Saturday, January 16, 2010

In Passing the Peace

Piercing eyes, that smile
natty attire, just so,
sharing a moment with you
in passing the peace
a bit of Christ, love,
in your lasting handshake
in the “thank you” you gave
a special sense of grace
in feeling your embrace


January 16, 2010
on the passing of Al Leavitt,
January 15, 2010,
member of Wesley United Methodist Church
Concord, NH
---------------
Your Usher

Leading us to our seats,
watching the congregation,
caring for the flock
from the back of the sanctuary,
from the aisles,
sharing the joy of worship
the community of believers
one bulletin, one smile,
one greeting, one handshake
at a time


October 3, 2007
About Al Leavitt, who stepped down
as one of the ushers of our church,
Wesley United Methodist Church, Concord, NH,
on 9/30/07, after serving 62 years

Walking with Jesus

Hearing his call,
speaking directly to me
the love in his warm eyes
they mean the world to me

Walking with Jesus
by the shore of Galilee
leaving my life, my home
to walk the lands with him

Looking at my hands
the callous from the nets
my hands softening
as I left the shore, the sea

The dust chokes my throat
the roads a blur
finding the crowds shouting
to get close to our Lord

Seeing his touch of the sick
healing in his words, his eyes
their faith trembling
feeling the love he shared

His word bringing comfort
changing people to their core
walking from town to town
the shore, the roads, the cities
to the city of Jerusalem

Teaching along the way
our group and the crowds as well
the dust, the grit of the road heavy
grime layered on our clothes and sandals
carried everywhere we went



January 16, 2010

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,900+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Friday, January 15, 2010

Meeting Christ

Meeting Christ
in the face of a stranger
Meeting Christ
in the face of a child
grace makes such a way
coincidence in our experience
just our failing to understand;
God places people in our lives
to teach us of his love
and how to live,
in his loving ways



January 15, 2010
Matthew 25:31-40
on seeing the email thread with family
of September 16, 2008,
about poem, “For Some Reason”,
written 9/16/08


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,900+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Educated by Strangers

If we let them, if we are open
moments of reflection, awareness
being presence, in each instance
being educated by strangers
all of our lives

Blessed by what we see
as chance encounters
perhaps all part of the plan
God has for each of our lives

Little moments of reflection
rubbing shoulders with strangers
neighbors, like us children of God,
each one worthy of love



January 15, 2010
on seeing the email thread with family
of September 16, 2008,
about poem, “For Some Reason”,
written 9/16/08


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,900+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Aware of His Hand

Mindful of the voice
speaking within me
aware of His hand
guiding words onto the page

My gift, in being present
willing to stop
to write when I hear his voice
leading me to speak


January 15, 2010
on seeing the email thread with family
of September 16, 2008,
about poem, “For Some Reason”,
written 9/16/08

the stones of this life

carrying the stones of this life
the sins of the garden and
the sins of our days

weighing us each down
from our birth until we die
lifted only by the grace of God

needing the Christ
his love come down
walking on this earth

turning to our savior
our brother, our king
saving us from the cross, the grave,
the tomb, the skies
such was his offering


January 15, 2010
Genesis 2:8-9
Genesis 2:15-25
Genesis 3:1-13
Genesis 3:16-24
Psalm 33:3-9 (Call to Worship)
Ephesians 5:21-33
and preview of sermon,
“The Book of Genesis: What is This Thing Called Love”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
based in part on book,
Wrestling With Angels: What Genesis Teaches Us About
Our Spiritual Identity, Sexuality and Personal Relationships,
by Naomi H. Rosenblatt and Joshua Horwitz
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
&
Paragraph 103, Section 3 – Our Doctrinal Standards and General Rules:
The Articles of Religion of the Methodist Church, (generally Articles I to XII
and specifically:
Article II – “Of the Word, or Son of God, Who Was Made Very Man”;
Article VII – “Of Original or Birth Sin”;
Article VII – “Of Free Will”),
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=679753
The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church, 2008 edition
&
Worship service after Our Family’s Table
Mediation by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
on the meaning of “being made in the image of God”
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 13, 2010
&
Genesis 1:1-2:4
(read responsively by the congregation,
speaking the words of God)
Psalm 19:1-13
Congregational Centering hymn:
“Let All Things Now Living”
Faith We Sing, #2008
Anthem: “The Time Between”,
http://www.gbod.org/worship/music/timebetween-crider.pdf
by R. Frederick Crider, Jr. (Ps. 31:14-15)
and sermon, “The Book of Genesis: The Story of Our Beginning”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
based in part on Chapter One (Genesis 1:1-2:3),
of book, Wrestling With Angels: What Genesis Teaches Us About
Our Spiritual Identity, Sexuality and Personal Relationships,
by Naomi H. Rosenblatt and Joshua Horwitz
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 10, 2010
First Sunday in Epiphany
(Baptism of the Lord Sunday)
&
Psalm 8:4-5 (KJV)
“What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.”

Infants Still

No matter our sense of self
our wisdom on this earth
infants still, the stuff of man
keeping us from God

We are made of the clay
God so far above
infinite, eternal
while we are here below

Our sin, from the start
separating us from him
needing the love of God
the grace of Christ
to bring us back to him


January 15, 2010
Genesis 2:8-9
Genesis 2:15-25
Genesis 3:1-13
Genesis 3:16-24
Psalm 33:3-9 (Call to Worship)
Ephesians 5:21-33
and preview of sermon,
“The Book of Genesis: What is This Thing Called Love”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
based in part on book,
Wrestling With Angels: What Genesis Teaches Us About
Our Spiritual Identity, Sexuality and Personal Relationships,
by Naomi H. Rosenblatt and Joshua Horwitz
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
&
Paragraph 103, Section 3 – Our Doctrinal Standards and General Rules:
The Articles of Religion of the Methodist Church, (generally Articles I to XII
and specifically:
Article II – “Of the Word, or Son of God, Who Was Made Very Man”;
Article VII – “Of Original or Birth Sin”;
Article VII – “Of Free Will”),
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=679753
The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church, 2008 edition
&
Worship service after Our Family’s Table
Mediation by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
on the meaning of “being made in the image of God”
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 13, 2010
&
Genesis 1:1-2:4
(read responsively by the congregation,
speaking the words of God)
Psalm 19:1-13
Congregational Centering hymn:
“Let All Things Now Living”
Faith We Sing, #2008
Anthem: “The Time Between”,
http://www.gbod.org/worship/music/timebetween-crider.pdf
by R. Frederick Crider, Jr. (Ps. 31:14-15)
and sermon, “The Book of Genesis: The Story of Our Beginning”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
based in part on Chapter One (Genesis 1:1-2:3),
of book, Wrestling With Angels: What Genesis Teaches Us About
Our Spiritual Identity, Sexuality and Personal Relationships,
by Naomi H. Rosenblatt and Joshua Horwitz
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 10, 2010
First Sunday in Epiphany
(Baptism of the Lord Sunday)
&
Psalm 8:4-5 (KJV)
“What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.”

Relying on Your Grace

Relying on your grace
oh Lord, I pray to thee
needing your love, your strength
to turn from sin to you

Knowing only in part
the rift, my breach, from thee
wanting to come close to you
to walk once more with thee


January 15, 2010
Genesis 2:8-9
Genesis 2:15-25
Genesis 3:1-13
Genesis 3:16-24
Psalm 33:3-9 (Call to Worship)
Ephesians 5:21-33
and preview of sermon,
“The Book of Genesis: What is This Thing Called Love”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
based in part on book,
Wrestling With Angels: What Genesis Teaches Us About
Our Spiritual Identity, Sexuality and Personal Relationships,
by Naomi H. Rosenblatt and Joshua Horwitz
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
&
Paragraph 103, Section 3 – Our Doctrinal Standards and General Rules:
The Articles of Religion of the Methodist Church, (generally Articles I to XII
and specifically:
Article II – “Of the Word, or Son of God, Who Was Made Very Man”;
Article VII – “Of Original or Birth Sin”;
Article VII – “Of Free Will”),
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=679753
The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church, 2008 edition
&
Worship service after Our Family’s Table
Mediation by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
on the meaning of “being made in the image of God”
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 13, 2010
&
Genesis 1:1-2:4
(read responsively by the congregation,
speaking the words of God)
Psalm 19:1-13
Congregational Centering hymn:
“Let All Things Now Living”
Faith We Sing, #2008
Anthem: “The Time Between”,
http://www.gbod.org/worship/music/timebetween-crider.pdf
by R. Frederick Crider, Jr. (Ps. 31:14-15)
and sermon, “The Book of Genesis: The Story of Our Beginning”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
based in part on Chapter One (Genesis 1:1-2:3),
of book, Wrestling With Angels: What Genesis Teaches Us About
Our Spiritual Identity, Sexuality and Personal Relationships,
by Naomi H. Rosenblatt and Joshua Horwitz
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 10, 2010
First Sunday in Epiphany
(Baptism of the Lord Sunday)
&
Psalm 8:4-5 (KJV)
“What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.”

