We came again,
to that small home in Bethany
home to two sisters
and a now risen brother
Three believers, friends
of the Christ, the savior
God made flesh
at the beginning of his Passion
Three richly blessed friends
who teach us lessons
as they were taught,
of the essential things,
of His nature,
of belief itself
the value of things
Anointed now
by the faithful sister
the one who sat and listened
whose tears
led Him to cry
Anointing his feet
with fragrant oils
wiping them with her hair
extravagant love
from a woman, a family
well-blessed
March 28, 2007, April 7, 2007 16:20
Based on the sermon,
“Extravagant Love” by
the Reverend Lori Eldredge,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH on March 25, 2007
John 12:1-8
and Luke 10:38-42, and John 11:1-44
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,330+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Saturday, April 07, 2007
We carried the Christ
A Maundy Thursday,
dressed in black
feeling more acutely perhaps
meaning in the stripping,
the solemn steps
darkening the sanctuary,
after the meal,
the washing of the feet
leaving in silence
carrying the Christ
from the Garden
to the cross
April 7, 2007 15:59
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,320+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
dressed in black
feeling more acutely perhaps
meaning in the stripping,
the solemn steps
darkening the sanctuary,
after the meal,
the washing of the feet
leaving in silence
carrying the Christ
from the Garden
to the cross
April 7, 2007 15:59
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,320+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Waiting for the Morning
(Thursday)
A stark simple meal
washing our feet
stripping the church
carrying out the Christ
on the cross
(Friday)
Another day,
in the church
rich meaning
the words of the Passion
in the Gospel
a dead savior
carried out,
wrapped, placed in the tomb
(Saturday)
Holy Saturday
prepared oils, spices
to anoint His still body
We too, waiting
expectantly, for the morning
April 7, 2007 15:34
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,330+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
A stark simple meal
washing our feet
stripping the church
carrying out the Christ
on the cross
(Friday)
Another day,
in the church
rich meaning
the words of the Passion
in the Gospel
a dead savior
carried out,
wrapped, placed in the tomb
(Saturday)
Holy Saturday
prepared oils, spices
to anoint His still body
We too, waiting
expectantly, for the morning
April 7, 2007 15:34
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,330+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Providential Provision
How unlikely our journey
since my unemployment
almost two and a half years ago
we continue to be amazed, awed,
by the provision of the Lord
the bounty, the daily bread
that is there, enough for the day
excess spoiling, like the manna
in the desert, needing to turn
to rely on God for the provision
the meeting of our needs
in unexpected ways
April 4, 2007 20:16
Isaiah 41:17-20
Psalm 23
Exodus 16:10-15
since my unemployment
almost two and a half years ago
we continue to be amazed, awed,
by the provision of the Lord
the bounty, the daily bread
that is there, enough for the day
excess spoiling, like the manna
in the desert, needing to turn
to rely on God for the provision
the meeting of our needs
in unexpected ways
April 4, 2007 20:16
Isaiah 41:17-20
Psalm 23
Exodus 16:10-15
All of my
poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005,
2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. All rights reserved. Contact me
at Ray Foss
for usage. See all 26,260+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry
Where You Live.
