The Granary

I met evil, coming inside
from the bright summer day
on the Vineyard, so long ago
His eyes full of hate
naked in the photograph
his tortured, twisted soul laid bare

What must it have been like
looking through the lens
the emulsion coming to dark life
in the quickening of the darkroom
So disconcerting, even on the glossy page
evil incarnate, looking right at me

January 30, 2010

The Granary

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/01/granary.html

This poem is about my memory, of the jarring sensation

seeing a photograph circa 1994, of one of the all-time

great pictures, capturing evil, before it rose up to full flowering http://www.digitaljournalist.org/issue9911/icon02.htm,

http://www.granarygallery.com/title.php?titleID=10005991

of Joseph Goebbels,

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Goebbels,

on display at The Granary Gallery

(http://www.granarygallery.com/),

on Martha’s Vineyard

taken by Alfred Eisenstaedt (1898 - 1995),

http://artquarterly.com/artist.cfm?ID=16,

a master of black and white. Photojournalist of the century, http://www.digitaljournalist.org/issue9911/eisieintro.htm.

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 37,270+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Naked

The truth, their sin
naked, revealed
transparent before God
Hiding from their maker
knowing what they had done
Cast out of the garden
their innocence lost


January 30, 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.”

Stunned by the Words of Isaiah

Forced to open their minds,
to accept the possibility of change
The men of Nazareth, sitting in their synagogue
stunned by the words of Isaiah
the prophet read in their midst

The son of the carpenter
the boy they had known
claiming the prophecy of old
fulfilled in their hearing
too much for them
to them this was blasphemy


January 30, 2010
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=645177&whichBarItem=excerpt&category=&sub_category=
Upper Room Disciplines for 2010
for January 25, 2010 to January 31, 2010,
“A Standing Invitation”,
by Ray Waddle
Luke 4:12-30 for January 30, 2010
Isaiah 61:1

Challenging their Unbelief

Speaking directly, assertively
the ancient words of Isaiah
claiming the coming of the prophecy
all of this fulfilled
The example of the people
ignoring the words of the prophets
like him forced to teach to foreigners


January 30, 2010
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=645177&whichBarItem=excerpt&category=&sub_category=
Upper Room Disciplines for 2010
for January 25, 2010 to January 31, 2010,
“A Standing Invitation”,
by Ray Waddle
Luke 4:12-30 for January 30, 2010
Isaiah 61:1

Even When We Don’t Understand

Even in the mirror dimly
seeing only in part
comfort in the rest of the text
in the life of the savior instead

Love, even when we don’t understand
the example of the Christ
the central act of worship, of faith
to love our God and our fellow man
to follow as Christ has led


January 30, 2010
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=645177&whichBarItem=excerpt&category=&sub_category=
Upper Room Disciplines for 2010
for January 25, 2010 to January 31, 2010,
“A Standing Invitation”,
by Ray Waddle
1 Corinthians 13:1-13 for January 28, 2010

His Presence Ever

Before our birth,
when we enter the world
all of our days
even when we are unaware

Our loving father,
our rock, creator
His holy presence ever
right by our side

Walking with us
God close beside us
protecting and guiding us
all of our days


January 30, 2010
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=645177&whichBarItem=excerpt&category=&sub_category=
Upper Room Disciplines for 2010
for January 25, 2010 to January 31, 2010,
“A Standing Invitation”,
by Ray Waddle
Psalm 71:1-6 for January 27, 2010
Jeremiah 1:4-10 for January 25, 2010

Leaning on God

Trusting in our creator
the one who can sustain us
leaning on God
all of our days

Not sure of the outcome
the end of our journey
but safe, secure
in the arms of the Lord

His guiding, protecting
making straight our way
our rock, our redeemer
in him can we trust.


January 30, 2010
2 Samuel 22:29-34
Psalm 37:5
and
Upper Room Daily Devotional
http://www.upperroom.org/devotional/default.asp?month=1&day=30&year=2010
for January 30, 2010,
“In His Care”,
by Charles E. Harrel

My Footing Sure

My footing sure
even when I know not the path
my way straight
even in the unknown

God’s providing,
his protection, direction
my way easy
when I trust
and lean on the Lord


January 30, 2010
2 Samuel 22:29-34
Psalm 37:5
and
Upper Room Daily Devotional
http://www.upperroom.org/devotional/default.asp?month=1&day=30&year=2010
for January 30, 2010,
“In His Care”,
by Charles E. Harrel

His Compassion

Putting on Christ
the fruits of the spirit
love of the father
the yoke of our savior
His compassion
the depth of his grace

Walking with our brother
yoked with the Messiah
dying to ourselves
forgiving others
for their sins on this earth

In this we carry
the love of our master
our shepherd’s words
out into the world

Living in love, forgiveness
through this able
walking all of our days
generous with our neighbors
humbly before our God


January 30, 2010
Colossians 3:12-17
Matthew 6:12
and
Upper Room Daily Devotional
http://www.upperroom.org/devotional/default.asp?month=1&day=29&year=2010
for January 29, 2010,
“Forgiveness Brings Peace”,
by Anne Rasmussen

Forgiveness in our hearts

We should be mindful
more than in his teachings
the words that he shared
how we should forgive one another

Forgiveness in our hearts
so should we carry
God’s love, forgiveness
for everyone on earth

His life, the model, example
true love, forgiveness
for the whole world
even those who wished him death

Our understanding only
in part comprehending
the forgiveness of Christ
while he hung on the cross

His lesson, his teaching
to forgive one another
holy, sustaining
because Christ did this himself


January 30, 2010
Colossians 3:12-17
Matthew 6:12
and
Upper Room Daily Devotional
http://www.upperroom.org/devotional/default.asp?month=1&day=29&year=2010
for January 29, 2010,
“Forgiveness Brings Peace”,
by Anne Rasmussen

Following Where They Have Walked

Going as they were sent
walking this earth with Christ
seeing his witness in this life
doing his work in their time

Following where they have walked
answering our savior’s call
standing on the shoulder
of the saints of our faith
going as we are called.


