words, simple, true, few
saying so much with so few
revealing our souls
September 6, 2008
Saturday, September 06, 2008
Savior – haiku
Come to earth to save
save us from our sin our pain
we call on you Lord
September 6, 2008
save us from our sin our pain
we call on you Lord
September 6, 2008
Mournfully
His bow coaxed, mournfully
sad notes of the people
hope couched, shadowed
sorrow of the chosen,
history of the nation
millennia under tyranny
oppressed people of the law
singing from his bow, mournfully
September 5, 2008
written at the Agape Café coffeehouse
Wesley United Methodist Church
(one of 24 written there that night)
jewish music
sad notes of the people
hope couched, shadowed
sorrow of the chosen,
history of the nation
millennia under tyranny
oppressed people of the law
singing from his bow, mournfully
September 5, 2008
written at the Agape Café coffeehouse
Wesley United Methodist Church
(one of 24 written there that night)
jewish music
Playing by Paw
In the silence of the house
mid-morning
discordant notes
called from the keyboard
not exactly playing by ear
No, Mario was more
playing by paw
whatever notes his fingers found
September 5, 2008
written at the Agape Café coffeehouse
Wesley United Methodist Church
(one of 24 written there that night)
our kitten Mario and
our Clavinova in the living room
while the girls are at school
mid-morning
discordant notes
called from the keyboard
not exactly playing by ear
No, Mario was more
playing by paw
whatever notes his fingers found
September 5, 2008
written at the Agape Café coffeehouse
Wesley United Methodist Church
(one of 24 written there that night)
our kitten Mario and
our Clavinova in the living room
while the girls are at school
Drawing the Notes
Watching his fingers
on the frets on his bow
teasing the music,
he was drawing the notes
out of his instrument
calling them forth
his violin singing
as surely as her voice
joining together
in praise
making a noise
pleasing to the creator
September 5, 2008
written at the Agape Café coffeehouse
Wesley United Methodist Church
(one of 24 written there that night)
on the frets on his bow
teasing the music,
he was drawing the notes
out of his instrument
calling them forth
his violin singing
as surely as her voice
joining together
in praise
making a noise
pleasing to the creator
September 5, 2008
written at the Agape Café coffeehouse
Wesley United Methodist Church
(one of 24 written there that night)
Living Word – haiku
The Son of the father
Messiah, Redeemer, God
the lamb rose to save
September 5, 2008
written at the Agape Café coffeehouse
Wesley United Methodist Church
(one of 24 written there that night)
Messiah, Redeemer, God
the lamb rose to save
September 5, 2008
written at the Agape Café coffeehouse
Wesley United Methodist Church
(one of 24 written there that night)
In Your House – haiku
Praising you alone
we stream humbly into church
feed us with your word
September 5, 2008
written at the Agape Café coffeehouse
Wesley United Methodist Church
(one of 24 written there that night)
we stream humbly into church
feed us with your word
September 5, 2008
written at the Agape Café coffeehouse
Wesley United Methodist Church
(one of 24 written there that night)
Becoming Gray
Where once they were brown
his new-grown beard
becoming gray,
growing into his role
elder leader, shepherd
of a growing, aging flock
September 5, 2008
written at the Agape Café coffeehouse
Wesley United Methodist Church
(one of 24 written there that night)
his new-grown beard
becoming gray,
growing into his role
elder leader, shepherd
of a growing, aging flock
September 5, 2008
written at the Agape Café coffeehouse
Wesley United Methodist Church
(one of 24 written there that night)
On Your Path – haiku
Let me walk ever
on your path following where
you would lead me Lord
September 5, 2008
written at the Agape Café coffeehouse
Wesley United Methodist Church
(one of 24 written there that night)
on your path following where
you would lead me Lord
September 5, 2008
written at the Agape Café coffeehouse
Wesley United Methodist Church
(one of 24 written there that night)
Nouns Verbs and Adjectives
We added words, one by one
onto the blackboard
at the front of the classroom
little arms raised in the air
sometimes too excited to wait
words blurted out,
urgent important words
They were nouns, verbs, and adjectives
words of a walk in the woods
All are worthy, all valid
at least for him, for her
String together, communally
amid laughter, easy, fun
together writing a poem
before they wrote their own
with their own words
nouns, verbs, adjectives
and adverbs, daringly
September 5, 2008
written at the Agape Café coffeehouse
Wesley United Methodist Church
(one of 24 written there that night)
writing poetry with third grade classes
Barrington Elementary School
Spring 2001
onto the blackboard
at the front of the classroom
little arms raised in the air
sometimes too excited to wait
words blurted out,
urgent important words
They were nouns, verbs, and adjectives
words of a walk in the woods
All are worthy, all valid
at least for him, for her
String together, communally
amid laughter, easy, fun
together writing a poem
before they wrote their own
with their own words
nouns, verbs, adjectives
and adverbs, daringly
September 5, 2008
written at the Agape Café coffeehouse
Wesley United Methodist Church
(one of 24 written there that night)
writing poetry with third grade classes
Barrington Elementary School
Spring 2001
Incarnate – haiku - 2
The one God walking
living as man, among us
healing the fall, breach
September 5, 2008
written at the Agape Café coffeehouse
Wesley United Methodist Church
(one of 24 written there that night)
living as man, among us
healing the fall, breach
September 5, 2008
written at the Agape Café coffeehouse
Wesley United Methodist Church
(one of 24 written there that night)
Incarnate – haiku - 1
Immortal, living
eternal, on earth
to save us from sin
September 5, 2008
written at the Agape Café coffeehouse
Wesley United Methodist Church
(one of 24 written there that night)
eternal, on earth
to save us from sin
September 5, 2008
written at the Agape Café coffeehouse
Wesley United Methodist Church
(one of 24 written there that night)
Your Voice - haiku
I hear your voice in
those ancient words sharing love
written on my heart
September 5, 2008
written at the Agape Café coffeehouse
Wesley United Methodist Church
