Saturday, June 11, 2011

A Prayer for Nullification

A trial on the merits
so easy to see the outcome
status alone a crime
a judgment of this people
yet something else must come
denying her calling
a prayer for nullification
for abandonment of the judgment
dropping our stones in the face of Christ
heeding his words of caution
his holy words for us


June 11, 2011
John 8
&
Samuel Thompson’s
http://www.facebook.com/#!/keleayon
Inclusion Essay
shared at the New England United Methodist Church
Annual Conference
http://www.neumc.org/pages/detail/195
in response to call by Reconciling Ministries Network
http://www.rmnetwork.org/
for essays describing, “My vision for an inclusive church”,
June 10, 2011
&
Love on Trial,
http://www.loveontrial.org/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Love-On-Trial/190582754298364
the case against the Reverend Amy DeLong,
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000572962166
which begins on June 20, 2011
http://www.rmnetwork.org/amy-delong/
&
in part inspired by conversations with
the Reverend John Makokha
http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=556451505
Riruta UMC
http://rirutaumc.org
http://www.rmnetwork.org/
Other Sheep Afrika-Kenya http://www.othersheep.org/OSEA_CL_Other_Sheep_Kenya.html
Children of Africa Hope Mission Project in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya. http://rirutaumc.homestead.com/children_of_africa.html
&
Matthew 25:31-46
The Sheep and the Goats
&
Matthew 28:18-20
Great Commission

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,060+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

To Be Forced to Be Silent

The only choice impossible
to deny your whole existence
your sense of calling
to serve the living God

To be forced to be silent
by some code of lowly man
not about to stand in the space
between me and the Great I Am

Needing to speak
to state aloud the truth
needing to be true to ourselves
standing in the breach

How are we to love
if we must deny ourselves
lying about our walk in this life
to stay on the right side of the law


June 11, 2011
John 8
&
Samuel Thompson’s
http://www.facebook.com/#!/keleayon
Inclusion Essay
shared at the New England United Methodist Church
Annual Conference
http://www.neumc.org/pages/detail/195
in response to call by Reconciling Ministries Network
http://www.rmnetwork.org/
for essays describing, “My vision for an inclusive church”,
June 10, 2011
&
Love on Trial,
http://www.loveontrial.org/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Love-On-Trial/190582754298364
the case against the Reverend Amy DeLong,
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000572962166
which begins on June 20, 2011
http://www.rmnetwork.org/amy-delong/
&
in part inspired by conversations with
the Reverend John Makokha
http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=556451505
Riruta UMC
http://rirutaumc.org
http://www.rmnetwork.org/
Other Sheep Afrika-Kenya http://www.othersheep.org/OSEA_CL_Other_Sheep_Kenya.html
Children of Africa Hope Mission Project in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya. http://rirutaumc.homestead.com/children_of_africa.html
&
Matthew 25:31-46
The Sheep and the Goats
&
Matthew 28:18-20
Great Commission

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,060+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

A Broken Rule

The law unjust
based on status
of who someone is
not something of their choosing

A broken rule
unjust on its face
too slow in its changing
to stop the train wreck


June 11, 2011
John 8
&
Samuel Thompson’s
http://www.facebook.com/#!/keleayon
Inclusion Essay
shared at the New England United Methodist Church
Annual Conference
http://www.neumc.org/pages/detail/195
in response to call by Reconciling Ministries Network
http://www.rmnetwork.org/
for essays describing, “My vision for an inclusive church”,
June 10, 2011
&
Love on Trial,
http://www.loveontrial.org/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Love-On-Trial/190582754298364
the case against the Reverend Amy DeLong,
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000572962166
which begins on June 20, 2011
http://www.rmnetwork.org/amy-delong/
&
in part inspired by conversations with
the Reverend John Makokha
http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=556451505
Riruta UMC
http://rirutaumc.org
http://www.rmnetwork.org/
Other Sheep Afrika-Kenya http://www.othersheep.org/OSEA_CL_Other_Sheep_Kenya.html
Children of Africa Hope Mission Project in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya. http://rirutaumc.homestead.com/children_of_africa.html
&
Matthew 25:31-46
The Sheep and the Goats
&
Matthew 28:18-20
Great Commission

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,060+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

In a Cadence of Sadness

The words flowing freely
like rivers of water
coming to me quickly
yet bringing me to my knees
In a cadence of sadness
thinking of what is about
the judgment of a sister
casting her out
Judging her wanting
because of her love
not something of her choosing
but because of who she is
The stones of the judgment
in each of our hands
yet bound by the verdict
the poison soon at hand
Not seeing an answer
the inexorable conclusion
seeing her a martyr
bearing this burden to her cross
before the church’s resurrection
in a vision and a polity
of inclusion,
more equal to our faith


June 11, 2011
John 8
&
Samuel Thompson’s
http://www.facebook.com/#!/keleayon
Inclusion Essay
shared at the New England United Methodist Church
Annual Conference
http://www.neumc.org/pages/detail/195
in response to call by Reconciling Ministries Network
http://www.rmnetwork.org/
for essays describing, “My vision for an inclusive church”,
June 10, 2011
&
Love on Trial,
http://www.loveontrial.org/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Love-On-Trial/190582754298364
the case against the Reverend Amy DeLong,
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000572962166
which begins on June 20, 2011
http://www.rmnetwork.org/amy-delong/
&
in part inspired by conversations with
the Reverend John Makokha
http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=556451505
Riruta UMC
http://rirutaumc.org
http://www.rmnetwork.org/
Other Sheep Afrika-Kenya http://www.othersheep.org/OSEA_CL_Other_Sheep_Kenya.html
Children of Africa Hope Mission Project in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya. http://rirutaumc.homestead.com/children_of_africa.html
&
Matthew 25:31-46
The Sheep and the Goats
&
Matthew 28:18-20
Great Commission

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,060+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

The Verdict Pre-Ordained

Nothing too object to
the facts clear on their face
the pain of the judgment
the verdict pre-ordained
locked in the language
of the law of the church
judging the shepherd wanting
because of the truth of her calling
the fact of who she is
unwilling to remain silent
speaking the truth instead


June 11, 2011
John 8
&
Samuel Thompson’s
http://www.facebook.com/#!/keleayon
Inclusion Essay
shared at the New England United Methodist Church
Annual Conference
http://www.neumc.org/pages/detail/195
in response to call by Reconciling Ministries Network
http://www.rmnetwork.org/
for essays describing, “My vision for an inclusive church”,
June 10, 2011
&
Love on Trial,
http://www.loveontrial.org/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Love-On-Trial/190582754298364
the case against the Reverend Amy DeLong,
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000572962166
which begins on June 20, 2011
http://www.rmnetwork.org/amy-delong/
&
in part inspired by conversations with
the Reverend John Makokha
http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=556451505
Riruta UMC
http://rirutaumc.org
http://www.rmnetwork.org/
Other Sheep Afrika-Kenya http://www.othersheep.org/OSEA_CL_Other_Sheep_Kenya.html
Children of Africa Hope Mission Project in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya. http://rirutaumc.homestead.com/children_of_africa.html
&
Matthew 25:31-46
The Sheep and the Goats
&
Matthew 28:18-20
Great Commission

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,060+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

If we don’t shout, Stop!

