Since the very beginning
one eternal purpose
the goal of God, the creator
reconciliation, communion
relationship with a people
covenant, love
By works alone, by the law
we failed, our nature;
unable to seal the breach.
By the water, by the Spirit
by his precious blood alone
sacrifice, atonement, reconciled
by the grace of God alone
through the word made flesh
the risen, living Christ
there before the beginning
eternal, one with God
our hope is in Him.
May 21, 2009
The Epistle Reading
Ephesians 3:7-13
for May 24, 2009,
Ascension Sunday
Suncook United Methodist Church
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Little White Bells
Little white bells
lanterns hanging from each stem
where there would have been a lawn
a sea of lily of the valley
a fog of scent
greeting our walk
home from the school
to start our day
edited April 7, 2022
Little White Bells – v2
edited April 6, 2022
Gathering her mother’s lilies – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/04/gathering-her-mothers-lilies-v3.html
edited April 6, 2022
Gathering her mother’s lilies – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/04/gathering-her-mothers-lilies-v2.html
April 6, 2022
Gathering Her mother’s lilies
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2022/04/gathering-her-mothers-lilies.html
&
October 9, 2010
In Their Fragrance and Their Colors
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/10/in-their-fragrance-and-their-colors.html
written as birthday gift
for my mother, Patricia Cobb,
on the occasion of her 75th birthday
October 9, 2010
&
February 12, 2010
On the side of their house
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/02/on-side-of-their-house.html
Mid to later in the 1960’s
15 Bates Street, Westfield, MA
&
May 21, 2009
Little White Bells
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2009/05/little-white-bells.html
corner of Prospect and Broadway,
Suncook, NH
&
May 1, 2008
A Line of Chartreuse Blooms
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2008/05/line-of-chartreuse-blooms.html
&
May 22, 2005
Lily of the Valley – 1999
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2005/08/lily-of-valley-1999.html
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted
by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008,
2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021,
and 2022. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss
(raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See
all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
poetry, family, memories, nature, senses, Poetry Where
You Live, sun, God, creation, grace, beauty, faith, smell, lily of the valley, bouquet,
flowers, mother, grandmother, wedding, lilies,
#poetry #family #memories #nature #senses #sun #God #creation
#grace #beauty #faith #smell #lilyofthevalley #bouquet #flowers #mother #grandmother
#wedding #lilies
To Proclaim His Wonderful Triumphs
Appointed, named
commissioned into a royal priesthood
a people, a faith
for all time
to proclaim the wonderful triumphs
Christ’s victory, eternal,
over sin, over the judgment of death
We are to be his witnesses
humble children of the light
a people united in ministry
going as he was sent
spreading light
to pierce the darkness
to the ends of the earth
May 21, 2009
1 Peter 2:9,
the Call to Worship for
May 24, 2009 – Ascension Sunday
Sunday before Memorial Day
Suncook United Methodist Church
1 Peter 2:9-10
1 Peter 2:4-10
commissioned into a royal priesthood
a people, a faith
for all time
to proclaim the wonderful triumphs
Christ’s victory, eternal,
over sin, over the judgment of death
We are to be his witnesses
humble children of the light
a people united in ministry
going as he was sent
spreading light
to pierce the darkness
to the ends of the earth
May 21, 2009
1 Peter 2:9,
the Call to Worship for
May 24, 2009 – Ascension Sunday
Sunday before Memorial Day
Suncook United Methodist Church
1 Peter 2:9-10
1 Peter 2:4-10
A Single Poppy
In the whole garden
like screens of green
plane of green
rising into the morning sun
a single poppy
more ornate, fuller, larger
as if a shower puff,
overlapping petals
a singular color, melting
salmon steak and orange sherbet
richer, softer
crepe paper ribbon bloom
drinking in the light
a single red-orange
against a sea of green
May 21, 2009
Broadway Street
Pembroke/Suncook, NH
like screens of green
plane of green
rising into the morning sun
a single poppy
more ornate, fuller, larger
as if a shower puff,
overlapping petals
a singular color, melting
salmon steak and orange sherbet
richer, softer
crepe paper ribbon bloom
drinking in the light
a single red-orange
against a sea of green
May 21, 2009
Broadway Street
Pembroke/Suncook, NH
Deep, Deep Purple
Way darker than violet
rich, saturated, pure
color-wheel-purple
shimmering color of the lilacs
full bouquets on each branch
bunches and bunches, clusters
like hydrangea blooms
heavy, intoxicating fragrance
a cloud of purple perfume
the purest color, purple
deep beyond description
May 21, 2009
Prescott Street
Suncook, NH
rich, saturated, pure
color-wheel-purple
shimmering color of the lilacs
full bouquets on each branch
bunches and bunches, clusters
like hydrangea blooms
heavy, intoxicating fragrance
a cloud of purple perfume