To Turn from My Sin

The breach that Adam made
the sin brought into the world
Man lost a sense of grace
as the Lord had foretold

Dying in that moment
that epiphany of truth
Cast from the garden
in our utter nakedness

Unable to turn from my sin
my burden, my curse
Needing the grace of the Christ
his sacrifice, his offering

Only through my savior
my turning to my king
am I able to repent of my sin
to walk closer to my God


January 15, 2010
Genesis 2:8-9
Genesis 2:15-25
Genesis 3:1-13
Genesis 3:16-24
Psalm 33:3-9 (Call to Worship)
Ephesians 5:21-33
and preview of sermon,
“The Book of Genesis: What is This Thing Called Love”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
based in part on book,
Wrestling With Angels: What Genesis Teaches Us About
Our Spiritual Identity, Sexuality and Personal Relationships,
by Naomi H. Rosenblatt and Joshua Horwitz
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
&
Paragraph 103, Section 3 – Our Doctrinal Standards and General Rules:
The Articles of Religion of the Methodist Church, (generally Articles I to XII
and specifically:
Article II – “Of the Word, or Son of God, Who Was Made Very Man”;
Article VII – “Of Original or Birth Sin”;
Article VII – “Of Free Will”),
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=679753
The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church, 2008 edition
&
Worship service after Our Family’s Table
Mediation by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
on the meaning of “being made in the image of God”
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 13, 2010
&
Genesis 1:1-2:4
(read responsively by the congregation,
speaking the words of God)
Psalm 19:1-13
Congregational Centering hymn:
“Let All Things Now Living”
Faith We Sing, #2008
Anthem: “The Time Between”,
http://www.gbod.org/worship/music/timebetween-crider.pdf
by R. Frederick Crider, Jr. (Ps. 31:14-15)
and sermon, “The Book of Genesis: The Story of Our Beginning”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
based in part on Chapter One (Genesis 1:1-2:3),
of book, Wrestling With Angels: What Genesis Teaches Us About
Our Spiritual Identity, Sexuality and Personal Relationships,
by Naomi H. Rosenblatt and Joshua Horwitz
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 10, 2010
First Sunday in Epiphany
(Baptism of the Lord Sunday)
&
Psalm 8:4-5 (KJV)
“What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.”

Listening to the Snake

The cunning, the lying word
denying the word of God
So much of the loss we know
in the listening to the snake

The tree that the Lord forbade
telling us not to eat
when we chose to eat
the breach, the schism made

Shunned from the garden
the rift of the earth
born in sin we walk,
by grace alone redeemed


January 15, 2010
Genesis 2:8-9
Genesis 2:15-25
Genesis 3:1-13
Genesis 3:16-24
Psalm 33:3-9 (Call to Worship)
Ephesians 5:21-33
and preview of sermon,
“The Book of Genesis: What is This Thing Called Love”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
based in part on book,
Wrestling With Angels: What Genesis Teaches Us About
Our Spiritual Identity, Sexuality and Personal Relationships,
by Naomi H. Rosenblatt and Joshua Horwitz
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
&
Paragraph 103, Section 3 – Our Doctrinal Standards and General Rules:
The Articles of Religion of the Methodist Church, (generally Articles I to XII
and specifically:
Article II – “Of the Word, or Son of God, Who Was Made Very Man”;
Article VII – “Of Original or Birth Sin”;
Article VII – “Of Free Will”),
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=679753
The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church, 2008 edition
&
Worship service after Our Family’s Table
Mediation by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
on the meaning of “being made in the image of God”
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 13, 2010
&
Genesis 1:1-2:4
(read responsively by the congregation,
speaking the words of God)
Psalm 19:1-13
Congregational Centering hymn:
“Let All Things Now Living”
Faith We Sing, #2008
Anthem: “The Time Between”,
http://www.gbod.org/worship/music/timebetween-crider.pdf
by R. Frederick Crider, Jr. (Ps. 31:14-15)
and sermon, “The Book of Genesis: The Story of Our Beginning”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
based in part on Chapter One (Genesis 1:1-2:3),
of book, Wrestling With Angels: What Genesis Teaches Us About
Our Spiritual Identity, Sexuality and Personal Relationships,
by Naomi H. Rosenblatt and Joshua Horwitz
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 10, 2010
First Sunday in Epiphany
(Baptism of the Lord Sunday)
&
Psalm 8:4-5 (KJV)
“What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.”

Unable to Change

Unable to change
on my own to be saved
needing the love of Christ
his sacrifice, the cross, the grave

His rising from the tomb
ascending to heaven above
by grace he saved us all
in him we can believe

Weighed down by Adam
by my own sin as well
carrying the stones of this life
needing the Christ,
my brother, my king

His gift alone enough
his sacrifice complete
sealing the breach
of the fall of man
my life, rebirth, complete



January 15, 2010
Genesis 2:8-9
Genesis 2:15-25
Genesis 3:1-13
Genesis 3:16-24
Psalm 33:3-9 (Call to Worship)
Ephesians 5:21-33
and preview of sermon,
“The Book of Genesis: What is This Thing Called Love”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
based in part on book,
Wrestling With Angels: What Genesis Teaches Us About
Our Spiritual Identity, Sexuality and Personal Relationships,
by Naomi H. Rosenblatt and Joshua Horwitz
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.suncookumc.org
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
&
Paragraph 103, Section 3 – Our Doctrinal Standards and General Rules:
The Articles of Religion of the Methodist Church, (generally Articles I to XII
and specifically:
Article II – “Of the Word, or Son of God, Who Was Made Very Man”;
Article VII – “Of Original or Birth Sin”;
Article VII – “Of Free Will”),
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=679753
The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church, 2008 edition
&
Worship service after Our Family’s Table
Mediation by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
on the meaning of “being made in the image of God”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
https://twitter.com/PastorRuthFoss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.suncookumc.org
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
January 13, 2010
&
Genesis 1:1-2:4
(read responsively by the congregation,
speaking the words of God)
Psalm 19:1-13
Congregational Centering hymn:
“Let All Things Now Living”
Faith We Sing, #2008
Anthem: “The Time Between”,
http://www.gbod.org/worship/music/timebetween-crider.pdf
by R. Frederick Crider, Jr. (Ps. 31:14-15)
and sermon, “The Book of Genesis: The Story of Our Beginning”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
based in part on Chapter One (Genesis 1:1-2:3),
of book, Wrestling With Angels: What Genesis Teaches Us About
Our Spiritual Identity, Sexuality and Personal Relationships,
by Naomi H. Rosenblatt and Joshua Horwitz
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.suncookumc.org
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
January 10, 2010
First Sunday in Epiphany
(Baptism of the Lord Sunday)
&
Psalm 8:4-5 (KJV)
“What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.”

