I, a Stranger

The body of our Lord Jesus Christ keep you in everlasting life…
Wish there was someone here I knew. It’s lonely being a stranger. I thought George and Sue said they came to this church. I guess not; I don’t see them anywhere. Come on, pay attention. You’re here to worship.

Send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve you…
Peace…that’s a laugh. My job is evaporating, the kids are driving me crazy, and I’ve never felt more lonely or frustrated. I really need to talk with someone.

The blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you forever…
Maybe I should leave during the last hymn. It would be easier. What if nobody says anything to me after the service? It’s hard being new in a church full of people you don’t know.

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord…
Relax, this is a church, the place where people are supposed to care about you and want to know you. Still, I wonder…

Thanks be to God…
Strange way to end a service. What do I do now? Awkward to be standing here where I don’t know anyone. What happens next?

 And how am I to face the odds of man’s bedevilment and God’s? I, a stranger and afraid in a world I never made. --A.E.Housman