Saturday, January 23, 2010

A Moment of Silence

Our bodies still
breathing slowing
entering into true worship
silent prayers to God

A moment of silence
not a sound audible
the beating of my heart
alone coming to my mind

In the community of believers
bowing our heads in our pews
or at the rail, stopping to pray
offering our petitions,
our thanks and praise to God
knowing he answers our prayers


January 23, 2010
http://speakingoffaith.publicradio.org/programs/2010/whale-songs/
“Speaking of Faith: Whale Songs and Elephant Loves”,
a discussion with acoustic biologist and Quaker Katy Payne
January 21, 2010 program, heard 1/23/2010
Speaking of Faith
http://speakingoffaith.publicradio.org/
and prayer times at my churches
http://www.concordwumc.org/
Wesley United Methodist Church
Concord, NH, and
www.suncookumc.org
and Suncook United Methodist Church,
Suncook, NH
http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com

The Sacredness of Earth

So much of our faith
that which is eternal
the dogma we believe
without a certain creed

Something inside
something lasting
believing in the sacredness
the preciousness of the earth

Not a given faith or religion
no, far deeper, primal
something to which we can relate
the world we walk upon
the earth from which we came


January 23, 2010
http://speakingoffaith.publicradio.org/programs/2010/whale-songs/
“Speaking of Faith: Whale Songs and Elephant Loves”,
a discussion with acoustic biologist and Quaker Katy Payne
January 21, 2010 program, heard 1/23/2010
Speaking of Faith
http://speakingoffaith.publicradio.org/
http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com

A Stillness of Body

In speaking of the herd
the behavior of elephants
the coming together
a moment of stillness
not merely of their sounds
that motion stopping
a stillness of body
something we can all emulate

In that moment of worship
that coming together
bowing our heads
entering into corporate prayer

In that sense of community
rare, sharing, grace
stilling ourselves
in this holy place

Reverence in our silence
in the stilling of our bodies
our minds open
to God’s voice for us

Listening in the silence
for the Lord’s speaking
often not the pastor’s words
but the voice, still, small
speaking from within

The Lord’s urgings
only heard then
when we like them
quiet ourselves
in loving community


January 23, 2010
http://speakingoffaith.publicradio.org/programs/2010/whale-songs/
“Speaking of Faith: Whale Songs and Elephant Loves”,
a discussion with acoustic biologist and Quaker Katy Payne
January 21, 2010 program, heard 1/23/2010
Speaking of Faith
http://speakingoffaith.publicradio.org/
http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com

email of 1/19/2010 from General Board of Church and Society, The United Methodist Church

Tell President Obama to Focus on Eradicating Poverty!

Dear Friend,

Next Wednesday, President Obama will deliver his State of the Union address providing a vision for his policies in the coming year. Join us in asking him to put the needs of those at the bottom of the economic ladder at the top of his economic agenda. Urge him to make the poor a priority.

As Christ’s followers we are called to transform the world and proclaim a new order centered on the wisdom of the prophets, not the marketplace's false idols. 2010 presents an opportunity for us to put our faith into action — and to give life to the social teachings of The United Methodist Church — as we advocate for those whose lives have been ravaged by our profit-driven economy.

The media are full of stories heralding signs of a potential recovery. The painful truth is that many of our sisters and brothers were suffering long before the financial crisis became the top news story. They are likely to continue to suffer long after economists and politicians proclaim a recovery — unless we act now!

Join our “prophet-driven” campaign today. Together we can challenge the notion that our sisters and brothers in poverty must suffer first and recover last. Instead, we can proclaim a new vision for an economy of shared prosperity.

Yours for Justice,

John Hill
Director, Economic and Environmental Justice
The General Board of Church and Society
United Methodist Church
100 Maryland Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20002

email of 1/23/2010 from General Board of Church and Society, The United Methodist Church

Call your Members of Congress on Monday Jan. 25
Tell them ‘Don’t give up on health-care reform!

Dear Friend,

“For such a time as this …”

United Methodists have been on the leading edge of support for comprehensive health-care reform in the United States for decades. Our Social Principles declare: “Health care is a basic human right.” At this critical juncture we need to urge the U.S. Congress to complete the task at hand on behalf of the millions left out and left behind in our current system.

