Saturday, March 20, 2010

Two Faces on the Coin

The lessons of this scripture
deep, layered meaning
Each of them bearing
with the name savior
Each of them marked
the son of the father

Violent revolution
set free by the mob
True reconciliation
requiring the cross

With path man would take
easy if we learn from history
the people straying
turning away from God
only by his sacrifice
the unmerited grace
love finding a way
to reclaim us
from ourselves


March 20, 2010
Mark 15:1-15
Isaiah 53:4-7
Call to Worship based on Isaiah 43:19-21
Worship Theme: “Jesus, Barabbas and Pilate”
and sermon, “Which Jesus Do You Follow?”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
the fourth in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 21, 2010
Fifth Sunday of Lent



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Through Violence, With Love

Before Rome
changing the world
through violence
with love

The shackles of the prisoners
offered the way of the world
and the way of the cross
servanthood, love

Choosing the world
violent overthrow
the chains of human oppression
affecting these alone


March 20, 2010
Mark 15:1-15
Isaiah 53:4-7
Call to Worship based on Isaiah 43:19-21
Worship Theme: “Jesus, Barabbas and Pilate”
and sermon, “Which Jesus Do You Follow?”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
the fourth in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 21, 2010
Fifth Sunday of Lent



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Two Sons

Both of them
“sons of the father”
their names parallel
but such different paths

The revolutionary
insurrectionist
trying to overthrow Rome

The preacher
Messiah
bringing love instead

Standing before Pilate
the seat of power
from outside
Jerusalem in fire that day

Barabbas to be freed
love going to the cross
to die for all our sin
to heal the breach within


March 20, 2010
Mark 15:1-15
Isaiah 53:4-7
Call to Worship based on Isaiah 43:19-21
Worship Theme: “Jesus, Barabbas and Pilate”
and sermon, “Which Jesus Do You Follow?”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
the fourth in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 21, 2010
Fifth Sunday of Lent



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Of Power, of Corruption, of Servanthood

The three in the seat of power
paths for each of our lives
of power, of corruption, of servanthood

Like Caiaphas, the leaders,
Pilate, the Procurator
the face of power,
in this the hinterlands

Barabbas, the criminal
the epitome, living as he chose
following the way of the world
apart from the law

Christ, in contrast
the king who would be a servant
giving up his crown
the lamb, going to the cross


March 20, 2010
Mark 15:1-15
Isaiah 53:4-7
Call to Worship based on Isaiah 43:19-21
Worship Theme: “Jesus, Barabbas and Pilate”
and sermon, “Which Jesus Do You Follow?”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
the fourth in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 21, 2010
Fifth Sunday of Lent



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Water for My Thirst

Living water,
just as he promised
in the desert places
when I thirst
the loving word of God

A cup of sparkling water
the lessons revealed to me
seeing the face of Christ around me
feeling his endless grace

Flowing, welling up
living inside of me
the living waters of God
his love, in these words
less of a mystery


March 20, 2010
Isaiah 43:16-21
Isaiah 43:1-28
and
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-March-15-21/
for March 15, 2010 to March 21, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
for March 20, 2010



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Anointing The Master

Hearing the words of the master
his foretelling of his suffering
his death now close at hand
and the words of the others
like me, scared to death

Anointing the master
the sweet smell overwhelming
the costly perfume
filling the air of our house

My tears falling
onto his flesh,
my hair like a towel,
washing him with the locks
anointing him for his journey

The least I could do
for all he had done for me
to prepare the master
the journey he was on
going to the cross
his impending burial too


March 20, 2010
John 12:1-8
from Mary’s perspective
and
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-March-15-21/
for March 15, 2010 to March 21, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
for March 19, 2010, read 3/20/2010


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

All We Are

Loving God
in every dimension
in our hearts, our bodies
with our minds, our souls
all we are
centering our very lives
in relationship with him

Loving our neighbors
all whom we encounter
treating all as we would want
modeling God’s spirit
generous to a fault

The turning of our lives
changed as we learn the meaning
these two commands alone
the foundation of our faith
the teachings of our Lord


March 20, 2010
Mark 12:30
Mark 12:28-33
Deuteronomy 6:15
Leviticus 19:18
and
Day 179, “The Greatest Commandment”, in
“Daily Mediations: On Golden Texts of the Bible”,
by Henry Gariepy
http://books.google.com/books?id=9tjVtRt3TUMC&pg=PP1&dq=henry+gariepy&ei=6tqBSqLVDJiQyQT4i9DOCg#v=onepage&q=&f=false
read 3/20/10




Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

On These

On these
twin pillars
holding up the law,
the prophets
the wisdom of the people

Loving God and our neighbors
reverently, totally
all that we are
conformed to his spirit,
love indeed


March 20, 2010
Mark 12:30
Mark 12:28-33
Deuteronomy 6:15
Leviticus 19:18
and
Day 179, “The Greatest Commandment”, in
“Daily Mediations: On Golden Texts of the Bible”,
by Henry Gariepy
http://books.google.com/books?id=9tjVtRt3TUMC&pg=PP1&dq=henry+gariepy&ei=6tqBSqLVDJiQyQT4i9DOCg#v=onepage&q=&f=false
read 3/20/10




Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

In These

In these
two commandments
distilling all of the law
all the wisdom of the people
simple really,
if we would but do this
love of God
love for man
balance and focus
for all of our days
Loving God,
showing mercy,
humbly walking
here on earth
fighting for justice
as we are able
going forth
to do God’s work


March 20, 2010
Mark 12:30
Mark 12:28-33
Deuteronomy 6:15
Leviticus 19:18
and
Day 179, “The Greatest Commandment”, in
“Daily Mediations: On Golden Texts of the Bible”,
by Henry Gariepy
http://books.google.com/books?id=9tjVtRt3TUMC&pg=PP1&dq=henry+gariepy&ei=6tqBSqLVDJiQyQT4i9DOCg#v=onepage&q=&f=false
read 3/20/10




Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Friday, March 19, 2010

Following Jesus

Following Jesus,
Mary’s holy son
Turning like Paul
returning like the prodigal
coming to the cross

Following Jesus
his way made my own
answering his call
turning from my life,
come, follow me


March 18, 2010
Mark 15:1-15
Isaiah 53:4-7
Call to Worship based on Isaiah 43:19-21
Worship Theme: “Jesus, Barabbas and Pilate”
and sermon, “Which Jesus Do You Follow?”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
the fourth in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 21, 2010
Fifth Sunday of Lent



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

All for Nothing

Nothing of my past
my drive, accomplishments
all that I was
all that I believed
all for nothing
when I came to know Christ

All of my pedigree,
my training, experience
nothing compared
when I came to the cross

Seeing my savior
his grace heaped upon me
his sacrifice in my place
redeeming me from myself
reconciling me to God


March 19, 2010
Philippians 3:4b-11
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=645177&whichBarItem=excerpt&category=&sub_category=
Upper Room Disciplines for 2010
for March 15, 2010 to March 21, 2010,
“To Restore the Fortunes of Zion”,
by Louise Stowe-Johns
for March 19, 2010


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

A Change of Careers

To understand his present
the future he hoped for
needing to remember
where he had come from before

An elite, a zealot
in the vanguard of his faith
orthodox to the hilt
until he saw the light

Changed forever
utterly reversing directions
going the way of the Christ
led by the spirit,
going to the ends of the earth


March 19, 2010
Philippians 3:4b-11
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=645177&whichBarItem=excerpt&category=&sub_category=
Upper Room Disciplines for 2010
for March 15, 2010 to March 21, 2010,
“To Restore the Fortunes of Zion”,
by Louise Stowe-Johns
for March 19, 2010



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

An Agent of Change

Defined by motion
ever restless
traveling endlessly
driven to write

An agent of change
Paul and his ministry
trying to spread the news
Christ and his message of love

Making up for his history
the persecution of the faithful
turning toward the way
a zealot for the Lord

Following in his example
in our time and place
spreading the good news of Christ
his love, amazing grace



March 19, 2010
Philippians 3:4b-11
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=645177&whichBarItem=excerpt&category=&sub_category=
Upper Room Disciplines for 2010
for March 15, 2010 to March 21, 2010,
“To Restore the Fortunes of Zion”,
by Louise Stowe-Johns
for March 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.