the purest color, purple
deep beyond description
May 21, 2009
Prescott Street
Suncook, NH
As threadbare as old cheesecloth
no flesh remaining, just the dry bones
maybe the veins and arteries,
yes, that may be the way
to describe what remains
as threadbare as old cheesecloth,
paperbag-brown, like corn starch to the touch
complicated intricate structures
a lattice, a spider’s web of design
just resting there, on the lawn,
uncovered in our furious raking
gathering in the loss of last year’s fall
to be turned back into soil
an old leaf, as threadbare as old cheesecloth
a treasure to be found in the green of the moss
the rich whites and yellow
of the wild strawberry blossoms
hidden in plain view
for those who discover their beauty
------
edited
July 7, 2018
As
threadbare as old cheesecloth – v7
(merging
edits to versions 5 and 6)
edited
July 7, 2018
As
threadbare as old cheesecloth – v6
(editing
original)
Edited
November 20, 2014
As
threadbare as old cheesecloth – v5
(editing
version 3)
edited
October 6, 2014
As
threadbare as old cheesecloth – v4
Edited
October 25, 2013
As
threadbare as old cheesecloth – v3
edited
November 14, 2011
As
threadbare as old cheesecloth – v2
May
21, 2009
As
threadbare as old cheesecloth
title
saved 12/27/08
edited
July 7, 2018
late
spring, early summer – v2
edited
July 7, 2018
the
skin of an ancient reptile – v3
adding
a third stanza
edited
July 7, 2018
the
skin of an ancient reptile – v2
July
7, 2018
late
spring, early summer
July
7, 2018
the
living map rolled out – v2
July
7, 2018
the
living map rolled out
July
7, 2018
the
skin of an ancient reptile
challenge
post on twitter page
“How
poetic can you be? Write a short poem about what you see!”
picture
of a leaf
Realistic
Poetry
&
edited
July 4, 2018
each
drop breathed, a prayer
edited
July 4, 2018
each
drop a prayer – v3
edited
July 4, 2018
each
drop a prayer – v2
July
3, 2018
each
drop a prayer
July
2, 2018
Pearls
and Jewels of Water on the Bloom
July
2, 2018
post
on the Realistic Poetry Twitter page,
a
picture of a orange lily covered in rain water
“How
poetic can you be? Write a short poem about what you see!”
edits
to last stanza of prior poem
edited
June 26, 2014
After
the Shower – v2
June
6, 2007 6:50
After
the Shower
Wesley
United Methodist Church
Concord,
NH
All
of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000,
2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013,
2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray
Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for
usage. See all 47,200 of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
spring,
summery, green, autumn, creator, Faith, God, good soil, grace, hope, leaves,
maple trees, Nature, Poetry Where You Live, Raymond A. Foss, senses, sight,
touch, Writing Poetry,
#spring
#summer #autumn #brown #creator #Faith #God #grace #green #hope #leaves #maple
#Methodist #Nature #Poetry #senses #sight #touch #Writing #photograph
#photography #imagination #colors #vibrant #alive #life #living
With Roots in Living Water
A tree beside the stream
roots in living water
drinking in the word of God
the life giving waters
flowing free
We each, if we are so blessed
growing in each season
bearing fruit for those
who are hungry
knowing when to sleep,
when to grow, drinking deeply
planted in good earth
by living waters
of God’s everlasting love.
May 20, 2009 and May 21, 2009
Psalm 1
Alive Now for May 18, 2009
Alive Now for May 19, 2009
roots in living water
drinking in the word of God
the life giving waters
flowing free
We each, if we are so blessed
growing in each season
bearing fruit for those
who are hungry
knowing when to sleep,
when to grow, drinking deeply
planted in good earth
by living waters
of God’s everlasting love.
May 20, 2009 and May 21, 2009
Psalm 1
Alive Now for May 18, 2009
Alive Now for May 19, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
She Went When He Called
Funny to watch her, a burst of energy
moving from her chair, from our chatting
getting up, going in, to be with him
knowing now that he was awake
awake from his struggling slumber
the little moments of sleep stolen in the ward
calling for her, made known by the staff
going when she was called
to be at his side, holding,
comforting him again
There for him, in love
a commitment, a covenant
bearing our in her witness
in her action, moving to his side
when he called for her by name
May 20, 2009
moving from her chair, from our chatting
getting up, going in, to be with him
knowing now that he was awake
awake from his struggling slumber
the little moments of sleep stolen in the ward
calling for her, made known by the staff
going when she was called
to be at his side, holding,
comforting him again
There for him, in love
a commitment, a covenant
bearing our in her witness
in her action, moving to his side
when he called for her by name
May 20, 2009
He Called for Her
Waking in confusion,
out of place, with machines
beeping and connected
out of his fitful sleep
without her for
a few moments
he called for her
to be by his side,
to be with him
in this public place
not yet set apart for him
to touch his hand, his brow
the side of his cheek
to minister to his needs
to be present with him
all of which she lovingly did
as soon as she knew
he had called for her.
