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Category Archives: Culture

Second Chance

08 Feb
Second Chance

2.8.24

Despite disobedience, Jonah’s solitude, away from all voices, led to transformation. Even though the people of Nineveh lived a horrific lifestyle, when they fasted and repented of their sins, God’s mind was changed and extended mercy.

We serve a God of boundless second chances, an ocean of grace, calling us regardless of our past and reminding us of God’s mercy and mission. The narrative of Jonah extends this grace to all, emphasizing that seeking God leads to purpose and redemption. 

In Lent, let’s turn off distractions, change our ways, seek forgiveness, and embrace God’s transformative power.  

Grace and peace,
sela

(reflection based on Jonah, chapter 3)

 
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Posted by on February 8, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Family, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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Timeout

01 Feb
Timeout

This past Sunday, we continued with the story of Jonah and his three days and nights in the belly of a fish, akin to a divine timeout. Timeout, a concept familiar to parents, was for Jonah both discipline and discipleship, emphasizing the shared root of learning, following, and adhering to principles.

Jonah’s experience underscores that God’s discipline is God’s provision, a grace-filled opportunity for development and shaping. In the depths of despair, Jonah found the right spirit and posture before God – a spirit of brokenness and a posture of humility and thankfulness.

In our own deep messes, we are urged to turn to God in prayer, acknowledging our brokenness rather than seeking temporary fixes elsewhere. God specializes in working with the empty and broken, and our humble approach opens the way for divine intervention. These challenging phases are opportunities for growth, alignment with God’s will, and preparation for what lies ahead.

Jonah’s story, at least chapter two, concludes with a messy yet transformative deliverance, teaching us that true cleansing and renewal often come in unexpected, seemingly unpleasant ways. As we navigate our own timeouts and brokenness, may we, like Jonah, find strength in prayer, cultivate gratitude in all situations, and trust in God’s transformative power even when the path seems messy.

Praise be to God!

Sela

 
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Posted by on February 1, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Family, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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Divine Interruption and Redemption

25 Jan
Divine Interruption and Redemption

1.25.24

In this week’s sermon, we delved into the story of Jonah, a prophet confronted with an unexpected divine assignment. Initially resistant, Jonah attempted to escape, only to be pursued by a relentless God. This narrative illustrates how God can use even reluctant individuals for a greater purpose, manifesting God’s grace.

The sermon challenged us to acknowledge the limitations of our understanding in grasping the complexities of God’s ways. While God redirected Jonah with a storm, not every storm in our lives is sent by God, prompting us to reflect on the storms we may have brought upon ourselves and the need for divine intervention.

As we embark on this journey with Jonah in the coming weeks, you’re invited to contemplate your own experiences of disobedience, recognizing God’s persistent pursuit and embracing the boundless mercy that seeks to redeem us, even when we attempt to run away.

Peace and grace, Pastor Sela

 
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Posted by on January 25, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Family, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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Following Jesus

18 Jan
Following Jesus

1.14.24

This past Sunday, we remembered the impactful legacy of The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The sermon connected the essence of walking with Jesus to our commitment to justice—a commitment that goes beyond mere words and becomes a daily practice. It’s about envisioning a world where love and God’s peace reign, where racial differences become a bridge bringing us together, and where an inclusive table is extended to everyone.

Inspired by theologian Karl Barth’s insight, we were reminded to approach life with both the Bible and the contemporary issues of our time. Following Jesus, as emphasized, isn’t a journey with closed eyes but one where we navigate with openness, inviting others to join us and extending help to those in need.

Reflecting on the call of the first disciples, we were reminded that God already sees and understands our challenges. Sometimes, the obstacles we face—symbolized by potholes and construction barriers—are perhaps redirections, urging us to slow down, read the signs, and engage more deeply with the world around us.

 
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Posted by on January 18, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Family, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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In the Beginning

11 Jan
In the Beginning

1.14.24

In the Beginning

On the dawn of a new year, our recent sermon explored the profound connection between our lives and God’s ongoing masterpiece of creation. Drawing parallels between baptismal and the cosmic dance of existence, the message emphasized our role as instruments of peace, bearers of hope, and reflections of God’s love.

Highlighting the shared Spirit that hovered over creation and descended upon Jesus, the sermon called us to navigate life’s wilderness as confident co-creators. It urged us to remember our identity, embracing the untamed beauty woven into our diverse existence—a testament to the freedom God has inscribed.

We were challenged to view ourselves not as passive actors but as essential brushstrokes in the ongoing creation narrative. The call is to live as children of God, carrying the name of Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit to be stewards of divine creation.

In every new beginning, the echo of Genesis 1 resonates: “Let there be…” The concluding message urges us to contribute our unique and beautiful expressions to the unfolding story of God’s love. The timeless reminder is clear: “In the beginning, God created. And in every new beginning, God invites us to co-create.” This call echoes through the canvas of the new year, inviting us to embrace our divine partnership in the ongoing work of creation.

 
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Posted by on January 11, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Family, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

New Year

04 Jan
New Year

1.4.24

As we approach the conclusion of the Christmas season, on Epiphany Day, January 6th, let’s delve into the traditional significance of Epiphany. This day holds particular importance as it marks the arrival of the Magi, symbolizing the revelation of Jesus’ identity to the world. This revelation signified the incarnation of God in Christ, recognized by the heavens and drawing homage from Gentiles in the East.

The conclusion of the Christmas season is further emphasized by the baptism of Jesus, an event unveiling him as the beloved Son of God.

As we embark on the journey of 2024, my hope is that God continues to unveil new perspectives, ideas, and pathways for us. May this new year serve as a reminder that we are all beloved children of God. If we stay on the path God is directing us, we can overcome whatever obstacles we encounter.

