By Glenn Dromgoole

I like the haiku poetic format of three lines totaling 17 syllables – five in the first line, seven in the second, five in the third – each line communicating a thought. The rhythm just seems to work for me — I’ve written about 300 of them over the years on topics ranging from golf and baseball to Jesus and Texas and downtown Abilene.

Here are a dozen haiku having to do with my home church, First Central Presbyterian. You could probably write them just as well about your church.

Abilene’s first church:
founded before the city,
been here ever since.

Communion: not a
Presbyterian table —
all are welcome here.

At the food pantry:
feeding the poor and hungry —
it’s all about love.

B.O.B.S. volunteers start
early every morning —
breakfasts, sack lunches.

Smile at the stranger
who took your regular pew –
we’re a friendly church!

Cliff, Carlo, and Grace
preach thought-provoking sermons — 
with at least one point!

A thousand members –
a million-dollar budget –
a mission focus.

Festival of Faith
brings noted speakers to town —
all are invited.

Holy Week lunches:
the downtown churches promote 
Christian unity. 

Cookbook published by 
Presbyterian Women —
tasty recipes.

Wednesday night programs –
little of this, little that –
always worth your time.

Movies in summer –
Sunday night, lots of popcorn,
provocative films.

Glenn Dromgoole is an author and Presbyterian elder. He and his wife Carol own Texas Star Trading Company in downtown Abilene.