LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENTS

Finnabea Moore

Finnabea “Finn” Moore lived a life of service, generosity, and self-sacrifice for her savior and her church. She was born April 18,1946 in Camagüey, Cuba to parents who served as short-term missionaries for the Church of God. Before she turned two years old, her family returned to the United States and continued their ministry serving as pastors with a heart for global missions.

With quiet dignity and a calming presence, Finn demonstrated selflessness, grace, and unwavering faith to those she encountered. From an early age, her love for music and piano was evident, leading her to minister at West Coast Bible School in Fresno, California, where she was a soloist for the school choir and a celebrated vocalist in competitions.

On her 18th birthday, April 18, 1964, she married her high school sweetheart, Dan Moore, and together, they embarked on a lifelong journey of love and ministry. A devoted pastor’s wife, she stood faithfully by her husband’s side, serving in churches across Arkansas, Nevada, Washington, Louisiana, and California. She ministered through music, playing the piano for over 50 years and blessed congregations with her beautiful tenor voice.

Finn’s dedication extended beyond music ministry - she was a pillar of strength in the church, serving and leading women’s ministry groups for over six decades with wisdom and grace. Her heart for service reached beyond the local church, leading her across the world to minister in Russia, China, Korea, the Bahamas, the Philippines, and Tortola, where she shared her faith and compassion with those in need.

Married for over 60 years, the love and commitment Finn and her husband demonstrated remains a testament to honor, covenant, and enduring faith. Her legacy of kindness, strength, and service will continue to inspire generations to come.

She lived by her favorite scripture, Romans 8:28—"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose."

Finnabea “Finn” Moore, passed away on February 20, 2025. She has 3 daughters, 9 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren, all loving and serving the Lord. Several of her family currently serve in various ministry roles in the Church of God, assuming the mantle worn by a cherished daughter of God.

Church of God Women’s Ministries honors the meaningful contribution of Finn Moore to the Kingdom of God and to the Church of God.

Meri Rivera

Meri was born Carmen Maria Rivera, but to anyone who has had more than a casual encounter with her, she is known as Meri. Talented singer, Bible teacher, conference speaker, author, and pastor’s wife. Many are those who benefited from her ministry, hospitality, and cuisine over seven decades of active service.

From the time she came to know the Lord as a teen, Meri’s devotion to ministry was evident. She taught children’s church within months of her conversion, where she learned to use her creative talents to plan lessons. She went on to lead youth ministry at the local and state level before moving on to adult ministries. Her openness to God’s leading prepared her for a life filled with changing roles as the wife of a Church of God ordained minister.

Meri’s life has served as a testament to what strong faith can do. Now close to 90, her health is declining, but her prayers and faith remain unshakable. Each day ends in prayers of gratitude for God’s goodness because, as one of her favorite hymns says, “His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me.”

Meri Rivera's Impact

Meri and her husband Roberto met during her time as a youth leader in Illinois. Over their 50 years serving together, they pastored churches in Puerto Rico and the United States and impacted ministry work throughout the Spanish speaking world. She was a state Women’s Ministry director for the Southeast Hispanic Region and served on the International Women’s Ministry Board for the Church of God.

In the 1970s, Roberto served as president of what is now the Theological University of the Caribbean in Puerto Rico. A small staff and even smaller budget meant that Meri took on roles as house mother, shopper, and cook without compensation. She recalls times when food and funds were scarce and prayer became the primary resource to meet needs – all while managing her own household with three young children (Carlos, Verenice and Mari.)

The Riveras spent a decade in Texas as directors of the Church of God Publishing House, a role that allowed Meri to share insights in monthly articles for women. She fulfilled a dream of writing her life testimony following Roberto’s death in 2009 in a book titled “Se Puede” – loosely translated “It Can Be Done.” In it, she encourages readers to see obstacles as opportunities to trust God and accomplish His will.