Hello Fairview and Friends!
As I write the thoughts on my mind currently center around reflection of the past few days, especially last night’s Divine on the Vine Bible Study, and likewise around preparation for the next few days as I look ahead to tomorrow night’s film and of course, Sunday morning service together. Last evening we spent the first part of our time together reflecting upon the sermon from Sunday and how we understand God working in our lives. . In my sermon last week, I shared with you the 17th century mystical Rabbi Ostropol’s suggestion that God is in us –“What if God is in us? In this place?” furthered by Rabbi Lawrence Kushner’s statement that “To look at our own hands is to look at the hands of God.” So, last evening we continued the discussion. Does God permeate us as an external force? Does God emanate from us? Does God do both? What do you think?
So, with those thoughts still lingering on my mind, I think ahead to tomorrow evening’s showing of the film The 11th Hour. How are we, as agents of God, perhaps even the working hands of God, responsible for caring for the earth? If we are God’s people we must then have a certain degree of accountability. Here at Fairview, we’ve embraced a philosophy of “Growing Ever Greener” and I think that as we grow ever greener, we also grow ever godlier. As we educate ourselves, we learn how to turn our ignorance, even our own culpability, into a vehicle of transformation that allows us to move into a real care of God’s creation. I’m looking forward to watching this “green” film tomorrow evening to learn how we can turn humanity’s darkest hour into our finest –and I believe that Fairview Community Church can be one of the leaders
in this transformation! Be sure to check out Karen Davis’ Green Table on Sunday after church this Sunday. She’ll have an abundance of information on plastics –the good, bad, and the ugly! Here’s to Growing Ever Greener at FCC!
All of these thoughts coalesce with the creation of my sermon. Together we’ll examine Romans 8:26-39 and continue to ask some theological questions –that is, questions regarding the nature of God. The apostle Paul has some thoughts on the Spirit, the presence of God, and our relationship to our Creator. So, join us this Sunday! There will be Talkback after church –so you can have some time to share YOUR thoughts!
Be sure to check out the announcements below, and notice that I’ve included our Prayer Matters in my Thursday’s Thoughts –that you might think and pray for our community and beyond. It is not too late to sign up for the Angel Game on August 4th -- last Friday’s game was one well worth watching –don’t miss out on the next one! See you tomorrow evening at 6:30pm and, of course, this Sunday!
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The Wide, Wide World of Theology!
Every way we turn,
everything we do,
up, down,
all around,
all these work together
for those who love
God.
There is no place
where there is no grace.
Copyright © 2008, The Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University. All rights reserved.
Permission is hereby granted to reproduce for personal or parish use.
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PRAYER MATTERS
If you have Prayer Matters that you would like to add to our weekly prayer list, please send them to our Administrative Assistant Kim to include them in our bulletin and Thursday’s Thoughts:
office@ocfairviewchurch.org
We are grateful for the well-being and many blessings among our church family. Yet keep in your prayers and concern . . .
Christina Moritz’ neighbor Elsbett has a brain tumor and had another brain scan done on June 27. We are hoping that the chemo worked and she will be in remission.
Francyne Bryant, Ernie Ransom’s daughter, who continues to undergo cancer treatments.
Prayers of recovery for John Ewart, Kathy DeSalvo’s father, to overcome the effects of strokes in the last year.
Alicia Eastman’s former schoolmate Kori, who had been gone for a year as a runaway, but now has been found and needs continued prayer. Pray for Kori and her mother as they learn how to be in relationship again.
Sonya, 22, who is trying to find a new and more positive direction for her life. Sonya asks, also, that we pray for her friend Kyle to get out of jail.
Barbara Gentry, sister-in-law of Wayne Rash, who returned home after surgery to remove a leg with severe chronic circulatory problems. She is grateful to be finally free of pain and thanks all of you for your prayers.
Garrett Kamps as he deals with a recent diagnosis of Type I Diabetes and as he struggles with depression.
Jane Philipp, who continues to struggle with back problems, prayers of rejoicing that she is getting better and continued prayers for strength and healing.
Melissa, Jane Philipp’s niece, has been diagnosed with a rare spinal cancer and is now pregnant. Also Jane’s grandson who is having difficulties.
Special prayers for Rob, a work colleague of Wayne Rash, laid off due to a firm restructuring.
Wayne Rash's Michigan cousins, as they deal with family conflict and economic difficulties.
A new path in their troubled lives for Sean, 21, and Brittany, 17, the oldest son and daughter, respectively, of Wayne Rash's former employers.
Raylene, a young woman of 22 now in the penal system but looking forward to positive change in her future.
Regina, another young woman of 22 with an unplanned pregnancy, who desperately needs hope for her life..
Fritz Tramz’s wife, Carolann, who is experiencing partial remission from her terminal cancer. Also prayers of strength for Fritz as he cares for her at home “24/7”.
Denise Valoff’s dear friend Kelly, as she continues to seek new employment after a year of effort and despite
ongoing health problems without health insurance.
Donna Wallace’s friend Betty Keller, contending with wrenching family circumstances.
Donna Wallace’s friend Diane is going to be working at the Children’s Hospital of Orange County caring for new born babies, assisting them with their breathing. Pray for her as she ministers in this very critical and challenging role.
Our Troops, as they perform their duties, wherever they are in the world.
All who feel the burdens of life that the burden might be lifted and God’s grace felt and accepted.
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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:
Conscientious Projector to be hosted at Fairview Community Church
TOMORROW EVENING!
FRIDAY, JULY 25th at 6:30pm
The 11th Hour: Turn Mankind’s Darkest Hour into its Finest
Fairview Community Church is Growing Ever Greener
Invite your friends to view this film with us!
Goodies and discussion to follow the film.
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.
We will be holding a membership class in the month of August –if you’re interested
please contact Marge Salmassy, Wayne Rash or me.
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 at 6:30pm to see how you can be involved!
Divine on the Vine: Word and Wine on Wednesdays!
Wednesday, July 30th 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!
logo
Angel Tickets are Available for August 4th
Join us on Monday the 4th
to watch the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Play the Baltimore Orioles
Tickets are on sale now! Only $14!
Call/ Email the office <mailto:office@ocfairviewchurch.org> or contact Pam Eastman.
ADULT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION PRESENTS
Beginning Wednesday Evenings this August!
A curriculum that engages the heart and mind asking the questions,
respecting the journey, and encouraging growth! Be a part of this
exciting 12 week dvd and web based group discussion!
Save the date: August 16th 9am, St Mark Presbyterian Church
Being the Good Samaritan: Faith Discernment About Healthcare
How are churches caring for each other? How are we as Christians caring for our community?
Come and Learn from California Council of Church’s Libby Sholes and Gail Benson about Healthcare in CA
And from St Mark Presbyterian Church and their Parish Health Program.
Seeking God,
Sarah
Reverend Sarah Halverson
Fairview Community Church
2525 Fairview Road
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 545-4610
No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here!
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