Follow the master
where the savior leads, going
out into the world
November 7, 2009
Saturday, November 07, 2009
Christian – haiku – 2
Walking with the Christ
follow our loving shepherd
be his hands, his feet
November 7, 2009
follow our loving shepherd
be his hands, his feet
November 7, 2009
Christian – haiku – 3
Pick up your cross, go
be Christ out into the world
share God’s love, his grace
November 7, 2009
be Christ out into the world
share God’s love, his grace
November 7, 2009
Christian – haiku – 4
Loving our neighbors
doing the work of the Christ
be his messengers
November 7, 2009
doing the work of the Christ
be his messengers
November 7, 2009
Christian – haiku – 4 – v2
Loving our neighbors
doing the work of the Christ
be his witnesses
November 7, 2009
doing the work of the Christ
be his witnesses
November 7, 2009
A prayer, entering in
Like those first disciples
gathering, confused, afraid
seeing the risen Christ
feeling the breath of God
falling upon them,
bodily transformed
by the gift of Christ
new life begun
So we entered in
into our time of reflection
of worship, calling us
closer to thee, oh God
open to the spirit
speaking from deep within
calling us to your ministry
in this church, in this time
our place in your creation
to go, reborn, as they were
to do your work
in this troubled world
November 7, 2009
Annual Church Conference
moderated by Reverend John Blackadar
& John 20:19-22
& hymn, “Breathe on Me, Breath of God”,
http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh420.sht
United Methodist Hymnal, #420
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
November 5, 2009
gathering, confused, afraid
seeing the risen Christ
feeling the breath of God
falling upon them,
bodily transformed
by the gift of Christ
new life begun
So we entered in
into our time of reflection
of worship, calling us
closer to thee, oh God
open to the spirit
speaking from deep within
calling us to your ministry
in this church, in this time
our place in your creation
to go, reborn, as they were
to do your work
in this troubled world
November 7, 2009
Annual Church Conference
moderated by Reverend John Blackadar
& John 20:19-22
& hymn, “Breathe on Me, Breath of God”,
http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh420.sht
United Methodist Hymnal, #420
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
November 5, 2009
Waiting with Wonder
Waiting, with wonder
how they must have been
even in the struggles
the journey they were on
going to the home,
to Bethlehem town
wondering what God
had planned for them
Waiting, with wonder
so we are now
at the birth of the holy child
the life he would live
so that live he may give
for each one of us living and dead
Alive in the Lord, at the end of this coil
when our days here on earth are done
going to our reward, paid for by the Lord
to walk with our savior again
On the streets paved with gold
in the new Jerusalem
where crying and death are no more
All of this from, the birth of the babe
Christ come into the world
Born and swaddled, laid
in that manger bed,
watched by the animals
the shepherds, long, long ago
Waiting, in wonder
in our hearts and our lives
walking as followers of Christ
sharing his story, his message of love
so all may enter in
Choosing with us the way of the cross
to pick up and do our part
bringing God grace
his love for the world
to everyone we meet
November 7, 2009
on seeing someone searching on Google,
“"waiting with wonder" advent”,
and finding this poem to access my blog
November 7, 2009
----
The Advent Journey
Following the star,
we all, like them, following the star
the light, the Word
coming into the world
living with us, to be among us
a journey of waiting, with wonder
experiencing anew
that which they beheld
the star of his rising,
his bright birth star
Bringing that light
into the sanctuary, into our hearts
preparing ourselves, awake, on watch
for the babe in the manger
the king on the clouds
that is our Advent journey
November 30, 2008
Matthew 2:11
Isaiah 64:1-9
Mark 13:24-37
and sermon, “Anticipation”
Pastor Ruth L. Foss
Suncook United Methodist Church
how they must have been
even in the struggles
the journey they were on
going to the home,
to Bethlehem town
wondering what God
had planned for them
Waiting, with wonder
so we are now
at the birth of the holy child
the life he would live
so that live he may give
for each one of us living and dead
Alive in the Lord, at the end of this coil
when our days here on earth are done
going to our reward, paid for by the Lord
to walk with our savior again
On the streets paved with gold
in the new Jerusalem
where crying and death are no more
All of this from, the birth of the babe
Christ come into the world
Born and swaddled, laid
in that manger bed,
watched by the animals
the shepherds, long, long ago
Waiting, in wonder
in our hearts and our lives
walking as followers of Christ
sharing his story, his message of love
so all may enter in
Choosing with us the way of the cross
to pick up and do our part
bringing God grace
his love for the world
to everyone we meet
November 7, 2009
on seeing someone searching on Google,
“"waiting with wonder" advent”,
and finding this poem to access my blog
November 7, 2009
----
The Advent Journey
Following the star,
we all, like them, following the star
the light, the Word
coming into the world
living with us, to be among us
a journey of waiting, with wonder
experiencing anew
that which they beheld
the star of his rising,
his bright birth star
Bringing that light
into the sanctuary, into our hearts
preparing ourselves, awake, on watch
for the babe in the manger
the king on the clouds
that is our Advent journey
November 30, 2008
Matthew 2:11
Isaiah 64:1-9
Mark 13:24-37
and sermon, “Anticipation”
Pastor Ruth L. Foss
Suncook United Methodist Church
Friday, November 06, 2009
Giving Her All
Out of her faith
giving her all
all that she had
nothing held back
offered to the Lord
a worthy gift
fragrant to God
November 6, 2009
Luke 20:45-21:4
The scribe and the widow’s offering
part of the sermon, “The Widow’s Might”,
by the Reverend Peter Hey,
http://www.concordwumc.org
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
November 18, 2007
giving her all
all that she had
nothing held back
offered to the Lord
a worthy gift
fragrant to God
November 6, 2009
Luke 20:45-21:4
The scribe and the widow’s offering
part of the sermon, “The Widow’s Might”,
by the Reverend Peter Hey,
http://www.concordwumc.org
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
November 18, 2007
The Widow’s Faith
The coins, but a metaphor
so small compared to the other offerings
but so huge, in metaphor
giving all she had,
because of her faith
loving dependent
trusting in God alone
so much more than all the others
giving all, out her poverty
not a tithe out of their wealth
November 6, 2009
Luke 20:45-21:4
The scribe and the widow’s offering
part of the sermon, “The Widow’s Might”,
by the Reverend Peter Hey,
http://www.concordwumc.org
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
November 18, 2007
so small compared to the other offerings
but so huge, in metaphor
giving all she had,
because of her faith
loving dependent
trusting in God alone
so much more than all the others
giving all, out her poverty
not a tithe out of their wealth
November 6, 2009
Luke 20:45-21:4
The scribe and the widow’s offering
part of the sermon, “The Widow’s Might”,
by the Reverend Peter Hey,
http://www.concordwumc.org
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
November 18, 2007
Living Church
Not a an adjective and a noun
living church an adverb and verb
our lives different
doing worship, in our daily lives
Monday to Saturday
going, being Christ
loving our neighbors
Sabbath rest, in the knowing
living church beyond the walls
outside the boundaries
out into the world
going, doing, church as way of living
open to the holy spirit
and wherever it may call
November 6, 2009
Annual Church Conference
moderated by Reverend John Blackadar
& John 20:19-22
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
November 5, 2009
living church an adverb and verb
our lives different
doing worship, in our daily lives
Monday to Saturday
going, being Christ
loving our neighbors
Sabbath rest, in the knowing
living church beyond the walls
outside the boundaries
out into the world
going, doing, church as way of living
open to the holy spirit
and wherever it may call
November 6, 2009
Annual Church Conference
moderated by Reverend John Blackadar
& John 20:19-22
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
November 5, 2009
So I send you
What must those disciples have thought,
hearing these words of the risen Christ
coming to them, into the room
even though the doors were locked;
Entering into their presence
breathing the spirit upon them
offering them peace
and sending them into the world
As the father sent me, so I send you
the words of the risen Messiah
just as had been prophesized
standing in their midst
Sending them out
to offer the love of the father
sharing his message of hope
to all who would lend an ear
Bringing the Christ
into each town, each place
the servant king dwelling within us
the spirit of the risen Lord
a smile upon our face
Going out into the world
from that start that day
to the ends of the earth
right up to this present time
Waiting for his return
his promise yet to come
In the waiting time,
sharing Christ in our time
in our own gifted way
Being the hands and feet of Christ
a voice in the wilderness
calling all of us sinners home
November 6, 2009
Annual Church Conference
moderated by Reverend John Blackadar
& John 20:19-22
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
November 5, 2009
hearing these words of the risen Christ
coming to them, into the room
even though the doors were locked;
Entering into their presence
breathing the spirit upon them
offering them peace
and sending them into the world
As the father sent me, so I send you
the words of the risen Messiah
just as had been prophesized
standing in their midst
Sending them out
to offer the love of the father
sharing his message of hope
to all who would lend an ear
Bringing the Christ
into each town, each place
the servant king dwelling within us
the spirit of the risen Lord
a smile upon our face
Going out into the world
from that start that day
to the ends of the earth
right up to this present time
Waiting for his return
his promise yet to come
In the waiting time,
sharing Christ in our time
in our own gifted way
Being the hands and feet of Christ
a voice in the wilderness
calling all of us sinners home
November 6, 2009
Annual Church Conference
moderated by Reverend John Blackadar
& John 20:19-22
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
November 5, 2009
Open to the Spirit
We must be, each one of us
open to the spirit’s call
as the first disciples were
on that fateful night
The breath of God
the saving on that day
the spirit filling each eager heart
to carry the savior’s call
Out into the world
hungry for the word
Seeking peace in other gods
needing the truth of Christ
The savior’s path, the way of the cross
loving our neighbors instead
this is the way of peace
of love to lead us home
November 5, 2009 and November 6, 2009
Annual Church Conference
moderated by Reverend John Blackadar
& John 20:19-22
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
November 5, 2009
open to the spirit’s call
as the first disciples were
on that fateful night
The breath of God
the saving on that day
the spirit filling each eager heart
to carry the savior’s call
Out into the world
hungry for the word
Seeking peace in other gods
needing the truth of Christ
The savior’s path, the way of the cross
loving our neighbors instead
this is the way of peace
of love to lead us home
November 5, 2009 and November 6, 2009
Annual Church Conference
moderated by Reverend John Blackadar
& John 20:19-22
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
November 5, 2009
When We Find Our Voice
When we find our voice
when we feel the master’s call
the spirit being the one
who gives us words to share
A willing vessel let me be
open to the savior’s breath
fill me with your spirit Lord,
let me do your will
Going where I am led
to share your loving word
a message of hope for the world
in your grace, your sacrifice
your promise fulfilled on Easter day
Going to the ends of the earth
a world to be made whole
telling all the world
in him we may see the love of God
as scripture had foretold
November 5, 2009 and November 6, 2009
Annual Church Conference
moderated by Reverend John Blackadar
& John 20:19-22
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
November 5, 2009
when we feel the master’s call
the spirit being the one
who gives us words to share
A willing vessel let me be
open to the savior’s breath
fill me with your spirit Lord,
let me do your will
Going where I am led
to share your loving word
a message of hope for the world
in your grace, your sacrifice
your promise fulfilled on Easter day
Going to the ends of the earth
a world to be made whole
telling all the world
in him we may see the love of God
as scripture had foretold
November 5, 2009 and November 6, 2009
Annual Church Conference
moderated by Reverend John Blackadar
& John 20:19-22
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
November 5, 2009
The Holy Spirit Filling Us
Now, today, not just in the upper room,
the flames of Pentecost
still, now, today, the Holy Spirit
filling us, giving us voice
for those who follow the cross
Our lives in the savior’s steps
following where we are led
empowered to spread the word
his message of love
for those needing to be fed
The poor, the sick , the prisoners here
upon this mortal coil
hearing the love of the Lord
in the fields as they toil
Going to where the hungry are
doing the savior’s work
loving our neighbors as ourselves
going to places near and far
wherever the spirit leads
November 5, 2009 and November 6, 2009
Annual Church Conference
moderated by Reverend John Blackadar
& John 20:19-22
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
November 5, 2009
the flames of Pentecost
still, now, today, the Holy Spirit
filling us, giving us voice
for those who follow the cross
Our lives in the savior’s steps
following where we are led
empowered to spread the word
his message of love
for those needing to be fed
The poor, the sick , the prisoners here
upon this mortal coil
hearing the love of the Lord
in the fields as they toil
Going to where the hungry are
doing the savior’s work
loving our neighbors as ourselves
going to places near and far
wherever the spirit leads
November 5, 2009 and November 6, 2009
Annual Church Conference
moderated by Reverend John Blackadar
& John 20:19-22
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
November 5, 2009
Ready to Act
No longer followers only
cloistered in the upper room
ready to act, to go, to do
to spread his loving word
The Spirit breathed upon them
by the risen Christ
sent into the world
to continue his holy work
To offer saving in his name
to give a helping hand
to offer hope to the poor
and love to our fellow man
Sent into the street
to the field and factory
to bear witness to the Christ
the love of God to bear
Our neighbors, no longer strangers,
part of the family
with us needing the love of Christ
saved, redeemed
able to see our father
to enter in,
to walk with God once more
by his grace alone
November 5, 2009 and November 6, 2009
Annual Church Conference
moderated by Reverend John Blackadar
& John 20:19-22
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
November 5, 2009
cloistered in the upper room
ready to act, to go, to do
to spread his loving word
The Spirit breathed upon them
by the risen Christ
sent into the world
to continue his holy work
To offer saving in his name
to give a helping hand
to offer hope to the poor
and love to our fellow man
Sent into the street
to the field and factory
to bear witness to the Christ
the love of God to bear
Our neighbors, no longer strangers,
part of the family
with us needing the love of Christ
saved, redeemed
able to see our father
to enter in,
to walk with God once more
by his grace alone
November 5, 2009 and November 6, 2009
Annual Church Conference
moderated by Reverend John Blackadar
& John 20:19-22
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
November 5, 2009
Empowered by the Holy Spirit
Forever changed, different
these followers of Christ
while he traveled and preached
healed and walked
upon the earth
Empowered by the Holy Spirit
Christ now risen, holy once more
a new body, raised from the dead
breathing upon them
Transformed
Changed in that instant
the disciples reborn,
given power, authority
charged to go and spread his word
Emboldened to tell the world
the message of the Lord
