Hi There Fairview!
It seems that Murphy's law goes into effect, just when you most need things to go right! Now, I'm really not superstitious, and I'm not one to think that I've done something wrong, and God is punishing me with bad luck ---but right now, it seems that one thing after another seems to throw off my day, and each day throws off the week. As many of you know I am preparing for a three week intensive study in my first year in a doctorate of ministry program at Chicago Theological School. The good news is, that we have hired a new administrative assistant, Kim Guillen. She is already on the job and being trained by Jeannie. However, the bad news is that last Thursday evening was the last time I was able to receive mail in my outlook and as I write these thoughts, I have no guarantee that they are going to get to you! We've spent hours and hours (did I mention hours?) trying to fix our computers. The office computer is working now (whew) but tech support still hasn't returned my last call (of four –each about an hour long!) and so I await the return of my email! Frustrating! My cell phone underwent some technical difficulties that put me in the store for an hour, and on the phone with the Verizon techs (who by the way are infinitely helpful!) and now I am instructed to return to the store for a "firm re-set" this afternoon. So, I woke up last night at 1:30am with my eye burning. It's been streaming tears ever since. I have to admit it's a little embarrassing –I have a red-eye that cries constantly, and I'm sensitive to light! I think I need a firm re-set.
Do you ever feel like that? While I think that things could probably be a lot worse, they sure are not going the way I wish that they would. I had big plans for this week. I have lots to do to prepare for leaving. I wanted things to run smoothly! And instead it feels like everything is just off…and my left eye can't stop crying over spilt milk!
And so, I think a firm re-set is necessary. I don't know if it will fix the computer, the phone, or the eye. I doubt that it will write the sermon, or get me through the next two evenings' events. It probably won't pack the bags or read the books. But maybe a firm-reset will give me a new outlook. (Pun intended—it's my Outlook that's broken.) Seriously, though, I need a firm re-set to get a better perspective on life.
In reality, though things have been tough, and its felt like Murphy's law is fighting against me, I know that God wants nothing but the best for me. God is calling me to pause for a re-set, to see the good things, to relax a little, to take that deep breath. And maybe even get a prescription for this eye infection!
That's the thing about God. We're always offered a chance to re-set our lives. We're always given another opportunity to start again. God is always willing to forgive us, to make us clean, to offer us wholeness, healing, and love. And so, all we have to do is decide to push that re-set button! God is with us! Through the computer problems, the infections, the frustration… God is even with us in the heartache, the loss, the grief. And of course, God is with us in the joy, calling us to experience more joy in our lives!
So before I give my phone a "firm re-set" I think I'll give myself one!
Be sure to join us tomorrow night for the return of FANTASTIC FRIDAY! Kids will have fun at the church with Leah, Frenacee, and Joanna. And adults will meet over at Acapulco restaurant for fellowship and fun! FYI—you don't have to have kids to go to Acapulco. It's fun for everyone! See you tomorrow night at 6pm!
And don't forget to celebrate Father's Day with us here at church this Sunday! We'll be honoring our fathers and all the men in our lives who reflect God's love! So, take your dad to church and we'll see you Sunday!
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The Wide, Wide World of Theology!
If anything can go wrong, it will.
Jesrad writes "A mathematician, a psychologist and an economist commissioned by British Gas have finally put into mathematical terms what we all knew: that things don't just go wrong, they do so at the most annoying moment.The formula, ((U+C+I) x (10-S))/20 x A x 1/(1-sin(F/10)), indicates that to beat Murphy's Law (a.k.a. Sod's Law) you need to change one of the parameter: U for urgency, C for complexity, I for importance, S for skill, F for frequency and A for aggravation. Or in the researchers' own words: "If you haven't got the skill to do something important, leave it alone. If something is urgent or complex, find a simple way to do it.
If something going wrong will particularly aggravate you, make certain you know how to do it." Don't you like it when maths back up common sense ?"
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God of love and wisdom,
Grant us the courage and skill to make a firm-reset in our lives.
To see the good and not the bad.
To change the things we can change, and not get so aggravated about the things we can't!
Grant us patience, kindness, and inner peace!
Amen
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Announcements
Missed a Sunday? Catch up on your sermons by listening at home! Just click here to listen or download now:
http://www.ocfairviewchurch.org/podcast/sermons or http://fairviewcc.mypodcast.com/
FANTASTIC FRIDAYS are BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!
TOMORROW EVENING AT 6PM
FRIDAY, June 13th, July 11th, and Aug 15th
There's fun for everyone! Children will have crafts, games and snacks!
And adults can join together at Acapulcos restaurant on Adams in Costa Mesa!
Whether you're a kid, and adult with a child, or an adult who wants to socialize—Fridays are Fantastic!
Join us on June 13th for return of FANTASTIC FRIDAYS!
Interested in Becoming a Member? Wonder what it means to Join the Church?
Being a member of the church is easy!
All you have to do is come to a membership class and learn more about the church,
Our church is run by its members –so why not become one and learn about how your voice and vote can have an impact.
Ask Marge or me about coming to a membership meeting!
So… think you can sing? Afraid you can't?
If you answered yes to either of these questions… Sean wants to meet you!
He'll take the singers and help them shine, and he'll take the non-singers and teach them to sing!
Come out to the sanctuary tonight and every Thursday at 7:30pm and sing!
Sean will be gone for the next two weeks but his friend/colleague Caterie will be substituting. Join her this evening!
Divine on the Vine: Word and Wine on Wednesdays!
Wednesday, June 18th at 7:00pm here at church
Join us for Wine, Juice, Cheese and Goodies!
Join us for Bible Study, lively conversation, spiritual and mental growth and fun!
Women's Group, Monday June 16th
Walk the Labyrinth with the Women's Group at 6pm
At the brand new St Mark campus on MacArthur and San Juaquin.
Join us on June 24th at 7pm at Rebecca and Libby's home
The Book Club will Continue to read OUT OF EGYPT. If you missed the last meeting –no problem!
We're still reading it – so come out next month to discuss!
This month's book: Out of Egypt by Ann Rice
Seeking the Re-Set button,
Sarah
Reverend Sarah Halverson
Fairview Community Church
2525 Fairview Road
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 545-4610
http://www.ocfairviewchurch.org
No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here!
