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Monthly Archives: April 2023

Walking

29 Apr
Walking

4.29.23

The passage from Luke 24:13-35 is about two disciples of Jesus walking to the village of Emmaus on the day of Jesus’ resurrection. They feel sad, defeated, and discouraged, but they meet Jesus along the way. They don’t recognize him at first, but when he breaks bread with them, their eyes are opened, and they realize who he is.

This story reminds us that Jesus is always with us, even when we don’t recognize him. We may be walking through a difficult time in our lives like dealing with a health issue or grieving loss, but Jesus is walking with us. He may not always be visible to us, but he is always there reminding us about the promises of God.

 
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Posted by on April 29, 2023 in Church, Culture, Family, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

Earth Day

20 Apr
Earth Day

My favorite season is spring, at least this year. There is just a sense of renewal and hope that is present. The grass is green, the flowers bloom, and the weather is just right. There is, however, the endless pollen that I have been dealing with daily. I read up on why there is so much pollen and allergies; it’s fascinating. But one thing’s for sure, pollen is essential for plant growth and provides food for insects and other animals. So, while pollen is a nuisance for many of you and me, it is an important part of the ecosystem.

Nevertheless, we are blessed with four seasons, and each one has its purpose, beauty, and challenges. Life is no different; we experience seasons of blooming beauty and others that are not so kind. But every season of life has a purpose and shapes us in significant ways. In every season, we can take comfort in knowing that God is always with us, guiding us through the ups and downs of life.

Happy Earth Day — April 22! Do something good for the earth!

 
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Posted by on April 20, 2023 in Church, Culture, Family, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

Resurrection Sunday

13 Apr
Resurrection Sunday

4/13/2023

Wow! What a fantastic Easter weekend we had. From the Children’s Easter event on Saturday (a few hundred in attendance) to our sunrise service, breakfast, and worship service on Sunday, it was enough to make you feel Christ is risen. Our outreach ministries have been blessed to see Christ at work in our church and community.

We have been able to offer love, hope, and support to those who need it most, from providing meals to families in need to offering support to those struggling and a safe space for families with children. Thank you to each of you!

We had an awesome attendance on Easter Sunday, which is a testament to our members’ dedication and hard work. But we know that it’s not just about the numbers. It’s about the lives we are making a difference in. The impact of our work will continue to grow as more people join us in our efforts. We encourage you to continue to invite your friends, family, and neighbors to join us in our mission to serve others and share the good news of Christ.

Let’s keep the momentum going as we continue to move forward. We will continue to work hard to serve others and share the good news of Christ. By helping those in need, being the church in our community, and offering love and hope, we can make a real difference in the world.

Invite! Invite! Invite! Do not become weary of inviting! Invite!

 
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Posted by on April 13, 2023 in Church, Culture, Family, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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Christ is Risen!

09 Apr
Christ is Risen!

Easter/Resurrection Sunday

April 9, 2023

Easter Meditation

Gracious God, on this holy Easter day, we lift our hearts in thanksgiving for the gift of new life through your son, Jesus Christ. We praise and thank you, Lord, for the gift of your victory over death and the gift of holy awe that comes upon us as we enter our Easter joy. Christ has passed from death to life; may we always know you as our way through the desert, our food and drink as we thirst. You are our safe passage through treacherous waters and the home that awaits us at the end of all our journeys. We lose you in our doubts and the pressures of our busy lives. Help us remember that you are always with us, and your way is always before us if we only pay attention to hear you call us by name. Teach us to recognize you in one another and, with deep gratitude, continue to bear witness to the life and hope with which you sustain the world. Amen.

Christ is Risen!

Christ is Risen, Indeed! 

 
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Posted by on April 9, 2023 in Church, Culture, Family, Life, Philosophy, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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The Breath of God

08 Apr
The Breath of God

Day 40: Holy Saturday, April 8, 2023

The Breath of God

Scripture: The earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. (Genesis 1:2 NRSV)

Devotion: As we journey through life, we encounter different people with varying personalities and behaviors. Some quickly become our friends, while others remain strangers to us. There are those we admire and wish to emulate, and others we want to avoid. However, as followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to love our neighbors as ourselves and to show kindness and compassion to all.

