A Church With A Gable Roof (poem)

 

May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, 6so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. Romans 15:5-7


A Church With A Gable Roof


Not far from the river, not far from the falls,

A church with a gable roof quietly calls:

“Come in to worship, come in to hear,

I will not collapse, you’ve nothing to fear.”

 

“I’ve room for a jacket, a spot for your coat,

A roll if you’re hungry, some tea for your throat.

There’s room to come forward, or sit at the back.

So enter my doors, after your snack.”

 

“My chapel is ready, the pews are aligned,

A message is waiting, a soul for to find.

I charge no admission, the sermon is free,

My gospel commission is pure liberty.”

 

“I ask no confession, your silence is fine,

In pure meditation, all hearts will align.

There’s bread on the table, a cup filled with wine,

The emblems are offered to serve as a sign.”

 

“The cross on the chancel, impressively high,

Reminds of a savior willing to die.

The colored light passing through glass now aglow,

Rests on the travelers assembled below.”

 

So come in with your troubles, then open your heart,

Let burdens be lifted before you depart.

Then remember the church with the gable roof calls:

Come into my chapel, come into my halls.”


(Written in 2019, when I was Pastor of the Niagara Falls-Lewiston Congregation, Community of Christ). 

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