"Showtime"

showtime sunday morning
countdown to the first
of three chuch services
the first for the old folks
quiet, not too much music
the second for their children
and a few of their older grandchildren
keep it under control
the third is for the teenagers
lots of rock and roll hymns
what it takes to get them there
the babies are in the nursery
so they don't disturb
the service well rehearsed
who is sick who died
who are they we don't know
a few well placed hymns
sung by all communion offering
hymnals replaced by movie screens
directing the production
like the theatre a play
but what is missing
we are so busy with the business
should not the family
go to church together
babies and all
separated the minute
they enter the sanctuary
like life separates them
religion has become big business
too much for one pastor
now many pastors
catering to the congregation
how can we get them to come
how about the joy of Jesus
a new building make it entertaining
keep it moving faster and faster
pull up the church website
a schedule to equal any
and a life history of the pastor
scratching his ego
what qualifies him to preach
where does God fit into all this
the hustle and bustle follows
the families through the church doors
looking for answers to quiet
their bruised souls and stressed out spirits
going through the motion
can we fill this church service
with families together
will the crying of a baby
really cause the curtain to come down
make a joyful noise unto the Lord