Our hands on the judgment
as if we cast the stones
not just the first one
but those that brought her down

If we don’t shout, Stop!
it would be like Saul
standing by while Stephen
was stoned for his belief


June 11, 2011
John 8
&
Samuel Thompson’s
http://www.facebook.com/#!/keleayon
Inclusion Essay
shared at the New England United Methodist Church
Annual Conference
http://www.neumc.org/pages/detail/195
in response to call by Reconciling Ministries Network
http://www.rmnetwork.org/
for essays describing, “My vision for an inclusive church”,
June 10, 2011
&
Love on Trial,
http://www.loveontrial.org/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Love-On-Trial/190582754298364
the case against the Reverend Amy DeLong,
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000572962166
which begins on June 20, 2011
http://www.rmnetwork.org/amy-delong/
&
in part inspired by conversations with
the Reverend John Makokha
http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=556451505
Riruta UMC
http://rirutaumc.org
http://www.rmnetwork.org/
Other Sheep Afrika-Kenya http://www.othersheep.org/OSEA_CL_Other_Sheep_Kenya.html
Children of Africa Hope Mission Project in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya. http://rirutaumc.homestead.com/children_of_africa.html
&
Matthew 25:31-46
The Sheep and the Goats
&
Matthew 28:18-20
Great Commission

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,060+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

The Stone in Our Hands

We may deny it
but the stone in our hands
the judgment beginning
unless we lift our hands
we raise our voice collective
unless we scream and shout
dropping our stones publicly
saying this has to stop!


June 11, 2011
John 8
&
Samuel Thompson’s
http://www.facebook.com/#!/keleayon
Inclusion Essay
shared at the New England United Methodist Church
Annual Conference
http://www.neumc.org/pages/detail/195
in response to call by Reconciling Ministries Network
http://www.rmnetwork.org/
for essays describing, “My vision for an inclusive church”,
June 10, 2011
&
Love on Trial,
http://www.loveontrial.org/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Love-On-Trial/190582754298364
the case against the Reverend Amy DeLong,
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000572962166
which begins on June 20, 2011
http://www.rmnetwork.org/amy-delong/
&
in part inspired by conversations with
the Reverend John Makokha
http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=556451505
Riruta UMC
http://rirutaumc.org
http://www.rmnetwork.org/
Other Sheep Afrika-Kenya http://www.othersheep.org/OSEA_CL_Other_Sheep_Kenya.html
Children of Africa Hope Mission Project in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya. http://rirutaumc.homestead.com/children_of_africa.html
&
Matthew 25:31-46
The Sheep and the Goats
&
Matthew 28:18-20
Great Commission

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,060+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

The Weight of the Stone in My Hand

In the crowd with the others
not wanting to cast a stone
regretting what has been begun
wishing it could stop

The weight of the stone in my hand
unbearable to me
wanting to see it end
to not see it through

That we would heed Christ’s message
in judging of another
that we would set down the stones
as we like them are sinners

All needing God’s grace
the healing of Christ’s sacrifice
all of us are broken
needing God in our lives



June 11, 2011
John 8
&
Samuel Thompson’s
http://www.facebook.com/#!/keleayon
Inclusion Essay
shared at the New England United Methodist Church
Annual Conference
http://www.neumc.org/pages/detail/195
in response to call by Reconciling Ministries Network
http://www.rmnetwork.org/
for essays describing, “My vision for an inclusive church”,
June 10, 2011
&
Love on Trial,
http://www.loveontrial.org/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Love-On-Trial/190582754298364
the case against the Reverend Amy DeLong,
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000572962166
which begins on June 20, 2011
http://www.rmnetwork.org/amy-delong/
&
in part inspired by conversations with
the Reverend John Makokha
http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=556451505
Riruta UMC
http://rirutaumc.org
http://www.rmnetwork.org/
Other Sheep Afrika-Kenya http://www.othersheep.org/OSEA_CL_Other_Sheep_Kenya.html
Children of Africa Hope Mission Project in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya. http://rirutaumc.homestead.com/children_of_africa.html
&
Matthew 25:31-46
The Sheep and the Goats
&
Matthew 28:18-20
Great Commission

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,060+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

Is it we who are judging

Based on the example of Christ
a question, an indictment
for this moment of challenge
who is it that is judging
is it God or is it us
who stand in judgment
in casting our sister out.



June 11, 2011
John 8
&
Samuel Thompson’s
http://www.facebook.com/#!/keleayon
Inclusion Essay
shared at the New England United Methodist Church
Annual Conference
http://www.neumc.org/pages/detail/195
in response to call by Reconciling Ministries Network
http://www.rmnetwork.org/
for essays describing, “My vision for an inclusive church”,
June 10, 2011
&
Love on Trial,
http://www.loveontrial.org/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Love-On-Trial/190582754298364
the case against the Reverend Amy DeLong,
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000572962166
which begins on June 20, 2011
http://www.rmnetwork.org/amy-delong/
&
in part inspired by conversations with
the Reverend John Makokha
http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=556451505
Riruta UMC
http://rirutaumc.org
http://www.rmnetwork.org/
Other Sheep Afrika-Kenya http://www.othersheep.org/OSEA_CL_Other_Sheep_Kenya.html
Children of Africa Hope Mission Project in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya. http://rirutaumc.homestead.com/children_of_africa.html
&
Matthew 25:31-46
The Sheep and the Goats
&
Matthew 28:18-20
Great Commission

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,060+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

Individual Acts of Conscience

The corporate body certain
very limited opportunities
for individual acts of conscience
in the rigid act of judgment
finding her walk wanting
undeserving to be a shepherd
because she followed her calling
and listened to her heart


