the gift of the Holy Spirit – v2

Water poured down from heaven
quenching our dry flesh
God remaining, coming,
entering in with us
the gift of the Holy Spirit
washing upon us
the fire, the flame,
the Spirit within us
joining with the water
infusing us with power
to live, to rise again
the Spirit here with us
guiding us in love


=====
Edited August 18, 2012
“the gift of the Holy Spirit – v2”
January 11, 2012
“the gift of the Holy Spirit”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/01/gift-of-holy-spirit.html
Worship Theme – “Water and Spirit”
Mark 1:4-11 God’s WORD Translation (GW)
Genesis 1:1-5 Common English Bible (CEB)
Acts 19:1-7 Common English Bible (CEB)
Call to Worship (Psalm 29:1-4 NRSV Bible)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD (Psalm 29))
Reaffirmation of Baptismal Covenant
hymn, “When Jesus came to Jordan”, UMH #252
Matthew 3:13-17
Luke 3:21-22
Mark 1:9-11
and sermon, “Water and Baptism”
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
First Sunday after Epiphany/
Baptism of the Lord Sunday
January 8, 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 20,980+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Rice Paper – v7

We act as if there is nothing of us
that we don’t matter, somehow,
that our lives don’t leave a mark.
scars when we cause harm.
We think we are independent,
islands separated, apart, or so it is,
if we think only of ourselves
not of the others, those we touch in life.
What if we left a mark,
with each step of our life

How would life be different, if we left bright lines?
What if our spirits are dipped,
what if they are painted, drenched,
covered in coal-black printer’s ink
what if our journey, every action,
every step, every word we speak,
our walk of faith, of life, on this earth
was written upon thick rice paper
absorbed into other flesh
written on other lives.

What if our spirits left deep impressions
a bit of ourselves, a touch, a shadow, an echo
each one living characters, stenciled,
words of generosity or of self
as if written by a stylus, thickly,
darker when self-centered, selfish
brighter, bolder within our faith, our living
what if we left a mark, a scar, an impression
forever, permanent in time, eternal
Marks left forever, a fossil record,
like dinosaur tracks in moving clay

Preserved, for someone, for hearts,
to read, interpret, to remember,
to judge, in some distant future
words written, by our words, our actions
drawn, written, left on the rice paper
pages of our lives, in the book of life
the ink left here on earth
lines of our lives, written for others
imprinted upon their lives
and those who will follow

We are not islands, separate,
we are connected to each other
our words, our actions, written
written on other lives.
Those we touch, those who come after
ripples in time, marks
written on the rice paper
our words, our actions,
for good or for ill
all of this written, preserved
on the rice paper.


------
Edited August 18, 2012
“Rice Paper – v7”
Edited August 17, 2012
“Rice Paper – v6”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/rice-paper-v6.html
Edited August 17, 2012
“Rice Paper – v5”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/rice-paper-v5.html
Edited August 17, 2012
“Rice Paper – v4”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/rice-paper-v4.html
Edited August 16, 2012
“Rice Paper – v3”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/rice-paper-v3.html
edited February 17, 2012
“Rice Paper – v2”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/02/rice-paper-v2.html
February 16, 2012
“Rice Paper”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/02/rice-paper.html
Wednesday evening worship
Fourth of series on prayer,
inspired by Marcia McFee,
“All My Days: A Summer of Prayer”,
Third Sunday: Stepping Stones
and meditation
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
February 15, 2012
&
Wednesday evening worship
Third of series on prayer,
inspired by Marcia McFee,
“All My Days: A Summer of Prayer”,
Third Sunday: Silence
and meditation
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
February 8, 2012
&
Wednesday evening worship
Second of series on prayer,
inspired by Marcia McFee,
“All My Days: A Summer of Prayer”,
Second Sunday: Bumpy Bead
1 John 4:7-21
and meditation
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
January 25, 2012
&
Wednesday evening worship
start of series on prayer,
inspired by Marcia McFee,
“All My Days: A Summer of Prayer”,
First Sunday: God
Psalm 105:1-6
Isaiah 56:1-8
Acts 17:22-32
poem, “Pied Beauty”,
by Gerard Manley Hopkins
and meditation
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
January 11, 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 19,720+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

light bodies interwoven – v4

we are beings of light, of energy
free of shape, of substance
unbound by the chains of flesh
alive, in God’s love, changed
sloughing off the shell of our skin
lifted from this earth
to dance in the highest heaven

light bodies released
as butterflies from cocoons
the blood of God’s love within
in shimmering brilliance
our true essence, from our sleep
Love lit within us
interwoven, revealing

we rise, in union
swirling, twirling,
the dance of glory
one body, one vine
our eternal provision
light bodies interwoven
dancing, in Love, with God.


