The same God, the same Savior, the same Spirit
descending on the Christ, on the apostles, on Cornelius
on all believers, down through the pages of time
We are one in that Spirit, one in the love of God,
one in the life, the death, the sacrifice of Christ
and one in the truth of the resurrection,
the hope of the coming age yet to come
All are members of God’s family,
all brothers, sisters with Christ
All we have to do is to answer,
to accept his gift of love
His yoke is easy, his road paved in gold
our cross is light, and our future is assured
No rules, no test, the process, can keep us from his grace
so enter his courts with thanksgiving
all believers, all in one place
November 9, 2008
Acts 15:1-19 and
sermon, “We Are One”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
and Acts 10:34-35, Acts 10:1-48
and sermon of October 26, 2008
‘A Message from God:
“Don’t Fence Me In”’
Reverend Huntley Halvorson
and Acts 10:1-16 and sermon of October 19, 2008,
“Daring, First, and Different”
by Eric Feustel
Suncook United Methodist Church
Sunday, November 09, 2008
Trouble Among the Saved
There was trouble among the saved
that needed a meeting to resolve
they gathered together to witness
to argue and ponder his call
They told of the miracles,
the great signs of wonder and might
The offered their own ministries
the work that gave them great sight
In conference and in prayer
they sought God’s message to share
in the end they heard
that all are worthy of his care
Together we continue their story
the work of his holy hands
and together we spread his message
to all that will listen, wherever their lands
November 9, 2008
Acts 15:1-19 and
sermon, “We Are One”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church
that needed a meeting to resolve
they gathered together to witness
to argue and ponder his call
They told of the miracles,
the great signs of wonder and might
The offered their own ministries
the work that gave them great sight
In conference and in prayer
they sought God’s message to share
in the end they heard
that all are worthy of his care
Together we continue their story
the work of his holy hands
and together we spread his message
to all that will listen, wherever their lands
November 9, 2008
Acts 15:1-19 and
sermon, “We Are One”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Knocking Down Barriers
With God’s visions, his guidance
the early saints, the patriarchs of the new way
saw the barriers knocked down, the faith become one
May we, in our time, knock down the walls that divide
that separate brother from brother, sister from sister
the walls we have created, to carve up the kingdom
All have sinned, all have fallen short, all in need of God’s grace
By works we have failed, by grace alone we are saved
Enter his courts with thanksgiving, all are welcome here
bring your brother, your sister, they are all part of the family
We have a message to share, one of hope and of love
Our father, our brother are waiting, let none turn a deaf ear
All are worthy of saving, all may hear his call
When they say yes to our Lord and our savior
please open the door to them all
November 9, 2008
Acts 15:1-19 and
sermon, “We Are One”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church
the early saints, the patriarchs of the new way
saw the barriers knocked down, the faith become one
May we, in our time, knock down the walls that divide
that separate brother from brother, sister from sister
the walls we have created, to carve up the kingdom
All have sinned, all have fallen short, all in need of God’s grace
By works we have failed, by grace alone we are saved
Enter his courts with thanksgiving, all are welcome here
bring your brother, your sister, they are all part of the family
We have a message to share, one of hope and of love
Our father, our brother are waiting, let none turn a deaf ear
All are worthy of saving, all may hear his call
When they say yes to our Lord and our savior
please open the door to them all
November 9, 2008
Acts 15:1-19 and
sermon, “We Are One”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Tithing Time
We were challenged, asked
from the lectern, quiet in the sanctuary
if we were faithful with all our gifts
not just our money, our fruits
Asking if we tithed our time to God,
if we gave a tenth of our days
A challenge to ponder,
in this season of faith
to give more to the creator
from all he has given me
November 9, 2008
Stewardship moment
Suncook United Methodist Church
from the lectern, quiet in the sanctuary
if we were faithful with all our gifts
not just our money, our fruits
Asking if we tithed our time to God,
if we gave a tenth of our days
A challenge to ponder,
in this season of faith
to give more to the creator
from all he has given me
November 9, 2008
Stewardship moment
Suncook United Methodist Church
No Special Test
Acceptance of his love
by that alone, by his gift
by the grace of God, and nothing else
No special test, no human-born hurdle
no barrier, no rule, no other means
are we offered the kingdom
By grace alone are we healed
the breach sealed by God
the blood of the savior the sacrifice
cleaning all of us pure
No special people save believers
the faithful all together
all one family of God
November 9, 2008
Acts 15:1-19 and
sermon, “We Are One”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church
by that alone, by his gift
by the grace of God, and nothing else
No special test, no human-born hurdle
no barrier, no rule, no other means
are we offered the kingdom
By grace alone are we healed
the breach sealed by God
