Volunteers
By: Stella Roberts
In our church when there's work to do, we announce the project and accept the crew,
Who volunteer to clean and scrub, or rake and carry leaves out in a tub;
Or in the kitchen lay a floor, and bring some tools to mend a door;
Or bring some paint and brushes too, to brighten up the walls and pew.
Or on the ceiling put new blocks, and dust the old "old-fashioned" clocks.
Or from some scraps of another's rugs, make a runner with a pull and tug.
Or from a neighbor haul some sand, and mix cement with hoe in hand,
So we will have some steps to use, instead of blocks of old refuse.
And when the spouts begin to leak, bring some tar and mend the freak;
Or with some fingers that do not falter, hemstitch a cover for the Altar.
She will say "Bake up a storm", and there'll be baked goods in every form.
Or bring a lovely hand-carved dish for the Sunday School to offer what they wish.
Or when it's social time again, work so hard we'll need a fan;
Or write a column for the state news, that to our ice cream social they must not refuse.
And after freezing gallons by hand, there'll be room for them all to sit or stand.
Or bring a mower and cut the grass, so the lawn looks nice for those who pass.
Or when it's time for a Christmas tree, get one from the timber where they are free.
Save our coupons for silverware and Gold Bond stamps for another chair.
Or fill the pulpit when the Parson's late, and trust what you've said won't cause a debate.
And when the furnace is beyond repair, plan more projects to do or dare,
And when there are those who are sick or sad, visit them and make them glad,
That friends like these do really care, and their joys and sorrows they also share.
My Church
By: Stella Roberts
Through these doors, now worn and old, has passed a caravan untold,
Of those who proudly came to hear, the Word of God read loud and clear.
To them our humble thanks we give, to those who long ago did live
On this rugged virgin land, the beauty revealed by his own hand.
They searched and also found, this place to be their hallowed ground
On which to build a worship place, for those who trusted in his grace.
They gathered here from all around, and started building from the ground,
After hours of sweat and toil, this church was standing on their soil.
Then 'twas heard, come one and all, and many answered to the call,
There were the children to be blessed, and others who their sins confessed.
There also was the soldier boy, who came to share his greatest joy
Of serving God and Country, too, and telling all the Word was true.
There was the widow with her mite, who gave her pennies round and bright,
So others would also hear, the Word of God read loud and clear.
To some, this was the perfect place, to wed, and standing face to face,
A kiss, their sacred vow to seal, their hopes and prayers were now made real.
Dear Lord in heaven, we humbly pray, that we might serve as well today,
And that, through these doors now worn and old, might pass a caravan untold.
With these old doors flung open wide, might we be standing side by side
A helping hand to gladly share, to lift a load someone might bear.
A Tribute to Our Pioneer Folks
By: Dorothy Sowers Bielefeldt
Long ago they gathered, those friendly pioneer folks
To build a lovely little white church among the beautiful oaks.
They labored day by day, that God might have his way,
As they gathered here each week to pray, their Savior to seek.
One by one they left us, those first friendly pioneer folks,
But the little white church still stands among the beautiful oaks.
Once again we gathered here, still friendly country folks
In the 30's to restore this lovely little church, among the beautiful oaks.
We labored long and well, 'tis a sweet story to tell
About these country neighbors, who like the pioneer folks
Gathered here each week, their Savior to serve and seek.
Now pioneer days have passed, our little red school house is gone
Those sturdy pioneers, too, have all passed on
Leaving us their heritage in this sacred spot,
This church where they walked and talked with God.
Today we gather as before, to honor these pioneer folks,
Who built this lovely little church among the beautiful oaks.
We'll worship and we'll pray, that God will have his way
Blessing us as he did those sturdy pioneer folks
Who gathered here each week, their Savior to serve and seek
Here in this little white church, among the friendly oaks.