An offering, on the table, the altar of faith
sharing His bread, His cup, all of us
around the work, pilgrims, witnesses
sharing the body, the blood, in remembrance
all of us equal, all welcome, humbly around His table
we fall silent, smile broadly, in recognition
the gift undeserved, by grace alone
fed at His table, with His love
poured out for many, each one of us
all of us, wherever we are, around the world
October 4, 2008
World Communion Sunday, October 5, 2008
Matthew 26:26-29
Mark 14:22-25
Luke 22:15-20
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Saturday, October 04, 2008
Around the Table
Young and old, black,
brown, yellow, red,
and white; Jew and Gentile
We all come together,
humbly, reverently, in awe
All around the table of the Lord
Sharing one meal, the bread,
the grape, the crimson stain
his blood, poured out for many,
for us, remembrance of that day
We kneel at the altar,
at his table; all welcome
around His table
October 4, 2008
World Communion Sunday, October 5, 2008
Matthew 26:26-29
Mark 14:22-25
Luke 22:15-20
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
brown, yellow, red,
and white; Jew and Gentile
We all come together,
humbly, reverently, in awe
All around the table of the Lord
Sharing one meal, the bread,
the grape, the crimson stain
his blood, poured out for many,
for us, remembrance of that day
We kneel at the altar,
at his table; all welcome
around His table
October 4, 2008
World Communion Sunday, October 5, 2008
Matthew 26:26-29
Mark 14:22-25
Luke 22:15-20
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
One Table
All are called to the one table
the table of remembrance
Many colors, many voices,
some hungry, some in pain,
all around one table, this day
breaking the bread, sharing
the fruit of the vine, poured out
The bread, the body,
the wine, His blood
remembered in common
each of us sharing this sacred meal
All around one table
October 4, 2008
World Communion Sunday, October 5, 2008
Matthew 26:26-29
Mark 14:22-25
Luke 22:15-20
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
the table of remembrance
Many colors, many voices,
some hungry, some in pain,
all around one table, this day
breaking the bread, sharing
the fruit of the vine, poured out
The bread, the body,
the wine, His blood
remembered in common
each of us sharing this sacred meal
All around one table
October 4, 2008
World Communion Sunday, October 5, 2008
Matthew 26:26-29
Mark 14:22-25
Luke 22:15-20
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Witnesses, Being Sent
All of us witnesses,
being sent, appointed
to be the voices, so faith can be heard
good news spread out, into the world
to be Christ’s witnesses, believing,
hearing his call, being sent
with power, to share God’s love
to the ends of the earth
October 4, 2008
Acts 1:6-9
Romans 10:11-17 and
Sermon “We Are Appointed”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
Suncook United Methodist Church
October 5, 2008
being sent, appointed
to be the voices, so faith can be heard
good news spread out, into the world
to be Christ’s witnesses, believing,
hearing his call, being sent
with power, to share God’s love
to the ends of the earth
October 4, 2008
Acts 1:6-9
Romans 10:11-17 and
Sermon “We Are Appointed”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
Suncook United Methodist Church
October 5, 2008
An Answer in the Clouds
Her prayers, questions for the creator
the unseen power, sitting still, staring at the clouds
watching for a sign, talking with God
An answer was given, a bit of grace
shining through, through the blue sky
an answer in the clouds
for her eyes, her heart alone
Telling her more, more than words
revealing God’s grace
An answer to prayers
in the shimmering clouds
October 4, 2008
the unseen power, sitting still, staring at the clouds
watching for a sign, talking with God
An answer was given, a bit of grace
shining through, through the blue sky
an answer in the clouds
for her eyes, her heart alone
Telling her more, more than words
revealing God’s grace
An answer to prayers
in the shimmering clouds
October 4, 2008
The Grace of Clouds
God’s grace, the grace of clouds
the master’s message, revealed in life
when we ask, He will answer
with the grace of clouds,
the faith of a baby’s face
the gift of creation,
of the verdant garden
Grace, the gifts, abounds,
grace all around
shown when we are ready, open
believing is seeing
shimmering answers,
in the grace of clouds
October 4, 2008
the master’s message, revealed in life
when we ask, He will answer
with the grace of clouds,
the faith of a baby’s face
the gift of creation,
of the verdant garden
Grace, the gifts, abounds,
grace all around
shown when we are ready, open
believing is seeing
shimmering answers,
in the grace of clouds
October 4, 2008
Appointed
Like Peter, Paul
We are appointed
commissioned by the same Spirit
the Holy Spirit of God
living, growing within us
to spread the same message of love
commissioned, appointed
witnesses of Christ’s love
sacrificial love of the servant
humble king, fulfilling still
scriptures, law, promises of God
Grace, living, flowing from our hands
our hearts, our feet
walking in his pathways
reaching out his hands
sharing God’s love,
imprinted on our lives
October 4, 2008
Acts 1:6-9
We are appointed
commissioned by the same Spirit
the Holy Spirit of God
living, growing within us
to spread the same message of love
commissioned, appointed
witnesses of Christ’s love
sacrificial love of the servant
humble king, fulfilling still
scriptures, law, promises of God
Grace, living, flowing from our hands
our hearts, our feet
walking in his pathways
reaching out his hands
sharing God’s love,
imprinted on our lives
October 4, 2008
Acts 1:6-9
Changing My Focus
My life, my study, my ministry,
my all, changed forever, instantly
my faith transformed, revealed
all I was, all I am, loss,
until Christ gave me sight
until I came to know my savior
all I was, my focus in life
loss for the salvation, the resurrection
By him alone, by grace saved
works lead to death.
