That your holy spirit
would fill us all, that we would all
feel the power of the moment,
when we were washed,
claimed by your spirit
that we would be like the eleven,
all in the upper room
washed by tongues of fire,
gifted with powers
to communicate, to inspire
to touch the lives of others,
sharing your good news
Fill us Spirit, teach us,
guide us to where we must go
fill us with that breath of life,
reborn, indwelling,
being merely the vessel,
the worthy temple
being the skin
within which the spirit lives
to continue the saving
brought by the son
the sacrifice of the father,
creator of all
January 17, 2009
Genesis 1:1-5
Mark 1:4-11
Mark 1:12-13
Acts 2:1-21
Acts 19:1-7
and sermon, “Child of God”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss, January 11, 2009
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
and sermon, “Come, Holy Spirit”,
by Reverend Lori Eldredge
North Kingstown United Methodist Church,
North Kingstown, RI
and sermon, “Beginnings”, by Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Understanding a moment
I feel humbled, by the power of the moment
the days we are in the midst of, something electric,
life changing in these moments of time
The coming together, the rising up,
the binding up of wounds too old to remember
to fresh to forget, of words that matter,
that hold us, our memory, our hearts
Something different, new, in the air
a hope, a chance, a responsibility
a burden too great to carry
a mantle being passed, a new generation
Oh that the times were but a little
just a little less trying, that this one
in this his time in the light
had an easier road than his forebears
So much at stake in these moments
in this turn of the hands of time
so much to pray for,
to bow our heads together
To you, oh Lord, we turn
and ask for your strength for our leaders
for this is a moment for vision
and a unity we have all but forgotten
January 17, 2009
on the juxtaposition of the
80th birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
and the inauguration of Barack Obama
as President of the United States of America
and the Presidential Oath, from the
US Constitution, Article I, Section 1, Clause 8,
repeated verbatim by the presidents. The only language in quotes
in the Constitution, unlike the general principles elsewhere.
"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully
execute the office of President of the United States,
and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend
the Constitution of the United States."
the days we are in the midst of, something electric,
life changing in these moments of time
The coming together, the rising up,
the binding up of wounds too old to remember
to fresh to forget, of words that matter,
that hold us, our memory, our hearts
Something different, new, in the air
a hope, a chance, a responsibility
a burden too great to carry
a mantle being passed, a new generation
Oh that the times were but a little
just a little less trying, that this one
in this his time in the light
had an easier road than his forebears
So much at stake in these moments
in this turn of the hands of time
so much to pray for,
to bow our heads together
To you, oh Lord, we turn
and ask for your strength for our leaders
for this is a moment for vision
and a unity we have all but forgotten
January 17, 2009
on the juxtaposition of the
80th birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
and the inauguration of Barack Obama
as President of the United States of America
and the Presidential Oath, from the
US Constitution, Article I, Section 1, Clause 8,
repeated verbatim by the presidents. The only language in quotes
in the Constitution, unlike the general principles elsewhere.
"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully
execute the office of President of the United States,
and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend
the Constitution of the United States."
Words in quotes
What makes these words so distinct,
so special, so unique, that they must be in quotes,
that each, in their turn, must swear
the same exact words
Oh but the repetition, the fidelity, the power
our nation wrapped up in that ritual, that invoking
those words in quotes, binding each one
to the history of the office, the legacy of the nation,
the push and pull of power, of law, to remain
beholden to the words, the principles, the law
For this is to be a nation, governed by the people,
embodied in the words of mettle, our lives together
measured, bound up, by that which is written down
preserved, honored, revered.
These are the words that matter, that bind us,
the right of each one’s actions, empowered
the pledge, the oath, the promise
to those words in quotes
January 17, 2009
on the juxtaposition of the
80th birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
and the inauguration of Barack Obama
as President of the United States of America
and the Presidential Oath, from the
US Constitution, Article I, Section 1, Clause 8,
repeated verbatim by the presidents. The only language in quotes
in the Constitution, unlike the general principles elsewhere.
"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully
execute the office of President of the United States,
and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend
the Constitution of the United States."
so special, so unique, that they must be in quotes,
that each, in their turn, must swear
the same exact words
Oh but the repetition, the fidelity, the power
our nation wrapped up in that ritual, that invoking
those words in quotes, binding each one
to the history of the office, the legacy of the nation,
the push and pull of power, of law, to remain
beholden to the words, the principles, the law
For this is to be a nation, governed by the people,
embodied in the words of mettle, our lives together
measured, bound up, by that which is written down
preserved, honored, revered.
These are the words that matter, that bind us,
the right of each one’s actions, empowered
the pledge, the oath, the promise
to those words in quotes
January 17, 2009
on the juxtaposition of the
80th birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
and the inauguration of Barack Obama
as President of the United States of America
and the Presidential Oath, from the
US Constitution, Article I, Section 1, Clause 8,
repeated verbatim by the presidents. The only language in quotes
in the Constitution, unlike the general principles elsewhere.
"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully
execute the office of President of the United States,
and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend
the Constitution of the United States."
All of my
poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005,
2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved.
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage. See all 27,420+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Words that Bind
In this moment in time
with struggle and strife,
war and oppression challenging
threatening our world
Words that bind,
that bring us together
as a people, as a nation, simply words, an oath
a pledge to guard what we have created
to remain a nation of laws,
and to make this a better world
January 17, 2009
on the juxtaposition of the
80th birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
and the inauguration of Barack Obama
as President of the United States of America
and the Presidential Oath, from the
US Constitution, Article I, Section 1, Clause 8,
repeated verbatim by the presidents. The only language in quotes
in the Constitution, unlike the general principles elsewhere.
"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully
execute the office of President of the United States,
and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend
the Constitution of the United States."
with struggle and strife,
war and oppression challenging
threatening our world
Words that bind,
that bring us together
as a people, as a nation, simply words, an oath
a pledge to guard what we have created
to remain a nation of laws,
and to make this a better world
January 17, 2009
on the juxtaposition of the
80th birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
and the inauguration of Barack Obama
as President of the United States of America
and the Presidential Oath, from the
US Constitution, Article I, Section 1, Clause 8,
repeated verbatim by the presidents. The only language in quotes
in the Constitution, unlike the general principles elsewhere.
"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully
execute the office of President of the United States,
and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend
the Constitution of the United States."
All of my
poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005,
2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved.
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage. See all 27,420+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Words chosen for a nation
Somehow, the wisdom of the founders, right
these words he will join, as all who have gone before
right to be heard on this day, the day after his birthday
a day like none other, healing wounds
wounds bound up, scars of the past
mindful of our history, the legacy of pain,
of injustice, in law twisted, in wrongs condoned
a new day of hope, dawning in America
these words chosen for our nation,
fidelity to law, to right, not to power
a man humbly joining the line
unlike those who have gone before
January 17, 2009
on the juxtaposition of the
80th birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
and the inauguration of Barack Obama
as President of the United States of America
and the Presidential Oath, from the
US Constitution, Article I, Section 1, Clause 8,
repeated verbatim by the presidents. The only language in quotes
in the Constitution, unlike the general principles elsewhere.
"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully
execute the office of President of the United States,
and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend
the Constitution of the United States."
these words he will join, as all who have gone before
right to be heard on this day, the day after his birthday
a day like none other, healing wounds
wounds bound up, scars of the past
mindful of our history, the legacy of pain,
of injustice, in law twisted, in wrongs condoned
a new day of hope, dawning in America
these words chosen for our nation,
fidelity to law, to right, not to power
a man humbly joining the line
unlike those who have gone before
January 17, 2009
on the juxtaposition of the
80th birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
and the inauguration of Barack Obama
as President of the United States of America
and the Presidential Oath, from the
US Constitution, Article I, Section 1, Clause 8,
repeated verbatim by the presidents. The only language in quotes
in the Constitution, unlike the general principles elsewhere.
"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully
execute the office of President of the United States,
and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend
the Constitution of the United States."
All of my
poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005,
2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved.
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage. See all 27,420+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Invoking a Dream
A fulfillment of prophesy, invoking a dream
a vision of our world, as God might have it be
a world, living by the commandments,
by the golden rule
where neighbor helps neighbor, where all are free
dignity and respect, love and comfort
open to all, no matter who they are
A turning point, a moment of power
certain change in that instant,
when he reads those words,
when his hand rests on the bible
when his words ring out, not so far
from the moment so long ago
when his kindred’s words spoke of a dream
January 17, 2009
on the juxtaposition of the
80th birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
and the inauguration of Barack Obama
as President of the United States of America
and the Presidential Oath, from the
US Constitution, Article I, Section 1, Clause 8,
"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully
execute the office of President of the United States,
and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend
the Constitution of the United States."
a vision of our world, as God might have it be
a world, living by the commandments,
by the golden rule
where neighbor helps neighbor, where all are free
dignity and respect, love and comfort
open to all, no matter who they are
A turning point, a moment of power
certain change in that instant,
when he reads those words,
when his hand rests on the bible
when his words ring out, not so far
from the moment so long ago
when his kindred’s words spoke of a dream
January 17, 2009
on the juxtaposition of the
80th birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
and the inauguration of Barack Obama
as President of the United States of America
and the Presidential Oath, from the
US Constitution, Article I, Section 1, Clause 8,
"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully
execute the office of President of the United States,
and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend
the Constitution of the United States."
