Saturday, March 10, 2012

I will give you rest

all who are weary
God’s call to us
come to me
I will give you rest
peace within the storms
a rudder for our lives
protection from the shoals
safe to the other side


March 10, 2012
Worship Theme: promises with a price. . .
Mark 8:31-38
Genesis 17:1-10
Romans 4:16-25
Mark 8:29
Matthew 11:28
John 3:16
Call to Worship (Psalm 105:1-3)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD Mark 8:31-38)
The Great Thanksgiving for Early in Lent
and sermon, “The Foolishness of God”
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
Second Sunday in Lent
March 4, 2012

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 21,120+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

all who are weary

God’s open arms
his calling to all of us
all who are weary
enter in, find your rest
walk with me
all of your days
enter in, all who hunger
trust in me
I will provide


March 10, 2012
Worship Theme: promises with a price. . .
Mark 8:31-38
Genesis 17:1-10
Romans 4:16-25
Mark 8:29
Matthew 11:28
John 3:16
Call to Worship (Psalm 105:1-3)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD Mark 8:31-38)
The Great Thanksgiving for Early in Lent
and sermon, “The Foolishness of God”
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
Second Sunday in Lent
March 4, 2012

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 21,120+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

believe in something I cannot touch

God’s way so different
unlike this materialistic world
calling us to believe in a future
in something we cannot touch
in his promise, a covenant
to turn our lives over to him
giving up the hold of mammon
and give ourselves unto God


March 10, 2012
Worship Theme: promises with a price. . .
Mark 8:31-38
Genesis 17:1-10
Romans 4:16-25
Mark 8:29
Matthew 11:28
John 3:16
Call to Worship (Psalm 105:1-3)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD Mark 8:31-38)
The Great Thanksgiving for Early in Lent
and sermon, “The Foolishness of God”
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
Second Sunday in Lent
March 4, 2012

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 21,120+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The Messiah dying a criminal’s death

Too much for them to bear
their hope utterly shattered
the words incomprehensible
impossible to swallow
They had followed him for three years
now he said he was to die
the Messiah sent to save the world
to die a criminal’s death
up on the cross, humiliated, defiled
into the hands of the hypocrites
the leaders, the crowds
utterly too much to bear
Peter lashing out, protective
but Christ rebuking this son
becoming a stumbling block
submissive to God’s holy plan
prepared to climb the cross


March 10, 2012
Worship Theme: promises with a price. . .
Mark 8:31-38
Genesis 17:1-10
Romans 4:16-25
Mark 8:29
Matthew 11:28
John 3:16
Call to Worship (Psalm 105:1-3)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD Mark 8:31-38)
The Great Thanksgiving for Early in Lent
and sermon, “The Foolishness of God”
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
Second Sunday in Lent
March 4, 2012

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 21,120+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

to set God's people free

The Messiah foretelling his sacrifice
the apostles denying his purpose
wanting another Messiah
to lead to victory
not understanding, comprehending
what the scripture meant
to set God’s people free
not from the bonds of Rome
to set them free from sin
all the captives released
something more profound,
impossible to hear
intended for God’s Son


March 10, 2012
Worship Theme: promises with a price. . .
Mark 8:31-38
Genesis 17:1-10
Romans 4:16-25
Mark 8:29
Matthew 11:28
John 3:16
Call to Worship (Psalm 105:1-3)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD Mark 8:31-38)
The Great Thanksgiving for Early in Lent
and sermon, “The Foolishness of God”

by Pastor Ruth Foss
A Handmaiden of the Lord
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH

Second Sunday in Lent
March 4, 2012


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 21,380+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Peter’s vision

When we think of Peter’s vision
we think of the cloth coming down
of many living creatures
lowered from heaven
of God’s telling what to eat
changing the ancient code

Christ’s words here
in holy scripture
a response from Peter
out of an earlier vision

Christ said he was to die
to rise on the third day
but Peter’s vision different
for the Messiah that way
to lead the rebellion
the victory over Rome
to free the Jewish people
to restore to them their home