January 30, 2010
1 John 1:1-4
Colossians 3:16
and
Upper Room Daily Devotional
http://www.upperroom.org/devotional/default.asp?month=1&day=28&year=2010
for January 28, 2010,
“Christian Fellowship”,
by Lee Ann Carr

What they saw, what we believe

Their witness
our sharing in this life
what they saw,
what we believe
love, giving life

The love of God come down
walking with us
as a man
bringing witness,
saving grace
that we all may live


January 30, 2010
1 John 1:1-4
Colossians 3:16
and
Upper Room Daily Devotional
http://www.upperroom.org/devotional/default.asp?month=1&day=28&year=2010
for January 28, 2010,
“Christian Fellowship”,
by Lee Ann Carr

To His Bed

The travelers, magi
on the pilgrimage under his star
guided from the east,
traveling far

To his bed, his infant throne
offering gifts to the king
of gold, frankincense and myrrh
so thick with meaning

Strangers, those from far way
seeing what the people could not
the Messiah born
come to light our way


January 1, 2010
Matthew 2:1-12

Journeying under the Star

They traveled, from the east
so far away
journeying under the star
the sign of his birth

Leading them to his bed
fulfilling the prophecy
Giving him gifts,
gold, frankincense and myrrh

His life laid out
in what they gave him
for his kingship, divinity,
for his sacrifice
offered for us all


January 1, 2010
Matthew 2:1-12

Dying on the Cross

Our sin, our lives
with Christ, dying on the cross
into the waters,
buried with him in the cold grave
into the tomb
rising with him from death
living in him all of our days


January 30, 2010
Romans 6:3-14
John 10:10
and
Upper Room Daily Devotional
http://www.upperroom.org/devotional/default.asp?month=1&day=27&year=2010
for January 27, 2010,
“New Life Now”,
by Derek Sum Wei Siang

We have died already

In claiming the gift
believing in the Christ
we have died already
into the waters
risen from our death
alive with him

Living in this world
new creations in the Lord
going into the wilderness
crying out, in his love
sharing the truth of God
telling all of his love
going where we are called
to be his hands, his feet
to offer his endless love


January 30, 2010
Romans 6:3-14
John 10:10
and
Upper Room Daily Devotional
http://www.upperroom.org/devotional/default.asp?month=1&day=27&year=2010
for January 27, 2010,
“New Life Now”,
by Derek Sum Wei Siang

Abundant Life Now

Not salvation
a life in heaven alone
he came to give us, freely,
abundant life now
a new life here
changed, transformed
living anew with him
confirmed to our faith
walking in this world
sharing the message of Christ
bringing earth closer to God


January 30, 2010
Romans 6:3-14
John 10:10
and
Upper Room Daily Devotional
http://www.upperroom.org/devotional/default.asp?month=1&day=27&year=2010
for January 27, 2010,
“New Life Now”,
by Derek Sum Wei Siang

Dying in the Waters

Dying in the waters
into the waters we fall
dying to ourselves, the world
rising, the dove may it fall

Ascending from the death
rising from the grave
walking with our savior
only by grace
spreading his message of love

A new life in this age
a servant in this world
carrying his message
to the ends of the earth
as we are called to do

Living as changed creations
new life in the Lord
traveling the streets of this life
until we walk in the age to come
the streets paved with gold


January 30, 2010
Romans 6:3-14
John 10:10
and
Upper Room Daily Devotional
http://www.upperroom.org/devotional/default.asp?month=1&day=27&year=2010
for January 27, 2010,
“New Life Now”,
by Derek Sum Wei Siang

With Christ, buried in the waters

In the waters of our sin
into these we die
falling into our death
buried, sealed in the tomb

Rising with Christ
we live, born anew
walking this world
as new creations
until we are called
to our heavenly home


January 30, 2010
Romans 6:3-14
John 10:10
and
Upper Room Daily Devotional
http://www.upperroom.org/devotional/default.asp?month=1&day=27&year=2010
for January 27, 2010,
“New Life Now”,
by Derek Sum Wei Siang

New Life - 2

With our death
into the waters of our sin
raised up on the cross
new life in Christ
risen with him

All of our days
after the moment we believe
new life in this age
an early start on eternity


January 30, 2010
Romans 6:3-14
John 10:10
and
Upper Room Daily Devotional
http://www.upperroom.org/devotional/default.asp?month=1&day=27&year=2010
for January 27, 2010,
“New Life Now”,
by Derek Sum Wei Siang

Without Beginning or End

Unlike us with feet of clay
our creator, our maker
without beginning or end

the one who shaped the world
made the concept of time as well
spans for our understanding
measured in second, minutes, years

God, eternal, before there was time
remember me, in your grace
continue to guide my steps in this life
as my days continue to gray


January 30, 2010

Guide Me

God, triune, eternal
creator, sustainer, savior
son, spirit, father,
guide me, Lord
in this life,
your still small voice within
chart the course of my days
let me do my work here
your gifts, your love, to display
for your glory, so I pray


January 30, 2010

Standing in the Sanctuary

Like Christ, even if it is difficult
standing in the sanctuary
to speak of our call from God
sharing our ministry
with those whom we know

Maybe, as with Christ
they may fail to see
the call we feel from within
that does not deny its power

Our ministry, just as the Christ
in the charge he gave us
to spread his message
to the ends of the earth
disciples to make
in all the nations


January 29, 2010
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-january-25-31/
for January 25, 2010 to January 31, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
Jeremiah 1:4-10
for January 25, 2010
Luke 4:21-30 (and Luke 4:1-20)
for January 28, 2010
and “Journey into the Unknown”,
by Diana Butler Bass,
for January 29, 2010

The Words of His Call

In some ways easier
defining his purpose
unlike his followers, disciples,
the words of his call
written in the text, made clear

The words of Isaiah
fulfilled in his reading
his mission, his ministry
all laid out in the words
offering healing, offering hope
setting the captives free
from the chains of their sin


January 29, 2010
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-january-25-31/
for January 25, 2010 to January 31, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
Jeremiah 1:4-10
for January 25, 2010
Luke 4:21-30 (and Luke 4:1-20)
for January 28, 2010
and “Journey into the Unknown”,
by Diana Butler Bass,
for January 29, 2010

Within the Congregation

Before the people
this community
these neighbors
within the congregation
sharing the truth about his call

Shock and condemnation
denial of his identity
driven from the town
out of the community

The Messiah, redeemer
the Christ-child now a man
beginning his ministry
out in the land
away from his home
outside the congregation


January 29, 2010
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-january-25-31/
for January 25, 2010 to January 31, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
Jeremiah 1:4-10
for January 25, 2010
Luke 4:21-30 (and Luke 4:1-20)
for January 28, 2010
and “Journey into the Unknown”,
by Diana Butler Bass,
for January 29, 2010

After His Time in the Desert

After his time in the desert
after his baptism
the spirit upon him
steeling his steps

Denying the devil
he returned to his hometown
claiming the mantle
his calling from above

The carpenter’s son
no longer his persona
claiming the words of Isaiah
to guide the rest of his life

Changed forever, the Christ
and his hometown
unable to see the Messiah
standing in their midst


January 29, 2010
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-january-25-31/
for January 25, 2010 to January 31, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
Jeremiah 1:4-10
for January 25, 2010
Luke 4:21-30 (and Luke 4:1-20)
for January 28, 2010
and “Journey into the Unknown”,
by Diana Butler Bass,
for January 29, 2010

If I Were the Wind

If I were the wind
blowing with gentle breezes
for the receptive
stormy blasts,
to get his message out
God’s word, his love overflowing
carried on the wind
of the words that I share


January 27, 2010, January 28, 2010, and January 29, 2010
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-january-25-31/
for January 25, 2010 to January 31, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
Jeremiah 1:4-10
for January 25, 2010
Luke 4:21-30 (and Luke 4:1-20)
for January 28, 2010
and “Journey into the Unknown”,
by Diana Butler Bass,
for January 29, 2010

Afraid of their Rejection

Was Christ aware
before his reading
that the community
his hometown
would deny his call