Life alone in the Lord.
October 4, 2008
Philippians 3:4b-14
my all, changed forever, instantly
my faith transformed, revealed
all I was, all I am, loss,
until Christ gave me sight
until I came to know my savior
all I was, my focus in life
loss for the salvation, the resurrection
By him alone, by grace saved
works lead to death.
Life alone in the Lord.
October 4, 2008
Philippians 3:4b-14
All is Loss
All of the work, the story,
the steps of my life, my path
all is loss. For I was separated,
fighting with God, not listening
to his spirit, his true call
His son, the Christ, his sacrifice
all that is important
in this fulfilling, this testimony
the truly righteous, sacrificed
for me, for you, for all of us
All is loss, works,
when by grace we are saved
by his life, his witness
Alone, the means of grace
the salvation through the lamb
sacrificed on the altar of the cross
all else is loss
October 4, 2008
Philippians 3:4b-14
the steps of my life, my path
all is loss. For I was separated,
fighting with God, not listening
to his spirit, his true call
His son, the Christ, his sacrifice
all that is important
in this fulfilling, this testimony
the truly righteous, sacrificed
for me, for you, for all of us
All is loss, works,
when by grace we are saved
by his life, his witness
Alone, the means of grace
the salvation through the lamb
sacrificed on the altar of the cross
all else is loss
October 4, 2008
Philippians 3:4b-14
All I Have Gained – Loss
All my heritage, my lineage, my works
all my life, my training, all of it,
my pedigree. my proofs of righteousness
All my gain, my life, loss
For I have sinned, fought against Christ
My works misguided, my call
Epiphany on that road
my life turned, by grace
by the gift of Christ, his sacrifice
His disciples, apostles
suffering for Christ
sharing his message
to the ends of the world
that is now my call
October 4, 2008
Philippians 3:4b-14
all my life, my training, all of it,
my pedigree. my proofs of righteousness
All my gain, my life, loss
For I have sinned, fought against Christ
My works misguided, my call
Epiphany on that road
my life turned, by grace
by the gift of Christ, his sacrifice
His disciples, apostles
suffering for Christ
sharing his message
to the ends of the world
that is now my call
October 4, 2008
Philippians 3:4b-14
Thursday, October 02, 2008
Christ's Witnesses
To the ends of the earth,
bearing witness, being Christ's witness
what he said, what he did, in his life
sharing the truth, the power,
the humble heart of Christ
the love of God, brought to earth
being a servant, loving our neighbor,
the last, the least, the lost
being his hands, his feet
witnessing to Christ
to the ends of the earth
with power, of the holy spirit
living within
October 2, 2008
Acts 1:6-9
bearing witness, being Christ's witness
what he said, what he did, in his life
sharing the truth, the power,
the humble heart of Christ
the love of God, brought to earth
being a servant, loving our neighbor,
the last, the least, the lost
being his hands, his feet
witnessing to Christ
to the ends of the earth
with power, of the holy spirit
living within
October 2, 2008
Acts 1:6-9
We will receive Power
We are waiting as they were
ready, waiting, trusting, living in community
for the fulfillment of this promise
that we will receive power, that we
will be given what we need, by the holy spirit
equipping us, to spread Christ’s love
God’s love to the ends of the earth
that we will be infused, emboldened, enabled
at God’s appointed time, a divine appointment
to spread the message of love
to the outermost reaches, the whole world
October 2, 2008
Acts 1:6-9
ready, waiting, trusting, living in community
for the fulfillment of this promise
that we will receive power, that we
will be given what we need, by the holy spirit
equipping us, to spread Christ’s love
God’s love to the ends of the earth
that we will be infused, emboldened, enabled
at God’s appointed time, a divine appointment
to spread the message of love
to the outermost reaches, the whole world
October 2, 2008
Acts 1:6-9
Like Them
Like them, we too,
waiting on the Lord, on God
for that divine appointment, that moment
when power, authority, emboldened
we share the love, the message of Christ
to the ends of the earth, to our neighbors,
strangers, placed by God, into our lives
moments of planned serendipity,
planned by the creator, the master architect
the one who set the universe spinning,
the one who set our hearts, each one, beating
giving us appointments,
at a time of his choosing
to be Christ for someone
October 2, 2008
Acts 1:6-9
waiting on the Lord, on God
for that divine appointment, that moment
when power, authority, emboldened
we share the love, the message of Christ
to the ends of the earth, to our neighbors,
