Once Upon a Pew

I published this in the bulletin here before, a little over 3 years ago. But in thinking about our call for Bible class teachers (and Bible class attendance!), it came to my mind again. Of course, it goes beyond just Bible class—with restarting our Wednesday evening services this summer, our new Sunday night routine, and numerous other opportunities for service as we try to reengage after an unusual last 18 months, there are constant announcements made and items in the bulletin requesting volunteers. And that does not even account for how you can come up with ideas of your own. The church needs you! All of you! You’re valuable. Don’t just be a pew-warmer. Get involved! BP

Once upon a pew I sat.

And heard the preacher ask

“We need someone to teach an adult class,

Now who will take this task?”

Then God sat down beside me there

And said, “Son, that’s for you.”

“But, Lord, to stand before a class

Is one thing I can’t do.

Now Brett or Don would be the men to call,

There’s nothing they won’t do.

I’d rather hear the lesson taught

From here upon my pew.”

Once upon a pew I sat,

And heard the preacher ask.

“We need someone to teach a children’s class,

Now who will take this task?”

Then God sat down beside me there

And said, “Daughter, that’s for you.”

“But, Lord, to stand before a class,

Is one thing I can’t do.

Now Kelli or Cayla would be the ones to call,

There’s nothing they won’t do.

I’d rather hear the lesson taught

From here upon my pew.”

Once upon a pew I sat,

And heard the preacher ask,

“We need someone to lead the songs,

Now who will take this task?”

Then God sat down beside me there

And said, “Son, that’s for you.”

“But Lord, to sing before a crowd,

Is one thing I can’t do.

Now Ernie or Phil will do the job,

There’s nothing they won’t do.

I’d rather hear the people singing

From here upon my pew.”

Once upon a pew I sat,

And heard the preacher ask,

“We need someone to keep the door,

Now who will take the task?”

Then God sat down beside me there

And said, “Son, that’s for you.”

“Saying things to strangers, Lord,

Is one thing I can’t do.

Now Orville, he can talk to folks

There’s nothing he won’t do.

I’d rather someone come to me

And greet me on my pew.”

As the years just seemed to pass me by

I heard that voice no more

Until one night I closed my eyes

And woke on heaven’s shore.

There were eight of us together there,

To face eternity.

God said, “I need just seven of you

To do a job for me.”

“O Lord,” I cried, “I’ll do the job,

There’s nothing I won’t do.”

But Jesus said, “I’m sorry friend,

In heaven there is no pew.”

-Anonymous