(one of 24 written there that night)
those ancient words sharing love
written on my heart
September 5, 2008
written at the Agape Café coffeehouse
Wesley United Methodist Church
(one of 24 written there that night)
Sin - haiku
Wedge pushing away
schism by my own hands, my acts
keeping me from you
September 5, 2008
written at the Agape Café coffeehouse
Wesley United Methodist Church
(one of 24 written there that night)
schism by my own hands, my acts
keeping me from you
September 5, 2008
written at the Agape Café coffeehouse
Wesley United Methodist Church
(one of 24 written there that night)
Forgiven – haiku – 2
Forgiven by grace
washed clean of my stain, sin
welcomed home, safe
September 5, 2008
written at the Agape Café coffeehouse
Wesley United Methodist Church
(one of 24 written there that night)
washed clean of my stain, sin
welcomed home, safe
September 5, 2008
written at the Agape Café coffeehouse
Wesley United Methodist Church
(one of 24 written there that night)
Changes - haiku
Another season,
shepherds, a different flock
new vineyard to tend
September 5, 2008
written at the Agape Café coffeehouse
Wesley United Methodist Church
(one of 24 written there that night)
shepherds, a different flock
new vineyard to tend
September 5, 2008
written at the Agape Café coffeehouse
Wesley United Methodist Church
(one of 24 written there that night)
The Son – haiku
The Word made human
The God given flawed flesh
Perfect sacrifice
September 5, 2008
written at the Agape Café coffeehouse
Wesley United Methodist Church
(one of 24 written there that night)
The God given flawed flesh
Perfect sacrifice
September 5, 2008
written at the Agape Café coffeehouse
Wesley United Methodist Church
(one of 24 written there that night)
Listening - haiku
Stilling my self, soul
opening my heart, my Lord
Tell me what to do
September 5, 2008
written at the Agape Café coffeehouse
Wesley United Methodist Church
(one of 24 written there that night)
opening my heart, my Lord
Tell me what to do
September 5, 2008
written at the Agape Café coffeehouse
Wesley United Methodist Church
(one of 24 written there that night)
Discerning - haiku
Listening, quiet
letting God’s voice speak now.
Guide my steps today
September 5, 2008
written at the Agape Café coffeehouse
Wesley United Methodist Church
(one of 24 written there that night)
letting God’s voice speak now.
Guide my steps today
September 5, 2008
written at the Agape Café coffeehouse
Wesley United Methodist Church
(one of 24 written there that night)
Transfiguration - haiku
Shimmering garments
whiter than humans hands make
washed holy, pure
September 5, 2008
written at the Agape Café coffeehouse
Wesley United Methodist Church
(one of 24 written there that night)
whiter than humans hands make
washed holy, pure
September 5, 2008
written at the Agape Café coffeehouse
Wesley United Methodist Church
(one of 24 written there that night)
Adopted - haiku
Adopted by God
brought into the family
redeemed and made whole
September 5, 2008
written at the Agape Café coffeehouse
Wesley United Methodist Church
(one of 24 written there that night)
brought into the family
redeemed and made whole
September 5, 2008
written at the Agape Café coffeehouse
Wesley United Methodist Church
(one of 24 written there that night)
Called - haiku
All are ministers
called, to serve our Master
be his hands, feet here
September 5, 2008
written at the Agape Café coffeehouse
Wesley United Methodist Church
(one of 24 written there that night)
called, to serve our Master
be his hands, feet here
September 5, 2008
written at the Agape Café coffeehouse
Wesley United Methodist Church
(one of 24 written there that night)
Another Brick
More than another straw
added one by one
to the camel’s back
The word, the diagnosis,
Cancer, more, much more
Another brick, added to the hod
load she must carry
Every day, one on one
so young, so much hurt
pain so deep, raw still
another brick; but
she carries it too
added one by one
to the camel’s back
The word, the diagnosis,
Cancer, more, much more
Another brick, added to the hod
load she must carry
Every day, one on one
so young, so much hurt
pain so deep, raw still
another brick; but
she carries it too
September 5, 2008
Another Brick
written at the Agape Café coffeehouse
(one of 24 written there that night)
Wesley United Methodist Church
Concord, NH
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 35,490+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
A Feather
Yesterday, today,
each time
I walked by
a tiny bit of down,
a feather nestled
in the gutter, in the litter,
the gray leaves, of last year
the direct, the dust
A pure clean white father
rabbit-fur soft,
against the granite curb
I bent down and lifted the down
held it cupped in my hand
the walk home
A gust of wind, a puff really
sent the sail pirouetting, dancing
on my oak desk, mesmerizing
over the surface, up over the files
free to twirls, to reel,
no strings attached
September 5, 2008
written at the Agape Café coffeehouse
Wesley United Methodist Church
(one of 24 written there that night)
each time
I walked by
a tiny bit of down,
a feather nestled
in the gutter, in the litter,
the gray leaves, of last year
the direct, the dust
A pure clean white father
rabbit-fur soft,
against the granite curb
I bent down and lifted the down
held it cupped in my hand
the walk home
A gust of wind, a puff really
sent the sail pirouetting, dancing
on my oak desk, mesmerizing
over the surface, up over the files
free to twirls, to reel,
no strings attached
September 5, 2008
written at the Agape Café coffeehouse
Wesley United Methodist Church
(one of 24 written there that night)
Published
Published on the internet
ephemeral, lasting are my words
fleeting moments in the web
typing on gossamer strands, threads
lines cast, beads of sticky dew
tagged and linked, visible to
searches, the eyes that watch
all that is written
September 5, 2008
written at the Agape Café coffeehouse
Wesley United Methodist Church
(one of 24 written there that night)
ephemeral, lasting are my words
fleeting moments in the web
typing on gossamer strands, threads
lines cast, beads of sticky dew
tagged and linked, visible to
searches, the eyes that watch
all that is written
September 5, 2008
written at the Agape Café coffeehouse
Wesley United Methodist Church
(one of 24 written there that night)
Pebbles Cast
Walking by the sea
throwing smooth washed pebbles
as far as I can.
