THE JOURNEY SO FAR

our church is
homeless.
and we're happy to have it that way.
we will not be defined by bricks for
it is with character that
we build our sanctuary.
but...to have a living room
to be able to offer
a shower (a shirt)
a bed (a meal)
a home of some kind
a creative place
where sinners are ransomed
(and real.)
and oh that they would be healed
within our hospital.

on the floor
we would have
knees
(and dancing feet)
music, poetry and teaching
somewhere near the front.
the walls could hold
a home.
(as long as we make it home)
as long as we invite
the most high god.
the walls would hold
questions (answers?)
truth!
broken people (looking up)
to the roof that is finally
over their heads.
we would laugh
in the doorways and hallways.
there would be a kitchen
(the heart of the place)
where hungry mouths, eyes, and hearts
could come and rest.
there would be arms
(in this our building)
to carry and hold.

fists will be put to work.
artists will find wall space
and breathing space.
we would splash the windows
with the soiled water of our lives.
(He gathers us that way)
without bars at last
(a safe place?)
and then be cleaned.

there is no way to build this place
but that god would provide.
at his mercy we hope
for a square foot
(or so)
to house,
even for a while,
the dreams we have
for this our church

2006 anna claire till