Jesus the Christ

Choosing Jesus
the Christ, the messiah
the son of the living God

Him will I follow
leaving my possessions
turning from the world
following my Lord

Taking up my cross
the calling from within
listening when the voice
inside me calls me out

Out of my comfort
my experience, my place
taking me, going
wherever I am led


March 18, 2010
Mark 15:1-15
Isaiah 53:4-7
Call to Worship based on Isaiah 43:19-21
Worship Theme: “Jesus, Barabbas and Pilate”
and sermon, “Which Jesus Do You Follow?”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
the fourth in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 21, 2010
Fifth Sunday of Lent



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Thursday, March 18, 2010

planting seeds (3)

not the size that matters
planting mustard seeds of love
faith in the father
that this will be enough

little acts of kindness
sharing of his grace
making a difference in one life
sowing seeds of hope
helping them to grow


March 18, 2010
Mark 4:30-32
Isaiah 40:28-31
Lord’s Prayer
Worship service after Our Family’s Table
Mediation by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
“The Power of the Small”
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 17, 2010


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

mustard seeds

tiny little mustard seeds
seemingly insignificant
growing into a mighty tree
by the hand of God

Each act, each word we share
a chance to share Christ
the grace we feel deep in our hearts
planting mustard seeds of love


March 18, 2010
Mark 4:30-32
Isaiah 40:28-31
Lord’s Prayer
Worship service after Our Family’s Table
Mediation by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
“The Power of the Small”
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 17, 2010


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

little seeds planted

little seeds planted
into the soil
of human hearts
what kind they are
we do not know

only knowing that they
are our faith
of which we are called to share
the love of our God
the grace of Christ
to the ends of the earth

a harvest for the Lord
gifts up from the ground
each of us doing our part
caring for each one
offering what we can
all that we are
leaving the growth to God


March 18, 2010
Mark 4:30-32
Isaiah 40:28-31
Lord’s Prayer
Worship service after Our Family’s Table
Mediation by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
“The Power of the Small”
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 17, 2010


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Seeds from an unmarked bag

unlike knowing
what would grow
not mustard seeds per se
seeds of faith alone

each of us sowing
casting seeds on the ground
seed from an unmarked bag

Hoping in our sowing
our planting, watering
and caring
a harvest for the Lord



March 18, 2010
Mark 4:30-32
Isaiah 40:28-31
Lord’s Prayer
Worship service after Our Family’s Table
Mediation by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
“The Power of the Small”
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 17, 2010


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

little seeds of faith

each prayer, each little act
little seeds of faith
all of us called to share
the love of God
the gift of his grace

all of us offering
our mustard seeds
sown into living hearts
that they may grow
and give us hope
because he loves us so



March 18, 2010
Mark 4:30-32
Isaiah 40:28-31
Lord’s Prayer
Worship service after Our Family’s Table
Mediation by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
“The Power of the Small”
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 17, 2010


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Arousing Their Anger

The righteous, the leaders
in the things that he said
their power crumbling
as the people came to believe

Arousing their anger
Christ in Jerusalem
now in the temple
questioning their faith

Blind to the truth
the Messiah in their midst
only seeing the threat
the coming of the storm

Holding onto their power
paying a horrible cost
judging Emmanuel guilt
the lamb upon the cross


March 18, 2010
Mark 15:1-15
Isaiah 53:4-7
Call to Worship based on Isaiah 43:19-21
Worship Theme: “Jesus, Barabbas and Pilate”
and sermon, “Which Jesus Do You Follow?”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
the fourth in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 21, 2010
Fifth Sunday of Lent
&
Matthew 26:57-68
I John 4:16b-21
Isaiah 58:6-9 (Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “Those who condemned Jesus”
and sermon, “Condemned By the Righteous”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
the third in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 14, 2010
Fourth Sunday in Lent
&
Matthew 26:36-46
Psalm 461:11 (Call to Worship)
Psalm 130:1-8
Psalm 138 (Prayer of Dedication)
Worship Theme: “Our Times of Personal Trial”
and sermon, “With Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
the second in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 7, 2010
Third Sunday in Lent
&
Mark 14:12, 22-25
Isaiah 11:1-5
Isaiah 52:7 (Call to Worship)
Deuteronomy 16:1-8
Exodus 12:1-28
Deuteronomy 11:16-21
and sermon, “A Last Meal”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
the first in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
February 28, 2010




Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Almost Ready

The bloom almost ready
the petals yet to unfurl
The crocus, cobalt, nascent
up through the soil

The leaves at the foundation
where they bloomed last year
and died so gloriously
each in their season,
a place for them
in the circle of life


March 18, 2010
crocuses in front of church
before Our Family’s Table dinner
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 17, 2010
----

A Dying Bloom

Nestled, sheltered
against the warm brick
the foundation of the church
the dying bloom of the now lavender crocus
Unfurled petals, like
translucent rice paper tissue
bent and splayed open
a crescendo before the dying
the orange within
dying with grace
in the bright mid-morning light

April 9, 2009
Maundy Thursday
outside the Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH




Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Nothing Else

None of my possessions
none of my past,
my memories
nothing compares
with knowing Christ

Seeking him all of my days
working, in my faith,
striving to become
who I aspire to be

Only by his grace
only through his spirit
living within me
all else is trash
distractions of this earth

Keeping us from God
a relationship of value
infinite and abundant
as God has always wanted
from the garden to this day



March 17, 2008 and March 18, 2010
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-March-15-21/
for March 15, 2010 to March 21, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
for March 17, 2010 – Philippians 3:4b-14
for March 18, 2010 – poem “One Question”, by Jane C. Purdue
and scripture:
Psalm 15:1-5
Jeremiah 5:1-9
Mark 10:17-22
Luke 22:66-23:12
Romans 15:7-12




Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Bewildered

Bewildered
standing there
cloaked in sadness
the rich man before the Christ
unable to follow

Following the ancient law
the letter yet not the spirit
challenged by the ties that bound him
unwilling to let go of his possessions

Watching them go
the disciples, those who would follow
left with his false piety
and surrounded by his things;
sadly, with rewards here alone


March 18, 2010
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-March-15-21/
for March 15, 2010 to March 21, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
for March 17, 2010 – Philippians 3:4b-14
for March 18, 2010 – poem “One Question”, by Jane C. Purdue
and scripture:
Psalm 15:1-5
Jeremiah 5:1-9
Mark 10:17-22
Luke 22:66-23:12
Romans 15:7-12




Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

All of My gods

In the story of the rich man
the one who could not follow
told by Christ to sell it all
but unable to let go
his goods had become his gods
his possessions controlling
his focus not on the king
on his things on the earth

How sad, bewildered
though he followed the law
unable to follow the king
when he gave his heavenly call
Sell it, leave it, walk away
follow me instead
each and every day


