Thursday's Thoughts 12/10/09

 

 

Hello Fairview!

 

Last Sunday’s worship service had an almost mystical air about it for me.  I felt buoyed by the love of our congregation, knowing that even as we struggle with the lack of peace in our world, we find Peace in God.  Together, we make the commitment to let Peace on Earth begin in our own hearts.

 

This Sunday we shall light the candle of Joy!  There was a whole lot of joy at last Saturday’s Fairview Family Christmas Party!  The Chili Cook-Off was fun as always!   Carol Thicksten beat out reigning champion, Dave Eastman and newcomer Chef Alex Oldenberg who many bet to be a sure-thing!  What a competition!  The White Elephant gift exchange was a barrel of laughs, though I do wonder if we should reconsider playing a game that promotes stealing.  But of course, the whole point is to be silly and have fun!  I particularly enjoyed the gift Fran received! You’ll have to ask her about it if you missed witnessing it!  What a joyful night!  Myrna and the children made incredible crafts – more ornaments for our Christmas tree, and the cutest little snowmen ever seen!  We had so much fun!

 

As we consider joy in our lives, I want to share in some very joyful news in my life.  We are now approaching our fourth Christmas together –I’ve been your pastor now for over three years.  For some time I have struggled with figuring out how I can be able to live in the community.  I knew that planting roots would be essential for me to commit to ministry with you.  At the time of my call, housing was incredibly expensive, and it was obvious that I would not be able to buy a home.  We had looked into equity sharing, and have since re-approached the subject, though with transitioning leadership nothing came of this partnership.  However, with the increase in salary given to me at our last congregational meeting, along with teaching a class at OCC, and the drop in housing prices, I have been able to qualify on my own to buy a home!     So it is with great joy that I share with you that I am planting roots here in Costa Mesa!   This decision does not come lightly.  I am excited about the growth that is occurring at Fairview Community Church.  It is heartening to watch us live into our vision, to see our doors open wide, to experience new people finding a place here in our sanctuary!  The decision to buy a condo here in Costa Mesa re-affirms my commitment to ministry at Fairview. It is a rededication of the answer to my call here.  So as we celebrate joy this week.  I am particularly joyful as I rejoice in serving as your pastor, living in your community, and committed to our ministry together.   Moving is terribly hard –but it is a joyful mess!

 

As I preached last Sunday in my sermon, “Emmanuel in the Mess,” we do experience God in the mess of life.   Advent encourages us to hope, to seek peace, and to experience joy.   This Saturday, we will likely share in all three of these emotions as we gather together to mourn, to remember, and to give thanks for the life of Jane Philipp.   She was an incredible woman, who lived through so much, touching our lives as she touched this church.  I hope you will join me in honoring her life on Saturday at 11am here at Fairview Community Church.  In lieu of flowers, Carol asked that donations be made to our church.  Jane wanted to give to Fairview in any way she could and it is incredibly endearing that she would want gifts given to our ministry upon her death. 

 

 

 

 

.
God’s joy, God’s love for us
brought a savior into our
midst to be with us
and take away
our fear.

God, Our Lord,
we taste your song
in the beauty of our days,
in the grace of your creation,
in the needs of the ones we love.

We hearken
to the sound of your
boundless
love.

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Announcements

Did you miss out on last week’s sermon?  Listen to “Emmanuel in the Mess” simply by clicking here!

 

 

BUY SCRIP!  You can order a gift card for almost anywhere you can imagine!

The Gap, Kohls, Best Buy –You Name it!

Say you like, oh…Panera?  We’ve got it!

Or you’re looking for movie tickets to give the grandkids –we can get it!

We all buy gasoline –why not buy your card at church and help fundraise for the church while you’re at it?

Give your order to Joan or buy what she has on hand this Sunday!

 

Congregational Meeting: January 10^thfollowing the Church Service

To Elect Members to the New Church Boards

All Members are requested to be present to vote!

 

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 Joy,

 

 

Reverend Sarah Halverson

Fairview Community Church

2525 Fairview Road

Costa Mesa, CA 92626

(714) 545-4610