to offer grace and hope
to all who seek
and hunger
all around the world
November 5, 2009 and November 6, 2009
Annual Church Conference
moderated by Reverend John Blackadar
& John 20:19-22
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
November 5, 2009
these followers of Christ
while he traveled and preached
healed and walked
upon the earth
Empowered by the Holy Spirit
Christ now risen, holy once more
a new body, raised from the dead
breathing upon them
Transformed
Changed in that instant
the disciples reborn,
given power, authority
charged to go and spread his word
Emboldened to tell the world
the message of the Lord
to offer grace and hope
to all who seek
and hunger
all around the world
November 5, 2009 and November 6, 2009
Annual Church Conference
moderated by Reverend John Blackadar
& John 20:19-22
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
November 5, 2009
Empowered
Empowered, given a charge
sent, into the world
the disciples on that night
receiving the holy word
The spirit of God
breathed upon each one
changing their beating hearts
filled with the savior’s love
Like a dove, the breath made real
feeling the change within them now
going to follow his call
Going though the savior has gone
to his heavenly throne
believing his message for all
his sacrifice of love
Living like those in the room
who first felt the spirit’s pull
doing our part in our time
until all have heard the savior’s word
Being the hands and feet of Christ
giving voice to the oppressed the poor
healing in his name
doing his work on earth
November 5, 2009 and November 6, 2009
Annual Church Conference
moderated by Reverend John Blackadar
& John 20:19-22
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
November 5, 2009
sent, into the world
the disciples on that night
receiving the holy word
The spirit of God
breathed upon each one
changing their beating hearts
filled with the savior’s love
Like a dove, the breath made real
feeling the change within them now
going to follow his call
Going though the savior has gone
to his heavenly throne
believing his message for all
his sacrifice of love
Living like those in the room
who first felt the spirit’s pull
doing our part in our time
until all have heard the savior’s word
Being the hands and feet of Christ
giving voice to the oppressed the poor
healing in his name
doing his work on earth
November 5, 2009 and November 6, 2009
Annual Church Conference
moderated by Reverend John Blackadar
& John 20:19-22
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
November 5, 2009
A Changed Group
Timid followers no more
emboldened to act
the spirit living within them
given by the savior’s breath
no longer hiding in the dark
shining with the son
going as the master led
to spread the message of love
by their hands, their feet, their hearts
November 5, 2009 and November 6, 2009
Annual Church Conference
moderated by Reverend John Blackadar
& John 20:19-22
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
November 5, 2009
emboldened to act
the spirit living within them
given by the savior’s breath
no longer hiding in the dark
shining with the son
going as the master led
to spread the message of love
by their hands, their feet, their hearts
November 5, 2009 and November 6, 2009
Annual Church Conference
moderated by Reverend John Blackadar
& John 20:19-22
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
November 5, 2009
The sound of His breath
audibly, the sound of His breath
breathing life, the Holy Spirit
received physically, the risen messiah
standing in their midst
the locked door no barrier
unbound by human life
risen in the flesh
breathing the spirit
upon, into each heart
the words of peace to you
sending them out
empowered
commissioned
each to do their part
November 5, 2009 and November 6, 2009
Annual Church Conference
moderated by Reverend John Blackadar
& John 20:19-22
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
November 5, 2009
breathing life, the Holy Spirit
received physically, the risen messiah
standing in their midst
the locked door no barrier
unbound by human life
risen in the flesh
breathing the spirit
upon, into each heart
the words of peace to you
sending them out
empowered
commissioned
each to do their part
November 5, 2009 and November 6, 2009
Annual Church Conference
moderated by Reverend John Blackadar
& John 20:19-22
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
November 5, 2009
Peace to You
the words repeated,
“Peace to you,
just as the father sent me,
so I send you
receive the holy spirit”
the power, the wonder
transfiguration of that moment
followers hearing the Christ
maybe for the first time
changed ever
empowered, emboldened
given voice, words to share
peace within
the spirit
ablaze in their heart
November 5, 2009 and November 6, 2009
Annual Church Conference
moderated by Reverend John Blackadar
& John 20:19-22
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
November 5, 2009
“Peace to you,
just as the father sent me,
so I send you
receive the holy spirit”
the power, the wonder
transfiguration of that moment
followers hearing the Christ
maybe for the first time
changed ever
empowered, emboldened
given voice, words to share
peace within
the spirit
ablaze in their heart
November 5, 2009 and November 6, 2009
Annual Church Conference
moderated by Reverend John Blackadar
& John 20:19-22
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
November 5, 2009
Receive the Holy Spirit
physically, a presence
breathing upon them
the living, risen Christ
giving them power
breathing the spirit
into their yearning hearts
so he spoke, words of grace,
“peace be with you;
receive the holy spirit.”
in that moment, a church born
followers, pilgrims, reborn as disciples
going out onto the street
into the world, to act, to do
to be the messengers
his story of love to share
breathed on by the savior
going to do his work
November 5, 2009 and November 6, 2009
Annual Church Conference
moderated by Reverend John Blackadar
& John 20:19-22
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
November 5, 2009
breathing upon them
the living, risen Christ
giving them power
breathing the spirit
into their yearning hearts
so he spoke, words of grace,
“peace be with you;
receive the holy spirit.”
in that moment, a church born
followers, pilgrims, reborn as disciples
going out onto the street
into the world, to act, to do
to be the messengers
his story of love to share
breathed on by the savior
going to do his work
November 5, 2009 and November 6, 2009
Annual Church Conference
moderated by Reverend John Blackadar
& John 20:19-22
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
November 5, 2009
Jesus entered anyway
The door locked
the disciples huddled in
Jesus entered anyway
that is how the story would begin
The church as we know it
born on that very night
when the savior came to them
and spread his spirit of light
He came through the locked door
a world to open up
to give power to us all
to go and do his work
Out into the world they and we are called
to be the hands and feet of Christ
to answer when he calls
Bearing his message of love
to witness to the grace of God
November 5, 2009 and November 6, 2009
Annual Church Conference
moderated by Reverend John Blackadar
& John 20:19-22
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
November 5, 2009
the disciples huddled in
Jesus entered anyway
that is how the story would begin
The church as we know it
born on that very night
when the savior came to them
and spread his spirit of light
He came through the locked door
a world to open up
to give power to us all
to go and do his work
Out into the world they and we are called
to be the hands and feet of Christ
to answer when he calls
Bearing his message of love
to witness to the grace of God
November 5, 2009 and November 6, 2009
Annual Church Conference
moderated by Reverend John Blackadar
& John 20:19-22
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
November 5, 2009
A Locked Door
The leaders, the disciples
gathered in one place
behind a locked door
fear upon their face
Huddled in prayer
not knowing what to do
Christ in their presence
the night now a brighter hue
Through a locked door he had come
to bring the spirit to dwell inside their hearts
No longer timid, no longer meek and mild
boldly now empowered
to spread his heavenly call
Going from this upper room
to act and spread the news
going where the master led
to do his mighty deeds
November 5, 2009 and November 6, 2009
Annual Church Conference
moderated by Reverend John Blackadar
& John 20:19-22
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
November 5, 2009
gathered in one place
behind a locked door
fear upon their face
Huddled in prayer
not knowing what to do
Christ in their presence
the night now a brighter hue
Through a locked door he had come
to bring the spirit to dwell inside their hearts
No longer timid, no longer meek and mild
boldly now empowered
to spread his heavenly call
Going from this upper room
to act and spread the news
going where the master led
to do his mighty deeds
November 5, 2009 and November 6, 2009
Annual Church Conference
moderated by Reverend John Blackadar
& John 20:19-22
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
November 5, 2009
Later that Day
After the tomb, found empty
the confusion, the road to Emmaus
Christ alive, but what were they to do
Hiding in the upper room
away from the world
not knowing where to turn
what was the meaning of it all
November 5, 2009 and November 6, 2009
Annual Church Conference
moderated by Reverend John Blackadar
& John 20:19-22
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
November 5, 2009
the confusion, the road to Emmaus
Christ alive, but what were they to do
Hiding in the upper room
away from the world
not knowing where to turn
what was the meaning of it all
November 5, 2009 and November 6, 2009
Annual Church Conference
moderated by Reverend John Blackadar
& John 20:19-22
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
November 5, 2009
Incredible Things
More than the master
able, with God’s aid
incredible things
miracles to perform
little seeds of love to share
in what we say and how we live
helping our neighbors
day to day
Taking the message,
the spirit within
sharing hope with the world
an offering to give
Seeing our neighbors
the ones whom we meet
giving a welcome
to all those we greet
Going in Christ’s name
to the ends of the earth
bearing witness to the one
who gives us new birth
November 5, 2009 and November 6, 2009
Annual Church Conference
moderated by Reverend John Blackadar
& John 20:19-22
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
November 5, 2009
able, with God’s aid
incredible things
miracles to perform
little seeds of love to share
in what we say and how we live
helping our neighbors
day to day
Taking the message,
the spirit within
sharing hope with the world
an offering to give
Seeing our neighbors
the ones whom we meet
giving a welcome
to all those we greet
Going in Christ’s name
to the ends of the earth
bearing witness to the one
who gives us new birth
November 5, 2009 and November 6, 2009
Annual Church Conference
moderated by Reverend John Blackadar
& John 20:19-22
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
November 5, 2009
Out onto the Street
Out of our pews, our studies
out onto the street
to share Christ
to be Christ,
claiming the name follower
disciples of the risen one
who came to this earth
who walked among us
so we may have a heavenly rebirth
Out onto the streets
into this wilderness here
reaching our brothers, our sisters
all we should hold dear
Caring for them as the savior taught
going where they are
so that no one is left out
November 5, 2009 and November 6, 2009
Annual Church Conference
moderated by Reverend John Blackadar
& John 20:19-22
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
November 5, 2009
out onto the street
to share Christ
to be Christ,
claiming the name follower
disciples of the risen one
who came to this earth
who walked among us
so we may have a heavenly rebirth
Out onto the streets
into this wilderness here
reaching our brothers, our sisters
all we should hold dear
Caring for them as the savior taught
going where they are
so that no one is left out
November 5, 2009 and November 6, 2009
Annual Church Conference
moderated by Reverend John Blackadar
& John 20:19-22
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
November 5, 2009
Out into the World
going, as the savior did
out into the world, to share
to bring a message of love, of hope
Where people are, in the fields
in the city gate, on the roadside
a bounty to offer
rich, full fruits, a harvest
for the hungry, those seeking
going, as they have gone
where there is need
into the world
sharing Christ
by the way they have lived
bringing hope
in the love of his grace
saving all of us from sin
November 5, 2009 and November 6, 2009
Annual Church Conference
moderated by Reverend John Blackadar
& John 20:19-22
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
November 5, 2009
out into the world, to share
to bring a message of love, of hope
Where people are, in the fields
in the city gate, on the roadside
a bounty to offer
rich, full fruits, a harvest
for the hungry, those seeking
going, as they have gone
where there is need
into the world
sharing Christ
by the way they have lived
bringing hope
in the love of his grace
saving all of us from sin
November 5, 2009 and November 6, 2009
Annual Church Conference
moderated by Reverend John Blackadar
& John 20:19-22
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
November 5, 2009
Harmony
Our voices
not in unison
harmony,
the same melody
the same loving story
Different voices
different gifts
singing together
blended
in blessed harmonies
November 5, 2009 and November 6, 2009
Annual Church Conference
moderated by Reverend John Blackadar
& John 20:19-22
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
November 5, 2009
not in unison
harmony,
the same melody
the same loving story
Different voices
different gifts
singing together
blended
in blessed harmonies
November 5, 2009 and November 6, 2009
Annual Church Conference
moderated by Reverend John Blackadar
& John 20:19-22
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
November 5, 2009
Offering Ourselves
What she offering, in giving her all
all that she had, offering herself
giving herself to God
trusting in the creator
sustainer of the people
believing she would have enough
in the giving of her small coins
all she had, a lesson for all who claim Christ
offering ourselves to God
trusting as she did
God will provide
November 5, 2009 and November 6, 2009
Luke 20:45-21:4
The scribe and the widow’s offering
part of the sermon, “The Widow’s Might”,
by the Reverend Peter Hey,
http://www.concordwumc.org
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
November 18, 2007
&
Annual Church Conference
moderated by Reverend John Blackadar
& John 20:19-22
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
November 5, 2009
all that she had, offering herself
giving herself to God
trusting in the creator
sustainer of the people
believing she would have enough
in the giving of her small coins
all she had, a lesson for all who claim Christ
offering ourselves to God
trusting as she did
God will provide
November 5, 2009 and November 6, 2009
Luke 20:45-21:4
The scribe and the widow’s offering
part of the sermon, “The Widow’s Might”,
by the Reverend Peter Hey,
http://www.concordwumc.org
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
November 18, 2007
&
Annual Church Conference
moderated by Reverend John Blackadar
& John 20:19-22
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
November 5, 2009
A Parable of a Seed
The church, at its start
a parable of a seed
echoing the master’s words
in his parable of the mustard seeds
how mighty it has grown
each of us to care, to nurture
to take of its seeds
spreading them in our own time
in this place we are planted
to share God’s love
the message of Christ
to all we meet
little seeds of love
not meant to be kept
spread instead
to the ends of the earth
November 5, 2009 and November 6, 2009
Annual Church Conference
moderated by Reverend John Blackadar
& John 20:19-22
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
November 5, 2009
& poem below
---
A Village Church
Our church, a village church
nestled in the heart, the center
the little place in the village
known by the mustard seeds
the little acts, simple kindnesses
offering a hand or an ear
prayers, a place of worship
a meal, a place to gather
little mustard seeds of love
planted in our neighbors’ hearts
one little act of love at a time
May 24, 2009 and May 25, 2009
Unison Prayer
“Eternal God, who created us in your own image.
