Year Ending / Beginning

taking stock, looking back

hoping for the future

for our journey, this walk

year ending/ beginning

the cusp of the time

our life, our journey

from birth to the grave

====

December 31, 2012

First Sunday after Christmas

Worship Theme: “New Year”

Matthew 25:31-46 (The Message Bible)

Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 (Common English Bible)

Revelation 21:1-6a (Common English Bible)

Call to Worship (Lectionary Worship Aids ©2012)

Unison Prayer (((Lectionary Worship Aids ©2012)

Prayer of Dedication (GBOD 2012 Luke 2:41-52)

and sermon – “New Beginnings”

by Pastor Ruth Foss

https://twitter.com/PastorRuthFoss

http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss

http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com 

http://pastorruth.posterous.com/ 

A Handmaiden of the Lord

http://www.suncookumc.org

Suncook United Methodist Church

http://www.suncookumc.org 

http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965

Suncook, NH

December 30, 2012

First Sunday after Christmas

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 22,160+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

new beginnings

not just the new year

each moment, each day

an opportunity, a chance

to begin our lives anew

each morning at our waking

throughout each day

choices, eternal

how we live and pray

new beginnings given

pouring out as a blessing

to God, to our neighbors

to all whom we meet

====

December 31, 2012

First Sunday after Christmas

Worship Theme: “New Year”

Matthew 25:31-46 (The Message Bible)

Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 (Common English Bible)

Revelation 21:1-6a (Common English Bible)

Call to Worship (Lectionary Worship Aids ©2012)

Unison Prayer (((Lectionary Worship Aids ©2012)

Prayer of Dedication (GBOD 2012 Luke 2:41-52)

and sermon – “New Beginnings”

by Pastor Ruth Foss

https://twitter.com/PastorRuthFoss

http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss

http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com 

http://pastorruth.posterous.com/ 

A Handmaiden of the Lord

http://www.suncookumc.org

Suncook United Methodist Church

http://www.suncookumc.org 

http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965

Suncook, NH

December 30, 2012

First Sunday after Christmas

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 22,160+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

each day each moment

each day

each moment

an opportunity

a new beginning

a new season

to follow, to care

to lift up our neighbors

witnesses to Christ

messages of God

====

December 31, 2012

First Sunday after Christmas

Worship Theme: “New Year”

Matthew 25:31-46 (The Message Bible)

Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 (Common English Bible)

Revelation 21:1-6a (Common English Bible)

Call to Worship (Lectionary Worship Aids ©2012)

Unison Prayer (((Lectionary Worship Aids ©2012)

Prayer of Dedication (GBOD 2012 Luke 2:41-52)

and sermon – “New Beginnings”

by Pastor Ruth Foss

https://twitter.com/PastorRuthFoss

http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss

http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com 

http://pastorruth.posterous.com/ 

A Handmaiden of the Lord

http://www.suncookumc.org

Suncook United Methodist Church

http://www.suncookumc.org 

http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965

Suncook, NH

December 30, 2012

First Sunday after Christmas

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 22,160+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Hidden as a carpenter – v3

Born as a stranger,

a humble cave, a stable

watched over by livestock

shepherds from the fields

Gifts of the Magi, from the East

precious, foreshadowing

in the gifts that they brought

the whole story of his life

A refugee at his birth

the Savior of the world

come to teach us love

but manifest in God’s time

Hidden as a carpenter

over fifteen years of work

presenting himself in God’s time

baptized to save the earth

====  

Edited December 12, 2012

“Hidden as a carpenter – v2”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/12/hidden-as-carpenter-v2.html

December 11, 2012

“Hidden as a carpenter”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/12/hidden-as-carpenter.html

Spirit Study,

around session 2,

“Giving Up on Perfect”

of video series:

