He came at the issue from an interesting perspective. Thirty years ago, about 75 percent of churchgoing kids left the church by the time they were 21 years old. Thirty years of intensive “Youth Ministry” has managed to turn that around to the point where now 90 percent of churchgoing kids leave the church by the time they are 21 years old. If you do what you have always done and expect a different result, that is pretty much the definition of insanity. Father Foos advocated engaging youth along with the other members of the congregation in a unified ministry, recalling one of the Alpine Anglican slogan, “Families worshipping together.” He told us that youthful church members are looking for genuine religious experience, not sugar coated platitudes. He suggested that the best way to reach our youthful members is with real programs designed for participation at all levels. Thus, they would be able to participate alongside both younger and older members, each at their own level. While this does not rule out Teen Trips and the like, it does mean that they should not form the backbone of a “Youth Program.” Rather, the mainline church programs should be tailored to reach all of the congregation. Segregation does not work, even based on age.
He also suggested that many kids move away from the church when they go away to college. Very few secular colleges have any active and positive religious programs. Your Beadle also pointed out that is one reason you should carefully evaluate where you allow your children to go to college. It is beyond him why one would send a young person with a malleable mind to a den of liberalist atheism and then wonder why they drift away from the church. As you may be aware, the Beadle is not in favor of going away to college, except for the military academies where there is adult supervision.
Father Foos stressed we should not dumb down our church in an attempt to attract and keep youthful members, rather we should emphasize the fact church is like a bank, you only get back what you put in.
All in all a very good talk.
After Father Foos, we adjourned to the back of the room for a spot of wonderful refreshments courtesy of our congregation. Your Beadle got to meet Bishop Win Mott, who he had only talked to. Good man.
Talk was going strong at 2130 when your Beadle hit the road.
Tuesday apparently started off with a morning service in the main chapel with the monks, followed by breakfast. What else went on, the Beadle cannot say as he was at work. The Under Beadle attended the Tuesday Evening Prayer and meal with the Deputy Beadle as the Beadle was out flying on an accident investigation. This time the service was semi-chanted in a form of plainsong. The Under Beadle found it acceptable, the Beadle was just as glad to be at work. The monks served excellent lasagna with garlic bread and salad. Very good, once again.
After dinner, Father Don Richmond gave a talk on Healing from the Prayerbook. His point was that if you make use of the prayerbook, you can heal your broken life. It is almost impossible to read the daily Morning and Evening Prayers, with their attendant readings and psalms and not find your life coming into order. The Under Beadle found the talk to be exceedingly good. More snacks after the talk, courtesy of Alice Acker. Also, excellent. Thank you Alice.
We cannot report on Wednesday as the Beadle and Deputy Beadle were at work and the Under Beadle was at home.
It is difficult to get across how nice it was to get a chance to interface on a personal level with likeminded Christians. People whose goals in life, while not exactly the same as yours or mine are at least understandable. People who you can trust to do what they think God wants them to. Not one person your Beadle, the Under Beadle or Deputy Beadle met and talked with was other than a very nice dedicated person. Christian fellowship at its best.
All in all, a successful Synod. Next year in New Mexico!
Fourth of July Parade
On Independence Day, the parish participated in the Crown Hills (Alpine, CA) Independence Day parade. The parade, which starts at 1000L, was an unqualified success! This year we decided to only bring two vehicles, the GTB for the Free Teen Guitar Class and the M601 for the congregation. We had a total of eleven participants. Not bad for a little church. The weather was very nice, by the end of the parade, it was about 91°F.
At first it seemed the crowd was smaller than in previous years, but it turned out they were just more spread out. It did not hurt we were followed by the Spirit of San Diego!
The FTGC rolling band picked up a fan. Victor joined us to distribute candy and wave to the crowd while Father Ironhand and Mad Jack were playing.
Sometimes we wonder if anyone is watching. The answer is, more often than you think. Father Acker got asked to officiate a funeral, someone noted the information on the Tootsie Rolls that Victor tossed out! They wanted to make sure we were the group that plays in the park!
Father Acker and Jack Arnold ran into a bit of equipment problems, but managed to sort it all out and start on time. They had a great assortment of sing a long songs and instrumentals. Once we cleared the parade, they started jamming with some pretty wild stuff. Probably a good thing the sound system was only operating on half the speakers!