strangers, placed by God, into our lives
moments of planned serendipity,
planned by the creator, the master architect
the one who set the universe spinning,
the one who set our hearts, each one, beating
giving us appointments,
at a time of his choosing
to be Christ for someone
October 2, 2008
Acts 1:6-9
Wait, Trust
You cannot know, when God’s time will be
Wait, trust in the Lord, for there is a time coming
when you will be empowered, given authority
an appointment, a charge, to spread the message
my ministry, out into the world, to the ends of the earth
keep your oil ready, the time is coming
wait, trust in the Lord
October 2, 2008
Acts 1:6-9
Wait, trust in the Lord, for there is a time coming
when you will be empowered, given authority
an appointment, a charge, to spread the message
my ministry, out into the world, to the ends of the earth
keep your oil ready, the time is coming
wait, trust in the Lord
October 2, 2008
Acts 1:6-9
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 31,480+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
Christian Cats
Feline counselors, therapists
Christian cats, ministering to my disquiet
helping me study the scripture,
between the petting, the purring
bringing calm to my day,
sitting on the couch, sipping my tea
giving me peace, focus
gifting me with words to share
these Christian cats, in my lap
----------------
edited August 14, 2019
Christian Cats – v2
October 1, 2008
Christian Cats
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by
Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008,
2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019. All
rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 51,420+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Bible, Christ, Christian, creator, disciples, Easter,
Faith, gifts, God, hope, Jesus Christ, kittens, Larry, Mario, Moe, poem,
poetry, Fiona, savior, scripture
#Bible #Christ #Christian #creator #disciples #Easter #Faith
#gifts #God #hope #Jesus Christ #kittens #Larry #Mario #Moe #poem #poetry #Fiona
#savior #scripture
A Love Story
Her story, her dream
a love story, being written
in the words of the path
the journey of their lives, apart
coming together, as if connecting
the dots that had been dropped
stitching together, sewing tight
the threads of their lives, a single coil,
tighter, stronger, resilient
moving together into the future
trying as best they can
a happy place, a family
hoping for that chance
to live out her dream
October 1, 2008
a love story, being written
in the words of the path
the journey of their lives, apart
coming together, as if connecting
the dots that had been dropped
stitching together, sewing tight
the threads of their lives, a single coil,
tighter, stronger, resilient
moving together into the future
trying as best they can
a happy place, a family
hoping for that chance
to live out her dream
October 1, 2008
Agape Cafe - Coffeehouse - Wesley United Methodist Church - 10/3/08 - 8:00pm
http://www.evite.com/pages/invite/viewInvite.jsp?inviteId=SSMJBJPCMZKRKFAOFFIO&li=iq&src=email&trk=aei6
God of Grace
The God of grace, agape love
the same, eternal, God of the law,
covenant, of the commandments
a way of life, fulfilled in Christ
by grace saved, by works a gift
a loving response, prayerful, worthy
sacrifice, servanthood, messenger
life, modeled by the savior
a way of life, life itself
an offering for the God of grace
October 1, 2008
Acts 9:1-19a
Philippians 3:4b-14
Exodus 20
the same, eternal, God of the law,
covenant, of the commandments
a way of life, fulfilled in Christ
by grace saved, by works a gift
a loving response, prayerful, worthy
sacrifice, servanthood, messenger
life, modeled by the savior
a way of life, life itself
an offering for the God of grace
October 1, 2008
Acts 9:1-19a
Philippians 3:4b-14
Exodus 20
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 30,710+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
The Opposite Way
So sure, anointed for that purpose
sanctioned and bless to route them out
He was a zealot, crusader
to stamp out these rabble
But he was to go the opposite way
finding Christ on that Damascus Road
In blindness he would see
his way led to death
In turning the opposite way
our lives changed forever
October 1, 2008
Acts 9:1-19a
Philippians 3:4b-14
sanctioned and bless to route them out
He was a zealot, crusader
to stamp out these rabble
But he was to go the opposite way
finding Christ on that Damascus Road
In blindness he would see
his way led to death
In turning the opposite way
our lives changed forever
October 1, 2008
Acts 9:1-19a
Philippians 3:4b-14
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
With All Your Heart
With all your heart, all our hearts
trust in the Lord
He is faithful, so must we
