Poetry

From as far back as I can remember,  I've been writing poetry for every occasion.  For birthdays, for departures, for school assignments, for newsletters, for brochures, for sermons,  for contests, and for an anthology of poems.  On and on the poetry trail goes.  I figured out today, that I have probably left a considerable legacy of poetry along the byways of my life. Most of it is just frivolous fun, from one who loves to play with words.

One of those poems came back to me today.  It was sent by a former parishioner, because a poem I had written had found its way into this month's church newsletter from a church I served long ago!

The preface to the poem said this:

Church History Trivia
       April 6, 1997  (15 years ago) Christ United Methodist Church celebrated a Mortgage Free Ceremony during the church service followed by an actual burning of the mortgage in the parking lot.  This signified that the church wing housing the fellowship hall, kitchen, offices and Sunday School rooms, etc. was completely paid for within 9 years of the project's inception.

Welcome to this glorious day

when we gather to celebrate

the end of a mortgage held

Reaching its terminal date.

God has richly blessed us

and made us heirs each one

of all the love and labor

by others--faithfully done.

At first there was a dream

and then a dollar or two

A ground-breaking, a capital campaign

and lots of money due.

Many kept their promise

those not lightly made

to pledge in faith to a dream

Til all the debt is paid!

We thank you God for

Trustees, for long range planners too

For Endowment Funds and Pastor

Which helped it all come True!

Rev.  Nancy Rehkugler