May 20, 2009
out of place, with machines
beeping and connected
out of his fitful sleep
without her for
a few moments
he called for her
to be by his side,
to be with him
in this public place
not yet set apart for him
to touch his hand, his brow
the side of his cheek
to minister to his needs
to be present with him
all of which she lovingly did
as soon as she knew
he had called for her.
May 20, 2009
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
email of 5/18/09 from General Board of Church and Society, The United Methodist Church
Michelle Brooks sent a message to the members of United Methodists Do Not Torture.
--------------------
Subject: An Opportunity for Public Witness on June 11th
I would like to welcome all those who have joined this group over the last few weeks. Thank you for posting messages on our discussion board and wall. Please continue to share stories, poems, and opportunities for public witness in your communities.
A RELIGIOUS PUBLIC WITNESS IN WASHINGTON, DC
Thursday, June 11, 2009
On June 11th, the National Religious Campaign Against Torture (NRCAT) is sponsoring a religious public witness event in front of the White House. For more information go to: http://www.facebook.com/l/;http://www.nrcat.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=346
* The United Methodist Church is a member of NRCAT.
I hope you can join us for this event.
Please continue to spread the word about our online petition The Truth Will set You Free http://www.facebook.com/l/;(www.umc-gbcs.org/UMsDoNotTorture). We have over 1200 names so far!
Peace,
Michelle Brooks
Digital Communications Director
General Board of Church and Society
The United Methodist Church
--------------------
--------------------
Subject: An Opportunity for Public Witness on June 11th
I would like to welcome all those who have joined this group over the last few weeks. Thank you for posting messages on our discussion board and wall. Please continue to share stories, poems, and opportunities for public witness in your communities.
A RELIGIOUS PUBLIC WITNESS IN WASHINGTON, DC
Thursday, June 11, 2009
On June 11th, the National Religious Campaign Against Torture (NRCAT) is sponsoring a religious public witness event in front of the White House. For more information go to: http://www.facebook.com/l/;http://www.nrcat.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=346
* The United Methodist Church is a member of NRCAT.
I hope you can join us for this event.
Please continue to spread the word about our online petition The Truth Will set You Free http://www.facebook.com/l/;(www.umc-gbcs.org/UMsDoNotTorture). We have over 1200 names so far!
Peace,
Michelle Brooks
Digital Communications Director
General Board of Church and Society
The United Methodist Church
--------------------
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Sermon - "Friends", by Pastor Ruth L. Foss, Suncook United Methodist Church, Suncook, NH, May 17, 2009
John 15:11-15
The Lord Be With You
And Also With You
Let Us Pray…
Loving God, we thank you for this opportunity to slow ourselves down and come into your house to worship you this day. We thank you for your Son Lord Jesus Christ through whom we are no longer servants but friends. We ask that your Spirit would fall down upon us gathered here this morning. May we hear the word you have for us this day so that we may share your love and friendship with those around us. Speak Lord. . . your friends are listening. Amen.
When we think of the word master…we think of someone who has complete control of a slave. They own the slave. Slaves really aren’t much better than an animal. They have no rights, dignity or freedom. We can see this master/slave relationship all the way back in ancient times…in Israel’s, the Greek and Roman civilization. It even exists today in the world we live in.
Abraham Lincoln freed the slaves long ago but…we actually can still think in this way. Some are masters while others are slaves. Even in the schools today, although humorously, teachers are seen as the master while the students see themselves as the slave to this master (who gives way too much homework and never gives them a break). They are slaves to their teaching task masters. As a matter of fact…this way of thinking has even infiltrated the church. Some view pastors as slaves and the congregation as masters. And sometimes it’s the other way around. Either way, there is a problem with this way of thinking.
But…hear what John 15:11-15 tells us about this relationship. It reads (and I’m reading from the Message paraphrase bible):
“I've told you these things for a purpose: that my joy might be your joy, and your joy wholly mature. This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you. This is the very best way to love. Put your life on the line for your friends. You are my friends when you do the things I command you. I'm no longer calling you servants because servants don't understand what their master is thinking and planning. No, I've named you friends because I've let you in on everything I've heard from the Father.”
In this passage, Jesus is doing a new thing. . . He has defined a new relationship. We are no longer servants but friends.
We are told to love one another, but. . . we are also told that we are His friends and that we are to be friends with each other as well. You see...the servant doesn’t know anything that the master is doing, they are totally clueless; but Jesus is now calling us friends, raising our status. What he tells us…fills us in on the grand scheme of things. What an awesome savoir we have. . . letting us know, in part, what God wants us to do. We are to be friends with each other and those who are outside the walls of our church.