All of my
poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005,
2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved.
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage. See all 27,420+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Not Just a Dream
From the snowy hills of New Hampshire
oh so snowy this year, not just a dream,
this birthday, this holiday, celebrating
this time, this day, this year,
the words of the preacher,
the world right side up
A step on the journey, clear, discernible,
a president, a man of hope, of change
of color, a moment, Martin smiling,
a new generation, a new time,
not just a dream, a world, forever transformed
where hope won out over fear
who tomorrow rose up out of yesterday
Shaking the dust off their feet, the shackles
forever cast off, the tide of history
on the side of right, of peace
of justice, in God’s time
a new day in this land
a new hope for a people
January 17, 2009
on the juxtaposition of the
80th birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
and the inauguration of Barack Obama
as President of the United States of America
oh so snowy this year, not just a dream,
this birthday, this holiday, celebrating
this time, this day, this year,
the words of the preacher,
the world right side up
A step on the journey, clear, discernible,
a president, a man of hope, of change
of color, a moment, Martin smiling,
a new generation, a new time,
not just a dream, a world, forever transformed
where hope won out over fear
who tomorrow rose up out of yesterday
Shaking the dust off their feet, the shackles
forever cast off, the tide of history
on the side of right, of peace
of justice, in God’s time
a new day in this land
a new hope for a people
January 17, 2009
on the juxtaposition of the
80th birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
and the inauguration of Barack Obama
as President of the United States of America
All of my
poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005,
2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved.
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage. See all 27,420+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Claiming Martin
A moment, this moment
claiming Martin, his memory, his cause
as our own, the nation changing,
moving toward his hoped for future
Electing a president, someone to lead
who would not have been given respect
not so long ago, who would have been
as Martin, as so many, outcasts in our land
Claiming his mantle, so many, seeing
maybe for the first time, the equality,
the shared community which he prayed for
Rising in unison, one nation, honoring both men
on Monday, on Tuesday, this coming week
a healing, wounds bound up, a salve, a balm
starting a process he longed for, worked for
A different land than he knew, beginning again
a dream, an oath, a nation moving forward
all of us, to some extent, claiming Martin as our own
claiming Martin, his memory, his cause
as our own, the nation changing,
moving toward his hoped for future
Electing a president, someone to lead
who would not have been given respect
not so long ago, who would have been
as Martin, as so many, outcasts in our land
Claiming his mantle, so many, seeing
maybe for the first time, the equality,
the shared community which he prayed for
Rising in unison, one nation, honoring both men
on Monday, on Tuesday, this coming week
a healing, wounds bound up, a salve, a balm
starting a process he longed for, worked for
A different land than he knew, beginning again
a dream, an oath, a nation moving forward
all of us, to some extent, claiming Martin as our own
----
edited
January 18, 2016
Claiming
Martin – v4
(editing
version 3)
Martin
Luther King, Jr. Day
edited
January 19, 2015
Claiming
Martin – v3
(merging
edits to version 1 and version 2)
Edited
January 21, 2013
Claiming
Martin – v2
Martin
Luther King, Jr. Day
and
his final speech before his assassination
and
Inauguration of the President
Barack
Hussein Obama
&
&
several
poems written in 2009
written
January 17, 2009
Claiming
Martin
on
the juxtaposition of the
80th
birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
and
the inauguration of Barack Obama
as
President of the United States of America
&
edited
January 19, 2015
Changing
the Wind – v3
(merging
edits to original and version 2)
Edited
July 22, 2013
“changing
the wind – v2”
December 7, 2007
“changing
the wind”
Based on the comments of Jim
Wallis on
Speaking of Faith, November 29,
2007
He was talking about whether to
change politicians
or change the wind, to change
the public opinion
which guides politics. He used
the example
of President Johnson’s
statement to the
Reverend Dr. Martin Luther
King, Jr. that it would
take 5 years for a voting
rights bill but
it actually took 5 months to
pass the Voting Rights Act,
after the March in Selma.
All of my
poems and photographs are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002,
2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015,
2016. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for
usage. See all 40,710+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Baptismal Fire
The waters of baptism, the fire of Pentecost
the rushing winds, racing across the waters
the firmament, before the separation of the waters
Baptismal fire, pouring onto us, burning but not consuming
filling us with your Spirit, your essence, your love
emboldening, empowering, changing your people
Making us more than followers, disciples now,
shepherds of the flock, a priesthood
charged by the creator, to be the savior,
to be John crying into that wilderness
out of our souls, the Spirit within
bringing your light into the darkness
January 17, 2009
Genesis 1:1-5
Mark 1:4-11
Mark 1:12-13
Acts 2:1-21
Acts 19:1-7
and sermon, “Child of God”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss, January 11, 2009
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
and sermon, “Come, Holy Spirit”,
by Reverend Lori Eldredge
North Kingstown United Methodist Church,
North Kingstown, RI
and sermon, “Beginnings”, by Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
the rushing winds, racing across the waters
the firmament, before the separation of the waters
Baptismal fire, pouring onto us, burning but not consuming
filling us with your Spirit, your essence, your love
emboldening, empowering, changing your people
Making us more than followers, disciples now,
shepherds of the flock, a priesthood
charged by the creator, to be the savior,
to be John crying into that wilderness
out of our souls, the Spirit within
bringing your light into the darkness
January 17, 2009
Genesis 1:1-5
Mark 1:4-11
Mark 1:12-13
Acts 2:1-21
Acts 19:1-7
and sermon, “Child of God”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss, January 11, 2009
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
and sermon, “Come, Holy Spirit”,
by Reverend Lori Eldredge
North Kingstown United Methodist Church,
North Kingstown, RI
and sermon, “Beginnings”, by Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
By His Spirit – v2
By His Spirit, the breath of God
creation, the wind across the waters, giving life
By His Spirit, falling like a dove
a savior, a sacrifice freely given, appointed
By His Spirit, showering fire
a priesthood empowered, emboldened to speak
By His Spirit, within them
a church, a new way, spreading good news of grace
By His Spirit, within us
hope for that future we pray to share
January 17, 2009
Genesis 1:1-5
Mark 1:4-11
Mark 1:12-13
Acts 2:1-21
Acts 19:1-7
and sermon, “Child of God”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss, January 11, 2009
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
and sermon, “Come, Holy Spirit”,
by Reverend Lori Eldredge
North Kingstown United Methodist Church,
North Kingstown, RI
and sermon, “Beginnings”, by Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
creation, the wind across the waters, giving life
By His Spirit, falling like a dove
a savior, a sacrifice freely given, appointed
By His Spirit, showering fire
a priesthood empowered, emboldened to speak
By His Spirit, within them
a church, a new way, spreading good news of grace
By His Spirit, within us
hope for that future we pray to share
January 17, 2009
Genesis 1:1-5
Mark 1:4-11
Mark 1:12-13
Acts 2:1-21
Acts 19:1-7
and sermon, “Child of God”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss, January 11, 2009
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
and sermon, “Come, Holy Spirit”,
by Reverend Lori Eldredge
North Kingstown United Methodist Church,
North Kingstown, RI
and sermon, “Beginnings”, by Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
By His Spirit
By His Spirit, the breath of God
creation
By His Spirit, falling like a dove
a savior
By His Spirit, showering fire
a priesthood
By His Spirit, within them
a church
By His Spirit, within us
hope for that future we pray to share
January 17, 2009
Genesis 1:1-5
Mark 1:4-11
Mark 1:12-13
Acts 2:1-21
Acts 19:1-7
and sermon, “Child of God”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss, January 11, 2009
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
and sermon, “Come, Holy Spirit”,
by Reverend Lori Eldredge
North Kingstown United Methodist Church,
North Kingstown, RI
and sermon, “Beginnings”, by Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
creation
By His Spirit, falling like a dove
a savior
By His Spirit, showering fire
a priesthood
By His Spirit, within them
a church
By His Spirit, within us
hope for that future we pray to share
January 17, 2009
Genesis 1:1-5
Mark 1:4-11
Mark 1:12-13
Acts 2:1-21
Acts 19:1-7
and sermon, “Child of God”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss, January 11, 2009
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
and sermon, “Come, Holy Spirit”,
by Reverend Lori Eldredge
North Kingstown United Methodist Church,
North Kingstown, RI
and sermon, “Beginnings”, by Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
Calling the Spirit
in our worship, in our daily lives
calling the Spirit, to awaken,
to pass over the waters
to alight on us, to change us
grow within us, strengthen us
embolden us, like the Christ,
coming out of the Jordan transformed,
like the disciples, made shepherds
on the Pentecost morn’,
like the Gentiles, out beyond Israel
speaking in tongues, with power
Forever calling the Spirit
to guide our steps
January 17, 2009
Genesis 1:1-5
Mark 1:4-11
Acts 2:1-21
Acts 19:1-7
and sermon, “Child of God”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss, January 11, 2009
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
and sermon, “Come, Holy Spirit”,
by Reverend Lori Eldredge
North Kingstown United Methodist Church,
North Kingstown, RI
and sermon, “Beginnings”, by Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
calling the Spirit, to awaken,
to pass over the waters
to alight on us, to change us
grow within us, strengthen us
embolden us, like the Christ,
coming out of the Jordan transformed,
like the disciples, made shepherds
on the Pentecost morn’,
like the Gentiles, out beyond Israel
speaking in tongues, with power
Forever calling the Spirit
to guide our steps
January 17, 2009
Genesis 1:1-5
Mark 1:4-11
Acts 2:1-21
Acts 19:1-7
and sermon, “Child of God”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss, January 11, 2009
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
and sermon, “Come, Holy Spirit”,
by Reverend Lori Eldredge
North Kingstown United Methodist Church,
North Kingstown, RI
and sermon, “Beginnings”, by Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
The Garden Sleeps
Deep in slumber, under the weight of the snow
the garden sleeps, waiting,
frozen in the ground, dormant
Everything in its season, in God’s time
waiting for new light, new life,
the warming of a new season of growth
The charting of a new course, a new chapter
in the story of life, the life of creation;
all while the garden sleeps
January 17, 2009
written after posting the following poem to the faithwriters site
-------------------
With a Little Water
With a little water, the garden sprang to life
green shoots burst through the newly loosened soil
a little water and good soil, a wealth of sunshine
the garden grew.
