Fulfilling God’s Promise of Hope

The voice of God speaking
fulfilling God’s promise of hope
Sending us His Son
prophesied so long before
sending us His Love

January 8, 2011
Isaiah 42:1-9
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 7, 2011
read January 7, 2011
&
Matthew 3:16-17
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 5, 2011
read January 5, 2011
&
Matthew 3:13-15
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 4, 2011
read January 4, 2011



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

God’s Voice Clear

The statements of John
who he truly was
the voice in the wilderness
the one who was to cry out

Christ clear in his purpose
why he was to be baptized
to fulfill all righteousness
to be the divine example

God’s voice clear
resounding from the skies
the one who created the world
speaking from the heavens

Anointing Christ with His words
claiming Him as His Son
nothing left to chance
claiming the holy One

The Spirit descending
in the form, as a dove
transferring power to the Christ
to offer us God’s love

January 8, 2011
Isaiah 42:1-9
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 7, 2011
read January 7, 2011
&
Matthew 3:16-17
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 5, 2011
read January 5, 2011
&
Matthew 3:13-15
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 4, 2011
read January 4, 2011


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

God’s Plan Unfolding

God’s plan unfolding
in the Jordan River
Christ coming to John
to be baptized in the water

The prophecies coming to fruition
yet in preparation
the voice crying in the wilderness
and the one who was to come

God’s voice speaking
living, alive, in majesty
crying down from heaven
his love for all mankind

Christ identified
as God’s holy Son
the Spirit descending
in the form of a dove

Our lives changed forever
in the commissioning of Christ
sent to fulfill His ministry
to offer us God’s love

January 8, 2011
Isaiah 42:1-9
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 7, 2011
read January 7, 2011
&
Matthew 3:16-17
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 5, 2011
read January 5, 2011
&
Matthew 3:13-15
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 4, 2011
read January 4, 2011

Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

God’s Grace Descending Upon Him

God’s voice speaking
calling to the Christ
identifying Him fully
claiming Him as His Son

God’s grace descending upon Him
the Spirit like a dove
wrapping His arms around Him
commissioning Him with Love

January 8, 2011
Isaiah 42:1-9
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 7, 2011
read January 7, 2011
&
Matthew 3:16-17
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 5, 2011
read January 5, 2011
&
Matthew 3:13-15
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 4, 2011
read January 4, 2011

Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

God’s Spirit Falling Upon Him

Dying in the waters
washed clean of the world
rising as a new creation
to spread God’s holy word

God’s Spirit falling upon Him
the dove upon the lamb
God’s voice booming
claiming the Son of Man

January 8, 2011
Isaiah 42:1-9
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 7, 2011
read January 7, 2011
&
Matthew 3:16-17
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 5, 2011
read January 5, 2011
&
Matthew 3:13-15
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 4, 2011
read January 4, 2011

Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

God’s Love Raining Upon Him

Wet with the water
yet drenched from above
God’s love raining upon him
showering Him with love

God anointing our Savior
claiming His first-born Son
right there in the water
in the descending of the dove

January 8, 2011
Isaiah 42:1-9
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 7, 2011
read January 7, 2011
&
Matthew 3:16-17
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 5, 2011
read January 5, 2011
&
Matthew 3:13-15
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 4, 2011
read January 4, 2011

Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

God’s Voice Shining Upon Him

Descending from the heavens
as Christ rose from the waters
God’s voice shining upon him
as if it were shimmering light

Preaching from the heavens
the testament of His promise
the Chosen One of Israel
standing there in the waters

Christ’s life in some sense ended
He now was commissioned by God
sent to begin His ministry
that would lead Him to the cross

Walking in the power
God’s Spirit descended upon Him
walking with Him ever
the Dove upon the Lamb

January 8, 2011
Isaiah 42:1-9
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 7, 2011
read January 7, 2011
&
Matthew 3:16-17
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 5, 2011
read January 5, 2011
&
Matthew 3:13-15
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 4, 2011
read January 4, 2011

Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

Recognizing His Son

Like a father in the nursery
the maternity ward
seeing His Son before Him
shouting a loving word

Giving out cigars
proud of his son before him
beaming with the pride of a father
seeing his first-born

Ready for a future
fulfilling His holy promise
rising from the waters
to heal our brokenness

January 8, 2011
Isaiah 42:1-9
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 7, 2011
read January 7, 2011
&
Matthew 3:16-17
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 5, 2011
read January 5, 2011
&
Matthew 3:13-15
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 4, 2011
read January 4, 2011


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

That Moment in the River

Power fell on Christ
that moment in the River
rising from the waters
submitting to that death

God proclaiming Jesus
the holy one who had been foretold
commissioned for a purpose
that His love for us would be known

Offering hope to the captives
that all of us would be free
showing us a way to the Father
through the altar of Calvary

January 8, 2011
Isaiah 42:1-9
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 7, 2011
read January 7, 2011
&
Matthew 3:16-17
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 5, 2011
read January 5, 2011
&
Matthew 3:13-15
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 4, 2011
read January 4, 2011


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

Do We Hear God - 2

Whether in the water
on the banks of the Jordan
far from the waters
in our own lands
In the telling of the story
the baptism of Jesus
do we feel the power
the gravity of this moment

Do we hear God
speaking His loving word
blessing the Christ-child
and ourselves in His intoning
the promise of His saving
fulfilling all prophecy
as He was coming from the water
commissioned for His ministry
January 8, 2011
Isaiah 42:1-9
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 7, 2011
read January 7, 2011
&
Matthew 3:16-17
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 5, 2011
read January 5, 2011
&
Matthew 3:13-15
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 4, 2011
read January 4, 2011

Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

That All May Be Sheep

Christ came, love rained down
walked this humble earth
God With US
walking as a man
that all may be sheep
answering his call
come, follow me,
going home
all to be gathered in
at the end of our days
at the end of the age
when Christ comes in victory
to gather in the sheep

January 8, 2011
Matthew 25:31-46
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 1 and 2, 2011
“Epiphany’s Light”
by Anna Lee
for January 2, 2011
read January 2, 2011

Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

The Blessed One

The blessed one of heaven
God’s loving words conveyed
raining down from heaven
descending on the Christ

Offering His commission
the falling of the dove
sent to heal His kingdom
in service and in love

January 8, 2011
Isaiah 42:1-9
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 7, 2011
read January 7, 2011
&
Matthew 3:16-17
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 5, 2011
read January 5, 2011
&
Matthew 3:13-15
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 4, 2011
read January 4, 2011



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

From One to the Other

God’s purpose being worked out
the prophecies alive
in that moment
when God spoke
the descending of the dove

The mantle handed
from one to the other
the preparation transitioned
to the One who was foretold