Wishing you a Happy New Year!

Sela

 
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Posted by on January 4, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Family, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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Our Wondrous Light

28 Dec
Our Wondrous Light

12.28.23

A Child Is Born

For the child born in that humble manger grew up to be Emmanuel, “God with us.” He is not a distant memory, a fading star in the annals of history. He is here, in the midst of our very own darkness, the embodiment of hope amidst the flames.

He is our Mighty God, the Prince of Peace, the Wonderful Counselor, the Everlasting Father. He walks with us through the valleys of the shadow of death, his light a shield against the darkness, his love a balm for our wounded hearts.

And that light cannot be dimmed. It burns in the acts of compassion that defy the shadows, in the whispers of comfort that soothe the afflicted, in the unwavering pursuit of justice that tears down the walls of division.

This Christmas and this new year, let us be the bearers of that light. Let us join churches around the globe and carry it into the streets, into our homes, into the hearts of those lost in darkness, including the very place where Christ first came. Let us be the living testament to the promise that even in the darkest night, the wondrous light of Christ will prevail.

For our wondrous light is not a memory, but a mission. A call to walk in the footsteps of the Prince of Peace, to illuminate the shadows with kindness, compassion, and the unyielding hope that only this night can bring.

For Emmanuel is with us, and in Him, there is always hope.

Amen


Merry Christmas
and 
Happy New Year!

Pastor Sela

 
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Posted by on December 28, 2023 in Church, Community, Culture, Family, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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Advent Daily Prayer 12.19.23

19 Dec
Advent Daily Prayer 12.19.23

Tuesday, December 19, 2023

Jesus, our Source of Joy, in times of sorrow, remind us of the eternal joy we have in you. May the hope of your coming bring smiles to our faces and songs to our hearts. Amen.

 
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Posted by on December 19, 2023 in Church, Community, Culture, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

Building a Just Peace this Advent

13 Dec
Building a Just Peace this Advent

12.13.23

Building a Just Peace This Advent

Dear Church,

This past Sunday, our focus was on peace. We delved into the powerful message from Isaiah: “Prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God” (Isaiah 40:3). This call to action isn’t just a utopian dream; it’s a prophecy urging us to actively participate in creating a world where peace and justice prevail.

Isaiah envisions a society where inequalities are dismantled, barriers removed, and everyone is valued. This isn’t wishful thinking; it’s a guiding light propelling us toward a just and peaceful world. The call to action echoes across the centuries, urging us to build a highway for God, not waiting for others but taking responsibility for ourselves.

Preparing the way means making room for God, cleansing our lives of negativity, and allowing God to bring a just peace. This call resonates with the challenges we face today—wars, suffering, inequality. Isaiah’s promise is a bountiful feast, rectifying all wrongs and providing healing.
Building peace starts within each of us, requiring self-reflection, forgiveness, and choosing compassion. Beyond individual action, it calls for collaboration—speaking out against injustice, supporting peace organizations, and holding leaders accountable.

Isaiah reminds us that peace begins within, offering personal, comforting peace. This Advent, may we commit to building a just peace, being messengers of hope and agents of peace. Even the smallest act of kindness can create a ripple effect, bringing us closer to Isaiah’s envisioned world and God’s kingdom.

Pastor Sela

 
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Posted by on December 13, 2023 in Church, Community, Culture, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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Investing for the Kingdom: A Reflection on the Parable of the Talents

22 Nov
Investing for the Kingdom: A Reflection on the Parable of the Talents

Investing for the Kingdom: A Reflection on the Parable of the Talents

Exploring the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-30 (sermon from 11.19.23), Jesus, in preparing his disciples for the Kingdom of Heaven, narrates a story of a master entrusting different talents to three individuals before embarking on a long journey.

The master expects diligence and active engagement, not idle waiting. Upon his return, the two servants who received more talents had doubled their investments, but the one entrusted with a single talent returned it without any growth. This servant’s fear and tendency to compare himself to others led to inaction, resulting in disappointment from the master.

The key lesson drawn from this parable is a call to stewardship. As stewards of God’s gifts—be it talents, abilities, or resources—we are reminded not to waste what has been entrusted to us. The perspective of being stewards, not owners, encourages us to manage our lives, time, and resources wisely.

The sermon emphasized the importance of an open-handed approach to blessings. Rather than tightly holding onto resources, we are encouraged to give and invest in the kingdom. Fear and the trap of comparison were identified as hindrances to effective investment. The dangerous game of comparing ourselves to others can lead to playing it safe and missing out on opportunities to make a positive impact.

Faith involves taking risks and trusting in God. Stepping out in faith and risking it for Christ is the challenge presented to individuals and the church. The kingdom doesn’t grow if faith is kept private or if we expect the community to come to us. The parable challenges us to make something meaningful with our lives and take the necessary risks to be faithful stewards.

The conclusion posed a direct question: are we willing to risk our most valuable possessions for Christ and invest our treasured gifts for the kingdom? The call to let go and let God was extended, irrespective of the quantity of talents one possesses. The message resonated with a challenge to reflect on personal investments for the kingdom, emphasizing that the church will continue, but the question remains: how will our investments perform?

The final prayerful reflection urged a response like the first two servants in the parable, stating, “Here, God, I didn’t waste your investment. I used it wisely for your kingdom. I took the risk and placed my trust in you.”

What is your response to the call of faith, trust, and investment for the kingdom?

<><Sela Finau

 
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Posted by on November 22, 2023 in Church, Community, Culture, Economics, Life, Philosophy, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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