====
Edited August 17, 2012
edited poem, “light bodies interwoven – v4”
Edited August 15, 2012
edited poem, “light bodies interwoven – v3”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/light-bodies-interwoven-v3.html
Edited August 14, 2012
edited poem “light bodies interwoven – v2”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/light-bodies-interwoven-v2.html
Edited August 14, 2012
new poem “not easily broken”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/not-easily-broken.html
Edited August 14, 2012
new poem “light bodies interwoven”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/light-bodies-interwoven.html
Edited August 14, 2012
new poem “threads of light – 2”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/threads-of-light-2.html
Edited August 14, 2012
new poem, “a body of light”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/a-body-of-light.html
Edited August 8, 2012
new poem in response, “the bond stronger”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-bond-stronger.html
Edited August 8, 2012
new poem, “filaments of light”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/filaments-of-light.html
Edited August 8, 2012
new poem, “fibers of light”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/fibers-of-light.html
Edited August 8, 2012
new poem, “glowing threads”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/glowing-threads.html
Edited August 8, 2012
new poem, “threads of light”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/threads-of-light.html
Edited August 7, 2012
new poem, “threads forged together”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/threads-forged-together.html
Edited August 7, 2012
new poem, “threads of the cord”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/threads-of-cord.html
Edited August 7, 2012
new poem – “from filaments of spun glass”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/from-filaments-of-spun-glass.html
Edited August 7, 2012
“A cord is woven – v3”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/a-cord-is-woven-v3.html
Edited August 7, 2012
“A cord is woven – v2”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/a-cord-is-woven-v2.html
Edited August 7, 2012
new poem, “A cord is woven”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/a-cord-is-woven.html
Edited August 7, 2012
new poem, “A bond is forged”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/a-bond-is-forged.html
Edited August 7, 2012
“A cord is forged – v2”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/a-cord-is-forged-v2.html
August 7, 2012
“A cord is forged”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/a-cord-is-forged.html
&
Seventh of a worship series on:
“Cruising the Sacred Waters of Our Faith”
Theme – Fellowship
John 15:12-17 (Common English Bible)
Ecclesiastes 4:9-11 (Common English Bible)
1 John 4:7-11 (Common English Bible)
Call to Worship (Abington Worship 2012)
(John 6:35)
Unison Prayer (Abington Worship 2012)
Pastoral Prayer by Pastor Ruth Foss
Reception of New Members
(Acts 2:42, 46-47; Philippians 1:3-6, 9-11)
Prayer of Dedication (John 6:24-35)
Hymn – “You Who Are Thirsty” (TFWS #2132)
(Isaiah 55:1, Matthew 5:6, 11-28)
Hymn – “They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love” (TFWS #2233)
(John 13:34-35; Ephesians 4:4-6)
Communion
Message for children
by Pastor Ruth Foss
and sermon – “All You Need Is 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
August 5, 2012
Tenth Sunday of Kingdomtide
&
Sixth of a worship series on:
“Cruising the Sacred Waters of Our Faith”
Theme – Worship
Luke 4:5-8 (The Message Bible)
2 Samuel 6:12-19 (The Message Bible)
Hebrews 12:28-29 (The Message Bible)
Call to Worship (Worship Sourcebook 2004 – Psalm 150:1-2, 6 TP)
Unison Prayer (Worship Sourcebook 2004)
Pastoral Prayer by Pastor Ruth Foss
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD 2012, 2 see John 6:1-15)
Anthem, “Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho”, by Pastor Ruth Foss
Message for children
by Pastor Ruth Foss
and sermon – “Worship. . . it does a body good”
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
July 29, 2012
Nineth Sunday of Kingdomtide
(I was the liturgist this week)
&
Fifth of a worship series on:
“Cruising the Sacred Waters of Our Faith”
Theme – Is There Room for God?
Mark 6:53-56 (New Living Translation Bible)
2 Samuel 7:1-14a (New Living Translation Bible)
Ephesians 2:19-22 (New Living Translation Bible)
Call to Worship (Abington Worship 2012)
Unison Prayer (Abington Worship 2012)
Pastoral Prayer by Pastor Ruth Foss
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD 2012, 2 Samuel 7:1-14a)
Anthem, “Ave Maria”, by Diane Mitchell
Message for children
by Pastor Ruth
and sermon – “Where Does God Want to Live?”
http://ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com/2012/07/where-does-god-want-to-live.html
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
July 22, 2012
Eighth Sunday of Kingdomtide
&
Fourth of a worship series on:
“Cruising the Sacred Waters of Our Faith”
Theme – Do We Worship Only On Sunday?
Mark 6:14-29 (The Message Bible)
2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19
Call to Worship (Abington Worship 2012)
Unison Prayer
Pastoral Prayer by Pastor Ruth Foss
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD 2012, Ephesians 1:3-14)
Message for children,
about King David dancing for joy
by Pastor Ruth
and sermon – “Doing It Your Way, Every Day”
by Mary Ann Cioffi
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
July 15, 2012
Seventh Sunday of Kingdomtide
&
Third of a worship series on:
“Cruising the Sacred Waters of Our Faith”
Theme - Can we see the big picture?
Mark 6:1-13 (The Living Bible)
Psalm 48 (NRSV)
2 Corinthians 12:2-10 (The Living Bible)
Call to Worship (Abington Worship 2009)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (Mark 6:1-13)
Message for children, only the walking stick (Mark 6:1-13)
by Pastor Ruth Foss
and sermon - “Big Picture Followers”
by Kathy Akerman
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
July 8, 2012
Sixth Sunday of Kingdomtide
&
second of a worship series on:
“Cruising the Sacred Waters of Our Faith”
Theme - Where do we put Jesus in our lives?
Mark 5:21-43 (GOD’s WORD Translation)
Psalm 130 (Common English Bible)
2 Corinthians 8:7-15 (NIV)
Call to Worship (Abington Worship 2012)(Psalm 130, Mark 5)
Unison Prayer
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/07/unison-prayer-suncook-united-methodist.html
Prayer of the People
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/07/prayers-of-people-suncook-united.html
Prayer of Dedication (Mark 5:21-43) (2 Corinthians 8, Mark 5)
(adapted from GBOD 2012 and Abington Worship 2012)
Communion, UMH, page 9
Message for children, “There is Power in a Touch”
http://www.sermons4kids.com/power_in_a_touch.htm
(Mark 5:27-29)
Sermon - What Jesus Means to Me!
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/07/sermon-what-jesus-means-to-me-suncook.html
by Raymond A. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/raymond.a.foss
Poetry Where You Live
http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
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
July 1, 2012
Fifth Sunday of Kingdomtide
&
first of a worship series on:
“Cruising the Sacred Waters of Our Faith”
Mark 4:35-41 (Common English Bible)
Jesus stops a storm
Psalm 9:9-11 (NRSV Bible)
Psalm 9:9-20 (NRSV Bible)
2 Corinthians 6:1-10 (NRSV Bible)
2 Corinthians 6:1-13 (NRSV Bible)
Worship Theme: “What’s in a name?”
Call to Worship (Abington Worship 2012)
Unison Prayer (Abington Worship 2012)
Hymn: “It Is Well With My Soul”, UMH #377
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD 2012 (2 Corinthians 6: 1-13))
Message for Children, “A story about some rocks”
David and Goliath
and sermon, ““Who Is Jesus?”
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/who-is-jesus
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
June 24, 2012
Fourth Sunday of Kingdomtide


