New in Town

The first time I worshipped at their church
About two months ago
I signed the registration card
So all of them would know

That I had just moved into town
And needed a little part
Of the loving concern for each other
That a Christian has in his heart.

I checked the proper boxes
To indicate my age
My marital condition
My sex, my spiritual stage.

No one smiled or shook my hand
When the services were through
And Satan whispered in my ear
“See, no one noticed you.”

But I stayed home each night that week
In hopes someone would call
It didn’t have to be the Preacher
Just any one at all

Who cared enough to take the time
In our dear Saviour’s Name
To bid a stranger welcome...
But no one ever came.

And then a thought came to my mind
That I’d like to share with you
Why should I sit and wait for others
To do what I could do'

So, I joined that church
And here I am...
Tonight is “visitation.”
We’re glad you came,

We hope you’ll stay
And join our congregation.

Ruth Gruennert

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