“A Different Kind of Christmas: Living and Giving Like Jesus”

http://www.thethoughtfulchristian.com/Products/9781426753541/a-different-kind-of-christmas-dvd-w-leader-guide.aspx

by Reverend Mike Slaughter

http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/bookstore.aspx?contributorid=4257

and companion book,

“Christmas Is Not Your Birthday: Experience the Joy of Living and Giving like Jesus”,

http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=1005372

also by Reverend Mike Slaughter,

led by Pastor Ruth Foss

https://twitter.com/PastorRuthFoss

http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss

http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com 

http://pastorruth.posterous.com/ 

A Handmaiden of the Lord

http://www.suncookumc.org

Suncook United Methodist Church

http://www.suncookumc.org 

http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965

Suncook, NH

December 9, 2012

Second Sunday of Advent

&

Worship Theme: “I Believe in the Love/ Peace”

Luke 3:1-6 (English Standard Version Bible)

John the Baptist Prepares the Way

Malachi 3:1-4 (Common English Bible)

Philippians 1:3-11 (Contemporary English Version Bible)

and sermon – “True Love”

by Pastor Ruth Foss

https://twitter.com/PastorRuthFoss>

http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss

http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com 

http://pastorruth.posterous.com/ 

A Handmaiden of the Lord

http://www.suncookumc.org

Suncook United Methodist Church

http://www.suncookumc.org 

http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965

Suncook, NH

December 9, 2012

Second Sunday of Advent

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 22,160+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

as the Magi – v2

we, in our time,

like those before us

as the Magi

carrying treasure

coming to the Christ-child

to bow at his feet

may I come to worship

to bear my witness

to offer Christ my all

all that I am

given to God

my offering, my worship

to the Christ-child

my Savior, my God

------

Edited December 31, 2012

“as the Magi – v2”

December 31, 2012

“as the Magi”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/12/as-magi.html

Matthew 2:1-12

“The Visit of the Magi” (NIV)

“Scholars from the East” (The Message)

Micah 5:2

Matthew 2:13-18

Upper Room Disciplines for 2012

http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm

December 31, 2012 to January 6, 2013

“Resolutions”

by Tom Appel

for December 31, 2012,

read December 31, 2012

Thanksgiving

Advent

Christmas

New Years

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 22,160+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Seeking the Christ

My journey, my hope
my life in my hands
bearing my treasure
in the path of the cross
in the way of the Magi
seeking the Christ
the Savior, my Shepherd
my hope for true life

My journey, my hope
my hope for true life
in the manger, the man
who came down to earth
in love’s offering
there on the cross
redeeming my life
all from the lost


------
Edited December 31, 2012
“Seeking the Christ”
December 31, 2012
“Seeking the Christ-child”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/12/seeking-christ-child.html
Matthew 2:1-12
“The Visit of the Magi” (NIV)
“Scholars from the East” (The Message)
Micah 5:2
Matthew 2:13-18
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
December 31, 2012 to January 6, 2013
“Resolutions”
by Tom Appel
for December 31, 2012,
read December 31, 2012
Thanksgiving
Advent
Christmas
New Years

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 22,160+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

a king foretold

they followed the star

to seek the new-born king

the one long foretold

the successor to David

the child in the manger

a king long foretold

the one under the star

the child born unto Mary

------

December 31, 2012

Matthew 2:1-12

“The Visit of the Magi” (NIV)

“Scholars from the East” (The Message)

Micah 5:2

Matthew 2:13-18

Upper Room Disciplines for 2012

http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm

December 31, 2012 to January 6, 2013

“Resolutions”

by Tom Appel

for December 31, 2012,

read December 31, 2012

Thanksgiving

Advent

Christmas

New Years

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 21,980+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

to give gifts and to worship Jesus

the Magi’s mission

their purpose for the journey

following the star of the Christ

the herald of his coming

their mission,

not for power

to give their gifts

and to worship Jesus

------

December 31, 2012

Matthew 2:1-12

“The Visit of the Magi” (NIV)

“Scholars from the East” (The Message)