Enable us to fearlessly contend against evil and to
make no peace with oppression.
May we use our freedom with reverence, and
for the establishment of justice to the glory of
your holy name; through Jesus Christ our Savior.”
The Epistle Reading
Ephesians 3:7-13
Gospel Reading
Mark 4:30-32
and sermon by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
“God Has Big Plans For You”
Suncook United Methodist Church
May 24, 2009
Ascension Sunday
and the Sunday before Memorial Day
a parable of a seed
echoing the master’s words
in his parable of the mustard seeds
how mighty it has grown
each of us to care, to nurture
to take of its seeds
spreading them in our own time
in this place we are planted
to share God’s love
the message of Christ
to all we meet
little seeds of love
not meant to be kept
spread instead
to the ends of the earth
November 5, 2009 and November 6, 2009
Annual Church Conference
moderated by Reverend John Blackadar
& John 20:19-22
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
November 5, 2009
& poem below
---
A Village Church
Our church, a village church
nestled in the heart, the center
the little place in the village
known by the mustard seeds
the little acts, simple kindnesses
offering a hand or an ear
prayers, a place of worship
a meal, a place to gather
little mustard seeds of love
planted in our neighbors’ hearts
one little act of love at a time
May 24, 2009 and May 25, 2009
Unison Prayer
“Eternal God, who created us in your own image.
Enable us to fearlessly contend against evil and to
make no peace with oppression.
May we use our freedom with reverence, and
for the establishment of justice to the glory of
your holy name; through Jesus Christ our Savior.”
The Epistle Reading
Ephesians 3:7-13
Gospel Reading
Mark 4:30-32
and sermon by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
“God Has Big Plans For You”
Suncook United Methodist Church
May 24, 2009
Ascension Sunday
and the Sunday before Memorial Day
Sequins of Ice
Leaving the driveway,
across the church’s lawn
shining, shimmering
sequins of ice
adorning, melting upon
the yellow brown leaves
warming in the rising sun
soon to be no more
November 6, 2009
on the way to Pembroke Village School
Suncook, NH
across the church’s lawn
shining, shimmering
sequins of ice
adorning, melting upon
the yellow brown leaves
warming in the rising sun
soon to be no more
November 6, 2009
on the way to Pembroke Village School
Suncook, NH
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Fragrant to God
More beautiful than orchids
a scent beyond imagination
her offering, her gift
fragrant before God
Offering all she had
out of her poverty
out of her faith
giving to the Lord
herself, all she was
in the giving of the coins
an offering fragrant to God
November 5, 2009
Luke 20:45-21:4
The scribe and the widow’s offering
part of the sermon, “The Widow’s Might”,
by the Reverend Peter Hey,
http://www.concordwumc.org
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
November 18, 2007
a scent beyond imagination
her offering, her gift
fragrant before God
Offering all she had
out of her poverty
out of her faith
giving to the Lord
herself, all she was
in the giving of the coins
an offering fragrant to God
November 5, 2009
Luke 20:45-21:4
The scribe and the widow’s offering
part of the sermon, “The Widow’s Might”,
by the Reverend Peter Hey,
http://www.concordwumc.org
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
November 18, 2007
The Widow’s Gift
Her simple coins
change for some; all she had
offered to God in faith in trust
relying on God
for he will provide
All of our needs
more than our daily bread
our cups overflowing
grace upon grace
pouring on us
This faith in her act
her giving of all
a reverent offering
fragrant to God
November 5, 2009
Luke 20:45-21:4
The scribe and the widow’s offering
part of the sermon, “The Widow’s Might”,
by the Reverend Peter Hey,
http://www.concordwumc.org
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
November 18, 2007
change for some; all she had
offered to God in faith in trust
relying on God
for he will provide
All of our needs
more than our daily bread
our cups overflowing
grace upon grace
pouring on us
This faith in her act
her giving of all
a reverent offering
fragrant to God
November 5, 2009
Luke 20:45-21:4
The scribe and the widow’s offering
part of the sermon, “The Widow’s Might”,
by the Reverend Peter Hey,
http://www.concordwumc.org
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
November 18, 2007
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
Sharing His Goodness
A room full, sharing together
the bounty of his goodness
around a table, a family
getting to know my neighbors
no longer strangers across the table
my brothers, my sisters
sharing his goodness
the depth of Christ’s love
November 4, 2009
Our Family’s Table,
over 80 people served tonight
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
the bounty of his goodness
around a table, a family
getting to know my neighbors
no longer strangers across the table
my brothers, my sisters
sharing his goodness
the depth of Christ’s love
November 4, 2009
Our Family’s Table,
over 80 people served tonight
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
Drinking from that Well
In gathering today, where three of more
feeling his presence with us
drinking again, from that well
that feeling in the sharing
a bit more of our experience
our faith, ways to give
to grow the community
feeling Christ with us
even just a bit, wanting
yearning to do more of his work
to spread the message
gratitude contagious
hope, to the ends of the earth
November 4, 2009
small Walk to Emmaus gathering
over breakfast this morning
feeling his presence with us
drinking again, from that well
that feeling in the sharing
a bit more of our experience
our faith, ways to give
to grow the community
feeling Christ with us
even just a bit, wanting
yearning to do more of his work
to spread the message
gratitude contagious
hope, to the ends of the earth
November 4, 2009
small Walk to Emmaus gathering
over breakfast this morning
"A Mixed Blessing Still a Blessing", posted by Aaron Jamison to his blog, Judas Forgiven, 11/3/09
"Word from Winkler", November 3, 2009, by Jim Winkler, General Secretary, General Board of Church and Society (GBCS) of the United Methodist Church
Posted here with permission of Mr. Winkler:
Word from Winkler
A difficult text
By Jim Winkler, General Secretary, General Board of Church & Society
How many times have we heard it pointed out that Jesus said the poor will always be with us. How many time has this statement been used to permit us to shrug our shoulders about persistent poverty or to rationalize opposition to programs to aid the poor? After all, our very own Lord and Savior seems to acknowledge the intractability of poverty.
In the story of the rich man in Mark 10:17-31, we run the risk of further sentimentalizing Jesus and his teachings. It’s possible to hear this story and conclude that while it might be admirable for the rich to sell all they have, give it to the poor, and follow Jesus, it’s not crucial to do so.
What if we read the story in a different tone of voice?
Mark tells us that Jesus loved this wealthy man and doesn’t appear to condemn him. But, what if we read the story in a different tone of voice?
This rich man kneels before Jesus and asks, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?”
Jesus tells him, “You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; you shall not defraud; honor your father and mother.’”
But the rich man persists, “Teacher, I have kept all these since my youth.” The rich man knows there’s something deeper, though. What’s the secret formula, he asks. Tell how to make sure I get to heaven.
A sharp, stern answer
Have you ever spoken sternly to one you love? Verse 21 in The Good News translation says Jesus looked straight at him with love. Many may not like to imagine Jesus having a temper, but he might have been a bit perturbed with this rich, young man.
I can hear Jesus responding with a bit of exasperation to the rich man. What if he answered sharply: “YOU LACK ONE THING: GO, SELL WHAT YOU OWN, AND GIVE THE MONEY TO THE POOR, AND YOU WILL HAVE TREASURE IN HEAVEN; THEN, COME FOLLOW ME.” Go, sell, give, come, follow.
Go, sell, give, come, follow.
At that moment, the rich man has a shock of recognition. I think he knows Jesus is right. He went away grieving. Why such intense feelings? Because he had many possessions and couldn’t bear to part with them.
The disciples left everything they had to follow Jesus. To spread the Good News, an urgent message in a difficult time, there was no time to manage your fishing or carpentry business. If you’re serious about God’s work, give it up.
Methodist circuit riders
There was a day when Methodist preachers were circuit riders. They traveled from station to station to preach, teach and organize. Wesley knew if they were settled down in one church, they would grow too comfortable. For many years, we didn’t erect local church buildings because we knew we would become devoted to them and spend our time and money on their upkeep.
The rich, young man was willing to forgo eternal life to remain rich. Rarely, if ever, have I heard it suggested that we ought to confiscate the wealth of the rich to facilitate their entrance into the kingdom of heaven. After all, if all they need to do to achieve eternal life is sell what they own and give their money to the poor, why not help them do so?
The rich, young man was willing to forgo eternal life to remain rich.
Many people believe Jesus simply used this formula as a rhetorical device to challenge the rich man. Many times I’ve heard people say our entire economy would collapse if the rich gave away what they possessed. The rich, I am told, are the ones who provide us with benefits such as consumer products, manufacturing, oil, mining, tourism, timber, and the countless other industries that make our daily life so convenient. Many contend we can’t live good lives without the rich.
But Jesus turns to the disciples and says, “How hard it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God.”
A difficult scripture
It’s not easy being a committed follower of Jesus. This scripture is not difficult to understand, it is direct. It is difficult to accept. It strikes at the very heart of what Jesus demands of us and few of us are able to deliver. We don’t want to. So we have created many rationales over the centuries to look at this text differently than it is intended.
It’s not easy being a committed follower of Jesus.
Who among us wants to be first to sell and give away everything? Wealth, you see, was seen as a sign of the blessing of God. TV preachers regularly tell us that God blesses believers with riches. But Jesus turns this around: Wealth is an obstacle to eternal life.
That’s uncomfortable to hear. Surely, Jesus didn’t literally mean that, did he? It’s easy for many of us to tell ourselves that we’re not really rich.
This is not an easy scripture. It’s disturbing. It forces us to think about our faith, our possessions and our very salvation. Jesus looks the rich man in the eye and he looks at each of us in the eye to tell us life is not about accumulating things, but about freeing ourselves from our wealth.
Unless you are desperately poor or you are living a simple life that few have committed to, you know we live in a culture that pushes us to desire more things. Our lives are marked by excess consumption. Whether we like it or not, our relative wealth in contrast to our poor sisters and brothers in places like Nigeria, Zimbabwe and the Philippines is directly linked to their poverty.
I pray that we will be able to heed Jesus’ teaching about wealth. I pray that we will become dissatisfied with worldly possessions, and accept Jesus’ challenge to become more committed to the truth that one or two who love God can change the world — indeed that is all that ever have.
Word from Winkler
A difficult text
By Jim Winkler, General Secretary, General Board of Church & Society
How many times have we heard it pointed out that Jesus said the poor will always be with us. How many time has this statement been used to permit us to shrug our shoulders about persistent poverty or to rationalize opposition to programs to aid the poor? After all, our very own Lord and Savior seems to acknowledge the intractability of poverty.
In the story of the rich man in Mark 10:17-31, we run the risk of further sentimentalizing Jesus and his teachings. It’s possible to hear this story and conclude that while it might be admirable for the rich to sell all they have, give it to the poor, and follow Jesus, it’s not crucial to do so.
What if we read the story in a different tone of voice?
Mark tells us that Jesus loved this wealthy man and doesn’t appear to condemn him. But, what if we read the story in a different tone of voice?
This rich man kneels before Jesus and asks, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?”
Jesus tells him, “You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; you shall not defraud; honor your father and mother.’”
But the rich man persists, “Teacher, I have kept all these since my youth.” The rich man knows there’s something deeper, though. What’s the secret formula, he asks. Tell how to make sure I get to heaven.