his promises worthy
his path true, his call for us
something on which to rely
Listen for his spirit
deep within our hearts
beating, growing inside
with all our hearts, beating with him
trust in the Lord, always
September 30, 2008
Proverbs 3:5
trust in the Lord
He is faithful, so must we
his promises worthy
his path true, his call for us
something on which to rely
Listen for his spirit
deep within our hearts
beating, growing inside
with all our hearts, beating with him
trust in the Lord, always
September 30, 2008
Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the Lord
We are to trust in the Lord
the one almighty God,
transcendent, unchangeable
forgiving, covenantal
always there, when we fail,
when we stumble, we fall
into his loving arms
September 30, 2008
Proverbs 3:5
the one almighty God,
transcendent, unchangeable
forgiving, covenantal
always there, when we fail,
when we stumble, we fall
into his loving arms
September 30, 2008
Proverbs 3:5
Immutable – haiku
Constant, unchanging
I am the one Lord, Your God
forever, Amen
September 30, 2008
Malachi 3:6
I am the one Lord, Your God
forever, Amen
September 30, 2008
Malachi 3:6
Looking Down
Looking down, at these hands
hands that can sew, stitch together
the scraps of cloth, the bits of thread
to make clothes for them
Looking down, at these hands
a way for me to serve, to minister
to be the love of Christ for them
Looking down at these hands
old, arthritic, but hands
that can, in my small way
reach out to the last, the least,
Looking down, at these hands
picking up my needle, the threads
the fabric, making a difference
for the poor, in my town, my little part
spreading the love of God
hands that can sew, stitch together
the scraps of cloth, the bits of thread
to make clothes for them
Looking down, at these hands
a way for me to serve, to minister
to be the love of Christ for them
Looking down at these hands
old, arthritic, but hands
that can, in my small way
reach out to the last, the least,
Looking down, at these hands
picking up my needle, the threads
the fabric, making a difference
for the poor, in my town, my little part
spreading the love of God
September 30, 2008
Looking Down
Matthew 25:31-40
Acts 9:36-43 and sermon,
“The Story of the First Christian”,
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
and told by Elaine Halvorson,
as Dorcas, in her own words,
Suncook United Methodist Church
September 28, 2008
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 39,780+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Scraps of Cloth
Scraps of cloth, needle, thread
ordinary things, her tools
combined in her ministry
meeting needs, of the poor, widows
following Christ, being Christ
setting an example, a hero
something we can do
using our simple gifts
extraordinary things
September 29, 2008
Matthew 25:31-40
Acts 9:36-43 and sermon,
“The Story of the First Christian”,
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
and told by Elaine Halvorson,
as Dorcas, in her own words,
Suncook United Methodist Church
September 28, 2008
ordinary things, her tools
combined in her ministry
meeting needs, of the poor, widows
following Christ, being Christ
setting an example, a hero
something we can do
using our simple gifts
extraordinary things
September 29, 2008
Matthew 25:31-40
Acts 9:36-43 and sermon,
“The Story of the First Christian”,
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
and told by Elaine Halvorson,
as Dorcas, in her own words,
Suncook United Methodist Church
September 28, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
With Her Needle, Her Thread
with her needle, her thread
making tunics, other clothes
for the widows, the poor
serving, using her gifts
her ordinary gifts
revealing Christ, through her actions
being Christ in her ministry
clothes for the needy
September 28, 2008
Matthew 25:31-40
Acts 9:36-43 and sermon,
“The Story of the First Christian”,
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
and told by Elaine Halvorson,
as Dorcas, in her own words,
Suncook United Methodist Church
making tunics, other clothes
for the widows, the poor
serving, using her gifts
her ordinary gifts
revealing Christ, through her actions
being Christ in her ministry
clothes for the needy
September 28, 2008
Matthew 25:31-40
Acts 9:36-43 and sermon,
“The Story of the First Christian”,
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
and told by Elaine Halvorson,
as Dorcas, in her own words,
Suncook United Methodist Church
With Her Hands
With her hands, she served
she ministered to those in need
sewing clothing for the poor
following the command of Christ
eyes opened to the least
out of her own widowhood
caring for others, out of her poverty
she was rich in gifts
shared with her community.