I want you to close your eyes and picture this with me (I won’t have you close your eyes too long…I wouldn’t want anyone to fall asleep on me this morning). . . I want you to picture in your mind’s eye the face of a friend…
• This person is someone you know well and they know you
• Someone who is there for you
• Someone you can talk to and values you
• Someone you want to spend time with because they are someone you love, respect, trust and they tell you the truth.
Now open your eyes. . . I have something to tell you…You have a new friend in Jesus. He is your friend and you are His. . . Not only is Jesus your friend but you have many other friends. Their sitting right next to you…I want you to look at the person next to you…the people around you…and say “Hi Friend”. . . that’s right. . . everyone in this church is yours and my friend. Isn’t that just totally awesome. . . I never knew I had so many friends.
This is what the scripture is saying to us…We are called to love one another and to be friends with one another. But it doesn’t stop there. . . we are also called to do this…to be friends, so that God’s friendship can be shown to the world. WE are free, because of this relationship, to love each other as Christ loves us. WE are free to work with each other bringing Christ’s love, our friendship with Christ, to those beyond the walls of Suncook United Methodist Church. And I have seen this in action. I have seen how this church treats those around the community with love as we open our doors to those who would not have a place to meet if we had not befriended them. . . to those who would not have something to eat if we had not befriended them and opened our doors with “Our Family’s Table”. . . to those in need who go to the food pantry if we had not befriended this important service in our community. . . the list goes on.
We are no longer servants but friends. “We are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation” of friends, not masters and slaves, we are equal. We are connected, knit together, in Jesus Christ. Since we are now called friends it is by the Holy Spirit that we are taught and strengthened to be friends with one another and to love others as ourselves. We know about the feelings of the love that connects us to family and special friends. What does it mean to respond to God’s human family in ways to bear witness to God’s love for us? Well…life is the way we spend our time, use our resources, measure our words, do our work and tend to our relationships. Like branches of a vine, our lives intimately intertwine with Christ and with each other. Love is not just a feeling. . . it’s a way of life. We need to live out that life of love with those around us, befriending the friendless and leading to the ultimate friendship they can receive in Christ.
As we go through this week. . . let us remember that we are connected to each other and Jesus in love as friends. . . that together, in Christ, we go out in ministry, sharing the love and friendship of Christ to those beyond our walls. Beloved…we are God’s people and are given a commandment to proclaim God’s love and wonderful actions to the world. To share the mercy we have received through Christ Jesus who tells us that we are no longer servants but friends…No longer master and servant. Let us be ambassadors of God’s grace, love and mercy to the world around us. That’s what friends are for. . . go out and make a new friend today in Jesus’ name.
AMEN.
The Lord Be With You
And Also With You
Let Us Pray…
Loving God, we thank you for this opportunity to slow ourselves down and come into your house to worship you this day. We thank you for your Son Lord Jesus Christ through whom we are no longer servants but friends. We ask that your Spirit would fall down upon us gathered here this morning. May we hear the word you have for us this day so that we may share your love and friendship with those around us. Speak Lord. . . your friends are listening. Amen.
When we think of the word master…we think of someone who has complete control of a slave. They own the slave. Slaves really aren’t much better than an animal. They have no rights, dignity or freedom. We can see this master/slave relationship all the way back in ancient times…in Israel’s, the Greek and Roman civilization. It even exists today in the world we live in.
Abraham Lincoln freed the slaves long ago but…we actually can still think in this way. Some are masters while others are slaves. Even in the schools today, although humorously, teachers are seen as the master while the students see themselves as the slave to this master (who gives way too much homework and never gives them a break). They are slaves to their teaching task masters. As a matter of fact…this way of thinking has even infiltrated the church. Some view pastors as slaves and the congregation as masters. And sometimes it’s the other way around. Either way, there is a problem with this way of thinking.
But…hear what John 15:11-15 tells us about this relationship. It reads (and I’m reading from the Message paraphrase bible):
“I've told you these things for a purpose: that my joy might be your joy, and your joy wholly mature. This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you. This is the very best way to love. Put your life on the line for your friends. You are my friends when you do the things I command you. I'm no longer calling you servants because servants don't understand what their master is thinking and planning. No, I've named you friends because I've let you in on everything I've heard from the Father.”
In this passage, Jesus is doing a new thing. . . He has defined a new relationship. We are no longer servants but friends.
We are told to love one another, but. . . we are also told that we are His friends and that we are to be friends with each other as well. You see...the servant doesn’t know anything that the master is doing, they are totally clueless; but Jesus is now calling us friends, raising our status. What he tells us…fills us in on the grand scheme of things. What an awesome savoir we have. . . letting us know, in part, what God wants us to do. We are to be friends with each other and those who are outside the walls of our church.