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,900+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Little Children

In our separation
the walk upon this earth
we are far below our God
from our very birth

From the clay of earth
in our wisdom our fault
sin a breach from God
like little children
wandering on the earth

Walking away from God
our free will a chain
wrapped around our souls
weighing us down with sin


January 15, 2010
Genesis 2:8-9
Genesis 2:15-25
Genesis 3:1-13
Genesis 3:16-24
Psalm 33:3-9 (Call to Worship)
Ephesians 5:21-33
and preview of sermon,
“The Book of Genesis: What is This Thing Called Love”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
based in part on book,
Wrestling With Angels: What Genesis Teaches Us About
Our Spiritual Identity, Sexuality and Personal Relationships,
by Naomi H. Rosenblatt and Joshua Horwitz
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
&
Paragraph 103, Section 3 – Our Doctrinal Standards and General Rules:
The Articles of Religion of the Methodist Church, (generally Articles I to XII
and specifically:
Article II – “Of the Word, or Son of God, Who Was Made Very Man”;
Article VII – “Of Original or Birth Sin”;
Article VII – “Of Free Will”),
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=679753
The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church, 2008 edition
&
Worship service after Our Family’s Table
Mediation by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
on the meaning of “being made in the image of God”
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 13, 2010
&
Genesis 1:1-2:4
(read responsively by the congregation,
speaking the words of God)
Psalm 19:1-13
Congregational Centering hymn:
“Let All Things Now Living”
Faith We Sing, #2008
Anthem: “The Time Between”,
http://www.gbod.org/worship/music/timebetween-crider.pdf
by R. Frederick Crider, Jr. (Ps. 31:14-15)
and sermon, “The Book of Genesis: The Story of Our Beginning”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
based in part on Chapter One (Genesis 1:1-2:3),
of book, Wrestling With Angels: What Genesis Teaches Us About
Our Spiritual Identity, Sexuality and Personal Relationships,
by Naomi H. Rosenblatt and Joshua Horwitz
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 10, 2010
First Sunday in Epiphany
(Baptism of the Lord Sunday)
&
Psalm 8:4-5 (KJV)
“What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.”

Original Sin

Adam’s sin,
resting on us all
dying before God
Banned from the Garden

In our choosing,
free will a curse
separating us from God
from our very birth


January 15, 2010
Genesis 2:8-9
Genesis 2:15-25
Genesis 3:1-13
Genesis 3:16-24
Psalm 33:3-9 (Call to Worship)
Ephesians 5:21-33
and preview of sermon,
“The Book of Genesis: What is This Thing Called Love”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
based in part on book,
Wrestling With Angels: What Genesis Teaches Us About
Our Spiritual Identity, Sexuality and Personal Relationships,
by Naomi H. Rosenblatt and Joshua Horwitz
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
&
Paragraph 103, Section 3 – Our Doctrinal Standards and General Rules:
The Articles of Religion of the Methodist Church, (generally Articles I to XII
and specifically:
Article II – “Of the Word, or Son of God, Who Was Made Very Man”;
Article VII – “Of Original or Birth Sin”;
Article VII – “Of Free Will”),
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=679753
The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church, 2008 edition
&
Worship service after Our Family’s Table
Mediation by by Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“God’s Whisper” blog
on the meaning of “being made in the image of God”
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 13, 2010
&
Genesis 1:1-2:4
(read responsively by the congregation,
speaking the words of God)
Psalm 19:1-13
Congregational Centering hymn:
“Let All Things Now Living”
Faith We Sing, #2008
Anthem: “The Time Between”,
http://www.gbod.org/worship/music/timebetween-crider.pdf
by R. Frederick Crider, Jr. (Ps. 31:14-15)
and sermon, “The Book of Genesis: The Story of Our Beginning”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
based in part on Chapter One (Genesis 1:1-2:3),
of book, Wrestling With Angels: What Genesis Teaches Us About
Our Spiritual Identity, Sexuality and Personal Relationships,
by Naomi H. Rosenblatt and Joshua Horwitz
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 10, 2010
First Sunday in Epiphany
(Baptism of the Lord Sunday)
&
Psalm 8:4-5 (KJV)
“What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.”


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 28,460+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Needing the Christ

We are humbly standing
on the earth, with feet of clay
separated from God
by the sin of the garden
by our own acts too

Needing the Christ
forgiveness by his gift
the grace, the love of God
the strength of our savior
to bring us back to God


January 15, 2010
Genesis 2:8-9
Genesis 2:15-25
Genesis 3:1-13
Genesis 3:16-24
Psalm 33:3-9 (Call to Worship)
Ephesians 5:21-33
and preview of sermon,
“The Book of Genesis: What is This Thing Called Love”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
based in part on book,
Wrestling With Angels: What Genesis Teaches Us About
Our Spiritual Identity, Sexuality and Personal Relationships,
by Naomi H. Rosenblatt and Joshua Horwitz
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
&
Paragraph 103, Section 3 – Our Doctrinal Standards and General Rules:
The Articles of Religion of the Methodist Church, (generally Articles I to XII
and specifically:
Article II – “Of the Word, or Son of God, Who Was Made Very Man”;
Article VII – “Of Original or Birth Sin”;
Article VII – “Of Free Will”),
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=679753
The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church, 2008 edition
&
Worship service after Our Family’s Table
Mediation by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
on the meaning of “being made in the image of God”
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 13, 2010
&
Genesis 1:1-2:4
(read responsively by the congregation,
speaking the words of God)
Psalm 19:1-13
Congregational Centering hymn:
“Let All Things Now Living”
Faith We Sing, #2008
Anthem: “The Time Between”,
http://www.gbod.org/worship/music/timebetween-crider.pdf
by R. Frederick Crider, Jr. (Ps. 31:14-15)
and sermon, “The Book of Genesis: The Story of Our Beginning”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
based in part on Chapter One (Genesis 1:1-2:3),
of book, Wrestling With Angels: What Genesis Teaches Us About
Our Spiritual Identity, Sexuality and Personal Relationships,
by Naomi H. Rosenblatt and Joshua Horwitz
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 10, 2010
First Sunday in Epiphany
(Baptism of the Lord Sunday)
&
Psalm 8:4-5 (KJV)
“What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.”

The Space between the Words

In the space between the words
the things left unsaid, not spoke aloud
in the musings of our hearts
deep within our souls
These are the urgent,
the fervent prayers
the callings to our king
The petitions too painful to give voice
the struggles of our souls


January 15, 2010
Title 1/2/2010
“Speaking of Faith: Approaching Prayer”
http://speakingoffaith.publicradio.org/programs/2009/approaching-prayer/
December 31, 2009 program,
Speaking of Faith
http://speakingoffaith.publicradio.org/

The Spaces between Words

So often, in my prayers,
in the poetry I am given
in the words I am sharing

The space between words
this is where my prayer dwells
the living communication with God

Reaching with my mind, my voice
to walk with my God, my king
to sing a song of praise to him
This is my hopeful offering

Not in words, not on the printed page
not even words mused from my lips
breathed thoughts, sighs, too deep

Calling out to God
singing from my soul’s desires
petitions to my king
these I bring in spaces between words


January 15, 2010
Title 1/2/2010
“Speaking of Faith: Approaching Prayer”
http://speakingoffaith.publicradio.org/programs/2009/approaching-prayer/
December 31, 2009 program,
Speaking of Faith
http://speakingoffaith.publicradio.org/

Under the Snow

Under the snow
the prayers in the ground
the words, the hopes,
the petitions laid down

Covered, by the snow
waiting for spring
the path of the prayers
our callings to the king



January 15, 2010
prayer labyrinth
in our backyard


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 24,160+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Email 1/11/10 from the National Religious Campaign Against Torture

Dear Friends:

We emailed you in December about calling for the release of the Department of Justice Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) report that is believed to detail instances of professional misconduct by lawyers in the previous Administration's Office of Legal Counsel (OLC). Specifically, it is reported to demonstrate how lawyers in the OLC intentionally misinterpreted the law in order to sanction torture and other abusive acts.

Today we again ask you to email the Attorney General about the OPR report. Release of this report is crucial to understanding the breakdowns that occurred in the OLC that lead to lawyers misconstruing the law in such a way as to provide legal cover for the use of torture. Understanding those breakdowns is essential to preventing the future use of torture.

NRCAT has asked the Attorney General to have a conference call with Rev. Dr. Michael Kinnamon, General Secretary of the National Council of Churches, Rabbi Steve Gutow, President, Jewish Council for Public Affairs and Dr. Ingrid Mattson, President, Islamic Society of North America. They will ask him to release the OPR report as soon as possible. NRCAT was told to call at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, January 13 to learn if the conference call will take place.

Please email the Attorney General's office as soon as possible to ask him to release the OPR report. A model email can be found here.