Did he know
that they would not believe him
when he claimed the words of Isaiah
as his calling from God

Was he afraid of their rejection
before he went in
lifting the scriptures
and saying they were fulfilled

How much harder
for those who have come after
down through the ages
all of us with feet of clay


January 29, 2010
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-january-25-31/
for January 25, 2010 to January 31, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
Jeremiah 1:4-10
for January 25, 2010
Luke 4:21-30 (and Luke 4:1-20)
for January 28, 2010
and “Journey into the Unknown”,
by Diana Butler Bass,
for January 29, 2010

The Rejection of Man

A foretaste, fulfillment
in the response of his community
God claiming his divinity
denied by his friends, his family

The people that knew him
unable to believe
the truth of his teaching

God’s challenge, in this world
our struggle, through the ages
the rejection of his offering of love,
the rejection of God by man


January 29, 2010
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-january-25-31/
for January 25, 2010 to January 31, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
Jeremiah 1:4-10
for January 25, 2010
Luke 4:21-30 (and Luke 4:1-20)
for January 28, 2010
and “Journey into the Unknown”,
by Diana Butler Bass,
for January 29, 2010

The Messiah before them

Unable to see, to believe
the Messiah before them
claiming the words of Isaiah
his ministry, his purpose in life

To offer hope, to set the captives free
after testing in the desert
revealing all to them

Claiming the words of the prophecy
fulfilled in their hearing
unable to comprehend
the man they knew
come to set them free


January 29, 2010
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-january-25-31/
for January 25, 2010 to January 31, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
Jeremiah 1:4-10
for January 25, 2010
Luke 4:21-30 (and Luke 4:1-20)
for January 28, 2010
and “Journey into the Unknown”,
by Diana Butler Bass,
for January 29, 2010

Running God out of town

His friends, his family
the community of his faith
now his enemy

Running God out of town
rejecting his call, his ministry
sending Christ out on a rail
elsewhere
to fulfill his destiny


January 29, 2010
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-january-25-31/
for January 25, 2010 to January 31, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
Jeremiah 1:4-10
for January 25, 2010
Luke 4:21-30 (and Luke 4:1-20)
for January 28, 2010
and “Journey into the Unknown”,
by Diana Butler Bass,
for January 29, 2010

Metanoia

His life changed
into the waters,
rising, the dove upon him
into the desert
tempted from his path

Back to his hometown
to the synagogue of his youth
picking up the scriptures
reading from the ancient verse

Claiming the power
the ministry of love
the words of Isaiah
written on his life

More than they could understand
this man whom they had known
all of his life a carpenter
unable to hear his truth

Driven from the town
all he had fully known
to wander the earth, a messenger
until his work on earth was done


January 29, 2010
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-january-25-31/
for January 25, 2010 to January 31, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
Jeremiah 1:4-10
for January 25, 2010
Luke 4:21-30 (and Luke 4:1-20)
for January 28, 2010
and “Journey into the Unknown”,
by Diana Butler Bass,
for January 29, 2010

Leaving Nazareth

Leaving Nazareth
no longer the child
the man, the son of Joseph
reclaiming his divinity

The Christ-child announcing
his calling in the prophecy
the words of Isaiah
come to life before their eyes

Never again
the carpenter only
no, now a teacher
to bring us all to God


January 29, 2010
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-january-25-31/
for January 25, 2010 to January 31, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
Jeremiah 1:4-10
for January 25, 2010
Luke 4:21-30 (and Luke 4:1-20)
for January 28, 2010
and “Journey into the Unknown”,
by Diana Butler Bass,
for January 29, 2010

The Sand Shifting

Change, the sand shifting
their beliefs challenged
in ways they could not stand

The Christ entering
sitting in the sanctuary
surrounded by his community
claiming the words of prophecy

More than they could fathom
the boy, the man from their town
How could he be the one
foretold in the words
the scripture written down

Sending the Messiah
the Christ before them
out of the community
unable to believe his truth


January 29, 2010
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-january-25-31/
for January 25, 2010 to January 31, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
Jeremiah 1:4-10
for January 25, 2010
Luke 4:21-30 (and Luke 4:1-20)
for January 28, 2010
and “Journey into the Unknown”,
by Diana Butler Bass,
for January 29, 2010

What would they say of his calling

In our times, in our houses of faith
what would they say of his calling
if Jesus had come into our presence
and read from the holy word

He wasn’t ordained,
a priest by profession
claiming the words of Isaiah
in his own synagogue

Reading the scripture
claiming its fulfillment
what would we say
if Christ came into our midst


January 29, 2010
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-january-25-31/
for January 25, 2010 to January 31, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
Jeremiah 1:4-10
for January 25, 2010
Luke 4:21-30 (and Luke 4:1-20)
for January 28, 2010
and “Journey into the Unknown”,
by Diana Butler Bass,
for January 29, 2010

Only on the Outside

Not within his hometown
as with other prophets
the people blind
unable to see

Only on the outside
first to other people
the truth, the light
the prophecy revealed

His people not believing
this boy, the man they knew
coming to them, boldly,
claiming the prophecy of God


January 29, 2010
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-january-25-31/
for January 25, 2010 to January 31, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
Jeremiah 1:4-10
for January 25, 2010
Luke 4:21-30 (and Luke 4:1-20)
for January 28, 2010
and “Journey into the Unknown”,
by Diana Butler Bass,
for January 29, 2010

Blind to His Teaching

They couldn’t see him
the fulfillment,
of the words of Isaiah
the truth ringing odd
sounding funny in their ears

Blind to his teaching
the truth of the coming
the Messiah revealed
in the words from his lips

The boy, the Christ-child
the man before them
claiming his power
the people unaware
they denied the living God


January 29, 2010
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-january-25-31/
for January 25, 2010 to January 31, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
Jeremiah 1:4-10
for January 25, 2010
Luke 4:21-30 (and Luke 4:1-20)
for January 28, 2010
and “Journey into the Unknown”,
by Diana Butler Bass,
for January 29, 2010

Joseph’s Son

Not a king, Messiah
the child of the carpenter
in his hometown only
Joseph’s oldest son

Yet here the Christ-child
claimed his calling
standing in the synagogue
reading the ancient words

In their unbelieving
his itinerancy started
seeking those who would believe
wherever he was led,
wherever he would go


January 29, 2010
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-january-25-31/
for January 25, 2010 to January 31, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
Jeremiah 1:4-10
for January 25, 2010
Luke 4:21-30 (and Luke 4:1-20)
for January 28, 2010
and “Journey into the Unknown”,
by Diana Butler Bass,
for January 29, 2010

Claiming His Calling

Standing and reading
the ancient scripture
claiming his calling
within his community of faith

Disbelief and anger
who is this stranger?
the son of Joseph
how could he be the prophecy?