The past few days have been tumultuous in Washington, D.C., presenting new challenges to ensuring more people have access to needed health care. As people of faith, our hope is to rise above partisan politics. Reform is about solving one of our nation’s biggest problems: Too many people are without health care.

Please contact your U.S. representatives and senators on Monday, Jan. 25, (or if you cannot get through, call anytime next week) to remind them that the vision of health care for all is still alive.

CALL TOLL FREE: 1-888-797-8717

Following is a sample phone conversation:

"As a person of faith and a United Methodist, I care very much about ensuring that everyone has health care. This is your moment for political courage, vision, leadership and faith. We are praying for you as you deliberate and appeal to you to move meaningful health-care reform forward. At this critical juncture we urge you to complete the task at hand on behalf of the millions left out and left behind in our current health-care system."


No comprehensive health-care reform bill will be perfect. Indeed, if any piece of legislation ever fulfills our full vision, our vision is far too small. We know, as providers and consumers of services and care, inaction at this critical moment is no way forward:

Without reform, tens of thousands will continue to needlessly die each year for lack of access to care.

Without reform, over 47 million of God’s children remain uninsured and without adequate access to a full range of services.

Without reform, health costs will continue to grow much faster than wages.

Without reform, many millions of hard-working people and their children will join the ranks of the uninsured and underinsured.

Without reform, businesses, staggered by increasing employee health costs, will either drop coverage or will be unable to make needed investments.

Without reform, the nation's economy and its ability to create jobs will suffer.

You can make a difference!

Communities of faith across the country are participating in the Interfaith Vigil of Prayer, Action & Hope. Many are lifting up prayers for health-care reform in their worship services this weekend. Next week a key component of action in our vigil will be a Call-In Day on Monday, Jan. 25. The call line will be open throughout next week.

Learn more about United Methodists efforts to reform health care at http://www.umc-gbcs.org/healthcare.

John 10:10b says, “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” Following in the footsteps of John Wesley, we envision a society where every person is afforded health, wholeness and human dignity. Martin Luther King Jr., whose birthday we just commemorated, famously wrote in his “Letter from a Birmingham Jail”: “Justice too long delayed is justice denied.” Less well known, perhaps, but compelling nonetheless is his admonition: “Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health care is the most shocking and inhumane.”

Turning back now could mean justice delayed for another generation.
Let us make our voices heard!

Cynthia Abrams
Director, Alcohol, Other Addictions, and Health Care
General Board of Church and Society
United Methodist Church
100 Maryland Avenue NE
Washington, DC 20002

Friday, January 22, 2010

Being For Us

To understand the distinction
the wonder of Christmas
the meaning of the coming
the advent of Christ

God for us, as a parent,
not merely with us
in the story of the Christ
of the Emmanuel

Not even within us
what we know of the Spirit
living within
each believer’s heart

It is the love of the parent
the creator, sustainer
our savior, our father
our loving God

There like a parent,
loving us ever
there when we stumble
even when we rebel

Hoping for our best
no matter what our steps
there when we fall
forgiving us for all

The prayer for the children
the one the Lord taught us
falling to our knees
to thank and to remember God

Our cries back to the father
our loving creator
asking for provision
all of our days

Closing the circle,
as with the prodigal child
only as a servant
returning back home

But our creator, sustainer
our savior, our brother
waiting already
right by our side

January 22, 2010
Exodus 16:1-36
Matthew 6:9-13

God is Within Us

A kernel, a piece of the creator,
walking with us
God, the Spirit within us
all of our lives

Guiding our steps
of path on this earth
when we let go and follow
the callings within

No just with us,
beating within us
our cells, our lives
pulsing with him

Struggling when we turn
away from the Spirit
our sin getting in the way
of our walk in this life

Changing, repentant
back to our guide star
the bit of our creator
speaking from within

Our way lighter
the road clearer
when we harken back
to the Spirit within


January 22, 2010

God’s Prayers

If we could be in heaven
in the courts of the master
if we could sit quietly
and turn to the prayers of our creator
what would we hear
if we listened to God’s prayers

A hope for our future
a plan for redemption
like a father, a parent
wanting the best for us
all of our days

There as a parent
watching over our struggles
learning as we stubble
along each life’s way

Knowing, as he does,
the answer is only
in when we turn from our plans
and submit our lives
our whole selves over to him

There, our parent, our brother
walking beside us
knowing before us
every step of our lives
Waiting for us to turn from our folly
to understand that in him alone all is set right



January 22, 2010
Exodus 16:1-36
Matthew 6:9-13
Jeremiah 29:11


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.

