Thurday's Thoughts 8/7/08

Hello Friends!
I just received an email from someone who listens to our podcasts online from Canada!  Isn’t it amazing that our ommunity truly extends beyond the walls of our sanctuary on the corner Fair and Fairview?  Likely, there are many of you who are reading this email right now who do not regularly worship with us on Sunday morning, but are indeed a part of the ministry we do together and are a part of the community of Fairview COMMUNITY Church.  It’s important for us to remember that we are, in fact, bigger than just a corner church, we are leaders in our local community and the wider community, modeling an inclusive belief system that calls to our Christian conviction of loving our neighbors, standing for the oppressed, speaking the voice for the voiceless, and feeding the hungry.
As we talked about last Sunday, we have all that we need to feed the crowd –all we have to do is do it! And the truth is, we are feeding the hungry –whether it is literal food, or metaphorical, and whether the crowd is in our pews, or in Canada, whether it’s through podcasts, newspaper, or the hugs on Sunday morning… we are making an impact! We already have all we need to do it! Isn’t that amazing?–the stilling of the storm. What can this passage mean for us today? Join us on Sunday morning at 10am!–be sure to check out the women’s kayaking on Tuesday, and Fantastic Friday’s kids program on August 15th!–if you’re interested please contact Marge Salmassy, Wayne Rash or hit reply to this email.– Join us on August 15th at 6pm here Fairview Community Church for Fantastic Friday!
Thank God for this ministry that we all participate in together!
Since the May 15th ruling by the California Supreme Court, I’ve been privileged enough to officiate the weddings of many couples who were previously unable to vow their love and commitment to each other and legally marry. I knew that this would be a fulfilling ministry, but even I have been surprised about how meaningful participating in these sacred ceremonies have been. I officially married a couple who had first had a commitment ceremony 24 years ago, and finally had a legal wedding last Saturday. What a gift they gave me, in allowing me to be a part of their love, commitment, and their historic day. I am proud to say that this past Tuesday our Fairview Community Church council passed a resolution which affirms and supports equal marriage and our commitment to welcome couples to be wed at our church. Thank you for your support, Fairview, you are making an incredible difference in the struggle for equality.
This Sunday we turn again to the Gospel of Matthew. Following the feeding of the multitudes comes another of Jesus’ nature miracles.
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. There’s always a lot going on
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The Wide, Wide World of Theology!
.
He said, "Come."
Peter got out of the boat
and began to walk on the water toward Jesus.
Which is your way?
Pulling back your fear and lack of trust or sinking into the water?
Inside the hurricanes of life
how can we make a leap of faith,
leaping out of safe boats into raging water?
Christ,
Keep our eyes fixed firmly on you.
If we flounder,
stretch out your hand
and pull us
in.
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.
 
If you have an a prayer request you would like to add to our list, please email or call the office <
 
 
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. She has gained strength and is returning to her skilled nursing facility.
Vicki Pedrin’s mother, Ann Young, is moving to a skilled nursing facility, to gain strength so she may hopefully return home in a couple of weeks. Please continue to pray for healing and strength for Ann, and her husband and Vicki as well.
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.
 
 
 
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
 
 
Women’s Kayaking Trip, Tuesday August 12th
Join the Women of Fairview for Kayaking Excursion in Back Bay
This is annual tradition the women look forward to year after year!
Contact Carol Thicksten: carolthicksten@yahoo.com or any of the Women’s Group leadership to sign up!
The cost is $18.
 
Divine on the Vine: Word and Wine on Wednesdays!
Wednesday, August 13th 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!
 
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!
 
 
Living in Community,
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!