So are we, in our dry places, ready to spring to life
with a little living water, the good soil of a willing heart
the light of God splashing down on us
Ready to grow in our faith, with the love of God
nurturing, enriching, wrapping around us
in this beautiful garden
April 24, 2008
the garden sleeps, waiting,
frozen in the ground, dormant
Everything in its season, in God’s time
waiting for new light, new life,
the warming of a new season of growth
The charting of a new course, a new chapter
in the story of life, the life of creation;
all while the garden sleeps
January 17, 2009
written after posting the following poem to the faithwriters site
-------------------
With a Little Water
With a little water, the garden sprang to life
green shoots burst through the newly loosened soil
a little water and good soil, a wealth of sunshine
the garden grew.
So are we, in our dry places, ready to spring to life
with a little living water, the good soil of a willing heart
the light of God splashing down on us
Ready to grow in our faith, with the love of God
nurturing, enriching, wrapping around us
in this beautiful garden
April 24, 2008
Come and See
Ours should be the words of Philip
introducing the Christ,
to those who do not know him
Come and See.
Come to him by your choice,
when you are ready
Come and see our savior, our brother,
in the Word, in the story of his life,
in the world now
Come into his house;
you are welcome here
Come as you are;
find rest, find food, find peace
His arms, our arms, open to you
Come and see the face of God
He is waiting for you
January 17, 2009
John 1:43-51
John 1:43-46
introducing the Christ,
to those who do not know him
Come and See.
Come to him by your choice,
when you are ready
Come and see our savior, our brother,
in the Word, in the story of his life,
in the world now
Come into his house;
you are welcome here
Come as you are;
find rest, find food, find peace
His arms, our arms, open to you
Come and see the face of God
He is waiting for you
January 17, 2009
John 1:43-51
John 1:43-46
Friday, January 16, 2009
Across the Waters
The spirit, that which landed on the Christ
like a dove, on them at Pentecost,
like tongues of fire, living,
there at the beginning, before there was…
blowing across the waters, blowing,
quickening, the breath of life
the third face of God,
like the Father, like the Word,
Holy Spirit there,
blowing across the chaos,
the waters, the firmament
Breath on me now, give me renewed life,
wash over me, living water,
spirit of my brother
giving his all, sacrifice, pure
come down from heaven,
across the dark waters
fall on me, fill me, call me
I am here, Lord,
waiting for your voice
living, growing, teaching,
calling from within me
January 16, 2009
Genesis 1:1-5
John 1:1-14
Mark 1:4-11
Acts 19:1-7
and sermon, “Child of God”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss, January 11, 2009
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
and sermon, “Come, Holy Spirit”,
by Reverend Lori Eldredge
North Kingstown United Methodist Church,
North Kingstown, RI
and sermon, “Beginnings”, by Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
like a dove, on them at Pentecost,
like tongues of fire, living,
there at the beginning, before there was…
blowing across the waters, blowing,
quickening, the breath of life
the third face of God,
like the Father, like the Word,
Holy Spirit there,
blowing across the chaos,
the waters, the firmament
Breath on me now, give me renewed life,
wash over me, living water,
spirit of my brother
giving his all, sacrifice, pure
come down from heaven,
across the dark waters
fall on me, fill me, call me
I am here, Lord,
waiting for your voice
living, growing, teaching,
calling from within me
January 16, 2009
Genesis 1:1-5
John 1:1-14
Mark 1:4-11
Acts 19:1-7
and sermon, “Child of God”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss, January 11, 2009
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
and sermon, “Come, Holy Spirit”,
by Reverend Lori Eldredge
North Kingstown United Methodist Church,
North Kingstown, RI
and sermon, “Beginnings”, by Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
Working the Clay
The warmth of your hands
the feel of your touch, your care
your strength, your love
turning the wheel, the balance,
the lump of clay, my shape, my body
my form, my purpose, my calling
rising from the surface
taking shape, in his hands
changing, growing, becoming clearly
called from the clay, the earth
my innermost being
my days numbered, my thoughts known
my life charted, crafted, molded
within your hands
January 16, 2009
based on comment left on christianpoetry.com
about my poem, Clay on the Wheel
--------
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
the feel of your touch, your care
your strength, your love
turning the wheel, the balance,
the lump of clay, my shape, my body
my form, my purpose, my calling
rising from the surface
taking shape, in his hands
changing, growing, becoming clearly
called from the clay, the earth
my innermost being
my days numbered, my thoughts known
my life charted, crafted, molded
within your hands
January 16, 2009
based on comment left on christianpoetry.com
about my poem, Clay on the Wheel
--------
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
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Innocent Blood
That troubled land, torn and split
knowing war, strife, too long
Escape through there, to a land
once of oppression, now of refuge
Once of hope, now of struggle
back into that land, give and take
innocent blood shed; in the stories,
in the news, innocents in the cross-fire
forever under threat, ruthless, indiscriminate
rage and fury, power, authority, nations and people
land of the saints, of the martyrs, ancient, tribal
never finding peace, on earth
innocent blood, spilled,
crying out from the ground
for God
January 14 and 15, 2009
Matthew 2:13-23
and words of Bishop Peter Weaver,
in his Partners in Ministry email
1/14/09,
“♦ THE TERRIBLE VIOLENCE IN THE GAZA STRIP is deeply disturbing. Hundreds of innocent civilians, including children are being caught in the crossfire. Last week, after we celebrated Epiphany (Jan. 6, the magi visiting Bethlehem) I thought about the rest of Matthew 2 where Herod sets out to kill all the "innocents" under two and Mary, Joseph and Jesus head for Egypt....probably through Gaza! Both the Palestinians and Israelis fear and react to violence from the other side and to a long history of threats and actions that are indelibly etched in their memories. Tragically, every additional death and injustice etches new memories in new generations who will grow up with even more hatred and determination to "win", no matter what the means of terrorism or oppression. "An eye for an eye, leaves everyone blind"
How can peace with justice be found?
A Quaker saying, based in the Gospel, points the way. "There can be no peace without reconciliation. There can be no reconciliation without forgiveness. There can be no forgiveness without giving up the hope of a better yesterday." In other words, holding on to the deeply etched bitterness of the past prevents us from embracing a new future of peace. Nations do it. Families do it. Churches do it. Pray that we might all become peacemakers. Pray for the land we call "holy."”
knowing war, strife, too long
Escape through there, to a land
once of oppression, now of refuge
Once of hope, now of struggle
back into that land, give and take
innocent blood shed; in the stories,
in the news, innocents in the cross-fire
forever under threat, ruthless, indiscriminate
rage and fury, power, authority, nations and people
land of the saints, of the martyrs, ancient, tribal
never finding peace, on earth
innocent blood, spilled,
crying out from the ground
for God
January 14 and 15, 2009
Matthew 2:13-23
and words of Bishop Peter Weaver,
in his Partners in Ministry email
1/14/09,
“♦ THE TERRIBLE VIOLENCE IN THE GAZA STRIP is deeply disturbing. Hundreds of innocent civilians, including children are being caught in the crossfire. Last week, after we celebrated Epiphany (Jan. 6, the magi visiting Bethlehem) I thought about the rest of Matthew 2 where Herod sets out to kill all the "innocents" under two and Mary, Joseph and Jesus head for Egypt....probably through Gaza! Both the Palestinians and Israelis fear and react to violence from the other side and to a long history of threats and actions that are indelibly etched in their memories. Tragically, every additional death and injustice etches new memories in new generations who will grow up with even more hatred and determination to "win", no matter what the means of terrorism or oppression. "An eye for an eye, leaves everyone blind"
How can peace with justice be found?
