Playing Church

Playing Church

by Margaret Cagle

My sisters and I played church
When I was just a little kid.
I look back, and I remember
All the funny things we did.

One of us did the preaching
As she tried to talk like a man.
One of us sang a special song
While holding a cardboard fan.

We started our business meeting.
"Is there any old business?" we asked.
Then we would argue just a little
About all the unfinished tasks.

"Let's stop playing church!"
One Sunday the preacher said.
"Somebody must have told him,"
I thought as my face turned red.

My childhood days are gone.
I know what the preacher was saying.
When we just go through the motions,
It is like we're just church-playing.

Christians, let's not play church.
Let's meet in the spirit of the Lord
As we all assemble in our church
And worship our God in one accord.

Author: MARGARET CAGLE