I wait for the worship service to begin
it’s 11 o’clock but things are not punctual here
however they are casual
old wooden pew no padding uncomfortable
the back slanted forward to keep us awake
not something I’ve had to endure in a while.
A huge central wooden cross
has big cruel nails driven in
where hands and feet would be
I’ve not seen that in a Protestant church
Communion table covered with fat white candles
which someone forgot to light
because the pastor is out of town.
More people arrive a few approach
to greet me we introduce ourselves
four names is about my limit
one woman sits on the pew in front of mine
turns around to hear my name and tell me hers
immediately she asks: Do you love Jesus?
yes I reply
that’s what matters she says in a happy way
hops up to move elsewhere
had I been thinking quicker maybe
I would have asked her the same
then wondered how she shows that love in the world
actually that’s not likely
I don’t want to intimidate people
she wasn’t as concerned
had I been a seeker hers could have been
an off-putting question.
As it is they will see me sing the old hymns
recite the Apostles’ Creed from heart
toss a check in the plate
wish folks the peace of Christ
someone who knows her way around
a church like this.
One of them will say
she said she loves Jesus
what was her name again?
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