March 18, 2010
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-March-15-21/
for March 15, 2010 to March 21, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
for March 17, 2010 – Philippians 3:4b-14
for March 18, 2010 – poem “One Question”, by Jane C. Purdue
and scripture:
Psalm 15:1-5
Jeremiah 5:1-9
Mark 10:17-22
Luke 22:66-23:12
Romans 15:7-12



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

The Scent Rising

The smell of the oils
the nard, fragrant
the scent rising
filling the room

Pungent, reminding
the purpose of embalming
the preparing of the dead
for the journey, for the tomb

The anointing she gave him
preparing his for this journey
the way of the cross
the way to the tomb


March 17, 2010
John 12:8
and
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=645177&whichBarItem=excerpt&category=&sub_category=
Upper Room Disciplines for 2010
for March 15, 2010 to March 21, 2010,
“To Restore the Fortunes of Zion”,
by Louise Stowe-Johns
for March 17, 2010
&
title of sermon,
“The Anointing in Bethany”,
by Reverend Peter A. Hey,
http://www.concordwumc.org
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
March 21, 2010
Fifth Sunday of Lent
&
John 12:1-8
and/or
Matthew 26:6-13
and/or Mark 14:3-9
and
John 11:45-55; 12:1-13
John 11:45-12:13
and
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=645177&whichBarItem=excerpt&category=&sub_category=
Upper Room Disciplines for 2010
for March 15, 2010 to March 21, 2010,
“To Restore the Fortunes of Zion”,
by Louise Stowe-Johns
for March 15, 2010, read March 16, 2010



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Filling the Room

The perfume, the nard
broken and poured on him
her tears, her hair
washing it over his skin
the fragrance strong
filling the room
pungent, when we combine
his words with the perfume
speaking an awful truth

The anointing called for
his time of preparation at hand
burial all too soon for our savior
the lamb of God to be sacrificed
Emmanuel, to be put to death
leaving this mortal coil
the sins of the world
the cost, the pain
taken on by God



March 17, 2010
John 12:8
and
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=645177&whichBarItem=excerpt&category=&sub_category=
Upper Room Disciplines for 2010
for March 15, 2010 to March 21, 2010,
“To Restore the Fortunes of Zion”,
by Louise Stowe-Johns
for March 17, 2010
&
title of sermon,
“The Anointing in Bethany”,
by Reverend Peter A. Hey,
http://www.concordwumc.org
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
March 21, 2010
Fifth Sunday of Lent
&
John 12:1-8
and/or
Matthew 26:6-13
and/or Mark 14:3-9
and
John 11:45-55; 12:1-13
John 11:45-12:13
and
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=645177&whichBarItem=excerpt&category=&sub_category=
Upper Room Disciplines for 2010
for March 15, 2010 to March 21, 2010,
“To Restore the Fortunes of Zion”,
by Louise Stowe-Johns
for March 15, 2010, read March 16, 2010




Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

The Fire of the Cross

The lamb, the sacrifice
holy and pure
unblemished, anointed
a fragrant offering
pleasing to God

Christ on the altar
the fire of the cross
taking on our sin
dying for us instead

God, the Messiah
Emmanuel
walking the way, obedient
drinking the cup of sacrifice
going down into the grave

Rising to paradise
on the other side
from the pit of the tomb
that we may live again


March 17, 2010
title of sermon,
“The Anointing in Bethany”,
by Reverend Peter A. Hey,
http://www.concordwumc.org
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
March 21, 2010
Fifth Sunday of Lent
&
John 12:1-8
and/or
Matthew 26:6-13
and/or Mark 14:3-9
and
John 11:45-55; 12:1-13
John 11:45-12:13
and
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=645177&whichBarItem=excerpt&category=&sub_category=
Upper Room Disciplines for 2010
for March 15, 2010 to March 21, 2010,
“To Restore the Fortunes of Zion”,
by Louise Stowe-Johns
for March 15, 2010, read March 16, 2010


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

The Nard

The nard, like the myrrh
an unusual gift
given to the king
foretelling of his sacrifice
his death for each of us

The nard, yet unlike the myrrh
not merely given as a gift
the jar broken
the perfume poured
anointing our savior

A sweet perfume for the offering
fragrant to God
preparing him
for the fire of the cross,
the cold of the grave
his ascending to paradis



March 17, 2010
title of sermon,
“The Anointing in Bethany”,
by Reverend Peter A. Hey,
http://www.concordwumc.org
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
March 21, 2010
Fifth Sunday of Lent
&
John 12:1-8
and/or
Matthew 26:6-13
and/or Mark 14:3-9
and
John 11:45-55; 12:1-13
John 11:45-12:13
and
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=645177&whichBarItem=excerpt&category=&sub_category=
Upper Room Disciplines for 2010
for March 15, 2010 to March 21, 2010,
“To Restore the Fortunes of Zion”,
by Louise Stowe-Johns
for March 15, 2010, read March 16, 2010



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

The Anointing in Bethany

The tears from her loving eyes
the sweetest perfume
the brushing of her hair
washing him, preparing him
for the journey he would face

Lovingly washing,
anointing our savior
his sacrifice, faithfulness
honored by her grace

In the house in Bethany
this family that he loved
Lazarus, Mary, Martha
teaching us so much
in the way he loved them
in the lessons of their lives
fitting he was anointed in their home
preparing him for the way of the cross


March 17, 2010
title of sermon,
“The Anointing in Bethany”,
by Reverend Peter A. Hey,
http://www.concordwumc.org
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
March 21, 2010
Fifth Sunday of Lent
&
John 12:1-8
and/or
Matthew 26:6-13
and/or Mark 14:3-9
and
John 11:45-55; 12:1-13
John 11:45-12:13
and
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=645177&whichBarItem=excerpt&category=&sub_category=
Upper Room Disciplines for 2010
for March 15, 2010 to March 21, 2010,
“To Restore the Fortunes of Zion”,
by Louise Stowe-Johns
for March 15, 2010, read March 16, 2010




Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Set Free While He Was Sentenced

Barabbas and Jesus
standing before Caesar
Pilate only the proxy
representing Roman power
the crowd, the mob shouting
“give us Barabbas”,
a common criminal set free
while the king was sentenced
Death to the Messiah
God, Emmanuel


March 17, 2010
Season of Lent





All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 24,120+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Blond Hair Shimmering

The blond hair shimmering
in the morning sunlight
the sun hidden, not visible
behind the house across the street
Only its light, shining
lighting up the willow tree
the branches hanging
light blond hair just washed and combed
each strand illumined
bright, glowing, calling my attention
touches of green bleeding through
where the shoots are blooming
hastening spring time
just days away now


March 17, 2010
St. Patrick’s Day
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.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

In Lazarus’ House

Christ resting, not in private
but in Lazarus’ house
before the upper room,
before the garden
preparing for his final days
with this special family
food and fellowship
anointed for his sacrifice
made ready for the beginning
the trials that would come


March 16, 2010
John 11:45-55; 12:1-13
John 11:45-12:13
and
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=645177&whichBarItem=excerpt&category=&sub_category=
Upper Room Disciplines for 2010
for March 15, 2010 to March 21, 2010,
“To Restore the Fortunes of Zion”,
by Louise Stowe-Johns
for March 15, 2010, read March 16, 2010


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

The Priests and the People

How unlike each other
their reactions to the teachings,
the healings, the ministry
the true identity of Jesus

The priest and the people
the elders and the commoners
seeing him so differently
from their own point of view

Clouded by their blindness
holding onto their power
refusing to see his fulfillment
of the law, all prophecies

The Messiah before them
even entering the Temple
judging him guilty, harshly
when he but spoke his holy name