June 11, 2011
John 8
&
Samuel Thompson’s
http://www.facebook.com/#!/keleayon
Inclusion Essay
shared at the New England United Methodist Church
Annual Conference
http://www.neumc.org/pages/detail/195
in response to call by Reconciling Ministries Network
http://www.rmnetwork.org/
for essays describing, “My vision for an inclusive church”,
June 10, 2011
&
Love on Trial,
http://www.loveontrial.org/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Love-On-Trial/190582754298364
the case against the Reverend Amy DeLong,
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000572962166
which begins on June 20, 2011
http://www.rmnetwork.org/amy-delong/
&
in part inspired by conversations with
the Reverend John Makokha
http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=556451505
Riruta UMC
http://rirutaumc.org
http://www.rmnetwork.org/
Other Sheep Afrika-Kenya http://www.othersheep.org/OSEA_CL_Other_Sheep_Kenya.html
Children of Africa Hope Mission Project in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya. http://rirutaumc.homestead.com/children_of_africa.html
&
Matthew 25:31-46
The Sheep and the Goats
&
Matthew 28:18-20
Great Commission

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,050+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

Sending the sheep away

Sending the sheep away
through trying to be faithful
to be true to God
to the calling of the Spirit

A moment of honesty
to be inclusive
yet giving grounds for the judgment
not conforming to the law
to the dictates of this people


June 11, 2011
John 8
&
Samuel Thompson’s
http://www.facebook.com/#!/keleayon
Inclusion Essay
shared at the New England United Methodist Church
Annual Conference
http://www.neumc.org/pages/detail/195
in response to call by Reconciling Ministries Network
http://www.rmnetwork.org/
for essays describing, “My vision for an inclusive church”,
June 10, 2011
&
Love on Trial,
http://www.loveontrial.org/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Love-On-Trial/190582754298364
the case against the Reverend Amy DeLong,
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000572962166
which begins on June 20, 2011
http://www.rmnetwork.org/amy-delong/
&
in part inspired by conversations with
the Reverend John Makokha
http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=556451505
Riruta UMC
http://rirutaumc.org
http://www.rmnetwork.org/
Other Sheep Afrika-Kenya http://www.othersheep.org/OSEA_CL_Other_Sheep_Kenya.html
Children of Africa Hope Mission Project in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya. http://rirutaumc.homestead.com/children_of_africa.html
&
Matthew 25:31-46
The Sheep and the Goats
&
Matthew 28:18-20
Great Commission

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 20,010+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

No Longer Denying

At risk to her calling
to her service to the Father
no longer denying who she is
speaking out in freedom
of her familial love
and the calling of the Spirit
willing to risk it all
to be honest in this season


June 11, 2011
John 8
&
Samuel Thompson’s
http://www.facebook.com/#!/keleayon
Inclusion Essay
shared at the New England United Methodist Church
Annual Conference
http://www.neumc.org/pages/detail/195
in response to call by Reconciling Ministries Network
http://www.rmnetwork.org/
for essays describing, “My vision for an inclusive church”,
June 10, 2011
&
Love on Trial,
http://www.loveontrial.org/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Love-On-Trial/190582754298364
the case against the Reverend Amy DeLong,
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000572962166
which begins on June 20, 2011
http://www.rmnetwork.org/amy-delong/
&
in part inspired by conversations with
the Reverend John Makokha
http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=556451505
Riruta UMC
http://rirutaumc.org
http://www.rmnetwork.org/
Other Sheep Afrika-Kenya http://www.othersheep.org/OSEA_CL_Other_Sheep_Kenya.html
Children of Africa Hope Mission Project in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya. http://rirutaumc.homestead.com/children_of_africa.html
&
Matthew 25:31-46
The Sheep and the Goats
&
Matthew 28:18-20
Great Commission

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 20,010+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

In the Silence of this Hour

A sense of something lost
something truly profound
in the silence of this hour
in judging another wanting

In the crowd with the others
holding stones of judgment
cast in the charges
leveled against our sister


June 11, 2011
John 8
&
Samuel Thompson’s
http://www.facebook.com/#!/keleayon
Inclusion Essay
shared at the New England United Methodist Church
Annual Conference
http://www.neumc.org/pages/detail/195
in response to call by Reconciling Ministries Network
http://www.rmnetwork.org/
for essays describing, “My vision for an inclusive church”,
June 10, 2011
&
Love on Trial,
http://www.loveontrial.org/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Love-On-Trial/190582754298364
the case against the Reverend Amy DeLong,
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000572962166
which begins on June 20, 2011
http://www.rmnetwork.org/amy-delong/
&
in part inspired by conversations with
the Reverend John Makokha
http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=556451505
Riruta UMC
http://rirutaumc.org
http://www.rmnetwork.org/
Other Sheep Afrika-Kenya http://www.othersheep.org/OSEA_CL_Other_Sheep_Kenya.html
Children of Africa Hope Mission Project in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya. http://rirutaumc.homestead.com/children_of_africa.html
&
Matthew 25:31-46
The Sheep and the Goats
&
Matthew 28:18-20
Great Commission

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 20,010+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The Sadness of Her Statement

Honesty, love
over the secret of her faith
the illusion required
to wear the mantle of the stole
to harvest lost souls
Yet freedom in her words
through the sadness of her statement
able to breathe free
in being truly open
true to herself
and the belief in her calling


June 11, 2011
John 8
&
Samuel Thompson’s
http://www.facebook.com/#!/keleayon
Inclusion Essay
shared at the New England United Methodist Church
Annual Conference
http://www.neumc.org/pages/detail/195
in response to call by Reconciling Ministries Network
http://www.rmnetwork.org/
for essays describing, “My vision for an inclusive church”,
June 10, 2011
&
Love on Trial,
http://www.loveontrial.org/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Love-On-Trial/190582754298364
the case against the Reverend Amy DeLong,
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000572962166
which begins on June 20, 2011
http://www.rmnetwork.org/amy-delong/
&
in part inspired by conversations with
the Reverend John Makokha
http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=556451505
Riruta UMC
http://rirutaumc.org
http://www.rmnetwork.org/
Other Sheep Afrika-Kenya http://www.othersheep.org/OSEA_CL_Other_Sheep_Kenya.html
Children of Africa Hope Mission Project in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya. http://rirutaumc.homestead.com/children_of_africa.html
&
Matthew 25:31-46
The Sheep and the Goats
&
Matthew 28:18-20
Great Commission

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 20,010+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

We forget those who were judged

we forget who were judged
those who were not worthy
those who we judged as others
somehow disabled
unable to serve the Master
to be the hands and feet
no matter their sense of calling
into the outer darkness
sent out of the light