Thinking of Us First
God provided
in the most mysterious way
when a car died
and a man gave us a gift
He was a friend indeed
giving us his car
while he was
in the Emergency Room
An unexpected, extraordinary
answer to prayer
April 4, 2007 20:08
Isaiah 41:17-20
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,330+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
in the most mysterious way
when a car died
and a man gave us a gift
He was a friend indeed
giving us his car
while he was
in the Emergency Room
An unexpected, extraordinary
answer to prayer
April 4, 2007 20:08
Isaiah 41:17-20
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,330+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Extravagant Love
Of Man, of Woman
of the King
We see the prodigal son,
the fatted calf
we see the fragrant oil
washing of his feet,
anointing his head,
the washing with tears,
wiping with her hair
uncommon, extravagant gifts
poured out in love
Lessons before the sacrifice
of the lamb
that Passover
Long ago
March 28, 2007 and April 4, 2007 19:56
Based on the sermon,
“Extravagant Love” by
the Reverend Lori Eldredge,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH on March 25, 2007
John 12:1-8 & Luke 15:11-32
See also Mark 14:3-9 and Matthew 26:6-13
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 20,770+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
of the King
We see the prodigal son,
the fatted calf
we see the fragrant oil
washing of his feet,
anointing his head,
the washing with tears,
wiping with her hair
uncommon, extravagant gifts
poured out in love
Lessons before the sacrifice
of the lamb
that Passover
Long ago
March 28, 2007 and April 4, 2007 19:56
Based on the sermon,
“Extravagant Love” by
the Reverend Lori Eldredge,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH on March 25, 2007
John 12:1-8 & Luke 15:11-32
See also Mark 14:3-9 and Matthew 26:6-13
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 20,770+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Anointing Oil
Anointing his head,
his feet, oil for royalty
for burial
So much meaning
in the layers, the differences
the telling of the story
of the extravagant love,
the anointing of the king
at the dinner party,
the spilling, pouring out
of the precious oil
a worthy gift
for the king
March 28, 2007
Based on the sermon,
“Extravagant Love” by
the Reverend Lori Eldredge,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH on March 25, 2007
John 12:1-8
See also Mark 14:3-9 and Matthew 26:6-13
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,330+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
his feet, oil for royalty
for burial
So much meaning
in the layers, the differences
the telling of the story
of the extravagant love,
the anointing of the king
at the dinner party,
the spilling, pouring out
of the precious oil
a worthy gift
for the king
March 28, 2007
Based on the sermon,
“Extravagant Love” by
the Reverend Lori Eldredge,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH on March 25, 2007
John 12:1-8
See also Mark 14:3-9 and Matthew 26:6-13
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,330+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
A Year’s Wages
How much could the split oil have bought
how many lives would it have touched
how wasteful it must have seemed
to those who didn’t truly understand
those misguided, unseeing disciples
Perfume, from far away lands, strong smelling
pungent balm, spilled on the Master’s feet
by Mary, in the house with Martha
and the risen Lazarus, how out of character
how surprising His answer, his affirming
of her rash action, in His knowing of this being his time
He was being prepared, readied, for his final journey,
to the garden, the courts, the skull, the cross, the grave
Before the Easter ‘morn, still to distant to comprehend
How much it could have bought,
how great a price He paid
after the oil was spilled,
wiped by her tears, her hair
What is the cost of a year’s wage
when compared to His gift
March 28, 2007, April 4, 2007 19:32
Based on the sermon,
“Extravagant Love” by
the Reverend Lori Eldredge,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH on March 25, 2007
John 12:1-8
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,330+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
how many lives would it have touched
how wasteful it must have seemed
to those who didn’t truly understand
those misguided, unseeing disciples
Perfume, from far away lands, strong smelling
pungent balm, spilled on the Master’s feet
by Mary, in the house with Martha
and the risen Lazarus, how out of character
how surprising His answer, his affirming
of her rash action, in His knowing of this being his time
He was being prepared, readied, for his final journey,
to the garden, the courts, the skull, the cross, the grave
Before the Easter ‘morn, still to distant to comprehend
How much it could have bought,
how great a price He paid
after the oil was spilled,
wiped by her tears, her hair
What is the cost of a year’s wage
when compared to His gift
March 28, 2007, April 4, 2007 19:32
Based on the sermon,
“Extravagant Love” by
the Reverend Lori Eldredge,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH on March 25, 2007
John 12:1-8
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,330+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Fragrant Oil
Fragrant oil,
filled the room,
at its pouring
spilling out,
expensive and rare,
falling on the feet
the dusty feet,
of the king,
anointing tired
walking feet
traveling feet
of the messenger
the Savior
Poured out in love,
in caring, in prescience
by Mary, the disciple too
Soothing the feet
of the healer, the Son
before the final march
the plodding climb
to Golgotha,
the skull,
the cross
March 28, 2007, April 4, 2007 19:23
Based on the sermon,
“Extravagant Love” by
the Reverend Lori Eldredge,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH on March 25, 2007
John 12:1-8
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,330+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
filled the room,
at its pouring
spilling out,
expensive and rare,
falling on the feet
the dusty feet,
of the king,
anointing tired
walking feet
traveling feet
of the messenger
the Savior
Poured out in love,
in caring, in prescience
by Mary, the disciple too
Soothing the feet
of the healer, the Son
before the final march
the plodding climb
to Golgotha,
the skull,
the cross
March 28, 2007, April 4, 2007 19:23
Based on the sermon,
“Extravagant Love” by
the Reverend Lori Eldredge,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH on March 25, 2007
John 12:1-8
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,330+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Palms on the Ground
Palms in their hands
waving in the hot air
sights and sounds,
expectation, excitement
“Here he comes!”