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 20,940+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Rice Paper – v6

We think we are independent,
islands separated, apart, or so it is,
if we think only of ourselves
of the others, those we touch in life

What if our spirits are dipped,
what if they are painted, drenched,
covered in coal-black printer’s ink
what if our journey, every action,
every step, every word we speak,
our walk of faith, of life, on this earth
was written upon thick rice paper
absorbed into other flesh
written on other lives

What if our spirits left deep impressions
a bit of ourselves, a touch, a shadow, an echo
each one living characters, stenciled,
words of generosity or of self
as if written by a stylus, thickly,
darker when self-centered, selfish
brighter, bolder within our faith, our living
what if we left a mark, a scar, an impression
forever, permanent in time, eternal
Marks left forever, a fossil record,
like dinosaur tracks in moving clay

Preserved, for someone, for hearts, to read, interpret,
to remember, to judge, in some distant future
words written, by our words, our actions
drawn, written, left on the rice paper
pages of our lives, in the book of life
the ink left here on earth
lines of our lives, written for others
imprinted upon their lives
and those who will follow

We are not islands, separate
we are connected to each other
our words, our actions, written
written on other lives.


------
Edited August 17, 2012
“Rice Paper – v5”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/rice-paper-v5.html
Edited August 17, 2012
“Rice Paper – v4”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/rice-paper-v4.html
Edited August 16, 2012
“Rice Paper – v3”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/rice-paper-v3.html
edited February 17, 2012
“Rice Paper – v2”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/02/rice-paper-v2.html
February 16, 2012
“Rice Paper”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/02/rice-paper.html
Wednesday evening worship
Fourth of series on prayer,
inspired by Marcia McFee,
“All My Days: A Summer of Prayer”,
Third Sunday: Stepping Stones
and meditation
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
February 15, 2012
&
Wednesday evening worship
Third of series on prayer,
inspired by Marcia McFee,
“All My Days: A Summer of Prayer”,
Third Sunday: Silence
and meditation
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
February 8, 2012
&
Wednesday evening worship
Second of series on prayer,
inspired by Marcia McFee,
“All My Days: A Summer of Prayer”,
Second Sunday: Bumpy Bead
1 John 4:7-21
and meditation
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
January 25, 2012
&
Wednesday evening worship
start of series on prayer,
inspired by Marcia McFee,
“All My Days: A Summer of Prayer”,
First Sunday: God
Psalm 105:1-6
Isaiah 56:1-8
Acts 17:22-32
poem, “Pied Beauty”,
by Gerard Manley Hopkins
and meditation
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
January 11, 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 19,720+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

donning the mask of bravado – v5

Five pensive souls, separated,
quietly sitting in the waiting room
long minutes clicking on
no clock in sight;
The door swinging open
as if the curtain were
ripped from the stage

I can picture him before he entered in,
based on his grand entrance,
anxious, outside, by the door
as an actor in the wings
practicing new lines to himself,
puffing himself up,
putting on his mask

The stillness in the waiting room, quiet,
shattered by his bluster, bravado
but it was far too evident
the lighting wrong for his makeup
garish in full daylight
a mask hiding his pain
his fear of tomorrow

“Where’s the coffee and donuts?”,
he shouted aloud to the audience
going to the waiting line
hiding his trembling spirit
the surgery to come
slumping in the hard chair
waiting for the nurse

Donning the mask of bravado
projecting a sense of confidence,
but his body betraying him physically
as he entered in;
that the whole act was a lie
afraid, but unable to run,
the fear welling up inside