How hard for his people
who knew him from his youth
never seeing the star
unaware of his holy birth


January 29, 2010
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-january-25-31/
for January 25, 2010 to January 31, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
Jeremiah 1:4-10
for January 25, 2010
Luke 4:21-30 (and Luke 4:1-20)
for January 28, 2010
and “Journey into the Unknown”,
by Diana Butler Bass,
for January 29, 2010

In His Hometown

In his hometown, a pariah
in claiming the mantle
the words of Isaiah
coming to life

His words of authority
falling flat to their ears
how could Joseph’s child
be the one who was foretold


January 29, 2010
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-january-25-31/
for January 25, 2010 to January 31, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
Jeremiah 1:4-10
for January 25, 2010
Luke 4:21-30 (and Luke 4:1-20)
for January 28, 2010
and “Journey into the Unknown”,
by Diana Butler Bass,
for January 29, 2010

A New Role

The words of the prophet
ancient words fulfilled
Christ claiming Isaiah
within how own community

No longer the young boy
the son, the carpenter,
growing up, living
in their midst

A new role, Messiah
risen up from the waters
tempted by the devil
returning, anointed,
beginning to preach


January 29, 2010
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-january-25-31/
for January 25, 2010 to January 31, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
Jeremiah 1:4-10
for January 25, 2010
Luke 4:21-30 (and Luke 4:1-20)
for January 28, 2010
and “Journey into the Unknown”,
by Diana Butler Bass,
for January 29, 2010

The Rejection of Jesus

His own people
of his community
unable to believe in the Christ
rejecting Jesus,
the man they knew

Unable to change
to adjust their point of view
to see him as he claimed
fulfilling the prophecy

Denying the Christ
forcing him from the town
to spread his message
his ministry
away from his home


January 29, 2010
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-january-25-31/
for January 25, 2010 to January 31, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
Jeremiah 1:4-10
for January 25, 2010
Luke 4:21-30 (and Luke 4:1-20)
for January 28, 2010
and “Journey into the Unknown”,
by Diana Butler Bass,
for January 29, 2010

Out of this Rubble

The cries of the children,
of the mothers, fathers
all who have lost so much
this nation, lying in ruin
where there was such loss before

Out of this rubble
survivors rising,
one world coming to their aid
Hope is in the joining
the responding together
in this there is hope

A poor, impoverished nation
struggling just to survive
May this crisis focus attention
give more than aid;
a real chance at life


January 29, 2010
Matthew 2:16-18
Isaiah 40:1-12 (Call to Worship)
Lord’s Prayer
service after Our Family’s Table
led by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
sermon, “Meditation on Six Days after Epiphany Day”,
focused on the earthquake in Haiti
comparing it to the Oakland earthquake
on 10/17/89, during the World Series
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 27, 2010
&
Genesis 8:21b-22,
Genesis 9:12-16
Genesis 6:5-8, 11-13
Psalm 20:1-3 (Call to Worship)
Psalm 46:1-11
1 Corinthians 12:12-31a
Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10
Worship Theme: There is Hope in God
Children’s Message
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
and sermon, “I Shall Not Be Moved”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 24, 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

Walls that should have stood

More the greed of man
the cruel truth of poverty
the walls that should have stood
crumbling to the ground

So much of the death
the loss of life and limb
caused by the hand of man
rather than the wrath of God

Ours is not to wonder why
not yet at any rate
but to give all we can
for those who are left to live

Helping this country
these neighbors
in this time of need;
offering love, to this troubled land


January 29, 2010
Matthew 2:16-18
Isaiah 40:1-12 (Call to Worship)
Lord’s Prayer
service after Our Family’s Table
led by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
sermon, “Meditation on Six Days after Epiphany Day”,
focused on the earthquake in Haiti
comparing it to the Oakland earthquake
on 10/17/89, during the World Series
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 27, 2010
&
Genesis 8:21b-22,
Genesis 9:12-16
Genesis 6:5-8, 11-13
Psalm 20:1-3 (Call to Worship)
Psalm 46:1-11
1 Corinthians 12:12-31a
Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10
Worship Theme: There is Hope in God
Children’s Message
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
and sermon, “I Shall Not Be Moved”
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 24, 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
http://www.suncookumc.org
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
January 20, 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.

Walls Crumbling

With the shaking
walls crumbling
some that should have held
falling in the poverty
the ways they were built
a tragedy complicated
made worse by the reality
this land so poor before
nature had its way with them
so much to be restored


January 29, 2010
Matthew 2:16-18
Isaiah 40:1-12 (Call to Worship)
Lord’s Prayer
service after Our Family’s Table
led by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
sermon, “Meditation on Six Days after Epiphany Day”,
focused on the earthquake in Haiti
comparing it to the Oakland earthquake
on 10/17/89, during the World Series
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 27, 2010
&
Genesis 8:21b-22,
Genesis 9:12-16
Genesis 6:5-8, 11-13
Psalm 20:1-3 (Call to Worship)
Psalm 46:1-11
1 Corinthians 12:12-31a
Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10
Worship Theme: There is Hope in God
Children’s Message
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
and sermon, “I Shall Not Be Moved”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 24, 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

In this Season of Trial

An opportunity, a challenge
in this season of trial
Changing the world
and our response to one another
tragedy so real,
the pain, the loss palpable
so many people
crying out in their loss

Conforming, made ready
the low places lifted up
so we are called
the voices crying in that wilderness

To love our neighbors
no longer strangers
our brothers, our sisters
our children
crying out in pain

Lowering our high places
so their valleys may be exalted
shaving our mountains
that their rough places may be made plain

Together with God able
to reorder our priorities
to reach out, in his name
offering our hands, our feet
to lift the world up


January 29, 2010
Matthew 2:16-18
Isaiah 40:1-12 (Call to Worship)
Lord’s Prayer
service after Our Family’s Table
led by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
sermon, “Meditation on Six Days after Epiphany Day”,
focused on the earthquake in Haiti
comparing it to the Oakland earthquake
on 10/17/89, during the World Series
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 27, 2010
&
Genesis 8:21b-22,
Genesis 9:12-16
Genesis 6:5-8, 11-13
Psalm 20:1-3 (Call to Worship)
Psalm 46:1-11
1 Corinthians 12:12-31a
Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10
Worship Theme: There is Hope in God
Children’s Message
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
and sermon, “I Shall Not Be Moved”
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 24, 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
http://www.suncookumc.org
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
January 20, 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.

A Disaster of Poverty

A question, pregnant on our lips
the extent of the devastation
the cost of the earthquake
in that impoverished land

A disaster of poverty
the poor construction
buildings collapsing,
crumbling, unlike
in a wealthier land

A season of anguish
recovery slowed to a crawl
a disaster of poverty
may the world answer their cries, their call


January 29, 2010
Matthew 2:16-18
Isaiah 40:1-12 (Call to Worship)
Lord’s Prayer
service after Our Family’s Table
led by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
sermon, “Meditation on Six Days after Epiphany Day”,
focused on the earthquake in Haiti
comparing it to the Oakland earthquake
on 10/17/89, during the World Series
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 27, 2010
&
Genesis 8:21b-22,
Genesis 9:12-16
Genesis 6:5-8, 11-13
Psalm 20:1-3 (Call to Worship)
Psalm 46:1-11
1 Corinthians 12:12-31a
Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10
Worship Theme: There is Hope in God
Children’s Message
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
and sermon, “I Shall Not Be Moved”
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 24, 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
http://www.suncookumc.org
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
January 20, 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.