A Quaker saying, based in the Gospel, points the way. "There can be no peace without reconciliation. There can be no reconciliation without forgiveness. There can be no forgiveness without giving up the hope of a better yesterday." In other words, holding on to the deeply etched bitterness of the past prevents us from embracing a new future of peace. Nations do it. Families do it. Churches do it. Pray that we might all become peacemakers. Pray for the land we call "holy."”
His Spirit
The same spirit, His Spirit
filling us, filling me,
the same spirit that fell on Christ
that woke him from slumber
in the middle of the Jordan
The Holy Spirit awakening, changing
transforming us for ministry
coming the work of our brother
the one who bore the cross
beginning in that moment in the Jordan
the carpenter’s son claimed
as the son of God
January 15, 2009
Mark 1:4-11
Mark 1:12-13
Acts 19:1-7
and sermon, “Child of God”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss, January 11, 2009
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
and sermon, “Come, Holy Spirit”,
by Reverend Lori Eldredge
North Kingstown United Methodist Church,
North Kingstown, RI
and sermon, “Beginnings”, by Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
filling us, filling me,
the same spirit that fell on Christ
that woke him from slumber
in the middle of the Jordan
The Holy Spirit awakening, changing
transforming us for ministry
coming the work of our brother
the one who bore the cross
beginning in that moment in the Jordan
the carpenter’s son claimed
as the son of God
January 15, 2009
Mark 1:4-11
Mark 1:12-13
Acts 19:1-7
and sermon, “Child of God”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss, January 11, 2009
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
and sermon, “Come, Holy Spirit”,
by Reverend Lori Eldredge
North Kingstown United Methodist Church,
North Kingstown, RI
and sermon, “Beginnings”, by Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
Into his loving arms
I fall, His spirit flowing, pouring out
Onto me, into my soul, my cup filling
I feel his power, his love, in the baptismal waters
The deep abiding love of the Father,
Spoken first on the baptism of Christ
Calling out from heaven, claiming him,
Claiming us, children of God
We pray, always, that he would say
In us he is greatly pleased
January 15, 2009
January 15, 2009
Mark 1:4-11
Mark 1:12-13
Acts 19:1-7
and sermon, “Child of God”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss, January 11, 2009
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
and sermon, “Come, Holy Spirit”,
by Reverend Lori Eldredge
North Kingstown United Methodist Church,
North Kingstown, RI
and sermon, “Beginnings”, by Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
Onto me, into my soul, my cup filling
I feel his power, his love, in the baptismal waters
The deep abiding love of the Father,
Spoken first on the baptism of Christ
Calling out from heaven, claiming him,
Claiming us, children of God
We pray, always, that he would say
In us he is greatly pleased
January 15, 2009
January 15, 2009
Mark 1:4-11
Mark 1:12-13
Acts 19:1-7
and sermon, “Child of God”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss, January 11, 2009
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
and sermon, “Come, Holy Spirit”,
by Reverend Lori Eldredge
North Kingstown United Methodist Church,
North Kingstown, RI
and sermon, “Beginnings”, by Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
His Words of Love
powerful words, claiming this man,
this person, rising from the waters
the carpenter’s son, son of Joseph, of Mary
My son, whom I love, with him I am well pleased!
Oh to have been there, to be a witness
to have seen the Messiah’s face in that moment
to have witnessed Jesus becoming the Christ
to have seen him hear these words of love
from the creator, from the rip of heaven
the Spirit bodily anointing him
as on Pentecost, as in Caesarea,
as the Spirit fell on them in Ephesus,
as it does now, still today, forever changing
the hearts of the believers,
the Spirit indwelling, within us
to give us the power of Pentecost
January 14, 2009
Mark 1:4-11
Mark 1:12-13
Acts 19:1-7
Acts 2:1-21
Acts 10 and Acts 11
and sermon, “Child of God”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss, January 11, 2009
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
and sermon title, “Beginnings”, by Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
and sermon title, “Come, Holy Spirit”,
by Reverend Lori Eldredge
North Kingstown United Methodist Church,
North Kingstown, RI
this person, rising from the waters
the carpenter’s son, son of Joseph, of Mary
My son, whom I love, with him I am well pleased!
Oh to have been there, to be a witness
to have seen the Messiah’s face in that moment
to have witnessed Jesus becoming the Christ
to have seen him hear these words of love
from the creator, from the rip of heaven
the Spirit bodily anointing him
as on Pentecost, as in Caesarea,
as the Spirit fell on them in Ephesus,
as it does now, still today, forever changing
the hearts of the believers,
the Spirit indwelling, within us
to give us the power of Pentecost
January 14, 2009
Mark 1:4-11
Mark 1:12-13
Acts 19:1-7
Acts 2:1-21
Acts 10 and Acts 11
and sermon, “Child of God”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss, January 11, 2009
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
and sermon title, “Beginnings”, by Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
and sermon title, “Come, Holy Spirit”,
by Reverend Lori Eldredge
North Kingstown United Methodist Church,
North Kingstown, RI
Monday, January 12, 2009
A Glimpse of Heaven
The son of the carpenter
falling into the waters
The Son of God
rising up from the Jordan,
a glimpse of heaven revealed
a life once of sweat, of work
transformed that moment
the Spirit falling upon him
a voice from heaven
blessing this son
the Beloved,
the Son of God
January 12, 2009
Mark 1:4-11
Mark 1:12-13
Acts 19:1-7
and sermon, “Child of God”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss, January 11, 2009
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
falling into the waters
The Son of God
rising up from the Jordan,
a glimpse of heaven revealed
a life once of sweat, of work
transformed that moment
the Spirit falling upon him
a voice from heaven
blessing this son
the Beloved,
the Son of God
January 12, 2009
Mark 1:4-11
Mark 1:12-13
Acts 19:1-7
and sermon, “Child of God”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss, January 11, 2009
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
The Fabric Cut
The curtain, the fabric cut,
heaven exposed, revealed
to the one rising from the Jordan
the one Son of God
Torn open, an opening,
the Spirit, like a flame, like a wind,
like a dove, falling, descending
alighting on him
An image of heaven, for the man
the son of the carpenter, Mary’s son
born in a stable bed, rising from John’s arms
a new creation indeed
A stitch in heaven, an opening in the curtain
the voice of God affirming
the calling of the Lord
This is my son, with whom I am well pleased
January 12, 2009
Mark 1:4-11
Mark 1:12-13
Acts 19:1-7
and sermon, “Child of God”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss, January 11, 2009
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
heaven exposed, revealed
to the one rising from the Jordan
the one Son of God
Torn open, an opening,
the Spirit, like a flame, like a wind,
like a dove, falling, descending
alighting on him
An image of heaven, for the man
the son of the carpenter, Mary’s son
born in a stable bed, rising from John’s arms
a new creation indeed
A stitch in heaven, an opening in the curtain
the voice of God affirming
the calling of the Lord
This is my son, with whom I am well pleased
January 12, 2009
Mark 1:4-11
Mark 1:12-13
Acts 19:1-7
and sermon, “Child of God”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss, January 11, 2009
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
Cleansed by the Spirit
Not the Jordan, the dirty water,
we are cleansed by the Spirit
washed with the living water
flowing ever, washing over us,
washing into us, filling us
We are made clean, made one,
with our brother, our savior
washed by the Spirit of God
made like our brother, clean
worthy, a living child of God
January 12, 2009
Mark 1:4-11
Acts 19:1-7
and sermon, “Child of God”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss, January 11, 2009
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
and sermon title, Beginning, by Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
we are cleansed by the Spirit
washed with the living water
flowing ever, washing over us,
washing into us, filling us
We are made clean, made one,
with our brother, our savior
washed by the Spirit of God
made like our brother, clean
worthy, a living child of God
January 12, 2009
Mark 1:4-11
Acts 19:1-7
and sermon, “Child of God”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss, January 11, 2009
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
and sermon title, Beginning, by Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
Washed in the Jordan
We are all, washed in the Jordan,
joining Christ in the waters
dying to the old, to sin
washed clean, rising with him
to the anointing of the Spirit
hearing, as him, for the first time
the stirring of the voice of God
The voice growing forever within us
guiding our feet and our steps
washed in the Jordan
forevermore a child of God
January 12, 2009
Mark 1:4-11
Acts 19:1-7
and sermon, “Child of God”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss, January 11, 2009
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
and sermon title, Beginning, by Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
joining Christ in the waters
dying to the old, to sin
washed clean, rising with him
to the anointing of the Spirit
hearing, as him, for the first time
the stirring of the voice of God
The voice growing forever within us
guiding our feet and our steps
washed in the Jordan
forevermore a child of God
January 12, 2009
Mark 1:4-11
Acts 19:1-7
and sermon, “Child of God”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss, January 11, 2009
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
and sermon title, Beginning, by Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
Anointed by the Spirit
Like Christ, like the apostles,
each of us, anointed by the Spirit
commissioned into a priesthood
a servanthood, a fellowship
Walking with our savior, our brother
journeying together, with our brothers, our sisters
all those who walk with Christ
all heirs to his promise,
to the kingdom yet to come
A glimpse of heaven,
the tear in the curtain
a foretaste of that which will be
when we are called into his presence
and hear the same blessing for you and for me
January 12, 2009
Mark 1:4-11
Acts 19:1-7
and sermon, “Child of God”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss, January 11, 2009
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
and sermon title, by Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
each of us, anointed by the Spirit
commissioned into a priesthood
a servanthood, a fellowship
Walking with our savior, our brother
journeying together, with our brothers, our sisters
all those who walk with Christ
all heirs to his promise,
to the kingdom yet to come
A glimpse of heaven,
the tear in the curtain
a foretaste of that which will be
when we are called into his presence
and hear the same blessing for you and for me
January 12, 2009
Mark 1:4-11
Acts 19:1-7
and sermon, “Child of God”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss, January 11, 2009
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
and sermon title, by Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
The Son of the Carpenter
No longer merely, only,
the son of a carpenter
He rose from the Jordan
anything but that
Whatever he had done in life
wherever he had traveled
whoever he had met
all of that forgotten
to the sands of time
In that moment, the babe in the manger,
the young boy in the temple,
the man he was, transformed
Like David from his flock
he was anointed; but not by oil
by the Spirit, descending from heaven
The man, human as he was, falling into the Jordan
the Son of God, rising from the waters
blessed by the Spirit,
commissioned by the voice of God
led to the wilderness
ready to serve
January 12, 2009
the son of a carpenter
He rose from the Jordan
anything but that
Whatever he had done in life
wherever he had traveled
whoever he had met
