In writing about poverty on Blog Action Day, I hope those who came to my site found something hopeful in the 25 poems I posted. Below is a listing of some of the scripture that informed my words shared on the 15th.
October 18, 2008
Genesis 4:9-16
Psalm 136
Psalm 136:1-26
Psalm 136:1-9; 23-26
Micah 6:9
Matthew 25:31-40
Matthew 25:31-46
Mark 10:35-45
Luke 10:25–37
Luke 20:45-21:4
Acts 2:42-47
Acts 2:43-47
Acts 4:32-35
Acts 9:36-43
October 15, 2008
Blog Action Day, poverty
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Pumpkin trees, Cranberry trees, Canary trees
At the far end of the manicured lawn, the field really,
rolling up toward the horizon line,
up above the fringe by the stonewall
the road I travel on
a ridgeline, a frame to the green, the grass
pines and still-unchanged oaks to be sure;
but pumpkin trees, cranberry trees, canary trees
all radiant in the bright fall light,
shimmering, their moment of glory to reveal
Pause as I pass, linger on the road
take in the wonder of the brilliant color
waiting to be seen
October 18, 2008
rolling up toward the horizon line,
up above the fringe by the stonewall
the road I travel on
a ridgeline, a frame to the green, the grass
pines and still-unchanged oaks to be sure;
but pumpkin trees, cranberry trees, canary trees
all radiant in the bright fall light,
shimmering, their moment of glory to reveal
Pause as I pass, linger on the road
take in the wonder of the brilliant color
waiting to be seen
October 18, 2008
A Rain of Color
A rain of color, the leaves of the maples,
different kinds, red, sugar, swamp,
all torquing, canting, twisting,
inexorably,
to the warming
the frost and the sun, conspiring
to create a dance of leaves
meandering, lingering in the still air
not so much a fall as a dance to earth
wet leaves, clear crisp morning
a bright sky, polarized light
a rain of red, yellow, orange,
a remnant of green,
showering down
October 18, 2008
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2008/10/rain-of-color.html
different kinds, red, sugar, swamp,
all torquing, canting, twisting,
inexorably,
to the warming
the frost and the sun, conspiring
to create a dance of leaves
meandering, lingering in the still air
not so much a fall as a dance to earth
wet leaves, clear crisp morning
a bright sky, polarized light
a rain of red, yellow, orange,
a remnant of green,
showering down
October 18, 2008
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2008/10/rain-of-color.html
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 30,600+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
After That Day
Our lives scripted
guided by an unseen hand
ordered in ways we don’t know
after that day, our first date
sharing our stories, our lives
joined by vows, before God
under a snowy sky
A family now, whole
our lives forever changed,
changing still, together
October 16, 2008
on our first date, October 16, 2004
guided by an unseen hand
ordered in ways we don’t know
after that day, our first date
sharing our stories, our lives
joined by vows, before God
under a snowy sky
A family now, whole
our lives forever changed,
changing still, together
October 16, 2008
on our first date, October 16, 2004
My Life Changed
First date
Standing in your kitchen
conversation, listening, sharing
so natural, so easy
a connection, total
so sure of us, so soon
a courtship, your children
becoming a family, my girls.
My life changed forever
after that day, that moment
October 16, 2008
on our first date, October 16, 2004
Standing in your kitchen
conversation, listening, sharing
so natural, so easy
a connection, total
so sure of us, so soon
a courtship, your children
becoming a family, my girls.
My life changed forever
after that day, that moment
October 16, 2008
on our first date, October 16, 2004
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Doing Justice – Blog Action Day
Our lives, measured by our actions
did we do justice in our time
were those hungry fed,
those thirsty given drink
whether we welcomed a stranger
and offered clothes to those in need
Our lives measured by our faith
our faith lived out in our lives
how we care for our neighbors
all our neighbors, wherever we may go
all our brothers, our sisters
helping them, all those in need
October 15, 2008
Micah 6:9
Matthew 25:31-46
did we do justice in our time
were those hungry fed,
those thirsty given drink
whether we welcomed a stranger
and offered clothes to those in need
Our lives measured by our faith
our faith lived out in our lives
how we care for our neighbors
all our neighbors, wherever we may go
all our brothers, our sisters
helping them, all those in need
October 15, 2008
Micah 6:9
Matthew 25:31-46
Blog Action Day, poverty
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 38,480+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
What will They Say about Poverty? – Blog Action Day
What will they say? Obama? McCain?
about the state of poverty, here? around the world?
what would they do? to make a difference?
to change the world?
Will they speak boldly? against the injustice?
the unfairness? Will they really fight?
so all will know plenty? that none will starve?
to change the world?
Shouldn’t we demand it? That now is the time?
that millennia of injustice must end?
that we have the means in this time?
to change the world?
October 15, 2008
Final US Presidential Debate, October 15, 2008
Blog Action Day, poverty
about the state of poverty, here? around the world?
what would they do? to make a difference?
to change the world?
Will they speak boldly? against the injustice?
the unfairness? Will they really fight?
so all will know plenty? that none will starve?
to change the world?
Shouldn’t we demand it? That now is the time?
that millennia of injustice must end?
that we have the means in this time?
to change the world?
October 15, 2008
Final US Presidential Debate, October 15, 2008
Blog Action Day, poverty
Words Alone – Blog Action Day
Words alone, even lofty, holy words
will not change the state of poverty
By word alone, no one will be fed,
unless it is the word of God.
Action, small, grand, whatever you can do
action is required to change this world
to send the food to the hungry, water to the thirsty
Actions are needed, near and far
But let the words, start here, let them lead to action
let the world change, and hearts become open
let all be provided for, none in need
Let the words lead to justice, around the world
October 15, 2008
Acts 2:43-47
Acts 4:32-35
October 15, 2008
Blog Action Day, poverty
will not change the state of poverty
By word alone, no one will be fed,
unless it is the word of God.
