A Poem from a St. Mark's Parishioner

A couple of months ago I had the opportunity to consult with Father Jack Brockman and a few vestry members at St. Mark's in Plainfield. During our discussion, one man mentioned that he was a volunteer who sat in All Saints many years ago when we opened our doors to the homeless in the dead of winter. (He continues this ministry to the homeless at St. Mark's.) Doug presented me with this poem that he wrote one night while keeping watch.

— Paul Greatbatch

The Shelter
by
Doug Van Demark

It stands as a great chamber,
Harboring God's children from the cold.
The lonely and poor,
The homeless and downtrodden.
It is God's House and on this night
As every night it gives rest to His own.

The dark vaulted roof enfolds this lot,
As under the shadow of His wing.
Vast is its reach,
And strong are its walls
And in peace these souls sleep
In His arms of stone.

Oh God, on this night of yours,
I thank you for this church
Which shelters your own.
How high these walls?
How deep this nave?
How very wide your love.