June 11, 2011
John 8
&
Samuel Thompson’s
http://www.facebook.com/#!/keleayon
Inclusion Essay
shared at the New England United Methodist Church
Annual Conference
http://www.neumc.org/pages/detail/195
in response to call by Reconciling Ministries Network
http://www.rmnetwork.org/
for essays describing, “My vision for an inclusive church”,
June 10, 2011
&
Love on Trial,
http://www.loveontrial.org/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Love-On-Trial/190582754298364
the case against the Reverend Amy DeLong,
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000572962166
which begins on June 20, 2011
http://www.rmnetwork.org/amy-delong/
&
in part inspired by conversations with
the Reverend John Makokha
http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=556451505
Riruta UMC
http://rirutaumc.org
http://www.rmnetwork.org/
Other Sheep Afrika-Kenya http://www.othersheep.org/OSEA_CL_Other_Sheep_Kenya.html
Children of Africa Hope Mission Project in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya. http://rirutaumc.homestead.com/children_of_africa.html
&
Matthew 25:31-46
The Sheep and the Goats
&
Matthew 28:18-20
Great Commission

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 20,010+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Picking Up the Stones

Picking up the stones
from the road, the dust,
knowing what he said
yet picking up the stones
the brokenness of man
judging those different
finding fault with them
judging ourselves righteous
as we stand in judgment
in judgment of them


June 11, 2011
John 8
&
Samuel Thompson’s
http://www.facebook.com/#!/keleayon
Inclusion Essay
shared at the New England United Methodist Church
Annual Conference
http://www.neumc.org/pages/detail/195
in response to call by Reconciling Ministries Network
http://www.rmnetwork.org/
for essays describing, “My vision for an inclusive church”,
June 10, 2011
&
Love on Trial,
http://www.loveontrial.org/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Love-On-Trial/190582754298364
the case against the Reverend Amy DeLong,
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000572962166
which begins on June 20, 2011
http://www.rmnetwork.org/amy-delong/
&
in part inspired by conversations with
the Reverend John Makokha
http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=556451505
Riruta UMC
http://rirutaumc.org
http://www.rmnetwork.org/
Other Sheep Afrika-Kenya http://www.othersheep.org/OSEA_CL_Other_Sheep_Kenya.html
Children of Africa Hope Mission Project in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya. http://rirutaumc.homestead.com/children_of_africa.html
&
Matthew 25:31-46
The Sheep and the Goats
&
Matthew 28:18-20
Great Commission

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,050+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

If we don’t speak out

Limited options before us
yet fewer if we are silent
If we don’t speak out
standing with our neighbors
The rules rigid, unyielding
judging them unworthy
unable to serve in ministry
If we don’t speak out
a shepherd to be cast out
the sheep for the slaughter


June 11, 2011
John 8
&
Samuel Thompson’s
http://www.facebook.com/#!/keleayon
Inclusion Essay
shared at the New England United Methodist Church
Annual Conference
http://www.neumc.org/pages/detail/195
in response to call by Reconciling Ministries Network
http://www.rmnetwork.org/
for essays describing, “My vision for an inclusive church”,
June 10, 2011
&
Love on Trial,
http://www.loveontrial.org/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Love-On-Trial/190582754298364
the case against the Reverend Amy DeLong,
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000572962166
which begins on June 20, 2011
http://www.rmnetwork.org/amy-delong/
&
in part inspired by conversations with
the Reverend John Makokha
http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=556451505
Riruta UMC
http://rirutaumc.org
http://www.rmnetwork.org/
Other Sheep Afrika-Kenya http://www.othersheep.org/OSEA_CL_Other_Sheep_Kenya.html
Children of Africa Hope Mission Project in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya. http://rirutaumc.homestead.com/children_of_africa.html
&
Matthew 25:31-46
The Sheep and the Goats
&
Matthew 28:18-20
Great Commission

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,050+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

Any difference could be a crime

The judgment coming now
about one class, one people
yet in the judging
fault lines of a future
Any difference could be a crime
a capital offense
casting them out of our presence
into the darkness
denying their importance
in the body of the living Christ.



June 11, 2011
John 8
&
Samuel Thompson’s
http://www.facebook.com/#!/keleayon
Inclusion Essay
shared at the New England United Methodist Church
Annual Conference
http://www.neumc.org/pages/detail/195
in response to call by Reconciling Ministries Network
http://www.rmnetwork.org/
for essays describing, “My vision for an inclusive church”,
June 10, 2011
&
Love on Trial,
http://www.loveontrial.org/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Love-On-Trial/190582754298364
the case against the Reverend Amy DeLong,
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000572962166
which begins on June 20, 2011
http://www.rmnetwork.org/amy-delong/
&
in part inspired by conversations with
the Reverend John Makokha
http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=556451505
Riruta UMC
http://rirutaumc.org
http://www.rmnetwork.org/
Other Sheep Afrika-Kenya http://www.othersheep.org/OSEA_CL_Other_Sheep_Kenya.html
Children of Africa Hope Mission Project in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya. http://rirutaumc.homestead.com/children_of_africa.html
&
Matthew 25:31-46
The Sheep and the Goats
&
Matthew 28:18-20
Great Commission

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 20,010+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The shards falling around us

Stones thrown in judgment
within the temple
thrown at our neighbors
our sisters and brothers
The shards falling around us
deep gashes in the pews
the schism of judgment
setting us apart
breaking our wholeness
judging them as lost.


June 11, 2011
John 8
&
Samuel Thompson’s
http://www.facebook.com/#!/keleayon
Inclusion Essay
shared at the New England United Methodist Church
Annual Conference
http://www.neumc.org/pages/detail/195
in response to call by Reconciling Ministries Network
http://www.rmnetwork.org/
for essays describing, “My vision for an inclusive church”,
June 10, 2011
&
Love on Trial,
http://www.loveontrial.org/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Love-On-Trial/190582754298364
the case against the Reverend Amy DeLong,
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000572962166
which begins on June 20, 2011
http://www.rmnetwork.org/amy-delong/
&
in part inspired by conversations with
the Reverend John Makokha
http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=556451505
Riruta UMC
http://rirutaumc.org
http://www.rmnetwork.org/
Other Sheep Afrika-Kenya http://www.othersheep.org/OSEA_CL_Other_Sheep_Kenya.html
Children of Africa Hope Mission Project in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya. http://rirutaumc.homestead.com/children_of_africa.html
&
Matthew 25:31-46
The Sheep and the Goats
&
Matthew 28:18-20
Great Commission

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 20,010+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

We could be cut

Stones thrown in glass houses
we could be cut
counted as different
cast out as lost

Only in connection
being a loving neighbor
hope for our sisters, our brothers
holding the others up

Hope for a future
walking with Christ
modeled on his example
his teachings for our lives.


