Thursday’s Thoughts
Fairview Community Church
Worshiping God and Welcoming All Every Sunday at 10am
“Composing Thursday Thoughts” photoby Wilfredo Benitez-Rivera
The Winds are changing!
Hi There Fairview –
Well, actually, I don’t know if the winds are changing but I definitely know that the weather has been! One day it is cold, the next it is hot, the next it is hot and windy, then cold and windy, and now hot again! I don’t know how to dress! I leave the house in the morning layered up because I’m freezing and then I’m hot all day! Isn’t it funny how it changes on us like that? You just can’t depend on anything but change! Interestingly enough, I just had dinner with a friend who told me that she always uses the Farmers’ Almanac to find out what the weather is going to be. She’s says its pretty much accurate! Well – I don’t know if you can read a book that was published a year in advance to figure out what to wear any given day –but it is certainly nice to know that there’s a road map to help us get a clue about what the winds of change will bring our direction!
Wouldn’t it be nice if we had a Farmers’ Almanac for everything in life? And wouldn’t it be even better if it were always right? Well, I suppose the truth of the matter is we really do not know what will happen –but we can make some forecasts about our life by taking lead from the Farmers by looking backwards, examining our life, reflecting upon the past, and imagining towards the future. Sometimes with reflection, we realize that the current weather is not such a surprise –if we are paying attention –we’ll realize that it very likely will rain when storm clouds are in the sky! So, our own attentiveness to the past and the present, will help us navigate into the future. Unfailingly, storms will come that we won’t anticipate, but so will sunny days as well. What change might we anticipate? What change have we weathered before and how did we react to it? What, if anything, could we do differently this time?
This Sunday we are celebrating a church holiday known as “All Saints Day.” All Saints Day gives as an opportunity to reflect upon the saints of the church –both the larger church, and our own little Fairview Community Church and the impact they have had upon us. We remember those who have died and imagine them as part of the invisible church –saints of our past present with us as the body of Christ. We’ll take this opportunity to remember those saints, people we miss, some we never knew, while also be aware of the saints in our presence. So, as we sing “When the Saints Come Marching In” I hope you’ll want to be in that number – and join us this week at Fairview Community Church!
**** Please do not forget that THIS SATURDAY NIGHT you need to change your clocks to FALL BACK because SUNDAY MORNING the time will change! But –if you do get here early –we’ll greet you with open arms!
*********
The Wide, Wide World of Theology!
We give you thanks O God, for all the Saints.
We thank you for their words and deeds
character and strength
faithfulness and obedience.
We thank you for the Saints
who spoke your word to us.
told us the stories of Abraham and Sarah
Moses and Miriam
Elijah and Esther
told us of the Salvation of Jesus
healing and feeding
calling and sending
dying and rising and living again.
We thank you for all the Saints.
We thank you for the Saints
who lived their faith every day.
visiting the hospital rooms
and prison cells
working the food pantries
volunteering at the homeless shelters
call on the shut-ins
check on the mourners
sing in the choirs
teach our Sunday Schools.
We thank you for all the Saints.
We thank you for all the Saints who sacrificed
for the life and freedoms we enjoy’
who fought and bled
wounded and died
on beaches and battlefields
defeating tyranny and evil
who marched and met
protested and petitioned
so all people
could play and work
vote and participate.
We thank you for all the Saints.
We thank you that all these Saints now live
where pain is not felt
and death never comes
tears do not fall
sadness is banished.
For all the Saints…
We thank you,
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
Kyle Cathey, still experiencing excruciating health difficulties. Prayers for his improvement.
Gina Notrica’s mother Alice Neibarger who had a terrible fall, cracking her head open, and ended up with numerous bruises. Prayers that the neurological tests come back with more information on why she is falling so frequently.
Vicki Pedrin’s co-worker Shay suffered from a stroke, and continues to recover. Vicki reports she is doing much better. Please continue to 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.
Our new friend Michelle Pittman's mother Kathy Krech, dealing with liver cancer, and Michelle's stepfather Paul Krech, trying to recover from a disabling stroke.
Frenacee Schuck, who is challenged with caring for her ill father, and continues to recover from her foot surgery and an infection that followed.
Roxanne Smith’s mother Ann Boddie, who is now at Manor Care Rehabilitation Center where she is struggling with the effects of her brain tumor. Prayers for their entire family.
Carol Thicksten’s nephew who is recovering from a tragic car accident. Continued prayers for all involved.
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
Fairview Community Church is in the News:
Check out our pastor’s comments this week in the Daily Pilot:
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? Listen to “Gird Up Your Loins”simply by clicking here!
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 at 9:30am or Wed at 5:30pm!
Divine on the Vine
Wednesdays at 7pm here at Fairview Community Church
Adult Study Group
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!
Faithfully,
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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