Action, small, grand, whatever you can do
action is required to change this world
to send the food to the hungry, water to the thirsty
Actions are needed, near and far
But let the words, start here, let them lead to action
let the world change, and hearts become open
let all be provided for, none in need
Let the words lead to justice, around the world
October 15, 2008
Acts 2:43-47
Acts 4:32-35
October 15, 2008
Blog Action Day, poverty
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 26,900+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Clay on the Wheel
My life, clay on the wheel
feeling the touch of the potter
molding, reshaping, changing me
constantly pliable, moist,
never yet fired, hardened
ever malleable, changing,
never finished in this life
His fingers, prints on my flesh
changed by the creator, the potter
giving my life over to Him
clay on His wheel,
submitting to His will
may I ever be thus
October 15, 2008
Psalm 138
Jeremiah 18:1-4
Jeremiah 18:1-12
feeling the touch of the potter
molding, reshaping, changing me
constantly pliable, moist,
never yet fired, hardened
ever malleable, changing,
never finished in this life
His fingers, prints on my flesh
changed by the creator, the potter
giving my life over to Him
clay on His wheel,
submitting to His will
may I ever be thus
October 15, 2008
Psalm 138
Jeremiah 18:1-4
Jeremiah 18:1-12
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 31,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Far Higher than Me
The psalmist reminds me
God is far higher than me
I tremble, am in awe
at the wonder of Him
Though I know only in part
can understand only so much
Holy is He, beyond my comprehension
Human words fail me
He is so great
October 15, 2008
Psalm 99
God is far higher than me
I tremble, am in awe
at the wonder of Him
Though I know only in part
can understand only so much
Holy is He, beyond my comprehension
Human words fail me
He is so great
October 15, 2008
Psalm 99
Not Our Earth – Blog Action Day
Not our earth, the Lord’s
not our world, the creator’s
Ours over which to have dominion
responsibility, stewards, caretakers,
gardeners for the owner, tenants only
tending the garden in our time
Not our wealth, gifts from the creator
our lives, our jobs, careers, callings
all given. No self-made people here.
Our brothers, our sisters, neighbors all
calling out for our aid, for our compassion
to understand our connection
Their poverty, their hunger, ours too
our lives woven in history, in blood
common ancestors, down the chain of life
all are to sow, all to reap, all to tend the garden
All of us, our brothers’, our sisters’ keepers
this fragile, resilient earth, our home together
October 15, 2008
Blog Action Day, poverty
not our world, the creator’s
Ours over which to have dominion
responsibility, stewards, caretakers,
gardeners for the owner, tenants only
tending the garden in our time
Not our wealth, gifts from the creator
our lives, our jobs, careers, callings
all given. No self-made people here.
Our brothers, our sisters, neighbors all
calling out for our aid, for our compassion
to understand our connection
Their poverty, their hunger, ours too
our lives woven in history, in blood
common ancestors, down the chain of life
all are to sow, all to reap, all to tend the garden
All of us, our brothers’, our sisters’ keepers
this fragile, resilient earth, our home together
October 15, 2008
Blog Action Day, poverty
More Than Enough – Blog Action Day
There is more than enough, more than enough food, water
to sustain the planet, that poverty, that hunger
would vanish from the face of the earth. No more.
It is will alone, selfishness, a choice, free will
We choose to order the world, haves and have nots
Not random chance, not something outside our control
Choices near and far, building on history, indifference
tolerance for inequity. No more.
Today is the start, a spotlight on injustice
a world crying out. No more.
Let these seeds bloom and grow
let the world together hear their single message
let each one do their part. No more.
October 15, 2008
Blog Action Day, poverty
to sustain the planet, that poverty, that hunger
would vanish from the face of the earth. No more.
It is will alone, selfishness, a choice, free will
We choose to order the world, haves and have nots
Not random chance, not something outside our control
Choices near and far, building on history, indifference
tolerance for inequity. No more.
Today is the start, a spotlight on injustice
a world crying out. No more.
Let these seeds bloom and grow
let the world together hear their single message
let each one do their part. No more.
October 15, 2008
Blog Action Day, poverty
Poverty – Blog Action Day
Poverty, the lack of drinking water,
famine, starvation, uninsured children, dying,
a pandemic of diseases with known cures
these are all crimes against humanity
far too often against children.
In a world with such wealth
connected by travel, by cable,
organization of nations
never should there be these conditions
on the fact of the earth
on the scale in which they exist.
This must be the first day
of the end of this history;
the first day of a sea change
where the world’s nations
will not tolerate this reality;
the first day when love replaces hate
where compassion replaces indifference
for all of our sakes.
October 15, 2008
Blog Action Day, poverty
famine, starvation, uninsured children, dying,
a pandemic of diseases with known cures
these are all crimes against humanity
far too often against children.
In a world with such wealth
connected by travel, by cable,
organization of nations
never should there be these conditions
on the fact of the earth
on the scale in which they exist.
This must be the first day
of the end of this history;
the first day of a sea change
where the world’s nations
will not tolerate this reality;
the first day when love replaces hate
where compassion replaces indifference
for all of our sakes.
October 15, 2008
Blog Action Day, poverty
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 31,490+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
A Widow’s Gift - Blog Action Day
A widow’s gift, our of love
out of the depth of her faith
more pleasing to God
than all the others, all the powerful,
the pious, the rich,
not to its value
but for its worth, its holy worth,
the meaning in the way she gave
when compared to theirs
She gave out of her poverty, all she had,
they from their wealthy, a meager portion indeed
She gave all, all she had
they gave a proportionate share
She gave out of real faith
they gave, we give, too often, for form, for show
updated October 11, 2008
November 19 and November 23, 2007 5:48pm
Luke 20:45-21:4
The scribe and the widow’s offering
part of the sermon, “The Widow’s Might”,
by the Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH, November 18, 2007
October 15, 2008
Blog Action Day, poverty
out of the depth of her faith
more pleasing to God
than all the others, all the powerful,
the pious, the rich,
not to its value
but for its worth, its holy worth,
the meaning in the way she gave
when compared to theirs
She gave out of her poverty, all she had,
they from their wealthy, a meager portion indeed
She gave all, all she had
they gave a proportionate share
She gave out of real faith
they gave, we give, too often, for form, for show
updated October 11, 2008
November 19 and November 23, 2007 5:48pm
Luke 20:45-21:4
The scribe and the widow’s offering
part of the sermon, “The Widow’s Might”,
by the Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH, November 18, 2007
October 15, 2008
Blog Action Day, poverty
Do More Than Dream - Blog Action Day
We dream of a world without pain
without poverty, without hunger
a just and loving world
we dream of a place for us
in your kingdom
what are we doing now
in our day to day lives
to put our faith in motion
in action now in this world
to better the lives, the days
of our brother, our sister,
their children,
our world?