=====
Edited August 17, 2012
August 14, 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 19,720+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Rice Paper – v5

We think we are independent,
islands separated, apart, or so it is,
if we think only of ourselves
What if our spirits are dipped,
what if they are painted, drenched,
covered in coal-black printer’s ink
what if our journey, every action,
every step, every word we speak,
our walk of faith, of life, on this earth
was written upon thick rice paper
What of our spirits left deep impressions
a bit of ourselves, a touch,
each one living characters, stenciled,
words of generosity or of self
as if written by a stylus, thickly,
darker when self-centered, selfish
brighter, bolder within our faith, our living
what if we left a mark, a scar, an impression
forever, permanent in time, eternal
Marks left forever, a fossil record,
like dinosaur tracks in moving clay
for someone, for hearts, to read, interpret, remember,
to judge, in some distant future
words written, by our words, our actions
drawn, written, left on the rice paper
pages of our lives, in the book of life
the ink left here on earth


------
Edited August 17, 2012
“Rice Paper – v5”
Edited August 17, 2012
“Rice Paper – v4”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/rice-paper-v4.html
Edited August 16, 2012
“Rice Paper – v3”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/rice-paper-v3.html
edited February 17, 2012
“Rice Paper – v2”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/02/rice-paper-v2.html
February 16, 2012
“Rice Paper”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/02/rice-paper.html
Wednesday evening worship
Fourth of series on prayer,
inspired by Marcia McFee,
“All My Days: A Summer of Prayer”,
Third Sunday: Stepping Stones
and meditation
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
February 15, 2012
&
Wednesday evening worship
Third of series on prayer,
inspired by Marcia McFee,
“All My Days: A Summer of Prayer”,
Third Sunday: Silence
and meditation
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
February 8, 2012
&
Wednesday evening worship
Second of series on prayer,
inspired by Marcia McFee,
“All My Days: A Summer of Prayer”,
Second Sunday: Bumpy Bead
1 John 4:7-21
and meditation
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
January 25, 2012
&
Wednesday evening worship
start of series on prayer,
inspired by Marcia McFee,
“All My Days: A Summer of Prayer”,
First Sunday: God
Psalm 105:1-6
Isaiah 56:1-8
Acts 17:22-32
poem, “Pied Beauty”,
by Gerard Manley Hopkins
and meditation
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
January 11, 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 19,720+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Adopted – v2

He was a man with secrets
hidden slices of his life
long pushed down
below the surface
covered with pithy jokes
told to his Masonic friends

He was adopted, as an adult,
to take the name he had only known,
or so the story goes
interesting tendrils though
of other threads

Woven into his story
of a mother and uncle
aunt in the sanitarium
blurting out truths buried in his attic
found lifetimes later

What did he know
before the papers were sealed
of who he was, his first name,
before he was
adopted by her



====
Edited August 17, 2012
“Adopted – v2”
July 15, 2006 15:07
“Adopted”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2006/07/adopted.htmll
About my paternal grandfather and a conversation I had with him in 1976, when he was 88. Also about some of the things in his attic when we moved him in to live with us.


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 19,720+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Rice Paper – v4

What if our spirits were painted
covered in coal-black printer’s ink
what if our journey, every action, every step
our walk of faith, of life, on this earth
was written upon thick rice paper
What of our spirits left impressions
a bit of ourselves, a touch,
each one living characters, written,
words of generosity or of self
as if written by a stylus
darker when self-centered
brighter, bolder with our faith, our living
what if we left a mark, a scar, an impression
forever, permanent in time, eternal
Marks left forever, a fossil record,
like dinosaur tracks in moving clay
for someone, for hearts, to read, interpret, remember,
to judge, in some distant future
words written, by our words, our actions
drawn, written, left on the rice paper
the pages of our lives, in the book of life


------
Edited August 16, 2012
“Rice Paper – v3”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/rice-paper-v3.html
edited February 17, 2012
“Rice Paper – v2”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/02/rice-paper-v2.html
February 16, 2012
“Rice Paper”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/02/rice-paper.html
Wednesday evening worship
Fourth of series on prayer,
inspired by Marcia McFee,
“All My Days: A Summer of Prayer”,
Third Sunday: Stepping Stones
and meditation
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
February 15, 2012
&
Wednesday evening worship
Third of series on prayer,
inspired by Marcia McFee,
“All My Days: A Summer of Prayer”,
Third Sunday: Silence
and meditation
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
February 8, 2012
&
Wednesday evening worship
Second of series on prayer,
inspired by Marcia McFee,
“All My Days: A Summer of Prayer”,
Second Sunday: Bumpy Bead
1 John 4:7-21
and meditation
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
January 25, 2012
&
Wednesday evening worship
start of series on prayer,
inspired by Marcia McFee,
“All My Days: A Summer of Prayer”,
First Sunday: God
Psalm 105:1-6
Isaiah 56:1-8
Acts 17:22-32
poem, “Pied Beauty”,
by Gerard Manley Hopkins
and meditation
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
January 11, 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.