the healer, the prophet,
the Messiah, a king
for the poor, for the people
triumphal entry
into the Holy City
a rain of cloaks, of robes
of palms
falling under his feet
carpeting the dusty road
cushioning the steps
of the royal parade
April 2, 2007 11:00
Luke 19:29-40
waving in the hot air
sights and sounds,
expectation, excitement
“Here he comes!”
the healer, the prophet,
the Messiah, a king
for the poor, for the people
triumphal entry
into the Holy City
a rain of cloaks, of robes
of palms
falling under his feet
carpeting the dusty road
cushioning the steps
of the royal parade
April 2, 2007 11:00
Luke 19:29-40
All of my
poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005,
2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved.
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage. See all 27,390+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Sticky Hair
“Oh, gross!”
A chorus of groans
at the thought
of her sticky hair
in a world
without indoor plumbing
or hot water
regular bathing
teens hearing the message
at their level,
focusing first and foremost
on her sticky hair
March 28, 2007, April 2, 2007 9:50
Based on the sermon,
“Extravagant Love” by
the Reverend Lori Eldredge,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH on March 25, 2007
and the discussion in our Middle High
Sunday School class
John 12:1-8
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,320+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
A chorus of groans
at the thought
of her sticky hair
in a world
without indoor plumbing
or hot water
regular bathing
teens hearing the message
at their level,
focusing first and foremost
on her sticky hair
March 28, 2007, April 2, 2007 9:50
Based on the sermon,
“Extravagant Love” by
the Reverend Lori Eldredge,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH on March 25, 2007
and the discussion in our Middle High
Sunday School class
John 12:1-8
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,320+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Crash Cart
My eyes widened
in opening the box
Oh it was a meat lover’s pizza
Oh yes it was
visible cholesterol
layer on layer, taste on taste
dripping
Filling from the first bite
a small that would be
five meals for me and the girls
Yummy bad cholesterol
April 2, 2007 10:02
in opening the box
Oh it was a meat lover’s pizza
Oh yes it was
visible cholesterol
layer on layer, taste on taste
dripping
Filling from the first bite
a small that would be
five meals for me and the girls
Yummy bad cholesterol
April 2, 2007 10:02
All of my
poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005,
2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. All rights reserved. Contact me
at Ray Foss
for usage. See all 26,060+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry
Where You Live.
Mary, Mary
Such a gift, such cost
Spending, saving
expensive oil
special gift
burial oils, precious oils
Pour them out
at the Master’s feet
in love, awareness
of the teacher’s journey
foretelling the days ahead
the cross, the cave
Fragrant oil, anointing
the servant king
the Messiah, while he lived
March 28, 2007, April 2, 2007 10:44
Based on the sermon,
“Extravagant Love” by
the Reverend Lori Eldredge,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH on March 25, 2007
John 12:1-8
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 20,770+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Spending, saving
expensive oil
special gift
burial oils, precious oils
Pour them out
at the Master’s feet
in love, awareness
of the teacher’s journey
foretelling the days ahead
the cross, the cave
Fragrant oil, anointing
the servant king
the Messiah, while he lived
March 28, 2007, April 2, 2007 10:44
Based on the sermon,
“Extravagant Love” by
the Reverend Lori Eldredge,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH on March 25, 2007
John 12:1-8
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 20,770+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Oh Martha
Too busy to hear
to believe, to sit
to know, understand
the Master
Busy being perfect
the Proverbs 31 woman
Getting form right
all substance amiss
Metaphor for the law, the leaders
the people bent on earning
when grace is the means
and always was
Healing even from death
Stop Martha, slow down
hear the message
and believe
March 28, 2007, April 2, 2007 10:53
Based on the sermon,
“Extravagant Love” by
the Reverend Lori Eldredge,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH on March 25, 2007
John 12:1-8
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,320+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
to believe, to sit
to know, understand
the Master
Busy being perfect
the Proverbs 31 woman
Getting form right
all substance amiss
Metaphor for the law, the leaders
the people bent on earning
when grace is the means
and always was
Healing even from death
Stop Martha, slow down
hear the message
and believe
March 28, 2007, April 2, 2007 10:53
Based on the sermon,
“Extravagant Love” by
the Reverend Lori Eldredge,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH on March 25, 2007
John 12:1-8
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,320+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Foot Washing
No last supper,
no holy meal,
a foot washing,
