Thursday’s Thoughts
Fairview Community Church
Worshiping God and Welcoming All Every Sunday at 10am
“Composing Thursday Thoughts” photo by Wilfredo Benitez-Rivera
Hi There!
I enjoy the ritual of writing Thursday’s Thoughts because it forces me to consider what I’m thinking about and write it down in a cohesive (and hopefully brief) message. I admit that sometimes I let out a begrudging sigh wishing it weren’t Thursday again (it always creeps up quickly!) and wondering what I can possibly say all the while hoping I can get it out before 5pm rolls along. Inevitably, something comes up and I’m off to this or that, or answer this phone call or respond to that email. So, even when I start my Thursday’s Thoughts with the best of intentions, more often than not they take much longer than I anticipate. However, I still believe that the sheer process of having to consider my thoughts and open up to share them is beneficial. In fact, I wonder if you might benefit from your own version of Thursday’s Thoughts.
We are well into the Lenten season and I’m wondering if you’ve taken advantage of this intentional time. I have found that being a vegetarian is easy! In fact, I’ve hardly had to alter my lifestyle at all. Living here in California makes it convenient to get good food with enough sustenance without having to eat meat. I’m hoping that my Lenten practice will stick even after Easter gets here. I met an Episcopal priest the other night who told me she was going to give up worrying for Lent. Wow! I thought, “That’s Crazy!” Imagine not worrying! And yet we ought to recall Jesus’ words asking us, “who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?” Well, I’m a born worrier. When I was in 4th grade my friend called me a “Worry Wart” and she was right! I worry about everything! And I’ve done an awful lot of worrying the last week or so after my break-in as I worry about whether or not the burglars will come back, worrying about the decision to get a dog or not get a dog…worrying about how to pay for the cost of re-keying my car. Worrying, worrying worrying… Can you imagine, this Episcopal priest decided that she should actually LISTEN to Jesus for 6 ½ weeks and not worry! Being a vegetarian is a whole lot easier…but I tell you…I’ve been searching for peace of mind and to give up worrying sure would help!
Ultimately, we get peace of mind when we’ve done all we can do, and leave the rest to God. I find that God often works through people –and lately I’ve had some wonderful people offer me peace of mind and help with worry. Many thanks go out to Dan Armstrong who showed up today at my house, after Judy responded to last week’s Thursday’s Thoughts, in which she offered her handy husband to help me further secure my house. Dan put in motion lights helped by putting in motion lights! Earlier in the week my good friend, the Rev. Tom Reinhart-Marean helped my peace of mind by installing a locking mechanism on my garage so that no one can open it when I’m inside. And last week, Jennifer Francisco came with two lamps so that lights could go on with timers. It is a Godly-experience each time someone offers us help and with it offers us peace of mind. I suppose in some ways, I’m actually letting go of a little worry this Lent too!
So how about you? It’s not too late to give up something or take something on for the rest of Lent. Why not let go of worry? After all, consider the lilies of the field…
This Sunday is Daylight Savings Sunday so do not forget to SPRING FORWARD! If you do forget to SPRING FORWARD at least you’ll arrive just in time for refreshments. Dave Eastman is going to be making some corn beef and cabbage in honor of Saint Patrick’s day next week! So, if you want to bring a little Irish treat to church for a celebration –we certainly encourage you to do so!
See you on 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.
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The Wide, Wide World of Theology!
Holy God, Word Shaper:
you are not our accountant,
but our lover;
you are not angry at us,
but you forgive us;
you are not our enemy,
but the One who runs towards us
with wide open arms,
throwing steaks on the grill
to celebrate our newness!
you are not our accountant,
but our lover;
you are not angry at us,
but you forgive us;
you are not our enemy,
but the One who runs towards us
with wide open arms,
throwing steaks on the grill
to celebrate our newness!
Jesus Christ, Shaper of our story:
you travel to that distant country called our sin
to bring us home once again;
you share your inheritance with us
so we might be blessed;
you know the famine of our spirits
and fill it with your hope.
Holy Spirit, Life Shaper:
surrounded by your grace,
we offer glad cries of salvation;
encircled by your constant love,
we shout for joy;
enclosed in your comforting arms,
nothing can overwhelm us.
God in Community, Holy in One,
from now on we will remember our life in you,
Amen.
Thom Shuman
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.
Drake Dominguez, age 18, committed suicide last Sunday. Prayers for his friends and family who are mourning.
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. She has returned home and is discerning what to do next.
Ernie Ransom’s nephew, Richard (Dickie) Fox, is fighting cancer. Prayers for him and their family.
Fran Sorensen has learned that she may not have cancer! Prayers for this diagnosis to be accurate.
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 procedure this week following his heart attack a few weeks ago. Prayers that he continues to recover.
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!
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Have you missed out on sermons? Listen to this past Sunday’s Sermon: “It was Never Empty”
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!
Divine on the Vine
Wednesdays at 7pm here at Fairview Community Church
Adult Study Group – Come join in on the fun!
BREAKING BREAD AND RAISING DOUGH!
Join us on Thursday March 25th from 4pm-9pm at the
NEWPORT RIB COMPANY
At 2196 Harbor Blvd
To break bread together and raise a little dough for our church at the same time!
Mark your calendars and tell 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.
Along the Lenten Road,
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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