Hiya Fairview and Friends! One of the things on my mind today is progressive Christianity. This term is not always defined, partly because of the difficulty of defining it, and the often slightly controversial definitions surrounding it, and partly because of the fact that progressive Christianity is still defining itself. I believe that progressive Christianity entails both theological and social justice components. Last week I preached what I would call a pretty “heady” sermon, zoning in on scholarship as together we put on our “scholars” caps and did a little exegesis ourselves. As you know, I have long been working on a PhD in the New Testament and since I’ve been at Fairview Community Church I’ve laid it aside for awhile, but if you heard that sermon you get an idea of what a scholar thinks as she/he examines a passage. I hope you had as much fun as I did. If you missed the sermon on Sunday you can listen to it on our website: http://www.ocfairviewchurch.org/cyberchurch/sermons or on itunes at http://fairviewcc.mypodcast.com/
This year I was asked to serve on the executive council of The Center for Progressive Christianity. It is an international organization that focuses on theology and social issues central to what makes a Christian a Christian. Recognizing that many have been hurt, disillusioned or simply out of touch with the Church, The Center For Progressive Christianity (TCPC) offers resources, networks people and churches, and organizes progressive Christians together. This is the mission of The Center For Progressive Christianity:
» To reach out to those for whom organized religion has proved ineffectual, irrelevant, or repressive, as well as to those who have given up on or are unacquainted with it.
» To uphold evangelism as an agent of justice and peace.
» To give a strong voice both in the churches and the public arena to the advocates of progressive Christianity.
» To support those who embrace the search, not certainty.
Fairview Community Church lives out this mission on a daily basis. I cannot tell you how many times I have heard that Fairview is a healing church, that allows those who have been hurt by the institution of religion to find a sanctuary where healing might take place. As we, and many Christians today, struggle with how to “evangelize” –that is to share the good news not to proselytize, we could use a little help from organizations like TCPC. I have been a TCPC affiliate since about the time of its inception (I believe), probably going on ten years now, and so it is a real honor to be asked to participate on its executive council. I look forward to sharing more about this with you. Check TCPC out for yourself: www.tcpc.org
I’m looking forward to seeing you this Sunday at 10am –but I want to remind you that NEXT SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7th we will hold our service at THOUSAND PINES. So PLEASE join us in the mountains for the whole weekend or just a day! But do not come to our sanctuary –because we won’t be there! Be sure to read the announcements below and consider signing up for the Hunger “CROP” Walk on October 14th.
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The Wide, Wide World of Theology!
‘We Remember’ : A Poem written In Honor of the Victims of Murambatsvina
By Dumisani O. Nkomo
Yes, remember our God has established a throne,
God has not surrendered the throne
God reigns in power and wisdom
And reigns in justice and mercy
God reigns in grace and compassion
And reigns in righteousness and truth
Our God reigns in sovereignty
God reigns over the universe, over the cosmos, the galaxies
Yes our God reigns over Zimbabwe over Africa
Bayethe Nkosi yethu, Bayethe Nkosi yezizwe
Bayethe Simakade, Bayethe Nkosi yamaxuku
Bayethe Bhubesi, bayethe Ngwenyama !
A selection from ‘We Remember’ : A Poem written In Honor of the Victims of Murambatsvina
(This poem was read by the author at the Commemorative Service held to honour the victims, by Churches in Bulawayo on Saturday May 20, 2006)
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Loving God,
We long to be thoughtful Christians, who embrace our minds just as thoroughly as we embrace our hearts.
Guide us into true wisdom by asking questions, by loving freely, and by opening ourselves to the mystery that enfolds before us.
May we know what your reign is, what that means to us, and how we live our lives with you overarching all we do.
We pray always for guidance along our paths.
Amen.
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Announcements
Adult Christian Education Presents:
The Vein of Gold
Facilitated by Veda Atchley and Martha Blake
This is an 8 week growth group designed to open ourselves up to the Spirit.
Come and find your creative side, share, and grow with others!
You do not have to be at every session to participate in the group.
The session begins following the service and will go for about an hour.
Contact Veda Atchley, Martha Blake or hit reply to this email for more information.
Divine on the Vine
WORD AND WINE ON WEDNESDAYS!
Join us Wednesday at 6:30pm for wine and cheese and divine conversation!
DIVINE ON THE VINE WILL TAKE PLACE AT MARGE SALMASSY’S HOME
FOR THE NEXT TWO WEEKS
October 3rd and 10th Salmassy Home – 2952 Java Road Costa Mesa
Please join us for a cozier setting ---See you then!
Fairview Community Church Retreat! October 5-7th
This is just around the Corner! Sign Up Now!
All are Welcome and Encouraged to join us for our annual retreat at Thousand Pines Camp!
The SUNDAY SERVICE WILL BE AT THOUSAND PINES on OCT 7th – NO ONE WILL BE AT THE CHURCH OCT 7th!
So worship with up at camp! Come for the weekend or come for Sunday Morning!
CROP WALK 2007! -- SUNDAY OCT 14th
The Crop Walk begins at 1:30pm (registration at 1pm) at St Mark Church in NB
Join the 19th Annual Interfaith Hunger Walk for Peace.
Register and/or donate online at www.hungerwalknewportbeach.org
Or pick up registration packets at church this Sunday!
A Christian with Questions,
Sarah
