The Unrecognized Face

The Unrecognized Face
by jl glass - December 9, 1998


I came to church to sit in my place
Only to find an unrecognized face

“That’s my spot” I wanted to say
“Couldn’t you come back some other day?”

You see I’ve sat there for many years
Laughed and prayed and shed some tears

It’s where I sit so pastor can see me.
The place where people expect I should be.

You should sit somewhere over there
God is still able to hear your prayer

Hurry up now and read my mind
I’m doing my best to try and be kind

Even though this may be your first Sunday
and your visitor letter will be sent on Monday

May I remind you you’re just a beginner
In fact you look like you could be a sinner

All the more you should understand
That people like me must make this demand

Before you feel welcome, please find your own place

and learn to protect it from the next unrecognized face.

______________

There are as many bars and nightclubs in America as there are churches. All three are places for people to meet, unwind, relax, and connect with their fellow man. There are small, medium and large neighborhood bars, nightclubs, and churches. Some cater to loud, some not so loud. There are some that cater to specific nationalities, sexual preferences, income brackets, and music styles. They all need parking lots and comfortable seating. They all have a God. They all have themes or personalities that fit their audience. They all need your money in order to survive. There's a lot they have in common.

The only difference is, the bars and nightclubs work hard to make sure you feel welcome. It's called customer service and they spend time and money training their employees to be good at it. The churches on the other hand....?

It would be nice if people could feel as welcome in church as they are at the corner bar.

Please make sure you help an unrecognized face
feel welcome at your church next Sunday.