March 16, 2010
John 11:45-55; 12:1-13
John 11:45-12:13
and
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=645177&whichBarItem=excerpt&category=&sub_category=
Upper Room Disciplines for 2010
for March 15, 2010 to March 21, 2010,
“To Restore the Fortunes of Zion”,
by Louise Stowe-Johns
for March 15, 2010, read March 16, 2010



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Two Brothers

Two brothers
each of them lost
in their own way
estranged from the father
carrying their own sin

Sin heavy upon them
though different in kind
unable to see the love of the father
wanting the best for each of them

Running away,
to a different land
demanding his treasure
lost on this earth

And the other son
close by but blind
jealous of the prodigal
unable to see the father
his arms always open wide


March 15, 2010 and March 16, 2010
Luke 15:8-10
Luke 15:11b-32
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=645177&whichBarItem=excerpt&category=&sub_category=
Upper Room Disciplines for 2010
for March 8, 2010 to March 14, 2010,
“Your History: A Valuable Past”,
by Steve Barse
for March 14, read March 15, 2010



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

The Older Brother

Like the cost last at home
the story of the older brother
never leaving home
but lost nonetheless

Like the people
loved by the father
petty jealous, strife,
losing sight of the God

In his day to day
not seeing his father clearly
his love every day
right before his eyes



March 15, 2010 and March 16, 2010
Luke 15:8-10
Luke 15:11b-32
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=645177&whichBarItem=excerpt&category=&sub_category=
Upper Room Disciplines for 2010
for March 8, 2010 to March 14, 2010,
“Your History: A Valuable Past”,
by Steve Barse
for March 14, read March 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 19,910+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Monday, March 15, 2010

Death Stalked the Night

Death, almost palpable
stalking the unholy night
the savior in a corrupt trail
the reaper waiting with his scythe

The air heavy in the garden
in the courts of earthly power
in the night, in the secret tribunal
the lamb, a sacrifice

Their lust for their station
making them blind that very night
unable to see the Christ before them
a threat to them instead

Vessels of evil,
the righteous had become
like the betrayer, for a few small coins
sacrificing the son of God
when death stalked the night


March 15, 2010
Matthew 26:57-68
I John 4:16b-21
Isaiah 58:6-9 (Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “Those who condemned Jesus”
and sermon, “Condemned By the Righteous”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
the third in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 14, 2010
Fourth Sunday in Lent
&
Matthew 26:36-46
Psalm 461:11 (Call to Worship)
Psalm 130:1-8
Psalm 138 (Prayer of Dedication)
Worship Theme: “Our Times of Personal Trial”
and sermon, “With Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
the second in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 7, 2010
Third Sunday in Lent




Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Evil Stalked the Night

The tempter, the betrayer
the powerful in their houses
bringing the prophecy
to fulfillment
evil stalked the night

The Messiah, triumphant
into the city days earlier,
now the lamb of God,
unprotected, alone
about to meet his death

Identified by his kiss
the guards grabbing him roughly
taking him to the house of the priest
in secret and in the darkness
the night heavy, foreboding

A corrupt court,
a mockery of a trial
false witnesses coming forth
lies made against the king
yet none of them sticking

A verdict blind to reality
the Messiah there before the righteous
his truth called by them blasphemy
judgment for the savior
death would be his punishment


March 15, 2010
Matthew 26:57-68
I John 4:16b-21
Isaiah 58:6-9 (Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “Those who condemned Jesus”
and sermon, “Condemned By the Righteous”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
the third in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 14, 2010
Fourth Sunday in Lent
&
Matthew 26:36-46
Psalm 461:11 (Call to Worship)
Psalm 130:1-8
Psalm 138 (Prayer of Dedication)
Worship Theme: “Our Times of Personal Trial”
and sermon, “With Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
the second in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 7, 2010
Third Sunday in Lent
&
March 3, 2010
Mark 14:12, 22-25
Isaiah 11:1-5
Isaiah 52:7 (Call to Worship)
Deuteronomy 16:1-8
Exodus 12:1-28
Deuteronomy 11:16-21
and sermon, “A Last Meal”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
the first in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
February 28, 2010



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

At Least One Like Paul

At least one like Paul
that night in the Sanhedrin
failing to speak up for Christ
to stop the mockery of his trial

Doing what he did not want to do
going along with evil
huge remorse hung on their heads
allowing the Lord to be killed

Joseph and Nicodemus
in Caiaphas’ house
at the trial that night
unable to change history
witnesses in the dark


March 15, 2010
Matthew 26:57-68
Romans 7:7:25
Matthew 27:57
Luke 23:50
Mark 15:43
John 3:1-21
John 19:38
1 Corinthians 13:1-13
1 John 4:16b-21
Isaiah 58:6-9 (Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “Those who condemned Jesus”
and sermon, “Condemned By the Righteous”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
the third in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 14, 2010
Fourth Sunday in Lent



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Corrupted by Their Power

Parallels in the stories
the king and the leaders
two ends of Christ’s life
each corrupted by their power

And in both parts of history
another aspect as well
the king and leaders of the temple
unable to see his glory

They waited for centuries
for the coming of the Lord
now here upon the earth
all the signs of prophecy
fulfillment of God’s promise

But blinded by their station
corrupted by their power
holding on to their earthly reward
sentencing the Messiah,
our savior, of all the people
to a Roman death on the cross


March 15, 2010
Matthew 26:57-68
I John 4:16b-21
Isaiah 58:6-9 (Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “Those who condemned Jesus”
and sermon, “Condemned By the Righteous”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
the third in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 14, 2010
Fourth Sunday in Lent
&
In Secret

In secret, in darkness
the king, the powerful, plotted
seeking to hide, to extinguish
to blot out the light

Gathering, scheming
planning in secret
sending the Magi on
to find the Christ

Trying to deceive
to use the strangers
unwitting spies
to identify the child

In a dream, the plot illumined
going to their own land
led to another way

The same with the Christ-child
in a dream, a warning
the child moving in secret
the light saved for another day


January 2, 2010 and January 3, 2010
Matthew 2:1-12 Message Bible
Isaiah 60:1-6 NIV Bible
Matthew 2:13-15
Matthew 2:19-23
Worship Theme: “A Sudden Awareness”
Unison Prayer – “Epiphany”,
United Methodist Hymnal, #255
and sermon, “I Should Have Had A V8”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 3, 2010
Epiphany of the Lord Sunday


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

No courage to speak

None of the elders,
the priests, the scribes
the Sanhedrin that night
None with the courage to speak
to stop this unholy trial

Violating all the rules
the laws, the commands of God
a trial on the Passover
in the dark of night,
secret and alone

Power their possession
their reward here on earth
Christ accused unjustly
evil stalking the night
resting on that place

A corrupt court
biased judge and jury
even when he named himself
denying his glory
the truth called blasphemy

All of them silent, sheep
following the leader
over the cliff of death
their ranks legion


March 15, 2010
Matthew 26:57-68
I John 4:16b-21
Isaiah 58:6-9 (Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “Those who condemned Jesus”
and sermon, “Condemned By the Righteous”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
the third in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 14, 2010
Fourth Sunday in Lent


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

In Secret and in Darkness

In secret, and in darkness
the storm cloud more than gathering
Christ before the Sanhedrin
scheming to put him to death

Paying for his betrayal
a few coins of gold
what evil they had loosed
to hold on to their power

In the dark of the night
while the people slept
that Passover night
no blood on the lintels
to protect the lamb of God

Lies and false accusations
the holy truth called blasphemy
our Messiah, the king
spitting in his face
not bowing to their knees

Corrupted by their power
unable to see the law
evil in the sight of God
sentencing our savior to death


