First United Methodist Church

Dear Friends,

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I am writing today’s devotion from the little town of Puno, Peru.  Diane and I flew to Lima last Wednesday where we spent a few days before another flight to Puno.  We’ll spend a few days here before heading to Cuzco and then to the Incan ruins of Machu Picchu.  One of the things we enjoy in our travels is experiencing different cultures and all they offer.  We have sampled some new foods, visited beautiful places and experienced the worldwide language of kindness and hospitality. 

 

As I write from the little table in our hotel room, it is 8:30 p.m. and there is the sound of a very loud band with huge drums echoing throughout the city.  This is a celebration day.  At around 8 p.m. the band began a procession through the streets, led by a statue of the Virgin Mary carried by four men.  Behind them are dancers and a band.  When I heard the sound, I rushed from our sixth floor hotel room to watch the procession.   

 

I don’t really understand the reason for the procession, although I can understand that it has religious significance for the community.  At the city square where the procession began there were many people watching.  But as they made their way beyond the city square, they continued to dance and make music in the darkened streets.  It became the inspiration for this devotion. 

 

I thought of worship as the public event where we all gather.  We worship with others to witness to our faith.  But there comes a point when we continue with the songs of faith guiding our steps beyond the doors of the church.  In those moments, few people are watching, but our faithfulness doesn’t end.  And like the band which has moved well beyond my hotel room, I can still hear their witness of faith with the resounding drums.  I can no longer see them, but I know they are there.   

 

Worship is what we do when we come together on Sunday morning (or other special occasions.)  But it doesn’t end there.  Our worship continues as we live our faith throughout our community, in our everyday activities, in our work, when everyone is watching and when no one is watching. May our worship and faithfulness be evident in all that we do on Sunday morning and throughout the week, in church and in the public square.   

 

Peace,

 

Howard