Today is a special Sunday as we celebrate Mother’s Day. We are here not only to honor those who have given birth, became a stepmother, or adopted a child, but also to acknowledge all women who have loved, nurtured, guided, and sacrificed for others. As we celebrate this day, we do so with a deep sense of understanding and sensitivity. We recognize that while Mother’s Day holds joy for many, it also brings a measure of pain for some. Some among us remember mothers no longer with us, others grapple with difficult memories, and some are reminded of unfulfilled motherhood dreams. Yet, in our collective gathering today, we acknowledge these experiences, and in doing so, we share in our human … Read More
Healing a Broken Heart
How can you mend a broken heart? We know many people have broken hearts because of all sorts of reasons: the death of a loved one, divorce, loss of a job, health, or betrayal by a friend. Often our wounded heart is the result of someone else’s actions toward us, but sometimes it is because of actions we took. Today, I want to focus on a situation more like the latter, when we do something and hurt someone we love, and our hearts get shattered. Do you know what I am talking about? Do you know what a broken heart is? If so, you would know that broken hearts are like wounds. If you have ever had an injury or … Read More
In- Between Times
This is the third Sunday after Easter, and a lot has been happening since the resurrection of Jesus. Two weeks ago, the Reverend Danielle Kim shared with us about the people walking alongside Jesus to Emmaus without recognizing him. Last week, I shared the story of how Thomas asked for evidence about the resurrection of Jesus, and when Jesus showed him, he believed profoundly. There is a great deal taking place in such a short time. The world of the disciples was just turned upside down, and they had no idea what was next. They look back and don’t know what to do with their past, they look forward, but everything looks uncertain. These were transitioning times, what I like … Read More
Doubt vs Unbelief
I have doubts. Not about everything and not all of the time, but I have some sometimes. For example, I doubt if I am doing everything necessary to be a good husband and father. Other times I doubt if I am doing everything I am supposed to do as a pastor. And now and then, I also doubt my capacity to live up to my faith and the decisions I make, “Am I making the right decision? Am I being wise? What am I missing?” and so on. But my doubts aren’t just about me. I also doubt the kind of future my children will have, considering how insane and unsafe this world is becoming. What would the future hold … Read More
Easter Worship: Life Unbound
Today’s message takes a unique approach to the typical Easter Sunday sermon. Instead of focusing on the events surrounding Jesus’ resurrection, we will explore its impact on our lives. The story of Easter and Jesus Christ’s resurrection offers hope, freedom, transformation, and a life unbound through faith. As Jesus said, “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed,” and “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 8:36; 10:10). Despite this faith, we might feel stuck, held back by fears or past mistakes, or preoccupied with planning the future. We can become trapped by past events or worries about the future, that we miss the blessings of the day. If this is you, … Read More