Thank you,

Linda Gustitus, President
Rev. Richard L. Killmer, Executive Director

The distance between God and man

Man, made of the earth
breathed to life by God
made in the image of the holy one
placed in the garden, the earth

Left to watch, to reign
over the creation,
the sky above, the earth below
To care and tend the world

By sin, the distance
between God and man
expanded from the creation
by the work of human hands

The restoration
God’s image in our lives
the journey we travel,
the path we walk

To be a reflection
of God’s love and grace
more humbly,
repenting of our sin,
bringing us home once again


January 14, 2010
Worship service after Our Family’s Table
Mediation by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
on the meaning of “being made in the image of God”
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 13, 2010
&
Genesis 1:1-2:4
(read responsively by the congregation,
speaking the words of God)
Psalm 19:1-13
Congregational Centering hymn:
“Let All Things Now Living”
Faith We Sing, #2008
Anthem: “The Time Between”,
http://www.gbod.org/worship/music/timebetween-crider.pdf
by R. Frederick Crider, Jr. (Ps. 31:14-15)
and sermon, “The Book of Genesis: The Story of Our Beginning”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
based in part on Chapter One (Genesis 1:1-2:3),
of book, Wrestling With Angels: What Genesis Teaches Us About
Our Spiritual Identity, Sexuality and Personal Relationships,
by Naomi H. Rosenblatt and Joshua Horwitz
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 10, 2010
First Sunday in Epiphany
(Baptism of the Lord Sunday)
&
Psalm 8:4-5 (KJV)
“What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.”

Before Time

Before time
before the world began
I Am

God before the creation
his breath over the deep

The waters parted by the word of God
by his hand, his will
all came to be

So far below the creator
is man
his breath gave life to me


January 14, 2010
Worship service after Our Family’s Table
Mediation by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
on the meaning of “being made in the image of God”
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 13, 2010
&
Genesis 1:1-2:4
(read responsively by the congregation,
speaking the words of God)
Psalm 19:1-13
Congregational Centering hymn:
“Let All Things Now Living”
Faith We Sing, #2008
Anthem: “The Time Between”,
http://www.gbod.org/worship/music/timebetween-crider.pdf
by R. Frederick Crider, Jr. (Ps. 31:14-15)
and sermon, “The Book of Genesis: The Story of Our Beginning”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
based in part on Chapter One (Genesis 1:1-2:3),
of book, Wrestling With Angels: What Genesis Teaches Us About
Our Spiritual Identity, Sexuality and Personal Relationships,
by Naomi H. Rosenblatt and Joshua Horwitz
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 10, 2010
First Sunday in Epiphany
(Baptism of the Lord Sunday)
&
Psalm 8:4-5 (KJV)
“What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.”

The Qualities of God

In being made in the image
the likeness only of God
Man able, to emulate
to mirror the qualities of God

In our nature the abilities,
the potential for good and evil
to change the face of the earth

Left under his command
to tend and care for the earth
to love one another
and the whole world

Corrupted in the power
we have claimed
thinking we are just like God

Able to stand in the place of him
when we are yet made of clay
bound by the limits of our time
our place on this earth below


January 14, 2010
Worship service after Our Family’s Table
Mediation by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
on the meaning of “being made in the image of God”
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 13, 2010
&
Genesis 1:1-2:4
(read responsively by the congregation,
speaking the words of God)
Psalm 19:1-13
Congregational Centering hymn:
“Let All Things Now Living”
Faith We Sing, #2008
Anthem: “The Time Between”,
http://www.gbod.org/worship/music/timebetween-crider.pdf
by R. Frederick Crider, Jr. (Ps. 31:14-15)
and sermon, “The Book of Genesis: The Story of Our Beginning”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
based in part on Chapter One (Genesis 1:1-2:3),
of book, Wrestling With Angels: What Genesis Teaches Us About
Our Spiritual Identity, Sexuality and Personal Relationships,
by Naomi H. Rosenblatt and Joshua Horwitz
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 10, 2010
First Sunday in Epiphany
(Baptism of the Lord Sunday)
&
Psalm 8:4-5 (KJV)
“What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.”

Presumptuous

Presumptuous
that being made in the image
that being like God
makes us God
like the creator, unbound,
like the limitless God

Such is the meaning
the power, the authority
claimed by man
in the reading of our story
the creation, the origin
the beginning of time

How much lower
is the stuff of man
made by the hand of God
breathed into life
the spirit of God
giving life
to man made of clay


January 14, 2010
Worship service after Our Family’s Table
Mediation by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
on the meaning of “being made in the image of God”
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 13, 2010
&
Genesis 1:1-2:4
(read responsively by the congregation,
speaking the words of God)
Psalm 19:1-13
Congregational Centering hymn:
“Let All Things Now Living”
Faith We Sing, #2008
Anthem: “The Time Between”,
http://www.gbod.org/worship/music/timebetween-crider.pdf
by R. Frederick Crider, Jr. (Ps. 31:14-15)
and sermon, “The Book of Genesis: The Story of Our Beginning”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
based in part on Chapter One (Genesis 1:1-2:3),
of book, Wrestling With Angels: What Genesis Teaches Us About
Our Spiritual Identity, Sexuality and Personal Relationships,
by Naomi H. Rosenblatt and Joshua Horwitz
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 10, 2010
First Sunday in Epiphany
(Baptism of the Lord Sunday)
&
Psalm 8:4-5 (KJV)
“What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.”

More Humble

In reading too much
into the meaning
Man made in the image of God
forgetting our place
here on the earth
How far below God is man

More humble
we should live
remembering
our place at the start
walking in the garden
with the Lord
unaware of our nakedness


January 14, 2010
Worship service after Our Family’s Table
Mediation by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
on the meaning of “being made in the image of God”
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 13, 2010
&
Genesis 1:1-2:4
(read responsively by the congregation,
speaking the words of God)
Psalm 19:1-13
Congregational Centering hymn:
“Let All Things Now Living”
Faith We Sing, #2008
Anthem: “The Time Between”,
http://www.gbod.org/worship/music/timebetween-crider.pdf
by R. Frederick Crider, Jr. (Ps. 31:14-15)
and sermon, “The Book of Genesis: The Story of Our Beginning”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
based in part on Chapter One (Genesis 1:1-2:3),
of book, Wrestling With Angels: What Genesis Teaches Us About
Our Spiritual Identity, Sexuality and Personal Relationships,
by Naomi H. Rosenblatt and Joshua Horwitz
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 10, 2010
First Sunday in Epiphany
(Baptism of the Lord Sunday)
&
Psalm 8:4-5 (KJV)
“What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.”

Power, Responsibility

Power, responsibility
authority, made of the earth
in the image of God

To govern the world
and tend the garden
such was the charge to man

Made below God,
though in the image created
in relationship with him


January 14, 2010
Worship service after Our Family’s Table
Mediation by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
on the meaning of “being made in the image of God”
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 13, 2010
&
Genesis 1:1-2:4
(read responsively by the congregation,
speaking the words of God)
Psalm 19:1-13
Congregational Centering hymn:
“Let All Things Now Living”
Faith We Sing, #2008
Anthem: “The Time Between”,
http://www.gbod.org/worship/music/timebetween-crider.pdf
by R. Frederick Crider, Jr. (Ps. 31:14-15)
and sermon, “The Book of Genesis: The Story of Our Beginning”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
based in part on Chapter One (Genesis 1:1-2:3),
of book, Wrestling With Angels: What Genesis Teaches Us About
Our Spiritual Identity, Sexuality and Personal Relationships,
by Naomi H. Rosenblatt and Joshua Horwitz
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 10, 2010
First Sunday in Epiphany
(Baptism of the Lord Sunday)
&
Psalm 8:4-5 (KJV)
“What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.”

Like Us

In the image of God
in some translations, “Like us”,
a royal we, the plural nature
the trinity of God;
but like God?

Are our abilities, capacities,
the equivalent of being as God?
Man in the garden,
out into the world
down to this present age

Able to change the world
to grow, to be transformed
for good or for ill
based on the world,
our heart’s desires

Like Christ, able to choose
to fall on our knees
like a servant
to follow God’s command
to live as we are called


January 13, 2010 and January 14, 2010
Worship service after Our Family’s Table
Mediation by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
on the meaning of “being made in the image of God”
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 13, 2010
&
Genesis 1:1-2:4
(read responsively by the congregation,
speaking the words of God)
Psalm 19:1-13
Congregational Centering hymn:
“Let All Things Now Living”
Faith We Sing, #2008
Anthem: “The Time Between”,
http://www.gbod.org/worship/music/timebetween-crider.pdf
by R. Frederick Crider, Jr. (Ps. 31:14-15)
and sermon, “The Book of Genesis: The Story of Our Beginning”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
based in part on Chapter One (Genesis 1:1-2:3),
of book, Wrestling With Angels: What Genesis Teaches Us About
Our Spiritual Identity, Sexuality and Personal Relationships,
by Naomi H. Rosenblatt and Joshua Horwitz
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 10, 2010
First Sunday in Epiphany
(Baptism of the Lord Sunday)
&
Psalm 8:4-5 (KJV)
“What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.”