In Dying

In dying
Turning from the world
the leading of my self
Life, in dying
eternal and abundant
fruits in this life
the signs of eternity
marked by my maker
his fingerprints in my clay
trying to walk with my savior
every single day


January 29, 2010
Matthew 2:16-18
Isaiah 40:1-12 (Call to Worship)
Lord’s Prayer
service after Our Family’s Table
led by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
sermon, “Meditation on Six Days after Epiphany Day”,
focused on the earthquake in Haiti
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 27, 2010

Dying to Myself

In dying, to myself
letting go of my control
I live, in the Lord
following another plan
a path for my life
abundant, in service
giving, as I am called
sharing, good news
God’s love for all


January 29, 2010
Matthew 2:16-18
Isaiah 40:1-12 (Call to Worship)
Lord’s Prayer
service after Our Family’s Table
led by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
sermon, “Meditation on Six Days after Epiphany Day”,
focused on the earthquake in Haiti
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 27, 2010

Rachel Crying

All the children, the mothers
we can hear Rachel crying
weeping in that land
for her children are no more

A country of orphans
of numb survivors
wandering, wondering
Lord, how can this be

My prayer this morning
that change would finally come
the land would reap a harvest
with love, the aid coming in

Not just for this season
this time of pain and struggle
this nation reclaimed
truly set back on its feet

Rising from the rubble, the ashes
like a phoenix ascending
soaring, like eagles
on the wings of God’s love


January 29, 2010
Matthew 2:16-18
Isaiah 40:1-12 (Call to Worship)
Lord’s Prayer
service after Our Family’s Table
led by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
sermon, “Meditation on Six Days after Epiphany Day”,
focused on the earthquake in Haiti
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 27, 2010
&
Genesis 8:21b-22,
Genesis 9:12-16
Genesis 6:5-8, 11-13
Psalm 20:1-3 (Call to Worship)
Psalm 46:1-11
1 Corinthians 12:12-31a
Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10
Worship Theme: There is Hope in God
Children’s Message
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
and sermon, “I Shall Not Be Moved”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 24, 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

love into prose

love into prose
coming from heaven
words into my mind
finding life on the page

listening to the voice
calling them outward
mindful to give credit
to God above


January 29, 2010

email of 1/28/2010 from General Board of Church and Society, The United Methodist Church

The Window for Passing Humane Immigration Reform is Closing

Dear Raymond,

You know the scene in the opening of the movie Raiders of the Lost Ark when Indiana Jones is escaping from a cave with a golden idol? He barely crawls underneath a stone door that is falling, quickly reaches underneath the door and grabs his hat and somehow, someway he makes it out.

Well, that is the best way for me to describe where we are right now on passing comprehensive immigration reform. The stone door is falling on us, due in large part to the politics-as-usual in Washington DC, and we now have only one hope for our way out: YOU!

YOU, and those YOU can mobilize, are the only way we do not get the stone door of inaction and political ineptitude slammed shut on us. Somehow, someway we can make it out, but only with YOUR involvement.

So, here are some ways you can get involved:

February 1 National Faith and Immigration Conference Call at 4 pm EST. We will hear about legislation we are currently supporting, details regarding the 2nd Annual February Prayer Vigils, Ecumenical Advocacy Days and an historic rally that same weekend.


2nd Annual Prayer Vigils for February. It is not too late to plan a prayer vigil for your community of faith! Use our organizing guide, invite your member of Congress. They need to know you care about this issue. Your efforts, joined with people of faith throughout the United States, are moving Members of Congress to support just and humane immigration reform.


Attend the March 19-21 Ecumenical Advocacy Days and the March Faith Rally, or Support Someone Who Does. The conference and rally may be our last hope for reform this year and we need YOU to attend. There could be as many as 100,000 people attending the rally, so you do not want to miss it!

It is crunch time - we can make the difference. Please get involved and get your church, Sunday school class, Wesley Foundation, and any other networks you are part of to join you in Christian witness! Together, we can advocate for a pathway to citizenship for all undocumented immigrants, the reunification of all immigrant families and the protection of the rights of all workers.

Grab your hat and let's go, because we still have some time!

In Christ,

Bill Mefford
Director, Civil and Human Rights
The General Board of Church and Society
United Methodist Church
100 Maryland Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20002
202-488-5600
FAX 202-488-5619


I am Prophet-Driven

Join our “prophet driven” campaign to put those on the bottom of the economic ladder at the top of the economic agenda. 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.


Help for Haiti
Make a donation to UMCOR's advance to support rescue efforts and victims of the Haitian emergency. 100 percent of Advance gifts made will go to support relief and development efforts due to emergencies in Haiti.
Also, organize a church activity to prepare supply kits.

A Time for Fishing

A change in my thinking
not sitting on the shoreline
by my nets, mending, cutting bait
no longer standing
struggling in my comfort
stepping out and following the Lord

A time for fishing
moving beyond preparation
focused on my calling
to go and fish for me

Going out, casting my stones,
my starfish, messages in a bottle,
words of love, of saving
cast out into the seas


January 28, 2010

In What We Share (reposted with expanded notes)

All of us mindful,
or so should we be
charitable and gracious
more in what we share
than the things
that keep of us apart

So much of faith
the core of our beliefs
the same across religions,
denominations and creeds
The creator, sustainer,
the love of the deity
all of us believing
in the oneness of God

edited October 26, 2015

In What We Share – v2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/10/in-what-we-share-v2.html

January 28, 2010

In What We Share

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/01/in-what-we-share-reposted-with-expanded.html

conversation with Deacon David Shrader,

of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church,

http://www.catholicnh.org/directory/index.cfm?intType=2&id=72

Allenstown, NH

at Suncook United Methodist Church,

Suncook, NH

about the work of Karen Armstrong,

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karen_Armstrong

looking at the common ground of

the monotheistic religions of

Judaism, Christianity, and Islam

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 39,770+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Casting Stones

Casting stones
out into the deep waters
creating ripples
to wash across the word
Words of love
of comfort, of hope
sharing messages of Christ
his lessons for our lives
to bring us back to God


January 28, 2010

In What We Share

All of us mindful,
or so should we be
charitable and gracious
more in what we share
than the things
that keep of us apart

So much of faith
the core of our beliefs
the same across religions,
denominations and creeds
The creator, sustainer,
the love of the deity
all of us believing
in the oneness of God


January 28, 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.

Stones for the water

The words of my poetry
intended for others
for strangers, people
whom I may never meet

Stones, rounded, and purposeful
precisely crafted,
but not by this writer
something more,
guiding my hands

Stones for the water
to send forth a ripple
growing to waves
to wash on distant shores


January 28, 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.

In Ripples of Thought

Words into my consciousness
out into the ether, the world
spreading beyond my comprehension
to some distant shore

In ripples of thought
cast into the ocean
words, imagery, hope
praying to land on fertile soil


January 28, 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.