June 11, 2011
John 8
&
Samuel Thompson’s
http://www.facebook.com/#!/keleayon
Inclusion Essay
shared at the New England United Methodist Church
Annual Conference
http://www.neumc.org/pages/detail/195
in response to call by Reconciling Ministries Network
http://www.rmnetwork.org/
for essays describing, “My vision for an inclusive church”,
June 10, 2011
&
Love on Trial,
http://www.loveontrial.org/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Love-On-Trial/190582754298364
the case against the Reverend Amy DeLong,
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000572962166
which begins on June 20, 2011
http://www.rmnetwork.org/amy-delong/
&
in part inspired by conversations with
the Reverend John Makokha
http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=556451505
Riruta UMC
http://rirutaumc.org
http://www.rmnetwork.org/
Other Sheep Afrika-Kenya http://www.othersheep.org/OSEA_CL_Other_Sheep_Kenya.html
Children of Africa Hope Mission Project in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya. http://rirutaumc.homestead.com/children_of_africa.html
&
Matthew 25:31-46
The Sheep and the Goats
&
Matthew 28:18-20
Great Commission

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 20,010+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The blood on our hands

The cries of the martyrs
their blood on our hands
because we have been silent
standing in the crowds

Giving our stones to others
safe behind the law
yet standing in judgment
as they cast the first stone


June 11, 2011
John 8
&
Samuel Thompson’s
http://www.facebook.com/#!/keleayon
Inclusion Essay
shared at the New England United Methodist Church
Annual Conference
http://www.neumc.org/pages/detail/195
in response to call by Reconciling Ministries Network
http://www.rmnetwork.org/
for essays describing, “My vision for an inclusive church”,
June 10, 2011
&
Love on Trial,
http://www.loveontrial.org/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Love-On-Trial/190582754298364
the case against the Reverend Amy DeLong,
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000572962166
which begins on June 20, 2011
http://www.rmnetwork.org/amy-delong/
&
in part inspired by conversations with
the Reverend John Makokha
http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=556451505
Riruta UMC
http://rirutaumc.org
http://www.rmnetwork.org/
Other Sheep Afrika-Kenya http://www.othersheep.org/OSEA_CL_Other_Sheep_Kenya.html
Children of Africa Hope Mission Project in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya. http://rirutaumc.homestead.com/children_of_africa.html
&
Matthew 25:31-46
The Sheep and the Goats
&
Matthew 28:18-20
Great Commission

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 20,010+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

In the charges already written

The pain already here
in the charges already written
few options for reconciliation
Blood in the water now

The show of a trial
of the wheels grinding forward
the judgment already rendered
in the breaking of our law


June 11, 2011
John 8
&
Samuel Thompson’s
http://www.facebook.com/#!/keleayon
Inclusion Essay
shared at the New England United Methodist Church
Annual Conference
http://www.neumc.org/pages/detail/195
in response to call by Reconciling Ministries Network
http://www.rmnetwork.org/
for essays describing, “My vision for an inclusive church”,
June 10, 2011
&
Love on Trial,
http://www.loveontrial.org/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Love-On-Trial/190582754298364
the case against the Reverend Amy DeLong,
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000572962166
which begins on June 20, 2011
http://www.rmnetwork.org/amy-delong/
&
in part inspired by conversations with
the Reverend John Makokha
http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=556451505
Riruta UMC
http://rirutaumc.org
http://www.rmnetwork.org/
Other Sheep Afrika-Kenya http://www.othersheep.org/OSEA_CL_Other_Sheep_Kenya.html
Children of Africa Hope Mission Project in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya. http://rirutaumc.homestead.com/children_of_africa.html
&
Matthew 25:31-46
The Sheep and the Goats
&
Matthew 28:18-20
Great Commission

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,050+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

The Judgment Already Upon Us

The first stone already cast
the judgment of Christ upon us
though we are full of sin
casting our sister out
The rule bright, unyielding
offering no redress
judgment, not healing
judging her unworthy
counted among the others
outside our community


June 11, 2011
John 8
&
Samuel Thompson’s
http://www.facebook.com/#!/keleayon
Inclusion Essay
shared at the New England United Methodist Church
Annual Conference
http://www.neumc.org/pages/detail/195
in response to call by Reconciling Ministries Network
http://www.rmnetwork.org/
for essays describing, “My vision for an inclusive church”,
June 10, 2011
&
Love on Trial,
http://www.loveontrial.org/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Love-On-Trial/190582754298364
the case against the Reverend Amy DeLong,
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000572962166
which begins on June 20, 2011
http://www.rmnetwork.org/amy-delong/
&
in part inspired by conversations with
the Reverend John Makokha
http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=556451505
Riruta UMC
http://rirutaumc.org
http://www.rmnetwork.org/
Other Sheep Afrika-Kenya http://www.othersheep.org/OSEA_CL_Other_Sheep_Kenya.html
Children of Africa Hope Mission Project in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya. http://rirutaumc.homestead.com/children_of_africa.html
&
Matthew 25:31-46
The Sheep and the Goats
&
Matthew 28:18-20
Great Commission

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,050+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

Giving Them Our Stones

Our innocence an illusion
a lie to ourselves
a line in the sand our portion
giving our stones to them

A decision to be rendered
the charges already made
he ministry in the balance
when we cast the first stone

The judgment of man
our law, not principles
finding her unworthy
by her acts of love for others
for being who she is



June 11, 2011
John 8
&
Samuel Thompson’s
http://www.facebook.com/#!/keleayon
Inclusion Essay
shared at the New England United Methodist Church
Annual Conference
http://www.neumc.org/pages/detail/195
in response to call by Reconciling Ministries Network
http://www.rmnetwork.org/
for essays describing, “My vision for an inclusive church”,
June 10, 2011
&
Love on Trial,
http://www.loveontrial.org/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Love-On-Trial/190582754298364
the case against the Reverend Amy DeLong,
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000572962166
which begins on June 20, 2011
http://www.rmnetwork.org/amy-delong/
&
in part inspired by conversations with
the Reverend John Makokha
http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=556451505
Riruta UMC
http://rirutaumc.org
http://www.rmnetwork.org/
Other Sheep Afrika-Kenya http://www.othersheep.org/OSEA_CL_Other_Sheep_Kenya.html
Children of Africa Hope Mission Project in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya. http://rirutaumc.homestead.com/children_of_africa.html
&
Matthew 25:31-46
The Sheep and the Goats
&
Matthew 28:18-20
Great Commission

