The prophet Elijah was doing the work of the Lord. His work caused him to go into a season of hiding- a season of being cared for very directly by the Lord.  I preach about God’s ways of caring for Elijah by the brook and the ways in which God cares for me (and for you) in my sermon prepared for the congregation of First Presbyterian Church Clifton on 11 May 2025, Mother’s Day. May we recognize the ‘bread’ provided to us, even when it comes to us in different ways. May we accept it and be nourished by it in this season. And may we be strengthened through this experience to share with others for the next.

This was my 8th time preaching for this church since 2021. I read my ‘thank-you’ letter and share how I’ve embraced sharing more of myself in my sermons in my usual, after-sermon ‘preaching tips’ video recorded when I got back home (see below).

I am always hopeful that these offerings would bless and encourage you in your own journey with God and in your ministry of service to others. Feel free to reach out to me or leave a comment below, anytime. Blessings and peace!

1 Kings 17:1-6(NIV)

1 Now Elijah the Tishbite, from Tishbe[a] in Gilead, said to Ahab, “As the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word.”

2 Then the word of the Lord came to Elijah: 3 “Leave here, turn eastward and hide in the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan. 4 You will drink from the brook, and I have directed the ravens to supply you with food there.”

5 So he did what the Lord had told him. He went to the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan, and stayed there. 6 The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook.

Sermon Summary (according to ChatGPT!)

Sermon Summary – “Bread by a Brook: God’s Care in Hiding” (1 Kings 17:1–6)

Preacher: Sejana Yoo

On this Mother’s Day, Sejana Yoo reflects on Elijah’s season of hiding by the brook, where God provided for him through unexpected means—ravens bringing bread and meat. Drawing from her own experience of stepping into ministry in a tradition that discouraged women from preaching, she shares how God sustained her in hidden seasons through the support of others and quiet, personal affirmations.

The sermon invites us to consider how God provides in surprising ways during times of isolation, grief, or transition. Just as Elijah learned to trust God in hiding, we too are nourished and shaped in our own wilderness moments. We are reminded that God’s care often comes through humble vessels and unexpected sources—and we are called to receive and share that care with others.

Preaching Tips Background Video

This was my 8th time preaching for FPC Clifton since 2021. I read my ‘thank-you’ letter as this was very likely my last time preaching here as this church’s interim pastor will begin serving next month. I talk about why I don’t focus so much on holidays or specifically on Mother’s Day in my sermons but I did acknowledge my own mother and what this day means to me as a preacher (see the sermon). I also share how I’ve embraced sharing more of myself in my sermons in my in my usual, after-sermon ‘preaching tips’ video recorded when I got back home (see video below).

I’d love to hear what resonates with you, in your particular roles of ministry (or however you’ve come to find this particular video)!

You can find the rest of my sermons here! https://sejanashines.com/preaching