So I feel, adding my words
the gifts of the creator
flowing from my pen, fingers
touching the keyboard
posted onto the ether
out into the world.
Praying the pebbles
bits of Your Word,
Your message
cast into the vast sea
would send ripples
washing over the whole world.
Sharing Your love.
September 5, 2008
written at the Agape Café coffeehouse
Wesley United Methodist Church
(one of 24 written there that night)
throwing smooth washed pebbles
as far as I can.
So I feel, adding my words
the gifts of the creator
flowing from my pen, fingers
touching the keyboard
posted onto the ether
out into the world.
Praying the pebbles
bits of Your Word,
Your message
cast into the vast sea
would send ripples
washing over the whole world.
Sharing Your love.
September 5, 2008
written at the Agape Café coffeehouse
Wesley United Methodist Church
(one of 24 written there that night)
Friday, September 05, 2008
FaithWriter Jewels
3 of my haiku's from January have been chosen as jewels on Faithwriters this week
Faithwriters jewels 0904
Faithwriters jewels 0904
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
That Smile
I have seen that smile
break across your face
shed care and troubles
from your furrowed brow
when struggles would wait
while joy washed you clean
I will miss those moments
with you, shared so often
few times will we come together
when I too will burst with joy
laughing at the coming of that smile
September 2, 2008
break across your face
shed care and troubles
from your furrowed brow
when struggles would wait
while joy washed you clean
I will miss those moments
with you, shared so often
few times will we come together
when I too will burst with joy
laughing at the coming of that smile
September 2, 2008
The Spirit’s Intercession
Thank you, Lord
for the spirit’s intercession
when my prayers, too weak,
too feeble, pale reflections of my soul
oh to have the words to lift to you
oh my God, to lay at your throne
praise, thanksgiving, petitions
Only sighs, within my soul
too great for words to evoke
Happy I am for these words
this promise in Paul’s letter
the assurance of our comfort
the spirit giving voice
to all our sighs
words that touch
the heart of God
September 2, 2008
Romans 8:26-27
and Upper Room
devotional for 9/2/08
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=9&day=2&year=2008
for the spirit’s intercession
when my prayers, too weak,
too feeble, pale reflections of my soul
oh to have the words to lift to you
oh my God, to lay at your throne
praise, thanksgiving, petitions
Only sighs, within my soul
too great for words to evoke
Happy I am for these words
this promise in Paul’s letter
the assurance of our comfort
the spirit giving voice
to all our sighs
words that touch
the heart of God
September 2, 2008
Romans 8:26-27
and Upper Room
devotional for 9/2/08
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=9&day=2&year=2008
All ministers
An itinerant teacher, a fisherman,
a shepherd, tent maker
a man wearing camel hair
standing in a dirty river
a deacon, clearing the plates
all ministers
never ordained but healing,
never in seminary but preaching
never schooled, but doing ministry
sharing a message of hope
examples of love
words of sacrifice,
of transforming truths
within our mouths, our lives too
beating within us
to share, wherever we go
in the work that we do
the lives we touch
our posture toward the world
all ministers, equal one to another
we all must do our part
1 Corinthians 12:12-27
and children’s message and
sermon, “All Work Is God’s Work”,
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
Suncook United Methodist Church,
August 31, 2008
and
Exodus 3:1-15
and sermon, “A Holy Calling”,
by Reverend Lori Eldredge,
North Kingstown United Methodist Church
August 31, 2008
a shepherd, tent maker
a man wearing camel hair
standing in a dirty river
a deacon, clearing the plates
all ministers
never ordained but healing,
never in seminary but preaching
never schooled, but doing ministry
sharing a message of hope
examples of love
words of sacrifice,
of transforming truths
within our mouths, our lives too
beating within us
to share, wherever we go
in the work that we do
the lives we touch
our posture toward the world
all ministers, equal one to another
we all must do our part
1 Corinthians 12:12-27
and children’s message and
sermon, “All Work Is God’s Work”,
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
Suncook United Methodist Church,
August 31, 2008
and
Exodus 3:1-15
and sermon, “A Holy Calling”,
by Reverend Lori Eldredge,
North Kingstown United Methodist Church
August 31, 2008
All are Called
In our work, in our lives, in all we do
all are called, though we may not hear
to ministry, to being witnesses
to minister, where we are, what we do
bringing Christ to the world
setting the captives free
mindful of the eyes watching
and when they are not
Maybe not saving a people
but maybe just that
Maybe stopping an injustice, just one
that might change a single life
maybe smiling when someone has his head down
needing that smile
Words we may share, strong words
from the mouth of God
breathed into scripture, ears for ones calling out
Love we have to give, modeled by the son
hands we have, to life up one another
Feet to walk that extra mile
Arms to hold each other
Lives to join with our creator
our savior, in his holy work
1 Corinthians 12:12-27
and children’s message and
sermon, “All Work Is God’s Work”,
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
Suncook United Methodist Church,
August 31, 2008
and
Exodus 3:1-15
and sermon, “A Holy Calling”,
by Reverend Lori Eldredge,
North Kingstown United Methodist Church
August 31, 2008
all are called, though we may not hear
to ministry, to being witnesses
to minister, where we are, what we do
bringing Christ to the world
setting the captives free
mindful of the eyes watching
and when they are not
Maybe not saving a people
but maybe just that
Maybe stopping an injustice, just one
that might change a single life
