Thursday’s Thoughts
Fairview Community Church
Worshiping God and Welcoming All Every Sunday at 10am
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Alleluia! Alleluia!
What an Easter! This was my third Easter at Fairview, and I believe it was our best yet! The music was so beautiful! The choir was amazing! (If I do say so, myself! Ha ha!!) The transformation of the choir is really a miracle in itself! It was all but dead, and in pure Easter fashion it has been resurrected! Those E&C Christians who only appear on Easter and Christmas – must have really noticed the difference! Wow! Many thanks are due to our Music Director, Sean Burns and his leadership in this new direction! Our music program has truly been transformed! One year ago, we were choirless and leaderless –and with Easter promise on his side, Sean began his ministry with us the week following Easter Sunday. So this week we celebrate his anniversary! Be sure to wish him Happy Anniversary this Sunday and let him know how much you appreciate our music program!
The music was certainly incredible –but it was more than the music that made the service! If you were with us on Maundy Thursday you witnessed the table set, the black fabric draped, the cross crowned with thorns. You sat in the darkness after the cross had been taken out of the sanctuary, and you felt the weight of the evening. But when we arrived in church on Easter Sunday a transformation had taken place! Many thanks go out to the worship commission led by Betsy Zafuto, head of decorations, Ericka Racca, and worship chair, Marti Barmore who turned the dark night of Maundy Thursday into the bright light of Easter morn! With lilies on the cross, white and purple hangings, and the ever delightful flower cross. The children were adorable as they hunted for Easter flowers and changed the cross from plain to beautiful!
On top of all that –there was a feast at our Easter reception! The children hunted for eggs (which were donated by many of you, and lovingly stuffed with candy and hidden by Pam and Alicia Eastman). And dear Joan ordered us special pastries from French’s Bakery! Of course there also yummy treats donated by several of you. Thanks to Christina who always brings a special plate of goodies to share with us!
But it wasn’t all music, nor was it all décor, and even though we’ve got the best eats in town, it wasn’t the food either! There was something special about Easter Sunday that cannot fully be put into words. There was an energy in the sanctuary that came from all the people gathered together. We may not have had the crowds of the fairgrounds but we had something that the crowds there may not have had. There was something authentic about our gathering that touched my soul –and made me truly joyful! As I stated in my sermon, we live in a world of ambiguity – a world where there is no clear cut black and white –but we can find Allelulias in the midst of our Ambiguity –and that makes Easter come alive!
In case you missed the Easter Service please listen to the podcast! http://ocfairview.podbean.com/ or on our website at www.ocfairviewchurch.org
Tomorrow is Fantastic Friday! So be sure to join us for the Fantastic Fun! If you’re a kid –meet at the church at 6:30pm. There, Miss Frenacee and her capable team will be hosting a kid dinner, and showing a movie! If you’re an adult please join us at Acapulco restaurant. We’ll have an opportunity to chit chat and socialize while we chow down on yummy Mexican food! If you’ve got coupons –bring ‘em over. Note –we will host the children’s meal, but you’re on your dime at Acapulco.
FYI –our dear Joan Sullivan successfully underwent surgery yesterday. Always full of life and laughter, Joan celebrated her birthday three days early the night before she entered the hospital. You may or may not have gotten in the bet –but several FCC’ers bet on how much the portion removed from her body would weigh. Marge, Fran, Fran’s sister Barbra, Janet, Bea, Martha, & Carol –to name a few –all “weighed in” with their guesses. With a smile on her face, and a twinkle in her eye –having just removed the tube from her throat – Joan croaked out the words, “Turns out Bea was the winner!” I’m not sure what she wins –but we all win knowing that Joan’s surgery went well! Enjoy the laugh –you can believe Joan is!
This Sunday we celebrate Earth Day!
The Wide, Wide World of Theology!
A Poem for Earth Day
She dances so fast.
As she Spins and she whirls,
She holds us in her grasp,
All boys and all girls.
A miracle that we cannot see,
A wonder that they call gravity.
Giving her all,
the best that she can.
We tarnish and trash,
Each woman and man,
Let's nurture and love her,
And try to give back.
Where will we
be?If our earth is gone?
Respect her,
Protect her,
To disgrace her is wrong.
Lord help us make haste,
We have to hurry,
No time to waste.
No time to worry.
It's such a disgrace.
We must clean up the mess,
No time to rest.
Messes unseen,
Time to go green.
We have been so blest.
We may be the Kings of the earth,
But she is still our Queen.
Author Unknown
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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 office714 545-4610.
PRAYER MATTERS
We are grateful for the well-being and many blessings among our church family. Yet keep in your prayers and heart . . .
Joanne Trujilloo’s father-in-law and Enrique Cancelada’s father Jose Cancelada, living in Mexico, continues to have problems with his vision and walking.
One of Joanne Trujilloo’s family members was killed in an auto accident, leaving behind four children and a wife. Prayers for their family.
Carrie Lester’s friend Dawn, trying to cope with the death of her husband.
Flo Martin's long-time friend, Susi Tiffany, had a stroke on April 3rd and when the hospital performed her CT scan, they found she also has a large brain tumor. The tumor is untreatable because of its size and location in the frontal part of her brain. Please pray for Susi and her family.
Carol Morrison’s sister, Lynn, who has undergone chemotherapy for cancer for the past year and shown no improvement. She’s now being treated with an experimental drug for an undetermined cancer.
Gina Notrica and her family as her father’s cancer has returned and he has only a couple of months left to live.
Wayne Rash’s stepsister-in-law Barbara Gentry, who is in an intensive care facility
Jane Philipp, who continues to struggle with back problems and other health issues. She appreciates all the prayers and cards she has received from everyone.
Joan Sullivanwho underwent a successful surgery yesterday. Prayers that she will heal well and quickly!
Fritz Tramz’s wife, Carolann, was transferred to a care facility. She is on hospice and continues to suffer from extensive pain. Continue to pray for her and strength for Fritz.
Roxanne Smith’s mother Ann Boddie who had surgery last Saturday and is recovering at Fountain Valley hospital.
The people of Gaza and the people of Israel, as we pray for a more comprehensive and lasting
cease-fire and true peace while mourning the loss of life of more than 1,300 Gaza residents (400of them children) and 13 Israelis.
The people of Italy who are recovering from a devastating earthquake.
Those seeking new employment, in this time of severe job losses and economic hardship.
Our state and nation, during this time of transition. May we experience peace and justice for 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.
Announcements
Missed a Sunday? Catch up on your sermons by listening at home!
Just click here to listen or download now:
If you missed Easter Sunday Sermon: “Alleluia in Ambiguity” you can hear it by clicking here!
Choir Rehearsal This Evening at 6:30pm
If you are a singer then you should definitely join us –if you’re like me and you’re not a singer –you should still join us!
Choir Rehearsal is this tonight and every Thursday at 6:30pm –count on it and have fun!
Let’s make beautiful music together!
JOIN OUR FAIRVIEW TEAM --- SIGN UP FOR THE AIDS WALK!
We need walkers like you!
Join our team to walk on May 16th! Or Walk in SPIRIT by donating to our Fairview Team!
Join our team: Fairview’s AIDS WALK Team and select register and pick Fairview Community Church team
Or Follow This Link to visit my web page and donate to support AIDS Services Foundation Orange County through our team!
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.
if you’re interested please contact Marge Salmassy, Wayne Rashor hit reply to this email
In Easter Alleluia!
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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