Thursday's Thoughts 7/31/08

Hi there Fairview and Friends!
I do not know if you’ve had an opportunity to look outside today, but please stop what you are doing right now, and look out the window. If you have the ability to leave your desk for a moment, do it. Take a step outside and look up at the clear blue sky. Look at the green trees. Pause for a moment and look deeply. Can you see the leaves and their varying shades? If you can, after work or after you’ve run your errands, or if you’ve got a free moment now, drive yourself (or even
better: bike or walk) to the ocean and watch the sailboats dance along the glistening turquoise waters. Gaze upon the birds as they soar and swoop. Laugh along with the children as they frolic in the waves. If you can’t make it to the water, just take a deep breath and feel the sunshine upon your skin. Today is an incredible day. On days such as this it is easy to recognize God’s hand in the beauty of creation.
These God gifts remind me that we are responsible for ensuring that generations to come will be able to experience the beauty we have before us now.
In last night’s Divine on the Vine Bible study we examined the passage we’ll be looking at this Sunday. It is the ever famous passage of the Feeding of the Multitude
lives today? This is a story about sharing resources
fish, gasoline, electricity, money, time, energy, love….what does it mean for us? How do we experience the miracle of the loaves and fishes in our lives? Where do we need to witness this miracle in our own lives, church, community, and world?
Join us this Sunday as we break the bread, remembering this remarkable miracle of the breaking of the bread and the feeding of the thousands.
As we share our lives together, we remember how Jesus shared his. Let us gather together in his name. See you at 10am on Sunday!
Please take the time to scroll through this email, reading the names on our Prayer Matters list, and taking note of the many upcoming activities
at Fairview and associated with our church. Note
membership inquiry meeting this Sunday at 8:30am. If you are interested in learning more about our church
part of our ministry together!
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The Wide, Wide World of Theology!
.
But they said to him,
"Five loaves and two fish are all we have here."
Like the 5000,
we run to your holy mountain,
savoring your rich gifts.
satisfying our
starving
souls,
You are the infinitely more-than-enough, like the left-over baskets.
You tell us,
feed the hungry, end war, stop injustice.
You say,
accept ourselves the way we are.
With your food we can.
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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Please take a moment to read through the prayers of our community,
the prayers that matter to us, and lift them up in your hearts this moment.
 
PRAYER MATTERS
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.
Prayers of comfort and support for Ingrid, a friend of our new friend Kyle Cathey, who lost her nine-year-old daughter under very tragic circumstances.
Jane Philipp, who continues to struggle with back problems, prayers of rejoicing that she is getting better and continued prayers for strength and healing.
Joan Sullivan asks for special prayers for her friend Cathy Semar who will be operated on Wednesday July 30, for breast cancer.
Malvern Gross, Karin Baker's uncle, and his family. Mal was just recently diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Please pray for strength as he strives towards acceptance of this condition.
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.
Alonzo’s Pedrin sister, Olivia Pedrin, who has MS and is struggling with further health problems.
Vicki Pedrin’s mother, Ann Young was hospitalized this week, having lost a significant amount of weight, and is recovering from emergency surgery on her intestines, along with Alzheimer’s, hypertension, and possible pneumonia. Please pray for healing and support for both Ann and her family.
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.
The tragic shooting that took place at the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church which killed two people and wounded several. Our
hearts go out to the families and the church. May our sanctuaries be
true sanctuaries. This attack on a sister church, is an attack on us all.
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:
 
 
 
 
Interested in Becoming a Member? Wonder what it means to Join the Church?
JOIN US THIS SUNDAY at 8:30am for a MEMBERSHIP INQUIRY CLASS
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 THIS SUNDAY, August 3rd in my office
 
 
 
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!
Choir Returns with Rehearsal on Thursday Sept 4th at 6:30pm
Contact Sean Burns, our Music Director, to find out how you can be involved!
pian0_player@verizon.net
 
 
Divine on the Vine: Word and Wine on Wednesdays!
Wednesday, August 6th 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!
 
 
logoAngel 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 <
 
FANTASTIC FRIDAY
Fun for the whole family!
KIDS
FUN! FUN! FUN!
CRAFTS! GAMES! PIZZA!
RSVP to the office: office@ocfairviewchurch.org, or call 714 545-4610
 
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 Rev. Gail Benson about Healthcare in CA
And from St Mark Presbyterian Church and their Parish Health Program.
 
ADULT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION PRESENTS
Beginning Wednesday Evenings this September 3rd at 7pm Fairview Community Church
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!
 
 
Seeking to share in the beauty,
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!