We must be baptized
washed clean by our repentance
but John’s words are true
we truly need Jesus

He is the one
given power from above
God’s Spirit upon Him
to set our spirits free

In that moment in the river
God claimed His Son
setting Him on the journey
that would lead Him to the cross

January 8, 2011
Isaiah 42:1-9
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 7, 2011
read January 7, 2011
&
Matthew 3:16-17
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 5, 2011
read January 5, 2011
&
Matthew 3:13-15
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 4, 2011
read January 4, 2011


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

These Two Cousins

Two whom were foretold
these two cousins
each preparing the way
coming together in the water

The one in the wilderness
crying out for repentance
leading others to the way
to way to our Savior

Our Savior coming to him
standing in the water
ready to commit himself
to the will of the Father

Coming together
each playing his part
the plan of redemption
coming alive, to life

God’s voice booming
proclaiming Christ’s identity
the one who was come
to heal our brokenness

Love coming together
the fulfilling of God’s plan
to bring us back to him
in our cousin and our brother

January 8, 2011
Isaiah 42:1-9
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 7, 2011
read January 7, 2011
&
Matthew 3:16-17
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 5, 2011
read January 5, 2011
&
Matthew 3:13-15
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 4, 2011
read January 4, 2011


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

With Words of Love

As He was rising
from the tomb of the waters
God claiming His Son, Jesus
with His words of love

The promise of Isaiah
God’s promise to the exiles
coming to life in Jesus
at the time of God’s planning
to bring us to life

January 8, 2011
Isaiah 42:1-9
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 7, 2011
read January 7, 2011
&
Matthew 3:16-17
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 5, 2011
read January 5, 2011
&
Matthew 3:13-15
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 4, 2011
read January 4, 2011


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

Claimed by the Father - 2

Fulfilling the words
the words of the prophecy
claiming the Christ
His Son here with us
Emmanuel, Jesus
claimed by the Father
speaking words of power
as He rose in resurrection
the tomb of the water
rising, a new being
into the light
God speaking
of His love for our Savior
commissioned by anointing
by the Spirit, as a dove

January 7, 2011
Isaiah 42:1-9
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 7, 2011
read January 7, 2011
&
Matthew 3:16-17
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 5, 2011
read January 5, 2011
&
Matthew 3:13-15
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 4, 2011
read January 4, 2011



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

Coming Toward Me – v2

Seeing Him on the shore
my Savior waiting
coming toward me
to submit to the water
to be baptized

I was troubled
He was like no other
none who had come to me
to be baptized in the Jordan

This was the Christ
the One who was foretold
no sin was upon Him
yet coming to be baptized

Only because He asked me
to lower Him into the water
I baptized my Savior
the One who would heal us all

January 7, 2011
Matthew 3:16-17
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 5, 2011
read January 5, 2011
&
Matthew 3:13-15
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 4, 2011
read January 4, 2011


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

The Words of Isaiah Echoing

The voice of God speaking
the words foretold
the words of Isaiah echoing
in the servanthood of Christ

Gentle, in humbleness
going out into the world
in servanthood, not judgment
to bring God’s holy word

Forgiveness, by example
healing our brokenness
our humble Redeemer
bringing God’s love to us

January 7, 2011
Isaiah 42:1-9
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 7, 2011
read January 7, 2011
&
Matthew 3:16-17
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 5, 2011
read January 5, 2011
&
Matthew 3:13-15
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 4, 2011
read January 4, 2011


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

The Words of Isaiah

The words of God’s promise
the words of Isaiah
spoken aloud, in majesty
booming from the heavens

God alive, on his royal throne
speaking the words
of his promise
his promise so long ago

The Christ before us
the chosen one, Messiah
with whom He is well pleased
rising from the waters
over death, in victory

Guided by God’s Spirit
resting upon him
humble, gentle, as a servant
out into the world

Speaking a loving message
healing us in your mercy
hope for all mankind
in the one who was foretold

January 7, 2011
Isaiah 42:1-9
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 7, 2011
read January 7, 2011
&
Matthew 3:16-17
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 5, 2011
read January 5, 2011
&
Matthew 3:13-15
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 4, 2011
read January 4, 2011

Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

His Spirit upon Christ

Just as God promised
the promised one of heaven
with whom He is pleased
coming to the earth

His Spirit coming
descending upon Jesus
commissioning him to ministry
God’s plan to be fulfilled

A light to the nations
a righteous voice speaking
come to save,
to set the captives free

Loosing the chains
the yoke of our bondage
through him alone
a passageway to God

January 7, 2011
Isaiah 42:1-9
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 7, 2011
read January 7, 2011
&
Matthew 3:16-17
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 5, 2011
read January 5, 2011
&
Matthew 3:13-15
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 4, 2011
read January 4, 2011

Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

Coming Toward Me

Seeing Him on the shore
my Savior waiting
coming toward me
to submit to the water
to be baptized

January 7, 2011
Matthew 3:16-17
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 5, 2011
read January 5, 2011
&
Matthew 3:13-15
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 4, 2011
read January 4, 2011

Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

Drawn to the River

All of us coming
down to be baptized
to repent of our sin
in the preaching of John
down by the waters
drawn by the river
to be washed clean

Hoping for the coming
the words of his preaching
the coming of Christ
the kingdom near
the one he prepared for
the one who was to come
the holy one of God

January 7, 2011
Matthew 3:16-17
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 5, 2011
read January 5, 2011
&
Matthew 3:13-15
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 4, 2011
read January 4, 2011


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

Out in the Waters

John still calling
calling to us
to repent of our sin
to come to the Christ

Out in the waters
calling to us
to step into the river
to be baptized

January 7, 2011
Matthew 3:16-17
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 5, 2011
read January 5, 2011
&
Matthew 3:13-15
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 4, 2011
read January 4, 2011

Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

He Alone Knew

Seeing Christ on the shore
coming into the waters
hearing John’s message
his cry to the people

Christ coming toward him
into the waters
to be baptized
to begin his ministry

He alone knew
the divinity of his cousin
the one who made him leap
within his mother’s womb

John trembling
unsure for the first time
the one he had foretold
falling into the waters
in his loving arms

January 7, 2011
Matthew 3:16-17
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 5, 2011
read January 5, 2011
&
Matthew 3:13-15
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 4, 2011
read January 4, 2011



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

In Preparing for Jesus

John in the wilderness
foretelling his coming
fulfilling prophecy
in preparing for Jesus

Standing in the river
calling to the people
to repent of their sins
to prepare for our King

Shouting exhortations
unblemished words
making the way straight
for the coming of the Lord

January 7, 2011
Matthew 3:1-17
&
Matthew 3:16-17
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 5, 2011
read January 5, 2011
&
Matthew 3:13-15
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 4, 2011
read January 4, 2011