I want you to close your eyes and picture this with me (I won’t have you close your eyes too long…I wouldn’t want anyone to fall asleep on me this morning). . . I want you to picture in your mind’s eye the face of a friend…
• This person is someone you know well and they know you
• Someone who is there for you
• Someone you can talk to and values you
• Someone you want to spend time with because they are someone you love, respect, trust and they tell you the truth.
Now open your eyes. . . I have something to tell you…You have a new friend in Jesus. He is your friend and you are His. . . Not only is Jesus your friend but you have many other friends. Their sitting right next to you…I want you to look at the person next to you…the people around you…and say “Hi Friend”. . . that’s right. . . everyone in this church is yours and my friend. Isn’t that just totally awesome. . . I never knew I had so many friends.
This is what the scripture is saying to us…We are called to love one another and to be friends with one another. But it doesn’t stop there. . . we are also called to do this…to be friends, so that God’s friendship can be shown to the world. WE are free, because of this relationship, to love each other as Christ loves us. WE are free to work with each other bringing Christ’s love, our friendship with Christ, to those beyond the walls of Suncook United Methodist Church. And I have seen this in action. I have seen how this church treats those around the community with love as we open our doors to those who would not have a place to meet if we had not befriended them. . . to those who would not have something to eat if we had not befriended them and opened our doors with “Our Family’s Table”. . . to those in need who go to the food pantry if we had not befriended this important service in our community. . . the list goes on.
We are no longer servants but friends. “We are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation” of friends, not masters and slaves, we are equal. We are connected, knit together, in Jesus Christ. Since we are now called friends it is by the Holy Spirit that we are taught and strengthened to be friends with one another and to love others as ourselves. We know about the feelings of the love that connects us to family and special friends. What does it mean to respond to God’s human family in ways to bear witness to God’s love for us? Well…life is the way we spend our time, use our resources, measure our words, do our work and tend to our relationships. Like branches of a vine, our lives intimately intertwine with Christ and with each other. Love is not just a feeling. . . it’s a way of life. We need to live out that life of love with those around us, befriending the friendless and leading to the ultimate friendship they can receive in Christ.
As we go through this week. . . let us remember that we are connected to each other and Jesus in love as friends. . . that together, in Christ, we go out in ministry, sharing the love and friendship of Christ to those beyond our walls. Beloved…we are God’s people and are given a commandment to proclaim God’s love and wonderful actions to the world. To share the mercy we have received through Christ Jesus who tells us that we are no longer servants but friends…No longer master and servant. Let us be ambassadors of God’s grace, love and mercy to the world around us. That’s what friends are for. . . go out and make a new friend today in Jesus’ name.
AMEN.
Psalm 98:4-8 (Call to
Worship)
1 John 5:1-5
John 15:11-15
John 15:1-8,
John 15:9-17
John 15:1-17
Message for Children
by Reverend Huntley
Halvorson,
sermon, “Friends”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
sermon
blog
meditation
blog
“God’s
Whisper” blog
and final hymn, “What a
Friend We Have in Jesus”,
United Methodist Hymnal
#526
(Sanctifying Grace and
Perfecting Grace section),
Suncook United Methodist
Church
Suncook, NH
May 17, 2009
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 (raymondafoss@gmail.com)
for usage. See all 40,090+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Totally Wrong
Would Jesus torture,
would he allow his disciples to torture
would people acting as his friends,
as children of God,
as members of the royal priesthood
branches of the vine, sheep of his fold,
clay in the potter’s hands
would they torture?
These are the questions that must be asked
not some equivocal, worldly question
of what we are permitted to do
couched in gray and the flag.
We are bound with our savior,
by his example, the touchstone,
his blood on the lintels of our hearts.
His still small voice speaking
deep within, the wellsprings of our souls.
We must strive, in all we do,
in who we are
to follow his example,
to walk yoked to him
to do as he would do.
For if we are his followers,
if we are to be fishers of men
the stain of torture cannot be on our flesh
We cannot allow expediency
or some moral claim
pull us from our savior’s path
May 17, 2009
Psalm 98:4-8 (Call to Worship)
1 John 5:1-5
John 15:11-15
Message for Children
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
sermon, “Friends”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
and final hymn, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”,
United Methodist Hymnal #526
(Sanctifying Grace and Perfecting Grace section),
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
May 17, 2009
and the comments of Gary Bauer
in the article, “To torture or not to torture?:
Pew Forum poll rekindles debate and prompts
some evangelical soul-searching",
by Eric Gorski, Associated Press,
appearing on page B7 of the Concord Monitor,
May 16, 2009
would he allow his disciples to torture
would people acting as his friends,
as children of God,
as members of the royal priesthood
branches of the vine, sheep of his fold,
clay in the potter’s hands
would they torture?