maybe smiling when someone has his head down
needing that smile
Words we may share, strong words
from the mouth of God
breathed into scripture, ears for ones calling out
Love we have to give, modeled by the son
hands we have, to life up one another
Feet to walk that extra mile
Arms to hold each other
Lives to join with our creator
our savior, in his holy work
1 Corinthians 12:12-27
and children’s message and
sermon, “All Work Is God’s Work”,
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
Suncook United Methodist Church,
August 31, 2008
and
Exodus 3:1-15
and sermon, “A Holy Calling”,
by Reverend Lori Eldredge,
North Kingstown United Methodist Church
August 31, 2008
Coming Home
I don’t know about you;
but I can well relate to the Prodigal Son
so many years, away from the father
from the church, in the wilderness
another land, I did not know
Coming home, that is how it was
returning to my faith
home of my youth
into the sanctuary, holy ground
into the word, your word, oh Lord
Into your arms my brother, my father
wrapping tight, home
growing in you, in your spirit
growing within me
learning more and more
day by day
to trust in you
to let go of my control
you the guide, the master
your will over my own
your words in my fingers
sharing a message, with the world
September 2, 2008
Luke 15:11-32
but I can well relate to the Prodigal Son
so many years, away from the father
from the church, in the wilderness
another land, I did not know
Coming home, that is how it was
returning to my faith
home of my youth
into the sanctuary, holy ground
into the word, your word, oh Lord
Into your arms my brother, my father
wrapping tight, home
growing in you, in your spirit
growing within me
learning more and more
day by day
to trust in you
to let go of my control
you the guide, the master
your will over my own
your words in my fingers
sharing a message, with the world
September 2, 2008
Luke 15:11-32
Little Secrets
I noticed her standing there,
leaning into his ear, to share a little secret
focused on their conversation, from afar
remembering, now, the moments before
she skipping, running, sliding across the playground
in my peripheral vision, from the left
diving to a stop, to his ear
What must have been so important
so urgent, at five years old, at 7:43am
needing to be exchanged, the hand-off deftly done
parting quickly, the spy and her handler
he now with a grin, from ear to ear,
she across the blacktop
to quarry more juice
September 2, 2008
Pembroke Village School
leaning into his ear, to share a little secret
focused on their conversation, from afar
remembering, now, the moments before
she skipping, running, sliding across the playground
in my peripheral vision, from the left
diving to a stop, to his ear
What must have been so important
so urgent, at five years old, at 7:43am
needing to be exchanged, the hand-off deftly done
parting quickly, the spy and her handler
he now with a grin, from ear to ear,
she across the blacktop
to quarry more juice
September 2, 2008
Pembroke Village School
Herding Sheep
Maybe not as bad as herding cats
wrangling felines, not that tough
the not yet awake children a bit more compliant
Teachers, aides, administrators (though less so)
herding sheep, willful mind of their own sheep
on the schoolhouse playground
streaming off the buses, out of the cars
out onto the blacktop, at breakneck speed
is that early morning dread I see,
on the face of the veterans
the newness already worn off
five and six, maybe seven year olds
outwitting their elders, so soon
with invisible edges to the area to run
keeping away from the bigger kids
fun watching from the sidelines
keeping score of the ones who got away
September 2, 2008
Pembroke Village School
wrangling felines, not that tough
the not yet awake children a bit more compliant
Teachers, aides, administrators (though less so)
herding sheep, willful mind of their own sheep
on the schoolhouse playground
streaming off the buses, out of the cars
out onto the blacktop, at breakneck speed
is that early morning dread I see,
on the face of the veterans
the newness already worn off
five and six, maybe seven year olds
outwitting their elders, so soon
with invisible edges to the area to run
keeping away from the bigger kids
fun watching from the sidelines
keeping score of the ones who got away
September 2, 2008
Pembroke Village School
Monday, September 01, 2008
Hidden in the Tide Pools
Whole complete worlds
unaware of my own
oblivious to my presence,
unless I block the light
living, between the tides,
hidden in the tide pools
The eyelashes of the barnacles
swaying coral on a snail
a crab, an urchin, a tiny starfish
an entire universe between the rocks
still moving with the moon
shimmering in the sun
September 1, 2008
unaware of my own
oblivious to my presence,
unless I block the light
living, between the tides,
hidden in the tide pools
The eyelashes of the barnacles
swaying coral on a snail
a crab, an urchin, a tiny starfish
an entire universe between the rocks
still moving with the moon
shimmering in the sun
September 1, 2008
Searching for Sea Glass
Hidden amid the rocks, the shells
under the seaweeds, the driftwood
sitting proudly on the sand
Clear, green, brown, or blue
smooth, cloudy, from the tumbling
rolling in the surf
churning tide
Waiting for my eyes, my fingers
falling into my bucket, bag, pocket
a shell, my hands, whichever I choose
to join others at home, treasures all
But it is the leisurely searching
lingering in the wet sand
by the water’s edge
that is the great escape
September 1, 2008
under the seaweeds, the driftwood
sitting proudly on the sand
Clear, green, brown, or blue
smooth, cloudy, from the tumbling
rolling in the surf
churning tide
Waiting for my eyes, my fingers
falling into my bucket, bag, pocket
a shell, my hands, whichever I choose
to join others at home, treasures all
But it is the leisurely searching
lingering in the wet sand
by the water’s edge
that is the great escape
September 1, 2008
Willow Whips - 2
I guess it was a boy thing.