We must fulfill the call
He made when they asked
asked for a place in the hereafter
when the work is here
to be Christ to our brothers, our sisters
to meet their daily bread now
updated October 11, 2008
October 22, 2006 14:24
Mark 10:35-45
October 15, 2008
Blog Action Day, poverty
without poverty, without hunger
a just and loving world
we dream of a place for us
in your kingdom
what are we doing now
in our day to day lives
to put our faith in motion
in action now in this world
to better the lives, the days
of our brother, our sister,
their children,
our world?
We must fulfill the call
He made when they asked
asked for a place in the hereafter
when the work is here
to be Christ to our brothers, our sisters
to meet their daily bread now
updated October 11, 2008
October 22, 2006 14:24
Mark 10:35-45
October 15, 2008
Blog Action Day, poverty
Dorcas Preaching - Blog Action Day
We should remember, her story, her acts of faith
out of her poverty, her little, meager resources
she offers lessons for us all
a way to live our lives more fully
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, listening to her words,
resting on the stool, her widow’s bones tired
Sharing the meaning, the change in her life, epiphany
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
A testimony, a witness to her faith
a common story, offering what she had
making all the difference, because of Christ’s love
caring for others, out of her poverty
updated October 11, 2008
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
October 15, 2008
Blog Action Day, poverty
out of her poverty, her little, meager resources
she offers lessons for us all
a way to live our lives more fully
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, listening to her words,
resting on the stool, her widow’s bones tired
Sharing the meaning, the change in her life, epiphany
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
A testimony, a witness to her faith
a common story, offering what she had
making all the difference, because of Christ’s love
caring for others, out of her poverty
updated October 11, 2008
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
October 15, 2008
Blog Action Day, poverty
Our Brother’s Keeper - Blog Action Day
As old as the first pair,
the first brothers, a question,
“Am I my brother’s keeper?”
A test of our world, of man,
throughout the scripture
throughout time, for each one to answer
each person, each generation
Are we to reach out? Are we to share?
Christ gave all, shared his love with all
became a servant, even to death
His message was clear, his hope complete
that we would see him in each other
that our love would be poured out
one to another, that all would be cared for
all would be healed, all would find plenty
where none would be forgotten
and left from the table
October 11, 2008
Cain and Abel, Genesis 4:9-16
The Good Samaritan, Luke 10:25–37
Matthew 25:31-40
Matthew 25:31-46
October 15, 2008
Blog Action Day, poverty
the first brothers, a question,
“Am I my brother’s keeper?”
A test of our world, of man,
throughout the scripture
throughout time, for each one to answer
each person, each generation
Are we to reach out? Are we to share?
Christ gave all, shared his love with all
became a servant, even to death
His message was clear, his hope complete
that we would see him in each other
that our love would be poured out
one to another, that all would be cared for
all would be healed, all would find plenty
where none would be forgotten
and left from the table
October 11, 2008
Cain and Abel, Genesis 4:9-16
The Good Samaritan, Luke 10:25–37
Matthew 25:31-40
Matthew 25:31-46
October 15, 2008
Blog Action Day, poverty
Autumnal Harvest - Blog Action Day
Out of the bounty, the wealth of our land
a harvest each season, food for the millions
gathered and stored, shipped around the world
Do we stop and consider, look to our neighbors
see the need that is there, even nearby?
The autumnal harvest, in the golds and crimsons,
the bounty of our land, plenty to share
October 11, 2008
October 15, 2008
Blog Action Day, poverty
a harvest each season, food for the millions
gathered and stored, shipped around the world
Do we stop and consider, look to our neighbors
see the need that is there, even nearby?
The autumnal harvest, in the golds and crimsons,
the bounty of our land, plenty to share
October 11, 2008
October 15, 2008
Blog Action Day, poverty
One Meal - Blog Action Day
The Book of Acts, the Acts of the Apostles
valuable lessons for this age, this time in our lives
these uncertain, troubled times,
maybe community can rise again
out of the ashes of our disjointed, unconnected lives
All together, one table, one meal
they lived, worshipped, ate together
a single life the lives of the apostles
out of their wealth they gave,
out of their need they were given
early believers on the way
Sharing all, around one table,
to spread his message
to bring God’s love
out into the world
bringing their lives together
one community, one meal
In meals shared, in sacrament, in community
seeing Christ in our neighbors
we share in their legacy
share the table with them
all of them, no charge
valuable lessons for this age, this time in our lives
these uncertain, troubled times,
maybe community can rise again
out of the ashes of our disjointed, unconnected lives
All together, one table, one meal
they lived, worshipped, ate together
a single life the lives of the apostles
out of their wealth they gave,
out of their need they were given
early believers on the way
Sharing all, around one table,
to spread his message
to bring God’s love
out into the world
bringing their lives together
one community, one meal
In meals shared, in sacrament, in community
seeing Christ in our neighbors
we share in their legacy
share the table with them
all of them, no charge
edited May 9, 2015
One Meal – Blog Action Day
– v3
(editing original)
edited February 25, 2012
One Meal – Blog Action Day
– v2
changing the spelling from
“worshipped” to “worshiped”,
because Blogger and
Twitter said “worshipped” is a misspelling.
