Thursday’s Thoughts
Fairview Community Church
Worshiping God and Welcoming All Every Sunday at 10am
Hello Friends,
My mind is uneasy as I share my thoughts this week. I left the office Tuesday evening at 8pm and when I arrived home I realized that someone had broken in. I instantly felt violated. Frightened, I surrounded myself with my neighbors and the police and we went inside. The big things weren’t stolen and the house wasn’t ransacked. “They” mostly stole jewelry, watches, $300 cash, some sentimental things, and most scary the key to my car (which is very expensive to replace). On the whole, I’d say I got off easy. But I’m not sure exactly how they got in: the police think potentially through my garage which frightens me because I’m scared that they could come back! Perhaps the worst part about this experience is that I feel violated and unsafe. Ultimately, these feelings of vulnerability are what keep me awake at night and nag at me during the day while I’m away from my home. These thoughts consume me.
As I pastor, I often ask the question, “Where is God in this?” It’s often difficult to get out of ourselves and the moment we’re in when we are in the midst of something traumatic. Luckily for me, my job forces me to think theologically. So, I wonder if I can use this traumatic break-in as a way to think theologically, and perhaps find insight into God and even the human condition. One thing I know is that traumatic events are poignant moments in our lives. They have the ability to leave lasting negative effects, or lasting positive effects. Can we consciously reframe these moments?
So, as I prepare for Sunday’s sermon I ritually ask myself theological questions. Where is God in this? How can one find safety in a place that now feels unsafe? What healing needs to take place? And how can this occur? I wonder if I can find some insight into not only my own situation, but our collective human situation along this journey called life.
After all, the Lenten Journey is symbolic of our life journey. How and where do we find safety? How and where do we find God? How and where do we find sustenance? How and where do we gain the energy that we need in order to continue the journey? These are our questions. They can be tough questions. But they are ours…So, let’s ask them together this Sunday!
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!
Our souls are parched,
dying of thirst.
dying of thirst.
If only we would come to you, Christ,
you would hand us
living water.
Let us find your grace-fed faith,
grace-fed hope and
grace-fed
love.
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.
Cindy Condit and Jason welcomed Jackson James Donaldson into their family on Sunday, February 14 at 6:44 pm! Prayers of Rejoicing!
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 returns from Japan and seeks new employment opportunities.
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.
Daniece Spotwell and her family and her friend Lamar Wilborne as they move.
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 3. He is doing well and has had more follow up work. 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 this past Sunday’s Sermon: “A Little Easter Along the Way”
Why not listen now? Simply click here!
Note that the March Innovator is attached! Please enjoy it and join us for our month’s activities!
Women’s Group Tuesday March 9th
Come to Libby and Rebecca’s house, 7pm for conversation program starts at 7:30pm
For a fascinating discussion from Dr. Ginny Baxter
To learn about a History of American Women –especially the Presidents’ Wives
Divine on the Vine
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.
Seeking God’s Shelter,
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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