instead
servanthood to the last
washing their feet
as a slave,
a servant
to them
he who would be king
who rode the donkey
who offered all
for all of us
no holy meal,
a foot washing,
instead
servanthood to the last
washing their feet
as a slave,
a servant
to them
he who would be king
who rode the donkey
who offered all
for all of us
April 4, 2007 13:14
Foot Washing
John 13:1-15
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 37,120+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Sunday, April 01, 2007
Her Hair
Her hair
caressed, massaged
washed his feet
anointing oil, spread
by her soft hair,
washed with her tears,
outpouring of love
of deep feeling,
maybe understanding,
of the path he was on
the road to the cross
for our sins, her doubt
washing his feet,
preparing him
for his death
boundless love
poured out
March 28, 2007 and April 1, 2007 21:50
Based on the sermon,
“Extravagant Love” by
the Reverend Lori Eldredge,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH on March 25, 2007
John 12:1-8
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,320+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
caressed, massaged
washed his feet
anointing oil, spread
by her soft hair,
washed with her tears,
outpouring of love
of deep feeling,
maybe understanding,
of the path he was on
the road to the cross
for our sins, her doubt
washing his feet,
preparing him
for his death
boundless love
poured out
March 28, 2007 and April 1, 2007 21:50
Based on the sermon,
“Extravagant Love” by
the Reverend Lori Eldredge,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH on March 25, 2007
John 12:1-8
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,320+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
A True Samaritan
He had a stroke,
we had no car.
He told his wife
to give us the keys,
while he was in the
emergency room.
Such was the gift
we received this month
from a neighbor,
a Samaritan
next door.
How blessed we are
when we let
God provide
in unexpected ways.
April 1, 2007 21:45
Isaiah 41:17-20
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,320+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
we had no car.
He told his wife
to give us the keys,
while he was in the
emergency room.
Such was the gift
we received this month
from a neighbor,
a Samaritan
next door.
How blessed we are
when we let
God provide
in unexpected ways.
April 1, 2007 21:45
Isaiah 41:17-20
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,320+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Peter was Peter
A name, oh what a name
his name to carry, into the world
into the sanctuary, to the pulpit
Is that a metaphor,
maybe a parable
a simile, a
surely an allegory
A metaphor of a servant
a leader who wasn’t always ready
but lead he did, after Pentecost,
believing in the message, the man
the savior he knew
How lucky to share that name,
to put on the mantle, the honor
the name of the rock,
the start of the rest
the rest of the story
after the son rose
a week from now
From glorious entry
into the holy city
to death and resurrection
rising to glory
for us all
To be witness, proclaimer
progenitor, namesake
minister, preacher
disciple and apostle
Yes, Peter was Peter
and we are lucky for it
April 1, 2007 21:33
In the children’s play at church today,
Palm Sunday, our lead pastor,
the Reverend Peter Hey,
played Peter
Luke 19:28-40
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,320+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
his name to carry, into the world
into the sanctuary, to the pulpit
Is that a metaphor,
maybe a parable
a simile, a
surely an allegory
A metaphor of a servant
a leader who wasn’t always ready
but lead he did, after Pentecost,
believing in the message, the man
the savior he knew
How lucky to share that name,
to put on the mantle, the honor
the name of the rock,
the start of the rest
the rest of the story
after the son rose
a week from now
From glorious entry
into the holy city
to death and resurrection
rising to glory
for us all
To be witness, proclaimer
progenitor, namesake
minister, preacher
disciple and apostle
Yes, Peter was Peter
and we are lucky for it
April 1, 2007 21:33
In the children’s play at church today,
Palm Sunday, our lead pastor,
the Reverend Peter Hey,
played Peter
Luke 19:28-40
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,320+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
A Cross of Palm
a living frond
folded, bend, broken
after the parade of celebration
marking the stand and end
of the Holy Week
Made by her hands
given into mine
Held now in prayer
between the enfolded
fingers of my hand
A supple living cross
which she made for me
reminding us how soon
praise and welcome
became pain and death
on the rugged cross
April 1, 2007 20:01
Luke 19:28-40
folded, bend, broken
after the parade of celebration
marking the stand and end
of the Holy Week
Made by her hands
given into mine
Held now in prayer
between the enfolded
fingers of my hand
A supple living cross
which she made for me
reminding us how soon
praise and welcome
became pain and death
on the rugged cross
April 1, 2007 20:01
Luke 19:28-40
All of my
poems and photographs are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002,
2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015.