A Limitless God

Made in the image
of a limitless God;
What then is the stuff of man?
the bounds of our capacity
the limits of man

Able to grow and to be transformed
to change the face of the earth
but walking in the dust of the earth
man, destined to die,
a little lower than God above

Made of the stuff of the world
not spirit as God is alone
able to submit our wills
and follow his commands
as Christ showed us the way

To change the world
one heart at a time
sharing his love, his grace
Walking with Christ,
showing us the way


January 14, 2010
Worship service after Our Family’s Table
Mediation by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
on the meaning of “being made in the image of God”
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 13, 2010
&
Genesis 1:1-2:4
(read responsively by the congregation,
speaking the words of God)
Psalm 19:1-13
Congregational Centering hymn:
“Let All Things Now Living”
Faith We Sing, #2008
Anthem: “The Time Between”,
http://www.gbod.org/worship/music/timebetween-crider.pdf
by R. Frederick Crider, Jr. (Ps. 31:14-15)
and sermon, “The Book of Genesis: The Story of Our Beginning”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
based in part on Chapter One (Genesis 1:1-2:3),
of book, Wrestling With Angels: What Genesis Teaches Us About
Our Spiritual Identity, Sexuality and Personal Relationships,
by Naomi H. Rosenblatt and Joshua Horwitz
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 10, 2010
First Sunday in Epiphany
(Baptism of the Lord Sunday)
&
Psalm 8:4-5 (KJV)
“What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.”

Understanding being made in God’s Image

Able to be transformed, to grow
a potential for good, for love
able too, great evil
such is the power
capabilities of man

Wisdom, qualities of the creator
able to change our world, lives
by the creating of our minds
using the gifts we have, by love, hate,
the guiding of our hearts

Understanding only in part,
within the limits of humankind
the meaning of our beginning
our bit of the creator inside
made in the image of God


January 14, 2010
Worship service after Our Family’s Table
Mediation by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
on the meaning of “being made in the image of God”
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 13, 2010
&
Genesis 1:1-2:4
(read responsively by the congregation,
speaking the words of God)
Psalm 19:1-13
Congregational Centering hymn:
“Let All Things Now Living”
Faith We Sing, #2008
Anthem: “The Time Between”,
http://www.gbod.org/worship/music/timebetween-crider.pdf
by R. Frederick Crider, Jr. (Ps. 31:14-15)
and sermon, “The Book of Genesis: The Story of Our Beginning”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
based in part on Chapter One (Genesis 1:1-2:3),
of book, Wrestling With Angels: What Genesis Teaches Us About
Our Spiritual Identity, Sexuality and Personal Relationships,
by Naomi H. Rosenblatt and Joshua Horwitz
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 10, 2010
First Sunday in Epiphany
(Baptism of the Lord Sunday)
&
Psalm 8:4-5 (KJV)
“What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.”

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

In Charge

As with a trusted servant
standing in the place of
made in the image of God
Man over creation
in charge, as a servant
a shepherd, steward
not to exploit, to care for creation
responsible for each other
and all of creation
to watch over the garden
and all here below


January 13, 2010
Genesis 1:1-2:4
(read responsively by the congregation,
speaking the words of God)
Psalm 19:1-13
Congregational Centering hymn:
“Let All Things Now Living”
Faith We Sing, #2008
Anthem: “The Time Between”,
http://www.gbod.org/worship/music/timebetween-crider.pdf
by R. Frederick Crider, Jr. (Ps. 31:14-15)
and sermon, “The Book of Genesis: The Story of Our Beginning”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
based in part on Chapter One (Genesis 1:1-2:3),
of book, Wrestling With Angels: What Genesis Teaches Us About
Our Spiritual Identity, Sexuality and Personal Relationships,
by Naomi H. Rosenblatt and Joshua Horwitz
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 10, 2010
First Sunday in Epiphany
(Baptism of the Lord Sunday)
&
Psalm 8:4-5 (KJV)
“What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.”

A Kernel of God

A kernel of God
carrying a piece of the creator
each of us, man, made
in the image of God

The one who took chaos
and made an ordered universe
mindful of each person
who ever walked the earth

A bit of God,
carried in each one
worthy of our love,
as our savior taught


January 13, 2010
Genesis 1:1-2:4
(read responsively by the congregation,
speaking the words of God)
Psalm 19:1-13
Congregational Centering hymn:
“Let All Things Now Living”
Faith We Sing, #2008
Anthem: “The Time Between”,
http://www.gbod.org/worship/music/timebetween-crider.pdf
by R. Frederick Crider, Jr. (Ps. 31:14-15)
and sermon, “The Book of Genesis: The Story of Our Beginning”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
based in part on Chapter One (Genesis 1:1-2:3),
of book, Wrestling With Angels: What Genesis Teaches Us About
Our Spiritual Identity, Sexuality and Personal Relationships,
by Naomi H. Rosenblatt and Joshua Horwitz
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 10, 2010
First Sunday in Epiphany
(Baptism of the Lord Sunday)
&
Psalm 8:4-5 (KJV)
“What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.”

Known to God

Each one of created
crafted out of the clay
made in the image of the creator
each of us known to God

None left behind
each one of us alike
none more important to God
all of us his children
each with a common stake

Not lost or anonymous
known by the creator
for each of us Christ came to earth
to save us, each one
from our debt of sin


January 13, 2010
Genesis 1:1-2:4
(read responsively by the congregation,
speaking the words of God)
Psalm 19:1-13
Congregational Centering hymn:
“Let All Things Now Living”
Faith We Sing, #2008
Anthem: “The Time Between”,
http://www.gbod.org/worship/music/timebetween-crider.pdf
by R. Frederick Crider, Jr. (Ps. 31:14-15)
and sermon, “The Book of Genesis: The Story of Our Beginning”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
based in part on Chapter One (Genesis 1:1-2:3),
of book, Wrestling With Angels: What Genesis Teaches Us About
Our Spiritual Identity, Sexuality and Personal Relationships,
by Naomi H. Rosenblatt and Joshua Horwitz
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 10, 2010
First Sunday in Epiphany
(Baptism of the Lord Sunday)
&
Psalm 8:4-5 (KJV)
“What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.”

A Kernel of the Eternal

A bit of the stuff of creation
made in the image of God
a kernel of the eternal
held within each of our hearts

The word of the creator
by his voice all came to be
out of nothingness, light
the waters parted above and below

Land, dry land,
good, covered with plants
animals, birds, creatures in the sea
all as God wanted it to be

Humans, at the end of the week
created in the image of God
a touch of the eternal
his breath giving us life

To watch over the world
to care for the garden
all that God had created
servants watching for the king



January 13, 2010
Genesis 1:1-2:4
(read responsively by the congregation,
speaking the words of God)
Psalm 19:1-13
Congregational Centering hymn:
“Let All Things Now Living”
Faith We Sing, #2008
Anthem: “The Time Between”,
http://www.gbod.org/worship/music/timebetween-crider.pdf
by R. Frederick Crider, Jr. (Ps. 31:14-15)
and sermon, “The Book of Genesis: The Story of Our Beginning”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
based in part on Chapter One (Genesis 1:1-2:3),
of book, Wrestling With Angels: What Genesis Teaches Us About
Our Spiritual Identity, Sexuality and Personal Relationships,
by Naomi H. Rosenblatt and Joshua Horwitz
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.suncookumc.org
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
January 10, 2010
First Sunday in Epiphany
(Baptism of the Lord Sunday)
&
Psalm 8:4-5 (KJV)
“What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.”