As we reach the end of the season of Lent 2023 and look forward to Easter, let us take a moment to reflect on the life and teachings of Jesus. Instead of rushing from Good Friday to Easter, pause and breathe deeply. Hold a deep breath, hold it for a few seconds, and then slowly exhale. Repeat this several times and focus on the sensation of your breath.

The breath we take is the basis of all things. It is the divine breath of life that has sustained us since the beginning of Creation. The Hebrew word ruach can mean wind, spirit, or breath, and in the book of Genesis, we read how “the breath of God” swept over the face of the water, bringing life and order to the formless void.

On Holy Saturday, we remember how Jesus lay in the tomb, his body lifeless and still. But just as the breath of God was present during the creation of the world, it was also present with Jesus, bringing renewal and new life. Meditate on this story and allow yourself to feel the presence of God in your life.

As we journey through life, let us remember that the divine breath of life is within us, sustaining us and giving us the strength to love and serve others. Let us embrace all people, even those we find difficult to connect with, and show them the same compassion that Jesus showed to us. Let us be the breath of God in this world, bringing life and hope to those in need. Amen.

Prayer: Creator God, may your breath within us remind us to walk in the footsteps of Jesus, to reach out to those in need, and to offer kindness to strangers we encounter on our journey. Empower us to do unpopular things and to serve others with humility, allowing the experience to transform us.

May we be reminded of the love of Christ, who breathed new life into the world. Help us appreciate life’s complexity and simplicity, and find joy in all of creation.

May the gift of breath within us move us to become the wind of God, bringing new life and renewal to the world. Remind us that your breath and spirit are always present and guiding us.

We offer this prayer in gratitude for the gift of life and breath, and in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.

 
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Posted by on April 8, 2023 in Church, Culture, Family, Life, Philosophy, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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A Good Friday Prayer

06 Apr
A Good Friday Prayer

Day 39: Good/Holy Friday, April 7, 2023

A Good Friday Prayer for Meditation

We praise and thank you, Lord, for the gift of yourself on the cross.

On this somber day of remembrance, as we contemplate Christ’s suffering, help us find meaning in the wounds we endure and the travails of the world you created. You have called us to accept our shared mortality and to serve one another in love; keep us firm in our faith as we are called to suffer for others. You have called us to keep telling the story of your salvation in our unjust and violent world. Help us see past the limits of our vision to your limitless love, which transcends death. In the prophecies, gospel stories, and witness of scripture, may we always find consolation and hope, never faltering in our certainty that you are the God of a kingdom of justice and the author of everlasting life. Amen.

 
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Posted by on April 6, 2023 in Church, Culture, Family, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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A Maundy Thursday Prayer

06 Apr
A Maundy Thursday Prayer

Day 38: Maundy/Holy Thursday, April 6, 2023

A Maundy Thursday Prayer for Meditation

On this holy day, Maundy Thursday, we reflect on Jesus’ “new commandment” to love one another, which he demonstrated by washing his disciples’ feet and instituting the Eucharist. “Maundy” comes from the Latin word “mandatum,” meaning “commandment.”

As we prepare to receive Holy Communion on this sacred day, we thank you, Lord, for the gift of Christian community. We ask that you help us to appreciate the diverse people who make up the body of Christ, and to sustain our faith in each other even during times of disagreement.

In the face of disappointments and betrayals, keep us mindful of the new commandment that Christ has given us, and help us to love each other with sacrificial and unconditional love, just as he has loved us.

As we struggle with doubts and fears, we trust that you will provide us with the necessary nourishment. We pray this in the name of your son, Jesus. Amen..

AW

 
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Posted by on April 6, 2023 in Church, Culture, Family, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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Holy Wednesday Meditation

05 Apr
Holy Wednesday Meditation

Day 37: Wednesday, April 5, 2023

Meditation

Gracious God, you have placed before us a lavish banquet overflowing with life and love. Yet, we struggle to fully grasp the extent of your benevolence and find it difficult to imagine enjoying such abundance. Your Son, Jesus, has even called us brothers and sisters and promised us your boundless love. On this Holy Wednesday, guide us towards a life of generosity and joy so that we may partake in this feast with open hearts. Teach us to choose the path of love over fear. We offer this prayer in faith and trust. Amen.