&
updated October 11, 2008
One Meal – Blog Action Day
September 7, 2008
One Meal
Acts 2:42-47 and sermon by
Reverend Huntley Halvorson
Suncook United Methodist
Church
and the ministry of a
weekly dinner,
“Our Family’s Table”
October 15, 2008
Blog Action Day, poverty
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 48,720 of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Family Style - Blog Action Day
As they lived, so we eat
from one pot, each given a portion
as they need, their daily bread
a common prayer, a place set for all
our offering, our ministry
as they lived, in the Way
lives, fortunes, hopes shared
from all to all, family style
doing but a small part
seeing Christ in their need
being Christ in this small place
updated October 11, 2008
September 7, 2008
Acts 2:42-47 and sermon by
Reverend Huntley Halvorson
Suncook United Methodist Church
and the ministry of a weekly dinner,
“Our Family’s Table”
October 15, 2008
Blog Action Day, poverty
from one pot, each given a portion
as they need, their daily bread
a common prayer, a place set for all
our offering, our ministry
as they lived, in the Way
lives, fortunes, hopes shared
from all to all, family style
doing but a small part
seeing Christ in their need
being Christ in this small place
updated October 11, 2008
September 7, 2008
Acts 2:42-47 and sermon by
Reverend Huntley Halvorson
Suncook United Methodist Church
and the ministry of a weekly dinner,
“Our Family’s Table”
October 15, 2008
Blog Action Day, poverty
Our Family’s Table - Blog Action Day
Our Family’s Table
our small part, a place set,
all are welcome, no charge,
Ready for the feast, the banquet
Christ in our midst, sitting with us
around a table, sharing a meal
sharing our story, his story, in our lives
Reaching out, our hands, our hearts
welcoming all, to a table set
a meal prepared,
living in community
sharing as the apostles did
around Christ’s table
out of the abundance
of God’s love
updated October 11, 2008
September 7, 2008
Acts 2:42-47 and sermon by
Reverend Huntley Halvorson
Suncook United Methodist Church
and the ministry of a weekly dinner,
“Our Family’s Table”
October 15, 2008
Blog Action Day, poverty
our small part, a place set,
all are welcome, no charge,
Ready for the feast, the banquet
Christ in our midst, sitting with us
around a table, sharing a meal
sharing our story, his story, in our lives
Reaching out, our hands, our hearts
welcoming all, to a table set
a meal prepared,
living in community
sharing as the apostles did
around Christ’s table
out of the abundance
of God’s love
updated October 11, 2008
September 7, 2008
Acts 2:42-47 and sermon by
Reverend Huntley Halvorson
Suncook United Methodist Church
and the ministry of a weekly dinner,
“Our Family’s Table”
October 15, 2008
Blog Action Day, poverty
Finding Christ - Blog Action Day
Finding Christ, in the poor,
in those in poverty, in their needs, an opportunity
for us, each of us, to see Christ, in them
to reach out to our brothers, our sisters
in love, to provide them with what they need
for we have much, so richly blessed in this land
even in our turmoil, our troubles, rich
beyond the imagination of many
around the world, rich beyond our needs
our daily bread provided, gone rotten
in the hording of the manna
spoiled in the storehouses
the excess of our living
Reach out your hand, your heart
and touch the hand of Christ
October 11, 2008
Matthew 25:31-40
Matthew 25:31-46
October 15, 2008
Blog Action Day, poverty
in those in poverty, in their needs, an opportunity
for us, each of us, to see Christ, in them
to reach out to our brothers, our sisters
in love, to provide them with what they need
for we have much, so richly blessed in this land
even in our turmoil, our troubles, rich
beyond the imagination of many
around the world, rich beyond our needs
our daily bread provided, gone rotten
in the hording of the manna
spoiled in the storehouses
the excess of our living
Reach out your hand, your heart
and touch the hand of Christ
October 11, 2008
Matthew 25:31-40
Matthew 25:31-46
October 15, 2008
Blog Action Day, poverty
Her Offering - Blog Action Day
She had but
Meager humble coins
She brought them to Your holy altar
given for You, Lord,
from out of her love
out of her poverty she gave
all she had;
All she had!
giving all to the Lord
Trusting God to provide
to meet her needs
her daily bread, day on day,
Releasing her, empowering her
emboldening her to give all
to turn over her very life
How much more able
are others to give
if we have her faith
even a small measure of her faith
and gave out of our abundance
reaping a greater harvest
sharing, meeting the needs of others
around the world
updated October 11, 2008
November 19, 2007 19:24
Luke 20:45-21:4
The scribe and the widow’s offering
part of the sermon, “The Widow’s Might”,
by the Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH, November 18, 2007
October 15, 2008
Blog Action Day, poverty
Meager humble coins
She brought them to Your holy altar
given for You, Lord,
from out of her love
out of her poverty she gave
all she had;
All she had!
