Thursday's Thoughts 6/18/09

Thursday’s Thoughts

Fairview Community Church

Worshiping God and Welcoming All Every Sunday at 10am

 

 

Dear Fairview Friends,

 

Worships at Fairview have been so much fun lately!  I don’t know if you’ve noticed it –but with the fire-wands, kites, doves and party blowers of Pentecost, followed by the shoe-shedding, and topped off with the special Graduation Sunday honoring Alicia, Carrie and Kristina –we’ve certainly had a lot of fun together!  This Sunday we’re celebrating another secular holiday, but one that is worthy to be observed within the church –Father’s Day

 

I no longer have a living father, or grandfathers, though I do have some uncles and a very special God-Father.  So, when Father’s Day comes around I appreciate the opportunity for intentional reflection about the men who raised me.  I do miss the chance to go out and celebrate the day with them –I’m sure that there will be dads heading to special brunches, or afternoon ball-games, or simply family time with their kids.  But I even as I miss the opportunities to be with those dads, I also feel grateful that I can take this special time to remember my father, and my grandfathers.   My Grandpa was a quiet, round bellied, good natured man who loved to tinker in his garage.  During his final months he watched “Home Improvement” and probably saw himself in the lovable yet goofy – “Tim, the Toolman, Taylor.”   I could always count on my grandpa having oreo cookies on hand, and usually a palm full of M&M’s to share.  On my father’s side, my grandfather died when my dad was just a boy, so neither of us really got to know him.  However, I did grow up with John- my grandfather by love, if not by blood.  He was my grandmother’s partner – and he drove her everywhere and responded to her every request.  He was foul-mouthed and full of warmth.  A walking paradox, his words said one thing, but his tone said another. He loved to embarrass me by picking me up from school, and when I’d wave to my friends, he’d start honking, throwing his arms out, and shouting “Look at me, I’m in an automobile!” with an accent somewhere out of Hickville. USA .  He loved to sing old country songs and make us laugh.   He was the life of the nursing home he died in, and years later the nurses would light up when they talked about him.  Many of you know that my father died when I was just fourteen, a victim of cancer.   You probably also know how much I loved him and love him still.  I was fortunate to have a dad that spent a lot of time with his children, a man who loved to re-live the wonder of childhood with his kids.  He read Ramona Quimby and opened up a world of literature, challenging me to read as many Newberry Award winning books as I could!  Then we’d walk to the park to play “Three Flies Up” and rush home to jump in the pool to cool off.  I can remember lazy afternoons, with naps and backrubs, my brother and I each getting our turn.  He loved his wife, and was intoxicated by his children.  It broke his heart to have to leave us. 

 

So, now that I’ve shared my memories (my Thursday’s Thoughts) – I hope that I’ll encourage you to reflect upon the men in your life.  I realize that not everyone had the kind of experience I had with my father and grandfathers, so perhaps you might consider someone else in your life who has had an impact upon you.  I invite you to share your reflections with me as you take the time to remember the men in your life who have made an impact upon making you who you are today.  Send them over – maybe I’ll even incorporate them into my sermon!

 

As you may already know, your church council has been exploring models of board leadership.  Early last February you sent our moderator, John Schuster, and me to an Alban Institute training entitled, “Re-Thinking Board Leadership.”   We reported what we learned back to our church council and for the last five months have been exploring new models of church governance.  At our annual meeting on July 26th you will have an opportunity to see and learn more about the model we hope to adopt, but we also want to offer opportunities for more people to learn about it.  We will have groups set up that are geographically desirable for you in whatever part of the county you live in so that you can learn more about this proposed new governance model.  The first two dates are already confirmed – July 14th at the Buchan’s home in Newport Beach and July 16th at Marge Salmassy’s home in Costa Mesa .  Check in next month’s Innovator, upcoming Thursday’s Thoughts and bulletins to find our more!

 

I will leave to study for my doctorate in ministry at Chicago Theological Seminary for three weeks following Sunday’s service.   While I am gone Cindy will be capably staffing the office and eager to answer your questions.  We’ve lined up some great guest preachers to inspire and move you on the Sunday’s while I’m gone.  Our moderator, John Schuster will be available if you have a leadership question, and if there is a pastoral emergency my friend the Rev. Dr. Dennis Short, pastor of Harbor Christian Church has volunteered to respond.  I’ll miss you –but I’m very much looking forward to the opportunity to learn!

 

Be sure to look through the announcements –there’s always something going on here at Fairview .  Don’t miss tomorrow night’s Fantastic Friday –kids will meet here at the church at 6:30pm and adults will gather together at Acapulco Restaurant at about 6:45pm.

