First Unitarian Universalist Church “We Are A Welcoming Congregation!” 2434 East Battlefield, Springfield, Missouri  65804-3980 phone: 417-883-3922     fax: 417-883-7680 e-mail: springfield@springfieldunitarians.org

A Ghazal in Memory by Jane Hoogestraat
presented September 12, 2004, at the 1st Unitarian Universalist Church of Springfield

For you a halo of silver stars
rises high over phantom twin towers.

The Shiraz vines grow in a displaced country,
we will drink the old wine for you.

We have replaced the photographs of hate,
we will boycott all of its prophets.

The mother notices the days of quiet sky,
the baby has stopped pointing to the planes.

Our children will learn, despite contrary evidence,
that one god still walks the deserts.

There are gardens fed by springs,
there are streams that still make glad.

In western Pennsylvania silver rain
over green fields falls to honor our heroes. 

They are still brewing Turkish coffee for you
in a sidewalk cafe on the lower West Side.

Those who knew you well remember
their happiest hours with you in this city. 

Those who knew you well speak often
of you, and we of them.

Surah XIII (The Cave) from the Koran
Oh Mankind! The messenger hath come unto you with the truth from your Lord.  Therefore believe.

Restrain thyself along with those who cry unto their Lord at morn and evening, seeking His countenance; and let not thine eyes overlook them, desiring the pomp of the life of the world.

Psalm 46 from the Holy Bible
Be still, and know that I am God. 
God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble. 
Therefore will not we fear,
though the earth be removed,
and though the mountains be carried
into the midst of the sea.

Khasi Unitarian Prayer
O God, root and source of body and soul, we ask for boldness in confronting evil. When you are within us, we have the power to countenance all that is untrue. O Father and Mother of all humankind, may we redeem our failings by the good work that we do. In the name of the one, the only God.

Last update: 05 May 2005
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