Recently the Church I serve has taken to making its own bulletin after years of buying the bulletin covers from some company. One thing that I did not like about the old bulletins is that they often had poetry on the back that had really bad theology in the poetry. Plus, I was noticing that often people in the Church would cut out the poetry from the bulletin and stick it on their refrigerators. So, on the bulletins we are now making ourselves I am putting my own poetry. I don’t suggest that the quality of my poetry is any better than the quality of the poetry that was on the pre-bought bulletins but I am hopeful that the theology is better.
Heidelberg Catechism
Question 103
What doth God require in the fourth commandment?
Answer. First, that the ministry of the gospel and the schools be maintained; and that I, especially on the sabbath, that is, on the day of rest, diligently frequent the church of God, to hear his word, to use the sacraments, publicly to call upon the Lord, and contribute to the relief of the poor, as becomes a christian. Secondly, that all the days of my life I cease from my evil works, and yield myself to the Lord, to work by his Holy Spirit in me: and thus begin in this life the eternal sabbath.
O Glorious day of festive rest
In all the week the day that’s best
Day of Fellowship with God’s Clan
Day to hear God’s grace to man
Day to taste the wine and grain
Forgiveness swallowed, life proclaimed
God’s people join their voice to pray
And bring their alms on this Holy Day
The Lord’s day has a tale to spin
That I’ve given up my practiced sin
And by the Spirit I am blessed
To work the work that reveals I rest
This is one of my favorites!