all of that forgotten
to the sands of time
In that moment, the babe in the manger,
the young boy in the temple,
the man he was, transformed
Like David from his flock
he was anointed; but not by oil
by the Spirit, descending from heaven
The man, human as he was, falling into the Jordan
the Son of God, rising from the waters
blessed by the Spirit,
commissioned by the voice of God
led to the wilderness
ready to serve
January 12, 2009
Mark 1:4-11
Mark 1:12-13
Acts 19:1-7
and sermon, “Child of God”,
by Pastor Ruth
Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“God’s Whisper” blog
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 11, 2009
and sermon title, Beginning,
by Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
All of my
poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005,
2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015. All rights
reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 37,780+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Starting to Serve
In that moment in the Jordan
the king, anointed by the Spirit
starting to serve, as he was led to the desert
the man who was Jesus, became the Christ
Emmanuel, in that moment
The Spirit, like a dove, bodily landing on him
a physical presence of God
descending from the torn curtain
the heavens opened, revealing for a moment
for the Christ, a glimpse of heaven
the voice of God, inaudible until that moment
speaking words of love, affirming the identity
the truth of who he was, the Son of God
rising up, as the people did, in the arms of John
the one crying out in the wilderness
within our savior in his hands
An ordination in the waters,
the living waters of the Jordan
January 12, 2009
Mark 1:4-11
Mark 1:12-13
Acts 19:1-7
and sermon, “Child of God”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss, January 11, 2009
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
and sermon title, by Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
the king, anointed by the Spirit
starting to serve, as he was led to the desert
the man who was Jesus, became the Christ
Emmanuel, in that moment
The Spirit, like a dove, bodily landing on him
a physical presence of God
descending from the torn curtain
the heavens opened, revealing for a moment
for the Christ, a glimpse of heaven
the voice of God, inaudible until that moment
speaking words of love, affirming the identity
the truth of who he was, the Son of God
rising up, as the people did, in the arms of John
the one crying out in the wilderness
within our savior in his hands
An ordination in the waters,
the living waters of the Jordan
January 12, 2009
Mark 1:4-11
Mark 1:12-13
Acts 19:1-7
and sermon, “Child of God”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss, January 11, 2009
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
and sermon title, by Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
Threads of the Prophets
Their two lives, cousins of the flesh
both parts of the history of the people
threads of the prophets, unraveling,
in the days of their lives, coming together
woven, grafted, one to the other,
the voice crying out, the one for whom he cries
together in that moment, actors, witness
standing in the Jordan, under the eye of God
washed by the current, the moving, living water
together, in the dying, the rising, the tearing open
of the fabric of heaven, the sky, the clouds,
a glimpse of the kingdom to come
the living heaven, the Spirit falling,
resting, anointing him for ministry
fulfilling the one of the one calling
the voice of God, his love, pouring down
affirming the Son of Man, stitching his life
to his destiny, his life no longer unknown
his days to be written, step by step
his life a tapestry, living out the prophets,
fulfilling his role, thread by thread
January 12, 2009
Mark 1:4-11
Mark 1:12-13
Acts 19:1-7
and sermon, “Child of God”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss, January 11, 2009
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
and sermon title, by Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
both parts of the history of the people
threads of the prophets, unraveling,
in the days of their lives, coming together
woven, grafted, one to the other,
the voice crying out, the one for whom he cries
together in that moment, actors, witness
standing in the Jordan, under the eye of God
washed by the current, the moving, living water
together, in the dying, the rising, the tearing open
of the fabric of heaven, the sky, the clouds,
a glimpse of the kingdom to come
the living heaven, the Spirit falling,
resting, anointing him for ministry
fulfilling the one of the one calling
the voice of God, his love, pouring down
affirming the Son of Man, stitching his life
to his destiny, his life no longer unknown
his days to be written, step by step
his life a tapestry, living out the prophets,
fulfilling his role, thread by thread
January 12, 2009
Mark 1:4-11
Mark 1:12-13
Acts 19:1-7
and sermon, “Child of God”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss, January 11, 2009
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
and sermon title, by Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
Claimed by the Father
By his voice, boldly, clearly
by the awesome voice of God
Jesus of Nazareth,
rising in baptism from the Jordan
Claimed by the Father as his own
the babe no longer a child
his time of learning, of growing done
Ready to fulfill his part in the Master’s plan
coming to John in the Jordan
charting a course long ago written
the steps of the servant numbered
the lamb following the Master’s voice
Marked by the Father,
by the Spirit’s branding
forever would his life now,
be at the Master’s command
January 12, 2009
Mark 1:4-11
Mark 1:12-13
Acts 19:1-7
and sermon, “Child of God”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss, January 11, 2009
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
and sermon title, by Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
by the awesome voice of God
Jesus of Nazareth,
rising in baptism from the Jordan
Claimed by the Father as his own
the babe no longer a child
his time of learning, of growing done
Ready to fulfill his part in the Master’s plan
coming to John in the Jordan
charting a course long ago written
the steps of the servant numbered
the lamb following the Master’s voice
Marked by the Father,
by the Spirit’s branding
forever would his life now,
be at the Master’s command
January 12, 2009
Mark 1:4-11
Mark 1:12-13
Acts 19:1-7
and sermon, “Child of God”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss, January 11, 2009
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
and sermon title, by Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
Thirty Years
For thirty years
unknown, undocumented
their lives growing up, into manhood
each with a destiny, each at the River
the Jordan, at their time, ready to fulfill
each carrying a legacy, prophesy
each a part to play, in the revealing
the unfolding of the story
the story of the redeeming,
the healing of the breach, so long ago
a new age dawning, in their meeting
their lives joining again,
the voice crying in the wilderness
and the one who is to come
together, in baptism
beginning a new chapter
in the story of life
January 12, 2009
Mark 1:4-11
Mark 1:12-13
Acts 19:1-7
and sermon, “Child of God”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss, January 11, 2009
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
and sermon title, by Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
unknown, undocumented
their lives growing up, into manhood
each with a destiny, each at the River
the Jordan, at their time, ready to fulfill
each carrying a legacy, prophesy
each a part to play, in the revealing
the unfolding of the story
the story of the redeeming,
the healing of the breach, so long ago
a new age dawning, in their meeting
their lives joining again,
the voice crying in the wilderness
and the one who is to come
together, in baptism
beginning a new chapter
in the story of life
January 12, 2009
Mark 1:4-11
Mark 1:12-13
Acts 19:1-7
and sermon, “Child of God”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss, January 11, 2009
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
and sermon title, by Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
Beginning
Beginning his public life, in a big way,
falling into the waters, dying to his former life,
rising, baptized, cleansed, affirming repentance
Rising, the Spirit descending, anointing,
watched by God, the heavens opening,
torn apart, revealed,
a voice from above, the Father blessing the son,
sharing words of love, of pride
anointing him, in that moment,
for his ministry of reconciliation, of love
January 12, 2009
Mark 1:4-11
Mark 1:12-13
Acts 19:1-7
and sermon, “Child of God”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss, January 11, 2009
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
and sermon title, by Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
falling into the waters, dying to his former life,
rising, baptized, cleansed, affirming repentance
Rising, the Spirit descending, anointing,
watched by God, the heavens opening,
torn apart, revealed,
a voice from above, the Father blessing the son,
sharing words of love, of pride
anointing him, in that moment,
for his ministry of reconciliation, of love
January 12, 2009
Mark 1:4-11
Mark 1:12-13
Acts 19:1-7
and sermon, “Child of God”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss, January 11, 2009
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
and sermon title, by Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
A New Life
At that moment, that instant,
coming up out of the water,
a new life, in the Spirit
transformed, in that instant
the unknown man, walking through life
suddenly the Son of God, acknowledged,
anointed, commissioned for his ministry
His journey no longer anonymous, unheralded
now his steps chronicled for all time
his days numbers, his steps recorded
His ministry, his purpose ready, waiting
calling him, to that desert time
that chastening, that testing
a new life, walking as God on earth
Emmanuel, coming out of the shadows
beginning his ministry
to save us all
January 12, 2009
Mark 1:4-11
Mark 1:12-13
Acts 19:1-7
and sermon, “Child of God”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss, January 11, 2009
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
coming up out of the water,
a new life, in the Spirit
transformed, in that instant
the unknown man, walking through life
suddenly the Son of God, acknowledged,
anointed, commissioned for his ministry
His journey no longer anonymous, unheralded
now his steps chronicled for all time
his days numbers, his steps recorded
His ministry, his purpose ready, waiting
calling him, to that desert time
that chastening, that testing
a new life, walking as God on earth
Emmanuel, coming out of the shadows
beginning his ministry
to save us all
January 12, 2009
Mark 1:4-11
Mark 1:12-13
Acts 19:1-7
and sermon, “Child of God”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss, January 11, 2009
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
Sermon - "Child of God", by Pastor Ruth L. Foss, Suncook United Methodist Church, Suncook, NH, January 11, 2009
Acts 19:1-7
Mark 1:9-11
I would ask that you would pray with me…Almighty Creator God, you who spoke through your servants so long ago as well as in this day and age. I pray that you would be with me…that you would use me to speak to your children gathered here this morning…that your Spirit would fall down upon me…and that my words be your words. May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to you Lord my Rock and Redeemer. AMEN
So here we are at the Baptism of the Lord Sunday…it seems just like yesterday we were celebrating His birth…my how the time flies when you’re having fun. How many of you remember your baptism? I don’t remember my first one when I was a baby but boy do I remember my baptism as an adult. I was baptized in a Southern Baptist Church. When they baptize it is by immersion. I remember coming up out of the water and feeling as if my whole life had just changed. I remember feeling reborn and that I had a new start in life. It wasn’t going to be the same type of life I lived before. It was going to be a life of gratitude and purpose. It was going to be a life that was dedicated to God. I knew I had changed and my life would never be the same…I was a “Child of God”. How awesome was that…I was now a new creation with Christ living within me?