A sharp, stern answer
Have you ever spoken sternly to one you love? Verse 21 in The Good News translation says Jesus looked straight at him with love. Many may not like to imagine Jesus having a temper, but he might have been a bit perturbed with this rich, young man.
I can hear Jesus responding with a bit of exasperation to the rich man. What if he answered sharply: “YOU LACK ONE THING: GO, SELL WHAT YOU OWN, AND GIVE THE MONEY TO THE POOR, AND YOU WILL HAVE TREASURE IN HEAVEN; THEN, COME FOLLOW ME.” Go, sell, give, come, follow.
Go, sell, give, come, follow.
At that moment, the rich man has a shock of recognition. I think he knows Jesus is right. He went away grieving. Why such intense feelings? Because he had many possessions and couldn’t bear to part with them.
The disciples left everything they had to follow Jesus. To spread the Good News, an urgent message in a difficult time, there was no time to manage your fishing or carpentry business. If you’re serious about God’s work, give it up.
Methodist circuit riders
There was a day when Methodist preachers were circuit riders. They traveled from station to station to preach, teach and organize. Wesley knew if they were settled down in one church, they would grow too comfortable. For many years, we didn’t erect local church buildings because we knew we would become devoted to them and spend our time and money on their upkeep.
The rich, young man was willing to forgo eternal life to remain rich. Rarely, if ever, have I heard it suggested that we ought to confiscate the wealth of the rich to facilitate their entrance into the kingdom of heaven. After all, if all they need to do to achieve eternal life is sell what they own and give their money to the poor, why not help them do so?
The rich, young man was willing to forgo eternal life to remain rich.
Many people believe Jesus simply used this formula as a rhetorical device to challenge the rich man. Many times I’ve heard people say our entire economy would collapse if the rich gave away what they possessed. The rich, I am told, are the ones who provide us with benefits such as consumer products, manufacturing, oil, mining, tourism, timber, and the countless other industries that make our daily life so convenient. Many contend we can’t live good lives without the rich.
But Jesus turns to the disciples and says, “How hard it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God.”
A difficult scripture
It’s not easy being a committed follower of Jesus. This scripture is not difficult to understand, it is direct. It is difficult to accept. It strikes at the very heart of what Jesus demands of us and few of us are able to deliver. We don’t want to. So we have created many rationales over the centuries to look at this text differently than it is intended.
It’s not easy being a committed follower of Jesus.
Who among us wants to be first to sell and give away everything? Wealth, you see, was seen as a sign of the blessing of God. TV preachers regularly tell us that God blesses believers with riches. But Jesus turns this around: Wealth is an obstacle to eternal life.
That’s uncomfortable to hear. Surely, Jesus didn’t literally mean that, did he? It’s easy for many of us to tell ourselves that we’re not really rich.
This is not an easy scripture. It’s disturbing. It forces us to think about our faith, our possessions and our very salvation. Jesus looks the rich man in the eye and he looks at each of us in the eye to tell us life is not about accumulating things, but about freeing ourselves from our wealth.
Unless you are desperately poor or you are living a simple life that few have committed to, you know we live in a culture that pushes us to desire more things. Our lives are marked by excess consumption. Whether we like it or not, our relative wealth in contrast to our poor sisters and brothers in places like Nigeria, Zimbabwe and the Philippines is directly linked to their poverty.
I pray that we will be able to heed Jesus’ teaching about wealth. I pray that we will become dissatisfied with worldly possessions, and accept Jesus’ challenge to become more committed to the truth that one or two who love God can change the world — indeed that is all that ever have.
"Word from Winkler", November 3, 2009, by Jim Winkler, General Secretary, General Board of Church and Society (GBCS) of the United Methodist Church
http://www.umc-gbcs.org/site/apps/nlnet/content.aspx?c=frLJK2PKLqF&b=5573045&ct=7631971
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Email 11/3/09 from the National Religious Campaign Against Torture
Dear Friends:
Guantanamo stands in the minds of hundreds of millions of people in our nation and around the globe as the place where America broke faith with itself and used torture as an interrogation technique. Our government must close the detention center at Guantanamo now to help us heal spiritually and to put an end to this dark and shameful chapter in our history.
Now is the time to write to your two Senators and Representative to urge them to work with President Obama to close the detention center at Guantanamo. You can Go to (http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2162/t/3961/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=) to send an email to your Members of Congress; a model email is offered that you can adapt for your use.
You can make a difference. Please email your Members of Congress today.
Thank you.
Linda Gustitus, President
Rev. Richard Killmer, Executive Director
Guantanamo stands in the minds of hundreds of millions of people in our nation and around the globe as the place where America broke faith with itself and used torture as an interrogation technique. Our government must close the detention center at Guantanamo now to help us heal spiritually and to put an end to this dark and shameful chapter in our history.
Now is the time to write to your two Senators and Representative to urge them to work with President Obama to close the detention center at Guantanamo. You can Go to (http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2162/t/3961/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=) to send an email to your Members of Congress; a model email is offered that you can adapt for your use.
You can make a difference. Please email your Members of Congress today.
Thank you.
Linda Gustitus, President
Rev. Richard Killmer, Executive Director
Received via email 11/3/09 from President Obama
Dear Friend:
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. I have heard
from countless Americans struggling to afford health insurance and
health professionals striving to provide care. I appreciate your
perspective.
There is broad consensus among the American people on
the need for affordable, high-quality health care. The rising cost of
health care is the most pressing financial challenge for families and
for our Nation, and controlling this cost is essential to bringing
down the Federal deficits we inherited. We must also end unfair
insurance practices that leave millions of Americans without
coverage, deny them access to coverage, and expose them to
extraordinary burdens. And we should ensure that small
businesses have access to affordable, high-quality health plans for
their employees so that we can make our economy - and our small
businesses - more competitive. Now is the time to move forward,
and I am working to get health insurance reform done this year.
Since I took office, we have done more to improve health
care than we have in the previous decade. In February, I signed
H.R. 2 to provide coverage for millions of children through the
Children's Health Insurance Program, and I signed the American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act to make key investments in
computerized medical records and preventive services.
Still, more must be done to lower costs, expand coverage,
and improve the quality of health care. Health insurance reform
must provide more security and stability to those who have health
insurance; make sure those who do not have insurance can find
affordable options; and lower the cost of health care for our
families, our businesses, and our government. Reform will benefit
seniors by protecting and strengthening Medicare, closing the
"donut-hole" gap in coverage for prescription drugs, and providing
free preventive care. To help fulfill the debt we owe to our service
men and women, I am committed to ensuring that we provide the
highest-quality health care possible to America's veterans. My
2010 budget requests the largest single-year increase in funding for
the Department of Veterans Affairs in three decades and
significantly expands health care coverage to an additional 500,000
veterans by 2013.
Ultimately, there are tough choices to be made, and I am
working to bring employers and workers, health care providers and
patients together to create a system that delivers high-quality
health care and puts the Nation on a sustainable, long-term fiscal
path. To learn more about my Health Insurance Reform Plan or to
share a personal story, please join me online at:
www.HealthReform.gov. For further information on health care
and assistance that may be available to you, you may call 1-800-
FED-INFO or visit: www.USA.gov.
I share the sense of urgency that millions of Americans
have voiced. I watched as my ailing mother struggled with stacks
of insurance forms in the last moments of her life. This is not who
we are as a Nation; together, we will fix it.
Sincerely,
Barack Obama
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. I have heard
from countless Americans struggling to afford health insurance and
health professionals striving to provide care. I appreciate your
perspective.
There is broad consensus among the American people on
the need for affordable, high-quality health care. The rising cost of
health care is the most pressing financial challenge for families and
for our Nation, and controlling this cost is essential to bringing
down the Federal deficits we inherited. We must also end unfair
insurance practices that leave millions of Americans without
coverage, deny them access to coverage, and expose them to
extraordinary burdens. And we should ensure that small
businesses have access to affordable, high-quality health plans for
their employees so that we can make our economy - and our small
businesses - more competitive. Now is the time to move forward,
and I am working to get health insurance reform done this year.
Since I took office, we have done more to improve health
care than we have in the previous decade. In February, I signed
H.R. 2 to provide coverage for millions of children through the
Children's Health Insurance Program, and I signed the American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act to make key investments in
computerized medical records and preventive services.
Still, more must be done to lower costs, expand coverage,
and improve the quality of health care. Health insurance reform
must provide more security and stability to those who have health
insurance; make sure those who do not have insurance can find
affordable options; and lower the cost of health care for our
families, our businesses, and our government. Reform will benefit
seniors by protecting and strengthening Medicare, closing the
"donut-hole" gap in coverage for prescription drugs, and providing
free preventive care. To help fulfill the debt we owe to our service
men and women, I am committed to ensuring that we provide the
highest-quality health care possible to America's veterans. My
2010 budget requests the largest single-year increase in funding for
the Department of Veterans Affairs in three decades and
significantly expands health care coverage to an additional 500,000
veterans by 2013.
Ultimately, there are tough choices to be made, and I am
working to bring employers and workers, health care providers and
patients together to create a system that delivers high-quality
health care and puts the Nation on a sustainable, long-term fiscal
path. To learn more about my Health Insurance Reform Plan or to
share a personal story, please join me online at:
www.HealthReform.gov. For further information on health care
and assistance that may be available to you, you may call 1-800-
FED-INFO or visit: www.USA.gov.
I share the sense of urgency that millions of Americans
have voiced. I watched as my ailing mother struggled with stacks
of insurance forms in the last moments of her life. This is not who
we are as a Nation; together, we will fix it.
