Thursday’s Thoughts
Fairview Community Church
Worshiping God and Welcoming All Every Sunday at 10am
“Composing Thursday Thoughts” photoby Wilfredo Benitez-Rivera
Hello Fairview!
The holiday season is quickly catching up to us and is just about here! I find myself slightly agitated when I see Christmas lights already on houses and have heard friends have already put up their Christmas trees. One person on Facebook noted that we shouted “Gimme Candy!” and moved right into “Gimme Presents!” without stopping to say “Thank you!” It does seem as though we’re getting pushed through the days on someone else’s agenda. Trips to Target proved this theory as I watched the orange and black spookiness that reigned for two months transform instantaneously to red and green holiday merriment! I suppose stores hope a longer season will give shoppers more time to buy in this economic downtime. I’ve heard commentary that they’re hoping to move product early this year so as to avoid getting stuck with too much merchandise like last year.
But lest we fall trap to consumerism, we need to acknowledge that there’s something in between the “Gimmes” and that something is gratitude. Thanksgiving is not a religious holiday –it is a national holiday of the state. Our faith calls us to celebrate Thanksgiving every day – not just one day a year. Yet we do need to ritualize our giving of thanks because it is so easy to zoom past it in a blur from one thing to the next. So, Thanksgiving is an opportunity for us to be intentional. And by now you know how much I love intentional time! By intentionally taking this time out to be grateful we allow ourselves the opportunity to really value what we have, to cherish our lives, to thank the people who have enriched our lives, to show gratitude to our creator.
So, we will be intentionally celebrating Thanksgiving this Sunday. We’ll be hearing from voices from our own Fairview Community! Come with thoughts of gratitude! There will be an opportunity to share! And we’ll be sharing in a Thanksgiving meal together! Our newest members Alex and Jennifer are bringing the turkey and lots of folks have signed up for the sides and desserts! Feel free to bring something to add to the feast! Why not invite friends to join us for this special celebration of gratitude this Sunday!
Do not forget that Breaking Bread and Raising Dough is coming up THIS TUESDAY! This month our fundraiser will be at Daphnes Greek Café here in Costa Mesa on Harbor and Baker in the Target shopping center. This is an inexpensive place to dine for lunch or dinner! Please take the time to print out the attached flyer, or pick one up at church, and dine Daphnes any time this Tuesday! Tell your friends!
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The Wide, Wide World of Theology!
Most gracious God,
you cover the earth with your bounty
and entrust its riches to our care,
but we have been unfaithful to your trust.
We have laid waste the earth and exploited the land.
Those who have much have wanted more,
while multitudes go hungry and the poor lose hope.
Set us free, we pray, both from greed and from want,
that all may live in justice and well being.
May our lives be enlisted toward this end,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
you cover the earth with your bounty
and entrust its riches to our care,
but we have been unfaithful to your trust.
We have laid waste the earth and exploited the land.
Those who have much have wanted more,
while multitudes go hungry and the poor lose hope.
Set us free, we pray, both from greed and from want,
that all may live in justice and well being.
May our lives be enlisted toward this end,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
© 2009 General Board of Discipleship. All rights reserved.
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 . . .
Kyle Cathey, still experiencing excruciating health difficulties. Prayers for his improvement.
Jeff Johnston, and his family as they mourn the death of his uncle in Florida.
Pam Kamps, who will have ACL reconstruction/knee surgery on November 16th.
Prayers that Jennifer Larsen’s uncle Lou Cusimano will get well enough so they can bring him to California.
Gina Notrica’s mother Alice Neibarger is doing much better and grateful for prayers. Continue to hold Gina in your prayers as she takes on a new job in Japan!
Jane Philipp, who continues to struggle with back problems and other health issues. She is going to be moving from her home but is not sure where she will live. Prayers for her during this difficult time of transition.
Our new friend Michele Pittman's mother Kathy Krech, dealing with liver cancer, and
Michelle's stepfather Paul Krech, trying to recover from a disabling stroke.
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 and her entire family, particularly her father Richard, as they mourn the death of her mother Ann Boddie, who died Monday evening encircled in love surrounded by her daughters and sisters.
Carol Thicksten’s nephew who is still recovering from his tragic car accident. Continued prayers for all involved.
All those affected by the shooting at Fort Hood military center. We pray for those whose lives were lost, for those struggling with the impact of this terrible tragedy, and for the perpetrator who could not seek help for the pathological fear which animated such destructiveness.
Those seeking new employment, in this time of severe job losses and economic hardship.
Those suffering and recovering from deadly addictions and crippling obsession and those who help them.
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.
Fairview Community Church was in the news! Read what our pastor wrote in last Saturday’s Daily Pilot:
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? Listen to “Accepted Not Expected” simply by clicking here!
Divine on the Vine
Wednesdays at 7pm here at Fairview Community Church
Adult Study Group
NOTE THE CHANGE IN DATE!Congregational Meeting: November 22 following the Church Service
To Elect Members to the New Church Boards
All Members are requested to be present to vote!
Breaking Bread and Raising Dough!
A BIG FAT GREEK FUNDRAISER
Join us at Daphnes on Harbor in Costa Mesa
11am-9pm on Tuesday Nov 24th
This is an inexpensive restaurant with delicious food perfect for lunch or dinner!
Print out the attached flyer or forward it to your friends!
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.
In Gratitude,
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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