Watering the Sun – v2

A line of sun growing against the wall of the house
alive, growing, upward, upward, yearning
warmed by the edge of the foundation
a line of flowers to come, a single stalk,
still weeks away, anticipated still
watering the sun, the giant flowers
that will bless our garden
soon enough. A line of sun
growing skyward, tended a bit
watered in the rich soil
our patch of dirt
by the door
growing yet


------
Edited August 17, 2012
“Watering the Sun – v2”
July 7, 2007
“Watering the Sun”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2007/07/watering-sun.html
seeing postings of the flowers
11 months earlier on the blog

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 19,720+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Rice Paper – v3

What if our feet were painted
covered in coal-black printer’s ink
what if our journey
our walk of faith, of life,
was written over thick rice paper
What of our feet left impressions
each one living characters
words of generosity or self
as if written by a stylus
bolder with our faith, our living
what if we left a mark
forever, permanent in time
Marks left forever, a fossil record,
like dinosaur tracks in moving clay
for someone to read, interpret,
to judge, in some distant future
the words written, by our words, our actions
drawn, written on the rice paper
the pages of our lives
in the book of life


------
Edited August 16, 2012
“Rice Paper – v3”
edited February 17, 2012
“Rice Paper – v2”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/02/rice-paper-v2.html
February 16, 2012
“Rice Paper”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/02/rice-paper.html
Wednesday evening worship
Fourth of series on prayer,
inspired by Marcia McFee,
“All My Days: A Summer of Prayer”,
Third Sunday: Stepping Stones
and meditation
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
February 15, 2012
&
Wednesday evening worship
Third of series on prayer,
inspired by Marcia McFee,
“All My Days: A Summer of Prayer”,
Third Sunday: Silence
and meditation
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
February 8, 2012
&
Wednesday evening worship
Second of series on prayer,
inspired by Marcia McFee,
“All My Days: A Summer of Prayer”,
Second Sunday: Bumpy Bead
1 John 4:7-21
and meditation
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
January 25, 2012
&
Wednesday evening worship
start of series on prayer,
inspired by Marcia McFee,
“All My Days: A Summer of Prayer”,
First Sunday: God
Psalm 105:1-6
Isaiah 56:1-8
Acts 17:22-32
poem, “Pied Beauty”,
by Gerard Manley Hopkins
and meditation
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
January 11, 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 19,720+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Would We Have Known the Messiah – v2

In that babe in the manger
the infant Jesus
would we have known the Messiah
the Savior of the world

Would our eyes have been open
kneeling before him
would we have brought him gifts
worthy of a King

In the man on the cross
the one who preached at Capernaum
would we have known the Messiah
the Savior of the world

Would our eyes have been open
falling at the foot of the cross
would we have offered him our lives
a gift worthy of our King


-------
Edited August 16, 2012
“Would We Have Known the Messiah – v2”
December 19, 2010
“Would We Have Known the Messiah”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/12/would-we-have-known-messiah.html
Matthew 2:1-5
Hebrews 12:28-13.3
Advent Candle Liturgy, by Dean McIntyre (with Matthew 1:18-25)
Worship Theme: “You never know where you will encounter God.”
Unison Prayer
and sermon, “Meeting Angels”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.suncookumc.org
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
December 19, 2010
Fourth 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. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 21,630+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

A net for the harvest

Let me sow the bait fish
simple food for the young
those not ready
for the meat of your love

Sow me as a seeds
into furrowed ground
hearts ready for the word
let me be sown

Cast me as a net, a message,
onto the troubled waters
let me be sent out, to gather in
a harvest for the Lord

Let me be your servant
your vessel, to be filled
let me be emptied
let me be full

Let me be your message
given to the world
let me shine your light
bearing your holy word


----
Edited August 16, 2012
new poem – “A net for the harvest”
Edited August 16, 2012
“Cast me as a net – v3”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/cast-me-as-net-v3.html
Edited January 22, 2012
“Cast me as a net – v2”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/01/cast-me-as-net-v2.html
January 22, 2012
“Cast me as a net”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/01/cast-me-as-net.html
Worship Theme – “The time has come”
Mark 1:14-20 (NRSV)
1 Corinthians 7:29-31 (NRSV)
Jonah 3:1-5, 10
Call to Worship (Psalm 62:5-7)(NRSV)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD (Psalm 62:5-12))
Psalm 100:2, Psalm 118:24 (Hymn, “He Has Made Me Glad”)
Exodus 3:5 (Hymn, “Holy Ground”
Hymn, “Onward, Christian Soldiers”
Isaiah 55:12 (Hymn, “The Trees of the Field”)
and sermon, “What time is it”
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
Third Sunday after Epiphany
January 22, 2012

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 23,410+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Cast me as a net – v3

Let me be your servant
your vessel, to be filled
let me be empty
let me be full

Sow me as a seeds
in the furrowed ground
let me be raised for thee
let me be sown

Cast me as a net
onto the troubled waters
let me be sent out, to gather in
a harvest for the Lord

Let me be your message
given to the world
let me shine your light
bearing your holy word


Edited August 16, 2012
“Cast me as a net – v3”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/cast-me-as-net-v3.html
Edited January 22, 2012
“Cast me as a net – v2”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/01/cast-me-as-net-v2.html
January 22, 2012
“Cast me as a net”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/01/cast-me-as-net.html
Worship Theme – “The time has come”
Mark 1:14-20 (NRSV)
1 Corinthians 7:29-31 (NRSV)
Jonah 3:1-5, 10
Call to Worship (Psalm 62:5-7)(NRSV)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD (Psalm 62:5-12))
Psalm 100:2, Psalm 118:24 (Hymn, “He Has Made Me Glad”)
Exodus 3:5 (Hymn, “Holy Ground”
Hymn, “Onward, Christian Soldiers”
Isaiah 55:12 (Hymn, “The Trees of the Field”)
and sermon, “What time is it”
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
Third Sunday after Epiphany
January 22, 2012

