LCAQD Synod Rhyming Reflection

LCAQD First Assistant Bishop Ben Hentschke shared this rhyming reflection at Synod, based on Colossians 3:15-17.

I thought today of something that will keep you all inside,
It was a bold idea, a grand idea, to keep this sermon alive.
I wondered how I would hold your attention?
Maybe pretty pictures or a strange new invention?
No, thought I, that is not what I’ll do,
I will try something different, try something new.
So I sharpened my pencil and got ready to write,
And thought that a preacher who’s rhyming would be quite a sight.
So friends now behold, I give you that sight,
And hope in my heart I get all these rhymes right.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your heart,
Paul’s wisdom and guidance, a great place to start.
As members of one body, we’re called to peace,
To be thankful always, let our gratitude increase.

Now picture the scene, a Saturday morning delight,
The kettle is boiling, the toast pops just right.
But then in what seems like a flash, the toast turns to coal,
And you can hear the dogs barking loudly, you’ve lost all control.

But Paul’s wisdom and words come through even in small things,
“Let the peace of Christ rule,” you remember, no matter what life brings.
So what, the toast is a bit burnt, and the dog’s gone berserk,
We can still find some peace, even when life’s a quirk.
Being one in the Spirit means we’re all in this together,
Like a big Lutheran family, come rain or come weather.
We might squabble and bicker, like who gets the last Tim Tam,
But we’re bound by Christ’s love, making us tighter than jam.

Now, Toowoomba’s cold might be quite the surprise,
Compared to Queensland’s warmth everywhere else under sunny skies.
But gathered here together at Synod, with warmth in our hearts,
We feel Christ’s love, and that’s the truth of where it starts.

Paul speaks of being members of one body, you see,
Each with a role, you could say, like parts of a tree.
Some are the roots, providing support and care,
Others the branches, reaching out everywhere.
Then there are leaves, absorbing light so bright,
Each part so essential, each adding to the sight.
The roots dig down deep, giving strength and life,
The trunk stands tall, enduring all strife.
The branches stretch wide, embracing the sun,
The leaves gather light, so life can still run.

And don’t forget the voices, singing loud and clear,
They’re like the birds in the trees, bringing joy and good cheer.
They lift our spirits with the words, and praises we sing,
Voices united, in worship, to God our mighty King.
Voices that teach and admonish, sharing wisdom and song,
In psalms and hymns, where our hearts truly belong.
Just as a tree needs every single leaf, branch, and root,
We need each and every member, every voice, every foot.

So let’s join together, with gratitude true,
In everything we do, let’s give thanks too.
Whether it’s in word or deed, big or small,
We do it for Jesus, the Lord of us all.

For the great gospel message, that Jesus lived and died, and rose again,
Reminds us that we have forgiveness of our sins and we are freed from pain.
Eternal life He offers, a gift so divine,
Through faith in Him, in heaven we’ll shine.

So as we gather here at Synod, remember this well,
We’re one in the Spirit, with unique stories to tell.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your heart,
Be thankful always, and let joy be your start.
Whether you’re leading the questions or having a chat,
Do it with joy, no matter where you’re at.
One church, one purpose, many ministries to share,
Christ’s love in our hearts, His message everywhere.
Let’s be one in the Spirit, bound in peace,
And let Christ’s love in our hearts never cease.

And as you go about your day, a little toast advice,
Keep an eye on the toaster, to avoid burning twice.
Peace and burnt toast might not seem like a pair,
But with Christ in your heart, joy’s everywhere.

The peace of God, beyond our understanding’s span,
Keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, it can.
Amen.