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Tag Archives: love

Love, Faith, and Belonging

09 May
Love, Faith, and Belonging

5.9.24

This week, our journey through 1 John concluded with powerful messages of love, faith, and belonging.

The importance of loving others struck a chord. John reminds us that loving God is inseparable from loving our brothers and sisters. Our faith must be reflected in our actions; belief translates to right living. We are called to walk the talk, following God’s light and avoiding the darkness of false teachings. John makes it clear: we stand with God or the enemy.

This concept of unity resonated throughout our message. For this author, everything connects back to God’s love. To love God is to love all that God has created without limitations or qualifications. This message felt particularly timely, reflecting on the recent actions of the General Conference. John’s words were a reminder that our love should extend to everyone, regardless of their identity.

John also offered encouragement. Our faith in Christ can conquer fear and doubt, granting us victory in this world. This victory comes not from our own strength but through Christ alone. Following God’s commandments isn’t a burden but a path towards living a life filled with love.

The Easter season was a focus, reminding us of the hope and new life offered by Christ’s resurrection. We are called to be “Easter people,” carrying the message of Christ’s love into the world. John’s message also addressed belonging. Ultimately, we belong to God, not to any specific denomination or church. This world is temporary; our true home lies with Christ and his Kingdom.

Our message concluded with a powerful image. Water and blood, essential life elements, symbolize Christ’s sacrifice. This sacrifice gave birth to the Church, our spiritual mother, who sustains and guides us on our faith journey. Through baptism, we are connected as a body of believers, a part of God’s family. We are invited to embrace the new life offered by Christ and live according to his teachings.

Sela Finau

 
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Posted by on May 9, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Family, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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25 Apr

What does it truly mean to abide in Christ? It’s not just believing; it’s about staying connected, engaged, and completely relying on Christ. Just like my phone dies without being plugged in, we can’t live a vibrant Christian life without staying connected to our source – Christ and His church. And when we do, when we truly abide in Christ, we experience a joy and fulfillment that is unparalleled. The same is true when we care for the Earth, when we honor the incredible gift God has given us: this beautiful Earth. It’s not just a duty; it’s a source of joy and wonder, and a vital part of our spiritual journey.

Did you do anything special for Earth Day this year? Maybe plant a tree, pick up some trash, or simply take a moment to appreciate the wonder of nature? We have a committed gardener who comes to the church to work on the garden, and we’re grateful. We always have folks working on projects around the church and we’re blessed. Indeed, we are individually and collectively God’s ongoing work project.

The Psalmist reminds us in Psalm 24:1, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” We are called to be caretakers, not abusers. So, as we talk about abiding in Christ and strengthening our church connections, I also want to challenge you to consider how you can connect with and care for the Earth.

Here are some ideas:

  • Plant a garden: Even a small herb box on your windowsill can bring life and beauty. Someone gifted me a small potted aloe vera plant last year, and it enjoys the sunshine each morning by the kitchen window.
  • Volunteer for a local clean-up: Every little bit helps keep our parks and waterways healthy.
  • Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Simple steps can make a big difference.

We can extend this care to our own church grounds!

We all know the feeling of walking by an empty water bottle, a chip bag, or a cigarette bud. It may not be our trash, but caring for our church – God’s house – is a responsibility we all share. It’s not just the trustees’ job or the cleaning crew’s burden. When we see something, let’s do something about it. Taking a moment to pick up a piece of trash is a simple act of love for God and creation. It shows we care about our church community and the beautiful world God has entrusted to us. Let’s remember we are all stewards of this Earth.

Grace and peace!
Sela Finau

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

 

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Embracing the Light: Reflecting God’s Inclusive Love

14 Mar
Embracing the Light: Reflecting God’s Inclusive Love

3.14.24

“For God so loved the world…” (John 3:16) These words paint a powerful picture of God’s boundless love, a love that transcends any barrier we might imagine.

Just as God’s love embraces the entire world, we are called to expand our capacity for love. Consider the divisions in our community and the prejudices that create distance. God’s love knows no bounds, and we are called to reflect this love through compassion and understanding.

Reflecting on the sunrise as a metaphor for God’s love—a light that spills over every mountain peak and hidden valley, lighting every corner of the world. We are challenged to be beacons of this same light, welcoming those on the margins, fostering understanding, and building a more loving and just world.

Here are some questions to ponder as we move forward:

  • Does our love reflect God’s?
  • How can we better welcome those different from ourselves into our community?
  • Can we be a bridge of reconciliation, promoting understanding and fostering peace?

As we approach Holy Week, may we carry this message of God’s inclusive love in our hearts. May we shine our light brightly, a testament to the boundless love that embraces the entire world.

A summary of Sunday’s sermon based on John 3:14-21.

Sela Finau

 
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Posted by on March 14, 2024 in Church, Community, Culture, Family, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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Wednesday of the Fifth Week in Lent

13 Mar
Wednesday of the Fifth Week in Lent

Day 25: Gracious God, As I delve deeper into Lent, remind me of the transformative power of your all-encompassing love. Think of the conflicts that divide our world, the bitter arguments that tear families apart. Like the sunrise, your love reaches even into the darkest corners, offering hope and reconciliation. Grant me the courage to be a beacon of your love amid these divisions. Help me to see beyond differences and recognize the divine spark within each person. May your light shine brightly through me, a testament to the boundless love that embraces the entire world. Amen.

 
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Posted by on March 13, 2024 in Church, Community, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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Embracing God’s Grace: Reflections on Jonah’s Journey

16 Feb
Embracing God’s Grace: Reflections on Jonah’s Journey

2.16.24

This past Sunday was the conclusion of our series on the book of Jonah. The narrative’s powerful closing reminds us that God’s waiting grace is always ready to welcome us home despite our detours and disobedience. Jonah’s journey prompts self-reflection on our responses to God’s grace and our willingness to return when we veer off course.

Moving beyond Jonah’s story, we delve into a broader call to share God’s grace with everyone. The central message echoes that God’s enduring and universal grace extends to friends, family, neighbors, and even those of different faiths. The emphasis lies in embracing the transformative power of spreading this message and recognizing our role as vessels of God’s unmerited favor in our interactions.

As recipients of God’s grace, we are urged to actively extend the invitation to others. The call to action resonates strongly: become ambassadors of God’s grace in our communities and beyond. The closing questions challenge us to examine our inclusivity and confront misplaced anger, reminding us that God’s preferences lean towards grace over anger. The message encourages us to align our motives with God’s transformative love as we carry the lessons of Jonah’s journey into our daily lives.

 
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Posted by on February 16, 2024 in Church, Community, Family, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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Advent Daily Prayer: 12.3.23

03 Dec
Advent Daily Prayer: 12.3.23

Week One: Hope

Sunday, December 3, 2023:

Gracious God, as we begin this Advent season and light the first Advent candle, we embrace the dual anticipation of celebrating the birth of Christ and eagerly awaiting His glorious return. Fill our hearts with the hope that comes from both the historical fulfillment of your promises and the promise of future joy in Christ’s presence. Ignite a flame of hope within us, dispelling any darkness in our lives. Amen.

 
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Posted by on December 3, 2023 in Church, Community, Family, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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