This morning’s scripture from Mark tells us about the Baptism of Jesus and what happened after He came up out of the water. Can you just imagine…being baptized and when you come up out of the water…hearing God’s voice saying “this is my son/daughter, whom I love, in him/her I am well pleased?” I mean just think about it for a minute…this is my child, whom I LOVE, in them I am well PLEASED. This is kind of the feeling I had when I came up out of the baptismal waters…that I was a child who was loved and my parent was well pleased with me! But it is not just Jesus or myself that God is talking about…God is talking about you and every other person who comes to the baptismal waters as well. We are all adopted into the family of God when we are baptized. God is not exclusive…God is inclusive. Remember what Huntley talked about last week, God wants his house of worship to be open to ALL of God’s people. And not only are we adopted…we are given a gift that is too wonderful for words. We are given the best gift of all time…we are given the Holy Spirit to guide us, to comfort us, to help us to share our stories to those who have not heard of this wonderful gift from God.
In the book of Acts, it tells of a story about an occasion when Paul met up with some people who didn’t know of this wonderful gift from God. It is found in chapter 19 verses 1-7. Let me read it for you… (I’m reading from the Message Bible this morning):
1-2 Now, it happened that while Apollos was away in Corinth, Paul made his way down through the mountains, came to Ephesus, and happened on some disciples there. The first thing he said was, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed? Did you take God into your mind only, or did you also embrace him with your heart? Did he get inside you?" "We've never even heard of that—a Holy Spirit? God within us?" 3"How were you baptized, then?" asked Paul. "In John's baptism." 4"That explains it," said Paul. "John preached a baptism of radical life-change so that people would be ready to receive the One coming after him, who turned out to be Jesus. If you've been baptized in John's baptism, you're ready now for the real thing, for Jesus." 5-7And they were. As soon as they heard of it, they were baptized in the name of the Master Jesus. Paul put his hands on their heads and the Holy Spirit entered them. From that moment on, they were praising God in tongues and talking about God's actions. Altogether there were about twelve people there that day.
These twelve people, who were baptized…these people who received the Holy Spirit at their baptism, as we do…went about praising God in tongues and talking about God’s actions. They were speaking in a language that others could understand…as Huntley talked about last week. At their baptism they experienced a worship that is beyond words. They prophesized in a way that made a clear and powerful declarations of faith. When they were baptized by John, they had repentant hearts and wanted to live a life that was obedient to God and His will for their lives. You see…they had done all the right things but were incomplete spiritually. They needed what Paul gave them… Paul introduced them to the one who could complete their faith. They needed the Holy Spirit to speak in power and truth.
But…that’s just the beginning. You see…John’s ministry was only just a prelude. He made it clear that someone…more powerful than him…would be coming. You see…the water of baptism signifies the cleansing within us when we are baptized. It reminds us of the One who baptizes with the Holy Spirit. I was reading in the Upper Room Disciplines this week and it made me realize something about this profound event of Baptism. (I’ll try to paraphrase it for you) Jesus is the one who baptizes…saturates our soul with the awareness of God’s presence and inundates us with the fire of God’s love. The baptism of Jesus lays claim to us, and our baptism becomes a call to follow Jesus as good disciples and faithful servants. It is God’s Spirit that continually cleanses refreshes, renews, transforms and empowers us. WOW!!!...now that’s a lot to happen all at once. What a gift! Not only are we adopted…we are called into the family business!
At Jesus’ baptism, as well as ours…He/we…was/are…appointed/anointed for ministry. Now we are not all called to be ordained ministers but we are all called to minister to one another in some sort of ministry. And believe me…there is no such thing as a small ministry. Sometimes it is within these “small ministries” there is more movement of the Spirit than could ever be imagined. At our baptism, we become part of the church universal. We become “one with Christ and one with each other.” Jesus’ baptism showed who He was…God’s Son, and our baptism reveals who we are…a beloved child, called to serve. It is our commissioning for ministry by the oldest Elder that there is…our Creator.
As we Wade in the Water of the Spirit…as it washes over us…refreshing, empowering and renewing us…let us remember that we are anointed by God. Let us remember that we are called to live a life of ministry to others. Let us remember we are called to seek the face of God in each person that we meet. Let us remember that we are commissioned to share the gift that we receive at baptism…a gift too wonderful for words. But most of all…let us remember that we become a Child of God…in whom He is well pleased.
AMEN.
Mark 1:9-11
I would ask that you would pray with me…Almighty Creator God, you who spoke through your servants so long ago as well as in this day and age. I pray that you would be with me…that you would use me to speak to your children gathered here this morning…that your Spirit would fall down upon me…and that my words be your words. May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to you Lord my Rock and Redeemer. AMEN
So here we are at the Baptism of the Lord Sunday…it seems just like yesterday we were celebrating His birth…my how the time flies when you’re having fun. How many of you remember your baptism? I don’t remember my first one when I was a baby but boy do I remember my baptism as an adult. I was baptized in a Southern Baptist Church. When they baptize it is by immersion. I remember coming up out of the water and feeling as if my whole life had just changed. I remember feeling reborn and that I had a new start in life. It wasn’t going to be the same type of life I lived before. It was going to be a life of gratitude and purpose. It was going to be a life that was dedicated to God. I knew I had changed and my life would never be the same…I was a “Child of God”. How awesome was that…I was now a new creation with Christ living within me?
This morning’s scripture from Mark tells us about the Baptism of Jesus and what happened after He came up out of the water. Can you just imagine…being baptized and when you come up out of the water…hearing God’s voice saying “this is my son/daughter, whom I love, in him/her I am well pleased?” I mean just think about it for a minute…this is my child, whom I LOVE, in them I am well PLEASED. This is kind of the feeling I had when I came up out of the baptismal waters…that I was a child who was loved and my parent was well pleased with me! But it is not just Jesus or myself that God is talking about…God is talking about you and every other person who comes to the baptismal waters as well. We are all adopted into the family of God when we are baptized. God is not exclusive…God is inclusive. Remember what Huntley talked about last week, God wants his house of worship to be open to ALL of God’s people. And not only are we adopted…we are given a gift that is too wonderful for words. We are given the best gift of all time…we are given the Holy Spirit to guide us, to comfort us, to help us to share our stories to those who have not heard of this wonderful gift from God.