Out in the Desert

The people, feeling alone
despair out in the desert
so, so far from home

Wondering where they would turn to
how they could survive in that place
the Lord, providing manna and quail
such was his saving grace

So the prayer that the Lord taught us all
the one we share in the congregation
our daily bread, all of our needs
met by our savior, our king

Stopping to pray,
to believe once again,
as the people did then,
trusting alone in the Lord


January 22, 2010
Exodus 16:1-36
Matthew 6:9-13
Manna and Quail

In our prayer
the one taught by Christ
the words of the Lord’s Prayer
bringing our hope to life
That we would be cared for
that we would turn to the Lord
trusting that he would provide
all of our needs, our daily bread
just as in the desert, providing
our manna and quail


January 22, 2010
Exodus 16:1-36
Matthew 6:9-13

Praying for My Manna and Quail

So much of God’s provision
that which we truly need
coming from an unplanned direction
while we are praying for manna and quail

Our needs met,
in ways beyond imagination
bits of grace, spiritual food
raining from heaven


January 22, 2010
Exodus 16:1-36

Email received 1/21/2010 - UMCatalyst News: Haiti Update Jan 21, 2010

Remembering the Lives of Sam Dixon and Clint Rabb
Sam Dixon and Clint Rabb, Christian ministers with The United Methodist Church's mission and humanitarian organization, the General Board of Global Ministries, died of injuries received in the January 12 earthquake in Haiti.

Good friends, they were trapped with four other people, who survived, for 55 hours in the ruins of the Hotel Montana. Dixon headed the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) and Rabb worked with mission volunteers. They were in Haiti in an effort to improve health services in the very poor country.

Memorial Blog
Read the Memorial Blog for Sam Dixon and Clint Rabb, including a reflection from Thomas Kemper, Global Ministries General Secretary-Elect at:
http://media.gbgm-umc.org/tribute-blog/

Hundreds of tributes have arrived. Add yours here by emailing condolences to Beth Buchanan at bbuchanan@gbgm-umc.org, who will be collecting these messages to be posted to this memorial blog.

Funeral Service for Sam Dixon to be webcast
The funeral service for Rev. Sam Dixon of UMCOR will be webcast live tomorrow (Jan. 22, 2010) at 10 am EST. http://esumc.org/Worship/SundayService.aspx

More information about the services for both Sam and Clint, condolences, and memorial gifts are available on the Memorial Blog.

- - - - - - - - - - - -
Latest News

UMCOR joins on-the-ground relief for Haiti. The United Methodist Committee on Relief and a host of other faith-based groups are on the ground in Haiti as they determine how to assist earthquake survivors.

With more than $2 million in donations received by Jan. 20, UMCOR already has provided emergency grants to the Methodist Church of Haiti and GlobalMedic, a Canadian relief agency, to address immediate needs. Read more

- - - - - - - - - - - -
How to Give
Year after year UMCOR’s greatest need is for funds that aid international emergency relief efforts. Please give to Haiti Emergency, UMCOR Advance #418325. Include the Advance # and name on the memo line if paying by check.

Online
www.umcorhaiti.org

By Offering
For local church and Annual Conference credit, put your gift in the offering plate on Sunday.

By Check
Make your check to UMCOR and mail to UMCOR, PO Box 9068, New York, NY 10087

By Credit Card
Call toll-free (800) 554-8583

- - - - - - - - - - - -
Resources
Help promote the support of relief efforts in Haiti through UMCOR. Use this advertisement online, place in a conference paper, magazine, or other publication, and print it to post in your church, office, lobby or anywhere in your community.

Color Advertisement
Black and White Advertisement

Local churches: Get UMCOR special offering envelopes here.