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

In Lifting My Savior

Feeling Christ in the water
the weight of him in my arms
in lifting my savior
from the Jordan
setting an example for all
rising as a new person
fulfilling all righteousness

But then the skies opened
in that very instant
the voice of God speaking
the proof of Christ’s identity
the Spirit, a dove falling
upon my Savior
fulfilling His destiny

January 7, 2011
Matthew 3:16-17
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 5, 2011
read January 5, 2011
&
Matthew 3:13-15
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 4, 2011
read January 4, 2011


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

In Baptizing My Savior

Feeling him in my arms
lowering him into the water
lifting him from the depths
in baptizing my savior

I saw the heavens open
I heard the voice of God
I felt the dove descending
landing on the Christ

January 6, 2011
Matthew 3:16-17
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 5, 2011
read January 5, 2011
&
Matthew 3:13-15
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 4, 2011
read January 4, 2011



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

Do We Hear God

Do we hear God
do we see the dove
the rising of the Spirit
Christ within us

Are we awake
do we truly see
the presence of our Savior
in the man from Galilee

January 6, 2011
Matthew 3:16-17
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 5, 2011
read January 5, 2011
&
Matthew 3:13-15
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 4, 2011
read January 4, 2011

Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

Are We Like John

Are we like John
standing in this wilderness
proclaiming the coming
of the kingdom of God

Are we like John
foreswearing the world
going into the wilderness
to spread the holy word

Are we like John
hesitant, in the water
holding our savior to us
as he sinks in the water

Are we like John
in the rising of Christ
hearing the voice of God
seeing the descending of the dove

January 6, 2011
Matthew 3:16-17
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 5, 2011
read January 5, 2011
&
Matthew 3:13-15
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 4, 2011
read January 4, 2011


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

Do We Proclaim Christ

Do we proclaim Christ
bearing light to the darkness
are we committed like John
in all we say and do

Would we know Christ
coming to us in the water
would we humble ourselves
before our living Lord

Do we proclaim Christ
bearing his light in this dark world
are we are beacon of hope
changing human hearts

January 6, 2011
Matthew 3:16-17
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 5, 2011
read January 5, 2011
&
Matthew 3:13-15
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 4, 2011
read January 4, 2011


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

Do We Hold Jesus

Do we hold Jesus
the love of our Savior
do we feel him in our arms
as John did in the waters

Are we his disciples
bearing his light
are we true to our faith
every day of our life

January 6, 2011
Matthew 3:16-17
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 5, 2011
read January 5, 2011
&
Matthew 3:13-15
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 4, 2011
read January 4, 2011



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

Holding Onto Jesus

Gently touching our Lord
knowing who he is
lowering him into the water
bringing him up again

Holding onto Jesus
so must John have been
at the moment of the voice of God
and the descending of the dove

Did he feel the power
the Spirit falling on Christ
was he moved to rejoicing
in the anointing of our King

January 6, 2011
Psalm 29
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 6, 2011
read January 6, 2011
&
Matthew 3:16-17
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 5, 2011
read January 5, 2011
&
Matthew 3:13-15
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 4, 2011
read January 4, 2011


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

How Were They Changed

I wonder about the people
standing in the water
dripping on the shore
of the Jordan River

The disciples of John
those who would follow
the ones from the city
coming out of form

How were they changed
by what happened
when Christ came to John
and was baptized in the Jordan

Did they all hear the announcement
did they see the rending of the curtain
the voice of God from heaven
and the descending of the dove

January 6, 2011
Psalm 29
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 6, 2011
read January 6, 2011
&
Matthew 3:16-17
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 5, 2011
read January 5, 2011
&
Matthew 3:13-15
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 4, 2011
read January 4, 2011


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

What Did John Hear

How must he have reacted
standing beside Jesus
in the water with him
sharing in the baptism

The voice in the wilderness
trembling with Christ
hearing the voice of God
proclaiming his love

January 6, 2011
Psalm 29
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 6, 2011
read January 6, 2011
&
Matthew 3:16-17
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 5, 2011
read January 5, 2011
&
Matthew 3:13-15
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 4, 2011
read January 4, 2011



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

Standing in the Jordan

Standing in the Jordan
feeling something happening
dripping with the water
repenting, being baptized

A commotion in the river
in the demeanor of John
protesting before the one with him
not wanting to lower him down

Somehow I was drawn
my eyes and my ears
to the man in the water
in the arms of John

Suddenly the sky opened up
a tear in the heavens
a voice from above
anointing him with more than water

Power falling on him
commissioned in that moment
walking from the river
to go and heal the world

January 6, 2011
Psalm 29
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 6, 2011
read January 6, 2011
&
Matthew 3:16-17
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 5, 2011
read January 5, 2011
&
Matthew 3:13-15
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 4, 2011
read January 4, 2011


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

Hearing the Voice of God

Hearing the voice of God
raining down from heaven
resounding over the earth
sometimes in whispers
speaking directly to us

Hearing the voice of God
rent from the heavens
cutting across the sky
announcing His holiness

Christ rising from the waters
the voice of God booming
anointing Him with His love
grace pouring down
the landing of the dove

Hearing the voice of God
the power in that moment
setting the whole world into order
in commissioning His Son

Leaving the water to go
into this troubled world
to spread His message of healing
the love of our God sufficient
to bring us all to Him

January 6, 2011
Psalm 29
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 6, 2011
read January 6, 2011
&
Matthew 3:16-17
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 5, 2011
read January 5, 2011
&
Matthew 3:13-15
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 4, 2011
read January 4, 2011



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

If We Would But Hear

God’s voice in the power
shaking the whole earth
whispering creation
giving each their birth

If we would but hear
if we had been standing there
in the water as the heavens opened
seeing Jesus baptized

Would we have heard
would we have listened
God announcing his Son
would we have looked
would we have seen
the descending of the dove
January 6, 2011
Psalm 29
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 6, 2011
read January 6, 2011
&
Matthew 3:16-17
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 5, 2011
read January 5, 2011
&
Matthew 3:13-15
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 4, 2011
read January 4, 2011


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

Drenched Like Jesus

May we be baptized
truly immersed in the water
may we be drenched like Jesus
in the Jordan River

May we hear God speaking
of his love for us
may we be visited by the Spirit
descending on us like a dove

January 5, 2011
Matthew 3:16-17
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 5, 2011
read January 5, 2011
&
Matthew 3:13-15
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 4, 2011
read January 4, 2011


