Good and Bad News

It’s a sad and sorry state to drive past every day,
the little Baptist Church I once attended every Sunday.
Weatherboards are flaking paint and spouting needs repair.
The Cross is leaning at an angle and starlings nest in there.

And like so many others now I no longer do attend,
Sunday has so much to offer than to find some time to spend
an hour locked in worship that so dearly should be found,
and so I turned my back upon the Church that’s falling down.

Then a note was sent to everyone who once sat in the pews,
stating that on Sunday involved important Parish news,
and every baptized Baptist would be wise to now attend,
the little Church where many years bore comfort as a friend. 

Rumours spread like wildfire through pub or school and street,
that the Church’s days are numbered and that is why we have to meet,
but the Vicar kept his cat inside the bag for all he had to say,
was “Make sure you do the right thing and I’ll see you on Sunday”. 

Now like that cat with curiosity it’s killing all of us no doubt,
while we try to figure out just what the Vicar’s on about.
Is he throwing down some gauntlet? Will his news be good or bad? 
Or will he tell us all that progress, will claim this Church we had.

Every seat and up the back was crowded to the core.
The Vicar’s never seen so many in this little Church before,
and when he ranted fire and brimstone, us sinners couldn’t look at him,
then he took a breath and solemnly declared that things are grim. 

“This Church” He said, “As you can see, is desperate for repair, 
but there’s good and bad news for you folk who I believe do care.
The good news is we have the money for renovating to fulfil -
The bad news toward our Church is - it’s in your pockets still”.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018


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Date: 11/11/2018 7:19:00 PM
Oh, this is so well narrated! Bravo! And it resonates with so many, I'm sure. I can just feel the concern, hear the fire and brimstone --- and cringe at the gut-punch of the denouement. A FAVE for me, Lindsay. Best wishes, Gershon
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Lindsay Laurie
Date: 11/13/2018 7:05:00 PM
Hello Gershon … thank you for your positive comment Gershon. God will never leave, but some of the religions are getting bad exposure these days, so many don't donate to their church any more - thanks Gershon - Lindsay
Date: 11/10/2018 1:05:00 AM
Hi Lindsay, An excellent poem and so right you are. All of us are guilty of the same thing. I sometimes feel it is not the church that I have left behind or the communion that I don't want to have, priests are meant to be representatives of God and often I can not see or feel any spirituality in them, but go because I myself feel the need and urgency to be there for my own soul! Best wishes Jennifer
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Lindsay Laurie
Date: 11/13/2018 7:01:00 PM
G'day Jennifer … unfortunately the mighty dollar is the new God and most religions reach out for this new God. It is the individual who still knows the true God from the new God - thanks Jennifer - Lindsay
Date: 10/31/2018 1:32:00 AM
Great story, I hope the church gets repaired
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Lindsay Laurie
Date: 11/8/2018 5:57:00 PM
Hello Timothy … it's a constant battle like with most community groups these days. Thanks for reading and commenting Timothy - Lindsay
Date: 10/29/2018 4:16:00 PM
Well done, Lindsay! Aloha! Rico
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Lindsay Laurie
Date: 11/8/2018 5:55:00 PM
G'day Rico … thanks once again Matey. I'm back on track after a short holiday - Lindsay
Date: 10/29/2018 11:58:00 AM
Lindsay: Just a follow-up to this outstanding write. I sent it to my pastor and an Air Force Chaplain friend suggesting it would make great sermon material for "generous giving" when they hit the congregation for next years budget! This was one of your best - Bob
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Date: 10/29/2018 11:30:00 AM
I suspect the two closing lines made sinners and saints alike squirm in their pews! Another "souper" write from your very witty and talented quill, old matey! A g'day on ye! - Bob
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Lindsay Laurie
Date: 11/8/2018 5:54:00 PM
Thank you Bob for your fine comment once again. I appreciate you keeping in touch and as for sharing my writing, I couldn't be happier if it brings a smile to someone - Lindsay
Date: 10/29/2018 5:54:00 AM
G'day Lindsay, I hope everyone can make their pockets a little lighter for a much deserved purpose. Blessings mate - Charlie
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Lindsay Laurie
Date: 11/8/2018 5:49:00 PM
Hello Charles … thanks for reading and commenting Charles. It's a constant battle down here for small church groups to keep going. Sadly, some of the churches around have become residential - Lindsay
Date: 10/29/2018 3:58:00 AM
Haha dig deep, be generous. Brilliant rhyme Lindsay. Tom.
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Lindsay Laurie
Date: 11/8/2018 5:41:00 PM
G'day Tom … thanks for your comment Tom. A nice subtle way to remind the congregation - Lindsay
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