Find more UMCOR information and resources for the Haiti Emergency at www.umrespond.org

Christ Was Already There

Even before the rumbles
the shuttering of the ground
before the tragedy of the quake
all falling down

Christ was already there
working in that place
hands and feet of God
serving our brothers, our sisters
in little acts of grace

Some even falling,
dying in that land
that moment holy
finding eternity,
sacred ground

More to do, so much more
where but in prayer must we start
offering love, from around the world
to lift these people up


January 22, 2010
on the Haitian earthquake tragedy
and the loss of missionaries
and relief workers,
including Rev. Sam Dixon of UMCOR and
Rev. Clint Rabb, of UM volunteer services
(see Memorial Blog for Sam Dixon and Clint Rabb,
including a reflection from Thomas Kemper, Global Ministries General Secretary-Elect at:
http://media.gbgm-umc.org/tribute-blog/)

Email 1/21/2010 from the National Religious Campaign Against Torture

Dear Friends:

Please email Senator-elect Scott Brown and ask him to rethink his position on waterboarding and other forms of torture.

On Tuesday, January 19th, Scott Brown was elected to represent Massachusetts in the U.S. Senate. During the campaign Mr. Brown publicly proclaimed his support for the use of waterboarding and other forms of torture. He said waterboarding is not torture and that the U.S. has not used torture. He is mistaken on both fronts.

Since Mr. Brown will now be voting in the U.S. Senate on key legislation concerning the conduct of interrogations and treatment of detainees, we think that it is important that we attempt to explain to him that waterboarding and other "enhanced" interrogation techniques are forms of torture, are illegal, are immoral, and are contrary to American values.

Please email Senator-elect Brown and tell him that waterboarding and other abusive techniques are forms of torture. Further, please explain to him, that you would hope, as a U.S. Senator, he would stand for U.S. values and the rule of law and would oppose the use of torture. A model email which you can modify and then send to Senator-elect Brown can be found here.

Thank you for your help.

Sincerely,
Linda Gustitus, President
Rev. Richard L. Killmer, Executive Director
National Religious Campaign Against Torture

Thursday, January 21, 2010

What Do We Do

The question of the people
living on the ground
outside in the shaking world

The question of the world
seeing the devastation
what do we do now

So much unknown,
even how to begin
and what is the right thing to do

A country in such grave state
prayer is the starting place


January 21, 2010
Psalm 23:1-6
Romans 8:28, 31-30
“Prayers for Haiti”,
http://michellemalkin.com/2010/01/17/prayers-for-haiti/
by Michelle Malkin,
Luke 10:35 (the last verse of Good Samaritan story)
service after Our Family’s Table
led by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
focused on the earthquake in Haiti
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 20, 2010

Providing for Him

Stopping along his way
to care for the injured stranger
Healing his immediate wounds

Carrying him to the inn
to give him a bed;
But providing for him
paying his way,
the time he would need aid

So is the truth
in the face of tragedy
immediate and lasting needs
crying out to the whole world


January 21, 2010
Psalm 23:1-6
Romans 8:28, 31-30
“Prayers for Haiti”,
http://michellemalkin.com/2010/01/17/prayers-for-haiti/
by Michelle Malkin,
Luke 10:35 (the last verse of Good Samaritan story)
service after Our Family’s Table
led by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
focused on the earthquake in Haiti
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 20, 2010

What Now

The picture on the bulletin
the devastation caught in miniature
a handful of people
standing before a bit of rubble deep
The two figures in the front
in the center of the photograph
calling out from within their souls
“What do we do now?”

In awesome realization,
the world joins their cry
wondering how to deal
with a tragedy so wide
living on a moving earth
where man-made buildings
tumble like matchsticks
utter ruin, despair
with the shifting of the ground


January 21, 2010
Psalm 23:1-6
Romans 8:28, 31-30
“Prayers for Haiti”,
http://michellemalkin.com/2010/01/17/prayers-for-haiti/
by Michelle Malkin,
Luke 10:35 (the last verse of Good Samaritan story)
service after Our Family’s Table
led by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
focused on the earthquake in Haiti
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 20, 2010

The Purity of the Form – haiku

words with precision
simple five seven and five
telling a story


January 21, 2010

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

In My Faith

In my faith
the seeds of hope
my prayer to follow
the callings of the Lord
to answer the spirit
speaking within me
to go, to do as I am told