giving all to the Lord
Trusting God to provide
to meet her needs
her daily bread, day on day,
Releasing her, empowering her
emboldening her to give all
to turn over her very life
How much more able
are others to give
if we have her faith
even a small measure of her faith
and gave out of our abundance
reaping a greater harvest
sharing, meeting the needs of others
around the world
updated October 11, 2008
November 19, 2007 19:24
Luke 20:45-21:4
The scribe and the widow’s offering
part of the sermon, “The Widow’s Might”,
by the Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH, November 18, 2007
October 15, 2008
Blog Action Day, poverty
Out of Our Abundance - Blog Action Day
A day to think about, to ponder
to see the world, ourselves differently
thinking about the world anew
with the eyes of Christ
Too often, like the scribe, the wealthy,
we give, not from our hearts;
but from our brimming wallets,
out of our abundance
the bits of extra, the surplus
Not giving all, risking little,
trusting less,
Unlike the widow
who, out of faith, out of love
gives all to the Lord
even her meager coins
all she has, trusting
holy giving to God
out of her poverty
But really,
out of her wealth
her rich, deep
abiding faith
For if we were like her
with the abundance of this land
the riches beyond our daily needs
if we saw Christ in our neighbor’s face
if we saw our savior among the least of these
poverty would be no more
October 11, 2008
November 18, 2007 and November 20, 2007 8:55am
Luke 20:45-21:4
The scribe and the widow’s offering
part of the sermon, “The Widow’s Might”,
by the Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH, November 18, 2007
October 15, 2008
Blog Action Day, poverty
to see the world, ourselves differently
thinking about the world anew
with the eyes of Christ
Too often, like the scribe, the wealthy,
we give, not from our hearts;
but from our brimming wallets,
out of our abundance
the bits of extra, the surplus
Not giving all, risking little,
trusting less,
Unlike the widow
who, out of faith, out of love
gives all to the Lord
even her meager coins
all she has, trusting
holy giving to God
out of her poverty
But really,
out of her wealth
her rich, deep
abiding faith
For if we were like her
with the abundance of this land
the riches beyond our daily needs
if we saw Christ in our neighbor’s face
if we saw our savior among the least of these
poverty would be no more
October 11, 2008
November 18, 2007 and November 20, 2007 8:55am
Luke 20:45-21:4
The scribe and the widow’s offering
part of the sermon, “The Widow’s Might”,
by the Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH, November 18, 2007
October 15, 2008
Blog Action Day, poverty
She was Poor - Blog Action Day
Dorcas, laying on the bed, still
rising at his call, his urging
Walking again, to live again,
her ministry to fulfill
She was poor, a widow;
but she was rich, in her living
using her hands, bits of cloth
her needle, her thread
to see those who needed her gifts
acting on her faith
meeting their needs
Though she was poor,
she gave richly
October 11, 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
October 15, 2008
Blog Action Day, poverty
rising at his call, his urging
Walking again, to live again,
her ministry to fulfill
She was poor, a widow;
but she was rich, in her living
using her hands, bits of cloth
her needle, her thread
to see those who needed her gifts
acting on her faith
meeting their needs
Though she was poor,
she gave richly
October 11, 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
October 15, 2008
Blog Action Day, poverty
A Burgundy Bramble - Blog Action Day
A vine, a burgundy bramble
blackberry bushes, tall, in the fall sun
shiny burgundy, yellow, green leaves
standing tall, as if for our pleasure
a visual gift from the creator
walking on the path
walking because they walk
sharing just a moment of insight
graced by the beauty of a fall day,
a walk through the fields
by a burgundy bramble
shimmering in the sun
under the gift of a bright blue sky
blackberry bushes, tall, in the fall sun
shiny burgundy, yellow, green leaves
standing tall, as if for our pleasure
a visual gift from the creator
walking on the path
walking because they walk
sharing just a moment of insight
graced by the beauty of a fall day,
a walk through the fields
by a burgundy bramble
shimmering in the sun
under the gift of a bright blue sky
August 15, 2009
A Burgundy Bramble – Blog Action
Day – Facebook version
October 11, 2008
A Burgundy Bramble – Blog Action
Day
Communities Responding to
Overcome Poverty (CROP) Walk,
Concord, NH
10/15/08
Blog Action Day, poverty
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 38,480+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Walking Because They Do - Blog Action Day
We gather, in groups large and small,
to share a few hours, a few dollars
to walk, as they must, for food, for water
for solidarity with our brothers, our sisters
around the world, who need to walk
for the essentials of life
Out of our abundance, emulating them,
walking as they do, to understand
to lift them up, to provide for their needs
to be, for a moment, a few minutes,
our neighbor’s keeper, giving of ourselves
walking because they do
to share a few hours, a few dollars
to walk, as they must, for food, for water
for solidarity with our brothers, our sisters
around the world, who need to walk
for the essentials of life
Out of our abundance, emulating them,
walking as they do, to understand
to lift them up, to provide for their needs
to be, for a moment, a few minutes,
our neighbor’s keeper, giving of ourselves
walking because they do
August 15, 2009
Walking Because They Do – Blog Action Day – Facebook version
October 11, 2008
Walking With Them – Blog Action Day
October 11, 2008
Walking Because They Do – Blog Action Day
Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty (CROP) Walk,
Concord, NH
October 15, 2008
Blog Action Day, poverty
&
edited October 16, 2014
Out of Our Abundance – Blog Action Day – v2
October 11, 2008
Out of Our Abundance – Blog Action Day
November 18, 2007 and November 20, 2007 8:55am
Out of Our Abundance
Luke 20:45-21:4
The scribe and the widow’s offering
part of the sermon, “The Widow’s Might”,
by the Reverend Peter Hey
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH, November 18, 2007
October 15, 2008
Blog Action Day, poverty
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 35,610+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Walking With Them - Blog Action Day
Choosing to walk, the six-mile course
of a beautiful, brilliant fall afternoon
Very different than the daily struggle,
walking they do, to find food, potable water
walking in poverty, they have no choice.
But we, even in our abundance, trying, in a small way
walking with them, to remember them,
to reach out our hands, in love, in faith
to try, in this small way to help them
help them with their daily bread, with their water
walking with them, because they must
October 12, 2008
Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty (CROP) Walk,
http://www.churchworldservice.org/CROP/
Concord, NH, 10/11/08
http://www.cropwalkonline.org/site/TR/CropWalks/General?pg=entry&fr_id=2215
October 15, 2008
Blog Action Day, poverty
of a beautiful, brilliant fall afternoon
Very different than the daily struggle,
walking they do, to find food, potable water
walking in poverty, they have no choice.
But we, even in our abundance, trying, in a small way
walking with them, to remember them,
to reach out our hands, in love, in faith
to try, in this small way to help them
help them with their daily bread, with their water
walking with them, because they must
October 12, 2008
Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty (CROP) Walk,
http://www.churchworldservice.org/CROP/
Concord, NH, 10/11/08
http://www.cropwalkonline.org/site/TR/CropWalks/General?pg=entry&fr_id=2215
October 15, 2008
Blog Action Day, poverty
Holding Her Hand - Blog Action Day
Wanting so much to walk, for them,
so they would have something to eat,
some clean water to drink, that those in need
would have no want; that is why we walked
Holding her hand, at the back of the pack
the last walkers, struggling up the hill
We walked because of their poverty,
something she believed worth it.