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 23,410+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

He Was

A specter, ever present,
He walked the streets
of the old mill town
long past the heyday of his life
as was the town itself
heavy soles on his shoes,
one thicker than the other
thick shanks, for uneven legs
hobbled by birth, by a hard life
heavy frock coat hanging like a weight
slumped gait, hunched shoulders
Jet black toupee, like an all black skunk
perched over salt and pepper brows
wings over his ears, perched there,
sunken eyes, smell of the bourbon,
the ripple, rye on his breath,
the smudge of the cigars
snubbed out in his fingers,
Hands that built, that made things
long fallow then, long ago
A ghost, walking among the vacant buildings
blocks of the ancient metropolis
dormant itself too, hoping for rebirth
He in the sun, furtively, back into shadows
comfortable at night mostly,
wandering his hometown


Edited – August 16, 2012
new poem – “He Was”
May 28, 2007 23:58
“Leon”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2007/05/leon.html


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 19,710+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Like whispers on the rice paper – v3

Our lives, our journey
a moment, a breath
walking on stepping stones
some of them hidden
under sands of time
ripples under the surface
swirling waters, ashes,
the chaos, the world

Our steps like whispers on rice paper
leaving faint impressions
or more boldly, vivid
footprints, cracks, sharp edges
sometimes even tears in the seams
marks on the path
but we are journeying forward together
We are following our Lord


Edited August 15, 2012
“Like whispers on the rice paper – v3”
February 17, 2012
“Like whispers on the rice paper – v2”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/02/like-whispers-on-rice-paper-v2.html
Wednesday evening worship
Fourth of series on prayer,
inspired by Marcia McFee,
“All My Days: A Summer of Prayer”,
Third Sunday: Stepping Stones
and meditation
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
February 15, 2012
&
Wednesday evening worship
Third of series on prayer,
inspired by Marcia McFee,
“All My Days: A Summer of Prayer”,
Third Sunday: Silence
and meditation
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
February 8, 2012
&
Wednesday evening worship
Second of series on prayer,
inspired by Marcia McFee,
“All My Days: A Summer of Prayer”,
Second Sunday: Bumpy Bead
1 John 4:7-21
and meditation
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
January 25, 2012
&
Wednesday evening worship
start of series on prayer,
inspired by Marcia McFee,
“All My Days: A Summer of Prayer”,
First Sunday: God
Psalm 105:1-6
Isaiah 56:1-8
Acts 17:22-32
poem, “Pied Beauty”,
by Gerard Manley Hopkins
and meditation
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
January 11, 2012

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 22,310+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

light bodies interwoven – v3

we are beings of air, of light
free of shape, of substance
unbound by the chains of flesh
sloughing off the shell of our skin
lifted from the earth
to dance in the highest heaven

light bodies released
as butterflies from cocoons
in shimmering brilliance
our true essence
Love lit within us
interwoven, revealing

we rise, in union
swirling, twirling,
one body, one vine
our eternal provision
light bodies interwoven
dancing in the Love of God.