September 28, 2008
Matthew 25:31-40
Acts 9:36-43 and sermon,
“The Story of the First Christian”,
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
and told by Elaine Halvorson,
as Dorcas, in her own words,
Suncook United Methodist Church
she ministered to those in need
sewing clothing for the poor
following the command of Christ
eyes opened to the least
out of her own widowhood
caring for others, out of her poverty
she was rich in gifts
shared with her community.
September 28, 2008
Matthew 25:31-40
Acts 9:36-43 and sermon,
“The Story of the First Christian”,
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
and told by Elaine Halvorson,
as Dorcas, in her own words,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Seeing the Poor
She gained new sight
new eyes, seeing the poor
through eyes opened by Christ
his message revealing
the least of these, those
who she could help,
with the work of her hands
her sewing her ministry
September 28, 2008
Matthew 25:31-40
Acts 9:36-43 and sermon,
“The Story of the First Christian”,
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
and told by Elaine Halvorson,
as Dorcas, in her own words,
Suncook United Methodist Church
new eyes, seeing the poor
through eyes opened by Christ
his message revealing
the least of these, those
who she could help,
with the work of her hands
her sewing her ministry
September 28, 2008
Matthew 25:31-40
Acts 9:36-43 and sermon,
“The Story of the First Christian”,
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
and told by Elaine Halvorson,
as Dorcas, in her own words,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Offering My All
All of my body, physical, spiritual
a sacrifice to God
returning the gift of my life,
the precision of the universe
laws of nature, of life
the intricacies of man
My gifts, my tithes but a part
a mere echo, a shadow
of all I have received
September 28, 2008
Matthew 25:31-40
Acts 9:36-43 and sermon,
“The Story of the First Christian”,
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
and told by Elaine Halvorson,
as Dorcas, in her own words,
and Romans 12:1 and the offering prayer
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church
a sacrifice to God
returning the gift of my life,
the precision of the universe
laws of nature, of life
the intricacies of man
My gifts, my tithes but a part
a mere echo, a shadow
of all I have received
September 28, 2008
Matthew 25:31-40
Acts 9:36-43 and sermon,
“The Story of the First Christian”,
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
and told by Elaine Halvorson,
as Dorcas, in her own words,
and Romans 12:1 and the offering prayer
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church
By His Healing
The stories in the Book of Acts
of the people becoming believers
over and over, by his healing
His healing in the name of Christ;
his healings, stating Christ healed
being the instrument,
the skin on the hands of Christ
Boldy, confidently,
healing in Christ’s name
and all believed.
September 28, 2008
Matthew 25:31-40,
Acts 9:32-43,
Acts 9:36-43 and sermon,
“The Story of the First Christian”,
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
and told by Elaine Halvorson,
as Dorcas, in her own words,
Suncook United Methodist Church
of the people becoming believers
over and over, by his healing
His healing in the name of Christ;
his healings, stating Christ healed
being the instrument,
the skin on the hands of Christ
Boldy, confidently,
healing in Christ’s name
and all believed.