The past couple of years we have had a BBQ at the park after the parade. This year we decided to go out for Chinese food. Well, it turns out the Chinese take the Fourth of July off also. So do the BBQ people. Thus, we all went to Mañanas’ for a Saturday Burrito Ministry practice session. Both Holly and Fran got the fajitas chicken salad, thus both violated the maxim, “Never eat anything bigger than your head!”
All in all, it was a very nice time.
As a matter of interest, the BibleGateway.com verse for Independence Day is:
BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.” (Psalm 33:12)
SATURDAY, JULY 4, 2009
4 July 2009 - Special Prayer Requests
Independence Day
Please pray a prayer of thanksgiving for the independence of our country. Pray for those who have given their lives to make this independence and freedom a reality. Pray also that the people may follow God's will, not weaken and follow the Prince of this World who promises the impossible and delivers no good. Freedom is not free. It never was. It never will be.
Fourth Sunday after Trinity
Today was the Fourth Sunday after Trinity Sunday. Sunrise temperature on Mount Olympus was 59°F under bright blue skies. By the time church ended, once again we were at 91°F. Even though there were a number of people on travel, we managed to end up with 15 people present for the service.
Gathering Songs
Today being Free Teen Guitar Sunday, the FTGC (today, that would be Father Ironhand and Jack Arnold) played the usual gathering or welcome songs for the service.
• America the beautiful
• God of Nations
• How great is our God
We do the gathering songs for a number of reasons. It allows people a chance to “drift in” without being late. It gives us a bit of variety in our music. We can have more contemporary music before the service and still have organ music in the service, thus having something for everyone. It also a hit with our guitarists who love to play!
The gathering songs did not work as well today. When they started playing we numbered 12, by the time the service started, we only had 15.
Free Teen Guitar Class
Today was the first Sunday of the month. This is the customary Sunday for Father Ironhand’s Free Teen Guitar Class to play for our service. Today everyone was on travel except Jack Arnold. Lucky fellow, he schedules his travel so as not to be gone Sundays and when he is, you can rest assured he will be in an Anglican church somewhere.
In addition to the gathering songs, they played:
• Holy, Holy Holy is the Lord
• The King of Love my shepherd is
• The Doxology
Father Acker teaches the Free Teen Guitar Class on Wednesdays. The class plays for us on the first Sunday of the month. They have about six other performances throughout the year around the village. If you know a young person who would like to learn the guitar, call Father Acker or check out the website:
http://www.freeteenguitarclass.com/
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 General Epistle of Saint James. The first thing you need to know is this is a general epistle, written to all, not just one church. The second thing is there are three Saints James:
• Saint James the Elder, son of Zebedee,brother of John the Apostle
• Saint James, the Less, Apostle, son of Alpheus
• Saint James, the Epistle Writer, brother of our Lord, Bishop of Jerusalem and as you might guess, the fellow who wrote this epistle.
Saint James wrote the epistle about 25 years after the Resurrection with the stated purpose to provide practical instructions to “all God’s people scattered over the whole earth.” Like Saint Paul, he taught grace is given by God for salvation, but in works are the evidence of the acceptance of that salvation, a proper response to God’s gift. James talks of
• Riches and poverty
• Temptation and good conduct
• Faith and Actions
• Pride and Humility
•
James tells us to “be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” He tells us it is not enough to claim faith. If faith is real, it must manifest itself. For “someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless?”
Therein is a critical point: To believe is one thing, to follow another. For even the devil believes in Father, Son and Holy Ghost. He just does not follow them. In the words of the Gospel of Saint Matthew used at the offering:
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.
Each Sunday there are Propers, special prayers and readings from the Bible. There is a Collect for the Day; that is a single thought prayer, most written either before the re-founding of the Church of England in the 1540s or written by Bishop Thomas Cranmer, the first Archbishop of Canterbury after the re-founding. The Collect for the Day is to be read on Sunday and during Morning and Evening Prayer until the next Sunday. If you have a hard time remembering do I read the Collect from last Sunday or next Sunday during the week, remember Sunday is the first day of the week. There are also two Bible readings, the Epistle, normally a reading from one of the various Epistles or letters in the New Testament, and the Gospel, a reading from one of the Holy Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The Collect is said by the priest as a prayer, the Epistle can be read by either a designated reader (as we do in our church or by one of the priests) and the Holy Gospel, which during the service is read by an ordained priest.