March 10, 2012
Worship Theme: promises with a price. . .
Mark 8:31-38
Genesis 17:1-10
Romans 4:16-25
Mark 8:29
Matthew 11:28
John 3:16
Call to Worship (Psalm 105:1-3)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD Mark 8:31-38)
The Great Thanksgiving for Early in Lent
and sermon, “The Foolishness of God”
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
Second Sunday in Lent
March 4, 2012

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 20,990+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

denying myself

the example of Jesus
his words to the twelve
humbling Peter
denying myself
Christ submitting himself
into human hands
to fulfill God’s plan
our salvation
by Christ’s mighty sacrifice
denying himself
as we each must
to the will of God


March 10, 2012
Worship Theme: promises with a price. . .
Mark 8:31-38
Genesis 17:1-10
Romans 4:16-25
Mark 8:29
Matthew 11:28
John 3:16
Call to Worship (Psalm 105:1-3)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD Mark 8:31-38)
The Great Thanksgiving for Early in Lent
and sermon, “The Foolishness of God”

by Pastor Ruth Foss
A Handmaiden of the Lord
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH

Second Sunday in Lent
March 4, 2012


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 21,380+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

saving my life by losing my life

nothing in my control
giving myself over
my life into other hands
into the hands of God
my creator, the potter
who made me from the clay
saving my life
by losing my life
giving myself over
to almighty God


March 10, 2012
Worship Theme: promises with a price. . .
Mark 8:31-38
Genesis 17:1-10
Romans 4:16-25
Mark 8:29
Matthew 11:28
John 3:16
Call to Worship (Psalm 105:1-3)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD Mark 8:31-38)
The Great Thanksgiving for Early in Lent
and sermon, “The Foolishness of God”

by Pastor Ruth Foss
A Handmaiden of the Lord
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH

Second Sunday in Lent
March 4, 2012


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 21,380+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

impossible to comprehend

the foolishness of forgiveness
of sacrifice, as Christ on the cross
dying while we yet hurt him
crying out epithets
seeking his death, his crucifixion
dying for us, showing us love, compassion
God’s mercy, his teachings so different
opposite of what the earth teaches
what we have been told sin birth
the interpretation of the ancient law
so different, impossible to comprehend
grace, unconditional love, agape
for us, for all of us, while we yet sin
while we seek his death,
or stand by indifferent, silent
while our Savior was nailed to a cross
his blood pouring out, our sacrifice
redeeming us to God


March 10, 2012
Worship Theme: promises with a price. . .
Mark 8:31-38
Genesis 17:1-10
Romans 4:16-25
Mark 8:29
Matthew 11:28
John 3:16
Call to Worship (Psalm 105:1-3)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD Mark 8:31-38)
The Great Thanksgiving for Early in Lent
and sermon, “The Foolishness of God”

by Pastor Ruth Foss
A Handmaiden of the Lord
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH

Second Sunday in Lent
March 4, 2012


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 21,380+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

given a new beginning in Christ

not abandonment, condemnation
earning death, laid aside, forgotten
what our lives deserved
damned under the law
the word of God, his commands
but grace came down
God offered himself that we might live
we are redeemed, restored, made whole
given a new beginning,
a new life in Christ


March 10, 2012
Worship Theme: promises with a price. . .
Mark 8:31-38
Genesis 17:1-10
Romans 4:16-25
Mark 8:29
Matthew 11:28
John 3:16
Call to Worship (Psalm 105:1-3)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD Mark 8:31-38)
The Great Thanksgiving for Early in Lent
and sermon, “The Foolishness of God”

by Pastor Ruth Foss
A Handmaiden of the Lord
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH

Second Sunday in Lent
March 4, 2012


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 21,380+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

descendants of Abraham and Sarah

inheritors of the promise
the promise of new life
all of us together
living in the faith
descendants of the same parents
down through the sands of time
descendants of Abraham and Sarah
examples for our lives
walking before God
faithful to his call
changing their lives completely
going where God led


March 10, 2012
Worship Theme: promises with a price. . .
Mark 8:31-38
Genesis 17:1-10
Romans 4:16-25
Mark 8:29
Matthew 11:28
John 3:16
Call to Worship (Psalm 105:1-3)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD Mark 8:31-38)
The Great Thanksgiving for Early in Lent
and sermon, “The Foolishness of God”

by Pastor Ruth Foss
A Handmaiden of the Lord
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH

Second Sunday in Lent
March 4, 2012


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 21,380+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The lie we must earn everything

We are taught a lie
over and over in life
we must work for what we want
we must earn everything
all of what we believe
the sense of our nation, our self
all built on that lie
relying on the self

God gives us freely
the greatest gift of all
what we desire most
the desire of our hearts
to walk with the Lord
to rise to paradise

Nothing we will ever earn in life
giving by grace alone
the price paid by another
our brother, the risen Christ
giving all for us,
bearing the cross for us


March 10, 2012
Worship Theme: promises with a price. . .
Mark 8:31-38
Genesis 17:1-10
Romans 4:16-25
Mark 8:29
Matthew 11:28
John 3:16
Call to Worship (Psalm 105:1-3)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD Mark 8:31-38)
The Great Thanksgiving for Early in Lent
and sermon, “The Foolishness of God”

by Pastor Ruth Foss
A Handmaiden of the Lord
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH

Second Sunday in Lent
March 4, 2012


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 21,380+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

a great nation

a great nation -
the words of scripture
instructive, in deeper meaning
one people, a great nation
from the covenant with God
the barren, blessed
giving us life, a hope
a great nation
not many nations
a people, a union
with them, ever
a people of faith
walking before God
following their example
our mother, our father
our ancestors of love


March 10, 2012
Worship Theme: promises with a price. . .
Mark 8:31-38
Genesis 17:1-10
Romans 4:16-25
Mark 8:29
Matthew 11:28
John 3:16
Call to Worship (Psalm 105:1-3)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD Mark 8:31-38)
The Great Thanksgiving for Early in Lent
and sermon, “The Foolishness of God”

by Pastor Ruth Foss
A Handmaiden of the Lord
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH

Second Sunday in Lent
March 4, 2012


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 21,380+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

through these two barren people

God doing the impossible
rebuilding relationship
through faith, covenant
through these two barren people
creating a people, nations
peoples faithful to him
a covenant of love
creating from the nothing
the parents of us all


March 10, 2012
Worship Theme: promises with a price. . .
Mark 8:31-38
Genesis 17:1-10
Romans 4:16-25
Mark 8:29
Matthew 11:28
John 3:16
Call to Worship (Psalm 105:1-3)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD Mark 8:31-38)
The Great Thanksgiving for Early in Lent
and sermon, “The Foolishness of God”

by Pastor Ruth Foss
A Handmaiden of the Lord
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH

Second Sunday in Lent
March 4, 2012


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 21,380+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

not the Nation of Israel alone

a new people, a new nation
the descendants of Sarah, of Abraham
our mother, our father
showing us a way, faith
bound with our creator, covenant
for a new life, a journey
hope in the covenant with Him
a people, a nation
not of Israel alone, all
all who follow, by faith,
who walk before the Lord


March 10, 2012
Worship Theme: promises with a price. . .
Mark 8:31-38
Genesis 17:1-10
Romans 4:16-25
Mark 8:29
Matthew 11:28
John 3:16
Call to Worship (Psalm 105:1-3)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD Mark 8:31-38)
The Great Thanksgiving for Early in Lent
and sermon, “The Foolishness of God”
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
Second Sunday in Lent
March 4, 2012

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 21,090+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

a new name in Christ

our lives redeemed
new creations in him
a new name in Christ
given over to God
from the death we deserved
raised to heaven
on eagle’s wings
God foolishly saving me
from the sum of my sin
eternal damnation
changing me over
into a new creation
a new name in Christ
a child of the living God
life with him ever
raised from the dead


March 10, 2012
Worship Theme: promises with a price. . .
Mark 8:31-38
Genesis 17:1-10
Romans 4:16-25
Mark 8:29
Matthew 11:28
John 3:16
Call to Worship (Psalm 105:1-3)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD Mark 8:31-38)
The Great Thanksgiving for Early in Lent
and sermon, “The Foolishness of God”

by Pastor Ruth Foss
A Handmaiden of the Lord
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH

Second Sunday in Lent
March 4, 2012


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 21,380+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

to show his glory

to offer us a blessing
God’s love for us
God does the impossible
pouring out his grace
to show his glory
the power of his hand
by the blood of his son
the loving, unblemished lamb
Dying to free us from sin
rising to free us from death
living with us again
returning home to God


March 10, 2012
Worship Theme: promises with a price. . .
Mark 8:31-38
Genesis 17:1-10
Romans 4:16-25
Mark 8:29
Matthew 11:28
John 3:16
Call to Worship (Psalm 105:1-3)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD Mark 8:31-38)
The Great Thanksgiving for Early in Lent
and sermon, “The Foolishness of God”

by Pastor Ruth Foss
A Handmaiden of the Lord
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH

Second Sunday in Lent
March 4, 2012


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 21,380+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

God does the impossible

God, laying his hand upon creation
changing the whole world, our future
sending his Son to die on the cross
to free us from the eternal
damnation, the price of our sin,
redeeming us from the grave
rising up to glory,
because the Messiah came
not something humble,
just walking in this life
going through the impossible
the gate of the cross


March 10, 2012
Worship Theme: promises with a price. . .
Mark 8:31-38
Genesis 17:1-10
Romans 4:16-25
Mark 8:29
Matthew 11:28
John 3:16
Call to Worship (Psalm 105:1-3)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD Mark 8:31-38)
The Great Thanksgiving for Early in Lent
and sermon, “The Foolishness of God”

by Pastor Ruth Foss
A Handmaiden of the Lord
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH

Second Sunday in Lent
March 4, 2012


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 21,380+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

even though we are sinners

ancient steps on the path
the road that Jesus trod
climbing the road to Calvary
donning the thorns for us

the cup of our stain
coursing through the lamb
our hands upon him
the Son, the great I Am

even though we are sinners
wallowing in the filth
the way of the world
cursing our God
our Savior died for us


March 10, 2012
Worship Theme: promises with a price. . .
Mark 8:31-38
Genesis 17:1-10
Romans 4:16-25
Mark 8:29
Matthew 11:28
John 3:16
Call to Worship (Psalm 105:1-3)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD Mark 8:31-38)
The Great Thanksgiving for Early in Lent
and sermon, “The Foolishness of God”

by Pastor Ruth Foss
A Handmaiden of the Lord
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH

Second Sunday in Lent
March 4, 2012


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 21,380+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

we are not laid aside

Christ lifts us up
raised from the dead
how foolish of God
how blessed we are
we are not laid aside
though we are drenched in sin
God taking us to his breast
in him do we live


March 10, 2012
Worship Theme: promises with a price. . .
Mark 8:31-38
Genesis 17:1-10
Romans 4:16-25
Mark 8:29
Matthew 11:28
John 3:16
Call to Worship (Psalm 105:1-3)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD Mark 8:31-38)
The Great Thanksgiving for Early in Lent
and sermon, “The Foolishness of God”
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
Second Sunday in Lent
March 4, 2012

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 19,900+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

promise of new life

a promise of new life
this miraculous gift
in the one who came down
the one who sacrificed
God’s Son, the Lamb
God who came to earth
to lift us from death’
a promise of new life
undeserved, a gift
offered to us, grace
for us to be faithful
to walk in those footsteps
following our Savior
faithful to the cross


March 10, 2012
Worship Theme: promises with a price. . .
Mark 8:31-38
Genesis 17:1-10
Romans 4:16-25
Mark 8:29
Matthew 11:28
John 3:16
Call to Worship (Psalm 105:1-3)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD Mark 8:31-38)
The Great Thanksgiving for Early in Lent
and sermon, “The Foolishness of God”

by Pastor Ruth Foss
A Handmaiden of the Lord
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH

Second Sunday in Lent
March 4, 2012


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 21,380+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

new life, for you, for me

a promise, covenant
by the grace of God
by His love alone
redeemed by Christ’s blood
his body, broken, buried
risen from the dead
new life, for you, for me
sinners, redeemed
lifted on eagle’s wings
soaring to heaven with God


