RSS

Category Archives: Economics

Love Has Come to Stay

Love Has Come to Stay

Christmas Day – December 25, 2025

John 1:14
Love Has Come to Stay

The Word became flesh and lived among us. Love did not merely visit, it moved in. God chose to dwell fully with humanity, sharing in joy and sorrow, celebration and struggle.

Christmas Day reminds us that God’s love is not limited to one night or one moment. Christ comes to stay. To walk with us through ordinary days and uncertain seasons. To guide us, heal us, and remind us that we are not alone.

Whatever today looks like for you, busy or quiet, joyful or tender, God is present. Love has taken up residence in the world, and nothing will ever be the same.

Today, rest in this gift. Christ is born. Love has come to stay.

Prayer:
God of love, we give thanks for the gift of Christ. Help us live each day rooted in your presence and guided by your love. Amen.

Merry Christmas!

 

Tags: , , ,

Love Has Come Near

Love Has Come Near

Christmas Eve – December 24, 2025

Luke 2:1–14
Love Has Come Near

On this holy night, love does not arrive with fanfare or force. It comes quietly, in a stable, under the cover of darkness, wrapped in vulnerability. God chooses nearness over power, presence over perfection.

The world Christ enters is not calm or orderly. It is crowded, uncertain, and restless, much like our own. Yet this is exactly where God chooses to dwell. Not waiting for everything to be right, but coming close in the middle of it all.

Tonight, we remember that love does not stand at a distance. It steps into our lives as they are. It meets us in our fears, hopes, longings, and needs. The angels’ song announces peace, not because the world is suddenly fixed, but because God is with us.

As candles are lit and voices rise in song, receive this truth: Christ is born for you. Love has come near.

Prayer:
God with us, thank you for coming close. Fill our hearts with wonder, peace, and gratitude as we welcome the birth of Christ. Amen. 

Merry Christmas! 

 

Tags: , , ,

Joy on the Edge of Arrival

Joy on the Edge of Arrival

Saturday, December 20, 2025

Luke 1:46–49
Joy on the Edge of Arrival

Mary sings her song before the child is born. Her joy comes not from having all the answers, but from trusting what God has started. She rejoices, not because the path is simple, but because God keeps promises.

There is a particular kind of joy that comes when we are close, close to a long-awaited moment, close to an answered prayer, close to something new taking shape. Advent holds us in that space. We are not yet at Christmas, but we can feel it approaching. Joy gathers there, at the edge of arrival.

This joy is often quiet and steady. It shows up in final preparations, in small acts of care, in the ordinary faithfulness of showing up one more time. It reminds us that God does not wait for perfect conditions to draw near.

As this Advent week comes to an end, pause for a moment. Take a breath. Notice the joy that is already here, even before everything is finished. God is closer than we think.

Prayer:
God of promise, steady our hearts as we wait. Help us rejoice in what you are already bringing to life among us. Amen.

 

Tags: , , , , ,

A Prayer for Those Affected by the California Fires

A Prayer for Those Affected by the California Fires

1.9.25

A Prayer for Those Affected by the California Fires

God of Mercy, we come before you with heavy hearts as the fires rage across Southern California. We lift up in prayer all who are affected, trusting in your unending compassion.

For the Lost: We grieve for those who have lost their lives. Receive them into your eternal peace, and bring comfort to their loved ones who mourn.

For the Displaced: Be with those who have fled their homes, leaving behind familiarity, treasured memories, and the comforts of life built with love. May they find safety, peace amid the chaos, and trust in your abiding care.

For the Grieving: Hold close those who now face the overwhelming loss of homes, livelihoods, and entire communities. Surround them with your tender compassion and stir up the strength and kindness of neighbors, friends, and strangers alike.

For the Vulnerable: Protect all pets, livestock, and wild animals endangered by the flames. Guide them to safety, and bless the hands of those who rescue and care for them.

For the First Responders: Bless the firefighters, rescue teams, and emergency workers who risk their lives to protect others. Grant them courage, strength, and moments of rest as they face exhaustion and danger.

For Creation: We pray for the forests, fields, and all that you have made, scarred by the flames. Teach us to be wise and faithful stewards of your creation, and inspire us to work for its restoration and care in the days to come.

For the Community: In the midst of devastation, may hope take root. Let the generosity of strangers, the courage of neighbors, and the shared labor of rebuilding restore what has been lost.

God of comfort and restoration, let your healing presence fill the hearts of all who suffer. Strengthen them for the days to come, and may your peace, which passes all understanding, sustain them through the darkness.

Amen.

 

Tags: , , , , , ,

Christ the King: Unmoved by Human Loyalty

Christ the King: Unmoved by Human Loyalty

11.27.24

Christ the King: Unmoved by Human Loyalty

This past Sunday, we marked Christ the King Sunday by reflecting on John 18:33-37, where Jesus declares that his kingdom is not of this world. His kingship stands apart from earthly power, grounded instead in truth—a truth that does not shift with human loyalties or fleeting allegiances.