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,050+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

Faith Set Afire

Our faith must not be timid
faith set afire
informed by the Spirit
guided by God’s love

Open and honest
redeeming broken lives
healing us to wholeness
in the light of God’s love


June 11, 2011
John Chickering’s comments
http://twitter.com/#!/jchickering
in morning worship service
shared at the New England United Methodist Church
Annual Conference
http://www.neumc.org/pages/detail/195
&
Matthew 28:18-20
Great Commission

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,040+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

Lay Down Your Stones

A prayer for our sisters
for our brothers
that they would be guided
by the heart of the risen Lord
that we would step back
that we would lay down our stones
that they would not be cast
that none would be cast out
that we all would be whole


June 11, 2011
John 8
&
Samuel Thompson’s
http://www.facebook.com/#!/keleayon
Inclusion Essay
shared at the New England Annual Conference
http://www.neumc.org/pages/detail/195
in response to call by Reconciling Ministries Network
http://www.rmnetwork.org/
for essays describing, “My vision for an inclusive church”,
June 10, 2011
&
Love on Trial,
http://www.loveontrial.org/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Love-On-Trial/190582754298364
the case against the Reverend Amy DeLong,
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000572962166
which begins on June 20, 2011
http://www.rmnetwork.org/amy-delong/
&
in part inspired by conversations with
the Reverend John Makokha
http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=556451505
Riruta UMC
http://rirutaumc.org
http://www.rmnetwork.org/
Other Sheep Afrika-Kenya http://www.othersheep.org/OSEA_CL_Other_Sheep_Kenya.html
Children of Africa Hope Mission Project in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya. http://rirutaumc.homestead.com/children_of_africa.html
&
Matthew 25:31-46
The Sheep and the Goats
&
Matthew 28:18-20
Great Commission

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,030+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

Would we cast the stone

Do we recognize
we have a stone in our hand
though others are holding them
in our name
ready to judge
in the legal process
casting one of us out
into the darkness
denying connection
on rules of the past
Would we cast the stone
they hold in our name
are we even aware


June 11, 2011
John 8
&
Samuel Thompson’s
http://www.facebook.com/#!/keleayon
Inclusion Essay
shared at the New England Annual Conference
http://www.neumc.org/pages/detail/195
in response to call by Reconciling Ministries Network
http://www.rmnetwork.org/
for essays describing, “My vision for an inclusive church”,
June 10, 2011
&
Love on Trial,
http://www.loveontrial.org/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Love-On-Trial/190582754298364
the case against the Reverend Amy DeLong,
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000572962166
which begins on June 20, 2011
http://www.rmnetwork.org/amy-delong/
&
in part inspired by conversations with
the Reverend John Makokha
http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=556451505
Riruta UMC
http://rirutaumc.org
http://www.rmnetwork.org/
Other Sheep Afrika-Kenya http://www.othersheep.org/OSEA_CL_Other_Sheep_Kenya.html
Children of Africa Hope Mission Project in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya. http://rirutaumc.homestead.com/children_of_africa.html
&
Matthew 25:31-46
The Sheep and the Goats
&
Matthew 28:18-20
Great Commission

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,030+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

The Gathered Crowd

Those who were there
in the temple courts
those who would standing in judgment
casting stones on them
those who have sinned
Forgetting Christ’s message
on who may cast
on who should be first
to cast the first stone
We must be mindful
of our own sin
standing in the gathered crowd
not letting them in
standing in judgment
casting them out
throwing stones
in our name
casting them out
denying them love


June 11, 2011
John 8
&
Samuel Thompson’s
http://www.facebook.com/#!/keleayon
Inclusion Essay
shared at the New England Annual Conference
http://www.neumc.org/pages/detail/195
in response to call by Reconciling Ministries Network
http://www.rmnetwork.org/
for essays describing, “My vision for an inclusive church”,
June 10, 2011
&
Love on Trial,
http://www.loveontrial.org/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Love-On-Trial/190582754298364
the case against the Reverend Amy DeLong,
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000572962166
which begins on June 20, 2011
http://www.rmnetwork.org/amy-delong/
&
in part inspired by conversations with
the Reverend John Makokha
http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=556451505
Riruta UMC
http://rirutaumc.org
http://www.rmnetwork.org/
Other Sheep Afrika-Kenya http://www.othersheep.org/OSEA_CL_Other_Sheep_Kenya.html
Children of Africa Hope Mission Project in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya. http://rirutaumc.homestead.com/children_of_africa.html
&
Matthew 25:31-46
The Sheep and the Goats
&
Matthew 28:18-20
Great Commission

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,030+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

Throwing Stones in Our Name

We are there
in the crowd
with the others
when we are silent
standing by, quiet,
letting the others
throwing stones in our name
judging the others
denying God’s love
the model of Christ
in the crowds with them
throwing stones in our name
denying them love


June 11, 2011
John 8
&
Samuel Thompson’s
http://www.facebook.com/#!/keleayon
Inclusion Essay
shared at the New England Annual Conference
http://www.neumc.org/pages/detail/195
in response to call by Reconciling Ministries Network
http://www.rmnetwork.org/
for essays describing, “My vision for an inclusive church”,
June 10, 2011
&
Love on Trial,
http://www.loveontrial.org/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Love-On-Trial/190582754298364
the case against the Reverend Amy DeLong,
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000572962166
which begins on June 20, 2011
http://www.rmnetwork.org/amy-delong/
&
in part inspired by conversations with
the Reverend John Makokha
http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=556451505
Riruta UMC
http://rirutaumc.org
http://www.rmnetwork.org/
Other Sheep Afrika-Kenya http://www.othersheep.org/OSEA_CL_Other_Sheep_Kenya.html
Children of Africa Hope Mission Project in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya. http://rirutaumc.homestead.com/children_of_africa.html
&
Matthew 25:31-46
The Sheep and the Goats
&
Matthew 28:18-20
Great Commission

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,030+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

We Stand in the Crowd

Our challenge in this time
where we choose to stand
to stand with Christ
or to stand in the crowd

We are the people
the believers of the faith
yet we have not set them down
believing we can judge
can hold others to account