the blood of the savior the sacrifice
cleaning all of us pure
No special people save believers
the faithful all together
all one family of God
November 9, 2008
Acts 15:1-19 and
sermon, “We Are One”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church
No Longer Excluded
One people, all of us together,
no longer separate
none to be excluded
All who believe included,
a part of the family
All are in the circle,
none to be cast aside
Only to love and to serve him
that is the only prize
We walk in the paths of our savior
my brother, my sister, my neighbor
We all are part of his kingdom
so long as we accept his wondrous grace
November 9, 2008
Acts 15:1-19 and
sermon, “We Are One”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church
no longer separate
none to be excluded
All who believe included,
a part of the family
All are in the circle,
none to be cast aside
Only to love and to serve him
that is the only prize
We walk in the paths of our savior
my brother, my sister, my neighbor
We all are part of his kingdom
so long as we accept his wondrous grace
November 9, 2008
Acts 15:1-19 and
sermon, “We Are One”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church
To Be Included
All, yes all, to be included
to share in the one blessing, salvation
not a select few, a people separate
All are to be offered God’s grace
filling them all with the Spirit
living the life of the Master
sharing the savior’s message
All are members of the covenant
written with his blood
no more are they Jew and Gentile
all now the children of Abraham
the brothers and sisters of Christ
all to be included
in the ever-growing family
November 9, 2008
Acts 15:1-19 and
sermon, “We Are One”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church
to share in the one blessing, salvation
not a select few, a people separate
All are to be offered God’s grace
filling them all with the Spirit
living the life of the Master
sharing the savior’s message
All are members of the covenant
written with his blood
no more are they Jew and Gentile
all now the children of Abraham
the brothers and sisters of Christ
all to be included
in the ever-growing family
November 9, 2008
Acts 15:1-19 and
sermon, “We Are One”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church
No Secret Handshake
No mystery, save for your grace
your birth, death, resurrection,
mystery enough;
An open hand, open arms of love
no secret handshake, no hidden test
All loved, all welcome, all forgiven
all worthy of God’s grace
the sacrifice of our savior’s blood
his life for ours, all of ours, given
No special test for admission
just a love of God, service to our neighbor
in Christ’s holy name
November 9, 2008
Acts 15:1-19 and
sermon, “We Are One”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church
your birth, death, resurrection,
mystery enough;
An open hand, open arms of love
no secret handshake, no hidden test
All loved, all welcome, all forgiven
all worthy of God’s grace
the sacrifice of our savior’s blood
his life for ours, all of ours, given
No special test for admission
just a love of God, service to our neighbor
in Christ’s holy name
November 9, 2008
Acts 15:1-19 and
sermon, “We Are One”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church
You Are Here
We light your candle, bring your light
into our dark sanctuary
We do this not to draw you in
for you are here, already here
by our gathering alone, you are here
We light the candles, illuminating
reminding us, forgetful as we are
of your continuing presence
lighting all of our days
living within us in community
and within us, in the secret places
the secret places of our hearts
into our dark sanctuary
We do this not to draw you in
for you are here, already here
by our gathering alone, you are here
We light the candles, illuminating
reminding us, forgetful as we are
of your continuing presence
lighting all of our days
living within us in community
and within us, in the secret places
the secret places of our hearts
November 9, 2008
You Are Here
Unison Prayer, from the Worship Source Book,
Suncook United Methodist Church
All of my
poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005,
2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015. All rights
reserved. Contact me at Ray
Foss for usage. See all 36,570+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Rules
by human hands created
layered on the people
burdening the believers
an elect group, set apart
sitting in judgment, excluding
These barriers torn down
the distinction removed
by God, by Christ alone
all receiving the Spirit
all receiving the precious gift
by grace alone are we saved
by Christ’s blood alone
all the same, all healed
washed clean, made right with God
by that same gift of love
November 9, 2008
Acts 15:1-19 and
sermon, “We Are One”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church
layered on the people
burdening the believers
an elect group, set apart
sitting in judgment, excluding
These barriers torn down
the distinction removed
by God, by Christ alone
all receiving the Spirit
all receiving the precious gift
by grace alone are we saved
by Christ’s blood alone
all the same, all healed
washed clean, made right with God
by that same gift of love
November 9, 2008
Acts 15:1-19 and
sermon, “We Are One”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Following the Master Alone
Following the Master
that alone the test, the door
all forgiven, all to be saved
all who claim the name of Christ
taking on his yoke, our cross
all who love God, who recognize
our failings, our need for saving grace