March 15, 2010
Matthew 26:57-68
I John 4:16b-21
Isaiah 58:6-9 (Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “Those who condemned Jesus”
and sermon, “Condemned By the Righteous”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
the third in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 14, 2010
Fourth Sunday in Lent
&
In Secret

In secret, in darkness
the king, the powerful, plotted
seeking to hide, to extinguish
to blot out the light

Gathering, scheming
planning in secret
sending the Magi on
to find the Christ

Trying to deceive
to use the strangers
unwitting spies
to identify the child

In a dream, the plot illumined
going to their own land
led to another way

The same with the Christ-child
in a dream, a warning
the child moving in secret
the light saved for another day


January 2, 2010 and January 3, 2010
Matthew 2:1-12 Message Bible
Isaiah 60:1-6 NIV Bible
Matthew 2:13-15
Matthew 2:19-23
Worship Theme: “A Sudden Awareness”
Unison Prayer – “Epiphany”,
United Methodist Hymnal, #255
and sermon, “I Should Have Had A V8”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 3, 2010
Epiphany of the Lord Sunday



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

In the Dead of Night

In the dead of night
the wee small hours
people fast asleep
the leaders trying the Lord
to remain in power

Using every tactic
violating every rule
capturing him in secret
betrayed by a kiss
money for his blood

A trial on the Passover
the lamb in the dock
unprotected by the blood
choosing to go before them
a willing sacrifice

Unable to see him
to understand the scripture
to know him as the Messiah
the one they were waiting for
fulfilling all prophecy

In the darkness of the night
in secret, in the seat of power
lies used to try the king
unable to convict him
except when he spoke the truth

In answering the challenge
taking the holy oath
swearing before our God
he was the one
the living son of God

The morning now approaching
the verdict now in hand
death to the savior
now would be stand
before the empire
going to the cross for us


March 15, 2010
Matthew 26:57-68
I John 4:16b-21
Isaiah 58:6-9 (Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “Those who condemned Jesus”
and sermon, “Condemned By the Righteous”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
the third in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 14, 2010
Fourth Sunday in Lent


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Violating the Rules

The commands of God
the law, the decrees
rules for the people
how to live in community

Violating the rules
making the festival unholy
a trial on the Passover
in the night
the just tried in secret

The people asleep
evil stalking the room
false accusations flying
lies would not stick to him
inconsistent, biased

Judges of the people
with a vested interest
to stay in power at all cost
killing our savior



March 15, 2010
Matthew 26:57-68
I John 4:16b-21
Isaiah 58:6-9 (Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “Those who condemned Jesus”
and sermon, “Condemned By the Righteous”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
the third in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
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
March 14, 2010
Fourth Sunday in Lent



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.

Evil in the Eyes of God

The righteous, the leaders
elders of the people
doing evil in the eyes of God
failing to keep the covenants

Disobeying the laws of God
the rules, the decrees
following their selfish desires
putting the king on trial

Capturing the living God
Emmanuel, Messiah
a few coins for the betrayer
blood upon their hands


March 15, 2010
Judges 3, Judges 4, Judges 5
&
Matthew 26:57-68
I John 4:16b-21
Isaiah 58:6-9 (Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “Those who condemned Jesus”
and sermon, “Condemned By the Righteous”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
the third in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 14, 2010
Fourth Sunday in Lent



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

His Cries

The words on the cross
his cries out to God
abandoned, lost
hanging there alone

The weight of our sins
God turning away
our savior dying
that we may live again


March 15, 2010
Matthew 27:46
Matthew 27:45-50
and
Day 174, “Cry of Abandonment”, in
“Daily Mediations: On Golden Texts of the Bible”,
by Henry Gariepy
http://books.google.com/books?id=9tjVtRt3TUMC&pg=PP1&dq=henry+gariepy&ei=6tqBSqLVDJiQyQT4i9DOCg#v=onepage&q=&f=false
read 3/15/10




Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Distanced from the Father

In his moments of agony
hanging on the cross
distanced from the father
drenched with our sin

Heavy on the cross
crying out to God
utterly forsaken
abandoned and alone


March 15, 2010
Matthew 27:46
Matthew 27:45-50
and
Day 174, “Cry of Abandonment”, in
“Daily Mediations: On Golden Texts of the Bible”,
by Henry Gariepy
http://books.google.com/books?id=9tjVtRt3TUMC&pg=PP1&dq=henry+gariepy&ei=6tqBSqLVDJiQyQT4i9DOCg#v=onepage&q=&f=false
read 3/15/10



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Sunday, March 14, 2010

A corrupt court

In the mockery of a trial
a corrupt court convening
in the dark of the night
in secret and in private

Powerful forces
money exchanging hands
violence used to bring the prisoner
to face false accusations

Lie and deceptions
a biased judge and jury
the code of the people
laws that they venerated
abandoned for a verdict
death to almighty God


March 14, 2010
Matthew 26:57-68
I John 4:16b-21
Isaiah 58:6-9 (Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “Those who condemned Jesus”
and sermon, “Condemned By the Righteous”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
the third in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 14, 2010
Fourth Sunday in Lent


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Blind to Their Own Faith

These leaders, of the people
blind to their own faith
if they would have but seen
so different would that night had been

If they could only have lifted the scales
their power blinding them
Christ having lived out the word
even line, everything as foretold

Fulfilling all the prophecies
for the coming of the Messiah
yet they could only see
the crumbling of their empire

Violating the rules,
the commands of the Lord
to affect the outcome they desired
killing the Christ,
to retain their power


March 14, 2010
Matthew 26:57-68
I John 4:16b-21
Isaiah 58:6-9 (Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “Those who condemned Jesus”
and sermon, “Condemned By the Righteous”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
the third in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 14, 2010
Fourth Sunday in Lent


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

God’s Temple

Even in their accusations
failing to understand
his language, parables
more than they could stand

God’s temple,
the temple of Christ himself
that which would be torn down
raised in but three days

Speaking to the powerful
in words to them opaque
these who should know the Christ
because the taught the law

His life a witness, a testimony
the proof of his holiness
but to them only a threat
blind to the living God
judgment, the cross, instead


March 14, 2010
Matthew 26:57-68
I John 4:16b-21
Isaiah 58:6-9 (Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “Those who condemned Jesus”
and sermon, “Condemned By the Righteous”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
the third in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 14, 2010
Fourth Sunday in Lent


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

A Kiss of Betrayal

Judas, one of the twelve
a kiss of betrayal
marking the savior
with his lips, his breath
turning him over to them

That moment in the garden
God no longer free
the path to the cross
etched in stone
sorrow in the land

Christ walking into the city
into the center of power
this day to die on the cross
after a trial before the righteous
sealed with the kiss of betrayal
by one who could not believe


March 14, 2010
Matthew 26:57-68
I John 4:16b-21
Isaiah 58:6-9 (Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “Those who condemned Jesus”
and sermon, “Condemned By the Righteous”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
the third in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 14, 2010
Fourth Sunday in Lent



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

When we are most certain we are right

What level of destruction, cruelty
we are able to perpetrate
when we find ourselves righteous
standing in judgment of others
harsher rebukes than the father
when we are most certain we are right

The priests, the scribes,
the Pharisees, Sadducees,
all of them in the Sanhedrin
sworn to uphold the law
the words given to Moses and the people
under a covenant with God

Yet breaking fidelity with the creator
putting God in the dock
a corrupt court and trial
in secret, and in the dark
falsely accusing,
lies from the witnesses
judges biased by power

By this our Lord was made a sacrifice
our sin put on the lamb
the people’s priests and leaders
sending Christ to the nonbelievers
to die at the hands of power
the lamb upon the cross