Sincerely,
Barack Obama
a calling for a simpler life
in the words of Micah,
the teachings of the savior
calling us to a simpler life
giving away that which we receive
caring more for our neighbors
than our possessions
storing up other treasures
a servant to our brothers, our sisters
walking humbly with our God
November 3, 2009
Ecclesiastes 5:8-15
Psalm 15 (Psalter)
& sermon, “Oh For the Simple Life . . .”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
11/1/09
All Saints Day
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=19864&loc_id=9,612,32,52
Her sermon is the first of a four-part series based in part on
Reverend Adam Hamilton (http://www.cor.org/about-resurrection/adam/)’s book,
“Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity” (http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426702334)
& Micah 6:8
the teachings of the savior
calling us to a simpler life
giving away that which we receive
caring more for our neighbors
than our possessions
storing up other treasures
a servant to our brothers, our sisters
walking humbly with our God
November 3, 2009
Ecclesiastes 5:8-15
Psalm 15 (Psalter)
& sermon, “Oh For the Simple Life . . .”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
11/1/09
All Saints Day
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=19864&loc_id=9,612,32,52
Her sermon is the first of a four-part series based in part on
Reverend Adam Hamilton (http://www.cor.org/about-resurrection/adam/)’s book,
“Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity” (http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426702334)
& Micah 6:8
into that person we were meant to be
my humble prayer
over and over I pray
that I would turn from the world
and follow you Lord
that I would be transformed
my heart would ever change
that I would be
the person I was meant to be
No longer of the earth
in the world alone
a messenger of Christ
his disciple, me
caring for my neighbor
walking more humbly in the world
sharing your words of love
November 3, 2009
Ecclesiastes 5:8-15
Psalm 15 (Psalter)
& sermon, “Oh For the Simple Life . . .”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
11/1/09
All Saints Day
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=19864&loc_id=9,612,32,52
Her sermon is the first of a four-part series based in part on
Reverend Adam Hamilton (http://www.cor.org/about-resurrection/adam/)’s book,
“Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity” (http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426702334)
over and over I pray
that I would turn from the world
and follow you Lord
that I would be transformed
my heart would ever change
that I would be
the person I was meant to be
No longer of the earth
in the world alone
a messenger of Christ
his disciple, me
caring for my neighbor
walking more humbly in the world
sharing your words of love
November 3, 2009
Ecclesiastes 5:8-15
Psalm 15 (Psalter)
& sermon, “Oh For the Simple Life . . .”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
11/1/09
All Saints Day
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=19864&loc_id=9,612,32,52
Her sermon is the first of a four-part series based in part on
Reverend Adam Hamilton (http://www.cor.org/about-resurrection/adam/)’s book,
“Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity” (http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426702334)
Transform Us
Change our lives Lord
transform our troubled hearts
help us turn from the world
a more humble servant help me be
Change me, father God
may I truly give
the blessings you have shown me
in everything I say and do
A good neighbor to the world
a sheep in your heavenly flock
Change me, holy Christ
from the way of this earth
Guide me, your yoke upon my shoulders
let me walk more closely to thee
Change my heart, gentle Spirit
your word upon my lips
May I care for my neighbors,
in how I humbly live
November 3, 2009
Ecclesiastes 5:8-15
Psalm 15 (Psalter)
& sermon, “Oh For the Simple Life . . .”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
11/1/09
All Saints Day
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=19864&loc_id=9,612,32,52
Her sermon is the first of a four-part series based in part on
Reverend Adam Hamilton (http://www.cor.org/about-resurrection/adam/)’s book,
“Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity” (http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426702334)
transform our troubled hearts
help us turn from the world
a more humble servant help me be
Change me, father God
may I truly give
the blessings you have shown me
in everything I say and do
A good neighbor to the world
a sheep in your heavenly flock
Change me, holy Christ
from the way of this earth
Guide me, your yoke upon my shoulders
let me walk more closely to thee
Change my heart, gentle Spirit
your word upon my lips
May I care for my neighbors,
in how I humbly live
November 3, 2009
Ecclesiastes 5:8-15
Psalm 15 (Psalter)
& sermon, “Oh For the Simple Life . . .”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
11/1/09
All Saints Day
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=19864&loc_id=9,612,32,52
Her sermon is the first of a four-part series based in part on
Reverend Adam Hamilton (http://www.cor.org/about-resurrection/adam/)’s book,
“Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity” (http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426702334)
Living that simple life
Our lives full of stress
fighting a race day to day
rats on the treadmill, the maze
trying to find our own way
Turning to human goals
to acquire and to hold
Forgetting the lessons of the Christ
a more humble way to go
Living that simple life
loving God and our fellow man
spending time in the word
lending our helping hand
Trusting in the Lord
His hand will provide
going where we are led
our brother by our side
November 3, 2009
Ecclesiastes 5:8-15
Psalm 15 (Psalter)
& sermon, “Oh For the Simple Life . . .”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
11/1/09
All Saints Day
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=19864&loc_id=9,612,32,52
Her sermon is the first of a four-part series based in part on
Reverend Adam Hamilton (http://www.cor.org/about-resurrection/adam/)’s book,
“Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity” (http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426702334)
fighting a race day to day
rats on the treadmill, the maze
trying to find our own way
Turning to human goals
to acquire and to hold
Forgetting the lessons of the Christ
a more humble way to go
Living that simple life
loving God and our fellow man
spending time in the word
lending our helping hand
Trusting in the Lord
His hand will provide
going where we are led
our brother by our side
November 3, 2009
Ecclesiastes 5:8-15
Psalm 15 (Psalter)
& sermon, “Oh For the Simple Life . . .”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
11/1/09
All Saints Day
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=19864&loc_id=9,612,32,52
Her sermon is the first of a four-part series based in part on
Reverend Adam Hamilton (http://www.cor.org/about-resurrection/adam/)’s book,
“Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity” (http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426702334)
Competing with our neighbors
So unlike the lesson from our savior
the story of the Samaritan
to be a good neighbor
by the way we treat one another
especially in times of need
Competing with our neighbors
as if their feelings had no weight
our gain upon their backs
what cost of such a game
Seeing them as the enemy
to get over, to walk around
to leave in our dust
Forgetting the message of the Lord
the Samaritan and the Prodigal Son
that we must love one another
and rejoice when the lost one is found
So different than the way of the world
the clawing for things of this earth
how wrong we are to fight
for the things that will turn to dust
November 3, 2009
Ecclesiastes 5:8-15
Psalm 15 (Psalter)
& sermon, “Oh For the Simple Life . . .”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
11/1/09
All Saints Day
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=19864&loc_id=9,612,32,52
Her sermon is the first of a four-part series based in part on
Reverend Adam Hamilton (http://www.cor.org/about-resurrection/adam/)’s book,
“Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity” (http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426702334)
the story of the Samaritan
to be a good neighbor
by the way we treat one another
especially in times of need
Competing with our neighbors
as if their feelings had no weight
our gain upon their backs
what cost of such a game
Seeing them as the enemy
to get over, to walk around
to leave in our dust
Forgetting the message of the Lord
the Samaritan and the Prodigal Son
that we must love one another
and rejoice when the lost one is found
So different than the way of the world
the clawing for things of this earth
how wrong we are to fight
for the things that will turn to dust
November 3, 2009
Ecclesiastes 5:8-15
Psalm 15 (Psalter)
& sermon, “Oh For the Simple Life . . .”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
11/1/09
All Saints Day
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=19864&loc_id=9,612,32,52
Her sermon is the first of a four-part series based in part on
Reverend Adam Hamilton (http://www.cor.org/about-resurrection/adam/)’s book,
“Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity” (http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426702334)
Finding security in our stuff
Holding fast to our possessions
finding security in our stuff
these things blocking
the centrality of the Christ
Trusting in our energies
that we may do it all
Our wealth, our gifts
the work of human hands
Setting up humanity
as if we are the beginning the end
forgetting the creator
our trust should be in him
November 3, 2009
Ecclesiastes 5:8-15
Psalm 15 (Psalter)
& sermon, “Oh For the Simple Life . . .”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
11/1/09
All Saints Day
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=19864&loc_id=9,612,32,52
Her sermon is the first of a four-part series based in part on
Reverend Adam Hamilton (http://www.cor.org/about-resurrection/adam/)’s book,
“Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity” (http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426702334)
finding security in our stuff
these things blocking
the centrality of the Christ
Trusting in our energies
that we may do it all
Our wealth, our gifts
the work of human hands
Setting up humanity
as if we are the beginning the end
forgetting the creator
our trust should be in him
November 3, 2009
Ecclesiastes 5:8-15
Psalm 15 (Psalter)
& sermon, “Oh For the Simple Life . . .”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
11/1/09
All Saints Day
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=19864&loc_id=9,612,32,52
Her sermon is the first of a four-part series based in part on
Reverend Adam Hamilton (http://www.cor.org/about-resurrection/adam/)’s book,
“Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity” (http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426702334)
Desiring Possessions
Desiring possessions
a new car in the driveway
the latest, the greatest
the best of everything
Our lives measured, valued
by that which we had
Denying God from the center
the focus of our lives
Cleaving to the temporal
to that which will rust
and return to dust
Forgetting the commandment
to love God the most
and paying an awful cost
November 3, 2009
Ecclesiastes 5:8-15
Psalm 15 (Psalter)
& sermon, “Oh For the Simple Life . . .”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
11/1/09
All Saints Day
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=19864&loc_id=9,612,32,52
Her sermon is the first of a four-part series based in part on
Reverend Adam Hamilton (http://www.cor.org/about-resurrection/adam/)’s book,
“Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity” (http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426702334)
a new car in the driveway
the latest, the greatest
the best of everything
Our lives measured, valued
by that which we had
Denying God from the center
the focus of our lives
Cleaving to the temporal
to that which will rust
and return to dust
Forgetting the commandment
to love God the most
and paying an awful cost
November 3, 2009
Ecclesiastes 5:8-15
Psalm 15 (Psalter)
& sermon, “Oh For the Simple Life . . .”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
11/1/09
All Saints Day
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=19864&loc_id=9,612,32,52
Her sermon is the first of a four-part series based in part on
Reverend Adam Hamilton (http://www.cor.org/about-resurrection/adam/)’s book,
“Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity” (http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426702334)
Thankful for the Saints
sitting in the pews
nodding to the words of the pastors
thankful for the saints
all who have gone before
those who shared and lived their faith
Walking with us,
shepherds, and part of the flock
Following the master
in the way in which they have walked
November 3, 2009
Ecclesiastes 5:8-15
Psalm 15 (Psalter)
lighting of the candles for the saints
led by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
& sermon, “Oh For the Simple Life . . .”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
11/1/09
All Saints Day
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=19864&loc_id=9,612,32,52
Her sermon is the first of a four-part series based in part on
Reverend Adam Hamilton (http://www.cor.org/about-resurrection/adam/)’s book,
“Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity” (http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426702334)
nodding to the words of the pastors
thankful for the saints
all who have gone before
those who shared and lived their faith
Walking with us,
shepherds, and part of the flock
Following the master
in the way in which they have walked
November 3, 2009
Ecclesiastes 5:8-15
Psalm 15 (Psalter)
lighting of the candles for the saints
led by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
& sermon, “Oh For the Simple Life . . .”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
11/1/09
All Saints Day
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=19864&loc_id=9,612,32,52
Her sermon is the first of a four-part series based in part on
Reverend Adam Hamilton (http://www.cor.org/about-resurrection/adam/)’s book,
“Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity” (http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426702334)
Christ within our midst
Within the congregation
in the walk of our lives
the saints living with us
truly Christ within our midst
Showing the way of the disciples
servants carrying their cross
bearing the love of Jesus
an example of grace given
for each one of us
November 3, 2009
Ecclesiastes 5:8-15
Psalm 15 (Psalter)
& sermon, “Oh For the Simple Life . . .”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
11/1/09
All Saints Day
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=19864&loc_id=9,612,32,52
Her sermon is the first of a four-part series based in part on
Reverend Adam Hamilton (http://www.cor.org/about-resurrection/adam/)’s book,
“Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity” (http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426702334)
in the walk of our lives
the saints living with us
truly Christ within our midst
Showing the way of the disciples
servants carrying their cross
bearing the love of Jesus
an example of grace given
for each one of us
November 3, 2009
Ecclesiastes 5:8-15
Psalm 15 (Psalter)
& sermon, “Oh For the Simple Life . . .”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
11/1/09
All Saints Day
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=19864&loc_id=9,612,32,52
Her sermon is the first of a four-part series based in part on
Reverend Adam Hamilton (http://www.cor.org/about-resurrection/adam/)’s book,
“Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity” (http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426702334)
a desire for God
Even in this land of wealth
a nation founded on greed
hungry, feeling a desire for God
a stirring deep in my heart
Wanting a relationship, kinship
to walk with my savior, to sit
at the creator’s feet
to see our neighbors as my brothers
my sisters, part of one family.
A yearning from within
to know and love the Lord
to see the face of God
in everyone I meet
November 3, 2009
Ecclesiastes 5:8-15
Psalm 15 (Psalter)
& sermon, “Oh For the Simple Life . . .”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
11/1/09
All Saints Day
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=19864&loc_id=9,612,32,52
Her sermon is the first of a four-part series based in part on
Reverend Adam Hamilton (http://www.cor.org/about-resurrection/adam/)’s book,
“Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity” (http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426702334)
a nation founded on greed
hungry, feeling a desire for God
a stirring deep in my heart
Wanting a relationship, kinship
to walk with my savior, to sit
at the creator’s feet
to see our neighbors as my brothers
my sisters, part of one family.
A yearning from within
to know and love the Lord
to see the face of God
in everyone I meet
November 3, 2009
Ecclesiastes 5:8-15
Psalm 15 (Psalter)
& sermon, “Oh For the Simple Life . . .”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
11/1/09
All Saints Day
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=19864&loc_id=9,612,32,52
Her sermon is the first of a four-part series based in part on
Reverend Adam Hamilton (http://www.cor.org/about-resurrection/adam/)’s book,
“Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity” (http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426702334)
By what we give
Our hearts, our spirits
fed by our sharing
our giving of ourselves
Not by the things of this earth
that rust and turn to dust
but by the love we share
by what we give instead
Follow the path of our master
by his loving word and deed
seeing our neighbors as ourselves
lifting them up when they are in need
November 3, 2009
Ecclesiastes 5:8-15
Psalm 15 (Psalter)
& sermon, “Oh For the Simple Life . . .”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
11/1/09
All Saints Day
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=19864&loc_id=9,612,32,52
Her sermon is the first of a four-part series based in part on
Reverend Adam Hamilton (http://www.cor.org/about-resurrection/adam/)’s book,
“Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity” (http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426702334)
fed by our sharing
our giving of ourselves
Not by the things of this earth
that rust and turn to dust
but by the love we share
by what we give instead
Follow the path of our master
by his loving word and deed
seeing our neighbors as ourselves
lifting them up when they are in need
November 3, 2009
Ecclesiastes 5:8-15
Psalm 15 (Psalter)
& sermon, “Oh For the Simple Life . . .”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
11/1/09
All Saints Day
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=19864&loc_id=9,612,32,52
Her sermon is the first of a four-part series based in part on
Reverend Adam Hamilton (http://www.cor.org/about-resurrection/adam/)’s book,
“Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity” (http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426702334)
Our Self Worth
Too much, far too much
our sense of self, of our happiness
tied to our wealth, to our net worth
to the things we have garnered in
Our self worth, our true self
measured not by what we have
but by what we give
Servants to our neighbors
good, loving care
seeing the face of Christ
in our brother, our sister
sharing our lives with one another
being Christ to the world
November 3, 2009
Ecclesiastes 5:8-15
Psalm 15 (Psalter)
& sermon, “Oh For the Simple Life . . .”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
11/1/09
All Saints Day
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=19864&loc_id=9,612,32,52
Her sermon is the first of a four-part series based in part on
Reverend Adam Hamilton (http://www.cor.org/about-resurrection/adam/)’s book,
“Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity” (http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426702334)
our sense of self, of our happiness
tied to our wealth, to our net worth
to the things we have garnered in
Our self worth, our true self
measured not by what we have
but by what we give
Servants to our neighbors
good, loving care
seeing the face of Christ
in our brother, our sister
sharing our lives with one another
being Christ to the world
November 3, 2009
Ecclesiastes 5:8-15
Psalm 15 (Psalter)
& sermon, “Oh For the Simple Life . . .”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
11/1/09
All Saints Day
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=19864&loc_id=9,612,32,52
Her sermon is the first of a four-part series based in part on
Reverend Adam Hamilton (http://www.cor.org/about-resurrection/adam/)’s book,
“Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity” (http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426702334)
Sermon – haiku – 1
the message from God
Words firing in my mind’s eye
a wealth, words flowing
November 3, 2009
Words firing in my mind’s eye
a wealth, words flowing
November 3, 2009
Pastor – haiku - 2
called to the pulpit
to preach your loving word, God
bless their message, Lord
November 3, 2009
to preach your loving word, God
bless their message, Lord
November 3, 2009
Pastor – haiku - 1
shepherds, while yet sheep
leading us in our worship
your words from their lips
November 3, 2009
leading us in our worship
your words from their lips
November 3, 2009
Monday, November 02, 2009
Must Have
As if on cue, the ad in the e-mail
echoes of her words,
the sermon ringing still in my ears:
“Must-Have Toys, Bikes, Video Games,
Baby Items, Gadgets, and More”,
so shouted the headlines
The way of this world,
as close as my computer screen.