Her faith carrying her on, each of them
walking, trudging, scuffing their feet
Holding their hands, each in turn,
encouraging them, and their cause
walking with them, because so many
have to walk, for food, for water
October 12, 2008
Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty (CROP) Walk,
http://www.churchworldservice.org/CROP/
Concord, NH, 10/11/08
http://www.cropwalkonline.org/site/TR/CropWalks/General?pg=entry&fr_id=2215
walking with Shyanne (8) and Shanequa (6), at the very back of the walk
October 15, 2008
Blog Action Day, poverty
so they would have something to eat,
some clean water to drink, that those in need
would have no want; that is why we walked
Holding her hand, at the back of the pack
the last walkers, struggling up the hill
We walked because of their poverty,
something she believed worth it.
Her faith carrying her on, each of them
walking, trudging, scuffing their feet
Holding their hands, each in turn,
encouraging them, and their cause
walking with them, because so many
have to walk, for food, for water
October 12, 2008
Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty (CROP) Walk,
http://www.churchworldservice.org/CROP/
Concord, NH, 10/11/08
http://www.cropwalkonline.org/site/TR/CropWalks/General?pg=entry&fr_id=2215
walking with Shyanne (8) and Shanequa (6), at the very back of the walk
October 15, 2008
Blog Action Day, poverty
For his steadfast love endures forever
For everything in creation
for the wonder of creation
we give thanks to God
For his steadfast love endures forever
For the history of the people
for the lives of the saints before us
we give thanks to God
For his steadfast loves endures forever
For his care for the people
for his daily provision
we give thanks to God
For his steadfast love endures forever
October 14, 2008
Psalm 136
Psalm 136:1-26
Psalm 136:1-9; 23-26
October 15, 2008
Blog Action Day, poverty
for the wonder of creation
we give thanks to God
For his steadfast love endures forever
For the history of the people
for the lives of the saints before us
we give thanks to God
For his steadfast loves endures forever
For his care for the people
for his daily provision
we give thanks to God
For his steadfast love endures forever
October 14, 2008
Psalm 136
Psalm 136:1-26
Psalm 136:1-9; 23-26
October 15, 2008
Blog Action Day, poverty
Give us your tired, your poor
The hope of America, in the words of liberty
the hope of a new life, in freedom
“Give us your tired, your poor,
your huddled masses, yearning…”
All of them, praying, hoping,
for the abundance of freedom
freedom from want, from oppression
from tyranny of all kinds
That we would be for the world that same beacon
that we would offer that refuge
that land of opportunity
this land of plenty
No one should be hungry,
in this connected world,
none should have that fear of starvation,
of privation any longer
The storehouses should be emptied
hope given in the bread, the water
the essentials of life given
out of our bounty
None should know hunger, poverty
all should give, and all should receive
so all will never know need again
On this day, this is my prayer.
October 14, 2008
Acts 2:43-47
Acts 4:32-35
and lines from the poem, “The New Colossus”,
about the Statue of Liberty, by Emma Lazarus
October 15, 2008
Blog Action Day, poverty
the hope of a new life, in freedom
“Give us your tired, your poor,
your huddled masses, yearning…”
All of them, praying, hoping,
for the abundance of freedom
freedom from want, from oppression
from tyranny of all kinds
That we would be for the world that same beacon
that we would offer that refuge
that land of opportunity
this land of plenty
No one should be hungry,
in this connected world,
none should have that fear of starvation,
of privation any longer
The storehouses should be emptied
hope given in the bread, the water
the essentials of life given
out of our bounty
None should know hunger, poverty
all should give, and all should receive
so all will never know need again
On this day, this is my prayer.
October 14, 2008
Acts 2:43-47
Acts 4:32-35
and lines from the poem, “The New Colossus”,
about the Statue of Liberty, by Emma Lazarus
October 15, 2008
Blog Action Day, poverty
The Fruits of Our Labor
We prayed together, to the creator,
the source of all we have,
offering “the fruit of our labor”;
but the words themselves were discordant
somehow not precisely what I believe
a worthy prayer, offering back to God;
but is there more? Something else to say?
Our fruits; our labor, really?
We are offering that which we “earned”,
hmm, but what does “to earn” mean itself?
What are the fruits of our labors truly?
When does the fruit stop being the Lord’s
When do we earn anything? Isn’t all of our all,
our lives, our work, our wealth, our poverty,
our living, our dying, all a gift of God?
Maybe, just maybe, our prayer should change;
maybe we should pray that we offer to You,
our loving, creator, sustainer God, a mere portion
a small measure,
a pittance of that which you have given us
through our works,
our living out of our working lives
through the gift of the job, the position, the career
you have called us to, at this time in our lives
That we offer to you a small part of that which
You have so abundantly blessed us.
Not the fruits of our labor, but a piece of the harvest
of the daily bread which You alone have provided
a bit of the loaves, the fishes, so that we may add
to the basket from which you bless and break
and share with the whole world, Your ministry of love
to the ends of the earth, and the end of the age
Living more humbly, acknowledging the source
the center of all we are, all we have
sharing with others, that which was never ours, truly,
gifts, all we have, from the creator,
to give back, from our hearts
so that others would know abundance, daily provision
that none would be hungry, thirsty, anymore
update October 14, 2008
October 12, 2008
Offertory, Prayer of Dedication
Suncook United Methodist Church
October 15, 2008
Blog Action Day, poverty
the source of all we have,
offering “the fruit of our labor”;
but the words themselves were discordant
somehow not precisely what I believe
a worthy prayer, offering back to God;
but is there more? Something else to say?
Our fruits; our labor, really?
We are offering that which we “earned”,
hmm, but what does “to earn” mean itself?
What are the fruits of our labors truly?
When does the fruit stop being the Lord’s
When do we earn anything? Isn’t all of our all,
our lives, our work, our wealth, our poverty,
our living, our dying, all a gift of God?
Maybe, just maybe, our prayer should change;
maybe we should pray that we offer to You,
our loving, creator, sustainer God, a mere portion
a small measure,
a pittance of that which you have given us
through our works,
our living out of our working lives
through the gift of the job, the position, the career
you have called us to, at this time in our lives
That we offer to you a small part of that which
You have so abundantly blessed us.