June 11, 2011
John 8
&
Samuel Thompson’s
http://www.facebook.com/#!/keleayon
Inclusion Essay
shared at the New England Annual Conference
http://www.neumc.org/pages/detail/195
in response to call by Reconciling Ministries Network
http://www.rmnetwork.org/
for essays describing, “My vision for an inclusive church”,
June 10, 2011
&
Love on Trial,
http://www.loveontrial.org/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Love-On-Trial/190582754298364
the case against the Reverend Amy DeLong,
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000572962166
which begins on June 20, 2011
http://www.rmnetwork.org/amy-delong/
&
in part inspired by conversations with
the Reverend John Makokha
http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=556451505
Riruta UMC
http://rirutaumc.org
http://www.rmnetwork.org/
Other Sheep Afrika-Kenya http://www.othersheep.org/OSEA_CL_Other_Sheep_Kenya.html
Children of Africa Hope Mission Project in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya. http://rirutaumc.homestead.com/children_of_africa.html
&
Matthew 25:31-46
The Sheep and the Goats
&
Matthew 28:18-20
Great Commission

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,030+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

By Our Actions Revealed

Our words stripped of power
that which we profess
what we believe
the overarching themes
the heart of our creed
stripped of power, authority
by our actions revealed
the law setting apart
denying them love


June 11, 2011
John 8
&
Samuel Thompson’s
http://www.facebook.com/#!/keleayon
Inclusion Essay
shared at the New England Annual Conference
http://www.neumc.org/pages/detail/195
in response to call by Reconciling Ministries Network
http://www.rmnetwork.org/
for essays describing, “My vision for an inclusive church”,
June 10, 2011
&
Love on Trial,
http://www.loveontrial.org/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Love-On-Trial/190582754298364
the case against the Reverend Amy DeLong,
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000572962166
which begins on June 20, 2011
http://www.rmnetwork.org/amy-delong/
&
in part inspired by conversations with
the Reverend John Makokha
http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=556451505
Riruta UMC
http://rirutaumc.org
http://www.rmnetwork.org/
Other Sheep Afrika-Kenya http://www.othersheep.org/OSEA_CL_Other_Sheep_Kenya.html
Children of Africa Hope Mission Project in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya. http://rirutaumc.homestead.com/children_of_africa.html
&
Matthew 25:31-46
The Sheep and the Goats
&
Matthew 28:18-20
Great Commission


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 12,030+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

when the law is unjust

What are we to do
in the chambers of our hearts
in the words we choose
the truth we espouse
when our law is unjust
setting apart
denying them love
closing our doors, our hearts
our lives not truly open
open to love


June 11, 2011
John 8
&
Samuel Thompson’s
http://www.facebook.com/#!/keleayon
Inclusion Essay
shared at the New England Annual Conference
http://www.neumc.org/pages/detail/195
in response to call by Reconciling Ministries Network
http://www.rmnetwork.org/
for essays describing, “My vision for an inclusive church”,
June 10, 2011
&
Love on Trial,
http://www.loveontrial.org/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Love-On-Trial/190582754298364
the case against the Reverend Amy DeLong,
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000572962166
which begins on June 20, 2011
http://www.rmnetwork.org/amy-delong/
&
in part inspired by conversations with
the Reverend John Makokha
http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=556451505
Riruta UMC
http://rirutaumc.org
http://www.rmnetwork.org/
Other Sheep Afrika-Kenya http://www.othersheep.org/OSEA_CL_Other_Sheep_Kenya.html
Children of Africa Hope Mission Project in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya. http://rirutaumc.homestead.com/children_of_africa.html
&
Matthew 25:31-46
The Sheep and the Goats
&
Matthew 28:18-20
Great Commission

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 25,580+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Choosing Love

The church not the answer
bound by love
choosing love instead
not denying herself
lifting her neighbors up

Speaking the truth
in the face of power
hoping for justice, grace
in this trial,
in this awesome hour


June 11, 2011
John 8
&
Samuel Thompson’s
http://www.facebook.com/#!/keleayon
Inclusion Essay
shared at the New England Annual Conference
http://www.neumc.org/pages/detail/195
in response to call by Reconciling Ministries Network
http://www.rmnetwork.org/
for essays describing, “My vision for an inclusive church”,
June 10, 2011
&
Love on Trial,
http://www.loveontrial.org/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Love-On-Trial/190582754298364
the case against the Reverend Amy DeLong,
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000572962166
which begins on June 20, 2011
http://www.rmnetwork.org/amy-delong/
&
in part inspired by conversations with
the Reverend John Makokha
http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=556451505
Riruta UMC
http://rirutaumc.org
http://www.rmnetwork.org/
Other Sheep Afrika-Kenya http://www.othersheep.org/OSEA_CL_Other_Sheep_Kenya.html
Children of Africa Hope Mission Project in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya. http://rirutaumc.homestead.com/children_of_africa.html
&
Matthew 25:31-46
The Sheep and the Goats
&
Matthew 28:18-20
Great Commission

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 25,580+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Friday, June 10, 2011

Showing God’s Love

We are called
to be that light to the world
to serve in Christ’s name
of how we were restored
Showing God’s love
in our small part
in real and concrete ways
from the musings of our hearts


June 10, 2011
Walk to Emmaus
http://www.upperroom.org/emmaus/
Luke 24:13-35
grace
love
Luke 15:11-32
Prodigal Son
Mark 10:17-31
The Parable of the Rich Man

All of my poems are copyrighted 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.
See all 12,030+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

Standed before the pearly gates

I have stood before the pearly gates
to be with Christ
to walk on that ancient road
with Cleopas and the other
going to Emmaus
to that moment of awakening
with the living Christ
yet pulled back down
into the world
to go in his name
to bear my witness
being salt of this earth
and a light to this world


June 10, 2011
Walk to Emmaus
http://www.upperroom.org/emmaus/
Luke 24:13-35
grace
love
Luke 15:11-32
Prodigal Son
Mark 10:17-31
The Parable of the Rich Man

All of my poems are copyrighted 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.
See all 12,030+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

Gone to the Mountaintop

Do you have such an experience
walking with Christ
gone to the mountaintop
warmed by God’s love
My face alive
my flesh burning with fire
wanting to go
to serve You this hour


June 10, 2011
Walk to Emmaus
http://www.upperroom.org/emmaus/
Luke 24:13-35
grace
love
Luke 15:11-32
Prodigal Son
Mark 10:17-31
The Parable of the Rich Man

All of my poems are copyrighted 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.
See all 12,030+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

Jesus joined believers

Cleopas and the other
like the other first disciples
Jesus joined believers
to lift them up
to strengthen their faith
that which they believed
lifted them up
from the ashes, their knees
to walk with them
to heal their brokenness
to give them power
and send them into the world


