Thursday’s Thoughts
Fairview Community Church
Worshiping God and Welcoming All Every Sunday at 10am
Dear Friends,
As I write my thoughts are centered on Haiti and the incredible devastation caused by the 7.0 earthquake that struck on January 12th 2010. More than 100,000 people have died and some say the death toll may be over 500,000, with thousands unaccounted for, trapped in debris and suffering. The devastation is all consuming. Each day seems to reveal more tragedy. The images are heart wrenching. If you are like me, you may have a strong desire to help, but feel helpless. Fortunately, we can feel confident knowing that we are already contributing through funds we’ve contributed to through One Great Hour of Sharing. As you know, our region, The Evergreen Association of the American Baptist Churches, USA have a special relationship with our missionaries in Haiti. I received news from the Rev. Dr. Marcia Patton that all four of our ABC missionaries were not in Haiti during the time of the earthquake, but are quickly trying to return to work on relief efforts. Below you can read a letter from two of our missionaries, Nzunga & Kihomi (who I had the pleasure of meeting at our last Evergreen annual meeting) to learn their thoughts about the earthquake.
Both of our denominations, the United Church of Christ and the American Baptist Churches, USA support One Great Hour of Sharing. You can donate immediately by clicking here: https://secure3.convio.net/ucc/site/Donation2?df_id=1234&1234.donation=form1 I heard on NPR today that the most cost effective way to help in disaster relief is to donate electronically. It cuts down on staff costs to receive and deposit checks. So clicking on this link is a quick and efficient way to immediately offer financial support. We will be accepting donations on Sunday morning which we will send directly through our churches to get help on the ground in Haiti as quickly as possible. Let us keep the people of Haiti in our prayers as well as those who have attempted and will attempt to bring relief. God’s peace and strength be with them.
As we enter into the weekend, I cannot help but think of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, a pastor who was seminal in my call to ministry. He spoke out on injustice when it was not popular to do so. Not only was he a prophetic voice on racism and segregation, but he spoke out on economic injustice and war as well. He reminds me that the Christian faith is not an easy faith, his death echoes Jesus’ death, a reminder of how dangerous it is to speak truth to power. And yet, when I hear or read his words, I cannot help but be brought to tears, committing myself again to the quest for the beloved community, God’s realm manifested here on earth. We’ll be honoring him on Sunday.
It will be a poignant day as we remember King and pray for the people of Haiti. I believe that the church does many things well, but it can be argued that we are at our best when we come together in times of crisis. May we Christians come together in this time of crisis over our brothers and sisters in Haiti as we stand in solidarity, prayer, and action on their behalf.
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The Wide, Wide World of Theology!
Dear friends,
May be the peace of our risen Lord be with you all. We will never be able to thank you enough for your love and support. This support, of all kinds, has given a purpose to our ministry in Haiti. Without your love for us, we would not be in Haiti. We pray to God for you daily.
We are writing this message with heavy hearts. We all know what is going on in Haiti with the monster earthquake that has devastated the country. Since we heard the news, we have not been able to sleep. Around one AM, Kihomi looked into my eyes and said she is now realizing how deeply involved we are in Haiti. Haiti is our country and Haitian people are our people. Our hearts are aching.
The capital city of Port-au-Prince has been devastated. We are very concerned about the women, children and the families that are forgotten in this society. Those left out of the Haitian societies who have no status, no diploma, no vehicles, and no homes. Those who are the extreme poor who live in ravines, where TV crews won’t go, where there is no road to drive on or drive through. Those we won't see on TV or read in newspapers. Those families are the heart of Kihomi's ministries. How will they rebuild their lives, send their children back to school, pay the hospital bills, eat? This is a big challenge! We are calling on all of you to join us in prayer and in responding to these challenges.
May be the peace of our risen Lord be with you all. We will never be able to thank you enough for your love and support. This support, of all kinds, has given a purpose to our ministry in Haiti. Without your love for us, we would not be in Haiti. We pray to God for you daily.
We are writing this message with heavy hearts. We all know what is going on in Haiti with the monster earthquake that has devastated the country. Since we heard the news, we have not been able to sleep. Around one AM, Kihomi looked into my eyes and said she is now realizing how deeply involved we are in Haiti. Haiti is our country and Haitian people are our people. Our hearts are aching.
The capital city of Port-au-Prince has been devastated. We are very concerned about the women, children and the families that are forgotten in this society. Those left out of the Haitian societies who have no status, no diploma, no vehicles, and no homes. Those who are the extreme poor who live in ravines, where TV crews won’t go, where there is no road to drive on or drive through. Those we won't see on TV or read in newspapers. Those families are the heart of Kihomi's ministries. How will they rebuild their lives, send their children back to school, pay the hospital bills, eat? This is a big challenge! We are calling on all of you to join us in prayer and in responding to these challenges.
Am I my brother's keeper? Yes, we are the keepers of our brothers and sisters in Haiti. Haiti is where our hearts are.
Yours,
Nzunga & Kihomi
Yours,
Nzunga & Kihomi
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.
Prayers that Jennifer Larsen’s uncle Lou Cusimano will get well enough so they can bring him to California.
Flo Martin’s brother-in-law, Kevin, who’s clinging to life and for her sister, Nikki, who’s clinging to hope.
Jeanie Molinaro, wife of Wayne Rash’s former employer Paul Molinaro, who has been operated on for ovarian cancer and now faces chemotherapy.
Gina Notrica’s mother Alice Neibarger is doing much better and grateful for prayers.
Continue to hold Gina Notrica in your prayers as she works in Japan and suffers from homesickness.
Continue to hold Gina Notrica in your prayers as she works in Japan and suffers from homesickness.
Daniece Spotwell, whose oldest daughter Taniece in Atlanta stopped breathing on New Year’s Eve due to stress aggravating a chronic heart murmur but has been revived. Also prayers for all Daniece’s family .
Carol Thicksten’s nephew who is still recovering from his tragic car accident. Continued prayers for all involved.
The people of Haiti, all who have died, who are missing, and all who suffer following this week’s destructive earthquake.
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.
Announcements
Missed a Sunday? Catch up on your sermons by listening at home!
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Divine on the Vine
Wednesdays at 7pm here at Fairview Community Church
Adult Study Group – Come join in on the fun!
Family Outing! After church on January 31st Families are invited to go to the FROG BOUNCE HOUSE!
Lots of fun! If you’ve got kids or are just a big kid – let’s all get together and bounce!
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 prayer,
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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