Thursday’s Thoughts
Fairview Community Church
Worshiping God and Welcoming All Every Sunday at 10am
“Composing Thursday Thoughts” photoby Wilfredo Benitez-Rivera
The Lenten Journey has begun!
We gathered last evening together for Ash Wednesday for a reflective service to begin the season of Lent. Personally, my favorite services are always the meditative, quiet, intimate services. I love moments of silence. I love quiet music. I love listening for the Spirit stirring within me. I’m the kind of person who is always on the run, but my soul loves the stillness, my soul craves the pause. Last night’s spiritual gathering reminded me to be in awe of God. A very simple meditation that always has a powerful effect upon me is the flame meditation. As I focused in on the flames I became aware of the very flame that burns within me: the life force that flickers with the energy that is my spirit. The flames of the candles lit upon the altar were a reminder of the people I am in communion with –the very people in the sanctuary last night, and the greater community of souls that is Fairview Community Church. As we prepared ourselves for this Lenten journey towards Easter we reflected upon our lives, our own mortality, and examined what it is that holds us back from God: whether it is our own self doubt, fear, anger, hatred, insecurity, hopelessness, loneliness, pain, sickness or injustice that keeps us from being all we can be, separating ourselves from God. And we cast it all into the fire, that out of ashes of the death of our old selves, our fears, and our insecurities we might find a resurrection of our souls: new hope, healing, calm, courage, peace, strength, resolve, connection, wholeness and love. What a powerful moment it was to physically watch the inadequacies burn into ash. Ultimately, Ash Wednesday reminds us of our own mortality so that we can live life to its fullest. By becoming aware of our mortality, we ultimately become aware of our divinity –that very flame that burns within. What a beautiful and poignant way to begin the season! It was good to be with you. Thank you for sharing in this experience with me.
For those of you who were not with us, I encourage you to consider how you might be intentionally aware of your relationship with God these next six weeks. Many people take on a practice during Lent. Sometimes they give up things that are bad for them, other times they choose to “sacrifice” something that they enjoy, in order to be more aware of others who do not have those same luxuries, some people choose to take on a prayer practice, or exercise regimen. I know friends who quit smoking during Lent (and then were able to quit smoking forever!) or others who choose to diet during Lent: each of these choices reflect a more healthier way to live. Last year, you might remember, I went cheeseless. This year I’ve decided to become a Lenten Vegetarian. What might you do to be intentionally connected to God? Feel free to share your Lenten practices with me by emailing back.
This Sunday is a very important Sunday to be at church. We will be holding a congregational meeting immediately following the service. Attached you will find a PDF from the nominating committee proposing a temporary suspension of by-laws and slate of names for a steering committee to move us forward in governance. You’ll also find a list of Frequently Asked Questions that will hopefully address any questions you might have concerning the rationale for this proposal.
Equally as important –we are fortunate enough to have our Regional Minister from the Evergreen Association of the American Baptist Churches visiting us from Washington State! It is always an honor and great joy to welcome the Rev. Dr. Marcia Patton to Fairview! She’ll be preaching this Sunday! I am looking forward to hearing more about our region, and especially how we’ve responded with urgency and love in Haiti. You won’t want to miss this!
Finally, be sure to download the attached Ruby’s flyer and join us for a meal or two at Ruby’s Diner in South Coast Plaza’s Crystal Court any time of day this coming Monday through Thursday, February 22-25th! We will receive 20% of the cost of your meal back! So hope you’ll participate in this month’s “Breaking Bread and Raising Dough!” Don’t forget to download the attached flyer and bring it in when you go!
Please continue to help Haiti relief efforts by donating through our denominations. You can give online by clicking here through the UCC website or here through our ABC website.
*********
The Wide, Wide World of Theology!
O loving Creator,
you led Moses from Egypt.
You led his people to a land of freedom
you led Moses from Egypt.
You led his people to a land of freedom
And you have guided us
to heaven’s gates
with Jesus’
leading
us.
If we must roam
hot desert
sand
to enter
your storied land,
please take our hand
and lead us.
Copyright © 2010, The Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University. 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 . . .
Prayers of healing for Libby Cowan and Rebecca Chadwick’s friend Jennie, who is undergoing treatment for cancer.
Keep Jeff Johnston and his family in your prayers as they deal with the unexpected death of his mother.
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.
Continue to hold Gina Notrica in your prayers as she works in Japan and suffers from homesickness.
Alex Oldenburg’s friend Rob Corratti who has been paralyzed from an auto accident for 13 years. Rob will soon take an adventure to Germany to undergo stem cell treatment. His friends and family look forward to seeing him walk by the end of the year.
Ernie Ransom’s nephew, Richard (Dickie) Fox, is fighting cancer. Prayers for him and their family.
Fran Sorensen has learned that she is faced with cancer once again. Prayers for strength, courage and healing as she moves forward with treatment.
Carol Thicksten’s nephew who is still recovering from his tragic car accident. Continued prayers for him, his girl friend, and his mother who is suffering from shingles.
Carol’s dad, Hal Thicksten, had a heart attack on Wednesday, Feb 3rd. He is doing well and will have more follow up work this week. Please keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers.
Thomas, a family member of a work colleague of Wayne Rash, who is in the grip of alcohol dependency and resisting recovery.
The people of Haiti, all who have died, who are missing, and all who suffer following the 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!
Just click here to listen or download now:
Have you missed out on sermons? Listen to the sermon:“Hot Lips”
Why not listen now? Simply click here!
This Sunday, February21, 2010
Congregational Meeting immediately following the Service
BREAKING BREAD AND RAISING DOUGH
THIS MONDAY THRU THURSDAY
Shooby Doobie Down to Ruby’s all day every day from Feb 22-25th
South Coast Plaza Ruby’s located at Crystal Court
Divine on the Vine (Feb 24th)
Wednesdays at 7pm here at Fairview Community Church
Adult Study Group – Come join in on the fun!
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.
Journeying,
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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