In acting, my faith made alive
going where I am called
doing the master’s will
speaking in the words
the good news of our savior
writing and sharing
the words I am given
using my faith
and the gifts from the Lord


January 20, 2010
http://www.upperroom.org/devotional/default.asp?month=1&day=20&year=2010
Upper Room Daily Devotional
for January 20, 2010
Nehemiah 4:1-15
Nehemiah 4:9
“Prayer Plus Action”,
by Tori Tremaine Walker

Strangers by Choice

Christ at the door of our hearts
knocking that he may come in
to enter and sit with us
to be part of the family

Strangers by choice
so we choose to be
when we walk away
turning from our door, from him

Able to close the breach
to open so he may enter in
our free will, since the fall of man
letting us choose, to let him in
to live in fellowship with him


January 19, 2010
Revelations 3:20

Strangers No More

Christ entering in
when we answer the door
allow him into our hearts
Walking with us all of our days
living as part of our family
guiding our steps,
yoked to our brother
leading us on our way


January 19, 2010 and January 20, 2010
Revelations 3:20

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Standing to Hear the Word

The members of the people,
the gathered congregation
coming to hear the word
standing before the Lord

All day they listened
the hope, the truth
God’s steadfast love
shared with all the people
all gathered in the square

Hearing again the word of God
standing to listen, joy
overflowing, their arms raised up
in blessing, in prayer,
an homage to the Lord


January 19, 2010
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-january-18-24/
for January 18, 2010 to January 24, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10,
for January 19, 2010
and the experience of being liturgist,
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH

With Arms Raised Up

The people, sharing in the joy
With arms raised up
hearing the word of God
the ancient texts revealed
Standing before the priest
speaking words of power
the love of God
shining through Your words



January 19, 2010
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-january-18-24/
for January 18, 2010 to January 24, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10,
for January 19, 2010
and the experience of being liturgist,
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



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.

Sharing Your Word

In the company of believers
rising before the congregation
to speak words of power, of hope
Sharing Your Word
holy scripture
joy flowing from my heart
words with inflection, passion
for the telling of our faith
our story, with the people
the patriarchs, the saints
with the story of the Christ
our brother before us
sacrificing himself
that each of us may live
Sharing your word
with the congregation
my brothers and sisters of faith
joy flowing as my voice rises
sharing words of your grace



January 19, 2010
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-january-18-24/
for January 18, 2010 to January 24, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10,
for January 19, 2010
and the experience of being liturgist,
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



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.

Into the Heart of the Flower

A fleeting image of freesia
flickering to life for an instant
flashing onto the screen

So much of the beauty
the artistry, symmetry
looking into the heart of the flower

Subtle colors, fragile parts
as if spun of glass
posed statuettes of grace


January 19, 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.

Visual Words - 2

Trying as best I can
in the writings that I put down
to capture the touch, the feel,
the smell, the image
a trigger, a pull
using ever visual words

Something of the real world
something to which all can relate
bringing the words to life
in the senses, the color, the light

As if a photograph,
words on the printed page
harkening to the thing, the feeling, the state
the touch, the taste, the person, the place
that we could bring them to mind

No hidden agenda, no message obscure
nothing out of place
just something to hold
to bring back to life
in the words, the image in space


January 19, 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 20,530+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

By Love, not by Hate

By love, not by hate
with light
piercing the darkness
tyranny, oppression
false truth
falling down

Such was the way of Christ
the way of disciples
following his example
down to this age, Martin
non-violent resistance
in the face of injustice

By love, not by hate
changing our land, the world
light shining, ever,
into the darkness


=============
edited January 21, 2015
By Love, not by Hate – v2
January 18, 2010
By Love, not by Hate
Alive Now Daily Reflections
for January 18, 2010 to January 24, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
for January 18, 2010, on Martin Luther King, Jr.

