Over the last few months, I have witnessed an immense blessing in the ministries of the Moreno Valley UMC. Our brothers and sisters are committed to their personal relationship with God, considerate of one another and have truly proven that generosity is not a learned behavior, but a God given blessing.
Our church’s mission statement reminds us to focus on the spiritual growth through God’s grace. It urges us to practice God’s words in action. As we reach out with a compassionate heart to our neighbors and fellow Christians, we are showing them God’s abiding grace and his abundant blessing that we ourselves have experienced. Indeed; it is a true blessing when we act in an extraordinary way, in the sharing of our gifts, sacrifice and joyous giving.
We have many exciting events in the last few months which have strengthened the bond among us all. I hope that everyone has enjoyed dining at our delicious “Burro BBQ” as a time of good fellowship and enjoyment. Our children have distributed packed “hope bags” for the homeless and the youth have started their weekly programs. The choir is busy rehearsing with the Grace UMC a combined Christmas cantata, Family Game night was a great success, the completion of Alpha program, small groups full of enthusiasm and many more exciting upcoming events. These have reaffirmed Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, “Together you are the body of Christ, each one of you is part of his body”, 1 Corinthians 12:27.
One of the highlights of our ministry so far, was on membership Sunday, September 12, when 20 adults came forward to join the church after the membership class. To God be the Glory! Great things He has done….What a
great joy to welcome our new brothers and sisters to the family of God!
I hope that everyone has enjoyed a wonderful summer as a time of reflection and renewal. Let us anticipate in our mission at our community of faith and to reach out to our fellow Christians in our community. May the good Lord continue to fill our lives with blessings of love and joy.
Blessings,
Pastor Martin Niponi Finau
Posted in Church News ~ Comments Off
I have an opportunity for you!! We have Share and Prayer small group meetings. We will meet in the Upper Building at 9:00 and in the classroom by the kitchen at 9:45. Since our pastor will be starting the service at 10:30 - we have an opportunity to strengthen our church; to strengthen our sense of being a church family.
Small groups are 6 to 8 people who meet to share what is happening in their lives, to support each other, and book-end that
meeting with prayer - an opening prayer and closing prayer. This is open to all ages, 7 or 8 years old up to 100. Multigenerational groups will probably have the most fun together. John Wesley built the Methodist Church on the members participating in small groups. Don’t be satisfied with keeping things the way they are.
This will be a way for us to support and care for each other. Getting to know each other better and being there when we need support. We may not realize how rich our lives can be unless we open ourselves up to the love of God by fellowshipping with ourChristian brothers and sisters.
Please join us!
Ruth P.
Posted in Church News ~ Comments Off
Rev. Dr. Martin Niponi Finau’s Biography
As the Chair of our Staff Parrish Relations Committee, I am pleased to provide the following biographical sketch For Reverend Finau. His Bio was provided to me by one of his sons (I believe). I added some notations in italics at the end.
Steve M.
M. Niponi Finau was born and raised in Nuku’alofa, Tonga Island, South Pacific. His father was an Ordained Pastor of the Methodist church in Tonga and he is the third generation of ordained ministers in their family. After high school in Tonga, he moved to Hawaii in 1979 where he attended Hawaii Loa College, Methodist related College and received a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and science.
He was ordained deacon in 1988 and elder in 1992 in California-Pacific Annual Conference. In 1986 he graduated from the School of Theology at Claremont with a Master of Divinity. In 1989 he was a teacher at Tupou College in Tonga Island. In 1999 he received his Doctorate in Ministry from the School of Theology at Claremont in Preaching and Homiletic. His interests are broad and varied including working with youth and with Ethnic ministries of diverse background and culture. His local pastoral ministry included Montclair UMC, First UMC Compton, Tala-Fungani UMC [Former Atlantic], and Chapel of the Hills UMC.
In 2000, Rev. Dr. M. Niponi Finau was sent by the General Board of Discipleship as a missionary to the Island of Fiji in the South Seas for six years. During that time, he also served as the head of the Ministry Department at the Pacific Theological College and the pastor of the Methodist church in Suva, Fiji. In 2006 he returned to California-Pacific Annual Conference as a pastor at the Chapel of the Hills UMC.
With his wife Milika, (a Lay Speaker) and five children, Rev. Dr. M. Niponi Finau maintains an active lifestyle as a father and pastor proclaiming the Good News to all and reaffirming his call, “God has chosen me even before I was born.” He has been urging the Tongan-American
churches for a redefinition of the purpose of the church in a rapidly changing world. He continues his pastoral care by leading the church with passion toward becoming a more inclusive community of faith, filled with grace, compassion and justice, growing in love of God and
neighbor.
Reverend Finau told me that he is happy to be addressed as Martin or Reverend Martin. He mentioned to SPRC during his introduction to us that he and Milika’s sons range in age from middle school through high school and into college. Moreover, their eldest son is planning to enter the ministry.
Posted in Church News ~ Comments Off