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

To Stand in the River

If we could but change time
take ourselves there
going to the very spot
where Jesus stood
to stand in the river
by where John stood
in that moment seeing
our Savior at that moment
when he fell beneath the waters
when he rose from the depths
when the dove descended
hearing God speaking of his love
and seeing the Holy Spirit
To stand in the river
at the moment of his starting
his ministry to begin
under the watchful eye of the Father

January 5, 2011
Matthew 3:16-17
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 5, 2011
read January 5, 2011
&
Matthew 3:13-15
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 4, 2011
read January 4, 2011


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

On the bank of the river

Waiting our turn
on the bank of the river
to come to John in the water
to wash ourselves clean
repenting of our past
preparing for our king

On the bank of the river
waiting my turn
watching what was happening
my head abruptly turned

Something so different
John so hesitant
objecting to the man before him
not wanting to get him wet

Their exchange so powerful
stillness all around
suddenly a voice from above
shaking the very ground

But that wasn’t the end
as he came out of the waters
clouds opening up
a dove descending
landing upon him
changing the world forever
January 5, 2011
Matthew 3:16-17
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 5, 2011
read January 5, 2011
&
Matthew 3:13-15
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 4, 2011
read January 4, 2011


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

Were the People even Aware

The two of them motionless
Christ coming to John
the exchange of their words
the power right there

Were the people even aware
did they hear their conversation
did they hear the voice of God
did they see the descending of the dove

What a wondrous moment
when Christ was baptized
submitting to the water
rising to be commissioned
to go into the world

January 5, 2011
Matthew 3:16-17
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 5, 2011
read January 5, 2011
&
Matthew 3:13-15
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 4, 2011
read January 4, 2011



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

Swirling Around Them

Standing in the river
swirling around them
far more than water
the fate of humankind

Standing in the river
hesitantly agreeing
baptizing our savior
love come to earth

Swirling around them
treachery and power
sin needing to be washed away
with something stronger than water

Repenting not enough
needing the cleansing
the healing he would provide
in fulfillment of his ministry

January 5, 2011
Matthew 3:13-15
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 4, 2011
read January 4, 2011

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 20,870+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

A Physical Manifestation

The hand of God
The Spirit descending
a physical manifestation
the commissioning of Christ

As he rose
from dying in the waters
the heavens opened
a dove resting on him

Alive, going
in ministry serving
going out into the world
to save the people of earth

January 5, 2011
Matthew 3:16-17
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 5, 2011
read January 5, 2011

Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008,
2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

The Ballet of His Baptism

The cousins together
standing in the river
both knowing their part
in the subtle ballet

Yet John unable
not wanting to step forward
to wash the unblemished lamb
in the brown, dirty water

Christ stepped in
coming before him
to fulfill all authority
to set a good example

The ballet of His baptism
His falling in the waters
rising to the coo of the dove
to go and save the world

January 4, 2011
Matthew 3:13-15
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 4, 2011
read January 4, 2011

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 19,940+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The Voice from the Heavens

Speaking to the Christ
speaking to us
the voice from the heavens
affirming his calling
the purpose of his life

God speaking to us
that we may truly know
his love for us evidence
in the man in the water
here with us below

Christ commissioned
dying in the water
rising from the river
the unblemished lamb
washed in the dirty water

January 5, 2011
Matthew 3:16-17
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 5, 2011
read January 5, 2011


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

Setting Upon Him

The dove of heaven
the Spirit of God
setting upon Him
His holy Son
Commissioned in that moment
there in the river
to go to heal the world
all of our brokenness
All foretold
written in scripture
unfolding in God’s season
as part of His plan
There in the river
baptized and commissioned
to go into the world
to bring God’s love to all

January 5, 2011
Matthew 3:16-17
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 5, 2011
read January 5, 2011

Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

A Prayer for Peace

A prayer today
for peace within me
for the things I cannot change
and the joy in my heart
for the changes that are coming
those yet to be
for the welling of your Spirit
your speaking to me

January 4, 2011

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 20,870+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Where the Turkeys had trod

Just west of the round-a-bout
where the beach and the mountain meet
just west on the state highway
heading for my mother’s home
I always look to that spot
for the great amount of motion
for where the turkeys had trod
filling the whole field

Today the field is still
under a coat of white
tracks of deer from the wood
coming down to the road
no sign of the turkeys this day
but I know they will return
a great gathering of the clan
upon this wonderful lawn

January 4, 2011
drive from Pembroke, NH
to Claremont, NH
Rte 89 and Rte 103
(43.341191,-72.075232,
field at 16-1494 New Hampshire 103
Newbury, NH 03255)
January 1, 2011
-----------------------
A line of tracks

As if they were ants
walking across the expanse
the frozen field
a line of tracks
in single file
left by the herd of deer


January 1, 2011
drive from Pembroke, NH
to Claremont, NH
Rte 89 and Rte 103

Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

Marshmallow Frosting – v2

Black rocks in the river
white icebergs exposed
seemingly topped
a frozen confection
with marshmallow frosting
camouflaged as snow

January 1, 2011
drive from Pembroke, NH
to Claremont, NH
Rte 89 and Rte 103

Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

Stones in the Snow

I didn’t pull over
stopping on our journey
going to grandmother’s house
to celebrate our Christmas
exchanging gifts
spending time in fellowship
sharing our meal together

In the melting white
clearly visible, row upon row
the stones in the snow
where others lay
no more worries of this world
spending the holidays on richer fare
in the banquet of our King

January 3, 2011
drive from Pembroke, NH
to Claremont, NH
Rte 89 and Rte 103
January 1, 2011

Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

May your light shine on our way

Our path in this life
through the wilderness
walking guided,
focused on the Christ

May your light shine on our way
leading us to you
changing our focus
from the world to you
to our sovereign God