====
Edited August 15, 2012
edited poem, “light bodies interwoven – v3”
Edited August 14, 2012
edited poem “light bodies interwoven – v2”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/light-bodies-interwoven-v2.html
Edited August 14, 2012
new poem “not easily broken”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/not-easily-broken.html
Edited August 14, 2012
new poem “light bodies interwoven”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/light-bodies-interwoven.html
Edited August 14, 2012
new poem “threads of light – 2”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/threads-of-light-2.html
Edited August 14, 2012
new poem, “a body of light”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/a-body-of-light.html
Edited August 8, 2012
new poem in response, “the bond stronger”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-bond-stronger.html
Edited August 8, 2012
new poem, “filaments of light”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/filaments-of-light.html
Edited August 8, 2012
new poem, “fibers of light”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/fibers-of-light.html
Edited August 8, 2012
new poem, “glowing threads”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/glowing-threads.html
Edited August 8, 2012
new poem, “threads of light”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/threads-of-light.html
Edited August 7, 2012
new poem, “threads forged together”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/threads-forged-together.html
Edited August 7, 2012
new poem, “threads of the cord”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/threads-of-cord.html
Edited August 7, 2012
new poem – “from filaments of spun glass”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/from-filaments-of-spun-glass.html
Edited August 7, 2012
“A cord is woven – v3”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/a-cord-is-woven-v3.html
Edited August 7, 2012
“A cord is woven – v2”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/a-cord-is-woven-v2.html
Edited August 7, 2012
new poem, “A cord is woven”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/a-cord-is-woven.html
Edited August 7, 2012
new poem, “A bond is forged”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/a-bond-is-forged.html
Edited August 7, 2012
“A cord is forged – v2”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/a-cord-is-forged-v2.html
August 7, 2012
“A cord is forged”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/a-cord-is-forged.html
&
Seventh of a worship series on:
“Cruising the Sacred Waters of Our Faith”
Theme – Fellowship
John 15:12-17 (Common English Bible)
Ecclesiastes 4:9-11 (Common English Bible)
1 John 4:7-11 (Common English Bible)
Call to Worship (Abington Worship 2012)
(John 6:35)
Unison Prayer (Abington Worship 2012)
Pastoral Prayer by Pastor Ruth Foss
Reception of New Members
(Acts 2:42, 46-47; Philippians 1:3-6, 9-11)
Prayer of Dedication (John 6:24-35)
Hymn – “You Who Are Thirsty” (TFWS #2132)
(Isaiah 55:1, Matthew 5:6, 11-28)
Hymn – “They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love” (TFWS #2233)
(John 13:34-35; Ephesians 4:4-6)
Communion
Message for children
by Pastor Ruth Foss
and sermon – “All You Need Is 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
August 5, 2012
Tenth Sunday of Kingdomtide
&
Sixth of a worship series on:
“Cruising the Sacred Waters of Our Faith”
Theme – Worship
Luke 4:5-8 (The Message Bible)
2 Samuel 6:12-19 (The Message Bible)
Hebrews 12:28-29 (The Message Bible)
Call to Worship (Worship Sourcebook 2004 – Psalm 150:1-2, 6 TP)
Unison Prayer (Worship Sourcebook 2004)
Pastoral Prayer by Pastor Ruth Foss
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD 2012, 2 see John 6:1-15)
Anthem, “Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho”, by Pastor Ruth Foss
Message for children
by Pastor Ruth Foss
and sermon – “Worship. . . it does a body good”
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
July 29, 2012
Nineth Sunday of Kingdomtide
(I was the liturgist this week)
&
Fifth of a worship series on:
“Cruising the Sacred Waters of Our Faith”
Theme – Is There Room for God?
Mark 6:53-56 (New Living Translation Bible)
2 Samuel 7:1-14a (New Living Translation Bible)
Ephesians 2:19-22 (New Living Translation Bible)
Call to Worship (Abington Worship 2012)
Unison Prayer (Abington Worship 2012)
Pastoral Prayer by Pastor Ruth Foss
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD 2012, 2 Samuel 7:1-14a)
Anthem, “Ave Maria”, by Diane Mitchell
Message for children
by Pastor Ruth
and sermon – “Where Does God Want to Live?”
http://ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com/2012/07/where-does-god-want-to-live.html
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
July 22, 2012
Eighth Sunday of Kingdomtide
&
Fourth of a worship series on:
“Cruising the Sacred Waters of Our Faith”
Theme – Do We Worship Only On Sunday?
Mark 6:14-29 (The Message Bible)
2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19
Call to Worship (Abington Worship 2012)
Unison Prayer
Pastoral Prayer by Pastor Ruth Foss
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD 2012, Ephesians 1:3-14)
Message for children,
about King David dancing for joy
by Pastor Ruth
and sermon – “Doing It Your Way, Every Day”
by Mary Ann Cioffi
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
July 15, 2012
Seventh Sunday of Kingdomtide
&
Third of a worship series on:
“Cruising the Sacred Waters of Our Faith”
Theme - Can we see the big picture?
Mark 6:1-13 (The Living Bible)
Psalm 48 (NRSV)
2 Corinthians 12:2-10 (The Living Bible)
Call to Worship (Abington Worship 2009)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (Mark 6:1-13)
Message for children, only the walking stick (Mark 6:1-13)
by Pastor Ruth Foss
and sermon - “Big Picture Followers”
by Kathy Akerman
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
July 8, 2012
Sixth Sunday of Kingdomtide
&
second of a worship series on:
“Cruising the Sacred Waters of Our Faith”
Theme - Where do we put Jesus in our lives?
Mark 5:21-43 (GOD’s WORD Translation)
Psalm 130 (Common English Bible)
2 Corinthians 8:7-15 (NIV)
Call to Worship (Abington Worship 2012)(Psalm 130, Mark 5)
Unison Prayer
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/07/unison-prayer-suncook-united-methodist.html
Prayer of the People
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/07/prayers-of-people-suncook-united.html
Prayer of Dedication (Mark 5:21-43) (2 Corinthians 8, Mark 5)
(adapted from GBOD 2012 and Abington Worship 2012)
Communion, UMH, page 9
Message for children, “There is Power in a Touch”
http://www.sermons4kids.com/power_in_a_touch.htm
(Mark 5:27-29)
Sermon - What Jesus Means to Me!
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/07/sermon-what-jesus-means-to-me-suncook.html
by Raymond A. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/raymond.a.foss
Poetry Where You Live
http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
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
July 1, 2012
Fifth Sunday of Kingdomtide
&
first of a worship series on:
“Cruising the Sacred Waters of Our Faith”
Mark 4:35-41 (Common English Bible)
Jesus stops a storm
Psalm 9:9-11 (NRSV Bible)
Psalm 9:9-20 (NRSV Bible)
2 Corinthians 6:1-10 (NRSV Bible)
2 Corinthians 6:1-13 (NRSV Bible)
Worship Theme: “What’s in a name?”
Call to Worship (Abington Worship 2012)
Unison Prayer (Abington Worship 2012)
Hymn: “It Is Well With My Soul”, UMH #377
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD 2012 (2 Corinthians 6: 1-13))
Message for Children, “A story about some rocks”
David and Goliath
and sermon, ““Who Is Jesus?”
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/who-is-jesus
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
June 24, 2012
Fourth Sunday of Kingdomtide