Eight years old and never
never had she experienced,
never created, willow whips
Choosing one, freshly fallen
to avoid the owner’s ire
the right length for your height
pulling off, carefully, the branches
following the straightest line
leaving a tuff, green leaves
at the end, to snap
A sudden lion tamer.
Rear the tail high, back
crack the whip!
Repeat as we walk on the way home
Remember this yard, where the willow grows
for another day, another harvest
September 1, 2008
Eight years old and never
never had she experienced,
never created, willow whips
Choosing one, freshly fallen
to avoid the owner’s ire
the right length for your height
pulling off, carefully, the branches
following the straightest line
leaving a tuff, green leaves
at the end, to snap
A sudden lion tamer.
Rear the tail high, back
crack the whip!
Repeat as we walk on the way home
Remember this yard, where the willow grows
for another day, another harvest
September 1, 2008
Sunday, August 31, 2008
An Approach to Work
An attitude of prayer, of reverence
as when we enter worship
the sanctuary on Sunday
A prayer that you will do the best you can
and a prayer at the end thanking God
for the fruits of your labor
For our work is holy time
just as in the rest of our life
All work is God’s work,
when he is the foundation,
our guide and our focus
all of life is worship, church
if we act on our faith
August 31, 2008
1 Corinthians 12:12-27
and children’s message and
sermon, “All Work Is God’s Work”,
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
Suncook United Methodist Church
as when we enter worship
the sanctuary on Sunday
A prayer that you will do the best you can
and a prayer at the end thanking God
for the fruits of your labor
For our work is holy time
just as in the rest of our life
All work is God’s work,
when he is the foundation,
our guide and our focus
all of life is worship, church
if we act on our faith
August 31, 2008
1 Corinthians 12:12-27
and children’s message and
sermon, “All Work Is God’s Work”,
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
Suncook United Methodist Church
A Tent Maker
We forget, in our reverence
the roles of the apostles, the saints
We forget Jesus the carpenter,
Peter the fisherman,
Paul the tent maker,
the many shepherds,
the men of the land
so many of the patriarchs
We, no matter what our work,
are worthy, part of the body,
as they each are, in our time
every role is useful
to the kingdom,
the work of the church
August 31, 2008
1 Corinthians 12:12-27
and children’s message and
sermon, “All Work Is God’s Work”,
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
Suncook United Methodist Church
the roles of the apostles, the saints
We forget Jesus the carpenter,
Peter the fisherman,
Paul the tent maker,
the many shepherds,
the men of the land
so many of the patriarchs
We, no matter what our work,
are worthy, part of the body,
as they each are, in our time
every role is useful
to the kingdom,
the work of the church
August 31, 2008
1 Corinthians 12:12-27
and children’s message and
sermon, “All Work Is God’s Work”,
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
Suncook United Methodist Church
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 28,490+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Never Ordained
A lesson in the metaphor
the body, the work, the worth
of each member, lay and clergy
equal in ministry, for carrying on
work of the son, the Christ
He was never ordained, never set apart
sitting at the feet of Levi,
never trained in seminary
He was a teacher, a prophet
itinerant healer, a tradesman
for most of his life
But he was God.
We all, no matter our part,
our station, our work
We all have a part in the body
to share God’s love
August 31, 2008
1 Corinthians 12:12-27
and children’s message and
sermon, “All Work Is God’s Work”,
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
Suncook United Methodist Church
the body, the work, the worth
of each member, lay and clergy
equal in ministry, for carrying on
work of the son, the Christ
He was never ordained, never set apart
sitting at the feet of Levi,
never trained in seminary
He was a teacher, a prophet
itinerant healer, a tradesman
for most of his life
But he was God.