These are the questions that must be asked
not some equivocal, worldly question
of what we are permitted to do
couched in gray and the flag.
We are bound with our savior,
by his example, the touchstone,
his blood on the lintels of our hearts.
His still small voice speaking
deep within, the wellsprings of our souls.
We must strive, in all we do,
in who we are
to follow his example,
to walk yoked to him
to do as he would do.
For if we are his followers,
if we are to be fishers of men
the stain of torture cannot be on our flesh
We cannot allow expediency
or some moral claim
pull us from our savior’s path
May 17, 2009
Psalm 98:4-8 (Call to Worship)
1 John 5:1-5
John 15:11-15
Message for Children
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
sermon, “Friends”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
and final hymn, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”,
United Methodist Hymnal #526
(Sanctifying Grace and Perfecting Grace section),
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
May 17, 2009
and the comments of Gary Bauer
in the article, “To torture or not to torture?:
Pew Forum poll rekindles debate and prompts
some evangelical soul-searching",
by Eric Gorski, Associated Press,
appearing on page B7 of the Concord Monitor,
May 16, 2009
Laying Down Our Lives
Prophetic words, made real
not theoretical, as he is our example
laying down our lives for our friends
putting our lives on the line
loving one another, as he loved us first
offering himself, God, walking with us
himself for our sins, substituting himself
for our crime, our punishment
a definition of love
offered on the altar of the cross
love for our friends
sacrificial and complete
May 17, 2009
Psalm 98:4-8 (Call to Worship)
1 John 5:1-5
John 15:11-15
Message for Children
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
sermon, “Friends”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
and final hymn, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”,
United Methodist Hymnal #526
(Sanctifying Grace and Perfecting Grace section),
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
May 17, 2009
not theoretical, as he is our example
laying down our lives for our friends
putting our lives on the line
loving one another, as he loved us first
offering himself, God, walking with us
himself for our sins, substituting himself
for our crime, our punishment
a definition of love
offered on the altar of the cross
love for our friends
sacrificial and complete
May 17, 2009
Psalm 98:4-8 (Call to Worship)
1 John 5:1-5
John 15:11-15
Message for Children
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
sermon, “Friends”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
and final hymn, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”,
United Methodist Hymnal #526
(Sanctifying Grace and Perfecting Grace section),
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
May 17, 2009
Who is Your Master
unbound, no longer servants
freed from our slavery
transformed by his words
his words of love
made free, to be his friends
our Savior, walking with us
through our days, side by side
letting us choose, to be yoked
to be humbled, to be a servant
who is our master, guiding our way
speaking from deep within us
walking with our brother
in the ways of God
May 17, 2009
Psalm 98:4-8 (Call to Worship)
1 John 5:1-5
John 15:11-15
Message for Children
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
sermon, “Friends”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
and final hymn, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”,
United Methodist Hymnal #526
(Sanctifying Grace and Perfecting Grace section),
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
May 17, 2009
freed from our slavery
transformed by his words
his words of love
made free, to be his friends
our Savior, walking with us
through our days, side by side
letting us choose, to be yoked
to be humbled, to be a servant
who is our master, guiding our way
speaking from deep within us
walking with our brother
in the ways of God
May 17, 2009
Psalm 98:4-8 (Call to Worship)
1 John 5:1-5
John 15:11-15
Message for Children
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
sermon, “Friends”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
and final hymn, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”,
United Methodist Hymnal #526
(Sanctifying Grace and Perfecting Grace section),
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
May 17, 2009
A New Relationship
Not servants, friends instead
brought into understanding
sharing with our brother
the creator’s plan
no longer master and slave
walking together
in the knowledge of the nature of God
love, boundless, to be offered to all
from the spirit speaking within us
being Christ to the world
because we are part of the same vine
abiding in the love of God
May 17, 2009
Psalm 98:4-8 (Call to Worship)
1 John 5:1-5
John 15:11-15
Message for Children
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
sermon, “Friends”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
and final hymn, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”,
United Methodist Hymnal #526
(Sanctifying Grace and Perfecting Grace section),
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
May 17, 2009
brought into understanding
sharing with our brother
the creator’s plan
no longer master and slave
walking together
in the knowledge of the nature of God
love, boundless, to be offered to all
from the spirit speaking within us
being Christ to the world
because we are part of the same vine
abiding in the love of God
May 17, 2009
Psalm 98:4-8 (Call to Worship)
1 John 5:1-5
John 15:11-15
Message for Children
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
sermon, “Friends”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
and final hymn, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”,
United Methodist Hymnal #526
(Sanctifying Grace and Perfecting Grace section),
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
May 17, 2009
His Joy
The words he shared,
that we may share in his joy
But what is his joy, for us to share
the love of God, intimately known
the whole plan, the way of redemption
and a place in heaven
when our life’s journey is done
when the end of the age is realized
A different, humble, assured perspective
walking without a focus
on the things of the earth
carrying instead about living
walking with a purpose
sharing the good news
the love of God
offered to all
abiding with him
in the vine,
part of God
May 17, 2009
Psalm 98:4-8 (Call to Worship)
1 John 5:1-5
John 15:11-15
Message for Children
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
sermon, “Friends”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
and final hymn, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”,