September 28, 2008
Matthew 25:31-40,
Acts 9:32-43,
Acts 9:36-43 and sermon,
“The Story of the First Christian”,
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
and told by Elaine Halvorson,
as Dorcas, in her own words,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Overlooking the Mediterranean
From the port of Joppa, down below the cliffs
the place Jonah left, trying to escape to the sea
before his fish story, this land on the Mediterranean
Israel, looking out my windows west
up in the town, I was poor, a widow, without services
no one to help me
poor, if measured by money; but I was rich,
when I was told of Jesus, the savior,
who lived and died for me, for you too
I never knew, truly knew, how rich I was,
how rich I am, with God’s love
What could I do, to spread his message
to help the least of these?
My gifts are my hands, my fingers
able to sew a seam, to make clothing
to give to the least, those with less than me
not just those poorer than I, in money
able, with these ordinary gifts,
to touch their lives, with God’s love
September 28, 2008
Matthew 25:31-40
Acts 9:36-43 and sermon,
“The Story of the First Christian”,
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
and told by Elaine Halvorson,
as Dorcas, in her own words,
Suncook United Methodist Church
the place Jonah left, trying to escape to the sea
before his fish story, this land on the Mediterranean
Israel, looking out my windows west
up in the town, I was poor, a widow, without services
no one to help me
poor, if measured by money; but I was rich,
when I was told of Jesus, the savior,
who lived and died for me, for you too
I never knew, truly knew, how rich I was,
how rich I am, with God’s love
What could I do, to spread his message
to help the least of these?
My gifts are my hands, my fingers
able to sew a seam, to make clothing
to give to the least, those with less than me
not just those poorer than I, in money
able, with these ordinary gifts,
to touch their lives, with God’s love
September 28, 2008
Matthew 25:31-40
Acts 9:36-43 and sermon,
“The Story of the First Christian”,
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
and told by Elaine Halvorson,
as Dorcas, in her own words,
Suncook United Methodist Church
A Deer, A Gazelle
Her name means deer, gazelle;
while a widow her spirit leaping
jumping, bounding as her name
Giving of herself, with love, with joy
doing works for the kingdom
in His holy name, giving of herself
joyfully giving so much
leaping hearts, share your love
as she so ably shared
September 28, 2008
Matthew 25:31-40
Acts 9:36-43 and sermon,
“The Story of the First Christian”,
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
and told by Elaine Halvorson,
as Dorcas, in her own words,
Suncook United Methodist Church
while a widow her spirit leaping
jumping, bounding as her name
Giving of herself, with love, with joy
doing works for the kingdom
in His holy name, giving of herself
joyfully giving so much
leaping hearts, share your love
as she so ably shared
September 28, 2008
Matthew 25:31-40
Acts 9:36-43 and sermon,
“The Story of the First Christian”,
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
and told by Elaine Halvorson,
as Dorcas, in her own words,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Dorcas Preaching
Up from the pages, from the town of Joppa
the port, overlooking the Mediterranean
a disciple shared her witness, her response
to the saving of Christ, her work for the kingdom
Coming forward, to the front of the congregation
sharing a word of hope, of faith
within the quieted sanctuary
resting on the stool, her widow’s bones tired
Sharing the meaning, the change in her life,
being a Christian, understanding the Gospel words
what the lines of the judgment mean to her
caring, with her ordinary gifts, with her sewing
Giving to others, out of her poverty,
making clothes for others, those less fortunate
even than her widow’s stores
Rich because of the gift of Christ
September 28, 2008
Matthew 25:31-40
Acts 9:36-43 and sermon,
“The Story of the First Christian”,
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
and told by Elaine Halvorson,
as Dorcas, in her own words,
Suncook United Methodist Church
the port, overlooking the Mediterranean
a disciple shared her witness, her response
to the saving of Christ, her work for the kingdom
Coming forward, to the front of the congregation
sharing a word of hope, of faith
within the quieted sanctuary
resting on the stool, her widow’s bones tired
Sharing the meaning, the change in her life,
being a Christian, understanding the Gospel words
what the lines of the judgment mean to her
caring, with her ordinary gifts, with her sewing
Giving to others, out of her poverty,
making clothes for others, those less fortunate
even than her widow’s stores
Rich because of the gift of Christ
September 28, 2008
Matthew 25:31-40
Acts 9:36-43 and sermon,
“The Story of the First Christian”,
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
and told by Elaine Halvorson,
as Dorcas, in her own words,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Healed by Christ’s Name
In his belief, in the power, the authority
his voice raising, calling on Christ, in his name alone
over and over, in miraculous acts,
He healed by Christ’s name,
not merely in his name, in the name of the savior
He healed by Jesus’ name, stating with certainty
calling them up, from their bed
Jesus Christ heals you!