We all, no matter our part,
our station, our work
We all have a part in the body
to share God’s love
August 31, 2008
1 Corinthians 12:12-27
and children’s message and
sermon, “All Work Is God’s Work”,
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
Suncook United Methodist Church
His Message of Work
All of the work, of the church, of individual
all is valuable for ministry
not the ranking of worth
each stuck in his own station
Each equal in ministry
no just better than another
We all are worthy
each one able to help
to take up Christ’s yoke
to spread God’s message
August 31, 2008
1 Corinthians 12:12-27
and children’s message and
sermon, “All Work Is God’s Work”,
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
Suncook United Methodist Church
all is valuable for ministry
not the ranking of worth
each stuck in his own station
Each equal in ministry
no just better than another
We all are worthy
each one able to help
to take up Christ’s yoke
to spread God’s message
August 31, 2008
1 Corinthians 12:12-27
and children’s message and
sermon, “All Work Is God’s Work”,
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
Suncook United Methodist Church
In Our Work
In our work, our jobs
those we care for, parents and children
those who have known work
we all serve God
church is in our work
in our service,
bringing God with us
sharing our lives
our witness, everything we do
not a building, not Sunday morning alone
Church is far more, all worthy
all a part of the ministry, the mission
the body of Christ
August 31, 2008
1 Corinthians 12:12-27
and children’s message and
sermon, “All Work Is God’s Work”,
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
Suncook United Methodist Church
those we care for, parents and children
those who have known work
we all serve God
church is in our work
in our service,
bringing God with us
sharing our lives
our witness, everything we do
not a building, not Sunday morning alone
Church is far more, all worthy
all a part of the ministry, the mission
the body of Christ
August 31, 2008
1 Corinthians 12:12-27
and children’s message and
sermon, “All Work Is God’s Work”,
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
Suncook United Methodist Church
To Church
A verb, going to church
as if that alone means anything
but our collective, our understanding
what is means to church
The service, worship, in the sanctuary
on the designated day, Sabbath
the act of worship, purposefully going
setting time apart in community
fellowship in the word
in a place, holy ground
to renew and share
to be fed
to go forth
to serve
August 31, 2008
1 Corinthians 12:12-27
and children’s message and
sermon, “All Work Is God’s Work”,
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
Suncook United Methodist Church
as if that alone means anything
but our collective, our understanding
what is means to church
The service, worship, in the sanctuary
on the designated day, Sabbath
the act of worship, purposefully going
setting time apart in community
fellowship in the word
in a place, holy ground
to renew and share
to be fed
to go forth
to serve
August 31, 2008
1 Corinthians 12:12-27
and children’s message and
sermon, “All Work Is God’s Work”,
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
Suncook United Methodist Church
A Full Sanctuary
What is church?
the pastor asked, to visualize
Each of us an image in our minds
for me, a memory
lasting, enduring, recurring
the thought of a full sanctuary
family, friends, members of my congregation
singing, praying, nodding with the words
the sermon of the pastor, yes; but even more
words of scripture, our shared meaning
our service together
August 31, 2008
1 Corinthians 12:12-27
and children’s message and
sermon, “All Work Is God’s Work”,
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
Suncook United Methodist Church
the pastor asked, to visualize
Each of us an image in our minds
for me, a memory
lasting, enduring, recurring
the thought of a full sanctuary
family, friends, members of my congregation
singing, praying, nodding with the words
the sermon of the pastor, yes; but even more
words of scripture, our shared meaning
our service together
August 31, 2008
1 Corinthians 12:12-27
and children’s message and
sermon, “All Work Is God’s Work”,
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Even the Children
The work, the contribution
even the children, parts of the body
essential to the teaching, ministry
feeding each of us
these lesser members
exalted in the parable,
in worship today
all have a role in the body
all are worthy
useful to the kingdom
August 31, 2008
1 Corinthians 12:12-27
and children’s message (John 6:1-13)
and sermon, “All Work Is God’s Work”,
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
Suncook United Methodist Church
even the children, parts of the body
essential to the teaching, ministry
feeding each of us
these lesser members
exalted in the parable,
in worship today
all have a role in the body
all are worthy
useful to the kingdom
August 31, 2008
1 Corinthians 12:12-27
and children’s message (John 6:1-13)
and sermon, “All Work Is God’s Work”,
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Sleep to His Beloved
How wonderful to have the peace
to truly heed the call of the psalmist
and let down our loads
to turn them over to God
in this land of self-made men
These words, so true, in every age
by human means we all fail
in God alone can we live at rest
certain of his protection
his strong arms to lean on
His answer to our prayers
his strength to overpower our fears
his love to bring us home
August 31, 2008
Psalm 127:1-2,
Call to Worship
Suncook, NH
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 19,840+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
to truly heed the call of the psalmist
and let down our loads
to turn them over to God
in this land of self-made men
These words, so true, in every age
by human means we all fail
in God alone can we live at rest
certain of his protection
his strong arms to lean on
His answer to our prayers
his strength to overpower our fears
his love to bring us home
August 31, 2008
Psalm 127:1-2,
Call to Worship
by
Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“God’s
Whisper” blog
Suncook United Methodist ChurchSuncook, NH
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 19,840+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Our Architect
If we submit, let go
release our will to God’s
he is the architect, the guide for our lives
a strong foundation and constant comfort
our lives easier, in turning over
giving up control
trusting in the creator, the master
rest from our troubles
surety of the passing of the storm
and safe passage through
the valleys and shadows of our lives
Let go of your toil