March 10, 2012
Worship Theme: promises with a price. . .
Mark 8:31-38
Genesis 17:1-10
Romans 4:16-25
Mark 8:29
Matthew 11:28
John 3:16
Call to Worship (Psalm 105:1-3)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD Mark 8:31-38)
The Great Thanksgiving for Early in Lent
and sermon, “The Foolishness of God”

by Pastor Ruth Foss
A Handmaiden of the Lord
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH

Second Sunday in Lent
March 4, 2012


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 21,380+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

the God of the impossible

not a magician, but our God
the God of the impossible
walking here with us
lifting us up from the ashes
from the pit of our life
the same God of history
who made a great nation
children for the barren
the faithful father and mother
walking humbly with Him
faithful to his world
the God of healing, of wonder
who made all of creation
this is the God we follow
the God of power and might
leading us ever, purpose
the path of our life


March 10, 2012
Worship Theme: promises with a price. . .
Mark 8:31-38
Genesis 17:1-10
Romans 4:16-25
Mark 8:29
Matthew 11:28
John 3:16
Call to Worship (Psalm 105:1-3)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD Mark 8:31-38)
The Great Thanksgiving for Early in Lent
and sermon, “The Foolishness of God”

by Pastor Ruth Foss
A Handmaiden of the Lord
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH

Second Sunday in Lent
March 4, 2012


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 21,380+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

a fool for you and for me

a vessel, a lamb
drinking of that cup
the bile of our sin
all of the world
the weight of our iniquity
all we had done, said
all our estrangement from God

Christ, Messiah
our Prince of Peace
emptied, made of clay
walking that journey
the path God set
submissive to the Father
sharing His Word

a fool, for you and for me
Christ making himself a vessel
taking the whips, the chains
carrying our cross
not of this world
giving us new life
a hope of a life in Him


March 10, 2012
Worship Theme: promises with a price. . .
Mark 8:31-38
Genesis 17:1-10
Romans 4:16-25
Mark 8:29
Matthew 11:28
John 3:16
Call to Worship (Psalm 105:1-3)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD Mark 8:31-38)
The Great Thanksgiving for Early in Lent
and sermon, “The Foolishness of God”

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

Second Sunday in Lent
March 4, 2012


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 21,380+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

A foolish Savior

Not a warrior-king
a humble servant
a foolish Savior
emptied of God
pouring out a blessing
life for the world,
Thanks be to God

That Christ was foolish
being a servant
to teach us love
offering himself
that we may live
life in his light,
walking with God


March 10, 2012
Worship Theme: promises with a price. . .
Mark 8:31-38
Genesis 17:1-10
Romans 4:16-25
Mark 8:29
Matthew 11:28
John 3:16
Call to Worship (Psalm 105:1-3)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD Mark 8:31-38)
The Great Thanksgiving for Early in Lent
and sermon, “The Foolishness of God”

by Pastor Ruth Foss
A Handmaiden of the Lord
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH

Second Sunday in Lent
March 4, 2012


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 21,380+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The foolishness of the cross

I know I drove the nails
I know I spit in your face
cursed your holy name
lied in my walk
turning from you, denying
that I ever knew your name

Yet two thousand years ago
dying for me on the cross
the foolishness of that act
in the eyes of mortal man
knowing my every step
my running away from your love
yet you my God sent your Son
and Christ himself chose that cross

The foolishness of the cross
that for so many dying in vain
God sending down the Son
that a few may live again
turning as Abram had done
walking by faith, by grace
going where God would lead


March 10, 2012
Worship Theme: promises with a price. . .
Mark 8:31-38
Genesis 17:1-10
Romans 4:16-25
Mark 8:29
Matthew 11:28
John 3:16
Call to Worship (Psalm 105:1-3)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD Mark 8:31-38)
The Great Thanksgiving for Early in Lent
and sermon, “The Foolishness of God”

by Pastor Ruth Foss
A Handmaiden of the Lord
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH

Second Sunday in Lent
March 4, 2012


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 21,380+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Christ made himself a fool