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,900+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Carrying a Piece of God

In being made in the image
the image of God
each of us carrying
a piece of God within us
our lives, our place assured

Loved into existence
by the breath of God
given life
cared for by the creator
a world beautiful, sublime

An ordered universe
all in its place
We are here, as stewards,
to watch over the land
to carry on God’s grace



January 13, 2010
Genesis 1:1-2:4
(read responsively by the congregation,
speaking the words of God)
Psalm 19:1-13
Congregational Centering hymn:
“Let All Things Now Living”
Faith We Sing, #2008
Anthem: “The Time Between”,
http://www.gbod.org/worship/music/timebetween-crider.pdf
by R. Frederick Crider, Jr. (Ps. 31:14-15)
and sermon, “The Book of Genesis: The Story of Our Beginning”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
based in part on Chapter One (Genesis 1:1-2:3),
of book, Wrestling With Angels: What Genesis Teaches Us About
Our Spiritual Identity, Sexuality and Personal Relationships,
by Naomi H. Rosenblatt and Joshua Horwitz
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.suncookumc.org
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
January 10, 2010
First Sunday in Epiphany
(Baptism of the Lord Sunday)
&
Psalm 8:4-5 (KJV)
“What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.”


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,900+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Made in the Image of God

Human beings,
Made in the image of God
mortal flesh given royalty
by the breath of life within

Lower than God
walking this dusty earth
called to love our neighbors, our God
to care for one another
to offer God’s love to all



January 13, 2010
Genesis 1:1-2:4
(read responsively by the congregation,
speaking the words of God)
Psalm 19:1-13
Congregational Centering hymn:
“Let All Things Now Living”
Faith We Sing, #2008
Anthem: “The Time Between”,
http://www.gbod.org/worship/music/timebetween-crider.pdf
by R. Frederick Crider, Jr. (Ps. 31:14-15)
and sermon, “The Book of Genesis: The Story of Our Beginning”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
based in part on Chapter One (Genesis 1:1-2:3),
of book, Wrestling With Angels: What Genesis Teaches Us About
Our Spiritual Identity, Sexuality and Personal Relationships,
by Naomi H. Rosenblatt and Joshua Horwitz
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.suncookumc.org
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
January 10, 2010
First Sunday in Epiphany
(Baptism of the Lord Sunday)
&
Psalm 8:4-5 (KJV)
“What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.”

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,900+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

More than a Myth

Our story
from the beginning
more than a myth
a truth from God
ordering of the whole world

Our place in the garden
the kingdom of God
revealed in
these loving words

Out of chaos
the waters in the dark
God spoke light into the deep
separating the sky from the seas
the dry land from the deep

All the plants and animals
the birds and the fish
spoken to life by the king
God capping life
by the creation of man
stewards, servants
over the land and sea



January 13, 2010
Genesis 1:1-2:4
(read responsively by the congregation,
speaking the words of God)
Psalm 19:1-13
Congregational Centering hymn:
“Let All Things Now Living”
Faith We Sing, #2008
Anthem: “The Time Between”,
http://www.gbod.org/worship/music/timebetween-crider.pdf
by R. Frederick Crider, Jr. (Ps. 31:14-15)
and sermon, “The Book of Genesis: The Story of Our Beginning”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
based in part on Chapter One (Genesis 1:1-2:3),
of book, Wrestling With Angels: What Genesis Teaches Us About
Our Spiritual Identity, Sexuality and Personal Relationships,
by Naomi H. Rosenblatt and Joshua Horwitz
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.suncookumc.org
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
January 10, 2010
First Sunday in Epiphany
(Baptism of the Lord Sunday)
&
Psalm 8:4-5 (KJV)
“What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.”

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,910+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

At Our Beginning

At our beginning
the start of all of this
the universe, the earth below
The creator above the void
the chaos, the deep, the dark

God’s breath over the seas
his word speaking the light
Come into the darkness
separating day from night
fear from love, come down

The bounds of the sky,
the waters below
the plan of the world
well ordered, under control
all coming into view

The word of God
creating in six days
the start of all that is
our place planned out
to watch over all, servants
standing in God’s place on earth


January 13, 2010
Genesis 1:1-2:4
(read responsively by the congregation,
speaking the words of God)
Psalm 19:1-13
Congregational Centering hymn:
“Let All Things Now Living”
Faith We Sing, #2008
Anthem: “The Time Between”,
http://www.gbod.org/worship/music/timebetween-crider.pdf
by R. Frederick Crider, Jr. (Ps. 31:14-15)
and sermon, “The Book of Genesis: The Story of Our Beginning”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
based in part on Chapter One (Genesis 1:1-2:3),
of book, Wrestling With Angels: What Genesis Teaches Us About
Our Spiritual Identity, Sexuality and Personal Relationships,
by Naomi H. Rosenblatt and Joshua Horwitz
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 10, 2010
First Sunday in Epiphany
(Baptism of the Lord Sunday)
&
Psalm 8:4-5 (KJV)
“What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.”

All Others

All made in God’s image
none left behind
all of us the same
no races, no genders
nothing to set us apart
all of us in the image made

All to be loved
each made of clay
the stuff of this earth
Each of us given life
the breath of God
humbly and amazingly made



January 13, 2010
Genesis 1:1-2:4
(read responsively by the congregation,
speaking the words of God)
Psalm 19:1-13
Congregational Centering hymn:
“Let All Things Now Living”
Faith We Sing, #2008
Anthem: “The Time Between”,
http://www.gbod.org/worship/music/timebetween-crider.pdf
by R. Frederick Crider, Jr. (Ps. 31:14-15)
and sermon, “The Book of Genesis: The Story of Our Beginning”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
based in part on Chapter One (Genesis 1:1-2:3),
of book, Wrestling With Angels: What Genesis Teaches Us About
Our Spiritual Identity, Sexuality and Personal Relationships,
by Naomi H. Rosenblatt and Joshua Horwitz
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.suncookumc.org
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
January 10, 2010
First Sunday in Epiphany
(Baptism of the Lord Sunday)
&
Psalm 8:4-5 (KJV)
“What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.”

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,910+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The Bounds of Our Humanity

Though made in the image of God
we are not gods on this earth
stewards only of the creation
not creators ourselves

The bounds of our humanity
our feet still made of clay
the breath, the spirit within us yes
but below the angels we remain

Bound to the world, this mortal coil
walking on the earth all our days
to love one another, as we are taught
no better than others are we

The lesson of the creator
in ordering the world
a wonder beyond our command
the universe and all that is below


January 13, 2010
Genesis 1:1-2:4
(read responsively by the congregation,
speaking the words of God)
Psalm 19:1-13
Congregational Centering hymn:
“Let All Things Now Living”
Faith We Sing, #2008
Anthem: “The Time Between”,
http://www.gbod.org/worship/music/timebetween-crider.pdf
by R. Frederick Crider, Jr. (Ps. 31:14-15)
and sermon, “The Book of Genesis: The Story of Our Beginning”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
based in part on Chapter One (Genesis 1:1-2:3),
of book, Wrestling With Angels: What Genesis Teaches Us About
Our Spiritual Identity, Sexuality and Personal Relationships,
by Naomi H. Rosenblatt and Joshua Horwitz
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 10, 2010
First Sunday in Epiphany
(Baptism of the Lord Sunday)
&
Psalm 8:4-5 (KJV)
“What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.”

Our Story of the Beginning

Our story of the beginning
the world and all that is
spoken into existence
by the authoritative voice of God

Thundering out into the darkness
the light piercing the night
day shining down from heaven
the sun overpowering the night

The waters separated
the sky from the waters below
the land coming into existence
and everything above and below

Fish, birds, plants and animals
all spoken to life
the world and ordered universe
all part of the master’s plan

And we, the human race,
the last to come on the scene
or standing before God
to be stewards of all we see


January 13, 2010
Genesis 1:1-2:4
(read responsively by the congregation,
speaking the words of God)
Psalm 19:1-13
Congregational Centering hymn:
“Let All Things Now Living”
Faith We Sing, #2008
Anthem: “The Time Between”,
http://www.gbod.org/worship/music/timebetween-crider.pdf
by R. Frederick Crider, Jr. (Ps. 31:14-15)
and sermon, “The Book of Genesis: The Story of Our Beginning”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
based in part on Chapter One (Genesis 1:1-2:3),
of book, Wrestling With Angels: What Genesis Teaches Us About
Our Spiritual Identity, Sexuality and Personal Relationships,
by Naomi H. Rosenblatt and Joshua Horwitz
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 10, 2010
First Sunday in Epiphany
(Baptism of the Lord Sunday)
&
Psalm 8:4-5 (KJV)
“What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.”