The Collect for the Fourth Sunday after Trinity follows:
The Fourth Sunday after Trinity.
The Collect.
O GOD, the protector of all that trust in thee, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy; Increase and multiply upon us thy mercy; that, thou being our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal, that we finally lose not the things eternal. Grant this, O heavenly Father, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Jack Arnold read the Epistle, which came from the Eight Chapter of St. Paul‘s Letter to the Romans, beginning at the Eighteenth Verse. Paul tells us that walking God’s path, though it may seem hard at the time is nothing compared to the reward we receive in heaven for following God’s will. God gave us free will that by using that will to overcome temptation we might receive the gift of eternal salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. For until Christ, there was no delivery from the pain of worldly existence; through Christ there is redemption of our souls.
I RECKON that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
Today’s Gospel started in the Sixth Chapter of the Gospel according to St. Luke, beginning at the Thirty-Sixth Verse. This is a simple message, yet often misunderstood, with majestic language that brings the message to a point of incredible sharpness. “Judge not, and ye shall not be judged; condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned; forgive, and ye shall be forgiven; give and it shall be given unto you… …Can the blind lead the blind? Shall they not both fall into the ditch?” “… why beholdest thou the mote that is in the brother’s eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye? …How canst thou say to thy brother, Brother let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest no the beam that is in thine own eye?” This is often quoted, but the following sentence is left out, “Cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the more that is in thy brother’s eye.”
Only when we first take care of our own spiritual health, look to our own relationship to God and how we follow His Word, we will be able to spread the Word of His love for us.
BE ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch? The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother’s eye.
Sermon – sheepbrains@lost.com or how to help not hinder bringing in the sheaves
I am not sure where sheepbrains crept in to the sermon, but when Father Acker said it, it made sense. If it does not when you read this, come to church and listen for yourself.
Once again, please consider our mission particularly in light of the quote from today’s gospel: “… why beholdest thou the mote that is in the brother’s eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye? …How canst thou say to thy brother, Brother let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest no the beam that is in thine own eye?” Cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the more that is in thy brother’s eye.”
When we go forth to love our brother and spread the Word of God, remember, people need a good example more than they need to be told how messed up they are. Most people can make a fair assessment of their situation and come to the conclusion they have a problem. Where to go from there? That is the real question and one they cannot answer. So get the beam out of your own eye, set your house in order, serve as a good example to others, be ready to help when asked, offer a hand up, not a handout. Live the life Christ calls you to, don’t ask others to live that life while you slack off.
When you think what to do, recall, “Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.” Jesus is Lord, yet He does not lord it over you.
New Nametags
We had no new nametags today.
Birthdays and Anniversaries
There were no reported birthdays anniversaries today.
After Church Hospitality
Dru Arnold brought snacks today. Once again, diabetic friendly, do you still think YUCK? Sad, they were great. Pork rinds, celery and cheese dip, chocolate meringue cookie-lets. Very good.
Command Master Chief Brewer Macauley was back from his extended fish finding mission and made superb, Father Acker made his famous low carb lemonade.
After church goodies providers as currently signed up:
Date Name
12 July 2009 Sunday Brunch at the Lizak’s house
19 July 2009 Alice Acker
26 July 2009 Jan Macauley (deviled eggs!)
2 August 2009 Diane Chase
9 August 2009 Holly Lizak (black olive egg salad sandwiches!)
16 August 2009 Jan Macauley (deviled eggs!)
23 August 2009 Dru Arnold
30 August 2009 Traci Huber
6 September 2009 Alice Acker
13 September 2009 Opportunity Available
People in our Prayers - http://www.blessedtrinityprayerteam.blogspot.com/
Prayer is an extremely important activity.
It is not that God knows not our needs, for He surely does. Yet, Jesus commanded us to ask God for those same needs. In addition to the obvious of asking God for help, offering thanksgiving and the like, prayer helps us focus our thoughts on how we might do God's work.