Not the fruits of our labor, but a piece of the harvest
of the daily bread which You alone have provided
a bit of the loaves, the fishes, so that we may add
to the basket from which you bless and break
and share with the whole world, Your ministry of love
to the ends of the earth, and the end of the age
Living more humbly, acknowledging the source
the center of all we are, all we have
sharing with others, that which was never ours, truly,
gifts, all we have, from the creator,
to give back, from our hearts
so that others would know abundance, daily provision
that none would be hungry, thirsty, anymore
update October 14, 2008
October 12, 2008
Offertory, Prayer of Dedication
Suncook United Methodist Church
October 15, 2008
Blog Action Day, poverty
Blog Action Day 2008 – Poverty
I am joining my voice with over 9,000 bloggers around the world, all speaking out on poverty on the same day, Blog Action Day 2008 – October 15, 2008. I have drafted over 19 poems to share. Look on my site for these and more. The home site is at http://blogactionday.org/.
October 14, 2008 18:26
October 15, 2008
Blog Action Day, poverty
October 14, 2008 18:26
October 15, 2008
Blog Action Day, poverty
God’s Faithfulness
In the cadence of the Psalm
the people remember
the creation, the exodus
battles, the provision of God
God’s faithfulness, God’s power
In the life of Christ, the lives of the apostles
the people find hope
the gift of his birth, his sacrifice
trials, the provision of God
God’s faithfulness, God’s love
October 14, 2008
Psalm 136
Psalm 136:1-26
Psalm 136:1-9; 23-26
and Upper Room devotional for 10/14/2008
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=10&day=14&year=2008
the people remember
the creation, the exodus
battles, the provision of God
God’s faithfulness, God’s power
In the life of Christ, the lives of the apostles
the people find hope
the gift of his birth, his sacrifice
trials, the provision of God
God’s faithfulness, God’s love
October 14, 2008
Psalm 136
Psalm 136:1-26
Psalm 136:1-9; 23-26
and Upper Room devotional for 10/14/2008
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=10&day=14&year=2008
Wanting to be filled
Empty, wanting to be filled
ever wanting your spirit
fill me Lord, with you love
The Gospel speaks of being filled,
the desire, the hunger, the thirsting after righteousness
the reward of the holy spirit for those who seek
Oh how I want to be filled,
to feel the spirit, guiding me, each day
to walk in righteousness, with you
October 14, 2008
Matthew 5:1-12
Matthew 5:3-6
and Call to Worship and
Acts 6:1-7
Sermon “Being ‘In Touch’”
by Eric Feustel
Suncook United Methodist Church
October 12, 2008
ever wanting your spirit
fill me Lord, with you love
The Gospel speaks of being filled,
the desire, the hunger, the thirsting after righteousness
the reward of the holy spirit for those who seek
Oh how I want to be filled,
to feel the spirit, guiding me, each day
to walk in righteousness, with you
October 14, 2008
Matthew 5:1-12
Matthew 5:3-6
and Call to Worship and
Acts 6:1-7
Sermon “Being ‘In Touch’”
by Eric Feustel
Suncook United Methodist Church
October 12, 2008
Monday, October 13, 2008
To Be Filled
Hungry, thirsting, empty
blessed because of their faith,
their quest for a righteousness
to be filled by the spirit
wanting to be filled, empty
turning their lives, their all
over to God, to be filled
His holy spirit, animated
to serve the others
October 13, 2008
Matthew 5:1-12
Matthew 5:3-6
and Call to Worship and
Acts 6:1-7
Sermon “Being ‘In Touch’”
by Eric Feustel
Suncook United Methodist Church
October 12, 2008
blessed because of their faith,
their quest for a righteousness
to be filled by the spirit
wanting to be filled, empty
turning their lives, their all
over to God, to be filled
His holy spirit, animated
to serve the others
October 13, 2008
Matthew 5:1-12
Matthew 5:3-6
and Call to Worship and
Acts 6:1-7
Sermon “Being ‘In Touch’”
by Eric Feustel
Suncook United Methodist Church
October 12, 2008
Empty
Striving, hungering, longing
empty, thirsting after righteousness
they were filled by the spirit, holy, pure
on a journey, serving the community
walking, righteous,
filled because they emptied themselves
becoming vessels, filled,
pouring out the spirit,
the holy spirit of God
October 13, 2008
Matthew 5:1-12
Matthew 5:3-6
and Call to Worship and
Acts 6:1-7
Sermon “Being ‘In Touch’”
by Eric Feustel
Suncook United Methodist Church
empty, thirsting after righteousness
they were filled by the spirit, holy, pure
on a journey, serving the community
walking, righteous,
filled because they emptied themselves
becoming vessels, filled,
pouring out the spirit,
the holy spirit of God
October 13, 2008
Matthew 5:1-12
Matthew 5:3-6
and Call to Worship and
Acts 6:1-7
Sermon “Being ‘In Touch’”
by Eric Feustel
Suncook United Methodist Church
Sunday, October 12, 2008
On Them Their Hands Were Laid
For a calling, set apart,
to serve the disciples
on them the hands of the apostles
were laid, they were anointed
appointed to minister to the believers
filled with the spirit,
chosen by the people, righteous
called, these lay members
to their commissioned tasks
being servants to the servants
helping in their small way
spreading the gospel, the good news
to the ends of the earth
October 12, 2008
Acts 6:1-7
Sermon “Being ‘In Touch’”
by Eric Feustel
Suncook United Methodist Church
to serve the disciples
on them the hands of the apostles
were laid, they were anointed
appointed to minister to the believers
filled with the spirit,
chosen by the people, righteous
called, these lay members
to their commissioned tasks
being servants to the servants
helping in their small way
spreading the gospel, the good news
to the ends of the earth
October 12, 2008
Acts 6:1-7
Sermon “Being ‘In Touch’”
by Eric Feustel
Suncook United Methodist Church
Commissioned by the Saints
Not by God directly, by the twelve,
commissioned by the saints, seven, like them
chosen, righteous, spirit-filled
called to serve the community, the faithful
to minister to them, providing for their needs
making sure all had their needs met
that none were forgotten, none were without food,
the essentials of life provided
by these who were anointed,
commissioned by the saints.