September 28, 2008
Matthew 25:31-40,
Acts 9:32-43,
Acts 9:36-43 and sermon,
“The Story of the First Christian”,
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
and told by Elaine Halvorson,
as Dorcas, in her own words,
Suncook United Methodist Church
his voice raising, calling on Christ, in his name alone
over and over, in miraculous acts,
He healed by Christ’s name,
not merely in his name, in the name of the savior
He healed by Jesus’ name, stating with certainty
calling them up, from their bed
Jesus Christ heals you!
September 28, 2008
Matthew 25:31-40,
Acts 9:32-43,
Acts 9:36-43 and sermon,
“The Story of the First Christian”,
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
and told by Elaine Halvorson,
as Dorcas, in her own words,
Suncook United Methodist Church
All Turned to the Lord
By his miracle, in the name of Christ
all believed, all turned to the Lord
a whole city, the entire populace
believed together, by the healing
the total saving of Aeneas,
by Peter’s voice, in the name of Christ
all of Lydda, all of Sharon were saved
September 28, 2008
Matthew 25:31-40,
Acts 9:32-43,
Acts 9:36-43 and sermon,
“The Story of the First Christian”,
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
and told by Elaine Halvorson,
as Dorcas, in her own words,
Suncook United Methodist Church
all believed, all turned to the Lord
a whole city, the entire populace
believed together, by the healing
the total saving of Aeneas,
by Peter’s voice, in the name of Christ
all of Lydda, all of Sharon were saved
September 28, 2008
Matthew 25:31-40,
Acts 9:32-43,
Acts 9:36-43 and sermon,
“The Story of the First Christian”,
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
and told by Elaine Halvorson,
as Dorcas, in her own words,
Suncook United Methodist Church
To the Least
From out of her poverty, out of her gifts
the least found clothes, caring, warmth
Her hands, aged, widowed hands
sewing the clothe, the garments, the shirts
the cloaks, for those in need
being the hands, the fingers of Christ
sewing, knitting, showing her love
Her faith, her ministry in those hands
sharing out of her poverty, out of her bounty
September 28, 2008
Matthew 25:31-40
Acts 9:36-43 and sermon,
“The Story of the First Christian”,
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
and told by Elaine Halvorson,
as Dorcas, in her own words,
Suncook United Methodist Church
the least found clothes, caring, warmth
Her hands, aged, widowed hands
sewing the clothe, the garments, the shirts
the cloaks, for those in need
being the hands, the fingers of Christ
sewing, knitting, showing her love
Her faith, her ministry in those hands
sharing out of her poverty, out of her bounty
September 28, 2008
Matthew 25:31-40
Acts 9:36-43 and sermon,
“The Story of the First Christian”,
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
and told by Elaine Halvorson,
as Dorcas, in her own words,
Suncook United Methodist Church
My Gifts – Dorcas Preaching
I can’t do much; little money I have
no husband to provide, no sons,
just a little. My gifts so ordinary.
I can sew, needle and thread do I have
clothe, a little in my room
So many others, far less do they have
winter coming. His words, shared by the disciples
echoing in my mind, the least of these
Oh I know well, a widow I am
The gleanings only do I have
But I am rich, with God’s love
much can I give, by my hands alone
That is what I have done,
my ordinary gifts, in His name
given to the least of these.
September 28, 2008
Matthew 25:31-40
Acts 9:36-43 and sermon,
“The Story of the First Christian”,
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
and told by Elaine Halvorson,
as Dorcas, in her own words,
Suncook United Methodist Church
no husband to provide, no sons,
just a little. My gifts so ordinary.
I can sew, needle and thread do I have
clothe, a little in my room
So many others, far less do they have
winter coming. His words, shared by the disciples
echoing in my mind, the least of these
Oh I know well, a widow I am
The gleanings only do I have
But I am rich, with God’s love
much can I give, by my hands alone
That is what I have done,
my ordinary gifts, in His name
given to the least of these.