The Prayer Team of the Alpine Anglican Church of the Blessed Trinity was established to help our members and fellow Christians pray for those in need and to give thanks as well for the blessings we have been granted.
Who can be on the list?
Do I have to be a member of the Blessed Trinity Church to be prayed for? No! The only qualification to be on the list is that you want our prayer team to pray for you. We are Christians and are happy to pray for you, no matter who you are. If you want help from God, you are our kind of people.
What is the commitment from the prayer team?
Each member of the team will pray for the desired outcome at least once per day.
How do I get myself or someone else on the prayer list?
You can email one of the prayer team leaders: Greg - gnchase@cox.net or Dru - dru@descansorodents.com, or call the church office at (619) 722-1772 or fill out a prayer card at church.
What should I ask for?
Depends on what you want. Some people merely want God to be asked to heal their ills and be mentioned by their first name, others want a specific outcome and / or have more of their personal information known to the team. Ask for what you want. It is your desire and need for prayer the team is attempting to meet. For typical examples, see the list below.
Updating the Team
If you are on our prayer list, or if you have submitted a person that you have asked us to pray for, please update one of the team members or Father Acker in person, by telephone or email. It helps to be able to pray specifically for these individuals including their specific needs; plus if they get better, it is nice to give thanks!
Please note on the yellow (maybe green or orange, if you get an old one) cards at church, you can ask that those to be prayed for have their names disseminated to the "prayer team". Those names will be said in church and appear here. Or, you can ask their names and purpose be kept confidential, then only Father Acker will pray for them.
Travel
Shamim, Zach, Aaron and Nadia are on travel this week.
Chris, Stephanie, Andrew and Alex are on travel this week.
Ryan is on travel this week.
Don, Sandy and Nick are on travel this week.
Aaron, Traci and Warren are on travel this week.
Repose of the Soul
Bay Bigbee passed away Thursday 2 July 2009 at 1620 as the result of liver failure due apparent cancer in the organ. This is accompanied by kidney failure and other internal organ damage and infection. Please pray for God’s grace for Bay, as well as comfort and guidance for his wife Michelle.
Lucrecia passed away due to cancer. Please pray for the repose of her soul and comfort for her family and friends who remain.
Charlotte passed away from stomach cancer. Please pray for her soul and comfort for her friends and family who remain behind.
Healing
Salvador (cancer), Marge, Karl, Christian, Wanda, Lois, Jennette (Alzheimer’s), Ruth, Connie, Tom, Crystal, Thomas, Hadley, Diane, Norm, Gregory, Nancy, Leucrecia (cancer), Bill (infection), Ernie, Ray, Hazel, Bruce (heart attack), Susanne, Paul (stroke), Ralph+ (prostate cancer), Allison (kidney), Bill (ETOH poisoning and gout), Kai, Jay, Tim, Diane, Amy (Thyroid cancer), Evelyn, Debbie, Joanna (stroke) [granddaughter of Father Holland a diocesan priest], June (cancer surgery), Susan, Jeff, David (leg injury), Judy, who suffers from mental illness, is undergoing tests for cancer, Jon, Sue (surgery recovery), Greg, June (cancer), David (leg sprain), Cheri, David, Keith (ruptured disk), Ben, Michael (heart valve replacement), Walter (skin cancer), Gabriella (surgery), Curtis, Doyle, Martha, Muriel, Richard, Ralph+, Jeffrey, Rod, Gary (sepsis; ICU), Dick (hip surgery), Mark, Jeffery, Charles (restricted artery to brain and broken arm), Amy (staph infection), Jennifer, Curtis
Vera Zimmers is having surgery on Monday for early stage colon cancer. They will be doing it via laparoscopy where she will have 3-4 1/2 inch incisions and the one that will be 3-4 inches, where they will remove the portion of colon they will perform the resection on. They feel it is in stage 1 or 2 and if all goes well, they will keep her about 6 days to ensure there is no leakage or infection. The CT scan preliminary reading has all the other organs looking good. They will remove the portion of the colon and the lymph nodes to verify it has not spread. Please pray for peace of mind for Vera and her family; for guidance and perfection on the part of the surgical team and a good recovery.