As followers of Christ, we are challenged to honor his reign not only in our words but also in our daily actions, standing firm in love, justice, and grace—a love that calls us to serve, reconcile, and give generously. His kingship calls us to live not for fleeting gains or convenience but as witnesses to his truth in all aspects of our lives.

This week, as we celebrate Thanksgiving, let us give thanks for the blessings we enjoy—family, food, shelter, and the presence of God in our lives. But let us also pause to remember those for whom this season is difficult. Some will not gather around tables this year: people without homes, those in war-torn regions, families grieving loved ones, and individuals spending their first Thanksgiving without someone they cherish. Let us also reflect on the complex history of this holiday, honoring the Native Americans whose experiences of this day may differ greatly from the celebration many of us know.

As we give thanks, let our gratitude inspire action. Let us remember the values of Christ’s kingdom by extending generosity to the needy, hope to the grieving, and love to all. And as we move into Advent next Sunday, we prepare to welcome Christ—not only as the infant born in Bethlehem but as the King whose reign of peace and truth is already breaking into our world. In this season of preparation, may we open our hearts to Christ’s love, living as witnesses to his justice, grace, and truth.

Wishing you a Thanksgiving filled with gratitude, reflection, and hope! And may you have a meaningful beginning of Advent!

‘Ofa atu,
Sela Finau

 

Tags: , , , , , , ,

Signs of the Times

Signs of the Times

11.22.24

Signs of the Times: Preparing for the Future

In Mark 13:1-8, Jesus warns his disciples about the destruction of the temple and the signs of upheaval—wars, disasters, and unrest. His words are not meant to instill fear but to remind us to remain faithful and alert as God brings about something new.

This passage comes on the heels of the widow’s offering, where Jesus criticized a system that exploited the poor while enriching the powerful. His warning about the temple’s fall reflects his anger at injustices that fail to reflect God’s kingdom—a place where everyone is cared for and no one is left behind.

Today, we also live in uncertain times, filled with fear, division, and inequality. Yet, the signs we see—though painful—are like birth pains, pointing to the hope of new life. Jesus assures us that God has not abandoned the world. Instead, God is actively at work, transforming creation and inviting us to be part of that transformation.

As followers of Christ, we are called to trust in God’s promise and to prepare for the future by living faithfully in the present. May we work toward a world that mirrors God’s justice, love, and peace, knowing that God’s Spirit is always with us.

Let’s hold onto the hope of God’s kingdom breaking into our reality and trust in the new life that God is bringing forth.

In Christ! Shalom, Salaam, Paz, Pax, Peace, Melino!

Pastor Sela

 

Tags:

A Call To Discernment: Standing On Truth Amid Misinformation

A Call To Discernment: Standing On Truth Amid Misinformation

10.25.24

As election day approaches, it is critical that we, as Christians, remember our responsibility to seek truth and uphold integrity, not just in how we vote, but in how we process information. In a time when misinformation is rampant—both in society and, sadly, sometimes even within the church—we must be vigilant in discerning what is true and what is false.

Paul’s words in Philippians 2:12 remind us, “Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.” This is a call to personal responsibility. While we are in community with one another, each of us must take responsibility for our actions and our beliefs. It can be tempting to follow the crowd or to accept information from sources we trust without verification. Yet, as people of faith, we are called to a higher standard.

John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, offered wise counsel regarding elections: “I met those of our society who had votes in the ensuing election and advised them: (1) To vote, without fee or reward, for the person they judged most worthy; (2) To speak no evil of the person they voted against; and (3) To take care their spirits were not sharpened against those that voted on the other side.” Wesley’s advice goes beyond just political elections—it is a model for all areas of life where we must make decisions based on character and truth, rather than gossip, slander, or misinformation.

It can be hard to stand firm when those we have long trusted present ideas or narratives contrary to what we know to be right. But our call as believers is to diligently seek the truth, not just accept what is easy or convenient. As Proverbs 14:15 reminds us, “The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.” We must not be simple in our understanding, but prudent and discerning, willing to do the hard work of separating fact from fiction, even when it challenges those closest to us.

This election season, may we commit ourselves to truth—not just the truth we hear from others, but the truth we seek with diligence and prayer. May we remember that our ultimate allegiance is to God, and that standing for what is right may sometimes put us at odds with the majority. Still, we must stand.

May we pray for wisdom, discernment, and courage as we exercise our rights and responsibilities in this pivotal time.

In Christ! Shalom, Salaam, Paz, Pax, Peace, Melino!

