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Samoan churches lead Saturday worship service

The Rev. Kelekolio and Danette Koloi of the Samoan Cong Christian Church #2 in Seattle led the Saturday morning worship at Annual Meeting on Zoom.

Danette and Kelekolio Koloi, top, led an opening prayer and comments. Nofoaiga and Apaula Moi and children sing. Rex and Roselynne Gatoloai of the Ala o le Ola Church #5 shared a message, concluding with their choir.

“We have been part of the PNC-UCC for almost 40 years and have found it to be a true friend and great supporter as we share spiritual gifts, fellowship and properties,” he said.  “When we, the Samoan CCC failed you, you did not judge us or turn your back on us, but continued to remain a close, loyal friend. May we be more involved with each other.”

Danette, who serves on the Conference Board of Directors, on the Church Development Committee and as a General Synod delegate, said she, her husband and son have been pastoring the Samoan Congregational Christian Church in Seattle.

“The theme, Rooted in Love, is what the PNC-UCC continues to be to the nine churches of the Samoan Congregational Christian Conference that are also in the PNC.  Through Zooms, break out groups, live streams and emails, you reach deeply and firmly into our beings with your love that sees no status or color,” she said.

“Thank you for making the word love a verb not a noun.  Let’s take in a deep breath of God’s love and breathe out our doubts and fears.  Worship God with praise, glory and honor,” she said.  “I may speak the language of angels but if I have no love, I am nothing.  I may have faith to move mountains, but If I have no love, I am nothing.  Three remain, faith, hope and love and the greatest is love.”

Kelekolio said that although “we are not gathering in person, we are thankful for ways made possible like Zoom so the church carries out its responsibilities.  We enter the day with hope—for each leader, committee, delegate and volunteer.

“Spirit of the most high breathe into us the spirit of newness, give us courage to discuss important issues that affect our lives, communities, nation and world—immigration laws, racism, hunger, homelessness, climate change, global warming, fight for equal rights and justice, ending violence in communities, the ongoing power struggle of political parties, the pandemic and many other issues. 

“What is our response as a church given that God has blessed and gifted each of us with thoughts blessings and courage, given each of us talents spirit and commitment. May our discussions and decisions be rooted in love so we make a better place for you, me and the world,” he prayed.

“May our God, Lord Jesus,  come near today.  We give the glory to Jesus and tell of his wonderful love,” he said.

The Rev. Nofoaiga and Apaula Moi, and children of the Samoan Congregational Christian Church #4 sang.  He has been pastor since 2011.

Nofoaiga prayed for blessings on the PNC Annual Meeting so when people speak they will benefit gospel for missions around world.  “May courage dwell in our hearts so we rooted in love.  May we be filled with fullness of love,” he said.

Their song expressed rejoicing for blessings God has given—food, shelter, shoes and love.

The Rev. Rex and Roselynne Gatoloai of the Ala o le Ola Church #5 read Ephesians 3:17-19, that the least of God’s people might preach the riches of Christ so Christ will be in “our heart, rooted in God’s love.”

Rex called for Christ to dwell in the hearts of people in the Conference so they will be rooted in love. Paul, writing from prison to the people of Ephesus, said that Jesus came to the world to right wrongs through his life and death.

“Without Christ, there is no unity in the world.  Without Christ, people and nations are against each other in a battle between good and evil,” he said.  “People live in hatred, killing one another.  We have racism and politicians fighting.  That is not God’s purpose. God’s purpose is to fix the unity that is spoiled,” he said.

“As Christians accept Jesus as rooted in their lives, so Christians blossom with Christ as the root,” he said.  “Be rooted in Christ’s love so Christ will live and dwell in our hearts.

“Christians need to do our part, to exercise faith and allow Christ to be the root of our lives to make the world a better place so we can live in harmony,” Rex said. “If we are blinded by hatred and addicted to despair, we not live with God’s love in our souls.  God gave love to heal the world may peace.”

The choir of Ala o le Ola Church #5 sang a song, calling for people to care for the living, to heal the world and make it a better place for you and me and the entire human race.”

For information, call 206-981-1346 or email koloij@yahoo.com.

 

Pacific NW UCC News © July 2021

 

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