Nothing is must have,
only wants of this craven world
separating us from one another
as we lose ourselves in selfish drives
Thinking of the ancient church
at the start of what was to be
a common purse, a place together
spending time in the temple to pray
Going where the master led
answering his call, “follow me”
So different than our credit-card world
where, “charge it”, falls from our lips
November 2, 2009
Ecclesiastes 5:8-15
Psalm 15 (Psalter)
& sermon, “Oh For the Simple Life . . .”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
11/1/09
All Saints Day
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=19864&loc_id=9,612,32,52
Her sermon is the first of a four-part series based in part on
Reverend Adam Hamilton (http://www.cor.org/about-resurrection/adam/)’s book,
“Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity” (http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426702334)
echoes of her words,
the sermon ringing still in my ears:
“Must-Have Toys, Bikes, Video Games,
Baby Items, Gadgets, and More”,
so shouted the headlines
The way of this world,
as close as my computer screen.
Nothing is must have,
only wants of this craven world
separating us from one another
as we lose ourselves in selfish drives
Thinking of the ancient church
at the start of what was to be
a common purse, a place together
spending time in the temple to pray
Going where the master led
answering his call, “follow me”
So different than our credit-card world
where, “charge it”, falls from our lips
November 2, 2009
Ecclesiastes 5:8-15
Psalm 15 (Psalter)
& sermon, “Oh For the Simple Life . . .”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
11/1/09
All Saints Day
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=19864&loc_id=9,612,32,52
Her sermon is the first of a four-part series based in part on
Reverend Adam Hamilton (http://www.cor.org/about-resurrection/adam/)’s book,
“Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity” (http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426702334)
Idols of Dust
The things of the earth
the possessions we hold so dear
idols of dust they remain
returning from whence they came
Chasing the things,
the little meaningless gains
that are of this earth;
Losing sight of the gifts of God
the life beyond the dust of the earth
the streets paved with gold
Walking differently, with the Lord
our way made more straight
seeing our brothers, our sisters
the people we meet on our walk
Lifting up our neighbors
their loads on our backs
journeying with our brothers
following his way of the cross
November 2, 2009
Ecclesiastes 5:8-15
Psalm 15 (Psalter)
& sermon, “Oh For the Simple Life . . .”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
11/1/09
All Saints Day
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=19864&loc_id=9,612,32,52
Her sermon is the first of a four-part series based in part on
Reverend Adam Hamilton (http://www.cor.org/about-resurrection/adam/)’s book,
“Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity” (http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426702334)
the possessions we hold so dear
idols of dust they remain
returning from whence they came
Chasing the things,
the little meaningless gains
that are of this earth;
Losing sight of the gifts of God
the life beyond the dust of the earth
the streets paved with gold
Walking differently, with the Lord
our way made more straight
seeing our brothers, our sisters
the people we meet on our walk
Lifting up our neighbors
their loads on our backs
journeying with our brothers
following his way of the cross
November 2, 2009
Ecclesiastes 5:8-15
Psalm 15 (Psalter)
& sermon, “Oh For the Simple Life . . .”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
11/1/09
All Saints Day
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=19864&loc_id=9,612,32,52
Her sermon is the first of a four-part series based in part on
Reverend Adam Hamilton (http://www.cor.org/about-resurrection/adam/)’s book,
“Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity” (http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426702334)
Separated
Living different lives
these times, each one, set apart
each seeking their own rewards
little of the common good remaining
chasing other idols, things of the earth
longing for fame, for wealth
stepping on our neighbors
in the pursuit of power
Little of the love of Christ
the caring for the lost
serving our fellow man
as our savior served us all
Sacrifice for the common good
shoulders to the wheel
Instead our hands for greed
seeking our own rewards
November 2, 2009
Ecclesiastes 5:8-15
Psalm 15 (Psalter)
& sermon, “Oh For the Simple Life . . .”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
11/1/09
All Saints Day
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=19864&loc_id=9,612,32,52
Her sermon is the first of a four-part series based in part on
Reverend Adam Hamilton (http://www.cor.org/about-resurrection/adam/)’s book,
“Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity” (http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426702334)
these times, each one, set apart
each seeking their own rewards
little of the common good remaining
chasing other idols, things of the earth
longing for fame, for wealth
stepping on our neighbors
in the pursuit of power
Little of the love of Christ
the caring for the lost
serving our fellow man
as our savior served us all
Sacrifice for the common good
shoulders to the wheel
Instead our hands for greed
seeking our own rewards
November 2, 2009
Ecclesiastes 5:8-15
Psalm 15 (Psalter)
& sermon, “Oh For the Simple Life . . .”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
11/1/09
All Saints Day
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=19864&loc_id=9,612,32,52
Her sermon is the first of a four-part series based in part on
Reverend Adam Hamilton (http://www.cor.org/about-resurrection/adam/)’s book,
“Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity” (http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426702334)
In Common
Part of the puzzle
the confusion of our spirits
competition for success
measured in our wealth
the things, the possessions
the trinkets and toys
So different, than living
together in community,
assets, things, held in common
for the overall good
This is how we started,
the church of Christ
a handful of disciples
walking with the master
a gathering in an upper room
waiting for his return
A grouping under
the flames of Pentecost
a community sharing everything
lives held, lived in common
something powerful we have lost
November 2, 2009
Ecclesiastes 5:8-15
Psalm 15 (Psalter)
& sermon, “Oh For the Simple Life . . .”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
11/1/09
All Saints Day
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=19864&loc_id=9,612,32,52
Her sermon is the first of a four-part series based in part on
Reverend Adam Hamilton (http://www.cor.org/about-resurrection/adam/)’s book,
“Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity” (http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426702334)
the confusion of our spirits
competition for success
measured in our wealth
the things, the possessions
the trinkets and toys
So different, than living
together in community,
assets, things, held in common
for the overall good
This is how we started,
the church of Christ
a handful of disciples
walking with the master
a gathering in an upper room
waiting for his return
A grouping under
the flames of Pentecost
a community sharing everything
lives held, lived in common
something powerful we have lost
November 2, 2009
Ecclesiastes 5:8-15
Psalm 15 (Psalter)
& sermon, “Oh For the Simple Life . . .”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
11/1/09
All Saints Day
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=19864&loc_id=9,612,32,52
Her sermon is the first of a four-part series based in part on
Reverend Adam Hamilton (http://www.cor.org/about-resurrection/adam/)’s book,
“Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity” (http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426702334)
Fighting the Tide
Against the winds
prevailing currents of the world
fighting the tide of history
the believes of the nation
our people driven
believing in self-reliance
in the good of possession
the drive of wealth
Fighting the tide
so our lives
not lost on the rocks
the shoals hidden under the waves
lives at risk, in the pursuit of these things
forgetting the true north of God
tacking to false winds
to idols, false gods
Forgetting our brothers, our sisters
in our wakes
Needing to turn,
to change directions
to lift up our neighbors
adrift, bobbing on the angry seas
to bring them to safe harbors
home to our savior
all will be welcomed in there
November 2, 2009
Ecclesiastes 5:8-15
Psalm 15 (Psalter)
& sermon, “Oh For the Simple Life . . .”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
11/1/09
All Saints Day
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=19864&loc_id=9,612,32,52
Her sermon is the first of a four-part series based in part on
Reverend Adam Hamilton (http://www.cor.org/about-resurrection/adam/)’s book,
“Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity” (http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426702334)
prevailing currents of the world
fighting the tide of history
the believes of the nation
our people driven
believing in self-reliance
in the good of possession
the drive of wealth
Fighting the tide
so our lives
not lost on the rocks
the shoals hidden under the waves
lives at risk, in the pursuit of these things
forgetting the true north of God
tacking to false winds
to idols, false gods
Forgetting our brothers, our sisters
in our wakes
Needing to turn,
to change directions
to lift up our neighbors
adrift, bobbing on the angry seas
to bring them to safe harbors
home to our savior
all will be welcomed in there
November 2, 2009
Ecclesiastes 5:8-15
Psalm 15 (Psalter)
& sermon, “Oh For the Simple Life . . .”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
11/1/09
All Saints Day
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=19864&loc_id=9,612,32,52
Her sermon is the first of a four-part series based in part on
Reverend Adam Hamilton (http://www.cor.org/about-resurrection/adam/)’s book,
“Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity” (http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426702334)
Against the Grain
Changing our course,
our lives moving up stream
against the grain
counter to the lesions of this life
focusing on God,
on the state of our hearts
on the cares of our fellow man
Not tacking to the winds
the drive of our society
leaving our possessions
following the Christ
against the grain of history
following the true light
our guiding star, our brother
the risen Christ
November 2, 2009
Ecclesiastes 5:8-15
Psalm 15 (Psalter)
& sermon, “Oh For the Simple Life . . .”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
11/1/09
All Saints Day
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=19864&loc_id=9,612,32,52
Her sermon is the first of a four-part series based in part on
Reverend Adam Hamilton (http://www.cor.org/about-resurrection/adam/)’s book,
“Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity” (http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426702334)
our lives moving up stream
against the grain
counter to the lesions of this life
focusing on God,
on the state of our hearts
on the cares of our fellow man
Not tacking to the winds
the drive of our society
leaving our possessions
following the Christ
against the grain of history
following the true light
our guiding star, our brother
the risen Christ
November 2, 2009
Ecclesiastes 5:8-15
Psalm 15 (Psalter)
& sermon, “Oh For the Simple Life . . .”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
11/1/09
All Saints Day
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=19864&loc_id=9,612,32,52
Her sermon is the first of a four-part series based in part on
Reverend Adam Hamilton (http://www.cor.org/about-resurrection/adam/)’s book,
“Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity” (http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426702334)
Sermon - "Oh For the Simple Life . . .", by Pastor Ruth L. Foss, Suncook United Methodist Church, Suncook, NH, November 1, 2009
Pastor Ruth Foss
November 1, 2009
Ecclesiastes 5:8-15
New Living Translation
Oh For the Simple Life…
Reading of Ecclesiastes 5:8-15
The Lord be with you:
And also with you
Let us pray…
Our Loving God, we pray for your Spirit to be with us today as we gather to hear your word. We pray that you would give us the vision that you have for our lives so that we may follow the path you have laid before us. Help us to be more like you Son Lord Jesus Christ. Speak Lord…your children are listening.
Today we are celebrating “All Saints Day”…we are celebrating those Saints that have gone before us as well as those that are still with us, showing us an example of how to live our lives. These Saints have left a lasting impression on our lives. They have shown us Christ within our midst. I am so thankful for the Saints that have been and those who still are in my life. They have helped me on my journey with Christ.
Today not only are we celebrating the Saints gone by and among us, we are also embarking on a Spiritual journey together. We are beginning to learn more about how God would have us act and how we should live our lives. The sermon series we are sharing together by Adam Hamilton “Enough…Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity” and I am truly excited. I am looking forward to learning about how to live a simpler, generous life, one that I can become more of a blessing to those around me.
You see…one of the things that I admire about these Saints we are celebrating is the simpler life that they lived and still do…A life that is rooted and grounded in Christ. Look at people like Mother Theresa…Gandhi…Missionaries…John and Charles Wesley…the people of the first church…just to name a few. Have you ever been to the Shaker Village on Strawberry Bank? Just to see their simplistic life is inspiring to me.
The American dream, as we know it, has turned into the American nightmare. We live in a world that the more stuff we have, the more successful we are seen in the eyes of those around us. We fight for what we think we need and when we get it, we want more. It’s not “enough”. We want what we want and we want it now! No waiting…we don’t have time for that…we have to get more stuff. In Adam Hamilton’s book “Enough”, he gives a good description of society’s problem. Our society suffers from two very sinful illnesses…viruses so to speak:
1. Affluenza→ we have a need for bigger and better stuff. We all have been infected with this disease at some level. Look at the commercials during children’s shows. It’s almost Christmas and “Big Business” is spreading the disease to our children. Have you seen some of the commercials they have been showing? Gotta have this toy…it’s improved and better than before, don’t be the only kid on the block that doesn’t have one…the girls have come to me and have said that they need this or that and when I ask why they need it so bad the response is “Well…so and so has it. I want it too.” Even our children need to “keep up with the Jones’” never mind we as parents needing to keep up.
