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Arts
in Worship
Poetry, writings and art
submissions from our members are posted on this page. We are sharing
these creative expressions so that the Christian journey can be walked in
community.
A three week Adult Sunday
Series "Language of the Divine: Exploring Spirituality through
Poetry" has been a source of inspiration to those who have
participated. One of the study poems, "For the Sake of
Strangers" by Dorianne Laux, inspired Stephen J. Jeffries to share
his deeply personal experience of cleaning out his mothers' home following
her recent death. Per Steve, "We sold my Mom's house and
moved out the last piece of furniture last Sunday." Share your
comments with Steve on the church Facebook page.
Stephen J Jeffries
I stare at the vacant
house,
empty of the reason to
be filled with love and laughter.
Even memories seem a
distant dream.
I feel the tears of
grief and sadness. pressing against my eyes.
Like an ever filling
fountain, dammed up, eager to escape but
Fearful of the hollow
ending at the loss of grief.
Fearful of letting go
the sadness. What will fill it's space?
I step out, sightless
and numb, only to be blinded by the sunlight
That seems to have
escaped the darkness.
I push through the
rhythms of life that continue unaware but persistent.
Drawing me into the
light, leering me with children's giggles and
Music floating on the
crystal clear sunset.
My sadness takes me to
the edge, ready to become the wind.
Ready to become the
grief.
Surley as I feel the
closeness of the breeze,
A hand extends from
the glare of sunlight pulling me out of darkness
Into, out of, over,
and around,
I release the burden
of grief
Only to find, not an
empty vessel but an infilling of memories and smiles
Of a rich and joyful
life.
Becoming the grief is
two times death.
Filling the grieving
spaces with celebration
Pumps breath into that
which is breathless.
Hope by Stephen J Jeffries
I saw a tear roll down God's cheek today
as in her father's arms a child did lay.
Pushing and stretching to hold on to life,
we share her plight, each day each night.
When on falls victim to life's tragedies
We all feel the pain of what our lot could be.
Hold up your brothers, your sisters in love
seems to be the message from God above.
Our stories are the same, we all have the chance.
Give reason to hope, give reason to dance.
A nurse's touch, a doctor's smile
gives reason to hope for at least a while.
Give reason to hope, give reason to dance.
We all hold the power to heal in our hands.
Death can not conquer, it can not kill
The hope that is present, in hearts that fill.
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