Christ emptied himself
taking on human flesh
stumbling in the dust
the walk of this earth
Christ made himself a fool
though he is fully God
walking more slowly
the way of the world
Christ taught us love
his time in ministry
not the ways of the world
but submissive to God
Christ walked in piety
not turning to the right or the left
the one human holy
yet paying the awful cost
Christ made himself a fool
a stumbling block for the world
offering himself as a sacrifice
to save the people of earth


March 10, 2012
Worship Theme: promises with a price. . .
Mark 8:31-38
Genesis 17:1-10
Romans 4:16-25
Mark 8:29
Matthew 11:28
John 3:16
Call to Worship (Psalm 105:1-3)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD Mark 8:31-38)
The Great Thanksgiving for Early in Lent
and sermon, “The Foolishness of God”

by Pastor Ruth Foss
A Handmaiden of the Lord
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH

Second Sunday in Lent
March 4, 2012


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 21,380+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

How blessed that Christ was a fool

How blessed the Messiah was a sacrifice
not a soldier-king
to overthrow the yoke by force
to command armies
to fight that good fight

how blessed the King was the shepherd
caring for his sheep,
offering himself a sacrifice
to keep them safe from harm

how blessed the Savior taught us love
turning the world upside down
valuing our faithfulness
not the things of this earth

how blessed that Christ was a fool
teaching us how to walk
humble, as a sacrifice
sharing the love of God


March 10, 2012
Worship Theme: promises with a price. . .
Mark 8:31-38
Genesis 17:1-10
Romans 4:16-25
Mark 8:29
Matthew 11:28
John 3:16
Call to Worship (Psalm 105:1-3)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD Mark 8:31-38)
The Great Thanksgiving for Early in Lent
and sermon, “The Foolishness of God”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
A Handmaiden of the Lord
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
Second Sunday in Lent
March 4, 2012


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 21,430+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

May we too be a fool for God

May we follow the example of Christ
sacrificially living as a servant
as one who knows God’s blessing
his grace poured out on us
May we too be a fool for God
abandoning earth’s wisdom
the values of these days
donning the clothes of Jesus
walking out into the world


March 10, 2012
Worship Theme: promises with a price. . .
Mark 8:31-38
Genesis 17:1-10
Romans 4:16-25
Mark 8:29
Matthew 11:28
John 3:16
Call to Worship (Psalm 105:1-3)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD Mark 8:31-38)
The Great Thanksgiving for Early in Lent
and sermon, “The Foolishness of God”

by Pastor Ruth Foss
A Handmaiden of the Lord
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH

Second Sunday in Lent
March 4, 2012


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 21,380+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

share the foolishness of the Gospel He lived

walk with God, as our Savior did
sharing the foolishness of the Gospel He lived
the good news of the kingdom
God here with us

Forgiving us of our sin
taking the stain upon himself
showing us the way of the servant
through the sacrifice of the cross


March 10, 2012
Worship Theme: promises with a price. . .
Mark 8:31-38
Genesis 17:1-10
Romans 4:16-25
Mark 8:29
Matthew 11:28
John 3:16
Call to Worship (Psalm 105:1-3)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD Mark 8:31-38)
The Great Thanksgiving for Early in Lent
and sermon, “The Foolishness of God”

by Pastor Ruth Foss
A Handmaiden of the Lord
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH

Second Sunday in Lent
March 4, 2012


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 21,380+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

beginning a nation

After the flood
the cleaning of a slate
still needing something more
God’s plan to unfold

Healing us, by journey
the first calling to Abram
to come and follow
to go where Christ is leading

Building a nation
from the fruits of this one couple
barren, forgotten
yet known unto God

Beginning a nation
in faithful journey with him
as Abram became Abraham
a father of many nations

God here with us
here with us still
the nation unfolding
growing ever still


March 10, 2012
Worship Theme: promises with a price. . .
Mark 8:31-38
Genesis 17:1-10
Romans 4:16-25
Mark 8:29
Matthew 11:28
John 3:16
Call to Worship (Psalm 105:1-3)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD Mark 8:31-38)
The Great Thanksgiving for Early in Lent
and sermon, “The Foolishness of God”

by Pastor Ruth Foss
A Handmaiden of the Lord
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH

Second Sunday in Lent
March 4, 2012


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 21,380+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.