Church Cleaning

This is Dedicated to all of the Church Cleaners in the World…

Theology in the Trenches

By Kathleen Kjolhaug

Outside, the day was quiet but not as quiet as the little sanctuary nestled amongst the pines.  Within the white steepled building all was calm.  The only tell-tale evidence of anyone else present was the echoing sound of the latch on the door rattling every so often as those who chose to enter made their presence unintentionally known.

The sacred dust being removed from the recesses of the heat registers, the window sills, and the shelving units becomes holy business.  Sorting out the broken crayons the youngsters have spent time with becomes routine.  While His words in sermon form fall upon souls, busy little hands make use of these very tools creating keepsakes for those nearby.   Books put back in order after many a borrower shares content from cover to cover becomes part of the job description of the church cleaner.  Checking off as each job is complete becomes an obsession, bringing much satisfaction to the job doer. 

“Old English” brings out the wooden grains once again, and the pews become aglow as the reflective sunlight pours through the window.  Piano keys sparkle and await Sunday’s blessings as the music is already in the air.  Hearing it from yesteryear is not difficult in the quietude of the little church.  “Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine, oh what a foretaste of the glory divine!  This is my story, this is my song…” 

Under, over, around and about brings one to their knees when cleaning the church.  No matter how it’s done, it simply cannot be finished without this position being produced at some point.  And, when one is in prayerful posturing, one cannot help but be blessed by the saints who have gone before us, and it is noted  No doubt it’s been the faithful followers wearing out the kneelers, the pages of the song books, and the carpet leading to and from so many pathways within the building. 

One cannot help but wonder whose feet have made their way up the balcony steps or found their way to the altar.  While roaming about, one cannot help but notice the connecting beam nearby…the banister…bringing with it a gentleness all its own.  Winding its way up from the basement to the foyer, to the balcony, to the overhang of said area, each touch of the wooden structure becomes an honor to be among those who have been upheld by its strength. 

1 Peter 4:11 speaks of this strength.  “Whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies…in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.  To him belong the glory and dominion forever and ever.” 

As we go forth being people who make banisters, or people who sell them, or market them, or haul them, or are a people who store them for people needing banisters…or if we are people who install them, people who clean them, or people who are upheld by them…to God be the glory both now and forever.  Amen.