March 14, 2010
Matthew 26:57-68
I John 4:16b-21
Isaiah 58:6-9 (Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “Those who condemned Jesus”
and sermon, “Condemned By the Righteous”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
the third in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 14, 2010
Fourth Sunday in Lent



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

A Trial before the Righteous

For fear, and the love of power
the lamb led to the slaughter
the judgment upon his head
in the dark of that hour

Before the priests, the elders
the scribes of the people
those who should know the law
the nature of God and the people

Yet unable to see him
God in their custody
a defendant like no other
in all of history

A trial before the righteous
corrupted by their power
yet harder than they imagined
because he wouldn’t take their bait

Only when they asked him
put him under oath
acknowledging his true identity
too much for them to bear

Sentenced, convicted
held to account
for claiming his true deity
making the powerful choke


March 14, 2010
Matthew 26:57-68
I John 4:16b-21
Isaiah 58:6-9 (Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “Those who condemned Jesus”
and sermon, “Condemned By the Righteous”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
the third in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 14, 2010
Fourth Sunday in Lent



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Convicted for Speaking the Truth

Christ standing before them
in the middle of the night
the Passover fading
his prayers in the garden
not in the pit, his suffering

Judged by the righteous
convicted for speaking the truth
God acknowledging his identity
what should have been a joyous event
called blasphemy instead


March 14, 2010
Matthew 26:57-68
I John 4:16b-21
Isaiah 58:6-9 (Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “Those who condemned Jesus”
and sermon, “Condemned By the Righteous”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
the third in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 14, 2010
Fourth Sunday in Lent
and
on seeing the following poem
as I posted it to FaithWriters this morning
a one-year backlog, based on 3 per day posting rule
------
Guilty

No more false witnesses
no more false claims
Guilty as charged for speaking
for claiming to be the son of God
Blasphemy, in naming the truth
and death on the cross
as the prophets foretold


April 10, 2009
Holy Thursday service
and service of Tenebrae
Reverend Huntley Halvorson
Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
April 9, 2009
Tenebrae – The Service of Shadows
1. THE SHADOW OF BETRAYAL
Matthew 26:20-25
2. THE SHADOW OF INNER AGONY
Luke 22:40-44
3. THE SHADOW OF LONELINESS
Matthew 26:40-45
4. THE SHADOW OF DESERTION
Matthew 26:47-50,55,56
5. THE SHADOW OF ACCUSATION
Matthew 26:59-67
6. THE SHADOW OF MOCKERY
Mark 15:12-20
7. THE SHADOW OF DEATH
Luke 23:33-46
Hymn: Were You There…
FINAL READING
John 1:1-4



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Seeing what they would not

Seeing what they would not
wanting to be blind
to deny the possibility
that the prophecy had been fulfilled
that the Messiah had come to earth

Seeing Christ, God, Emmanuel
living among the people
sharing the nature of the creator
the love of God for man

Acting in the countryside
walking on the water
bringing the good news of salvation
in repenting and returning to God

A ministry continuing
down to this present age
we to follow where he has led
spreading the good news of our savior
until he comes here again

Praying that when that day has come
we would see what they would not
believing the Christ when he calls us
offering him humble hearts


March 14, 2010
Matthew 26:57-68
I John 4:16b-21
Isaiah 58:6-9 (Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “Those who condemned Jesus”
and sermon, “Condemned By the Righteous”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
the third in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 14, 2010
Fourth Sunday in Lent
and
on seeing the following poem
as I posted it to FaithWriters this morning
a one-year backlog, based on 3 per day posting rule
------
Guilty

No more false witnesses
no more false claims
Guilty as charged for speaking
for claiming to be the son of God
Blasphemy, in naming the truth
and death on the cross
as the prophets foretold


April 10, 2009
Holy Thursday service
and service of Tenebrae
Reverend Huntley Halvorson
Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
April 9, 2009
Tenebrae – The Service of Shadows
1. THE SHADOW OF BETRAYAL
Matthew 26:20-25
2. THE SHADOW OF INNER AGONY
Luke 22:40-44
3. THE SHADOW OF LONELINESS
Matthew 26:40-45
4. THE SHADOW OF DESERTION
Matthew 26:47-50,55,56
5. THE SHADOW OF ACCUSATION
Matthew 26:59-67
6. THE SHADOW OF MOCKERY
Mark 15:12-20
7. THE SHADOW OF DEATH
Luke 23:33-46
Hymn: Were You There…
FINAL READING
John 1:1-4



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Blind to the Truth

The leaders, those in power
blind to the truth
that the Messiah had come
unable to accept
to see him before them
all they saw was a threat
a change from their power
a new king instead


March 14, 2010
Matthew 26:57-68
I John 4:16b-21
Isaiah 58:6-9 (Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “Those who condemned Jesus”
and sermon, “Condemned By the Righteous”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
the third in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 14, 2010
Fourth Sunday in Lent
and
on seeing the following poem
as I posted it to FaithWriters this morning
a one-year backlog, based on 3 per day posting rule
------
Guilty

No more false witnesses
no more false claims
Guilty as charged for speaking
for claiming to be the son of God
Blasphemy, in naming the truth
and death on the cross
as the prophets foretold


April 10, 2009
Holy Thursday service
and service of Tenebrae
Reverend Huntley Halvorson
Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
April 9, 2009
Tenebrae – The Service of Shadows
1. THE SHADOW OF BETRAYAL
Matthew 26:20-25
2. THE SHADOW OF INNER AGONY
Luke 22:40-44
3. THE SHADOW OF LONELINESS
Matthew 26:40-45
4. THE SHADOW OF DESERTION
Matthew 26:47-50,55,56
5. THE SHADOW OF ACCUSATION
Matthew 26:59-67
6. THE SHADOW OF MOCKERY
Mark 15:12-20
7. THE SHADOW OF DEATH
Luke 23:33-46
Hymn: Were You There…
FINAL READING
John 1:1-4



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

In Claiming His Name

In Claiming His Name
holy and true
the die cast
and the judgment made
the corruption of the leaders
plain before him
today he would face his anguish
his suffering on the cross


March 14, 2010
Matthew 26:57-68
I John 4:16b-21
Isaiah 58:6-9 (Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “Those who condemned Jesus”
and sermon, “Condemned By the Righteous”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
the third in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 14, 2010
Fourth Sunday in Lent
and
on seeing the following poem
as I posted it to FaithWriters this morning
a one-year backlog, based on 3 per day posting rule
------
Guilty

No more false witnesses
no more false claims
Guilty as charged for speaking
for claiming to be the son of God
Blasphemy, in naming the truth
and death on the cross
as the prophets foretold


April 10, 2009
Holy Thursday service
and service of Tenebrae
Reverend Huntley Halvorson
Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
April 9, 2009
Tenebrae – The Service of Shadows
1. THE SHADOW OF BETRAYAL
Matthew 26:20-25
2. THE SHADOW OF INNER AGONY
Luke 22:40-44
3. THE SHADOW OF LONELINESS
Matthew 26:40-45
4. THE SHADOW OF DESERTION
Matthew 26:47-50,55,56
5. THE SHADOW OF ACCUSATION
Matthew 26:59-67
6. THE SHADOW OF MOCKERY
Mark 15:12-20
7. THE SHADOW OF DEATH
Luke 23:33-46
Hymn: Were You There…
FINAL READING
John 1:1-4



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Truth spoken to power

In the dock that night
a singular defendant
God of the people
being accused of blasphemy
not in the pillar of fire
the cloud by day
right before them
God as man
Emmanuel