All are welcome, all who follow the Master
no one excluded
all are welcomed home
November 9, 2008
Acts 15:1-19 and
sermon, “We Are One”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church
that alone the test, the door
all forgiven, all to be saved
all who claim the name of Christ
taking on his yoke, our cross
all who love God, who recognize
our failings, our need for saving grace
All are welcome, all who follow the Master
no one excluded
all are welcomed home
November 9, 2008
Acts 15:1-19 and
sermon, “We Are One”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Stained Brass, Shimmering Cross
The not quite polished brass
your cross, shimmering above the altar
reflecting the light onto the congregation
mottled, shards of the stained-glass color
shimmering palette, shining outward
washing down on us, as our voices rose
affirming words of the inclusiveness of God
that we are all blessed with God’s grace
Affirmed by the creator, in brilliant light
November 9, 2008
Acts 15:1-19 and
sermon, “We Are One”
and the sunlight
through the cloudy sky, fall colors,
during the closing hymn, “Many Gifts, One Spirit”
Suncook, NH
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 20,650+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
your cross, shimmering above the altar
reflecting the light onto the congregation
mottled, shards of the stained-glass color
shimmering palette, shining outward
washing down on us, as our voices rose
affirming words of the inclusiveness of God
that we are all blessed with God’s grace
Affirmed by the creator, in brilliant light
November 9, 2008
Acts 15:1-19 and
sermon, “We Are One”
and the sunlight
through the cloudy sky, fall colors,
during the closing hymn, “Many Gifts, One Spirit”
by
Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“God’s
Whisper” blog
Suncook United Methodist ChurchSuncook, NH
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 20,650+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Reflected Light, Radiated
Sunlight, warming my cheek
streaming in, from behind us all
fall light, streaming through the stained glass
radiated, reflected light, filling the sanctuary
the faces of the congregation
by the outward streaming, from your brilliant cross
illumined brass, shimmering colors
as the congregation sang as one
November 9, 2008
sunlight through the cloudy sky, fall colors,
during the closing hymn, “Many Gifts, One Spirit”
Suncook United Methodist Church
streaming in, from behind us all
fall light, streaming through the stained glass
radiated, reflected light, filling the sanctuary
the faces of the congregation
by the outward streaming, from your brilliant cross
illumined brass, shimmering colors
as the congregation sang as one
November 9, 2008
sunlight through the cloudy sky, fall colors,
during the closing hymn, “Many Gifts, One Spirit”
Suncook United Methodist Church
Measuring Up
Making the grade, measuring up
human conditions, restrictions
ritual and process, barring some
lines drawn, by human hands
unlike the open arms of God
We are one together, all welcome
all offered the saving grace
the sacrifice of our savior, for all
No special rite, no bar to his love
no further work, just acceptance,
turning from former self, turning over
our lives for our savior, for our creator
opening up our hearts for his will
that his message would be shared
that his grace would be known
to the ends of the earth
November 9, 2008
Acts 15:1-19 and
sermon, “We Are One”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church
human conditions, restrictions
ritual and process, barring some
lines drawn, by human hands
unlike the open arms of God
We are one together, all welcome
all offered the saving grace
the sacrifice of our savior, for all
No special rite, no bar to his love
no further work, just acceptance,
turning from former self, turning over
our lives for our savior, for our creator
opening up our hearts for his will
that his message would be shared
that his grace would be known
to the ends of the earth
November 9, 2008
Acts 15:1-19 and
sermon, “We Are One”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church
We Are One
One God, one path, one savior
all of us equal, all receiving the message
all filled by the same spirit, descending like flames
All needing God’s grace, falling short
unable to fulfill the covenant, not held to its standard
A new day, a new covenant, a savior for all
bearing our shame, our stain, our sin
carrying our marks on his hands, his feet, his side
By his sacrifice, by his father’s gift, by the spirit made new
we are one people, no differences setting apart
all followers of our risen Lord
all together servants like him
all needing God’s grace
all of us welcome in the kingdom
November 9, 2008
Acts 15:1-19 and
sermon, “We Are One”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church
all of us equal, all receiving the message
all filled by the same spirit, descending like flames
All needing God’s grace, falling short
unable to fulfill the covenant, not held to its standard
A new day, a new covenant, a savior for all
bearing our shame, our stain, our sin
carrying our marks on his hands, his feet, his side
By his sacrifice, by his father’s gift, by the spirit made new
we are one people, no differences setting apart
all followers of our risen Lord
all together servants like him
all needing God’s grace
all of us welcome in the kingdom
November 9, 2008
Acts 15:1-19 and
sermon, “We Are One”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church
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