and call on the Lord
He will give you peace
August 31, 2008
Psalm 127:1-2,
Call to Worship
Suncook United Methodist Church
release our will to God’s
he is the architect, the guide for our lives
a strong foundation and constant comfort
our lives easier, in turning over
giving up control
trusting in the creator, the master
rest from our troubles
surety of the passing of the storm
and safe passage through
the valleys and shadows of our lives
Let go of your toil
and call on the Lord
He will give you peace
August 31, 2008
Psalm 127:1-2,
Call to Worship
Suncook United Methodist Church
Our Guide
God is our guide, our strength
our oil on the troubled seas
calm in the storms of life
we toil in vain
when we are not grounded
the foundation of God’s love
we lose our way, wander in fear
struggle when there is no need
for God gives sleep
to those he calls
August 31, 2008
Psalm 127:1-2,
Call to Worship
Suncook United Methodist Church
our oil on the troubled seas
calm in the storms of life
we toil in vain
when we are not grounded
the foundation of God’s love
we lose our way, wander in fear
struggle when there is no need
for God gives sleep
to those he calls
August 31, 2008
Psalm 127:1-2,
Call to Worship
Suncook United Methodist Church
A Calming Hand
It is God
his calming hand
when we reach out to him
believing in his guiding
his providence, our lives
grounded in him,
centered on the word
on the sacrifice of the son
love of the father
revealed, over and over
even while we stray, sin
a calming hand, to balance our fear
to ease the toil of life
August 31, 2008
Psalm 127:1-2,
Call to Worship
Suncook United Methodist Church
his calming hand
when we reach out to him
believing in his guiding
his providence, our lives
grounded in him,
centered on the word
on the sacrifice of the son
love of the father
revealed, over and over
even while we stray, sin
a calming hand, to balance our fear
to ease the toil of life
August 31, 2008
Psalm 127:1-2,
Call to Worship
Suncook United Methodist Church
Eating the Bread of Anxious Toil
Words of the psalmist, a prayer for peace
so easy to eat the bread of anxious toil
our lives judged by human goals
standards of success, frenzied days
living trying to measure up
as if we could earn salvation
that life would be scored and balanced
God’s love, so much more,
his sacrifice for me so awesome
I am so blessed, if I believe,
share the sleep of the beloved
typing these lines with less care
giving up control, letting down that load
letting God guide my hands
letting his words come through
sharing peace in this message
August 31, 2008
Psalm 127:1-2,
Call to Worship
Suncook United Methodist Church
so easy to eat the bread of anxious toil
our lives judged by human goals
standards of success, frenzied days
living trying to measure up
as if we could earn salvation
that life would be scored and balanced
God’s love, so much more,
his sacrifice for me so awesome
I am so blessed, if I believe,
share the sleep of the beloved
typing these lines with less care
giving up control, letting down that load
letting God guide my hands
letting his words come through
sharing peace in this message
August 31, 2008
Psalm 127:1-2,
Call to Worship
Suncook United Methodist Church
Wherever We Work
Wherever we work,
let the Lord be glorified
in our daily lives, in the office,
the factory, in the home,
in the quieter moments
retirement or at work
all of our days, doing God’s work
sharing the path, the journey
with our savior, our brother
all of us, all of our work
to God’s glory, being his children
sharing his love, all important
equal to the others
August 31, 2008
1 Corinthians 12:12-27
and children’s message and
sermon, “All Work Is God’s Work”,
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
and Benediction and Closing Hymn,
“Lord, Be Glorified”
Suncook United Methodist Church
let the Lord be glorified
in our daily lives, in the office,
the factory, in the home,
in the quieter moments
retirement or at work
all of our days, doing God’s work
sharing the path, the journey
with our savior, our brother
all of us, all of our work
to God’s glory, being his children
sharing his love, all important
equal to the others
August 31, 2008
1 Corinthians 12:12-27
and children’s message and
sermon, “All Work Is God’s Work”,
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
and Benediction and Closing Hymn,
“Lord, Be Glorified”
Suncook United Methodist Church
Wherever We Go
To God be the glory
wherever we may go
in all we do, to toil and to serve
to care for others, in our worship
our prayers, our praise
wherever we may go
doing God’s work
August 31, 2008
1 Corinthians 12:12-27
and children’s message and
sermon, “All Work Is God’s Work”,
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
and Benediction and Closing Hymn,
“Lord, Be Glorified”
Suncook United Methodist Church
wherever we may go
in all we do, to toil and to serve
to care for others, in our worship
our prayers, our praise
wherever we may go
doing God’s work
August 31, 2008
1 Corinthians 12:12-27
and children’s message and
sermon, “All Work Is God’s Work”,
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
and Benediction and Closing Hymn,
“Lord, Be Glorified”
Suncook United Methodist Church
The Purchase of Blood
I am saved, by the purchase of his blood
my sin, my debt paid in full
bought by the sacrifice, his hands on the cross
I am made clean, made whole once more
raised from my death, brought into life eternal
by my faith, by his blood
I live
August 31, 2008
To God Be the Glory,
the opening hymn, UMH 98,
Suncook United Methodist Church
my sin, my debt paid in full
bought by the sacrifice, his hands on the cross
I am made clean, made whole once more
raised from my death, brought into life eternal
by my faith, by his blood
I live
August 31, 2008
To God Be the Glory,
the opening hymn, UMH 98,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Perfect Redemption
The words of the hymn so real, so true
his sacrifice complete, my saving in his hands
his blood poured out to clean my slate
to wash away my stain
Set me free, Lord
to be your servant,
by your blood I am yours
let me walk in your ways
and show your love
all of my days
August 31, 2008
To God Be the Glory,
the opening hymn, UMH 98,
Suncook United Methodist Church
his sacrifice complete, my saving in his hands
his blood poured out to clean my slate
to wash away my stain
Set me free, Lord
to be your servant,
by your blood I am yours
let me walk in your ways
and show your love
all of my days
August 31, 2008
To God Be the Glory,
the opening hymn, UMH 98,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Honoring Our Elders
After the Sabbath, the rest
commands to honor our elders
our forebears before us
to honor father, mother,
reaping a reward.
