Thursday’s Thoughts
Fairview Community Church
Worshiping God and Welcoming All Every Sunday at 10am
“Composing Thursday Thoughts” by Wilfredo Benitez-Rivera
Hello Fairview!
What a wonderful weekend at Thousand Pines! And what a wonderful worship service was had here at Fairview Community Church as well! Whether we were here at church or up in the mountains we celebrated World Communion Sunday with Christians around the world! In fact, I heard from some that the Rev. Dr. Jonipher Kwong’s sermon on communion was the best sermon on communion they’d ever heard! Gosh –I’m so sorry I missed it! However, the good news is that even though it wasn’t recorded on the day it was delivered –Jonipher was kind enough to come back and preach it again for me and all of us to listen to on the podcast! What a guy! So –if you were on the retreat with me and missed his sermon, or you just didn’t make it to church –you’ll definitely want to listen in because Jonipher’s sermon was great!
Up at camp we had an incredible time! We spent the weekend contemplating “Stress to Serenity” and hopefully not only thought about what that means –but experienced it as well. I know I did! I was incredibly stressed out because I was trying to get everything ready to keynote at the retreat and prepare worship up there, while back at home Cindy was sick in the ER and Sean was down with what could have been the Swine Flu! Meanwhile, our church was getting re-roofed and all week long our heads were pounding from the nails just above us! Tarp covered the entire sanctuary and it looked a little ghostly for part of the week with the sunlight shining through the beams highlighting the dusty air. I left on Friday afternoon three times because I kept forgetting things! I was definitely feeling stressed!
However, as we moved through the weekend, and I through my presentation, we all began to realize the true nature of stress: physical, mental, and emotional reactions to change. We delved right in to look at change in all its glories and all its doom, examined our fears surrounding it, the way we dealt with our fears as children, and if we’ve intentionally changed since we’ve become adults. The truth of the matter is that we all have a hard time with change –but if we are intentional about checking in with ourselves –naming our status, being aware of the change that is occurring around us and the way its is affecting us, we have the ability to empower ourselves to take control of our feelings and even our stress! This realization, along with monopoly games, karaoke singing, s’mores, worship, the trees, the brisk air, the moons of Jupiter, and tons of hugs from people we’ve known for years and those we just got the opportunity to connect with –we all ended up with a sense of serenity. What a gift the Spirit gives us, to be empowered over our feelings and thoughts, to have the ability to connect with one another, and to find peace within ourselves! The retreat was incredible and I thank all who were involved in making it happen!
I’m off to Seattle for our Evergreen Regional Meeting. You are going to have the privilege of hearing our very own Rev. David Doss preach this week! I know you will love it and I will definitely catch the podcast when I come home!
Don’t forget to Shooby Dooby Down to Ruby’s at South Coast Plaza all day every day from Monday until Thursday! That means you can eat breakfast, lunch, or dinner and help your favorite church raise funds! What better way than Breaking Bread to Raise Dough! Print off the attached flyer and take it in with you –and please consider forwarding the flyer to your friends who might not be affiliated with our church –but interested in helping us raise funds by simply eating out a great restaurant!
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The Wide, Wide World of Theology!
Everything we treasure and hold to ourselves
we would gladly tender over to you,
for one ounce, one centimeter,
one nanosecond’s worth
of Wisdom.
we would gladly tender over to you,
for one ounce, one centimeter,
one nanosecond’s worth
of Wisdom.
Please soak our doings and being
with this spirit of
wisdom.
We beg for this gift,
the gift of
you.
Copyright © 2009, The Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University. All rights reserved.
Permission is hereby granted to reproduce for personal or parish use.
Permission is hereby granted to reproduce for personal or parish use.
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 . . .
Veda Atchley who will have knee surgery on October 23. Prayers for her as she prepares mentally, physically and spiritually for her surgery. She would like to thank everyone for all the get well cards and appreciates all the prayers.
Kyle Cathey, still experiencing excruciating health difficulties. Prayers for his improvement.
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.
Emma Francisco was taken to the ER today at 6am for mononucleosis and her doctors are trying to determine what else is affecting her. Prayers for her and her family.
Lillie Otte’s family and friends as we all grieve her death. She died peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, September 22 with her son, Tim, by her side, and a memorial service was held at our church on Saturday, September 26. Prayers of gratitude for her life and its blessing upon us.
Vicki Pedrin’s co-worker Shay suffered from a stroke and cannot speak. We pray for her as she struggles to regain her strength and especially pray for her daughter Mackenzie during this difficult time.
Vicki Pedrin’s co-worker Shay suffered from a stroke and cannot speak. We pray for her as she struggles to regain her strength and especially pray for her daughter Mackenzie during this difficult time.
Jane Philipp, who continues to struggle with back problems and other health issues and is contending 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.
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.
Prayers of rejoicing and support for our new friend Ms. Ateara Tolliver , who has been blessed with her first child , daughter Kniella (pronounced “Nila”), born on Tuesday,
September 29 at Hoag Hospital and coming in at 7 lbs. 3 oz. and 17 inches long.
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:
Did you miss out on last week’s sermon by the Rev. Dr. Jonipher Kwong?
Listen to “What the World Eats Now” simply by clicking here!
Men’s Group 2nd Saturday of the month: October 10th –NOTE THE CHANGE
At the Chicken Coop 8am – Contact Wayne Rash for questions & information
Women’s Group Oct 12th at Marta Sarkisian’s house
Meet here at FCC at 6:45pm to carpool to her house. Parking on Lido may be difficult to find!
Breaking Bread and RaisingDough! Shooby Dooby Down to Ruby’s!
Join us on October 12th-15th ALL DAY for Four Days!
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!
Yoga for Relaxation
Please join us every Tuesday at 9:30am and 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
Congregational Meeting: November 15th following the Church Service
To Elect Members to the New Church Boards
All Members are requested to be present to vote!
Prayerfully,
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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