In the book of Acts, it tells of a story about an occasion when Paul met up with some people who didn’t know of this wonderful gift from God. It is found in chapter 19 verses 1-7. Let me read it for you… (I’m reading from the Message Bible this morning):
1-2 Now, it happened that while Apollos was away in Corinth, Paul made his way down through the mountains, came to Ephesus, and happened on some disciples there. The first thing he said was, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed? Did you take God into your mind only, or did you also embrace him with your heart? Did he get inside you?" "We've never even heard of that—a Holy Spirit? God within us?" 3"How were you baptized, then?" asked Paul. "In John's baptism." 4"That explains it," said Paul. "John preached a baptism of radical life-change so that people would be ready to receive the One coming after him, who turned out to be Jesus. If you've been baptized in John's baptism, you're ready now for the real thing, for Jesus." 5-7And they were. As soon as they heard of it, they were baptized in the name of the Master Jesus. Paul put his hands on their heads and the Holy Spirit entered them. From that moment on, they were praising God in tongues and talking about God's actions. Altogether there were about twelve people there that day.
These twelve people, who were baptized…these people who received the Holy Spirit at their baptism, as we do…went about praising God in tongues and talking about God’s actions. They were speaking in a language that others could understand…as Huntley talked about last week. At their baptism they experienced a worship that is beyond words. They prophesized in a way that made a clear and powerful declarations of faith. When they were baptized by John, they had repentant hearts and wanted to live a life that was obedient to God and His will for their lives. You see…they had done all the right things but were incomplete spiritually. They needed what Paul gave them… Paul introduced them to the one who could complete their faith. They needed the Holy Spirit to speak in power and truth.
But…that’s just the beginning. You see…John’s ministry was only just a prelude. He made it clear that someone…more powerful than him…would be coming. You see…the water of baptism signifies the cleansing within us when we are baptized. It reminds us of the One who baptizes with the Holy Spirit. I was reading in the Upper Room Disciplines this week and it made me realize something about this profound event of Baptism. (I’ll try to paraphrase it for you) Jesus is the one who baptizes…saturates our soul with the awareness of God’s presence and inundates us with the fire of God’s love. The baptism of Jesus lays claim to us, and our baptism becomes a call to follow Jesus as good disciples and faithful servants. It is God’s Spirit that continually cleanses refreshes, renews, transforms and empowers us. WOW!!!...now that’s a lot to happen all at once. What a gift! Not only are we adopted…we are called into the family business!
At Jesus’ baptism, as well as ours…He/we…was/are…appointed/anointed for ministry. Now we are not all called to be ordained ministers but we are all called to minister to one another in some sort of ministry. And believe me…there is no such thing as a small ministry. Sometimes it is within these “small ministries” there is more movement of the Spirit than could ever be imagined. At our baptism, we become part of the church universal. We become “one with Christ and one with each other.” Jesus’ baptism showed who He was…God’s Son, and our baptism reveals who we are…a beloved child, called to serve. It is our commissioning for ministry by the oldest Elder that there is…our Creator.
As we Wade in the Water of the Spirit…as it washes over us…refreshing, empowering and renewing us…let us remember that we are anointed by God. Let us remember that we are called to live a life of ministry to others. Let us remember we are called to seek the face of God in each person that we meet. Let us remember that we are commissioned to share the gift that we receive at baptism…a gift too wonderful for words. But most of all…let us remember that we become a Child of God…in whom He is well pleased.
AMEN.
Mark 1:4-11
Mark 1:12-13
Acts 19:1-7
and sermon, “Child of God”,
by Pastor Ruth
Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“God’s Whisper” blog
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 11, 2009
and sermon title, Beginning,
by Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
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poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005,
2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015. All rights
reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 37,780+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
The Dawning
The sky dawned
as if painted by Maxwell Parrish
bright rims of the acrylic, daubed clouds,
placed on the azure sky
the hint of the sunrise, still present
the light from below the buildings,
behind the puffed-cotton clouds
no warmth yet, just the dawning
before school and the start of the day
January 11, 2009
before the snow
January 8, 2009
as if painted by Maxwell Parrish
bright rims of the acrylic, daubed clouds,
placed on the azure sky
the hint of the sunrise, still present
the light from below the buildings,
behind the puffed-cotton clouds
no warmth yet, just the dawning
before school and the start of the day
January 11, 2009
before the snow
January 8, 2009
For God to be Well Pleased
It is a prayer of the faithful,
that God would be able to say
in us he is well pleased
that God would claim us
as his son, his daughter
that from on high he would be able
to say, I love you.
If at the end of our days,
the father would know us as his own
and welcome us home
January 11, 2009
Mark 1:4-11
Acts 19:1-7
and sermon, “Child of God”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
that God would be able to say
in us he is well pleased
that God would claim us
as his son, his daughter
that from on high he would be able
to say, I love you.
If at the end of our days,
the father would know us as his own
and welcome us home
January 11, 2009
Mark 1:4-11
Acts 19:1-7
and sermon, “Child of God”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
Children of God
Washed with the waters,
the baptismal waters of Christ
forever changed, reborn, filled
with the Spirit of God, living within us
growing, if we let ourselves listen
to God’s voice, within, calling us
to live as Christ, as children of God
doing the ministry to which we are called
walking humbly, in faith, like Christ
serving our brothers, our sisters,
following the example of our brother
giving our lives to God
January 11, 2009
Mark 1:4-11
Acts 19:1-7
and sermon, “Child of God”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
the baptismal waters of Christ
forever changed, reborn, filled
with the Spirit of God, living within us
growing, if we let ourselves listen
to God’s voice, within, calling us
to live as Christ, as children of God
doing the ministry to which we are called
walking humbly, in faith, like Christ
serving our brothers, our sisters,
following the example of our brother
giving our lives to God
January 11, 2009
Mark 1:4-11
Acts 19:1-7
and sermon, “Child of God”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
To the Baptismal Waters
Like any one, like Christ,
like those in Ephesus, those in Caesarea,
coming to the baptismal waters
baptized with Christ, his living water,
the Holy Spirit falling upon us
washing into us, inside us,
God, saturating us,
living waters of life
flowing within us
growing, the Spirit moving
changing us, our lives,
able, like them, like him
to speak with power, to share
in words they will understand
to rise up out of the waters, reborn
changed forever, children of God, risen
with Christ, from the depths, the grip of death
forever to live with our brother, our loving Father
January 11, 2009
Mark 1:4-11
Acts 19:1-7
and sermon, “Child of God”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
like those in Ephesus, those in Caesarea,
coming to the baptismal waters
baptized with Christ, his living water,
the Holy Spirit falling upon us
washing into us, inside us,
God, saturating us,
living waters of life
flowing within us
growing, the Spirit moving
changing us, our lives,
able, like them, like him
to speak with power, to share
in words they will understand
to rise up out of the waters, reborn
changed forever, children of God, risen
with Christ, from the depths, the grip of death
forever to live with our brother, our loving Father
January 11, 2009
Mark 1:4-11
Acts 19:1-7
and sermon, “Child of God”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
Washed with the Spirit
Saturated, washed clean,
filling by the anointing,
the cleansing of the Spirit
filling our cup, our lives
the physical presence of God
within us, that Pentecost fire,
quickening our spirits, our lives
changed forever, made new,
born again, adopted,
entering into the family of God
joining our savior, our brother
carrying our cross, his yoke
sharing his message,
washed with the Spirit
emboldened with its power
January 11, 2009
Mark 1:4-11
Acts 19:1-7
and sermon, “Child of God”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
filling by the anointing,
the cleansing of the Spirit
filling our cup, our lives
the physical presence of God
within us, that Pentecost fire,
quickening our spirits, our lives
changed forever, made new,
born again, adopted,
entering into the family of God
joining our savior, our brother
carrying our cross, his yoke
sharing his message,
washed with the Spirit
emboldened with its power
January 11, 2009
Mark 1:4-11
Acts 19:1-7
and sermon, “Child of God”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
The Entering of the Holy Spirit
Receiving the Spirit,
entering into them,
into their hearts, their bodies,
transformed, made complete
the baptism of Christ
more than water alone,
cleansing them of sin,
more powerful, more awesome,
commissioned now, to serve,
to speak to the people
in words they may understand
different now, after the Spirit
melting into them
Living now as a child of God
With Christ given a ministry
a mission, to spread his good news
to be Christ for their community
to bear witness to the Spirit
living within them, changing them
empowering them for service
January 11, 2009
Mark 1:4-11
Acts 19:1-7
and sermon, “Child of God”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
entering into them,
into their hearts, their bodies,
transformed, made complete
the baptism of Christ
more than water alone,
cleansing them of sin,
more powerful, more awesome,
commissioned now, to serve,
to speak to the people
in words they may understand
different now, after the Spirit
melting into them
Living now as a child of God
With Christ given a ministry
a mission, to spread his good news
to be Christ for their community
to bear witness to the Spirit
living within them, changing them
empowering them for service
January 11, 2009
Mark 1:4-11
Acts 19:1-7
