"And a Verse for We" - A Poem by Robert Vincent McDowell

"And a Verse for We”
[A Poem in celebration of my 1st Year Anniversary at Athens First UMC]
By Robert Vincent McDowell

July 26, 2016

 Of The Year of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

I have a verse for we

On our first anniversary.

It is not hard to see

That I have so much glee.

You see, I am so very happy

Because of this church family.

You even like Cabernet,

Oops, I meant to say Cabaret.

We worship here every Sunday,

And serve here every First Saturday.

The music here is a solid A,

Thanks to a man named Dr. J.

It’s far-out to serve by a university,

And I would even say that it’s groovy.

Remember the water bottle give away?

People loved it on that very hot day.

Students who are on their way,

See our cross and stop to pray.

The children are cute at Growing Tree

I read them stories about my Westie.

Poster Rabbit is what they call me,

I’ve been called a lot worse, trust me.

I don't give up my quarters easily,

But they can’t compare to my Penny.

Can't wait for year two, what more can there be?
New elevator, atrium, and sanctuary.

More is in store for you and for me,

That’s why I offer this verse for we...

On this our first anniversary.

What I Won't Miss & What I Will Miss at Lancaster First United Methodist

What I Won't Miss and What I Will Miss at Lancaster First United Methodist

By Robert Vincent McDowell

June 7, 2015

Let's begin with what I won't miss. You are free to hiss, hiss.
I won't miss the Sunday I fainted, this was not on my wish list.
I won't miss hearing OH-IO, and my team getting the diss, diss.
I won't miss the drunk guy ring'n the church bell at night and then getting sick, sick.
I won't miss the tracks on my way to Crossroads, knowing I'll be late and shaking my fists.
I won't miss my Wednesday weekly bible study when Pearleene would kiss, kiss.
I won't miss the loud freezer alarm, that sounded like the landing of a huge space ship.
Yeah, these are the things I won't miss.

Now, let me tell you about a few things that I will miss, lest I be remiss.
I will miss all of you, especially the several little Methodists.
I will miss the ham loaves because there's no food better than this.
I will miss the great staff here who serve people with such great openness.
I will miss my short commute so that I could be so close to my beautiful princess.
I will miss your love and compassion during that year that my mom passed.
I will miss this place where I walked my daughter to begin her marital bliss.
Yeah, these are the things that I will miss.

But of all the things I will miss, nothing compares to what I have intentionally missed.

You have shown that by God's grace, you can overcome ANY challenge here at First United Methodist.

When I Say, "I am a Christian"

This past Sunday, a member of my church shared her testimony during worship and began with this poem by Carol Wimmer.  Since the church today is often viewed as self-righteous and overly judgemental, this poem is a really helpful way to remind those of us inside the church the true meaning of what it means to say, "I am a Christian."

When I say, “I am a Christian”
I’m not shouting, “I’ve been saved!”
I’m whispering, “I get lost!
That’s why I chose this way”

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When I say, “I am a Christian”
I don’t speak with human pride
I’m confessing that I stumble -
needing God to be my guide

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When I say, “I am a Christian”
I’m not trying to be strong
I’m professing that I’m weak
and pray for strength to carry on

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When I say, “I am a Christian”
I’m not bragging of success
I’m admitting that I’ve failed
and cannot ever pay the debt

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When I say, “I am a Christian”
I don’t think I know it all
I submit to my confusion
asking humbly to be taught

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When I say, “I am a Christian”
I’m not claiming to be perfect
My flaws are far too visible
but God believes I’m worth it

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When I say, “I am a Christian”
I still feel the sting of pain
I have my share of heartache
which is why I seek His name

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When I say, “I am a Christian”
I do not wish to judge
I have no authority
I only know I’m loved

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Copyright 1988 Carol Wimmer

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Poem in Honor of Virginia Rosberg's Retirement - June 26, 2011

Virginia

By Robert Vincent McDowell

Virginia.  Such a pretty name, but hard to rhyme.

What about Rosberg?  Maybe, but I’m run’n out of time.

How about a name change, like Mary, Pam, or Sally?

Nah.  You’ll find the word.  But just don’t diddle dally.

This is after all about the woman we all know and love.

Her notes always point us to the one who is above.

You can have your trumpet, your drums, and your kazoo.

But the way she plays that organ will make you a fan, too.

She likes her tea and her peanut butter sandwiches.

She proofreads the bulletin making sure of no glitches.

I’m not sure what we’re going to do come July 1.

It won’t be the same.  I’m going to miss her a ton.

Twenty-five years can go by really fast.

I’ve known her for just two and it’s been such a blast.

Wait, I think I have it.  This rhymes with Virginia.

But it makes no sense, ‘cus she’s not a Ninja.

Now that I think about it. This rhymes with Virginia.

Both of us were born in York.  That’s York, Pennsylvania.

But it doesn’t convey my heart for my dear friend, Virginia.

So I’ll end with this rhyme.  Virginia, we all love ya!

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