September 28, 2008
Matthew 25:31-40
Acts 9:36-43 and sermon,
“The Story of the First Christian”,
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
and told by Elaine Halvorson,
as Dorcas, in her own words,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Scattering joy like seeds
Scattering joy like seeds,
this is how I feel, sharing the words
these gifts I am given by the Lord
the poems of praise, of hope, of joy
messages of God’s love, of his wanting
His desire for relationship with us
each one of us, precious in his sight,
known from before we were born,
each day numbered, treasured, in His heart
the potter knowing the clay, the firing at the last
our days known, our saving assured
if we let that seed germinate, grow
growing in our hearts, our lives
in the words we share, in the love we give
in our hands, our feet, giving of ourselves
we leave to serve, the Spirit welling up
within us, the love of God written on our lives
September 28, 2008
Closing Hymn,
The Spirit Sends Us Forth to Serve,
The Faith We Sing, #2241
Suncook United Methodist Church
this is how I feel, sharing the words
these gifts I am given by the Lord
the poems of praise, of hope, of joy
messages of God’s love, of his wanting
His desire for relationship with us
each one of us, precious in his sight,
known from before we were born,
each day numbered, treasured, in His heart
the potter knowing the clay, the firing at the last
our days known, our saving assured
if we let that seed germinate, grow
growing in our hearts, our lives
in the words we share, in the love we give
in our hands, our feet, giving of ourselves
we leave to serve, the Spirit welling up
within us, the love of God written on our lives
September 28, 2008
Closing Hymn,
The Spirit Sends Us Forth to Serve,
The Faith We Sing, #2241
Suncook United Methodist Church
Who are Your Heroes?
He spoke of Jesus, his humble life,
of the fisherman Peter, of Paul, falling off his horse
But he read of Dorcas, Tabitha, her works
for the kingdom, her faithfulness,
her setting up her own welfare system
when there was none
A widow, ministering to the poor,
rich, out of her poverty, sharing
sewing, knitting, giving to others
reaching out, in her love, His love
providing for the least of these
in His name
September 28, 2008
Matthew 25:31-40
Acts 9:36-43 and sermon,
“The Story of the First Christian”,
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
and told by Elaine Halvorson,
as Dorcas, in her own words,
Suncook United Methodist Church
of the fisherman Peter, of Paul, falling off his horse
But he read of Dorcas, Tabitha, her works
for the kingdom, her faithfulness,
her setting up her own welfare system
when there was none
A widow, ministering to the poor,
rich, out of her poverty, sharing
sewing, knitting, giving to others
reaching out, in her love, His love
providing for the least of these
in His name
September 28, 2008
Matthew 25:31-40
Acts 9:36-43 and sermon,
“The Story of the First Christian”,
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
and told by Elaine Halvorson,
as Dorcas, in her own words,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Fishers of Men – haiku – 4 – v2
Leaving the shore, nets
all they ever knew for him
to spread the good news
September 28, 2008
January 22, 2008
Matthew 4:12-23
edited to get back to the
5, 7, 5 of true haiku
all they ever knew for him
to spread the good news
September 28, 2008
January 22, 2008
Matthew 4:12-23
edited to get back to the
5, 7, 5 of true haiku
Strive for His Kingdom
Focus on God
and the rest will fall into place
We need not fear, struggle, provide
for our daily bread, about clothes
Do not worry little flock
So were his words, with authority
We must let go, of our fears, our focus
Strive for His kingdom instead
sitting at the master’s feet
following our shepherd
and the rest will come
provided by God
September 28, 2008
Luke 12:22-32
Luke 12:31
and the rest will fall into place
We need not fear, struggle, provide
for our daily bread, about clothes
Do not worry little flock
So were his words, with authority
We must let go, of our fears, our focus
Strive for His kingdom instead
sitting at the master’s feet
following our shepherd
and the rest will come
provided by God
September 28, 2008
Luke 12:22-32
Luke 12:31
Reaching for Us
God, reaching out,
reaching for us
for our hearts, our lives
for us to turn to him
to him alone
to follow his will
reaching for us, arms open wide
for when we choose him.
This is the story of the book
the word, the holy scriptures
a loving father, a servant son
offering all for us
reaching through their words
the acts of sacrifice
the temper held back
the wrath spared
wanting us to come home
September 27, 2007 and September 28, 2008
reaching for us
for our hearts, our lives
for us to turn to him
to him alone
to follow his will
reaching for us, arms open wide
for when we choose him.
This is the story of the book
the word, the holy scriptures
a loving father, a servant son
offering all for us
reaching through their words
the acts of sacrifice
the temper held back
the wrath spared
wanting us to come home
September 27, 2007 and September 28, 2008
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