May 4 Question of Faith: Why Worship?

Why do we worship? We gather as people of faith, I believe, because it enhances the relationship we already have with God. The energy, or resonance, we experience when we pray together, when we sign together, when we speak the liturgy together, when we greet one another is what helps to sustain us when we leave our places of worship. But, for me, worship is not primarily a place to "be fed"...that happens in small groups and education classes. The primary reason for worship is to acknowledge God's presence in our lives. It is a time to give God the glory for the blessings we have experienced, for the gifts we have been given, for the work we are privileged to do in the world. If we come into worship thinking it's all about us, we will have great difficulty ever seeing past our own stuff...time we could be spending sharing God's love with the world. What do you think? Click on "comments" and share your thoughts.
Blessings,
Pat Engel
Diaconal Minister

April 24's Question of Faith: Why Choose Peace?

In a society where success and first place and revenge and being "right" are placed in such high value, it is hard, really hard to choose peace. I spent an afternoon this week with a member of the Lakota tribe who spoke openly and gently about ways he and the people of his culture have, time and again, chosen peace over revenge and violence. He basically said, I can stand at the door of my people and defend them with violence or I can stand at that same door and welcome others in with peace. Whether we have that choice to make corporately or individually, if we choose anger, it only hurts us....anger always does more damage to the source than the "target".
Peace leads to healing, healing leads to wholeness; and whole is how God already sees us.

So maybe today's question is really "Why Choose?" as much as it is "Why Choose Peace?" Because it is an active, conscious choice. To what are we going to give the power...destruction or healing.

What do you think? Scroll down to the "comment" button and post your thoughts.

God's Peace,
Pat Engel
Diaconal Minister

Question of Faith for April 17th

Each week we ask a question to ponder about your faith and spiritual journey. There are no easy answers, but sharing your thoughts with others can prove insightful....click on "comment"
to share your response to this week's question: Who is responsible for the planet?

My response: All of us! It's Earth Day time and we can always stand to be reminded that everything we do effects the planet...from the way we shop (no plastics!) to how fast we drive (walk instead!) to the water we use (cut back on showers and lawn watering!) to the electricity we waste (one light on in the house per person in the house!) I have a policy to pick up one piece of trash (that is not my own) each day...if we all did that, the streets and sidewalks could be clean. God has entrusted us with being caregivers, not consumers, of the earth. May we take the privilege seriously.

April 10th's Question of Faith-What Good Is Prayer?

What Good Is Prayer?

Prayer, for me, is simply being in communication with God. Does bowing my head and folding my hands help me focus? Sometimes, but it is not required. Prayer is when I speak directly to God, silently or out loud' prayer is when someone comes to mind and I mentally place them in God's presence; prayer is being still and listening for affirmation, peace, nudges and grace.
Prayer is when I know I have messed up and need to say so. Prayer is asking when I don't understand. Prayer is thanking God for all the blessings.

Being in prayer draws me closer to God and to the person God wants me to be. Prayer centers, helps me focus, gives me courage, and reminds me that God and I are in this together.

What do you think?

Question for April 3rd: What Gives You Faith?

What Gives You Faith?

Each week we will post a question for you to consider and, if you would like, share your response.
These questions have no pat answers...some may lead to more questions. But asking is how we grow. Be sure to check out others' responses as well. May your journey always be guided by the companionship of the Holy Spirit.

Here's my response to this week's question:
My faith is nurtured and sustained by the people around me who trust God in tough times and give God the credit in good times. For me, faith is not a belief system (although we need those too), but rather the glue of my relationship with God. Any relationship requires a confidence and trust that you are "in this together". And my life experiences tell me that I have not been alone in the past...which gives me confidence that the same will hold true for the future.

Pat Engel
Diaconal Minister
Epworth United Methodist Church