Micah 5:2

Matthew 2:13-18

Upper Room Disciplines for 2012

http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm

December 31, 2012 to January 6, 2013

“Resolutions”

by Tom Appel

for December 31, 2012,

read December 31, 2012

Thanksgiving

Advent

Christmas

New Years

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 21,980+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

murderous dreams

the whispers of evil

Herod’s murderous dreams

to kill off the Christ-child

the threat to his throne

the musings of evil

furtive, in secret

trying to implicate the Magi

in his evil scheme

------

December 31, 2012

Matthew 2:1-12

“The Visit of the Magi” (NIV)

“Scholars from the East” (The Message)

Micah 5:2

Matthew 2:13-18

Upper Room Disciplines for 2012

http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm

December 31, 2012 to January 6, 2013

“Resolutions”

by Tom Appel

for December 31, 2012,

read December 31, 2012

Thanksgiving

Advent

Christmas

New Years

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 21,980+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

and all Jerusalem with him

The story of the Magi

their quest for Jesus

the king born to us

to free us from sin

Their words upsetting

the puppet king

and all Jerusalem with him

all holding onto power

------

December 31, 2012

Matthew 2:1-12

“The Visit of the Magi” (NIV)

“Scholars from the East” (The Message)

Micah 5:2

Matthew 2:13-18

Upper Room Disciplines for 2012

http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm

December 31, 2012 to January 6, 2013

“Resolutions”

by Tom Appel

for December 31, 2012,

read December 31, 2012

Thanksgiving

Advent

Christmas

New Years

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 21,980+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

disturbing news

disturbing news

the birth of Jesus

a king long prophesied

the word fulfilled

the Magi coming

scaring the nation

those holding power

in old Jerusalem

------

December 31, 2012

Matthew 2:3

Matthew 2:1-12

“The Visit of the Magi” (NIV)

“Scholars from the East” (The Message)

Micah 5:2

Matthew 2:13-18

Upper Room Disciplines for 2012

http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm

December 31, 2012 to January 6, 2013

“Resolutions”

by Tom Appel

for December 31, 2012,

read December 31, 2012

Thanksgiving

Advent

Christmas

New Years

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 21,980+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

a king is born

a king is born

a threat to power

to those complacent

far too comfortable

a king is born

love come down

showing us the way

how to live

a king is born

upsetting creation

the world as we know it

turned upside down

a king is born

a threat to power

calling out the people

to change their ways

------

December 31, 2012

Matthew 2:3

Matthew 2:1-12

“The Visit of the Magi” (NIV)

“Scholars from the East” (The Message)

Micah 5:2

Matthew 2:13-18

Upper Room Disciplines for 2012

http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm

December 31, 2012 to January 6, 2013

“Resolutions”

by Tom Appel

for December 31, 2012,

read December 31, 2012

Thanksgiving

Advent

Christmas

New Years

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 21,980+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

worship the giver of life

seek the Christ-child

worship the Savior

the giver of life

the hope for all mankind

come to his manger-bed

journey his path

follow the way of the cross

not the ways of man

------

December 31, 2012

Matthew 2:1-12

“The Visit of the Magi” (NIV)

“Scholars from the East” (The Message)

Micah 5:2

Matthew 2:13-18

Upper Room Disciplines for 2012

http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm

December 31, 2012 to January 6, 2013

“Resolutions”

by Tom Appel

for December 31, 2012,

read December 31, 2012

Thanksgiving

Advent

Christmas

New Years

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 21,980+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Christ is a Threat

Christ is a threat

and not just to Herod

all of Jerusalem was concerned

they joined him

Christ is a threat

to complacency, to power

challenging us to change

to repent of our sins

------

December 31, 2012

Matthew 2:1-12

“The Visit of the Magi” (NIV)

“Scholars from the East” (The Message)

