Closure of Fortwilliam Park Presbyterian church 

I went to church in Belfast throughout all my youth

In Sunday school and bible class I was taught the truth.

The church was full and vibrant though solemn in it's way

Attendance was compulsory on every sabbath day!

Sitting in the front pew my behaviour was on show

The result of misdemeanours you wouldn't want to know!

With around eight hundred seats, pretty nearly full,

The worship and the teaching were good, as a rule.

The hall was underneath the church with kitchens and a stage

And as well as Sunday classes, plays and pageants were the rage.

Also used for indoor bowls and badminton as well

So it was multi-purpose as anyone could tell.

A lively church community, vibrant and alive

In our walk with Jesus we felt we could thrive.

Alas the population moved from around the church

Leaving that old building really in the lurch.

Instead of having hundreds coming through the door

Lately that has been reduced to forty souls, no more!

It was clear it had to close, and had been for some years,

But still the thought of closure filled my eyes with tears!

Last Sunday morning's service was the last that there will be

And I am slightly sorry I was not there to see.

Built in 1885, it served our Saviour well.

What will be it's future? Only time will tell.

I have got my memories of happy times inside

And I look on it with fondness and not a little pride.

Milton Keynes Colour

While walking round the golf course or driving on the grid

The colours of this thriving town can surely not be hid.

It doesn’t seem to matter at whatever time of year

Nature’s bright kaleidoscope will still be shining clear.

In central reservations or by the roadside  verge

The  colours of the rainbow will all the time emerge.

In spring the golden daffodils are waving in a row.

In summer flowers of every hue give a vivid glow.

In autumn all the trees conspire to gladden every eye

And in the winter’s grandeur coloured shrubs go gliding by.

I feast my eyes on everything as I go along

And my heart is moved to sing a very thankful song!

Disaster

When I hear of tragedies with many lives destroyed
From natural disasters with Nature’s power employed.
I shake my head in puzzlement and my anger grows
How can my God allow it? Only heaven knows!
I know that he creates all things for the use of man
But how can this contribute to his wondrous master plan?
The news from Indonesia fills my mind with sorrow
For all the tragic innocents who will not see tomorrow.
Earthquake and Tsunami blowing life away
From innocent young children who only want to play. 
My heart bleeds for the victims and those they leave behind,
The death and devastation really blow my mind!
A whisper in my inner soul tells me that you care 
For those in need of comfort you are always there.
I know you feel my anger, my puzzlement and pain
And, when I get to meet you, I know you will explain.
Lord, be with those who suffer in that land across the sea
And despite my angst and doubts still abide with me!