You're greeted at the door like at <br />Many churches, smiling faces <br />Bidding you welcome this morning <br /> <br />A huge window by the place of the candles <br />Lights the sanctuary with the help of a few background lights <br />There is something different in this place <br />Seen on the faces and movements of those just arriving <br /> <br />A pianist, drummer and great vocalists <br />Are just opening salvos in this <br />Wonderful place we chose <br />Or maybe it chose us <br /> <br />As the singing begins it's <br />Clear that everybody wants a voice; <br />They're here for similar reasons <br />We started to glean quite soon <br /> <br />You can see joy's energy reflected <br />In the voice and message of the minister <br />As she deftly and warmly moves us along <br />And in the caring looks and happy laughter from the rest <br /> <br />As the hour develops, I notice tears of joy on many faces, including mine <br />Perhaps we are all so happy that we have come to this place in our hearts <br /> <br />Sermons, songs, mediations, closings <br />Are infused with the same message: <br />This is a place that welcomes and teaches spirit's filling <br />Love and Joy and Peace and, maybe most of all <br />Forgiveness <br /> <br />There is a magnificent energy here that is fed <br />By these things. That's why the people are here: they <br />Are hungry for the message. <br />To be it <br />To live it <br />To love it <br />It forms their lives. <br /> <br />We've had to look to find such chemistry. I'm glad we found it.<br /><br />Ray Andrews<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/a-special-place-for-people-of-all-faiths/
