Search PNC News for stories of people and churches in our UCC Conference:

 

Roselynne Selix hopes her calling, installation inspires others

Roselynne Selix’s ministry is rooted in faith, family, Samoan heritage, and a deep commitment to serving others.

Roselynne Selix leads a presentation at a recent event. Photo courtesy of Roselynne Selix

Her journey has included theological education, shared ministry with her late husband, grief, continued learning and a renewed sense of calling.

Roselynne said she and her beloved late husband, the Rev. Rex Gatoloai, shared a life of faith and ministry and were blessed with two children.

Together, they attended theological college in American Samoa and graduated in 2016.

Following their studies, they were called to serve at Ala I Le Ola Samoan Congregational Christian Church EFKAS, where they ministered together from 2016 to 2021.

After Rex’s death, continuing in ministry brought profound challenges.

Roselynne had to learn how to move forward without the partner who had shared her calling.

Grief remained part of her journey, but through that season she found strength and guidance in God.

With renewed strength, Roselynne continued serving Samoan churches, supporting Emanuelu and Ala I Le Ola, and pursuing further education in Washington.

Returning to the church where she and Rex had served became a meaningful step in facing her fears and continuing her ministry.

Through this experience, she felt God calling her to move forward and continue offering her gifts as a Samoan woman of faith.

In 2025, Roselynne married Wesley Harold Selix Sr., whom she met when she accepted a promotion in her work at the Department of Social and Health Services, moving to the Federal Way office.

His ministry in Tacoma includes counseling and supporting people through Alcoholics Anonymous and assisting those affected by drug use.

Roselynne and Wesley’s shared commitment to serving others continues to shape their life together, she said.

Today, Roselynne serves as associate pastor at Emanuelu EFKSA Church in Algona, Washington, under the guidance of the Rev. Elder Topelagi Siva and with the support of the congregation.

She also assists other Samoan churches seeking support and connection through the United Church of Christ.

In addition, she serves as co-chair of Committee on Local Churches (COLC) within the Pacific Northwest Conference of the United Church of Christ and as treasurer for the United Samoan Ministry PNC-UCC.

She also supports Pacific Islander and Asian American Ministries (PAAM), a ministry of the national UCC, and participates in conference meetings and Annual Meeting planning.

On August 23, Roselynne celebrated her installation as a minister with dual standing in the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa in America (EFKSA) and the PNC-UCC. The Rev. Elder Topelagi Siva sponsored her.

Already ordained by the EFKSA, she celebrated her installation as a new chapter in her continuing ministry.

The celebration brought together some of her theological college classmates, visiting ministers and members of Samoan churches throughout the Pacific Northwest.

 She said guests also traveled from Alaska, California, Las Vegas, and Arizona.

“Their presence reflected the community of faith that has supported my journey as a Samoan woman in ministry,” she commented.

A special part of the installation service was the sermon delivered by the Rev. Va’a Alaelua, pastor of the Christian Worship Center in Anchorage and also a member of the Committee on Local Churches.

Drawing from the Gospel of Matthew, he preached about being chosen and called by God.

“For me, this anointed message affirmed my deeply held belief that Jesus chose me and called me to serve in Christ’s ministry,” she said. “It reminded me that my calling comes from God and that I can continue responding with faith, trusting God’s guidance through every season of life.

“Following Christ’s example, I understand my calling as a commitment to serve, not to be served,” Roselynne added. “For me, ministry means walking alongside others with humility, listening with compassion and putting God’s love into action.

“I seek to honor God through both my words and my care for others,” she affirmed.

As she walks this new path as a Samoan woman in ministry within the UCC, Roselynne expressed that she is “deeply grateful to everyone who has supported, encouraged and prayed for me. I give heartfelt thanks to my family, congregation, pastoral leaders and UCC community for walking alongside me and supporting my calling.

“Above all, I give thanks and glory to God, my constant guide and source of strength,” Roselynne said.

She believes that without God, she is nothing, and that God’s grace has given her the courage to keep moving forward.

Her hope is that her journey will encourage other Samoan women to answer God’s call, trusting God to guide their steps.

“Through loss, learning and new beginnings, my faith in Christ has remained central. My installation affirmed my continuing call to share Christ’s love, honor my Samoan heritage, serve my community and faithfully follow wherever God leads,” she stated.

For information, email kananafoualumni@gmail.com.

 

Pacific Northwest United Church of Christ Conference News © October 2026

 

Share this article on your favorite social media