January 2, 2011
Matthew 1:18-25; Matthew 2:1-15
Isaiah 40:21, 28-31
Unison Prayer (paraphrase of “An Epiphany Prayer”
by Frank Colquhoun, see
http://www.churchyear.net/epiphanyprayers.html)
Worship Theme: “Be still and know that I am God”
and sermon, “Listening to the Voice of the Prompter”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson, including extract from book,
“Vital Signs: A pathway to Congregational Wholeness”,
by Dan R. Dick, Discipleship Resources
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 2, 2011
Second Sunday after Christmas
Epiphany Sunday
&
Matthew 2:9
and notes Ruth took in her new
“Journeying Through the Days 2011,
Calendar and Journal for Personal Reflection”
for December 31, 2010
&
Matthew 25:31-46
&
Isaiah 63:7-9
Hebrews 2:10-18
Psalm 150 (Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “God’s presence in our past, present and future.”
and sermon, “A Year in Review”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 26, 2010
First Sunday after Christmas
&
Luke 2:6-7
Isaiah 9:2, 6-7
Luke 1:26-35, 38
Luke 2:1-7
Luke 2:8-20
Matthew 2:1-11
Advent Candle Liturgy, by Dean McIntyre
Christmas Pageant (6:30pm service)
Meditation by Reverend Huntley Halvorson (11:00pm service)
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 24, 2010
Christmas Eve services,
6:30pm and 11:00pm
&
Matthew 2:1-5
Hebrews 12:28-13.3
Advent Candle Liturgy, by Dean McIntyre (with Matthew 1:18-25)
Worship Theme: “You never know where you will encounter God.”
Unison Prayer
and sermon, “Meeting Angels”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 19, 2010
Fourth Sunday of Advent
&
Isaiah 35:1-10
James 5:7-8
Call to Worship
church sign: “Uncontainable Joy”
Worship Theme: “Joy”
and sermon, “Uncontrollable”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 12, 2010
Third Sunday of Advent
&
2 Corinthians 4:1-10 (NRSV)
Isaiah 11:1-9 (TEV)
Luke 2:22-32 (TEV)
Luke 2:14 (bulletin cover)
Luke 2:8-14
Luke 19:41 (worship theme)
Responsive Prayer
(“Call to Worship #3”,
Year B, Second Sunday of Advent,
December 7, 2008, Order of service written by
the Rev. Nancy Townley, Abingdon author.)
http://www.worshipconnection.cokesbury.com/content.aspx?dyn=1705
Advent Candle Liturgy, by Dean McIntyre (with Psalm 72:1-7)
Children’s Message based on Matthew 1:21-23
Worship Theme: “If only you knew the way to peace”
and sermon, “Blessed Are the Peacemakers”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 5, 2010
Second Sunday of Advent
&
Romans 13:11-14
Isaiah 2:1-5
Worship Theme: “Hope”
and sermon, “The Reason for the Season”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
November 28, 2010
First Sunday of Advent

Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

May we too be led

His Star still shines
true light in the darkness
Shining down on us
May we be like the Magi
foreigners from afar
May we too be led
led by His guiding star

January 2, 2011
Matthew 1:18-25; Matthew 2:1-15
Isaiah 40:21, 28-31
Unison Prayer (paraphrase of “An Epiphany Prayer”
by Frank Colquhoun, see
http://www.churchyear.net/epiphanyprayers.html)
Worship Theme: “Be still and know that I am God”
and sermon, “Listening to the Voice of the Prompter”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson, including extract from book,
“Vital Signs: A pathway to Congregational Wholeness”,
by Dan R. Dick, Discipleship Resources
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 2, 2011
Second Sunday after Christmas
Epiphany Sunday
&
Matthew 2:9
and notes Ruth took in her new
“Journeying Through the Days 2011,
Calendar and Journal for Personal Reflection”
for December 31, 2010
&
Matthew 25:31-46
&
Isaiah 63:7-9
Hebrews 2:10-18
Psalm 150 (Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “God’s presence in our past, present and future.”
and sermon, “A Year in Review”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 26, 2010
First Sunday after Christmas
&
Luke 2:6-7
Isaiah 9:2, 6-7
Luke 1:26-35, 38
Luke 2:1-7
Luke 2:8-20
Matthew 2:1-11
Advent Candle Liturgy, by Dean McIntyre
Christmas Pageant (6:30pm service)
Meditation by Reverend Huntley Halvorson (11:00pm service)
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 24, 2010
Christmas Eve services,
6:30pm and 11:00pm
&
Matthew 2:1-5
Hebrews 12:28-13.3
Advent Candle Liturgy, by Dean McIntyre (with Matthew 1:18-25)
Worship Theme: “You never know where you will encounter God.”
Unison Prayer
and sermon, “Meeting Angels”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 19, 2010
Fourth Sunday of Advent
&
Isaiah 35:1-10
James 5:7-8
Call to Worship
church sign: “Uncontainable Joy”
Worship Theme: “Joy”
and sermon, “Uncontrollable”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 12, 2010
Third Sunday of Advent
&
2 Corinthians 4:1-10 (NRSV)
Isaiah 11:1-9 (TEV)
Luke 2:22-32 (TEV)
Luke 2:14 (bulletin cover)
Luke 2:8-14
Luke 19:41 (worship theme)
Responsive Prayer
(“Call to Worship #3”,
Year B, Second Sunday of Advent,
December 7, 2008, Order of service written by
the Rev. Nancy Townley, Abingdon author.)
http://www.worshipconnection.cokesbury.com/content.aspx?dyn=1705
Advent Candle Liturgy, by Dean McIntyre (with Psalm 72:1-7)
Children’s Message based on Matthew 1:21-23
Worship Theme: “If only you knew the way to peace”
and sermon, “Blessed Are the Peacemakers”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 5, 2010
Second Sunday of Advent
&
Romans 13:11-14
Isaiah 2:1-5
Worship Theme: “Hope”
and sermon, “The Reason for the Season”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
November 28, 2010
First Sunday of Advent

Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

Listen to the Divine Prompter

Ready to guide me
if I will but listen
God speaking to me
to shepherd my whole life

Listen to the divine prompter
God’s still small voice
standing right before us
ready to guide us in life

January 2, 2011
Matthew 1:18-25; Matthew 2:1-15
Isaiah 40:21, 28-31
Unison Prayer (paraphrase of “An Epiphany Prayer”
by Frank Colquhoun, see
http://www.churchyear.net/epiphanyprayers.html)
Worship Theme: “Be still and know that I am God”
and sermon, “Listening to the Voice of the Prompter”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson, including extract from book,
“Vital Signs: A pathway to Congregational Wholeness”,
by Dan R. Dick, Discipleship Resources
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 2, 2011
Second Sunday after Christmas
Epiphany Sunday
&
Matthew 2:9
and notes Ruth took in her new
“Journeying Through the Days 2011,
Calendar and Journal for Personal Reflection”
for December 31, 2010
&
Matthew 25:31-46
&
Isaiah 63:7-9
Hebrews 2:10-18
Psalm 150 (Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “God’s presence in our past, present and future.”
and sermon, “A Year in Review”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 26, 2010
First Sunday after Christmas
&
Luke 2:6-7
Isaiah 9:2, 6-7
Luke 1:26-35, 38
Luke 2:1-7
Luke 2:8-20
Matthew 2:1-11
Advent Candle Liturgy, by Dean McIntyre
Christmas Pageant (6:30pm service)
Meditation by Reverend Huntley Halvorson (11:00pm service)
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 24, 2010
Christmas Eve services,
6:30pm and 11:00pm
&
Matthew 2:1-5
Hebrews 12:28-13.3
Advent Candle Liturgy, by Dean McIntyre (with Matthew 1:18-25)
Worship Theme: “You never know where you will encounter God.”
Unison Prayer
and sermon, “Meeting Angels”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 19, 2010
Fourth Sunday of Advent
&
Isaiah 35:1-10
James 5:7-8
Call to Worship
church sign: “Uncontainable Joy”
Worship Theme: “Joy”
and sermon, “Uncontrollable”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 12, 2010
Third Sunday of Advent
&
2 Corinthians 4:1-10 (NRSV)
Isaiah 11:1-9 (TEV)
Luke 2:22-32 (TEV)
Luke 2:14 (bulletin cover)
Luke 2:8-14
Luke 19:41 (worship theme)
Responsive Prayer
(“Call to Worship #3”,
Year B, Second Sunday of Advent,
December 7, 2008, Order of service written by
the Rev. Nancy Townley, Abingdon author.)
http://www.worshipconnection.cokesbury.com/content.aspx?dyn=1705
Advent Candle Liturgy, by Dean McIntyre (with Psalm 72:1-7)
Children’s Message based on Matthew 1:21-23
Worship Theme: “If only you knew the way to peace”
and sermon, “Blessed Are the Peacemakers”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 5, 2010
Second Sunday of Advent
&
Romans 13:11-14
Isaiah 2:1-5
Worship Theme: “Hope”
and sermon, “The Reason for the Season”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
November 28, 2010
First Sunday of Advent

Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

The Steps of the Magi

The star of our Savior
rising before them
guiding the pilgrims
the steps of the Magi
coming to Christ
journeying ever
by his star’s holy light

January 2, 2011
Matthew 1:18-25; Matthew 2:1-15
Isaiah 40:21, 28-31
Unison Prayer (paraphrase of “An Epiphany Prayer”
by Frank Colquhoun, see
http://www.churchyear.net/epiphanyprayers.html)
Worship Theme: “Be still and know that I am God”
and sermon, “Listening to the Voice of the Prompter”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson, including extract from book,
“Vital Signs: A pathway to Congregational Wholeness”,
by Dan R. Dick, Discipleship Resources
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 2, 2011
Second Sunday after Christmas
Epiphany Sunday
&
Matthew 2:9
and notes Ruth took in her new
“Journeying Through the Days 2011,
Calendar and Journal for Personal Reflection”
for December 31, 2010
&
Matthew 25:31-46
&
Isaiah 63:7-9
Hebrews 2:10-18
Psalm 150 (Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “God’s presence in our past, present and future.”
and sermon, “A Year in Review”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 26, 2010
First Sunday after Christmas
&
Luke 2:6-7
Isaiah 9:2, 6-7
Luke 1:26-35, 38
Luke 2:1-7
Luke 2:8-20
Matthew 2:1-11
Advent Candle Liturgy, by Dean McIntyre
Christmas Pageant (6:30pm service)
Meditation by Reverend Huntley Halvorson (11:00pm service)
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 24, 2010
Christmas Eve services,
6:30pm and 11:00pm
&
Matthew 2:1-5
Hebrews 12:28-13.3
Advent Candle Liturgy, by Dean McIntyre (with Matthew 1:18-25)
Worship Theme: “You never know where you will encounter God.”
Unison Prayer
and sermon, “Meeting Angels”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 19, 2010
Fourth Sunday of Advent
&
Isaiah 35:1-10
James 5:7-8
Call to Worship
church sign: “Uncontainable Joy”
Worship Theme: “Joy”
and sermon, “Uncontrollable”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 12, 2010
Third Sunday of Advent
&
2 Corinthians 4:1-10 (NRSV)
Isaiah 11:1-9 (TEV)
Luke 2:22-32 (TEV)
Luke 2:14 (bulletin cover)
Luke 2:8-14
Luke 19:41 (worship theme)
Responsive Prayer
(“Call to Worship #3”,
Year B, Second Sunday of Advent,
December 7, 2008, Order of service written by
the Rev. Nancy Townley, Abingdon author.)
http://www.worshipconnection.cokesbury.com/content.aspx?dyn=1705
Advent Candle Liturgy, by Dean McIntyre (with Psalm 72:1-7)
Children’s Message based on Matthew 1:21-23
Worship Theme: “If only you knew the way to peace”
and sermon, “Blessed Are the Peacemakers”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 5, 2010
Second Sunday of Advent
&
Romans 13:11-14
Isaiah 2:1-5
Worship Theme: “Hope”
and sermon, “The Reason for the Season”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
November 28, 2010
First Sunday of Advent

Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

The Direction of the Divine Prompter

Our lives in our hands
in our choices each day
whether we follow the world
the beat of our own drummer
whether we follow
the direction of the divine prompter
the voice of our living God

January 2, 2011
Matthew 1:18-25; Matthew 2:1-15
Isaiah 40:21, 28-31
Unison Prayer (paraphrase of “An Epiphany Prayer”
by Frank Colquhoun, see
http://www.churchyear.net/epiphanyprayers.html)
Worship Theme: “Be still and know that I am God”
and sermon, “Listening to the Voice of the Prompter”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson, including extract from book,
“Vital Signs: A pathway to Congregational Wholeness”,
by Dan R. Dick, Discipleship Resources
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 2, 2011
Second Sunday after Christmas
Epiphany Sunday
&
Matthew 2:9
and notes Ruth took in her new
“Journeying Through the Days 2011,
Calendar and Journal for Personal Reflection”
for December 31, 2010
&
Matthew 25:31-46
&
Isaiah 63:7-9
Hebrews 2:10-18
Psalm 150 (Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “God’s presence in our past, present and future.”
and sermon, “A Year in Review”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 26, 2010
First Sunday after Christmas
&
Luke 2:6-7
Isaiah 9:2, 6-7
Luke 1:26-35, 38
Luke 2:1-7
Luke 2:8-20
Matthew 2:1-11
Advent Candle Liturgy, by Dean McIntyre
Christmas Pageant (6:30pm service)
Meditation by Reverend Huntley Halvorson (11:00pm service)
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 24, 2010
Christmas Eve services,
6:30pm and 11:00pm
&
Matthew 2:1-5
Hebrews 12:28-13.3
Advent Candle Liturgy, by Dean McIntyre (with Matthew 1:18-25)
Worship Theme: “You never know where you will encounter God.”
Unison Prayer
and sermon, “Meeting Angels”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 19, 2010
Fourth Sunday of Advent
&
Isaiah 35:1-10
James 5:7-8
Call to Worship
church sign: “Uncontainable Joy”
Worship Theme: “Joy”
and sermon, “Uncontrollable”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 12, 2010
Third Sunday of Advent
&
2 Corinthians 4:1-10 (NRSV)
Isaiah 11:1-9 (TEV)
Luke 2:22-32 (TEV)
Luke 2:14 (bulletin cover)
Luke 2:8-14
Luke 19:41 (worship theme)
Responsive Prayer
(“Call to Worship #3”,
Year B, Second Sunday of Advent,
December 7, 2008, Order of service written by
the Rev. Nancy Townley, Abingdon author.)
http://www.worshipconnection.cokesbury.com/content.aspx?dyn=1705
Advent Candle Liturgy, by Dean McIntyre (with Psalm 72:1-7)
Children’s Message based on Matthew 1:21-23
Worship Theme: “If only you knew the way to peace”
and sermon, “Blessed Are the Peacemakers”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 5, 2010
Second Sunday of Advent
&
Romans 13:11-14
Isaiah 2:1-5
Worship Theme: “Hope”
and sermon, “The Reason for the Season”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
November 28, 2010
First Sunday of Advent

Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

Noise of Our Lives

Clouding our focus
noise of our lives
drowning out the prompter
God speaking to us

We need to still ourselves
to shed all distractions
to focus on the voice of God
to hear God speaking to us

January 2, 2011
Matthew 1:18-25; Matthew 2:1-15
Isaiah 40:21, 28-31
Unison Prayer (paraphrase of “An Epiphany Prayer”
by Frank Colquhoun, see
http://www.churchyear.net/epiphanyprayers.html)
Worship Theme: “Be still and know that I am God”
and sermon, “Listening to the Voice of the Prompter”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson, including extract from book,
“Vital Signs: A pathway to Congregational Wholeness”,
by Dan R. Dick, Discipleship Resources
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 2, 2011
Second Sunday after Christmas
Epiphany Sunday
&
Matthew 2:9
and notes Ruth took in her new
“Journeying Through the Days 2011,
Calendar and Journal for Personal Reflection”
for December 31, 2010
&
Matthew 25:31-46
&
Isaiah 63:7-9
Hebrews 2:10-18
Psalm 150 (Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “God’s presence in our past, present and future.”
and sermon, “A Year in Review”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 26, 2010
First Sunday after Christmas
&
Luke 2:6-7
Isaiah 9:2, 6-7
Luke 1:26-35, 38
Luke 2:1-7
Luke 2:8-20
Matthew 2:1-11
Advent Candle Liturgy, by Dean McIntyre
Christmas Pageant (6:30pm service)
Meditation by Reverend Huntley Halvorson (11:00pm service)
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 24, 2010
Christmas Eve services,
6:30pm and 11:00pm
&
Matthew 2:1-5
Hebrews 12:28-13.3
Advent Candle Liturgy, by Dean McIntyre (with Matthew 1:18-25)
Worship Theme: “You never know where you will encounter God.”
Unison Prayer
and sermon, “Meeting Angels”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 19, 2010
Fourth Sunday of Advent
&
Isaiah 35:1-10
James 5:7-8
Call to Worship
church sign: “Uncontainable Joy”
Worship Theme: “Joy”
and sermon, “Uncontrollable”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 12, 2010
Third Sunday of Advent
&
2 Corinthians 4:1-10 (NRSV)
Isaiah 11:1-9 (TEV)
Luke 2:22-32 (TEV)
Luke 2:14 (bulletin cover)
Luke 2:8-14
Luke 19:41 (worship theme)
Responsive Prayer
(“Call to Worship #3”,
Year B, Second Sunday of Advent,
December 7, 2008, Order of service written by
the Rev. Nancy Townley, Abingdon author.)
http://www.worshipconnection.cokesbury.com/content.aspx?dyn=1705
Advent Candle Liturgy, by Dean McIntyre (with Psalm 72:1-7)
Children’s Message based on Matthew 1:21-23
Worship Theme: “If only you knew the way to peace”
and sermon, “Blessed Are the Peacemakers”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 5, 2010
Second Sunday of Advent
&
Romans 13:11-14
Isaiah 2:1-5
Worship Theme: “Hope”
and sermon, “The Reason for the Season”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
November 28, 2010
First Sunday of Advent

Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

In the Quiet of the Night

A metaphor of the angels
speaking in dreams
in the quiet of the night
the still small voice of God

Teaching of how God guides us
when we still our hearts
open to God’s calling
sharing with us His love

January 2, 2011
Matthew 1:18-25; Matthew 2:1-15
Isaiah 40:21, 28-31
Unison Prayer (paraphrase of “An Epiphany Prayer”
by Frank Colquhoun, see
http://www.churchyear.net/epiphanyprayers.html)
Worship Theme: “Be still and know that I am God”
and sermon, “Listening to the Voice of the Prompter”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson, including extract from book,
“Vital Signs: A pathway to Congregational Wholeness”,
by Dan R. Dick, Discipleship Resources
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 2, 2011
Second Sunday after Christmas
Epiphany Sunday
&
Matthew 2:9
and notes Ruth took in her new
“Journeying Through the Days 2011,
Calendar and Journal for Personal Reflection”
for December 31, 2010
&
Matthew 25:31-46
&
Isaiah 63:7-9
Hebrews 2:10-18
Psalm 150 (Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “God’s presence in our past, present and future.”
and sermon, “A Year in Review”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 26, 2010
First Sunday after Christmas
&
Luke 2:6-7
Isaiah 9:2, 6-7
Luke 1:26-35, 38
Luke 2:1-7
Luke 2:8-20
Matthew 2:1-11
Advent Candle Liturgy, by Dean McIntyre
Christmas Pageant (6:30pm service)
Meditation by Reverend Huntley Halvorson (11:00pm service)
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 24, 2010
Christmas Eve services,
6:30pm and 11:00pm
&
Matthew 2:1-5
Hebrews 12:28-13.3
Advent Candle Liturgy, by Dean McIntyre (with Matthew 1:18-25)
Worship Theme: “You never know where you will encounter God.”
Unison Prayer
and sermon, “Meeting Angels”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 19, 2010
Fourth Sunday of Advent
&
Isaiah 35:1-10
James 5:7-8
Call to Worship
church sign: “Uncontainable Joy”
Worship Theme: “Joy”
and sermon, “Uncontrollable”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 12, 2010
Third Sunday of Advent
&
2 Corinthians 4:1-10 (NRSV)
Isaiah 11:1-9 (TEV)
Luke 2:22-32 (TEV)
Luke 2:14 (bulletin cover)
Luke 2:8-14
Luke 19:41 (worship theme)
Responsive Prayer
(“Call to Worship #3”,
Year B, Second Sunday of Advent,
December 7, 2008, Order of service written by
the Rev. Nancy Townley, Abingdon author.)
http://www.worshipconnection.cokesbury.com/content.aspx?dyn=1705
Advent Candle Liturgy, by Dean McIntyre (with Psalm 72:1-7)
Children’s Message based on Matthew 1:21-23
Worship Theme: “If only you knew the way to peace”
and sermon, “Blessed Are the Peacemakers”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 5, 2010
Second Sunday of Advent
&
Romans 13:11-14
Isaiah 2:1-5
Worship Theme: “Hope”
and sermon, “The Reason for the Season”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
November 28, 2010
First Sunday of Advent

Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

In the Quiet of Our Hearts

God always speaking to us
yet we fail to hear
to listen to our Creator
focused on the noise of life

Needing to be still
in the quiet of our hearts
open to God’s calling
His guiding for our lives

January 2, 2011
Matthew 1:18-25; Matthew 2:1-15
Isaiah 40:21, 28-31
Unison Prayer (paraphrase of “An Epiphany Prayer”
by Frank Colquhoun, see
http://www.churchyear.net/epiphanyprayers.html)
Worship Theme: “Be still and know that I am God”
and sermon, “Listening to the Voice of the Prompter”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson, including extract from book,
“Vital Signs: A pathway to Congregational Wholeness”,
by Dan R. Dick, Discipleship Resources
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 2, 2011
Second Sunday after Christmas
Epiphany Sunday
&
Matthew 2:9
and notes Ruth took in her new
“Journeying Through the Days 2011,
Calendar and Journal for Personal Reflection”
for December 31, 2010
&
Matthew 25:31-46
&
Isaiah 63:7-9
Hebrews 2:10-18
Psalm 150 (Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “God’s presence in our past, present and future.”
and sermon, “A Year in Review”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 26, 2010
First Sunday after Christmas
&
Luke 2:6-7
Isaiah 9:2, 6-7
Luke 1:26-35, 38
Luke 2:1-7
Luke 2:8-20
Matthew 2:1-11
Advent Candle Liturgy, by Dean McIntyre
Christmas Pageant (6:30pm service)
Meditation by Reverend Huntley Halvorson (11:00pm service)
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 24, 2010
Christmas Eve services,
6:30pm and 11:00pm
&
Matthew 2:1-5
Hebrews 12:28-13.3
Advent Candle Liturgy, by Dean McIntyre (with Matthew 1:18-25)
Worship Theme: “You never know where you will encounter God.”
Unison Prayer
and sermon, “Meeting Angels”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 19, 2010
Fourth Sunday of Advent
&
Isaiah 35:1-10
James 5:7-8
Call to Worship
church sign: “Uncontainable Joy”
Worship Theme: “Joy”
and sermon, “Uncontrollable”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 12, 2010
Third Sunday of Advent
&
2 Corinthians 4:1-10 (NRSV)
Isaiah 11:1-9 (TEV)
Luke 2:22-32 (TEV)
Luke 2:14 (bulletin cover)
Luke 2:8-14
Luke 19:41 (worship theme)
Responsive Prayer
(“Call to Worship #3”,
Year B, Second Sunday of Advent,
December 7, 2008, Order of service written by
the Rev. Nancy Townley, Abingdon author.)
http://www.worshipconnection.cokesbury.com/content.aspx?dyn=1705
Advent Candle Liturgy, by Dean McIntyre (with Psalm 72:1-7)
Children’s Message based on Matthew 1:21-23
Worship Theme: “If only you knew the way to peace”
and sermon, “Blessed Are the Peacemakers”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 5, 2010
Second Sunday of Advent
&
Romans 13:11-14
Isaiah 2:1-5
Worship Theme: “Hope”
and sermon, “The Reason for the Season”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
November 28, 2010
First Sunday of Advent

Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

The Words of Angels

God using our dreams
the words of angels
finding ways to cut through
the noise of these days

God sharing with us
a hope for our journey
speaking in the quiet
a stillness in our lives

January 2, 2011
Matthew 1:18-25; Matthew 2:1-15
Isaiah 40:21, 28-31
Unison Prayer (paraphrase of “An Epiphany Prayer”
by Frank Colquhoun, see
http://www.churchyear.net/epiphanyprayers.html)
Worship Theme: “Be still and know that I am God”
and sermon, “Listening to the Voice of the Prompter”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson, including extract from book,
“Vital Signs: A pathway to Congregational Wholeness”,
by Dan R. Dick, Discipleship Resources
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 2, 2011
Second Sunday after Christmas
Epiphany Sunday
&
Matthew 2:9
and notes Ruth took in her new
“Journeying Through the Days 2011,
Calendar and Journal for Personal Reflection”
for December 31, 2010
&
Matthew 25:31-46
&
Isaiah 63:7-9
Hebrews 2:10-18
Psalm 150 (Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “God’s presence in our past, present and future.”
and sermon, “A Year in Review”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 26, 2010
First Sunday after Christmas
&
Luke 2:6-7
Isaiah 9:2, 6-7
Luke 1:26-35, 38
Luke 2:1-7
Luke 2:8-20
Matthew 2:1-11
Advent Candle Liturgy, by Dean McIntyre
Christmas Pageant (6:30pm service)
Meditation by Reverend Huntley Halvorson (11:00pm service)
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 24, 2010
Christmas Eve services,
6:30pm and 11:00pm
&
Matthew 2:1-5
Hebrews 12:28-13.3
Advent Candle Liturgy, by Dean McIntyre (with Matthew 1:18-25)
Worship Theme: “You never know where you will encounter God.”
Unison Prayer
and sermon, “Meeting Angels”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 19, 2010
Fourth Sunday of Advent
&
Isaiah 35:1-10
James 5:7-8
Call to Worship
church sign: “Uncontainable Joy”
Worship Theme: “Joy”
and sermon, “Uncontrollable”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 12, 2010
Third Sunday of Advent
&
2 Corinthians 4:1-10 (NRSV)
Isaiah 11:1-9 (TEV)
Luke 2:22-32 (TEV)
Luke 2:14 (bulletin cover)
Luke 2:8-14
Luke 19:41 (worship theme)
Responsive Prayer
(“Call to Worship #3”,
Year B, Second Sunday of Advent,
December 7, 2008, Order of service written by
the Rev. Nancy Townley, Abingdon author.)
http://www.worshipconnection.cokesbury.com/content.aspx?dyn=1705
Advent Candle Liturgy, by Dean McIntyre (with Psalm 72:1-7)
Children’s Message based on Matthew 1:21-23
Worship Theme: “If only you knew the way to peace”
and sermon, “Blessed Are the Peacemakers”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 5, 2010
Second Sunday of Advent
&
Romans 13:11-14
Isaiah 2:1-5
Worship Theme: “Hope”
and sermon, “The Reason for the Season”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
November 28, 2010
First Sunday of Advent

Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.