In Ripples, Greater

Each of these words
poems, and their beauty
stones into the waters
given back to the sea

In ripples, their effect greater
out into the ether
spreading love, vision
hope to all of the world

Something of grace
of meaning and purpose
a visual tableau
love into prose


January 28, 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.

Within the Ark

All of life, creation, animals, birds,
other than those who live in the sea
sealed in, the door closed by God
safe in the ark, riding on the waves

The destruction, the flood
to cleanse the earth
but sinful man
still within the ark

God’s rainbow
written across the skies
a promise by the creator
never to flood the earth

In this promise, his covenant
hope for all the world
all of mankind, never to be wiped out
on this we have his word

Love, unconditional
offered by him for all
in this the seeds of history
the people of the book
and our creator, our savior, God


January 28, 2010
Genesis 8:21b-22,
Genesis 9:12-16
Genesis 6:5-8, 11-13
Psalm 20:1-3 (Call to Worship)
Psalm 46:1-11
1 Corinthians 12:12-31a
Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10
Worship Theme: There is Hope in God
Children’s Message
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
and sermon, “I Shall Not Be Moved”
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 24, 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.

Seeds of Life

Seeds of life,
seeds of hope
carried within the ark
in the covenant
the rainbow
the story of the flood

Condemnation was the start
but God has given us hope
never again to wash the earth
to destroy life in this way
loving us, all of creation
in spite of our sin

The seeds of the coming
the Christ-child, the savior
born in the story
the promise
of the rainbow
love of God
written across the skies


January 28, 2010
Genesis 8:21b-22,
Genesis 9:12-16
Genesis 6:5-8, 11-13
Psalm 20:1-3 (Call to Worship)
Psalm 46:1-11
1 Corinthians 12:12-31a
Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10
Worship Theme: There is Hope in God
Children’s Message
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
and sermon, “I Shall Not Be Moved”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 24, 2010

Hope, in the rainbow, and in sharing

Natalie Helms, an 11 year old from NC, reviewed my poem, “A Rainbow of Hope”, for a class project. Here is a link to more information about her project and a wonderful poem she wrote, entitled, “What Hope Is To Me”. Right on Natalie!

http://stitchanything.blogspot.com/2010/01/hope.html

Here is her review of my poem, printed here with permission.

"I liked this poems idea because people never think about the little things, people say they are always too busy. Only a few look up at the rainbow of hope. Just because things are small doesn't mean there value is small, have hope. Have hope in small things, if you do they could become big things. I can connect to Mr. Foss's poem because some people think rainbows are small things but whenever I look at rainbows they bring a smile to my face. They have beautiful colors and after a bad storm a rainbow is a beautiful thing to look at and to me a symbol of hope. Hope for a brighter day. "

Here is my poem, including in her project:

A Rainbow of Hope

An urgent call
a race down the dark stairs
a flicker of color as I ran outside
an arc, His bow, His promise
shown down on us
standing in awe and wonder
the rich color muted in the city
It curves over the alley
above the tenements, the wires
the clutter, the stresses of life
a timely reminder
in good times and bad
of your faithfulness,
your covenant with your people
a beautiful arc, a shimmering bow
a pleasure to behold
a piece of hope placed
for a moment, a few seconds
unnoticed by so many,
lost in the push and pull
of daily living
shared with those lucky few
who stopped for a moment or two
and looked up

July 28, 2006 20:02
Manchester, 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 20,770+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Within the walls of our comfort

even when we are wet
sitting in the boat
the winds, the waves crashing
Christ calling us to the water
to follow Peter onto the seas

within the walls of our comfort
stuck in our place and time
fear overcoming our faith
oh, please Lord
don’t make me count the times

Wanting instead to be courageous
to heed when you call
to step out in faith
to give you my all

To go where you are leading
to believe only in you
to step out as I am called
to do my work for Him


January 27, 2010
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-january-25-31/
for January 25, 2010 to January 31, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
Jeremiah 1:4-10
for January 25, 2010
&
Upper Room Disciplines for 2010
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=645177&whichBarItem=excerpt&category=&sub_category=
for January 25, 2010 to January 31, 2010,
“A Standing Invitation”,
by Ray Waddle
Psalm 71:1-6 for January 25, 2010
& remembering the poem,
“Mending Wall”, by Robert Frost
&
Matthew 14:22-33
&
Joshua 1:1-18
&
and inspired in part by Gmail status update of
Isaac Kiiza Tibasima,
“In the stillness of Your presence
there I know I am restored”,
from the song, “None But Jesus”,
by Hillsong, off their album, “Mighty To Save”


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 place of strength

From the Lord, my rock
that place of strength,
that reserve, on which I can trust
Able, with him alone,
to be his witness
to step from our comfort
to go out into the world

My place of refuge
the source of the words
I am able to share
Rooted in the words of my faith
in the presence of the Lord
grounded, within my spirit
hearing his love to share
the words, a fount, overflowing
welling up, ever
from deep inside of me


January 27, 2010
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-january-25-31/
for January 25, 2010 to January 31, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
Jeremiah 1:4-10
for January 25, 2010
&
Upper Room Disciplines for 2010
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=645177&whichBarItem=excerpt&category=&sub_category=
for January 25, 2010 to January 31, 2010,
“A Standing Invitation”,
by Ray Waddle
Psalm 71:1-6 for January 25, 2010
& remembering the poem,
“Mending Wall”, by Robert Frost
&
and inspired in part by Gmail status update of
Isaac Kiiza Tibasima,
“In the stillness of Your presence
there I know I am restored”,
from the song, “None But Jesus”,
by Hillsong, off their album, “Mighty To Save”

Grounded, Centered

Grounded, centered
quieting my spirit
finding peace in stillness
my heart, full, restored
Resting in the arms
the care of my savior
feeling his breath within me
calling me to write
These words shared
grounded, in my quietude
grateful for his love
welling up inside of me


January 27, 2010
inspired in part by Gmail status update of
Isaac Kiiza Tibasima,
“In the stillness of Your presence
there I know I am restored”,
from the song, “None But Jesus”,
by Hillsong, off their album, “Mighty To Save”
& Jeremiah 1:4-10
& Psalm 71:1-6


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.

