Messy Poem

22 July 2010

I met Margo in Canada at the Ladner Fiesta, and she gave me this poem. I like the way that she implies that for real creative mess to take place, you actually need to be regimented and orderly to the nth degree and I like the description of the supper: 'an atmosphere fit for a king'. Very apt.

MESSY CHURCH
By Margo Matthews
Port Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada

'Come to the Messy Church' it read,
And nothing more in the ad was said.
Now what in the world is a Messy Church?
And who would want to worship God in a mess?
Wasn't God a God of order and neatness?
Weren't specific instructions given for the building of the Tabernacle?
And 'cleanliness is next to godliness' I recalled.
Would God's Holy Presence inhabit such a mess?
My mind conjured up all sorts of images...
Church pews scattered here and there
And not in an orderly symmetrical fashion;
A bucket of water and a mop right in the middle of the sanctuary,
A vacuum cleaner and dustpans on the floor to the left;
Garbage bags full of refuse in the corner;
Jay cloths and Lemon Pledge to polish the furniture,
Vases of wilted flowers knocked over -
Water spilling from the vases on the floor -
And what would 'unbelievers' think of such a mess in a house of worship?

My mind was in Total Confusion!!!

Like Columbus of old I wanted to explore,
Perhaps there is a new world out there
That I don't know exists - look what I'm missing!!!
My exploring mind said 'Go see for yourself!'
I went - and was I in for a pleasant surprise!
I looked and saw no mess whatsoever!
Tables neatly arranged with materials for crafts
Smiling faces of the greeters with their cheery welcome;
Pastor Paul with his usual sense of humour!
Ladies of the church with their camaraderie!
Kids' creativity explored as they use their hands
Fashioning crafts with a biblical theme;
Songs sung, stories told and prayers said
And then the Grand Finale!!!
A delicious supper served with Candlelight and Wine
An atmosphere fit for a king!
The kids as well as the adults enjoy the feast
But all too soon the end has come.
A Big Thank You to all the Volunteers
Who sacrifice their time and talent to bring
A blessing to those who attend Messy Church
'Only once a month!' I cried. 'What an awful pity!!!!'