2. Credit-itis→ we are able to buy things and pay for them later…we are given an opportunity to buy things that we may not have normally bought for the lack of money. Now…we can have whatever we want…we can go past our need and have the “really good things in life.” We can have instant gratification. We can buy it now and work for it later. We don’t have to save up money anymore…we can get it on credit! We have the credit card companies just chomping at the bit to send us that credit card. We can now have that bigger and better stuff. But at what cost? Remember the story in the bible about the “prodigal son”? He wanted it all and where did it lead him when he had it? It lead him to brokenness and despair…it lead him to realize what was important in life. What a teachable moment that was for his father…
What are we thinking…or maybe…we are not? Why do we do this to ourselves?
In Adam Hamilton’s book, he claims that there is a deeper problem that goes much beyond the surface of things. You see…he sees that there is a Spiritual issue within these viruses. We were made in God’s image but somehow is has become distorted. Instead of desiring God we have come to desire possessions. Instead of trusting in God for our security we find security in our stuff. We were meant to love our neighbor and help them but we have decided that competing with them would be a better course of action. We should be living that simple life but we have traded it for a life full of stress and business (you know…to get more stuff) and keeping all that stuff for ourselves.
He also claims that the Devil plays a role in all of this too. The Devil loves to play upon our sinful nature. All the Devil has to do is to keep convincing us we need to have that American dream (or should I say nightmare?), we can live life to the “fullest” now and pay for it later, besides…we’ll be dead before it’s pa.ied off anyway…by doing this we are robbed of our joy, we are made slaves to our stuff and we are not doing God’s will for our lives. But what are we to do? How can we stop this vortex…this black hole…of needing stuff?
There are two things that we need to do in order to begin to have that simpler life that I am sure we all long for:
1. We need a change of heart → We need to have a renewing of our heart each day. We should be on our knees each and every day praying for God to transform us into the person that we were meant to be…to take away our desire for stuff and change it into a desire for God…to help us be single-minded…Christ minded…in what we say and do.
2. We need to let Christ work in us → As Christ works in us we will begin to have a sense of a higher calling…a calling for a simpler life, one of faith and generosity. We will begin to look for different ways to spend our time and the resources that god has entrusted us with. We will desire and purse good financial practices so that we can be debt free...able to be in mission to the world around us…we exercise restraint in our lives…we will no longer want to keep up with the Jones’ and think it more important to keep up with what God wants us to do. We need to get back to the basics of life…one perfectly grounded in Christ.
Play Video “Basics of Life”
I would ask that you would pray with me. Sit right where you are…with your hands in your lap…palms up…and say this prayer with me…quietly, under your breath. “Change my heart, Oh God. help me to hold my possessions loosely. Help me to love you. Teach me simplicity. Teach me generosity and help me have joy. I offer my life to you. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.” (Adam Hamilton, “Enough”, pg 71)
November 1, 2009
Ecclesiastes 5:8-15
New Living Translation
Oh For the Simple Life…
Reading of Ecclesiastes 5:8-15
The Lord be with you:
And also with you
Let us pray…
Our Loving God, we pray for your Spirit to be with us today as we gather to hear your word. We pray that you would give us the vision that you have for our lives so that we may follow the path you have laid before us. Help us to be more like you Son Lord Jesus Christ. Speak Lord…your children are listening.
Today we are celebrating “All Saints Day”…we are celebrating those Saints that have gone before us as well as those that are still with us, showing us an example of how to live our lives. These Saints have left a lasting impression on our lives. They have shown us Christ within our midst. I am so thankful for the Saints that have been and those who still are in my life. They have helped me on my journey with Christ.
Today not only are we celebrating the Saints gone by and among us, we are also embarking on a Spiritual journey together. We are beginning to learn more about how God would have us act and how we should live our lives. The sermon series we are sharing together by Adam Hamilton “Enough…Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity” and I am truly excited. I am looking forward to learning about how to live a simpler, generous life, one that I can become more of a blessing to those around me.
You see…one of the things that I admire about these Saints we are celebrating is the simpler life that they lived and still do…A life that is rooted and grounded in Christ. Look at people like Mother Theresa…Gandhi…Missionaries…John and Charles Wesley…the people of the first church…just to name a few. Have you ever been to the Shaker Village on Strawberry Bank? Just to see their simplistic life is inspiring to me.
The American dream, as we know it, has turned into the American nightmare. We live in a world that the more stuff we have, the more successful we are seen in the eyes of those around us. We fight for what we think we need and when we get it, we want more. It’s not “enough”. We want what we want and we want it now! No waiting…we don’t have time for that…we have to get more stuff. In Adam Hamilton’s book “Enough”, he gives a good description of society’s problem. Our society suffers from two very sinful illnesses…viruses so to speak:
1. Affluenza→ we have a need for bigger and better stuff. We all have been infected with this disease at some level. Look at the commercials during children’s shows. It’s almost Christmas and “Big Business” is spreading the disease to our children. Have you seen some of the commercials they have been showing? Gotta have this toy…it’s improved and better than before, don’t be the only kid on the block that doesn’t have one…the girls have come to me and have said that they need this or that and when I ask why they need it so bad the response is “Well…so and so has it. I want it too.” Even our children need to “keep up with the Jones’” never mind we as parents needing to keep up.
2. Credit-itis→ we are able to buy things and pay for them later…we are given an opportunity to buy things that we may not have normally bought for the lack of money. Now…we can have whatever we want…we can go past our need and have the “really good things in life.” We can have instant gratification. We can buy it now and work for it later. We don’t have to save up money anymore…we can get it on credit! We have the credit card companies just chomping at the bit to send us that credit card. We can now have that bigger and better stuff. But at what cost? Remember the story in the bible about the “prodigal son”? He wanted it all and where did it lead him when he had it? It lead him to brokenness and despair…it lead him to realize what was important in life. What a teachable moment that was for his father…
What are we thinking…or maybe…we are not? Why do we do this to ourselves?
In Adam Hamilton’s book, he claims that there is a deeper problem that goes much beyond the surface of things. You see…he sees that there is a Spiritual issue within these viruses. We were made in God’s image but somehow is has become distorted. Instead of desiring God we have come to desire possessions. Instead of trusting in God for our security we find security in our stuff. We were meant to love our neighbor and help them but we have decided that competing with them would be a better course of action. We should be living that simple life but we have traded it for a life full of stress and business (you know…to get more stuff) and keeping all that stuff for ourselves.
He also claims that the Devil plays a role in all of this too. The Devil loves to play upon our sinful nature. All the Devil has to do is to keep convincing us we need to have that American dream (or should I say nightmare?), we can live life to the “fullest” now and pay for it later, besides…we’ll be dead before it’s pa.ied off anyway…by doing this we are robbed of our joy, we are made slaves to our stuff and we are not doing God’s will for our lives. But what are we to do? How can we stop this vortex…this black hole…of needing stuff?
There are two things that we need to do in order to begin to have that simpler life that I am sure we all long for:
1. We need a change of heart → We need to have a renewing of our heart each day. We should be on our knees each and every day praying for God to transform us into the person that we were meant to be…to take away our desire for stuff and change it into a desire for God…to help us be single-minded…Christ minded…in what we say and do.
2. We need to let Christ work in us → As Christ works in us we will begin to have a sense of a higher calling…a calling for a simpler life, one of faith and generosity. We will begin to look for different ways to spend our time and the resources that god has entrusted us with. We will desire and purse good financial practices so that we can be debt free...able to be in mission to the world around us…we exercise restraint in our lives…we will no longer want to keep up with the Jones’ and think it more important to keep up with what God wants us to do. We need to get back to the basics of life…one perfectly grounded in Christ.
Play Video “Basics of Life”
I would ask that you would pray with me. Sit right where you are…with your hands in your lap…palms up…and say this prayer with me…quietly, under your breath. “Change my heart, Oh God. help me to hold my possessions loosely. Help me to love you. Teach me simplicity. Teach me generosity and help me have joy. I offer my life to you. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.” (Adam Hamilton, “Enough”, pg 71)
Sunday, November 01, 2009
That We May Believe
Even the disciples,
even Mary and Martha
understanding in part alone
trusting that Christ could have healed him
unable to believe resurrection from the dead
So that we may believe
Christ spoke in a loud voice
calling to God
so that we may believe
His power, his authority,
just as he had told them
from the father in heaven
who had sent him into the world
November 1, 2009
John 11:1-44
John 11:32-44
John 11:41-42
even Mary and Martha
understanding in part alone
trusting that Christ could have healed him
unable to believe resurrection from the dead
So that we may believe
Christ spoke in a loud voice
calling to God
so that we may believe
His power, his authority,
just as he had told them
from the father in heaven
who had sent him into the world
November 1, 2009
John 11:1-44
John 11:32-44
John 11:41-42
So That We May Hear
Speaking aloud, calling to God
so that we may hear
that we may know
truly believe
in Christ
Raising
his friend,
raising himself
from the dead, the grave
the stone rolled away, alive
rising, by believing, the gift of God
November 1, 2009
John 11:1-44
John 11:32-44
John 11:41-42
so that we may hear
that we may know
truly believe
in Christ
Raising
his friend,
raising himself
from the dead, the grave
the stone rolled away, alive
rising, by believing, the gift of God
November 1, 2009
John 11:1-44
John 11:32-44
John 11:41-42
To Prove His Authority
Stopping, being purposeful
calling to God, intercession
petitioning in a loud voice
calling for healing
for the raising of the dead
speaking out loud
to prove his authority
So they may know
that they may understand
from whom he is given power
in whose name does he act
the authority given
to the son while on earth
November 1, 2009
John 11:1-44
John 11:32-44
John 11:41-42
calling to God, intercession
petitioning in a loud voice
calling for healing
for the raising of the dead
speaking out loud
to prove his authority
So they may know
that they may understand
from whom he is given power
in whose name does he act
the authority given
to the son while on earth
November 1, 2009
John 11:1-44
John 11:32-44
John 11:41-42
With His Cry
Intoning a prayer to the creator
with his cry
the dead alive
His power, his authority
calling Lazarus, all of us
from the dead
the voice of Christ
calling us, to come
to rise from the dead
shaking off the clothes
the weight of our sin
to rise and come to him
November 1, 2009
John 11:1-44
John 11:41:44
John 11:42
with his cry
the dead alive
His power, his authority
calling Lazarus, all of us
from the dead
the voice of Christ
calling us, to come
to rise from the dead
shaking off the clothes
the weight of our sin
to rise and come to him
November 1, 2009
John 11:1-44
John 11:41:44
John 11:42
Poetry – haiku – 2
Words from the ether
conjured from I know not where
coming to mind; write!
November 1, 2009
conjured from I know not where
coming to mind; write!
