Thursday's Thoughts 9/10/09

 

Thursday’s Thoughts
Fairview Community Church
Worshiping God and Welcoming All Every Sunday at 10am
 
Dear Friends,
 
There is much on mind, so my thoughts are scattered today.   I am thinking good thoughts in hopes that tomorrow when I visit my doctor I will be able to stop using the crutches I’ve depended on for the last six weeks.  It has been quite a journey –one that has taught me a lot about what it means to be patient, to be humble, to see the world through different eyes, to be ever so much more observant of what its like to be differently-abled, to be challenged emotionally, to be vulnerable enough to let people help me, to assert my independence, and to fall on my face!  I don’t know if I’ve learned all the lessons that my broken foot could have taught me, but I learned a lot.  My hope is that ultimately more than anything else it will help me to be a better pastor, one who is more empathetic and understanding of those who are injured and ill. Thank you to all of you who offered help – I realize that I’m stubborn and didn’t always accept it –but I am ever so grateful for the prayers of healing and the offers for dinner, laundry, and love!  Thanks!  So…I hope to see you on Sunday with both feet ready to rally for Rally Day!
 
Yes Rally Day is only a few days away!  What is Rally Day?  It’s the day when we celebrate the return of the school year –and the return of our Church Family!  Many have been on vacation, some may have gotten into the habit of sleeping in, others have been communing with God at the beach!  Many of you have been right here every Sunday morning!  But we’re going to celebrate ALL of YOU!   And get you all rallied up to enjoy church anew!  This will be a special service for children –so we hope you’ll invite your grandchildren and neighbors kids to join you along with anyone else you can rally into coming!   We’ll be taking a trip to the Sea of Galilee –so let’s see who we can net in to join us?
 
While my thoughts are focused on Sunday and the fun of Rally Day, they are also torn as they linger upon our beloved member Lillie Otte.  You are probably already aware of the fall that she took several weeks ago alone at her home.  As you remember, she laid on the floor for an unknown amount of time –probably days.   She has been in the hospital, first at Western Medical and now at Hoag –where she spent most of this time in the ICU and CCU.  The good news is that Lillie has been moved out of the Critical Care Unit and is currently on the 6th floor at Hoag.  However, the bad news is that Lillie has suffered immense trauma to her body and the repercussions of her fall, compacted with her diabetes have left her incredibly weak and in need of several surgeries –all which would be incredibly taxing upon her and life threatening.   Her sons, Bruce and Tim, are both with her and currently discerning her options.  Please pray for Lillie, her sons, and her entire family.  This is a very difficult time for all of them.  Now that Lillie has been transferred to the 6th floor she can receive visitors and would be very happy to see you. 
 
Please take the time to glance through the rest of the prayers listed below, along with the announcements, as there is a lot going on at Fairview this month!   I hope to see you at Rally Day this Sunday!   
 
 
 
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The Wide, Wide World of Theology! 
You, who rally us when we’re down,
And calm us when we’re afraid,
You, who call us to follow,
And you, who ask us to lead,
You, who loved us into being, and love us our lives through,
You, who are ever so expansive, and close as our breath:
We open ourselves to your touch and expect your transformation.
Amen. 
 
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  . . .
 
Mercy Becerra’s oldest daughter Jessica Soto, recovering from a severe sprain of her right leg and ankle. 
Kyle Cathey, still experiencing excruciating health difficulties. Prayers for his improvement.
Joanne Trujillo’s friend Maria DeLaLuz as she struggles with lung problems.
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.
Flo Martin’s brother-in-law, Kevin who struggles with metastatic cancers in his lungs.
Carol Morrison’s sister, Lynn died on September 4 in Hawaii.  Prayers for her entire family, especially Lynn’s grandchildren who she was raising as well as Carol and Lynn’s 90 year old mother as she mourns and cares for the family.
Lillie Otte has been moved to the 6th floor at Hoag Hospital.  She is receiving visitors and would love to see you.  Her health is continuing to deteriorate. Prayers for her and her family.
Wayne Rash’s stepbrother Larry Gentry, as he mourns the loss of Barbara, his wife of 45 years, but grateful that her ordeal of more than a year of total physical debilitation is over.
Jane Philipp, who continues to struggle with back problems and other health issues and is struggling with the economic need to sell her home.
Frenacee Schuck who is struggling with caring for her ill father, and continues to recover from her foot surgery and an infection that has ensued.  Additional prayers for her daughter, Suzanne, who fainted and suffered from a concussion earlier this week.
Roxanne Smith’s mother Ann Boddie, who is in recovery from multiple surgeries and procedures. The medication side effects over the past year have taken their toll on her body. Prayers that she can be more independent and functional soon.
Carol Thicksten’s nephew who is recovering from a tragic car accident. Continued prayers for all involved.
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.
Those seeking new employment, in this time of severe job losses and economic hardship.
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 out on last week’s sermon “Outward and Visible Signs” by our friend the Rev. Tom Reinhart Marean.
You can listen simply by clicking here!
 
Sept 20th Congregational Meeting after Church
All Members are requested to attend!
Your vote counts!  We need you!
 

Breaking Bread and Earning Dough!

Join us on September 22nd at the Newport Rib Company!
It’s a party! We hope you’ll join us!
And guess what?  20% of the proceeds comes right back to Fairview Community Church!
How’s that for FUN-Raising? –Oh and Fundraising too!
(print the attached flyer and bring it with you on the 22nd)
 
FALL RETREAT  OCTOBER 2-4th at THOUSAND PINES!
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience nature, commune with creation, open yourself to God
Challenge your mind, deepen relationships with your church friends, and have tons of fun!
Sign up today!

Yoga for Relaxation                       NEW DAY HAS BEEN ADDED!

Please join us every Tuesday and Thursday at 9:30amand WED at 5:30pm for a meditative experience
For only $15 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 or Thursday at 9:30am or Wed at 5:30pm!
 
Divine on the Vine
Wednesdays at 7pm here at Fairview Community Church
 
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
 
 
Rallied UP!
 
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!