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If not Here...Then Where?

by Maureen Glaude

Church is where
I seek and count on
peace, hope, harmony
in my own
and my congregational life,
and spiritual guidance
from our clergyman
on behalf of Our Lord and God

Church is where
I seek counsel and inspiration
to summon that highest part of me
and where I trust in and expect
honest collaboration
among all our members

Church is not where
I expect to learn of
whispered conspiracies,
failure to revere
and behind closed doors
competition for control
refusal to give and take graciously

Church is where
we pass the peace
welcome all, work and give
as one for God
not one for all or two or three

Church is where
we as children, still, continue
to grow up

so let’s put the preacher, people and
original purpose for meeting here,
ahead of the petty politics

as the Beatles' lyrics plead
“Give Peace a Chance”

for if it cannot be practiced in church -
as microcosm for society -
then where on earth...?

06/02/2006

Author's Note: draft

Posted on 06/02/2006
Copyright © 2024 Maureen Glaude

Member Comments on this Poem
Posted by Rula Shin on 06/02/06 at 08:54 PM

I understand the sentiment, but well...HERE is a very personal place, and it's location isn't relative to external geography, but presence of the spirituality within. How can HERE be in a location THERE? In any case, I don't think many institutions can transcend petty politics when politics are the walls forced upon the foundation (the idea) in the application/implementation. Maybe it's not the consecrated building or the community that shares our faith which will ultimately bring us close to our ABSOLUTE, but our own inner spiritual growth which is HERE wherever we ARE, church or not. If one can't find "peace, hope, harmony" within, then how will one find it anywhere else? Well, that is my take anyway. A powerful statement you make here and a wonderful poem that got me thinking deep.

Posted by Ashok Sharda on 06/03/06 at 02:41 AM

WEll, where there is power and money and mediocres at the helm of affirs, we know what happens. Its always good to find a quiet place within and build our temple here, where we can go and BE with our selves and our God if he wishes to come and be with us.

Posted by Christel Crews on 06/03/06 at 02:50 AM

could i scream this from every pulpit across america? i love my faith but i hate the religion.. if you know what i mean.. this piece is so important. it needs to be read.. such a powerful message and clearly written

Posted by Chris Sorrenti on 06/03/06 at 03:23 PM

Well stated Maureen. If not in church, then where on Earth? The Human Condition being what it is though, personality all too often wins over ideals and good intentions, and less than reverant thoughts and conversation mix and sadly make their way into the mix. A good poem to submit to your church's newsletter if it has one, and judging by some of the other comments, it will gradually make its way into other denominations and related places of worship.

Posted by Elizabeth Jill on 04/10/09 at 10:38 PM

I hope this can be placed in every gathering of Believers. It is growth mindful.

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