Holy Martyrdom

Unlike those in this age
blowing themselves up in the marketplace
an image of martyrdom in the life of our Lord
dying that we would live again

Standing before the Sanhedrin,
before Pilate, the king,
the Emperor, Pharaoh
sacrificing himself that we may know God
the innocent lamb, the king
going as a servant,
a true follower of God,
a martyr on the cross


January 13, 2010

All in the Image of God

Not just the kings, the pharaohs
not just you and me
all are made, all of humanity
all in the image of God

Gathered from the dust
shaped by the creator’s hands
all of us clay on the potter’s wheel
all given breath by the spirit of God
all of us worthy of love


January 13, 2010
Genesis 1:1-2:4
(read responsively by the congregation,
speaking the words of God)
Psalm 19:1-13
Congregational Centering hymn:
“Let All Things Now Living”
Faith We Sing, #2008
Anthem: “The Time Between”,
http://www.gbod.org/worship/music/timebetween-crider.pdf
by R. Frederick Crider, Jr. (Ps. 31:14-15)
and sermon, “The Book of Genesis: The Story of Our Beginning”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
based in part on Chapter One (Genesis 1:1-2:3),
of book, Wrestling With Angels: What Genesis Teaches Us About
Our Spiritual Identity, Sexuality and Personal Relationships,
by Naomi H. Rosenblatt and Joshua Horwitz
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 10, 2010
First Sunday in Epiphany
(Baptism of the Lord Sunday)
&
Psalm 8:4-5 (KJV)
“What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.”

To understand the world

To understand the world,
our humanity,
our place within the world
a story of the beginning
how the world, life began

From the deep, the chaos
light parting the dark
the waters from the skies
the dry land bearing plants
animals filling the sea, the skies

Man rising from the dust
the clay, the breath of God
for life to come in
All of the laws, the plans of God
revealed in the world we share

More than we can comprehend
a start in the story unfolding
the world, the universe,
the atoms, the design
all wrought by the hand,
spoken by the voice of God


January 13, 2010
Genesis 1:1-2:4
(read responsively by the congregation,
speaking the words of God)
Psalm 19:1-13
Congregational Centering hymn:
“Let All Things Now Living”
Faith We Sing, #2008
Anthem: “The Time Between”,
http://www.gbod.org/worship/music/timebetween-crider.pdf
by R. Frederick Crider, Jr. (Ps. 31:14-15)
and sermon, “The Book of Genesis: The Story of Our Beginning”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
based in part on Chapter One (Genesis 1:1-2:3),
of book, Wrestling With Angels: What Genesis Teaches Us About
Our Spiritual Identity, Sexuality and Personal Relationships,
by Naomi H. Rosenblatt and Joshua Horwitz
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 10, 2010
First Sunday in Epiphany
(Baptism of the Lord Sunday)
&
Psalm 8:4-5 (KJV)
“What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.”

To Understand Time

The story of creation
of the darkness and the light
of day and night
to understand time
the beginning of all
the will of God
his power, his might

The words of the creator
breathing over the waters
the clay of the earth
brought to life, our world
ordered by his hand
all made, created
by the word of God



January 13, 2010
Genesis 1:1-2:4
(read responsively by the congregation,
speaking the words of God)
Psalm 19:1-13
Congregational Centering hymn:
“Let All Things Now Living”
Faith We Sing, #2008
Anthem: “The Time Between”,
http://www.gbod.org/worship/music/timebetween-crider.pdf
by R. Frederick Crider, Jr. (Ps. 31:14-15)
and sermon, “The Book of Genesis: The Story of Our Beginning”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
based in part on Chapter One (Genesis 1:1-2:3),
of book, Wrestling With Angels: What Genesis Teaches Us About
Our Spiritual Identity, Sexuality and Personal Relationships,
by Naomi H. Rosenblatt and Joshua Horwitz
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.suncookumc.org
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
January 10, 2010
First Sunday in Epiphany
(Baptism of the Lord Sunday)
&
Psalm 8:4-5 (KJV)
“What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.”


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,910+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

How the Universe Began

Our story, our belief of creation
how the universe began
in the words of our creator
speaking to life
all that was, that is
all of life

The deep, the waters
the void, chaos
Light cutting through
the words of the creator
making the light
shining through

All of the world, the stars, the skies
all part of an ordered plan
set into motion
by the voice of God
his breath, his mind
his loving word

Laws and beauty,
wind and rain,
the earth, the stars above
the plants and animals too
God made all
come into view
man from the lump of clay



January 13, 2010
Genesis 1:1-2:4
(read responsively by the congregation,
speaking the words of God)
Psalm 19:1-13
Congregational Centering hymn:
“Let All Things Now Living”
Faith We Sing, #2008
Anthem: “The Time Between”,
http://www.gbod.org/worship/music/timebetween-crider.pdf
by R. Frederick Crider, Jr. (Ps. 31:14-15)
and sermon, “The Book of Genesis: The Story of Our Beginning”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
based in part on Chapter One (Genesis 1:1-2:3),
of book, Wrestling With Angels: What Genesis Teaches Us About
Our Spiritual Identity, Sexuality and Personal Relationships,
by Naomi H. Rosenblatt and Joshua Horwitz
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.suncookumc.org
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
January 10, 2010
First Sunday in Epiphany
(Baptism of the Lord Sunday)
&
Psalm 8:4-5 (KJV)
“What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.”

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,910+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

That Millisecond of Time

At the very beginning,
that millisecond of time
when the chaos, the deep
was pierced by the light
when order began to divide
the dark from the light
the waters from the land
the dome, the seas, the skies

Oh to see creation at that moment
the world and all that came into view
all part of the master’s holy plan
the breath of God
over the seas, the dry land
all that was to be
revealed in a moment of grace

Pleased was the Lord
over all God surveyed
the plants, animals too
the creatures of the deep
those that walked the earth
man and women too

An ordered universe
out of the void,
the chaos giving way
The voice of the creator
spoke all to life;
Resting when the work was done



January 13, 2010
Genesis 1:1-2:4
(read responsively by the congregation,
speaking the words of God)
Psalm 19:1-13
Congregational Centering hymn:
“Let All Things Now Living”
Faith We Sing, #2008
Anthem: “The Time Between”,
http://www.gbod.org/worship/music/timebetween-crider.pdf
by R. Frederick Crider, Jr. (Ps. 31:14-15)
and sermon, “The Book of Genesis: The Story of Our Beginning”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
based in part on Chapter One (Genesis 1:1-2:3),
of book, Wrestling With Angels: What Genesis Teaches Us About
Our Spiritual Identity, Sexuality and Personal Relationships,
by Naomi H. Rosenblatt and Joshua Horwitz
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.suncookumc.org
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
January 10, 2010
First Sunday in Epiphany
(Baptism of the Lord Sunday)
&
Psalm 8:4-5 (KJV)
“What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.”

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,910+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Yoked to the Lord

Yoked to my Lord,
my brother, my savior
that I may walk the narrow path;
my steps through the narrow gate

Following the voice of my master
doing my savior’s work
answering the call of God

Heeding the plan for my life
stepping out in faith;
walking the way of my Lord
sharing his grace, his love



January 13, 2010
inspired by poem
“When We Meet”
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=252565400495#,
by Isaac Tibasiima


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,910+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Relying on the Wind

So much of life, caught up in the wind
the source of life itself
the breath of life, the word of God
spoken at the first, to give us life
From the dust we came,
to the dust we shall return
animated by the wind
which flowed across the deep
the breath of life, the wind of God
before the light
pierced the dark



January 13, 2010
conversation at Pembroke Village School
waiting for the Three Rivers School bus
January 12, 2010


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,910+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Letting Go of My Plans

Letting go of my plans
surrendering my will
turning to the calling of God
Using the gifts I have received
for the glory of my Lord

Dropping the files, the notes,
the briefs, taking up the pen, the keys
writing his love, his glory revealed
God’s grace, unmerited gift

Stepping out, so I feel called
speaking deep from within
a voice echoing down to this age
calling me to go forth for him
following my master’s plan for me



January 13, 2010
Proverbs 19:21
Acts 9:1-30
Called Magazine: Women in Ministry,
Weekly Devotional - January 11, 2010,
“Change Direction”
titles drafted 1/12/2010

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,910+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Changing Direction to Follow God

Not what the world will understand
my life, my course, changing again
changing direction to follow the Lord
to answer when I feel called

To do the thing that God has revealed
to walk in the disciples’ shoes
to leave my nets, my plans on the shore
to go where I am led


