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St. Margaret's Episcopal Church - A Center of Grace
Why Church? I'm Spiritual not Religious
We believe that God is present everywhere and always.
Worship at church helps us re-focus our attention to God’s presence and grace in our lives, in the community and in the world around us.
The church community supports our spiritual life during good times and bad - at our best and at our worst. At church we learn about the spiritual skills and attitudes that open us to the mystery and wonder of God.
At church we are connected to the wisdom of generations of Christians.
We come because life is difficult. We come because life is beautiful.
Please scroll down to see some things Church can teach us or remind us (or challenge us).
Awareness of God’s Presence
It is essential to know that we all have the presence of the peace of God within us, which we can get in touch with. Christians see inner peace as the presence of the Spirit of Jesus within us all. St. Paul explains this as the riches of God’s glory, which is the mystery hidden from ages and generations. It is “Christ in us, the hope of glory.” (1Col 1:27) “It is in this experience of the presence that will bring all people into one in Him.” (Eph 1:9-10) Look for the spiritual beyond the physical. Listen with a sense of wonder, not judgment.
How can I learn to access God’s presence?
Think about the presence of someone near you. As you become aware of their presence, you will begin to feel something internally. Use your emotional mind, not just your rational mind. Now be aware that you’ve just done something different. Now focus, not think, about the presence of someone who you love or who loves you. You are using your spiritual senses, not just your physical senses. Now sense the presence of Jesus Christ who is closer to you than anyone else and who loves you more than anyone else.
Dealing with Difficult Events
Thoughts determine feelings. Events do not determine feelings. Perspective is important. Epiphany is also about Seeing the Same Thing in a Different Way, not just Seeing a New Thing, and not Seeing a New Thing in the Same Old Way.
God’s Plan
Sometimes God pushes us from point A to point B in order for us to see (and move eventually to) point C. Sometimes we are pushed to point B by others, but God uses the new position to move us to point C anyway. Jesus was “pushed” to Nazareth from Bethlehem through Egypt. (Matthew 2:19-23)
Grief and Bereavement
Take your time. Experts say it takes seven years to fully grieve. Grieving is not a cold you are trying to recover from. Grieve a little every day. Even when you don’t think you need it. And start the Big Days early -Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries- especially the first time around.
Dealing with Difficult People
Ever notice that we tend to dislike the same type of personality trait or behavior? It is as if different people are presenting us with the same issue. And when we find a way to deal with the issue we discover we are working on our own soul and our relationship with God.
Dealing with Difficult Situations
Every crisis presents an opportunity. They offer an experience to develop spiritually. During these times, we have moments of clarification of priorities, relationships, and God. Look for them. Use them to grow and get better and stronger than before. Pray. Stay in community.
Raising Children
First be a good husband, wife, and adult. Let them see you pray. Not just to be an example, but to let them know that there is more to being good than your best efforts.
Marriage
First be a good person; then be a good team. Date and court each other intentionally, regularly, always. Problems don’t look so bad in the morning after a good night’s sleep and a healthy breakfast. If you choose to argue, argue then.
Worship and Prayer
It’s about re-connecting with God anywhere and anytime. The goal is not to eliminate the things that distract us, but the ability of those things to distract us. It’s acting upon the reality that we have a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Bible
The Word of God is Jesus Christ. The Bible is understood through the New Testament. The New Testament is understood through the Gospels. The Gospels are understood through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Outreach
Essential to a complete spiritual life. Loving our neighbor, stranger, and enemy complete the commandment to love God.
Giving to the Church
This is between you and God. Our giving is based on our response to God’s blessing. |