valuing our past,
where we have come from
living long in the land
Two laws framing the others
about God, about man
valuing our relationship
our connections with each
the worth of man, each one
wondrous nature of the creator
conjuring the world, the universe
from the void
August 31, 2008
Exodus 20:11-12
the Old Testament reading
Suncook United Methodist Church
commands to honor our elders
our forebears before us
to honor father, mother,
reaping a reward.
valuing our past,
where we have come from
living long in the land
Two laws framing the others
about God, about man
valuing our relationship
our connections with each
the worth of man, each one
wondrous nature of the creator
conjuring the world, the universe
from the void
August 31, 2008
Exodus 20:11-12
the Old Testament reading
Suncook United Methodist Church
Honoring Our God
The Sabbath rest, remembering his rest
at the end of the days, creating all
honoring our God
all his wondrous works
pausing to quiet, to worship
to praise his holy name
honoring our God
for all he has done for us
August 31, 2008
Exodus 20:11-12
the Old Testament reading
Suncook United Methodist Church
at the end of the days, creating all
honoring our God
all his wondrous works
pausing to quiet, to worship
to praise his holy name
honoring our God
for all he has done for us
August 31, 2008
Exodus 20:11-12
the Old Testament reading
Suncook United Methodist Church
Ripples of Hope
Emboldened, by Christ’s sacrifice
his blood atoning for our fault, our sin
redeemed as we are
We must become,
ripples of hope, spreading
from the father, from the son
from our lives, our witness
out into the world, to the ends of the earth
a living encouragement,
an offering of hope
to all, to all who will hear
all in need, ripples of hope
spreading his love
August 31, 2008
Hebrews 10:19-25
and Upper Room
devotional for 8/31/08
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=8&day=31&year=2008
his blood atoning for our fault, our sin
redeemed as we are
We must become,
ripples of hope, spreading
from the father, from the son
from our lives, our witness
out into the world, to the ends of the earth
a living encouragement,
an offering of hope
to all, to all who will hear
all in need, ripples of hope
spreading his love
August 31, 2008
Hebrews 10:19-25
and Upper Room
devotional for 8/31/08
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=8&day=31&year=2008
Followed Him
The blind man, beside the road
calling to our savior, asking for healing
from the depth of his faith, the knowing
who he was, the messiah
calling from his darkness, his prison
ignoring the doubters, calling to the Lord
for his sight to be restored
to be able to see once more
In seeing, he saw, what he must do
he followed Him, more sure even
than the disciples,
for he truly saw
August 31, 2008
Mark 10:46-52,
the story of Bartimaeus,
and Alive Now devotional
for August 30, 2008
calling to our savior, asking for healing
from the depth of his faith, the knowing
who he was, the messiah
calling from his darkness, his prison
ignoring the doubters, calling to the Lord
for his sight to be restored
to be able to see once more
In seeing, he saw, what he must do
he followed Him, more sure even
than the disciples,
for he truly saw
August 31, 2008
Mark 10:46-52,
the story of Bartimaeus,
and Alive Now devotional
for August 30, 2008
On the Way
He followed, on the Way
with clear eyes, eyes that would see
calling the savior, he gained sight
by his faith he was healed
by his salvation he followed
he rose and followed him
on the Way
August 31, 2008
Mark 10:46-52,
the story of Bartimaeus,
and Alive Now devotional
for August 30, 2008
with clear eyes, eyes that would see
calling the savior, he gained sight
by his faith he was healed
by his salvation he followed
he rose and followed him
on the Way
August 31, 2008
Mark 10:46-52,
the story of Bartimaeus,
and Alive Now devotional
for August 30, 2008
Eyes Opened
In that instant, the second
that moment of connection
Christ and the believer, by his words
by his faith eyes opened
more than the disciples,
those who shouted him down
clear eyes to his presence
understanding who he was calling
calling out to the messiah
the heir to David’s throne
living root of Jesse,
son of the living God
healing him, by his word
by his own faith
eyes truly opened
August 31, 2008
Mark 10:46-52,
the story of Bartimaeus,
and Alive Now devotional
for August 30, 2008
that moment of connection
Christ and the believer, by his words
by his faith eyes opened
more than the disciples,
those who shouted him down
clear eyes to his presence
understanding who he was calling
calling out to the messiah
the heir to David’s throne
living root of Jesse,
son of the living God
healing him, by his word
by his own faith
eyes truly opened
August 31, 2008
Mark 10:46-52,
the story of Bartimaeus,
and Alive Now devotional
for August 30, 2008
Regained Sight
(but saw already)
Calling, by his faith,
to the son of David, the heir,
by that name called,
the blind man, beggar
Living blind but with sight already
knowing the prophets, perhaps
the truth of his birth,
who he was already
calling to him, to be saved
reclaimed to the living
a part of the community
made clean, whole, made well
regaining sight
to walk on the way
following Him
all of his days
August 31, 2008
Mark 10:46-52,
the story of Bartimaeus,
and Alive Now devotional
for August 30, 2008
Calling, by his faith,
to the son of David, the heir,
by that name called,
the blind man, beggar
Living blind but with sight already
knowing the prophets, perhaps
the truth of his birth,
who he was already
calling to him, to be saved
reclaimed to the living
a part of the community
made clean, whole, made well
regaining sight
to walk on the way
following Him
all of his days
August 31, 2008
Mark 10:46-52,
the story of Bartimaeus,
and Alive Now devotional
for August 30, 2008
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