Phil, Fran Dexter’s cousin, had a pacemaker installed Sunday 21 June 2009. Please pray for his rapid and complete recovery. Please pray also Phil, his wife Sandy and their family will put their trust in God and accept the peace God’s love will give them.
Eunice, Fran Dexter’s aunt, has a broken back which has not healed. She is going to undergo surgery on Wednesday 8 July 2009. Please pray for the surgical team performing the operation that they will do their very best. In addition pray for a successful outcome which will result a cessation of her pain and allow her to walk and enjoy a normal life. In particular pray for her to accept the help God will give her to lift her spirits. Pray also for her family that they also might accept God’s help, put their trust in God and accept the peace God’s love will give them.
Madelyn Calvert born Sunday 7 June 2009 to Sarah at 24 weeks and one pound seven ounces. She underwent surgery for a hole in her intestine. Madelyn had a bleed in her brain following surgery. The doctors tried to convince Sarah to let her die. Sarah said NO. The ultrasound Satu shows the bleed has stopped. The family just moved down from Washington state. Please pray for Madelyn’s survival and God’s love for her and her family on the roller coaster of ups and downs. Pray for them to reach out to those around them who would provide support with God’s help. Pray for the medical personnel taking care of Madelyn.
Mark Wilson underwent skin cancer surgery on his face 21 May 2009. They could not get all the cancer out and he will have to undergo four weeks of radiation and chemotherapy which should start this week. He is concerned about the effect this will have on his business. Please pray for his peace of mind and well as a successful outcome for the chemotherapy and remission of the cancer.
Hy cannot put much weight on her leg. She does not know why and so far the doctors have not been able to diagnose a problem. But, things seem to be getting much. She asks you pray for her healing and guidance for those treating her.
Bashir Ahmed, father of Shamim Gray, father in law of Commander Obra Gray for whom we prayed while he was deployed to Iraq and on various carrier deployments, is gravely ill. He has not been doing well in the hospital, it seems there is little they can do for him. He is going to go home and be with his wife and family. Perhaps there he will be able to orient himself and he will feel like eating. Also, his wife will be able to get some rest so she does not deteriorate herself. Please pray Bashir will respond to being home and, if that not be God’s will, a departure in peace to His world for Bashir. Pray also for his family that they might open their hearts to accept all God’s love will bring them.
Michele has neck pain, on the 18 May 2009 she is having a myelogram.
Mary Garcia fell and broke her hip on 18 April 2009. She had successful surgery and made it home. She is having problems with diet and her diabetes. Please pray for Mary to accept God’s help with her various difficulties and also for Gil to have strength to care for her.
Lise, originally diagnosed with "peritoneal cancer", has undergone multiple surgeries and chemotherapy. Lise's doctors hope she is in remission, but are uncertain and do not know if she will be with us for more than a year. Her friend requests that you please pray for continued healing and full remission for Lise; and, and please pray that God might give wisdom and guidance to all of her medical providers. Lise appreciates your support and prayers.
Jan has just recovered from her fifth cancer surgery. The medical prognosis is good. Her friend asks you pray for Jan's continued healing and complete remission; and, please pray God might give wisdom and guidance to all of her medical providers.
Vince (12 yrs) has bone cancer (a teammate of Andrew B). The cancer spread to his lungs. Vince underwent surgery on Tuesday 3 March 2009. 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.
Lauralee underwent a lumpectomy on Friday after Thanksgiving and into targeted radiation therapy for 10 days. Please pray for a complete remission of the cancer. Pray also Lauralee will maintain her great attitude and trust in God.
Tim, brother of Lauralee, had a stroke and extremely high blood pressure and is now recovering. Pray for a full recovery.
Mary Parker is home and walking all around the house, as far as her 50 foot oxygen lead will let her. 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! Please give thanks for her great recovery and continued progress.
Evelyn Hunt has asked for prayers of dealing with the residual pain and other problems from her leg. She isn’t driving presently and is hoping to get about her neighborhood with a scooter chair. She appreciates the phone calls. Most importantly, pray for her to keep a good attitude and maintain a trust in God, so she will not worry.