 

Fairview Community Church was in the news this week!  Read about us here:

Churchgoers Donate Shoes off their Feet, OC Registers  http://www.ocregister.com/articles/shoes-church-feet-2450355-tustin-barefoot  

District Improves to Standard, Daily Pilot http://www.dailypilot.com/articles/2009/06/11/opinion/dpt-mailbag061209.txt

 

*********     

The Wide, Wide World of Theology! 

Children Need a Daddy

By Oliver Matla

 

Children need a Daddy
For many, many things:
Like holding them high off the ground
Where the sunlight sings!

Like being the deep music
That tells them all is right
When they awaken frantic with
The terrors of the night.

Like being the great mountain
That rises in their hearts
And shows them how they might get home
When all else falls apart.

Like giving them the love
That is their sea and air,
So diving deep or soaring high
They ' ll always find him there

***********

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 714 545-4610.

 

 

 

PRAYER MATTERS

 

We are grateful for the well-being and many blessings among our church family. Yet keep in your prayers and heart  . . .

Judy and Dan Armstrong’s grandson Kevin Fell who was hospitalized last Sunday with breathing problems.  Prayers for his parents Shannon and Russ and that he returns home soon!

Kyle Cathey, still experiencing excruciating health difficulties. Prayers for his improvement.

Carrie Lester as she leaves her job of 17 years to pursue a higher education and a new career. Also prayers for her husband Jack to get some steady employment. Crisitina Moritz’ cousin who underwent surgery last Monday. 

Beth Krom and her family as they mourn the sudden and tragic death of their son Noah.

Joanne Trujillo’s father-in-law and Enrique Cancelada’s father Jose Cancelada, living in Mexico, continues to have problems with his vision and walking.

Joanne Trujillo’s friend Maria DeLaLuz as she struggles with lung problems.

One of Joanne Trujillo’s family members was killed in an auto accident, leaving behind four children and a wife.  Prayers for their family.

The family of Dr. Tiller who was killed in his church. His unnecessary death reminds all of us that sanctuaries must be safe. 

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 they mourn the loss of her father who died on May 5.  They are grateful that all were with him to say goodbye.

Virginia Ochsner and her family as they mourn the sudden loss of Virginia’s daughter Janice Dunn who suffered a massive heart attack on May 27 and died almost instantly.

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.

Roxanne Smith’s mother Ann Boddie, potentially had a struck early this morning, and is in the ICU Prayers of healing for her and strength for the family.

Joan Sullivan who  has returned home to recuperate from her surgery. Prayers that she continue to  heal.

Carol Thicksten’s nephew who was in a bad car accident.  Prayers for him, their family, and all who were involved. 

Fritz Tramz as he continues to grieve the death of his wife Carol Ann.  Prayers of strength for him along his journey.

Denise Valoff’s co-worker’s sister, Eileen needs a triple by-pass surgery. Please pray for her as they proceed with tests to see if her heart and body can withstand one.

The people of Iran as a revolution seems to take over the country. May it be peaceful.

The people of Gaza and the people of Israel , as we pray for a more comprehensive and lasting cease-fire and true peace.

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:

NEWLY REDESIGNED --- http://ocfairview.podbean.com/   

 

 

If you missed out on last week’s  Barefoot Sunday you can hear “Take Off Your Shoes, Walk in Mine” by clicking here!

 

 

Fantastic Friday: June 19th

TOMORRROW NIGHT!

Kids join us at 6:30pm for a special treat – BOX CITY – where kids will make forts out of gigantic boxes!

Adults meet up about 6:45pm at Acapulco Restaurant!

 

Father’s Day Sunday, June 21st

Celebrate the Men in our Church and the Fathers in our Lives

 

Yoga for Relaxation

Please join us every Tuesday at 10am for a meditative experience

For only $5 a class you can join Nathalie, our instructor, and other FCC’ers in the spiritual practice of yoga.

No experience necessary.  This is intended for people of all ages.  Do not be intimidated by age, ability or anything else!

See you Tuesday at 10am!

 

 

BE PREPARED – Earthquake Preparedness Seminar

Join us on Wednesday June 24th at 7pm

as we learn about how we as a church can play a role in our community

If a big earthquake ever does hit.

 

The American Baptist Biennial is coming to Pasadena !  June 26-28th

Want to represent Fairview ?  We need delegates!

Join us for a 9pm reception on June 26th at the Pasadena United Church – to host the Evergreen Region of the ABC of Christ

Help staff our Evergreen Regional table. 

Our guest preacher on Sunday June 28th will be the Rev. Brian Taylor sharing about the ABC Biennial Experience

 

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 Rash or hit reply to this email

 

 

 

Remembering and honoring,

 

Sarah

 

Reverend Sarah Halverson

Fairview Community Church

2525 Fairview Road

(714) 545-4610

http://www.ocfairviewchurch.org

 

No matter who you are or where you are on life ' s journey, you are welcome here!

 

Costa Mesa , CA 92626