Centering

Within the rock,
the fortress of the Lord
stillness, comfort
all my parts restored

my mind, my spirit
lifted up on wings
my heart, my cares
melting in you

Hold me close
precious Lord
guide my trembling steps
on the path you have for me

Watch over me
as I seek the narrow way;
yoke me to my savior
his help, I need today


January 27, 2010
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=645177&whichBarItem=excerpt&category=&sub_category=
Upper Room Disciplines for 2010
for January 25, 2010 to January 31, 2010,
“A Standing Invitation”,
by Ray Waddle
Psalm 71:1-6 for January 25, 2010
& remembering the poem,
“Mending Wall”, by Robert Frost
&
inspired in part by Gmail status update of
Isaac Kiiza Tibasima,
“In the stillness of Your presence
there I know I am restored”,
from the song, “None But Jesus”,
by Hillsong, off their album, “Mighty To Save”

Finding Stillness

seeking you, your presence
finding stillness, comfort
in your loving arms
hoping for your grace
to wrap around me
providing for my needs
all of my days

faithful to your calling
the urgings, yearnings of my heart
to respond when you pursue me
here I am, send me
going where I am needed
offering words of hope
of love, of prayer


January 27, 2010

Within these Walls

Our lives alone, apart
separately live out
within these walls of stone
no others can get in

The psalm, the hope once more
should turn us to the Lord
he is the rock, our fortress
in all the storms of life

Our hope, protector,
redeemer, from our wayward paths
our sin, our turning from him
only he can change

Tearing down the barriers
letting our savior in
turning back to the Lord
to let our neighbors in

Together a people of faith
a true community
a living body of Christ
each one a part to play

All of us called to Christ
to walk with our brother, our king
to lead a life filled with grace
for this we sing and pray

Within the walls,
the narrow gate
walking the path, the plan
for our lives

Only within the arms of God
may we stand against the blast
to live as our brother lives
to offer a real helping hand


January 27, 2010
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=645177&whichBarItem=excerpt&category=&sub_category=
Upper Room Disciplines for 2010
for January 25, 2010 to January 31, 2010,
“A Standing Invitation”,
by Ray Waddle
Psalm 71:1-6 for January 25, 2010
& remembering the poem,
“Mending Wall”, by Robert Frost

Stones around our hearts

A people separated
each one of us alone
believing in ourselves
more than in our togetherness

Forgetting the words of the psalms
the trust in God alone
he is our rock, our fortress
our source of strength and care
no other can compare
to him we should return

Our lives without rudder
wandering from place to place
trusting in our own strength
our own providing
rather than looking to him
for our daily bread

Stones around our hearts
believing in man alone
fear and struggle
when God can offer hope

His love big enough
our fear, our doubts to leave
at the foot of the cross
to our savior should we cleave


January 27, 2010
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=645177&whichBarItem=excerpt&category=&sub_category=
Upper Room Disciplines for 2010
for January 25, 2010 to January 31, 2010,
“A Standing Invitation”,
by Ray Waddle
Psalm 71:1-6 for January 25, 2010
& remembering the poem,
“Mending Wall”, by Robert Frost


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.

A Walled City

Thinking of the walls
the stones we use
within these walls
individual cities
fortresses of stone
walled off from our neighbors
no sense of community
utterly alone

Believing too much
in our myth of independence
our need to pull ourselves up
to stand on our own
Our rock instead
the love, the grace of God
his example in life
to help our neighbors out
to walk anything but alone


January 27, 2010
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=645177&whichBarItem=excerpt&category=&sub_category=
Upper Room Disciplines for 2010
for January 25, 2010 to January 31, 2010,
“A Standing Invitation”,
by Ray Waddle
Psalm 71:1-6 for January 25, 2010
& remembering the poem,
“Mending Wall”, by Robert Frost


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.

When the Time is Ripe

In God’s time
when the time is ripe
even my submitting
my turning to God’s will
all things part of God’s plan
everything happening
when the time is ripe

When we are ready
to answer his callings
when the voice within us
must spring to life
the work of our lives
the calling to leave
to go where we are needed
all happening
when the time is ripe


January 26, 2010 and January 27, 2010
http://www.upperroom.org/devotional/default.asp?month=1&day=26&year=2010
Upper Room Daily Devotional
for January 26, 2010
Ecclesiastes 3:1-14
Ecclesiastes 3:11
“Fruits of the Compost Heap”,
by Sarah B. Joy

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.

A Dove – haiku – 3 – v1 (edited - 2)

Spirit, God, a dove
sent from heaven to the son
bodily on him

edited 1/26/2010
February 2, 2009


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.

A Dove – haiku – 3 – v1 (edited - 1)

Holy Spirit, dove
sent from heaven to the son
bodily on him

edited 1/26/2010
February 2, 2009

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.

email of 1/25/2010 from General Board of Church and Society, The United Methodist Church

Just 48 hours left . . . (now 30+ hours to go)

Dear Raymond,

In two days the President will address a joint session of Congress to present his State of the Union Address. Reports from the White House indicate the text is still being written but that the central theme will focus on the “middle class.”

While we know many middle-income Americans are straining to make ends meet, we must not allow our elected leaders to ignore the plight of those in poverty who are struggling to find food and shelter and meaningful employment. Help us shape the conversation about our economy and tell President Obama to put those at the bottom of the economic ladder at the top of his economic agenda.

Thank you for making poverty a priority! Please spread the word to your friends, family, and church community. And if you haven’t yet, please sign our prophet-driven campaign pledge. 2010 will provide many opportunities for us to give life to the words of our church and truly focus attention on the needs of those living in poverty.

Yours for Justice,
John Hill
Director, Economic and Environmental Justice
The General Board of Church and Society
The United Methodist Church
100 Maryland Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20002
www.umc-gbcs.org

Help for HaitiMake a donation to UMCOR's advance to support rescue efforts and victims of the Haitian emergency. 100 percent of Advance gifts made will go to support relief and development efforts due to emergencies in Haiti.
Also, organize a church activity to prepare supply kits.


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.

My Soul’s Cry

How to describe my sense of call
to share words come to my mind
my soul’s own cry
from deep within my heart
telling me to change my life

No faith but in my doing
leaving my nets on the shore
following the call of the Lord
the way of the shepherd, my cross,
to go and spread his word


January 26, 2010
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=645177&whichBarItem=excerpt&category=&sub_category=
Upper Room Disciplines for 2010
for January 25, 2010 to January 31, 2010,
“A Standing Invitation”,
by Ray Waddle
Jeremiah 1:4-10 for January 25, 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.

The Form of the Calling

A sense of what is right
what I simply must do
faithful to my gifts from God
words to share with you

No lightning bolt, no burning bush
just a calling from within
unable to explain my words
all of them came from him


January 25, 2010
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=645177&whichBarItem=excerpt&category=&sub_category=
Upper Room Disciplines for 2010
for January 25, 2010 to January 31, 2010,
“A Standing Invitation”,
by Ray Waddle
Jeremiah 1:4-10 for January 25, 2010

A Persistent Dream

A recurring tugging
thoughts not willing to be stilled
a persistent dream for many years
urging me to let go

To follow the callings of my heart
to write, as I am led
to share words from the Lord
to offer hope instead


January 25, 2010
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=645177&whichBarItem=excerpt&category=&sub_category=
Upper Room Disciplines for 2010
for January 25, 2010 to January 31, 2010,
“A Standing Invitation”,
by Ray Waddle
Jeremiah 1:4-10 for January 25, 2010

Called

Not just a part of the body
called, each of us
a special charge,
a divine purpose
something for us alone

Words of God
put into my mind
finding voice on the screen, the page
to share good news to the world
in this digital age


January 25, 2010
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-january-25-31/
for January 25, 2010 to January 31, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
Jeremiah 1:4-10
for January 25, 2010