October 12, 2008
Acts 6:1-7
Sermon “Being ‘In Touch’”
by Eric Feustel
Suncook United Methodist Church
commissioned by the saints, seven, like them
chosen, righteous, spirit-filled
called to serve the community, the faithful
to minister to them, providing for their needs
making sure all had their needs met
that none were forgotten, none were without food,
the essentials of life provided
by these who were anointed,
commissioned by the saints.
October 12, 2008
Acts 6:1-7
Sermon “Being ‘In Touch’”
by Eric Feustel
Suncook United Methodist Church
Laity Sunday
A message for the children,
for the congregation
woven in simple terms,
stitched in more theological discourse
about those called, the first seven
their lessons, an application for our lives
an understanding of laity,
our ministry, our service, our calling
to care for the community,
to minister to the faithful
and spread God’s love;
something all of us can do.
October 12, 2008
Acts 6:1-7
Children’s Time by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
and Sermon “Being ‘In Touch’”
by Eric Feustel
Suncook United Methodist Church
for the congregation
woven in simple terms,
stitched in more theological discourse
about those called, the first seven
their lessons, an application for our lives
an understanding of laity,
our ministry, our service, our calling
to care for the community,
to minister to the faithful
and spread God’s love;
something all of us can do.
October 12, 2008
Acts 6:1-7
Children’s Time by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
and Sermon “Being ‘In Touch’”
by Eric Feustel
Suncook United Methodist Church
All Ministers
A simple clear message
by a show of hands in the sanctuary
all of us, young and old, called to minister
to do the work of the clergy
all of us called to prayer, to study,
to service to our community, to care for the sick
to visit the widows, the shut-ins
to spread God’s love
the message of Easter, of Pentecost
to the ends of the earth;
all of us
October 12, 2008
Acts 6:1-7
Children’s Time by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
and Sermon “Being ‘In Touch’”
by Eric Feustel
Suncook United Methodist Church
by a show of hands in the sanctuary
all of us, young and old, called to minister
to do the work of the clergy
all of us called to prayer, to study,
to service to our community, to care for the sick
to visit the widows, the shut-ins
to spread God’s love
the message of Easter, of Pentecost
to the ends of the earth;
all of us
October 12, 2008
Acts 6:1-7
Children’s Time by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
and Sermon “Being ‘In Touch’”
by Eric Feustel
Suncook United Methodist Church
The Fruits of Our Labor
We prayed together, to the creator,
the source of all we have,
offering “the fruit of our labor”;
but the words themselves were discordant
somehow not precisely what I believe
a worthy prayer, offering back to God;
but is there more? Something else to say?
We are offering that which we “earned”,
hmm, but what does “to earn” mean itself?
What are the fruits of our labors truly?
When does the fruit stop being the Lord’s
When do we earn anything? Isn’t all of our all,
our lives, our work, our wealth, our poverty,
our living, our dying, all a gift of God?
Maybe, just maybe, our prayer should change;
maybe we should pray that we offer to You,
our loving, creator, sustainer God, a mere portion
a small measure,
a pittance of that which you have given us
through our works,
our living out of our working lives
through the gift of the job, the position, the career
you have called us to, at this time in our lives
That we offer to you a small part of that which
You have so abundantly blessed us.
Not the fruits of our labor, but a piece of the harvest
of the daily bread which You alone have provided
a bit of the loaves, the fishes, so that we may add
to the basket from which you bless and break
and share with the whole world, Your ministry of love
to the ends of the earth, and the end of the age
October 12, 2008
Offertory, Prayer of Dedication
Suncook United Methodist Church
the source of all we have,
offering “the fruit of our labor”;
but the words themselves were discordant
somehow not precisely what I believe
a worthy prayer, offering back to God;
but is there more? Something else to say?
We are offering that which we “earned”,
hmm, but what does “to earn” mean itself?
What are the fruits of our labors truly?
When does the fruit stop being the Lord’s
When do we earn anything? Isn’t all of our all,
our lives, our work, our wealth, our poverty,
our living, our dying, all a gift of God?
Maybe, just maybe, our prayer should change;
maybe we should pray that we offer to You,
our loving, creator, sustainer God, a mere portion
a small measure,
a pittance of that which you have given us
through our works,
our living out of our working lives
through the gift of the job, the position, the career
you have called us to, at this time in our lives
That we offer to you a small part of that which
You have so abundantly blessed us.
Not the fruits of our labor, but a piece of the harvest
of the daily bread which You alone have provided
a bit of the loaves, the fishes, so that we may add
to the basket from which you bless and break
and share with the whole world, Your ministry of love
to the ends of the earth, and the end of the age
October 12, 2008
Offertory, Prayer of Dedication
Suncook United Methodist Church
Long After the Bog
Walking around the parkway,
cut through the wooded place
long after this land was a lake,
long after the bog
the peat, the sphagnum moss,
long gone the pitcher plants
grasses and the forest growing,
still the little remnants
the edge of a little bit of water,
cat tails, opening in the fall sun
their tails puffed as if ready for an attacker,
the grasses, the oaks, turning
to their winter colors
the birches, the maples,
still small, huddled,
almost ready for cold
High above, the causeway,
splitting the two halves
the land changed by man
a hint of what it had been only
October 12, 2008
cut through the wooded place
long after this land was a lake,
long after the bog
the peat, the sphagnum moss,
long gone the pitcher plants
grasses and the forest growing,
still the little remnants
the edge of a little bit of water,
cat tails, opening in the fall sun
their tails puffed as if ready for an attacker,
the grasses, the oaks, turning
to their winter colors
the birches, the maples,
still small, huddled,
almost ready for cold
High above, the causeway,
splitting the two halves
the land changed by man
a hint of what it had been only
October 12, 2008
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