June 10, 2011
Walk to Emmaus
http://www.upperroom.org/emmaus/
Luke 24:13-35
grace
love
Luke 15:11-32
Prodigal Son
Mark 10:17-31
The Parable of the Rich Man

All of my poems are copyrighted 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.
See all 12,030+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

Strengthen that already started

Our journey
the coming together
to strengthen that already started
to lift believers up
to serve more boldly
working together
walking together
with the risen Christ


June 10, 2011
Walk to Emmaus
http://www.upperroom.org/emmaus/
Luke 24:13-35
grace
love
Luke 15:11-32
Prodigal Son
Mark 10:17-31
The Parable of the Rich Man

All of my poems are copyrighted 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.
See all 12,030+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

The strings between the tin can

We are the strings
that tenuous line
between the tin cans
held by God and Man
the connection
the means, the witnesses
the message, in our lives
the presence of God
hidden no more
if we speak with salt
offering light
how Christ
transformed our lives


June 10, 2011
Walk to Emmaus
http://www.upperroom.org/emmaus/
Luke 24:13-35
grace
love
Luke 15:11-32
Prodigal Son
Mark 10:17-31
The Parable of the Rich Man

All of my poems are copyrighted 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.
See all 12,030+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

Hungry for Something More

The desire of the heart
of wanting to hear
for feel the power of the Word
of God’s presence with us
Hungry for something more
of walking with Christ
of heeding the Spirit
speaking with us
calling us to service
to go out into the world


June 10, 2011
Walk to Emmaus
http://www.upperroom.org/emmaus/
Luke 24:13-35
grace
love
Luke 15:11-32
Prodigal Son
Mark 10:17-31
The Parable of the Rich Man

All of my poems are copyrighted 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.
See all 12,030+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

Cloistered

A time set apart
cloistered, in community
wrapped in God’s love
Walking with Christ
hearing our needs
speaking to our hearts


June 10, 2011
Walk to Emmaus
http://www.upperroom.org/emmaus/
Luke 24:13-35
grace
love
Luke 15:11-32
Prodigal Son
Mark 10:17-31
The Parable of the Rich Man

All of my poems are copyrighted 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.
See all 12,030+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

Equipped to Go

God has equipped us
equipped to go
to serve in God’s name
alive by the Creator
fed by the word
healed by the Savior
and empowered by the Spirit
to go into the world


June 10, 2011
John 14:1-2, 15-17, 27 (TEV)
Psalm 78:1-7 (TEV)
Worship Theme: “Giving Thanks to God in All Things”
and sermon: “Growing Through Loss”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
May 29, 2011
Sixth Sunday of Easter
Memorial Day Sunday

All of my poems are copyrighted 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.
See all 12,020+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

Equipped but sent

Christ’s leaving
ascending to above
equipping us for service
but sent into the world

Needing to suffer loss
for the church to come to be
to go into the world
to trust in only Thee


June 10, 2011
John 14:1-2, 15-17, 27 (TEV)
Psalm 78:1-7 (TEV)
Worship Theme: “Giving Thanks to God in All Things”
and sermon: “Growing Through Loss”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
May 29, 2011
Sixth Sunday of Easter
Memorial Day Sunday

All of my poems are copyrighted 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.
See all 12,020+ of my poems at Poetry Where You Live.

Spoken out of Love

The power of the truth
of sharing hurt, of sharing forgiveness
of brother and sister,
of the congregations
healing divisions
by grace healing
spoken out of love
offering Christ
in the power of our words


==============
edited January 23, 2016
Sow Peace – v4
(merging edits to version 2 and version 3)
edited September 5, 2015
Sow Peace – v3
(editing version 2)
edited August 19, 2015
Sow Peace – v2
May 30, 2011
Sow Peace
&
edited August 21, 2015
A Harvest of Peace – v2
June 4, 2011
A Harvest of Peace
June 10, 2011
Wisdom from Above
June 10, 2011
The gears meshing
June 10, 2011
Consider in a Calm Season
June 10, 2011
In other decisions
June 10, 2011
Mend First
June 10, 2011
Able to Reconcile
June 10, 2011
Honest Dialogue
June 10, 2011
Spoken out of Love
June 4, 2011
Through Brokenness
June 4, 2011
How We Act Toward Others
May 30, 2011 and May 31, 2011
Live Peaceably
May 30, 2011
Awkward Seasons
Matthew 18:15-22
Romans 12:17-18
James 3:1-18
Matthew 5:24
and second in a two-part sermon series entitled
“Sensitivity Training II: When Church Folk Don’t Get Along.”
Peter said he “was not preaching this sermon because we are having difficulty with this issue. I am preaching it because I firmly believe the best time to consider matters such as this is when tensions are not high and we can reflect on good spiritual practices that can keep our relationships healthy.  The middle part of Matthew 18 offers a good plan for conflict resolution.” 
by the Reverend Peter A. Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church
Concord, NH
May 29, 2011


All of my poems and photographs are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 40,780+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Honest Dialogue

Our hope, as a divergent people
as a single body of Christ
in the way of his mission
in the model of his like
how he walked with us
bringing us truth
sharing love
honest dialogue
to heal all brokenness


==============
edited January 23, 2016
Sow Peace – v4
(merging edits to version 2 and version 3)
edited September 5, 2015
Sow Peace – v3
(editing version 2)
edited August 19, 2015
Sow Peace – v2
May 30, 2011
Sow Peace
&
edited August 21, 2015
A Harvest of Peace – v2
June 4, 2011
A Harvest of Peace
June 10, 2011
Wisdom from Above
June 10, 2011
The gears meshing
June 10, 2011
Consider in a Calm Season
June 10, 2011
In other decisions
June 10, 2011
Mend First
June 10, 2011
Able to Reconcile
June 10, 2011
Honest Dialogue
June 10, 2011
Spoken out of Love
June 4, 2011
Through Brokenness
June 4, 2011
How We Act Toward Others
May 30, 2011 and May 31, 2011
Live Peaceably
May 30, 2011
Awkward Seasons
Matthew 18:15-22
Romans 12:17-18
James 3:1-18
Matthew 5:24
and second in a two-part sermon series entitled
“Sensitivity Training II: When Church Folk Don’t Get Along.”
Peter said he “was not preaching this sermon because we are having difficulty with this issue. I am preaching it because I firmly believe the best time to consider matters such as this is when tensions are not high and we can reflect on good spiritual practices that can keep our relationships healthy.  The middle part of Matthew 18 offers a good plan for conflict resolution.” 
by the Reverend Peter A. Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church
Concord, NH
May 29, 2011


All of my poems and photographs are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 40,780+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.