The Seeds of My Hope

The promise of God
not to destroy all life
never again as with flood
to curse the ground because of man
to see our sin,
and unleash his wrath,
his holy rage

In this story, so long ago
the promise from God above
the seeds of my hope
his love come down
the prophecy Christ fulfilled

For, not in the law,
the two-sided law
the contract, covenant
between God and man

This is the place
God’s love, his grace
first came down to the earth

Saving us from ourselves
in spite of our sin,
promising never to destroy
all of life because of man
hope of saving from him

Revealed in the Christ
the coming of God
Emmanuel here as man
his choice to go to the cross
washing us clean with his blood


January 25, 2010
Genesis 8:21b-22,
Genesis 9:12-16
Genesis 6:5-8, 11-13
Psalm 20:1-3 (Call to Worship)
Psalm 46:1-11
1 Corinthians 12:12-31a
Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10
Worship Theme: There is Hope in God
Children’s Message
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
and sermon, “I Shall Not Be Moved”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 24, 2010

Not by Waters but with His Blood

The sign of the rainbow
the promise of God
never to destroy again by the flood
a covenant of love
offered by God
never to destroy all of life

In the centuries since then
the millennia gone by
the law, the reign, the prophets
to train, to teach, to lead the people
the sin he knew then continues in us
never by works to be saved

Only in the coming of Christ
able to be saved, by grace alone
reconciled by his sacrifice
God taking on our sin
saving us not by waters
but with his blood alone


January 25, 2010
Genesis 8:21b-22,
Genesis 9:12-16
Genesis 6:5-8, 11-13
Psalm 20:1-3 (Call to Worship)
Psalm 46:1-11
1 Corinthians 12:12-31a
Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10
Worship Theme: There is Hope in God
Children’s Message
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
and sermon, “I Shall Not Be Moved”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 24, 2010

A Covenant with Us

The words of his promise
not just to Noah
the people at that time
to everyone living after him
A covenant, of love,
with us to this day

God promised never to flood the earth
to wash away sin by destruction

In this, the on-sided promise of God
remembered by the rainbow in the sky
the seeds of the coming of the Christ
one day to save us from ourselves

The words of his promise
the laws he would lay down
the words to the patriarchs
the love of God
fully revealed
only in the coming of the son


January 25, 2010
Genesis 8:21b-22,
Genesis 9:12-16
Genesis 6:5-8, 11-13
Psalm 20:1-3 (Call to Worship)
Psalm 46:1-11
1 Corinthians 12:12-31a
Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10
Worship Theme: There is Hope in God
Children’s Message
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
and sermon, “I Shall Not Be Moved”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 24, 2010

All who have come after

The loving, one-sided promise of God
for all who have come after
never again to wipe clean the earth
to wash the world with a flood

Long before the patriarchs
the covenants, made with blood
the loving creator
understanding our state
giving us forgiveness, life

A promise never to take out his wrath
to wipe out all of mankind
within this the seeds of the love of God
giving us more than we deserve


January 25, 2010
Genesis 8:21b-22,
Genesis 9:12-16
Genesis 6:5-8, 11-13
Psalm 20:1-3 (Call to Worship)
Psalm 46:1-11
1 Corinthians 12:12-31a
Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10
Worship Theme: There is Hope in God
Children’s Message
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
and sermon, “I Shall Not Be Moved”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 24, 2010

Email received 1/20/2010 - from International Medical Corp

International Medical Corps is a global, humanitarian, nonprofit organization, founded by volunteer doctors and nurses and dedicated to saving lives and relieving suffering through relief and development programs. Our emergency response team is in Haiti responding in force and I would like to ask for your help to get the word out to the readers of Poetry Where You Live. There are still thousands of patients seeking treatment of which approximately 80% are in need of surgery and are running out of time - especially with the tremendous aftershocks still devastating this country. The team is treating crush injuries, trauma, substantial wound care, shock and other critical cases with the few available supplies - And they're in it for the long haul. I would love your help spreading the word by blogging or tweeting about IMC's rescue efforts. We've put up a blogger friendly widget here on our site:

http://www.imcworldwide.org/haiti

With the widget it's really easy to let your readers know that donating $10 to help the people of Haiti is as simple as sending a text message of the word "haiti" to 85944. If you have any questions just let me know and I will do my best to help you out. If you are able to post the widget or tweet, I would appreciate it if you could send me the link.

Thanks so much,

Ellie

--
Ellie Brown
International Medical Corps
ellie@imc-haiti.org

email of 1/25/2010 from General Board of Church and Society, The United Methodist Church

Call your Members of Congress TODAY!

Dear Raymond,

“Today is the day …”

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.

Please contact your U.S. representatives and senators TODAY,
(or if you cannot get through, call anytime during 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."

Let us make our voices heard!

Cynthia Abrams
Director, Alcohol, Other Addictions, and Health Care
The General Board of Church and Society
100 Maryland Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20002
www.umc-gbcs.org

No Matter What Men May Say

Standing by our convictions
what we hold dear
So must we ever claim
the rock of our faith
whatever the cost
to this we must stay true

No matter what men may say
the doubts, the things they may raise
trying to change us from your path
needing to stand upon the rock of our faith
to trust in God and his plan


January 24, 2010 and January 25, 2010

God is my Maker

My creator, my maker
in him there is security
forming me from the clay
his breath within me still
knowing every day of my life
each hair upon my head

Guiding me when I will heed
the callings from within
the voice of God
echoing within me yet
that I would follow his plan

My life laid out
by the master architect
a holy, ordered design
that I would only follow the plan
what grief I would avoid

Upon this foundation, this rock
I hope to ever stand
to follow the call of the Lord
to go where he has planned

To do the work, my special call
part of the body to be
to ever walk with the Lord
until my days on earth are done


January 25, 2010
Genesis 8:21b-22,
Genesis 9:12-16
Genesis 6:5-8, 11-13
Psalm 20:1-3 (Call to Worship)
1 Corinthians 12:12-31a
Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10
Worship Theme: There is Hope in God
and sermon, “I Shall Not Be Moved”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 24, 2010

Storms in that Troubled Land

Only by your love, oh Lord
will change fully come

Haiti, beautiful island
Garden, land of children
crying out to you

The storms in that troubled land
misery upon tragedy
the world stopping to notice
our eyes turned to them

May God use this moment
awareness, attention
to change the course of their history
hope for the innocent
that the captives may be free

Each of us, around the world
to be the hands, the feet of God
offering prayers and comfort
that these, your children
may feel secure, at peace
in their troubled homeland

Our hearts cry out for them
joining their plea
God grant that they would see
your hand upon their lives
that in the tragedy
life would spring up, anew
all part of your heavenly plan


January 25, 2010
Genesis 8:21b-22,
Genesis 9:12-16
Genesis 6:5-8, 11-13
Psalm 20:1-3 (Call to Worship)
Psalm 46:1-11
1 Corinthians 12:12-31a
Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10
Worship Theme: There is Hope in God
Children’s Message
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
and sermon, “I Shall Not Be Moved”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 24, 2010