AW

 
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Posted by on April 5, 2023 in Church, Culture, Family, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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Foot Washing

04 Apr
Foot Washing

Day 36: Tuesday, April 4, 2023

Rev. Sela Finau

Foot Washing

Scripture: Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” Jesus answered, “You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet. Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no share with me. (John 13:5-8 NRSV)

Devotion: When I was a student at Perkins School of Theology at SMU, we had a foot-washing worship service. I was intrigued by what this service would offer since I had yet to experience one prior, so between classes, I attended this service.

I was surprised that many of my professors and the Dean were present. I thought to myself, “Oh, this would be interesting.” When it came time for the foot-washing ceremony, we got in line and made our way forward. There were two basins of water and clean towels for the two lines we formed. The person in front of me would wash my feet, and I, in return, would wash the person’s feet that was behind me. The person in front of me was one of my professors. The experience played out in my mind that this professor was my teacher and was similar to Jesus washing his disciples’ feet. Jesus had set an example for his disciples to follow.

Yet, so many of us would feel uncomfortable literally carrying out Jesus’ teaching. Foot washing was a sign of hospitality in the ancient world. The host provided water and cloth, and then the guests washed or allowed a servant to wash them. Jesus’ point of foot washing was serving one another out of love. He called his disciples deeper into love, humility, and service. Jesus calls us to love him and be willing to serve one another with humility and unconditional love.

In this season of Lent, may we humble ourselves as Jesus did and offer hospitality and love to others by serving them.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for your gift of love and service.

Continue to teach us your ways so that we may also do likewise.

Amen

AW

 
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Posted by on April 4, 2023 in Church, Culture, Family, Life, Religion, Theology

 

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Global

03 Apr
Global

Day 35: Monday, April 3, 2023

Rev. Sela Finau

Global

Scripture: The heavens are telling the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. (Psalm 19:1 NRSV)

Devotion: While in seminary, I worked at night, and before you start to wonder, “What kind of job?” I will soon explain. Most of the time, working at night had not always been a pleasant experience, especially working 12-hour nights and being up for more than 24 hours at a time. That is never good for the body, mind, and spirit. Nevertheless, that had been my work schedule for about five years while I pursued two degrees in two seminaries. I had to find employment that would work with my seminary school schedule. How I managed seminary, worked in a church, and that overnight job was beyond me. That is one of those things I consider a God thing.

In any case, I realized early on, working in the financial industry, specifically a brokerage firm, that while America slept, the rest of the world was awake, from Asia to the Pacific to Europe, and that we were all connected in this global network, financial or otherwise.

That meant that what happened worldwide affected the U.S. and vice versa. I also thought that what happens to us as individuals and as people affects God.

One of the benefits of having worked from evening till dawn (7 to 7) was that I was privileged to see many sunsets, sunrises, endless clouds, and skies in incredibly astonishing colors and forms. Each time I saw it, whether on my way to work or on my way home, I was always in awe of the beauty of creation and how fortunate we are to be given the opportunity to witness the splendor and magnificence of this world that we are lucky to be a part. I pondered how amazing it is that we’re all connected to the sun and endless clouds in the skies, giving us a glimpse of God’s glory.

I am reminded of how humans seem insignificant amid vast stretches of the cosmos and time and space. I thought about how we’re all tiny specs in this big cosmos, but I am always comforted in knowing that God takes notice of us, journeys with us daily, and watches over us whether we’re asleep or awake.

Prayer: Creator God, we give you thanks for all of creation, and we give you thanks for the gift of life. This Lenten season, a time of self-reflection, growth, and renewal, open our eyes, ears, minds, and hearts so that we may live into what you have created us to be. Amen

AW

 
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Posted by on April 3, 2023 in Church, Culture, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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