Truth spoken to power
their days in charge
put at risk
the king of the people
there in their midst
these leaders of the temple
those who should know the law
the words of the scripture
all the words of their faith

Yet, they did not believe
could not see who he is
right there before them
though his life fulfilled
all the law and prophets
they could not accept
the Messiah right before them
a sentence of death instead


March 14, 2010
Matthew 26:57-68
I John 4:16b-21
Isaiah 58:6-9 (Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “Those who condemned Jesus”
and sermon, “Condemned By the Righteous”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
the third in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 14, 2010
Fourth Sunday in Lent
and
on seeing the following poem
as I posted it to FaithWriters this morning
a one-year backlog, based on 3 per day posting rule
------
Guilty

No more false witnesses
no more false claims
Guilty as charged for speaking
for claiming to be the son of God
Blasphemy, in naming the truth
and death on the cross
as the prophets foretold


April 10, 2009
Holy Thursday service
and service of Tenebrae
Reverend Huntley Halvorson
Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
April 9, 2009
Tenebrae – The Service of Shadows
1. THE SHADOW OF BETRAYAL
Matthew 26:20-25
2. THE SHADOW OF INNER AGONY
Luke 22:40-44
3. THE SHADOW OF LONELINESS
Matthew 26:40-45
4. THE SHADOW OF DESERTION
Matthew 26:47-50,55,56
5. THE SHADOW OF ACCUSATION
Matthew 26:59-67
6. THE SHADOW OF MOCKERY
Mark 15:12-20
7. THE SHADOW OF DEATH
Luke 23:33-46
Hymn: Were You There…
FINAL READING
John 1:1-4



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

For Speaking the Truth

Sentenced, in a trial upside down
held in secret, in the night
sentenced to death
for speaking the truth
they were blind in the light

Christ being God in the world
offering hope to all
but not for the leaders
for they would lose power
if the people returned to God

For this, their selfish reasons
for speaking truth to power
claiming the mantle of his name
a cross to bear, agonizing death
instead of a crown in glory


March 14, 2010
Matthew 26:57-68
I John 4:16b-21
Isaiah 58:6-9 (Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “Those who condemned Jesus”
and sermon, “Condemned By the Righteous”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
the third in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 14, 2010
Fourth Sunday in Lent
and
on seeing the following poem
as I posted it to FaithWriters this morning
a one-year backlog, based on 3 per day posting rule
------
Guilty

No more false witnesses
no more false claims
Guilty as charged for speaking
for claiming to be the son of God
Blasphemy, in naming the truth
and death on the cross
as the prophets foretold


April 10, 2009
Holy Thursday service
and service of Tenebrae
Reverend Huntley Halvorson
Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
April 9, 2009
Tenebrae – The Service of Shadows
1. THE SHADOW OF BETRAYAL
Matthew 26:20-25
2. THE SHADOW OF INNER AGONY
Luke 22:40-44
3. THE SHADOW OF LONELINESS
Matthew 26:40-45
4. THE SHADOW OF DESERTION
Matthew 26:47-50,55,56
5. THE SHADOW OF ACCUSATION
Matthew 26:59-67
6. THE SHADOW OF MOCKERY
Mark 15:12-20
7. THE SHADOW OF DEATH
Luke 23:33-46
Hymn: Were You There…
FINAL READING
John 1:1-4



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Seeing What They Could Not

Prayerfully hoping
that I would ever be faithful
following the true message of scripture
seeing what they could not

Christ in this time, this place
in the pages of the word
his story, our story too
how we live in this life

Being merciful, loving
showing God’s face to our neighbors
a glimpse of Christ in each of us
in the way of our walk on this earth


March 14, 2010
March 14, 2010
Matthew 26:57-68
I John 4:16b-21
Isaiah 58:6-9 (Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “Those who condemned Jesus”
and sermon, “Condemned By the Righteous”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
the third in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 14, 2010
Fourth Sunday in Lent
and
on seeing the following poem
as I posted it to FaithWriters this morning
a one-year backlog, based on 3 per day posting rule
------
Guilty

No more false witnesses
no more false claims
Guilty as charged for speaking
for claiming to be the son of God
Blasphemy, in naming the truth
and death on the cross
as the prophets foretold


April 10, 2009
Holy Thursday service
and service of Tenebrae
Reverend Huntley Halvorson
Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
April 9, 2009
Tenebrae – The Service of Shadows
1. THE SHADOW OF BETRAYAL
Matthew 26:20-25
2. THE SHADOW OF INNER AGONY
Luke 22:40-44
3. THE SHADOW OF LONELINESS
Matthew 26:40-45
4. THE SHADOW OF DESERTION
Matthew 26:47-50,55,56
5. THE SHADOW OF ACCUSATION
Matthew 26:59-67
6. THE SHADOW OF MOCKERY
Mark 15:12-20
7. THE SHADOW OF DEATH
Luke 23:33-46
Hymn: Were You There…
FINAL READING
John 1:1-4



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Condemning the Christ

By their action
their treachery, deceit
condemning the Christ
God come to earth

The leaders, the experts
the ones who should know the law
so bent on their power
they could not see him at all

Christ, being merciful
loving as God alone
ministering to the people
a glimpse of our heavenly home

All they saw was his threat
upsetting the apple cart
changing the rules of this world
in being faithful to the word


March 14, 2010
Matthew 26:57-68
I John 4:16b-21
Isaiah 58:6-9 (Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “Those who condemned Jesus”
and sermon, “Condemned By the Righteous”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
the third in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 14, 2010
Fourth Sunday in Lent
and
on seeing the following poem
as I posted it to FaithWriters this morning
a one-year backlog, based on 3 per day posting rule
------
Guilty

No more false witnesses
no more false claims
Guilty as charged for speaking
for claiming to be the son of God
Blasphemy, in naming the truth
and death on the cross
as the prophets foretold


April 10, 2009
Holy Thursday service
and service of Tenebrae
Reverend Huntley Halvorson
Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
April 9, 2009
Tenebrae – The Service of Shadows
1. THE SHADOW OF BETRAYAL
Matthew 26:20-25
2. THE SHADOW OF INNER AGONY
Luke 22:40-44
3. THE SHADOW OF LONELINESS
Matthew 26:40-45
4. THE SHADOW OF DESERTION
Matthew 26:47-50,55,56
5. THE SHADOW OF ACCUSATION
Matthew 26:59-67
6. THE SHADOW OF MOCKERY
Mark 15:12-20
7. THE SHADOW OF DEATH
Luke 23:33-46
Hymn: Were You There…
FINAL READING
John 1:1-4



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Unfairly Accused

Unfairly accused
in the mockery of the trial
in secret, in the night
the righteous
acting unjustly

Scheming to catch him
paying a betrayer
captured in the garden
biased judges sitting
an unholy place indeed

Such was the means
the way to retain power
the priest, the scribes,
the elders of the people
sentencing Christ to death


March 14, 2010
Matthew 26:57-68
I John 4:16b-21
Isaiah 58:6-9 (Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “Those who condemned Jesus”
children’s time by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
and sermon, “Condemned By the Righteous”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
the third in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 14, 2010
Fourth Sunday in Lent
and
on seeing the following poem
as I posted it to FaithWriters this morning
a one-year backlog, based on 3 per day posting rule
------
Guilty

No more false witnesses
no more false claims
Guilty as charged for speaking
for claiming to be the son of God
Blasphemy, in naming the truth
and death on the cross
as the prophets foretold


