Faith Statement
Why are we here? I’m just asking a simple question into why we have decided to gather in this
building today. My personal answer to that question has evolved over the years.
When I was young, the answer to that question was simple: I went to church because my
parents told me so. Our family belonged to a small town church where, in general, everyone
seemed to look and think alike
Going away to college, I discovered not everyone thought as I did. I found myself becoming
increasing disillusioned about organized religion. It seemed to me to be more divisive than it
was healing.
My thinking remained that way until my late 30’s when our oldest son was born. I remember
saying that something is going on here that is way beyond my comprehension. I found myself
looking to organized religion to take me out of my narrow world and re-open my mind to
ponder the larger issues of our existence. That is when we joined St. Andrew Presbyterian
Church in North Columbus.
In 1985, our family moved to Dublin. After some searching for a church home, we became
charter members of DPC. We knew our young sons would be exposed to the Presbyterian
tradition of worship and childhood education at DPC.
If you asked me then why are we here . . . I would have said it was for the kids.
In 2001, I experienced a life changing event. That August as our younger son, John, was
preparing to enter his Freshman year at Hanover College and our oldest, Brian, was ready to
begin his Senior year at Elon University . . . I had a heart attack. The attack was followed
immediately by bypass surgery and two days later, I had a stroke. From the hospital, I went to
Dodd Hall for 6 weeks of rehabilitation to deal with the effects of the stroke. Under those
circumstances, it became imperative to sort out priorities. I can assure you that the support
and encouragement of our DPC family was essential in my family’s journey through this
process. This included transporting John to college; numerous meals delivered to our home
and ongoing spiritual support among other things. Never had I imagined I would be the one
who needed the prayers and support of our faith community.
I recently turned 75. As I reflect back to my days as a youngster, I felt I had all or most of the
answers in life. As life and education has readjusted my thinking on many issues, I have found
the core values I learned as a youth in church have remained unchanged.
That brings me back to the original question. Why am I here now? I’m here to provide my
emotional and financial support to the DPC Community so this and future generations can grow
in their faith journey as I continue to grow.
It’s the best investment I have ever made!
Rex Zent
August 21, 2016