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Category Archives: Media

Good Friday Prayer

Day 39

Dear God, on this Good Friday, a day shrouded in sorrow, we remember Jesus’ immense suffering. The betrayal, mockery, and agonizing pain of the cross unfold before us, a stark reminder of the tremendous price paid for our salvation.

Even amidst the crushing weight of Good Friday, a flicker of hope remains. Jesus’ unwavering love for humanity shines through in his final act of forgiveness: “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.”

Lord, help us find strength in Jesus’ sacrifice, a testament to the depths of your love for us. May we learn from his example of compassion and forgiveness, even in the face of immense pain.

As we contemplate the darkness of this day, may we hold fast to the promise whispered in those final words – the promise of redemption, of a new beginning, and the light to come. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Posted by Sela E. Finau on March 29, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Family, Life, Media, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

Tags: crucifixion, good friday, jesus, lent

Tuesday of the Fourth Week in Lent

05 Mar

Day 18: Gracious God, help us identify the “tables” in our lives that need flipping, whether it be harmful habits, negative thoughts, or judgmental attitudes. Grant us the courage to overturn them in pursuit of your will, replacing them with the fruits of your Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Posted by Sela E. Finau on March 5, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Economics, Family, Life, Media, Philosophy, Postcolonial, Postmodern, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

Tags: jesus, lent

Elevator Speech on the 5 O’Clock Evening News

03 Mar

3.3.23

Dear Church,

Have you ever been caught off guard with unexpected questions about your faith and the church’s mission and ministries? Imagine being in an elevator and someone asking you why you’re a Christian, why you attend Western Hills United Methodist Church, and what your church is doing to help families in the neighborhood and address the recent crimes in the area. Do you have a prepared response? Do you have an “elevator speech”?

This happened to me recently, on Monday, but instead of an elevator, it was an impromptu interview with WFAA Channel 8. The news anchor, Scoop Jefferson, wanted to discuss the recent criminal activities in our neighborhood, including a child who was hurt over the weekend. Despite not having time to prepare, glance in the mirror, or process what was happening that I would appear on the 5:00 O’Clock evening news, I had an answer for each of the questions, although spontaneous and unpolished. (Click here for the story.) Our church’s mission field includes Las Vegas Trail (LVT), and we are committed to making a positive impact, and sharing the love of Jesus, despite the challenges. And while WFAA had a story to share, we also have a story to tell, one of Jesus and the God we serve.

It’s worth remembering that Jesus didn’t serve in a “safe neighborhood,” and those he thought would support him abandoned him. The people who shouted “Hosanna” on Palm Sunday were likely the same ones who shouted “crucify him” on Good Friday.

As we journey through Lent, let’s prepare ourselves through prayer, self-reflection, study, and meditation. Let us not only attend worship and Sunday School but also put our faith into action.

You are invited to join a few of us who will be taking our faith into the streets of Lancaster immediately after worship this Sunday. If you would like to contribute something, please bring it Sunday. It can be clothes, toiletries, or food items that our friends on the streets can use.

Thank you for your faithfulness.

I look forward to seeing you on Sunday!

Grace and peace,
Pastor Sela

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Posted by Sela E. Finau on March 3, 2023 in Church, Culture, Economics, Family, Life, Media, Philosophy, Religion, Spirituality, Theology