Sela Finau

 

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

Holding It Together When Everything’s Falling Apart

Holding It Together When Everything’s Falling Apart

10.10.24

Holding It Together When Everything’s Falling Apart

This past Sunday’s sermon, based on Job 1:1, 2:1-10, is a timely reflection on how we navigate life when everything around us seems to crumble. Job, a man who was blameless before God, loses everything—his wealth, his family, and his health—yet somehow holds on to his faith. How did Job manage to keep his integrity when everything in his life was falling apart? It’s the same question many of us ask when tragedy strikes.

Like Job, we’ve all experienced moments where life feels unfair, where suffering seems too great to bear. Whether it’s the sudden loss of a loved one, a devastating illness, or natural disasters like Hurricanes Helene and Milton, we find ourselves lifting our eyes to heaven and asking, “Why, God? It’s easy to feel abandoned or even angry in times like these. The book of Job reminds us that it’s okay to feel that way. But it also challenges us to hold on to our faith, even in the hardest of times.

This past week, as communities in the Carolinas, Tennessee, Virginia, and Florida begin the long process of recovery from Hurricane Helene, and with Hurricane Milton, we are reminded of the fragility of life. Many have lost homes, businesses, and even loved ones. But in the midst of this devastation, we also see signs of hope. Volunteers, emergency responders, and neighbors have come together to help clean up and rebuild. God is at work behind the scenes, bringing comfort, healing, and hope even in the darkest moments.

As we reflect on Job’s story, we are reminded that while suffering is a part of life, it does not last forever. Evil may have its moment, but God’s reign is eternal. In the face of loss, we are invited to hold onto the good, even when life presents us with the bad. God is still on the throne, still working, still present.

Let us continue to pray for those affected by these hurricanes and for all those suffering across the world. And may we, as a church, be a source of hope, light, and love in our community, showing that even when everything seems to be falling apart, we can hold it together through our faith in God. Because no matter what happens, God is always holding us together—whether everything around us is falling apart, or when we ourselves seem to fall apart.

In Christ! Shalom, Salaam, Paz, Pax, Peace, Melino!

Sela

 

Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Faith in Action

Faith in Action

9.6.24

James 1:17-27 offers a deeper understanding of faith in action. The passage emphasized listening to God’s word and putting it into practice, including controlling anger and serving others.

The message encourages us to:

Acknowledge God’s gifts: Everything we have is a gift from God.

Listen and learn: Be quick to listen and slow to speak.

Control anger: Resist the temptation to react angrily.

Serve others: Actively participate in serving our community.

Following Sunday’s Worship Service, several of us went out to feed our friends on the street. The line of people waiting for food was a testament to the need and the blessing that the church’s service provided.

This act of service mirrored Jesus’ example of going into the community rather than waiting for people to come to him. It was encouraging to see other churches also participating in this ministry, demonstrating a shared commitment to serving our community. This served as a reminder that we are not alone in our efforts and that God is with us in our shared mission.

Thank you to everyone who participated, whether through your monetary gifts or your hands and feet. 

 

Tags: ,

The Table Is For Everyone

The Table Is For Everyone

8.8.2024

This past week’s sermon, we listened to Jesus’ declaration, “I am the bread of life.” After witnessing the miraculous feeding of the five thousand, the crowd was captivated by the spectacle but missed the deeper spiritual significance.

Just as we might chase after worldly pleasures or achievements to fill a void, these people sought to satisfy their souls with more miracles. Jesus, however, offered something far more substantial: Himself. He is the ultimate source of life and fulfillment.

To receive this Bread of Life, we must have faith in Jesus, the Christ, and a commitment to follow Him. When we partake in the Sacrament of Holy Communion, we remember his sacrifice and renew our covenant with him.

At the Olympic Opening Ceremony, there was a lot of backlash and chatter about just how offensive the scene of the perceived Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” was to Christians—only to be confused with another supposed scene from Greek mythology. The artist claims that it was not his intent to mock any religion; instead, he “wanted to include everyone…” Isn’t that what Jesus would do, invite everyone to the table, making us all feel included and valued?

As my doctoral mentor, Leonard Sweet, had written, “The stage has a purpose, but the table sets the stage. If we invested as much energy setting the table as we do setting the stage, the church would be a wellspring of revival. The table represents who we truly are; the stage is who we want others to perceive us. The table embodies authenticity; the stage reflects appearance. Jesus dedicated His ministry to setting the table, not just performing on stage. Can we prioritize authenticity and gather around the table as much as gather for and spotlight the stage?” Indeed, the only thing that should be offensive to Christians are those among us who come to the table and partake of the body and blood of Christ without repentance and, after partaking in the Sacrament of Holy Communion, go about their sinful ways without transformation. 

1 Corinthians 11:27-28 

27 So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. 28 Examine yourselves, and only then eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 

May we prioritize the eternal over the temporal, seeking nourishment from the One who can truly satisfy our hearts and souls.

In Christ!

Pastor Sela

 

Tags: , ,