and sermon, “Child of God”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
A Child of God
Living as a child of God
washed clean, baptized
anointed by the Spirit
appointed, by the voice,
the hand of God, falling on us
descending down, from heaven,
resting on us, on our days
if we would walk with Christ
Filling us, our hearts, our lives
to his glory, in his service
walking differently, with our brother
trying, in our own way, and each day
to spread the message of Christ,
the changing of the world,
to the world God would have
To see our sister, our brother differently
to humbly serve, to care for one another
to reach out our hand, to share
the living waters of Christ
poured out for each of us
a love, a sacrifice beyond measure
from the one swaddled and placed in a manger
on that first Christmas morning, so long ago
January 11, 2009
Mark 1:4-11
Acts 19:1-7
and sermon, “Child of God”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
washed clean, baptized
anointed by the Spirit
appointed, by the voice,
the hand of God, falling on us
descending down, from heaven,
resting on us, on our days
if we would walk with Christ
Filling us, our hearts, our lives
to his glory, in his service
walking differently, with our brother
trying, in our own way, and each day
to spread the message of Christ,
the changing of the world,
to the world God would have
To see our sister, our brother differently
to humbly serve, to care for one another
to reach out our hand, to share
the living waters of Christ
poured out for each of us
a love, a sacrifice beyond measure
from the one swaddled and placed in a manger
on that first Christmas morning, so long ago
January 11, 2009
Mark 1:4-11
Acts 19:1-7
and sermon, “Child of God”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
Rising, Reborn
rising up, out of the water
reborn, dead to our old self,
newborn creation, a child of God
with Christ anointed, washed with water,
with oil, the hand of God
falling onto us, His Spirit, moving in us
changing our hearts, our direction
becoming a lamb, a servant,
a disciple of God, a follower of the one
sent from heaven to save the earth
to be our brother, the Christ, to live
risen, reborn, a new creation
living our lives, here, now,
as a child of God
January 11, 2009
Mark 1:4-11
Acts 19:1-7
and sermon, “Child of God”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
reborn, dead to our old self,
newborn creation, a child of God
with Christ anointed, washed with water,
with oil, the hand of God
falling onto us, His Spirit, moving in us
changing our hearts, our direction
becoming a lamb, a servant,
a disciple of God, a follower of the one
sent from heaven to save the earth
to be our brother, the Christ, to live
risen, reborn, a new creation
living our lives, here, now,
as a child of God
January 11, 2009
Mark 1:4-11
Acts 19:1-7
and sermon, “Child of God”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
Into the Waters
Living in the water
in the life-giving Spirit
falling into the waters
feeling them flow into us
wading in the waters, the Spirit
taking control of our lives,
giving in to the stirring, the leading,
the Spirit within us, calling
changing our lives, to service,
to the ministry, the work,
for which we are called
giving our lives over
to the Spirit of God
into the waters
the wonder
of His love
January 11, 2009
Mark 1:4-11
Acts 19:1-7
and sermon, “Child of God”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
in the life-giving Spirit
falling into the waters
feeling them flow into us
wading in the waters, the Spirit
taking control of our lives,
giving in to the stirring, the leading,
the Spirit within us, calling
changing our lives, to service,
to the ministry, the work,
for which we are called
giving our lives over
to the Spirit of God
into the waters
the wonder
of His love
January 11, 2009
Mark 1:4-11
Acts 19:1-7
and sermon, “Child of God”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
Fire in that Water
The Pentecost flames, in the water of baptism,
the Spirit stirring the waters, charged, elemental
transforming waters of the Spirit, descending, landing
filling us, our own lives, our spirits, growing, strengthened
emboldened, empowered, to speak with power
to share the message, in words we do not know,
to walk humbly, differently, filled with that redeeming Spirit
to be Christ in this troubled land, this world of hurt
feeling the fire in that water, flowing through us
changing us forever, out of the boat,
out onto the waters with Christ
with boldness of the Spirit
spreading God’s love
everywhere
January 11, 2009
Mark 1:4-11
Acts 19:1-7
Acts 2:1-21
and sermon, “Child of God”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
the Spirit stirring the waters, charged, elemental
transforming waters of the Spirit, descending, landing
filling us, our own lives, our spirits, growing, strengthened
emboldened, empowered, to speak with power
to share the message, in words we do not know,
to walk humbly, differently, filled with that redeeming Spirit
to be Christ in this troubled land, this world of hurt
feeling the fire in that water, flowing through us
changing us forever, out of the boat,
out onto the waters with Christ
with boldness of the Spirit
spreading God’s love
everywhere
January 11, 2009
Mark 1:4-11
Acts 19:1-7
Acts 2:1-21
and sermon, “Child of God”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
The Strength of the Spirit
Not our own selves,
by the strength of the Spirit alone
empowered to serve,
to be out brother, the Christ
only by the Holy Spirit,
living within us,
adopted, one of God’s family
washed clean, saturated
by the living waters of Christ
the Spirit, waters, coursing within us
new people, a priesthood,
anointed and sent forth
to be Christ in the world
January 11, 2009
Mark 1:4-11
Acts 19:1-7
and sermon, “Child of God”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
by the strength of the Spirit alone
empowered to serve,
to be out brother, the Christ
only by the Holy Spirit,
living within us,
adopted, one of God’s family
washed clean, saturated
by the living waters of Christ
the Spirit, waters, coursing within us
new people, a priesthood,
anointed and sent forth
to be Christ in the world
January 11, 2009
Mark 1:4-11
Acts 19:1-7
and sermon, “Child of God”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
Cleansing Waters
physical waters, spiritual waters
cleansing waters, the washing of the Holy Spirit
anointing, laying on of hands, healing
transforming our lives, in our baptism
walking in the living waters of Christ
filling us for our calling, our ministry,
each one, unique, precious, essential, needed
strengthening us, empowering us,
to the work still, in need, to be done
the power of Pentecost, the dove
resting on each one
the waters cleansing us
making us his own
January 11, 2009
Mark 1:4-11
Acts 19:1-7
and sermon, “Child of God”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
cleansing waters, the washing of the Holy Spirit
anointing, laying on of hands, healing
transforming our lives, in our baptism
walking in the living waters of Christ
filling us for our calling, our ministry,
each one, unique, precious, essential, needed
strengthening us, empowering us,
to the work still, in need, to be done
the power of Pentecost, the dove
resting on each one
the waters cleansing us
making us his own
January 11, 2009
Mark 1:4-11
Acts 19:1-7
and sermon, “Child of God”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
A Father’s Love
He heard, audibly, tangibly,
for the first time in his life,
in his early thirties, well into adulthood,
the words he longed to hear, words of love,
words of affirmation, empowering words
“You are my Son, whom I love,
and I am very pleased with you.”
Oh how his heart must have burst,
this mortal God, to hear his father’s love
shouted down from heaven, the Spirit,
as if his father’s hand, descending,
resting on him, anointing him, leading him
into his ministry, that moment of love
echoing still, throughout the generations
a love that changed the word
given voice, as he rose from the Jordan
preparing to save us all
January 11, 2009
Mark 1:4-11
Acts 19:1-7
and sermon, “Child of God”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
for the first time in his life,
in his early thirties, well into adulthood,
the words he longed to hear, words of love,
words of affirmation, empowering words
“You are my Son, whom I love,
and I am very pleased with you.”
Oh how his heart must have burst,
this mortal God, to hear his father’s love
shouted down from heaven, the Spirit,
as if his father’s hand, descending,
resting on him, anointing him, leading him
into his ministry, that moment of love
echoing still, throughout the generations
a love that changed the word
given voice, as he rose from the Jordan
preparing to save us all
January 11, 2009
Mark 1:4-11
Acts 19:1-7
and sermon, “Child of God”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
The Spirit Descending
The Spirit, tangible, palpable
like a dove, a wind, tongues of fire,
flames, the Spirit bodily, resting on him,
in the Jordan,
on them, at Pentecost,
in the laying of hands, anointed,
commissioned for his ministry, for ours,
the Spirit, real, living, a part of us
becoming part of us, our being
ready to be shared, as Paul did,
to the ends of the earth
January 11, 2009
Mark 1:4-11
Acts 2:1-21
Acts 19:1-7
and sermon, “Child of God”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
like a dove, a wind, tongues of fire,
flames, the Spirit bodily, resting on him,
in the Jordan,
on them, at Pentecost,
in the laying of hands, anointed,
commissioned for his ministry, for ours,
the Spirit, real, living, a part of us
becoming part of us, our being
ready to be shared, as Paul did,
to the ends of the earth
January 11, 2009
Mark 1:4-11
Acts 2:1-21
Acts 19:1-7
and sermon, “Child of God”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
Before the Wilderness
Before his time, tempted in the wilderness
a baptism like no other
a shaft of light, an opening of heaven
torn open at his dying to self
rising out of the depths,
rising clean, washed
seeing, himself, a glimpse of heaven
feeling the weight, as if a dove,
the Spirit descended from above
anointed, commissioned to serve,
by the very voice of God
a blessing for the son from above
January 10, 2009
Mark 1:4-11
Mark 1:12-13
Acts 19:1-7
and sermon, “Child of God”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss, January 11, 2009,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
a baptism like no other
a shaft of light, an opening of heaven
torn open at his dying to self
rising out of the depths,
rising clean, washed
seeing, himself, a glimpse of heaven
feeling the weight, as if a dove,
the Spirit descended from above
anointed, commissioned to serve,
by the very voice of God
a blessing for the son from above
January 10, 2009
Mark 1:4-11
Mark 1:12-13
Acts 19:1-7
and sermon, “Child of God”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss, January 11, 2009,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
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