Miney Farrell is thankful for her recovery from pneumonia. She is enjoying having her son and daughter in law back from a month trip around the Pacific.
Lorraine Winkles is still dealing with shingles (now over 34 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) is still home and doing pretty well considering the bones in her neck and hands are degenerating as a side effect of her kidney failure. 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 28, mother of two - has a form of liver disease FSCS, which was causing her liver to shut down. The disease has apparently gone into semi-remission. She is doing very well and coming off medications. Please pray for her continued remission and her continued faith and good spirits, as well as strength to take care of her children.
Caroline (age 11, leukemia recurrence) is doing very well following her bone marrow transplant 17 July 2008. Please keep praying as Caroline has a 40% chance of recurrence of her leukemia.
Natalie (age 10, leukemia recurrence) is 24 months into treatment for the same type of leukemia as Caroline's and has relapsed. One month short of the year anniversary since transplant, she relapsed. She has been through so much. 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 to be guided to a church
Breyana, Vie, Asha, Cory, Heather, Holly, Ken, Maruja, William, Joe, Alexander, Jonathan, Phil, Sandy, Larraine, Brad, Brian, Uni, Jennifer, Margie, Rick, Susan, Curtis, Donny, Chris, Eric (job), Andrew, Keith (job decision), Sara (God's grace and His patience), Mark, Alexandra, Nelson, Perlita, Lewis, Sam, Susie, Dru, Jack, Tina, William, Christina, Tuck, Lorraine (death of husband), Jeff, Christiana (God’s grace), Tara (divorce), Patricia & her family, Errin, Elizabeth, Brandon, Steven, Ashley, Ruth, Virginia, Betty who is considering moving into an assisted living home, Nick, Pat, Caroline, Stephen, Greg (vocation guidance and training for the diaconate), Stephanie
Pat is trying to heal a close friendship with a woman named Caroline. They have not spoken in months and she is surrounded by negative energy keeping away family and friends. They need divine intervention and healing.
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 has been unable to find any full-time work since his custom home drafting business of 25 years really dropped off last year. He is working as a handyman, doing tile work, painting, home repairs, etc. Their family has a great deal of debt from Susanne’s medical needs. Pray also for God's peace to comfort them and for His leading and wisdom to be very evident to them.
Mark’s business is very very slow, he asks that God point him to new markets and give him guidance in following God’s will that his business might survive and his employees not lose their livelihood.
Please give thanks for Kevin in the UK who has found a job. Please continue to pray 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.
Linda S. (job in jeopardy)
To Find Employment
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.
Shawna’s father lost his job in March 2009. After 33 years of working, he has been unable to find work. Please pray that he will find a job that will allow him to use his talents to make his new employer more successful. Pray also that he might put his trust in the Lord and look outward; that he might turn his heart away from depression and towards God. Pray also for his family in this very stressful time. Shawna ask that we pray for all those out of work that they might find gainful employment. There is little worse for a person than no work to turn to and no way to support their family.
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), Stuart (USMC-Afghanistan), Airman Donny Patton is attending Technical Training School in the electronics field in Biloxi, Mississippi, Eric (USN-Afghanistan through May 2010),
Thanksgiving
Linda’s leg infection, the result of an open cut sustained in a fall, has healed nicely. Please give thanks for the healing.
Tieko received a kidney transplant and appears to be doing well. Please give thanks for the successful surgery and pray there will be no rejection.
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 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
12 July 2009 Hap Arnold
19 July 2009 Dru Arnold
26 July 2009 Jan Macauley
The near future, as well as Next Sunday
Next Sunday
Next Sunday is the Fifth Sunday after Trinity. Wonder if Father Acker will remember where we are in the Bible for the class?
Blessed Trinity Calendar
11 July 2009 Saturday 0830 Descanso Parade
12 July 2009 Sunday 1030 Senior Warden’s Breakfast at the Lizaks’ after church
12 July 2009 Sunday 1600 Christian Music Festival (Alpine Community Park) Tentative
25 July 2009 Saturday 0800 Pine Valley Parade
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
http://web.mac.com/thebeadle/BeadleBlog/Blog/Blog.html
All back issues of the Beadle’s Reports are available on request from:
thebeadle@mac.com