United Methodist Hymnal #526
(Sanctifying Grace and Perfecting Grace section),
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
May 17, 2009
that we may share in his joy
But what is his joy, for us to share
the love of God, intimately known
the whole plan, the way of redemption
and a place in heaven
when our life’s journey is done
when the end of the age is realized
A different, humble, assured perspective
walking without a focus
on the things of the earth
carrying instead about living
walking with a purpose
sharing the good news
the love of God
offered to all
abiding with him
in the vine,
part of God
May 17, 2009
Psalm 98:4-8 (Call to Worship)
1 John 5:1-5
John 15:11-15
Message for Children
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
sermon, “Friends”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
and final hymn, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”,
United Methodist Hymnal #526
(Sanctifying Grace and Perfecting Grace section),
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
May 17, 2009
Our Joy
The prayer of Christ
offered for the disciples
all of us, for all generations
praying that our joy, like his own,
that our joy may be complete,
fully mature, ripe, holy fruits
ready for the harvest
living, growing, abiding in the vine
bearing fruit, realizing the strength
the joy in connection,
walking with our brother
part of the body of the church
the vine, the oneness of God
May 17, 2009
Psalm 98:4-8 (Call to Worship)
1 John 5:1-5
John 15:11-15
Message for Children
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
sermon, “Friends”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
and final hymn, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”,
United Methodist Hymnal #526
(Sanctifying Grace and Perfecting Grace section),
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
May 17, 2009
offered for the disciples
all of us, for all generations
praying that our joy, like his own,
that our joy may be complete,
fully mature, ripe, holy fruits
ready for the harvest
living, growing, abiding in the vine
bearing fruit, realizing the strength
the joy in connection,
walking with our brother
part of the body of the church
the vine, the oneness of God
May 17, 2009
Psalm 98:4-8 (Call to Worship)
1 John 5:1-5
John 15:11-15
Message for Children
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
sermon, “Friends”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
and final hymn, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”,
United Methodist Hymnal #526
(Sanctifying Grace and Perfecting Grace section),
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
May 17, 2009
Friends
not servants, no longer slaves
our prayer, before the sermon
changing the words,
from “speak Lord, your servants are listening”
to “your friends are listening”
A different way of thinking,
of our relationship with God
friends, through the one who came to earth
God in the flesh, walking as we do
with daily struggles, the way of life
made companions with the creator
through the servant king
giving his all,
in the journey to the cross
so that we may be friends of life
not slaves to death
May 17, 2009
Psalm 98:4-8 (Call to Worship)
1 John 5:1-5
John 15:11-15
Message for Children
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
sermon, “Friends”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
and final hymn, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”,
United Methodist Hymnal #526
(Sanctifying Grace and Perfecting Grace section),
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
May 17, 2009
our prayer, before the sermon
changing the words,
from “speak Lord, your servants are listening”
to “your friends are listening”
A different way of thinking,
of our relationship with God
friends, through the one who came to earth
God in the flesh, walking as we do
with daily struggles, the way of life
made companions with the creator
through the servant king
giving his all,
in the journey to the cross
so that we may be friends of life
not slaves to death
May 17, 2009
Psalm 98:4-8 (Call to Worship)
1 John 5:1-5
John 15:11-15
Message for Children
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
sermon, “Friends”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
and final hymn, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”,
United Methodist Hymnal #526
(Sanctifying Grace and Perfecting Grace section),
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
May 17, 2009
Hi Friend
A little audience participation,
the congregation greeting each other
“Hi friend”, warm smiles erupting
spreading from face to face
a glow filling the sanctuary
Maybe to understand the lessons
the teaching in the word,
maybe instead of neighbor
instead of stranger
Friend instead
picturing ourselves greeting
as if each person we meet
viewing all as a friend
Being Christ’s friends,
sharing his love, abiding in the father
with him, in love, in community
living in the vine, in fellowship
one to another, bound, entwined
calling all a friend, perhaps
just one we don’t know yet
May 17, 2009
Psalm 98:4-8 (Call to Worship)
1 John 5:1-5
John 15:11-15
Message for Children
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
sermon, “Friends”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
and final hymn, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”,
United Methodist Hymnal #526
(Sanctifying Grace and Perfecting Grace section),
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
May 17, 2009
the congregation greeting each other
“Hi friend”, warm smiles erupting
spreading from face to face
a glow filling the sanctuary
Maybe to understand the lessons
the teaching in the word,
maybe instead of neighbor
instead of stranger
Friend instead
picturing ourselves greeting
as if each person we meet
viewing all as a friend
Being Christ’s friends,
sharing his love, abiding in the father
with him, in love, in community
living in the vine, in fellowship
one to another, bound, entwined
calling all a friend, perhaps
just one we don’t know yet
May 17, 2009
Psalm 98:4-8 (Call to Worship)
1 John 5:1-5
John 15:11-15
Message for Children
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
sermon, “Friends”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
and final hymn, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”,
United Methodist Hymnal #526
(Sanctifying Grace and Perfecting Grace section),
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
May 17, 2009
Woven Together
That one vine, each of us
branches, woven together
bound in love,
connected with one another
a part of the living church
the community of believers
to support, to grow
to bear fruit together
in love and fellowship
with our creator
and our savior,
our father, our brother
our God and our king.