January 13, 2010
Proverbs 19:21
Acts 9:1-30
Called Magazine: Women in Ministry,
Weekly Devotional - January 11, 2010,
“Change Direction”
titles drafted 1/12/2010

A Different Path

A different path
a different way
to lead my life
Turning myself over
to the calling from within

Listening to the voice I hear
answering my savior’s call
going down a different path
with my hope,
my trust, my all


January 13, 2010
Proverbs 19:21
Acts 9:1-30
Called Magazine: Women in Ministry,
Weekly Devotional - January 11, 2010,
“Change Direction”
titles drafted 1/12/2010

Another Direction

The path of my life
changing course once more
another direction
this time, the calling of the Lord
words burgeoning up from my soul
needing to be shared

The love of God
over and over again
in these words to make known
the calling to write deep in my heart
in listening, I must write
his grace to reveal


January 13, 2010
Proverbs 19:21
Acts 9:1-30
Called Magazine: Women in Ministry,
Weekly Devotional - January 11, 2010,
“Change Direction”
titles drafted 1/12/2010

The Lord’s Plan

Unlike other choices in my life
calling from deep within
an answer to countless prayers
that I must begin, leave the past
my earthly plans

To turn to God alone
to speak the words
I am given
to not withhold
one thought

To listen, to seek
to do the Lord’s plan
God’s will for my life
to answer, “here I am”
when he calls


January 13, 2010
Proverbs 19:21
Acts 9:1-30
Called Magazine: Women in Ministry,
Weekly Devotional - January 11, 2010,
“Change Direction”
titles drafted 1/12/2010

A Different Plan

Giving my life over
to the calling of the Lord
charting a new course
a different plan
following the Lord

Changing my direction
turning from the world
the calling of my heart
the word I hear within

Seeking to do your will
to repent of my ways
to follow the calling of my God
serving as I am called
every single day


January 13, 2010
Proverbs 19:21
Acts 9:1-30
Called Magazine: Women in Ministry,
Weekly Devotional - January 11, 2010,
“Change Direction”
titles drafted 1/12/2010

Changing My Direction

My path not working
changing my direction
to the calling of the Lord
trusting in his plan
the guidance of the spirit
stepping out in faith,
“here I am”


January 13, 2010
Proverbs 19:21
Acts 9:1-30
Called Magazine: Women in Ministry,
Weekly Devotional - January 11, 2010,
“Change Direction”
titles drafted 1/12/2010

Living for Christ

Our response worthy
for an undeserved gift
the grace of God given
in the Christ, his gifts

Living for Christ
serving as he did
spreading God’s message of love
wherever we may go

All the days of our lives
walking, living
as a child of God
grateful for the gifts
so freely given


January 12, 2010 and January 13, 2010
http://www.upperroom.org/devotional/default.asp?month=1&day=12&year=2010
Upper Room Daily Devotional
for January 12, 2010
Ephesians 2:4-10
Ephesians 2:8
“Receiving Gifts”,
by Polly Leipold

Claiming More than We Ought

Sitting in the pew
the words before me on the screen, the page
wondering how to feel
reading the words of my creator
his voice ringing in my ears

I am made in the image of the creator;
but I am walking the earth
my feet made of clay
struggling to make my way
seeking to be humble
to be mindful of my state

The power, the authority of the creator
so far above my meagerness
speaking the universe into being
yet he is mindful of me
Awesome, I bow before you
falling to my knees
aware, in part, of the distance
between God and me


January 12, 2010
Genesis 1:1-2:4
(read responsively by the congregation,
speaking the words of God)
Psalm 19:1-13
Congregational Centering hymn:
“Let All Things Now Living”
Faith We Sing, #2008
Anthem: “The Time Between”,
http://www.gbod.org/worship/music/timebetween-crider.pdf
by R. Frederick Crider, Jr. (Ps. 31:14-15)
and sermon, “The Book of Genesis: The Story of Our Beginning”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
based in part on Chapter One (Genesis 1:1-2:3),
of book, Wrestling With Angels: What Genesis Teaches Us About
Our Spiritual Identity, Sexuality and Personal Relationships,
by Naomi H. Rosenblatt and Joshua Horwitz
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 10, 2010
First Sunday in Epiphany
(Baptism of the Lord Sunday)
&
Psalm 8:4-5 (KJV)
“What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.”

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Carried on the Wind

Sound, music carried on the wind
life in seeds on the breeze
the fragrance of roses
the dance of the clouds
all of these on the wind

If the wind were to die
warming us, yes
wicking of heat gone for now
so much of life, caught in the breeze
sad if it were to end


January 12, 2010
conversation at Pembroke Village School
waiting for the Three Rivers School bus
January 12, 2010

Affirmations with the Butterflies

The butterflies, within me
testing my faith
not the whole story
not in the least

Affirmations with the butterflies
from all around the globe
prayers raised for me
something I know in my heart

That my act, my choice
my stepping out in faith
will bear fruit for the kingdom
as I am called to serve


January 12, 2010

If there were no wind

I thought to think about
the words of the boy
What would the world be like
if there no wind

No wind chill factor for sure
but much more layered still
no scents upon the breeze
no huddling against the chill

No seeds upon a breeze
no dancing of smoke
or a candle’s flame
nothing moving
all just the same

The flagrance of flowers
only for those who stop
no sound moving out
from the our mouths
no thunder, all is still


January 12, 2010
conversation at Pembroke Village School
waiting for the Three Rivers School bus
January 12, 2010

The Weight of the Starfish

Called by the girls, to their shape
starfish beyond the water’s reach
in the shrinking pools
rocks drying in the air
rust pink of the starfish
alive outside the sea.

The weight of the starfish
nestled in my hand
Feeling the message, the lesson
alive within my hands;
casting the starfish
back into the sea.

Repeating the scene
three more of them
returning the stars back,
each caught in that in-between place
warming stones, the space before
the cooling of the sea.


August 9, 2009 and edited January 12, 2010
Psalm 92:1-4
Isaiah 43:18-21
Luke 12:54-56
and sermon, “The View from Seven Decades:
The Power and Danger of Paradigms”,
by the Reverend Huntley Halvorson
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
July 19, 2009
and
Psalm 100
Luke 4:16-21
Isaiah 43:1-3a
Isaiah 43:18-21
and sermon, “The Power of Vision”,
by the Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
including, The Star Thrower Story by Joel Barker,
inspired by the writing of Loren Eiseley,
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
July 26, 2009
and
visit on August 6, 2009
to Beavertail Lighthouse
and rocks below
Jamestown, Rhode Island
www.beavertaillight.org

If the Wind Stopped

Commenting on the temperature
to teens and pre-teens
on the warmer air today;
But they focused on the wind
and the cold therein

One of them posed the thought
of the wind,
that it should stop,
and go away

I, adult that I am,
trying to conjure wisdom
that which is
caught on the breeze
that which would fail if it died


January 12, 2010
conversation at Pembroke Village School
waiting for the Three Rivers School bus
January 12, 2010

Speaking the Words of Creation

A troubling sense in the process
the pastor reading our story of the beginning
and the congregation, playing God
speaking the words of creation

Stepping into the shoes of the creator
as when man thought the earth the center
the sun, the stars and moon,
revolving around us

Wanting to stop,
to silence my speech, later,
only after, understanding the disquiet
man claiming the words of God

Mindful of my place
far below the Lord
Wanting to bow in awe
at the wonder of God’s plan


January 10, 2010 and January 12, 2010
Genesis 1:1-2:4
(read responsively by the congregation,
speaking the words of God)
Psalm 19:1-13
Congregational Centering hymn:
“Let All Things Now Living”
Faith We Sing, #2008
Anthem: “The Time Between”,
http://www.gbod.org/worship/music/timebetween-crider.pdf
by R. Frederick Crider, Jr. (Ps. 31:14-15)
and sermon, “The Book of Genesis: The Story of Our Beginning”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
based in part on Chapter One (Genesis 1:1-2:3),
of book, Wrestling With Angels: What Genesis Teaches Us About
Our Spiritual Identity, Sexuality and Personal Relationships,
by Naomi H. Rosenblatt and Joshua Horwitz
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 10, 2010
First Sunday in Epiphany
(Baptism of the Lord Sunday)
&
Psalm 8:4-5 (KJV)
“What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.”