All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray
Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)
for usage. See all 40,580+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Evangelism 101: It just takes one person.
This morning, I heard a very simple message, from the chair of our Evangelism Commission, on how we could each help grow the church, in a way that seems very attainable and simple. It just takes one person.
Who is the one person is that you might bring to Christianity, and into a deeper relationship with God. Think of a friend, or a relative, or a co-worker, or maybe a neighbor.
We who are here in church today have come to be Christians through several different ways, through different upbringings, through different Sunday school teachers; we each have different ideas. We’ve all come to know God at different stages / times in our lives. This is what creates the body of Christ, the arms, the legs, the ears, the voice.
What we all have in common, though, is that we all have had teachers: Maybe they were friends, or parents/grandparents, or a co-worker, or a neighbor.
We were taught: how to find peace in our lives, how to be content, who God is, who Jesus is; what churches do; How to care for others, how to console, How to greet the man on the street, how to pray; how to gain strength through praying. We learned what is meaningful to God.
And now we have become the teachers, the ministers.
It is our Baptismal and confirmation promise to spread this Good News as it was taught to us.
It is a gift. A life changing gift. A gift to be proud of.
We need to teach the public what main-stream Christianity is about. We must teach them what does go on inside these walls. And what we do outside these walls.
All it will take for us to double our membership here at Wesley is for each of us to bring just one person to this church this year. 250 active members would become 500. In 2 years, 1,000. 3 years, 2,000.
Gandhi once said, “We must become the change we want in the world.” Let us become that change.
Think of whom you can bring to Easter Service next week, or to a church function, to the plant sale, to the July 4th celebration, to our softball games, to Wanakee!
We need to be teaching Christianity to those who are unchurched, to those who have never been to Sunday school, those who don’t know what to expect inside this sanctuary. Those who don’t know the Lord’s Prayer or the Sermon on the Mount.
We are those ministers, those teachers.
Think of someone you can help.
Continue to pray for that person.
Let God guide you.
Amen!
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,320+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Who is the one person is that you might bring to Christianity, and into a deeper relationship with God. Think of a friend, or a relative, or a co-worker, or maybe a neighbor.
We who are here in church today have come to be Christians through several different ways, through different upbringings, through different Sunday school teachers; we each have different ideas. We’ve all come to know God at different stages / times in our lives. This is what creates the body of Christ, the arms, the legs, the ears, the voice.
What we all have in common, though, is that we all have had teachers: Maybe they were friends, or parents/grandparents, or a co-worker, or a neighbor.
We were taught: how to find peace in our lives, how to be content, who God is, who Jesus is; what churches do; How to care for others, how to console, How to greet the man on the street, how to pray; how to gain strength through praying. We learned what is meaningful to God.
And now we have become the teachers, the ministers.
It is our Baptismal and confirmation promise to spread this Good News as it was taught to us.
It is a gift. A life changing gift. A gift to be proud of.
We need to teach the public what main-stream Christianity is about. We must teach them what does go on inside these walls. And what we do outside these walls.
All it will take for us to double our membership here at Wesley is for each of us to bring just one person to this church this year. 250 active members would become 500. In 2 years, 1,000. 3 years, 2,000.
Gandhi once said, “We must become the change we want in the world.” Let us become that change.
Think of whom you can bring to Easter Service next week, or to a church function, to the plant sale, to the July 4th celebration, to our softball games, to Wanakee!
We need to be teaching Christianity to those who are unchurched, to those who have never been to Sunday school, those who don’t know what to expect inside this sanctuary. Those who don’t know the Lord’s Prayer or the Sermon on the Mount.
We are those ministers, those teachers.
Think of someone you can help.
Continue to pray for that person.
Let God guide you.
Amen!
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,320+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
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