Ushering at St. David's Church

Sixty people are at the ten o'clock Sunday service.
The choir is off for the summer.
The usher schedule is a hand-written document,
Available only at the rear of the church.

The head usher, who is eighty-seven,
Has phoned in sick to one of the regular ushers.
Two other regulars show up early; learn one is scheduled.
Both take up welcoming stations at the entryway.

Later, the temporary head usher for the day
Tells us he's in charge, has recruited another.
Thus four ushers march up the aisle,
Plates in hand, to collect offerings from the faithful.

Most people pass the plate on, having contributed monthly.
The plate offerings look rather meager.
Nevertheless, the plates are bagged, carried proudly to the altar.
Followed by a wobbly singing of the Doxology.

St. David's is a caring family of worshipers.
Everyone knows everyone, or about everyone.
Thirty people are on the prayer list.
Many of those in attendance are very old or disabled.