May 17, 2009
Psalm 98:4-8 (Call to Worship)
1 John 5:1-5
John 15:11-15
John 15:1-8,
John 15:9-17
John 15:1-17
Message for Children
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
sermon, “Friends”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
and final hymn, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”,
United Methodist Hymnal #526
(Sanctifying Grace and Perfecting Grace section),
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
May 17, 2009
branches, woven together
bound in love,
connected with one another
a part of the living church
the community of believers
to support, to grow
to bear fruit together
in love and fellowship
with our creator
and our savior,
our father, our brother
our God and our king.
May 17, 2009
Psalm 98:4-8 (Call to Worship)
1 John 5:1-5
John 15:11-15
John 15:1-8,
John 15:9-17
John 15:1-17
Message for Children
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
sermon, “Friends”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
and final hymn, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”,
United Methodist Hymnal #526
(Sanctifying Grace and Perfecting Grace section),
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
May 17, 2009
Thanks for His Walk on this Earth
In the middle of our intercession
the prayers, the concerns of the people
slowing to remember,
to raise prayers of thanksgiving
to the one who came to earth
to our brother, our friend, the Christ
for his humanity, his sacrifice,
for his choice to descend, to serve,
to heal and the die
rising to save all of us
after his walk on this earth
May 17, 2009
Pastoral Prayer
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
May 17, 2009
the prayers, the concerns of the people
slowing to remember,
to raise prayers of thanksgiving
to the one who came to earth
to our brother, our friend, the Christ
for his humanity, his sacrifice,
for his choice to descend, to serve,
to heal and the die
rising to save all of us
after his walk on this earth
May 17, 2009
Pastoral Prayer
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
May 17, 2009
Who is Jesus?
A child’s question,
shared by the pastor
shared with the children,
offered to the congregation
all of us involved, active
pondering our answer
to this question, so central
Partial answers only,
a mere cloudy foretaste
a baby, laying in a manger,
Son of God, Savior,
the part of God that is like us
our brother, our friend, our King
He is all that and so much more
May 17, 2009
Psalm 98:4-8 (Call to Worship)
1 John 5:1-5
John 15:11-15
Message for Children
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
sermon, “Friends”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
and final hymn, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”,
United Methodist Hymnal #526
(Sanctifying Grace and Perfecting Grace section),
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
May 17, 2009
shared by the pastor
shared with the children,
offered to the congregation
all of us involved, active
pondering our answer
to this question, so central
Partial answers only,
a mere cloudy foretaste
a baby, laying in a manger,
Son of God, Savior,
the part of God that is like us
our brother, our friend, our King
He is all that and so much more
May 17, 2009
Psalm 98:4-8 (Call to Worship)
1 John 5:1-5
John 15:11-15
Message for Children
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
sermon, “Friends”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
and final hymn, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”,
United Methodist Hymnal #526
(Sanctifying Grace and Perfecting Grace section),
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
May 17, 2009
Thanks for the Path of the Cross
His words, jarring a bit, in the middle of the prayer
amid the words of our hearts, our longings, our cares
our joys and our concerns offered up in faith, in hope
a reminder, the need to give thanks, to offer too
thanksgiving for his birth, for the path of the cross
His journey from ministry to reconciliation,
from teaching to sacrifice, leading to the cross
needing to share, together, in worship
weeks after Easter, remembrance of the cross
May 17, 2009
Pastoral Prayer
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
May 17, 2009
amid the words of our hearts, our longings, our cares
our joys and our concerns offered up in faith, in hope
a reminder, the need to give thanks, to offer too
thanksgiving for his birth, for the path of the cross
His journey from ministry to reconciliation,
from teaching to sacrifice, leading to the cross
needing to share, together, in worship
weeks after Easter, remembrance of the cross
May 17, 2009
Pastoral Prayer
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
May 17, 2009
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