Micah 5:2

Matthew 2:13-18

Upper Room Disciplines for 2012

http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm

December 31, 2012 to January 6, 2013

“Resolutions”

by Tom Appel

for December 31, 2012,

read December 31, 2012

Thanksgiving

Advent

Christmas

New Years

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 21,980+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Seek Christ

seek Christ
the giver of life
the redeemed, healer
the source of Light
Love come down
into the manger
the man who climbed the cross
the risen Messiah

seek Christ
journey focused
our eyes on the prize
eternal life
Love come down
healing, redeeming
showing us the way
that leads us to life


------
December 31, 2012
Matthew 2:1-12
“The Visit of the Magi” (NIV)
“Scholars from the East” (The Message)
Micah 5:2
Matthew 2:13-18
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
December 31, 2012 to January 6, 2013
“Resolutions”
by Tom Appel
for December 31, 2012,
read December 31, 2012
Thanksgiving
Advent
Christmas
New Years

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 21,980+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

a threat to power

the rightful king

born in a stable

a threat to power

to their control

all of Jerusalem troubled

with the false-king

the babe in the manger

the rightful king

------

December 31, 2012

Matthew 2:3

Matthew 2:1-12

“The Visit of the Magi” (NIV)

“Scholars from the East” (The Message)

Micah 5:2

Matthew 2:13-18

Upper Room Disciplines for 2012

http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm

December 31, 2012 to January 6, 2013

“Resolutions”

by Tom Appel

for December 31, 2012,

read December 31, 2012

Thanksgiving

Advent

Christmas

New Years

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 21,980+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Seeking the Christ-child

My journey, my hope

my life in my hands

bearing my treasure

in the path of the cross

in the way of the Magi

seeking the Christ-child

the Savior, my Shepherd

my hope for true life

------

December 31, 2012

Matthew 2:1-12

“The Visit of the Magi” (NIV)

“Scholars from the East” (The Message)

Micah 5:2

Matthew 2:13-18

Upper Room Disciplines for 2012

http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm

December 31, 2012 to January 6, 2013

“Resolutions”

by Tom Appel

for December 31, 2012,

read December 31, 2012

Thanksgiving

Advent

Christmas

New Years

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 21,980+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

My eyes fixed

My eyes fixed,

on the star, the manger

on the cross, the throne

on the Eternal God

May I journey

may I come to worship

my life in the treasure

my all unto God

------

December 31, 2012

Matthew 2:1-12

“The Visit of the Magi” (NIV)

“Scholars from the East” (The Message)

Micah 5:2

Matthew 2:13-18

Upper Room Disciplines for 2012

http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm

December 31, 2012 to January 6, 2013

“Resolutions”

by Tom Appel

for December 31, 2012,

read December 31, 2012

Thanksgiving

Advent

Christmas

New Years

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 21,980+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

May I journey

like the Magi

sure of the treasure

of the king born to us

Christ come down

may I journey

my eyes focused

on you oh Lord

my hope, my strength

------

December 31, 2012

Matthew 2:1-12

“The Visit of the Magi” (NIV)

“Scholars from the East” (The Message)

Micah 5:2

Matthew 2:13-18

Upper Room Disciplines for 2012

http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm

December 31, 2012 to January 6, 2013

“Resolutions”

by Tom Appel

for December 31, 2012,

read December 31, 2012

Thanksgiving

Advent

Christmas

New Years

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 21,980+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

as the Magi

as the Magi

carrying treasure

coming to the Christ-child

to bow at his feet

may I come to worship

to bear my witness

to offer Christ my all

all that I am

------

December 31, 2012

Matthew 2:1-12

“The Visit of the Magi” (NIV)

“Scholars from the East” (The Message)

Micah 5:2

Matthew 2:13-18

Upper Room Disciplines for 2012

http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm

December 31, 2012 to January 6, 2013

“Resolutions”

by Tom Appel

for December 31, 2012,

read December 31, 2012

Thanksgiving

Advent

Christmas

New Years

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 21,980+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.