April 10, 2009
Holy Thursday service
and service of Tenebrae
Reverend Huntley Halvorson
Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
April 9, 2009
Tenebrae – The Service of Shadows
1. THE SHADOW OF BETRAYAL
Matthew 26:20-25
2. THE SHADOW OF INNER AGONY
Luke 22:40-44
3. THE SHADOW OF LONELINESS
Matthew 26:40-45
4. THE SHADOW OF DESERTION
Matthew 26:47-50,55,56
5. THE SHADOW OF ACCUSATION
Matthew 26:59-67
6. THE SHADOW OF MOCKERY
Mark 15:12-20
7. THE SHADOW OF DEATH
Luke 23:33-46
Hymn: Were You There…
FINAL READING
John 1:1-4



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Falsely Accused

Falsely accused
trumped up charges
claims that would not stick
the lies of the witnesses
not holding water

Falsely accused
because they could not see
who he truly is
the Christ, Emmanuel

Falsely accused
though he spoke the word
true the holy scripture
preaching the love of God

Falsely accused
in the charge of blasphemy
though he only spoke the truth
righteously claiming his name

Falsely accused
holy, without sin
the lamb sent to the cross
fulfilling the promise of God


March 14, 2010
Matthew 26:57-68
I John 4:16b-21
Isaiah 58:6-9 (Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “Those who condemned Jesus”
children’s time by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
and sermon, “Condemned By the Righteous”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
the third in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 14, 2010
Fourth Sunday in Lent
and
on seeing the following poem
as I posted it to FaithWriters this morning
a one-year backlog, based on 3 per day posting rule
------
Guilty

No more false witnesses
no more false claims
Guilty as charged for speaking
for claiming to be the son of God
Blasphemy, in naming the truth
and death on the cross
as the prophets foretold


April 10, 2009
Holy Thursday service
and service of Tenebrae
Reverend Huntley Halvorson
Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
April 9, 2009
Tenebrae – The Service of Shadows
1. THE SHADOW OF BETRAYAL
Matthew 26:20-25
2. THE SHADOW OF INNER AGONY
Luke 22:40-44
3. THE SHADOW OF LONELINESS
Matthew 26:40-45
4. THE SHADOW OF DESERTION
Matthew 26:47-50,55,56
5. THE SHADOW OF ACCUSATION
Matthew 26:59-67
6. THE SHADOW OF MOCKERY
Mark 15:12-20
7. THE SHADOW OF DEATH
Luke 23:33-46
Hymn: Were You There…
FINAL READING
John 1:1-4




Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Blamed

A false accusation
lies before the Sanhedrin
blamed for blasphemy
when he only spoke
the word of God
the truth for the nation
not backing down
standing before the powerful

Christ, in the center
the focus of their power
righteously speaking
before the righteous
judged by their earthly values
sentenced to die,
though wholly without sin


March 14, 2010
Matthew 26:57-68
I John 4:16b-21
Isaiah 58:6-9 (Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “Those who condemned Jesus”
children’s time by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
and sermon, “Condemned By the Righteous”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
the third in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 14, 2010
Fourth Sunday in Lent
and
on seeing the following poem
as I posted it to FaithWriters this morning
a one-year backlog, based on 3 per day posting rule
------
Guilty

No more false witnesses
no more false claims
Guilty as charged for speaking
for claiming to be the son of God
Blasphemy, in naming the truth
and death on the cross
as the prophets foretold


April 10, 2009
Holy Thursday service
and service of Tenebrae
Reverend Huntley Halvorson
Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
April 9, 2009
Tenebrae – The Service of Shadows
1. THE SHADOW OF BETRAYAL
Matthew 26:20-25
2. THE SHADOW OF INNER AGONY
Luke 22:40-44
3. THE SHADOW OF LONELINESS
Matthew 26:40-45
4. THE SHADOW OF DESERTION
Matthew 26:47-50,55,56
5. THE SHADOW OF ACCUSATION
Matthew 26:59-67
6. THE SHADOW OF MOCKERY
Mark 15:12-20
7. THE SHADOW OF DEATH
Luke 23:33-46
Hymn: Were You There…
FINAL READING
John 1:1-4



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Blamed

A false accusation
lies before the Sanhedrin
blamed for blasphemy
when he only spoke
the word of God
the truth for the nation
not backing down
standing before the powerful

Christ, in the center
the focus of their power
righteously speaking
before the righteous
judged by their earthly values
sentenced to die,
though wholly without sin


March 14, 2010
Matthew 26:57-68
I John 4:16b-21
Isaiah 58:6-9 (Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “Those who condemned Jesus”
children’s time by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
and sermon, “Condemned By the Righteous”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
the third in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 14, 2010
Fourth Sunday in Lent
and
on seeing the following poem
as I posted it to FaithWriters this morning
a one-year backlog, based on 3 per day posting rule
------
Guilty

No more false witnesses
no more false claims
Guilty as charged for speaking
for claiming to be the son of God
Blasphemy, in naming the truth
and death on the cross
as the prophets foretold


April 10, 2009
Holy Thursday service
and service of Tenebrae
Reverend Huntley Halvorson
Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
April 9, 2009
Tenebrae – The Service of Shadows
1. THE SHADOW OF BETRAYAL
Matthew 26:20-25
2. THE SHADOW OF INNER AGONY
Luke 22:40-44
3. THE SHADOW OF LONELINESS
Matthew 26:40-45
4. THE SHADOW OF DESERTION
Matthew 26:47-50,55,56
5. THE SHADOW OF ACCUSATION
Matthew 26:59-67
6. THE SHADOW OF MOCKERY
Mark 15:12-20
7. THE SHADOW OF DEATH
Luke 23:33-46
Hymn: Were You There…
FINAL READING
John 1:1-4



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Resolute

Standing before the leaders
silent before the false testimony
resolute, knowing the true
the son of God, of man

In the question of the priest
the moment of clarity
Christ naming himself
I Am, the son of God

Too much for them to take
their world on a collision
their reward hear on the earth
the people who believe
a reward in heaven for them

Standing firm
in the face of the trial
knowing the suffering to come
faithful to his ministry
Christ prepared for the cross

Resolute in this moment,
God sacrificing himself
that we may live again
a place for us in heaven
for the faithful, believing in Christ
and bearing their cross
on this walk here below


March 14, 2010
Matthew 26:57-68
I John 4:16b-21
Isaiah 58:6-9 (Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “Those who condemned Jesus”
children’s time by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
and sermon, “Condemned By the Righteous”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
the third in a series of sermons, based in part on the book,
“24 Hours That Changed the World”, by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://thewell.cor.org/resurrection-resources/24-hours-that-changed-the-world.html
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 14, 2010
Fourth Sunday in Lent
and
on seeing the following poem
as I posted it to FaithWriters this morning
a one-year backlog, based on 3 per day posting rule
------
Guilty

No more false witnesses
no more false claims
Guilty as charged for speaking
for claiming to be the son of God
Blasphemy, in naming the truth
and death on the cross
as the prophets foretold


April 10, 2009
Holy Thursday service
and service of Tenebrae
Reverend Huntley Halvorson
Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
April 9, 2009
Tenebrae – The Service of Shadows
1. THE SHADOW OF BETRAYAL
Matthew 26:20-25
2. THE SHADOW OF INNER AGONY
Luke 22:40-44
3. THE SHADOW OF LONELINESS
Matthew 26:40-45
4. THE SHADOW OF DESERTION
Matthew 26:47-50,55,56
5. THE SHADOW OF ACCUSATION
Matthew 26:59-67
6. THE SHADOW OF MOCKERY
Mark 15:12-20
7. THE SHADOW OF DEATH
Luke 23:33-46
Hymn: Were You There…
FINAL READING
John 1:1-4




Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.