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 43,080 of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Faith, God, Christ, love, grace, cross, Methodist, Poetry Where You Live, Raymond A Foss, Alive Now, disciples, MLK, justice, injustice, Martin Luther King, America, healed,

#Faith #God #Christ #love #grace #cross #Methodist #disciples #MLK #justice #injustice #MartinLutherKingJr #America #healed #UMC

With Love, Not with Hate

Righting injustices
standing up when opportunity calls
doing what is right
with love, not hate
this we honor, on this day
the man, the dream, the cause

Acting as the Christ did as he,
Healing the sick on the sabbath;
marching in the face of injunctions
understanding the wrath of power
doing the right thing
no matter the cost to them

Doing the right,
lovingly, shining the light
hope into the darkness
healing the breach caused by man
going a servant, bearing the cross
doing all that he could



January 19, 2010
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-january-18-24/
for January 18, 2010 to January 24, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
for January 18, 2010, on Martin Luther King, Jr.


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.

Hearing the Greasy Snow

The sounds all muffled
under our hoods and hats
cutting through, the distinctive noise
hearing the greasy snow

The pavement covered
by a film of new-fallen white
the cars, trucks sliding
a certain common sound

The tires not quite gripping
sliding on the move
turning the corner not so precise
as we stand at the school



January 19, 2010
this morning at Pembroke Village School
Suncook, NH


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

Fragile Puffs of Snow

Standing on the schoolhouse grounds
waiting for the bus to come
the batter and pushing of the teens
and those just about so

The chatter merging together
in the cocoon of white
Little fragile puffs of snow
falling on my coat, my gloves

Exploding as they land
breaking apart, crystals and lines
bits of the maker’s artistry
perched for a moment on my hands

Melting on the black of my gloves
so starkly in relief
the pure white of the snow
beauty beyond belief

The children too, catching the flakes
their hands, their mouths eager
seeking to gather a bit of the snow
while it remains in its crystalline state



January 19, 2010
this morning at Pembroke Village School
Suncook, NH

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

Monday, January 18, 2010

Haiku – haiku - 1

Elegantly, five
sophisticated seven
precisely, formed



January 18, 2010
discussion with Christian,
while giving blood

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.

Blood – haiku

Life giving blood
given so others may live
easy, one two three



January 18, 2010
Thanks Christian;
it was easy


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.

Sunday, January 17, 2010

That We Were Able to Wed

Talking with the girls
answering their urgent questions
knowing only in part
the truth of segregation

Going out, continuing my work
something to relate
the depth of the divide of hate

Seeing others as property
somehow lower than man
that they should be set apart
the white man from the black

Looking the girls in the eye
something real and clear
that their mother and I
were able to wed

The reward of all the struggle and pain
not longer kept apart
able to follow love instead


January 17, 2010
That We Were Able to Wed

January 16 conversation with the girls about
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
and segregation,
including discussion of the right of interracial couples
could marry in all 50 states only recently
Loving v. Virginia, ruling that all states must allow
interracial marriage, 1967
&
edited January 21, 2015
How We Are to Act – v2
January 17, 2011
How We Are to Act
edited January 19, 2015
Words can Destroy – v2
January 17, 2011
Words can Destroy
edited January 20, 2015
Words to Edify – v2
January 17, 2011
Words to Edify
The Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2011
&
Isaiah 9:1-4
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
for January 17 to 23, 2011
“Carrying God’s Light”
by Cathie McFadden
for January 17, 2011
read January 17, 2011
&
Isaiah 6:1-8
&
Isaiah 49:1-7
John 1:29-42
Worship Theme: “Called by God to . . .”
and sermon, “A Light to the Nations”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“God’s Whisper” blog
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 16, 2011
Second Sunday after Epiphany
Human Relations Sunday
&
edited January 19, 2015
Changing the Wind – v3
(merging edits to original and version 2)
Edited July 22, 2013
“changing the wind – v2”
December 7, 2007
“changing the wind”
Based on the comments of Jim Wallis on
Speaking of Faith, November 29, 2007
He was talking about whether to change politicians
or change the wind, to change the public opinion
which guides politics. He used the example
of President Johnson’s statement to the
Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. that it would
take 5 years for a voting rights bill but
it actually took 5 months to pass the Voting Rights Act,
after the March in Selma.
&
Edited September 8, 2013
“Making the secular Holy – v3”
Edited September 7, 2013
“Making the secular Holy – v2”
new poem September 7, 2013
“Making the secular Holy”
----
This poem is about my wife and me when we got married
in a civil service on December 17, 2004 in Concord, NH in White Park
and then before our church family at
Wesley United Methodist Church in Concord, NH
on April 23, 2005.
----
We celebrate 2 anniversaries because they both mean a great
deal to us, in very different ways.
I grieve for those who are able to marry civilly in so many
states now, such as NH, but are unable to marry in their
United Methodists churches and for the clergy who are put on trial
for choosing to go against the Discipline to marry them.
&
trials of Rev. Frank Schaefer
and Rev. Thomas Ogletree
and  Rev. Steve Heiss
&
Edited September 7, 2013
For Offering Love – v2
June 22, 2011
For Offering Love
Love on Trial,
the case against the Reverend Amy DeLong,
which begins on June 20, 2011
&
John 8:1-11
&
Samuel Thompson’s
Inclusion Essay
shared at the New England United Methodist Church
Annual Conference
in response to call by Reconciling Ministries Network
for essays describing, “My vision for an inclusive church”,
June 10, 2011
&
in part inspired by conversations with
the Reverend John Makokha
Riruta UMC
Children of Africa Hope Mission Project in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya. http://rirutaumc.homestead.com/children_of_africa.html
&
Matthew 25:31-46
The Sheep and the Goats
&
Matthew 28:18-20
Great Commission