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 19,710+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

to dew her orbs upon the green – v2

I sing of the coming morning
my work at dawn completed
I serve the fairy queen
to dew her orbs upon the green

Stalking the cool of night
in the shadows my purchase
Winging in the dark
while the world sleeps

The drops left where they will
bejeweling the verdant morning
Alive with the fire of night
set ablaze by the dawning


=====
Edited August 15, 2012
“to dew her orbs upon the green
August 14, 2012
“to dew her orbs upon the green”
inspired by Poem-A-Day
by American Academy of Poets
www.poets.org
poem by William Shakespeare,
“A Midsummer Nights Dream,
Act II, Scene 1 [Over hill, over dale]”


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.

The Fear of the Lord

Spending time in scripture
in the truth from God
from the Fear of the Lord
comes wisdom
life evermore
The fear of the Lord is not
something we want to ponder
we want a loving God
without the pain, the judgment
Spending time in scripture
pondering his loving word
recognizing the difference
between Christ’s life and ours
The fear of the Lord gives understanding
the distance between God and man
more able to realize
the grace of the great I Am.


=====
August 15, 2012
Psalm 111
and acrostic poem of praise
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
August 6, 2012 to August 12, 2012
“Faith Seeking Understanding”
by G. Kevin Baker
for August 15, 2012,
read August 15, 2012
&
1 Kings 2:10-12 (The Message)
1 Kings 3:3-14 (The Message)
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
August 6, 2012 to August 12, 2012
“Faith Seeking Understanding”
by G. Kevin Baker
for August 14, 2012,
read August 14, 2012
&
1 Kings 2:10-12 (NIV)
1 Kings 3:3-14 (NIV)
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
August 6, 2012 to August 12, 2012
“Faith Seeking Understanding”
by G. Kevin Baker
for August 13, 2012,
read August 13, 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.

Eternal Praise

You Lord are worthy
of more than we can give
more than we can imagine
eternal praise, we live
You have given us more
far more than we can repay
life from the dust of the earth
your light to guide the way
You are king forever
creator of heaven and earth
our Savior, providers
let your praises ring within us
may we pour out your love
let the whole world know you
may they be washed in love


=====
August 15, 2012
Psalm 111
and acrostic poem of praise
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
August 6, 2012 to August 12, 2012
“Faith Seeking Understanding”
by G. Kevin Baker
for August 15, 2012,
read August 15, 2012
&
1 Kings 2:10-12 (The Message)
1 Kings 3:3-14 (The Message)
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
August 6, 2012 to August 12, 2012
“Faith Seeking Understanding”
by G. Kevin Baker
for August 14, 2012,
read August 14, 2012
&
1 Kings 2:10-12 (NIV)
1 Kings 3:3-14 (NIV)
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
August 6, 2012 to August 12, 2012
“Faith Seeking Understanding”
by G. Kevin Baker
for August 13, 2012,
read August 13, 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.

From Beginning to End - 2

Abba, Father
Blessed is Your name
Come to me now
Don’t turn away
Eternal God, my shepherd,
Find me, for I am lost
Ground me in your waters

Hear my cries in the night
I long to know your peace
Just as I am I come to you
King of all my days
Lord I pour out my praise
May I be made worthy
No one has seen except the one you sent, the
One who gave himself for us

Peace he gives us, if we believe,
Quiet is your small voice
Rush to me now, I am falling
Save me from myself
Teach me your ways, oh God
Use me as you will

Very deep is your love, without end
Walk beside me now, I pray,
Examine my heart, refine me
You alone will I follow
Zero out my ledger, make me brand new.


=====
August 15, 2012
Psalm 111
and acrostic poem of praise
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
August 6, 2012 to August 12, 2012
“Faith Seeking Understanding”
by G. Kevin Baker
for August 15, 2012,
read August 15, 2012
&
1 Kings 2:10-12 (The Message)
1 Kings 3:3-14 (The Message)
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
August 6, 2012 to August 12, 2012
“Faith Seeking Understanding”
by G. Kevin Baker
for August 14, 2012,
read August 14, 2012
&
1 Kings 2:10-12 (NIV)
1 Kings 3:3-14 (NIV)
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
August 6, 2012 to August 12, 2012
“Faith Seeking Understanding”
by G. Kevin Baker
for August 13, 2012,
read August 13, 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 19,710+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

donning the mask of bravado – v4

Quietly sitting in the waiting room
long minutes clicking on
the door swinging open
as if the curtain were pulled from the stage

I can picture him before he entered in
anxious, outside, by the door
as an actor in the wings
puffing himself up, putting on his mask

still in the waiting room, quiet,
shatter by his bluster, bravado
a mask hiding his pain
his fear of tomorrow

“Where’s the coffee and donuts?”,
he shouted aloud to the audience
hiding his trembling spirit
the surgery to come

donning the mask of bravado
projecting a sense of confidence
but his body betraying him physically
that the whole act was a lie


=====
August 14, 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 19,700+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.