November 1, 2009
Remembering His Face
calling his image to mind
remembering his face
As I was driving to the store
a man on the bridge
walking toward me
someone I know came
rushing forward
not this man but another
whose image I had not been able to remember
here rushing in, to my consciousness
real and present in my memory
and then others, the other parties
family members, some long dead,
each in turn coming into focus
remembering each face in turn
October 30, 2009 and November 1, 2009
remembering his face
As I was driving to the store
a man on the bridge
walking toward me
someone I know came
rushing forward
not this man but another
whose image I had not been able to remember
here rushing in, to my consciousness
real and present in my memory
and then others, the other parties
family members, some long dead,
each in turn coming into focus
remembering each face in turn
October 30, 2009 and November 1, 2009
Words I have written
Someone finding,
fragments, words I have written
calling them to these snippets of my life
from so far away
Wondering why they found them
why they spoke to their hearts
how the words I was gifted
came to have meaning for their lives
October 30, 2009
on seeing someone from
Salmon Arm, British Columbia
search on Google for
“As Threadbare As Old Cheesecloth by Raymond A. Foss”;
remembering how long it took
for the words of that poem to come
================
As Threadbare as Old Cheesecloth
Last year's maple leaf, or maybe older still
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
May 21, 2009
title saved 12/27/08
fragments, words I have written
calling them to these snippets of my life
from so far away
Wondering why they found them
why they spoke to their hearts
how the words I was gifted
came to have meaning for their lives
October 30, 2009
on seeing someone from
Salmon Arm, British Columbia
search on Google for
“As Threadbare As Old Cheesecloth by Raymond A. Foss”;
remembering how long it took
for the words of that poem to come
================
As Threadbare as Old Cheesecloth
Last year's maple leaf, or maybe older still
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
May 21, 2009
title saved 12/27/08
Things – haiku
False gods, idols, things
separating us from God
our brothers, sisters
November 1, 2009
Ecclesiastes 5:8-15
Psalm 15 (Psalter)
& sermon, “Oh For the Simple Life . . .”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
11/1/09
All Saints Day
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=19864&loc_id=9,612,32,52
Her sermon is the first of a four-part series based in part on
Reverend Adam Hamilton (http://www.cor.org/about-resurrection/adam/)’s book,
“Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity” (http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426702334)
separating us from God
our brothers, sisters
November 1, 2009
Ecclesiastes 5:8-15
Psalm 15 (Psalter)
& sermon, “Oh For the Simple Life . . .”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
11/1/09
All Saints Day
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=19864&loc_id=9,612,32,52
Her sermon is the first of a four-part series based in part on
Reverend Adam Hamilton (http://www.cor.org/about-resurrection/adam/)’s book,
“Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity” (http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426702334)
Possessions – haiku
things in our closets
filling our homes and our yards
empty in the end
November 1, 2009
Ecclesiastes 5:8-15
Psalm 15 (Psalter)
& sermon, “Oh For the Simple Life . . .”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
11/1/09
All Saints Day
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=19864&loc_id=9,612,32,52
Her sermon is the first of a four-part series based in part on
Reverend Adam Hamilton (http://www.cor.org/about-resurrection/adam/)’s book,
“Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity” (http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426702334)
filling our homes and our yards
empty in the end
November 1, 2009
Ecclesiastes 5:8-15
Psalm 15 (Psalter)
& sermon, “Oh For the Simple Life . . .”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
11/1/09
All Saints Day
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=19864&loc_id=9,612,32,52
Her sermon is the first of a four-part series based in part on
Reverend Adam Hamilton (http://www.cor.org/about-resurrection/adam/)’s book,
“Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity” (http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426702334)
Squandering What We Have
In the quest for possessions
the things of this earth
chasing the latest, the greatest
As a country, as individuals
missing what we would treasure
squandering what we have
Limited days, on this path
the ways of the flesh
chasing a false idol
leaving our loved ones behind
Our possessions an anchor
a weight around our feet
Holding us tethered
when we should soar instead
Lives made more complicated
burdened by the stuff of the earth
missing our opportunities to share our gifts
in service to our neighbors
our brothers, our sisters in need
Shackled to our treasure
our eyes upon the dust
blind to the eternal
the things of heaven on earth
November 1, 2009
Ecclesiastes 5:8-15
Psalm 15 (Psalter)
& sermon, “Oh For the Simple Life . . .”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
11/1/09
All Saints Day
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=19864&loc_id=9,612,32,52
Her sermon is the first of a four-part series based in part on
Reverend Adam Hamilton (http://www.cor.org/about-resurrection/adam/)’s book,
“Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity” (http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426702334)
the things of this earth
chasing the latest, the greatest
As a country, as individuals
missing what we would treasure
squandering what we have
Limited days, on this path
the ways of the flesh
chasing a false idol
leaving our loved ones behind
Our possessions an anchor
a weight around our feet
Holding us tethered
when we should soar instead
Lives made more complicated
burdened by the stuff of the earth
missing our opportunities to share our gifts
in service to our neighbors
our brothers, our sisters in need
Shackled to our treasure
our eyes upon the dust
blind to the eternal
the things of heaven on earth
November 1, 2009
Ecclesiastes 5:8-15
Psalm 15 (Psalter)
& sermon, “Oh For the Simple Life . . .”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
11/1/09
All Saints Day
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=19864&loc_id=9,612,32,52
Her sermon is the first of a four-part series based in part on
Reverend Adam Hamilton (http://www.cor.org/about-resurrection/adam/)’s book,
“Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity” (http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426702334)
What is Your Religion
Where is your treasure,
what is your religion
deep down, at your very core
This question reverberating
calling from within the words
the scripture, the lesson
the stories of this country
this state, living without religion
without a true grounding in faith
Succumbing to the temptations
the desires of the flesh
the thrill of the seduction
the cry of the American dream
Forgetting our brothers, our sisters,
ourselves in the pursuing
the believing in consumption
the illusion of possessions
when our hearts
should be focused on the Lord
His example in suffering
his walking on the earth
leading to the cross, the grave
just like his humble birth
Not a king on the throne
the thorns, the taunts instead
A simple life of ministry
so that all may be saved from sin
Our days numbered before we were born
our lives known before they were begun
The potter, the savior calling us
from the coma of consumption
the religion of credit
an instant gratification,
a life eternal instead
November 1, 2009
Ecclesiastes 5:8-15
Psalm 15 (Psalter)
& sermon, “Oh For the Simple Life . . .”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
11/1/09
All Saints Day
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=19864&loc_id=9,612,32,52
Her sermon is the first of a four-part series based in part on
Reverend Adam Hamilton (http://www.cor.org/about-resurrection/adam/)’s book,
“Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity” (http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426702334)
what is your religion
deep down, at your very core
This question reverberating
calling from within the words
the scripture, the lesson
the stories of this country
this state, living without religion
without a true grounding in faith
Succumbing to the temptations
the desires of the flesh
the thrill of the seduction
the cry of the American dream
Forgetting our brothers, our sisters,
ourselves in the pursuing
the believing in consumption
the illusion of possessions
when our hearts
should be focused on the Lord
His example in suffering
his walking on the earth
leading to the cross, the grave
just like his humble birth
Not a king on the throne
the thorns, the taunts instead
A simple life of ministry
so that all may be saved from sin
Our days numbered before we were born
our lives known before they were begun
The potter, the savior calling us
from the coma of consumption
the religion of credit
an instant gratification,
a life eternal instead
November 1, 2009
Ecclesiastes 5:8-15
Psalm 15 (Psalter)
& sermon, “Oh For the Simple Life . . .”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
11/1/09
All Saints Day
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=19864&loc_id=9,612,32,52
Her sermon is the first of a four-part series based in part on
Reverend Adam Hamilton (http://www.cor.org/about-resurrection/adam/)’s book,
“Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity” (http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426702334)
Simply
Together, living for God
simply, in a community
the saints before us
from the very beginning
joining their brothers, their sisters
those who share our belief
those who need our comfort
the healing only God can bring
the martyrs, the missionaries,
the apostles, toiling in the fields
A message from our elders
to let go of the things of this earth
Our eyes on the Christ,
our brother who walked this earth
following their example
so that others may share our new birth
November 1, 2009
Ecclesiastes 5:8-15
Psalm 15 (Psalter)
& sermon, “Oh For the Simple Life . . .”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
11/1/09
All Saints Day
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=19864&loc_id=9,612,32,52
Her sermon is the first of a four-part series based in part on
Reverend Adam Hamilton (http://www.cor.org/about-resurrection/adam/)’s book,
“Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity” (http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426702334)
simply, in a community
the saints before us
from the very beginning
joining their brothers, their sisters
those who share our belief
those who need our comfort
the healing only God can bring
the martyrs, the missionaries,
the apostles, toiling in the fields
A message from our elders
to let go of the things of this earth
Our eyes on the Christ,
our brother who walked this earth
following their example
so that others may share our new birth
November 1, 2009
Ecclesiastes 5:8-15
Psalm 15 (Psalter)
& sermon, “Oh For the Simple Life . . .”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
11/1/09
All Saints Day
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=19864&loc_id=9,612,32,52
Her sermon is the first of a four-part series based in part on
Reverend Adam Hamilton (http://www.cor.org/about-resurrection/adam/)’s book,
“Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity” (http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426702334)
Simpler Lives
Without the credit
without the commercial urgings
simpler lives, less possessions
choices to focus not on the world
but on the things of lasting value
Slower, listening
to the calling from God
caring for one another
in fellowship, in community
our brothers, our sisters
all part of the family
leading us to different lives
closer to our neighbors
carrying each others’ load
November 1, 2009
Ecclesiastes 5:8-15
Psalm 15 (Psalter)
& sermon, “Oh For the Simple Life . . .”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
11/1/09
All Saints Day
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=19864&loc_id=9,612,32,52
Her sermon is the first of a four-part series based in part on
Reverend Adam Hamilton (http://www.cor.org/about-resurrection/adam/)’s book,
“Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity” (http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426702334)
without the commercial urgings
simpler lives, less possessions
choices to focus not on the world
but on the things of lasting value
Slower, listening
to the calling from God
caring for one another
in fellowship, in community
our brothers, our sisters
all part of the family
leading us to different lives
closer to our neighbors
carrying each others’ load
November 1, 2009
Ecclesiastes 5:8-15
Psalm 15 (Psalter)
& sermon, “Oh For the Simple Life . . .”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
11/1/09
All Saints Day
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=19864&loc_id=9,612,32,52
Her sermon is the first of a four-part series based in part on
Reverend Adam Hamilton (http://www.cor.org/about-resurrection/adam/)’s book,
“Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity” (http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426702334)
More Godly Choices
Slowing ourselves, looking at the world
the disparity, the chasm
the haves and the have nots
our lives twisted
driven by our lust for wealth
for the things of this earth
our possessions our idols
governing our days
More godly choices
to live a simpler life
to care for our neighbors
more than the things in our lives
November 1, 2009
Ecclesiastes 5:8-15
Psalm 15 (Psalter)
& sermon, “Oh For the Simple Life . . .”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
11/1/09
All Saints Day
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=19864&loc_id=9,612,32,52
Her sermon is the first of a four-part series based in part on
Reverend Adam Hamilton (http://www.cor.org/about-resurrection/adam/)’s book,
“Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity” (http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426702334)
the disparity, the chasm
the haves and the have nots
our lives twisted
driven by our lust for wealth
for the things of this earth
our possessions our idols
governing our days
More godly choices
to live a simpler life
to care for our neighbors
more than the things in our lives
November 1, 2009
Ecclesiastes 5:8-15
Psalm 15 (Psalter)
& sermon, “Oh For the Simple Life . . .”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
11/1/09
All Saints Day
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=19864&loc_id=9,612,32,52
Her sermon is the first of a four-part series based in part on
Reverend Adam Hamilton (http://www.cor.org/about-resurrection/adam/)’s book,
“Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity” (http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426702334)
Different Lives
Even a slight change
maybe is enough
moving us from our inertia
our complacency, our drift
turning us from the world
the baser instincts
the seduction of wealth
the choices we have made
turning us toward God
the love of our neighbors
sharing of our blessings
to our brothers, our sisters
to all who are in need
November 1, 2009
Ecclesiastes 5:8-15
Psalm 15 (Psalter)
& sermon, “Oh For the Simple Life . . .”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
11/1/09
All Saints Day
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=19864&loc_id=9,612,32,52
Her sermon is the first of a four-part series based in part on
Reverend Adam Hamilton (http://www.cor.org/about-resurrection/adam/)’s book,
“Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity” (http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426702334)
maybe is enough
moving us from our inertia
our complacency, our drift
turning us from the world
the baser instincts
the seduction of wealth
the choices we have made
turning us toward God
the love of our neighbors
sharing of our blessings
to our brothers, our sisters
to all who are in need
November 1, 2009
Ecclesiastes 5:8-15
Psalm 15 (Psalter)
& sermon, “Oh For the Simple Life . . .”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
11/1/09
All Saints Day
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=19864&loc_id=9,612,32,52
Her sermon is the first of a four-part series based in part on
Reverend Adam Hamilton (http://www.cor.org/about-resurrection/adam/)’s book,
“Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity” (http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426702334)
What of Our Neighbor
In our pursuits, our drive
seeking and following
society’s call
what of our neighbors,
their real needs unmet
While we are focused,
driven by out possessions,
they are lost, hungry
for things that last
for things that matter,
the eternal rather than the temporal
while we are worried about our stuff
November 1, 2009
Ecclesiastes 5:8-15
Psalm 15 (Psalter)
& sermon, “Oh For the Simple Life . . .”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
11/1/09
All Saints Day
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=19864&loc_id=9,612,32,52
Her sermon is the first of a four-part series based in part on
Reverend Adam Hamilton (http://www.cor.org/about-resurrection/adam/)’s book,
“Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity” (http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426702334)
seeking and following
society’s call
what of our neighbors,
their real needs unmet
While we are focused,
driven by out possessions,
they are lost, hungry
for things that last
for things that matter,
the eternal rather than the temporal
while we are worried about our stuff
November 1, 2009
Ecclesiastes 5:8-15
Psalm 15 (Psalter)
& sermon, “Oh For the Simple Life . . .”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
11/1/09
All Saints Day
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=19864&loc_id=9,612,32,52
Her sermon is the first of a four-part series based in part on
Reverend Adam Hamilton (http://www.cor.org/about-resurrection/adam/)’s book,
“Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity” (http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426702334)
Hostage
Trapped, led astray
hostage to society
living beyond our needs
beholden to another master
kept from our father
our lives controlled by our desires
God’s call ignored, deferred
by the things in our lives
our possessions our golden calf
offerings, on credit,
for a false god
November 1, 2009
Ecclesiastes 5:8-15
Psalm 15 (Psalter)
& sermon, “Oh For the Simple Life . . .”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
11/1/09
All Saints Day
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=19864&loc_id=9,612,32,52
Her sermon is the first of a four-part series based in part on
Reverend Adam Hamilton (http://www.cor.org/about-resurrection/adam/)’s book,
“Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity” (http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426702334)
hostage to society
living beyond our needs
beholden to another master
kept from our father
our lives controlled by our desires
God’s call ignored, deferred
by the things in our lives
our possessions our golden calf
offerings, on credit,
for a false god
November 1, 2009
Ecclesiastes 5:8-15
Psalm 15 (Psalter)
& sermon, “Oh For the Simple Life . . .”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
11/1/09
All Saints Day
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=19864&loc_id=9,612,32,52
Her sermon is the first of a four-part series based in part on
Reverend Adam Hamilton (http://www.cor.org/about-resurrection/adam/)’s book,
“Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity” (http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426702334)
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