All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 35,320+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Not Moses, God

The words of scripture
the voice of God severe
He was the one who parted the sea
and vanquished the armies of the king
Not Moses, God
who guided the people
out of slavery
He alone did all these things


January 17, 2010
Isaiah 43:16-17

The Shepherd of My Fathers

Calling on the shepherd
the God of our ancestors
to bless and watch over the children,
the people down to this day

Guiding the flock, wayward and foolish
humble and human
lovingly, when we have gone astray
into the fold, the garner,
the family, to our reward
at the end of the age


January 17, 2010
Genesis 48:15-16

God’s Love

Beyond words, any expression
God’s love, in the creation
the precision, the ordered world
faithfulness to man, even when we fall
rejecting, denying our God

Throughout time, history
steadfast source of strength
for the people,
sheep of his flock

Sending us a savior,
a servant, the son
to walk this way as a man
that we may live again

Bringing God’s love to the earth
caring for the downtrodden
the least among the people
the weak, the last, the lost
all called, to come to him

Going to the cross
as a sacrifice for us
paying the price of our sin
Such is the depth of God’s love



January 16, 2010
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-january-11-17/
for January 11, 2010 to January 17, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
for January 14, 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 20,530+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Steadfast

The love of God
eternal, steadfast
even when we fail
straying from him
Ever God’s love remains
steadfast and for all time


January 16, 2010
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-january-11-17/
for January 11, 2010 to January 17, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
Psalm 36:5-10,
for January 13, 2010

Gifts Bearing Fruit

Gifts of the Spirit
given by God
bearing fruit evident,
sometimes unknown

Planting seeds
into the ground
good soil of fertile hearts
watering, caring for the soil
nurturing the growing plants

Continuing the work
using our gifts
as each of us are given

Trusting in God
for the growth, the reward
the fruit, the harvest, come



January 17, 2010
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-january-11-17/
for January 11, 2010 to January 17, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
1 Corinthians 12:1-11, for January 17, 2010
& 1 Corinthians 3:5-9


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 20,530+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Many Gifts

Many gifts needed
each given for the whole
all for the community
the family of God

To speak the truth
the non-believers entering in
the faithful led by God
the glory to share

Lifting each one up
gathered in their hands
the love of God
the fellowship of man

Each to share their gifts
within the community
offered to bring God near
his truth for all to hear



January 17, 2010
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-january-11-17/
for January 11, 2010 to January 17, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
1 Corinthians 12:1-11, for January 17, 2010
& 1 Corinthians 12:12-31,
& 1 Corinthians 13:1-13,
& 1 Corinthians 14:1-40

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 20,530+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Even in this Small Thing

Responding in love
even in this small thing
water into wine
on the day of the wedding feast

Honoring her request, her prayer
to be generous to the people
looking on her face
changing water into wine

Christ revealed
even in this small thing
the disciples made aware
the nature of their master

An early foretaste
the story of his life
faithful, loving
exceeding in his grace



January 17, 2010
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-january-11-17/
for January 11, 2010 to January 17, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
John 2:1-11, for January 15, 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 20,530+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Dimly

As if in a mirror, dimly
the images on the screen
the devastation, despair
more than I can comprehend

A scale of loss, of grief
beyond my ken
All I can do is pray
and make my offering

Praying that hope may rain down
that the people would feel the love of God
that relief would come like their tears
that have already fallen down


January 17, 2010
Matthew 25:31-40
Psalm 33:3-9 (Call to Worship)
Ephesians 5:21-33
Pastoral prayer, the Message for Children and prayer after,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
and sermon, “Haitian Earthquake: You are There”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 17, 2010

Our Tragedy Too

In the common humanity
in the charge from the Christ
the test of our faith
how we treated the least

Our tragedy too,
though in a distant land
all of them brothers, sisters of Christ
for whom we should do all we can

Nothing of this, the wrath of God
his love complete
all of them children
worthy of grace

Caring for our neighbors
so we are called
to give of our wealth, our compassion
going when we ourselves are called


January 17, 2010
Matthew 25:31-40
Psalm 33:3-9 (Call to Worship)
Ephesians 5:21-33
Pastoral prayer, the Message for Children and prayer after,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
and sermon, “Haitian Earthquake: You are There”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 17, 2010

All of Us Together

All of us together
through our pooling of our gifts
resources, able to make a difference
to send the people hope

Giving of out tithes and time
of the little things they need
coming together to pray
that their suffering
would come to and end


January 17, 2010
Matthew 25:31-40
Psalm 33:3-9 (Call to Worship)
Ephesians 5:21-33
Pastoral prayer, the Message for Children and prayer after,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
and sermon, “Haitian Earthquake: You are There”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 17, 2010

These Brothers of Mine

In the words of our savior
a calling to all of mankind
to love the least the last
all of the brothers,
the sisters of Christ

None should be left behind
none should know despair
all of them should gain our aid
our care, our love
when they are in need


January 17, 2010
Matthew 25:31-40
Psalm 33:3-9 (Call to Worship)
Ephesians 5:21-33
Pastoral prayer, the Message for Children and prayer after,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
and sermon, “Haitian Earthquake: You are There”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 17, 2010

Nothing They Have Done

The prayers for the people
our brothers, our sisters,
the children of that place
Nothing that they have done
brought devastation to their plate

The tragedy upon them
the loss that they face
all of that a natural disaster
nothing about the human race

All of us unworthy,
deserving of the judgment of God
none of this about their sin
all of us falling short before God

Our prayers, our hands, our hearts
needing in this time and place
That their loss would turn to hope
we are the means of God’s grace

Offering hope to this people
the nation rebuilding from the rumble
rising on the wings of prayer
surrounded by love all around

Such is our prayer for the people
the young and the old
that all of the world
would come to their aid
that love would be their embrace


January 17, 2010
Matthew 25:31-40
Psalm 33:3-9 (Call to Worship)
Ephesians 5:21-33
Pastoral prayer, the Message for Children and prayer after,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
and sermon, “Haitian Earthquake: You are There”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 17, 2010

A Common Humanity

A reminder, from the pulpit
the sermon, the truth in the judgment
the return of the king
All of us to be tested
all of us the same
a common humanity
all of the children of man
Each of us born,
made in the image of God
All of us needing his grace
to come before the Lord



January 17, 2010
Matthew 25:31-40
Psalm 33:3-9 (Call to Worship)
Ephesians 5:21-33
Pastoral prayer, the Message for Children and prayer after,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
and sermon, “Haitian Earthquake: You are There”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
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 17, 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 20,530+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Our Extended Family

Not strangers, set apart from us
part of us, all those suffering
our extended family
the people of Haiti;
all of them raised up
lifted up, as if on wings,
wrapped in our collective prayer
all around the world

Each of them lifted up, in our prayer
that their pain, their sorrow
the weight lifted from their shoulders
feeling instead, love,
palpable, the loving arms of God
healing the ache, the loss
all of our brother, our sisters, our children
in that troubled, hurting place


January 17, 2010
Matthew 25:31-40
Psalm 33:3-9 (Call to Worship)
Ephesians 5:21-33
Pastoral prayer, the Message for Children and prayer after,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
and sermon, “Haitian Earthquake: You are There”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
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 17, 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.