Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Afire – v3

Alive before us
ablaze with orange, with yellow
the tree afire
drenched in the sunset

through the thinning branches
a raging crescendo
dying in its splendor
a flame of eternity


Edited December 31, 2013
Afire – v3

(editing original again)
Edited September 28, 2013
Afire – v2
October 21, 2010
Afire
autumn in New England


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 27,180+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Guided by the Fire – v2

Fed with the Spirit
the Word of the Living God
sent forth, in service
out into the world

Guided by the fire
the flames of Pentecost
giving words, voice
a way to paradise


Edited December 31, 2013
Guided by the Fire – v2

January 13, 2012
Guided by the Fire
Edited December 31, 2013
light the flame of joy – v2
January 12, 2012
light the flame of joy
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
sermon blog
meditation blog
Suncook United Methodist Church
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, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 27,180+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

light the flame of joy – v2

To change the world
no hate, love
together as one
light the flame of joy
God here with us
burning deep within
lifting us up from the waters
up onto the land
to solid ground
so that we may live


Edited December 31, 2013
light the flame of joy – v2
January 12, 2012
light the flame of joy
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
sermon blog
meditation blog
Suncook United Methodist Church
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, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 27,180+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

only God’s voice – v4

heeding only one Master
only God’s voice
rejecting the others,
false gods, idols,
leading to the dust

they are fictions
conjured from the earth
meant only to beguile
to lead us to destruction
away from the Living God

heeding only our Master
seeking our true path
listening to God’s calling
only God’s voice, only
leads to paradise


------
Edited December 31, 2013
“only God’s voice – v4”

(editing version 2)
Edited December 25, 2013
“only God’s voice – v3”
Edited May 28, 2013
“only God’s voice – v2”
May 28, 2013
“only God’s voice”
1 Kings 18:20-26
Upper Room Disciplines for 2013
May 27, 2013 to June 2, 2013
“Voices of Worship”
by Susan Young Huckaby
for May 27, 2013
read May 28, 2013


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 27,180+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

She is my treasure – v3

Funny, reading the title I just wrote,
my wife, my best friend, my treasure,
knowing that she has read the lines
of the devotionals too, this scripture
The precious wisdom of the Lord
the word we treasure, share, discuss
shared with those first disciples
where your treasure is, there is your heart

She is my treasure; but
not in any sense of ownership,
more amazing than that,
for she is a gift, sent by God
Someone to change my life
to help me grow in faith
to find family and love
I have never known

My days, all of my days, with her
miracles of grace, agape love,
unexplainable in mere words
She is my treasure, a gift,
because I feel God with me, through her
because I am loved, unmerited,
beyond my wildest dreams
Each day is easier
with her in my life


Edited December 31, 2013
“She is my treasure – v3”
Edited August 1, 2013
“She is my treasure – v2”
May 24, 2008
“She is my treasure”
Matthew 6:19-21
Alive Now devotional of May 22, 2008
and Upper Room devotional of May 22, 2008
&
Theme: “Do We Worship Only on Sunday?”
Worship song – “I Sing Praises”
Ephesians 1:3-14 (Gods Word Translation)
Ephesians 1:3-14 (The Message)
Acts 2:38-47 (New Revised Standard Version)
children’s message
sharing our joy
by Pastor Ruth Foss
and sermon “Live Your Worship Out Loud!”
“Shout It From the Mountaintops”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
Sermon 4 of Summer Series
“Cruising Sacred Waters with Jesus”
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
July 28, 2013


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 27,180+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Into the Flowing River – v3

Into the community of believers
joining the long tradition
begun with Jesus in the Jordan
falling into the flowing river
the fabric of the church
the love of God drenching us
feeding us for his work

Joining all believers
in one body, the church,
beginning with the Christ
all of us together
threads fused into one fabric
swimming in the living waters
surrounded by God’s endless love.


Edited December 31, 2013
Into the Flowing River – v3

(editing original again)
Edited August 16, 2013
“Into the Flowing River – v2”
July 19, 2010
“Into the Flowing River”
Matthew 3:13-17
Romans 6:3-5
Isaiah 40:28-31 (Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “Baptism, the First Sacrament”
and sermon, “Even Jesus Could not Do It Alone”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
July 18, 2010
Eighth Sunday after Pentecost


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 27,180+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Epiphany – Acrostic – v2

Emmanuel was the promise, the end of their journey
Pursuing the baby’s star, seen from its rising
In Bethlehem, in Judah they went to find him
Praying, bowing down before the infant king, they offered him gifts
Herod feared Him, for he knew the scripture too
A baby, born of the virgin, a new shoot from the stump of Jesse
Never would the world be the same, from this birth, this epiphany
Year upon year, generation to generation, we celebrate still
! Jesus our King

---
=============
edited December 22, 2016
Epiphany – Acrostic – v6
December 19, 2007
Epiphany - Acrostic
edited January 6, 2016
Epiphany – Acrostic – v5
Epiphany
(but no longer an acrostic)
(merging edits to original and version 4)
edited January 5, 2015
Epiphany – Acrostic – v4
(editing original again and version 3)
edited December 11, 2014
Epiphany – Acrostic – v3
(editing original again)
Edited December 31, 2013
Epiphany – Acrostic – v2
December 19, 2007
Epiphany – Acrostic
Matthew 2:1-12
&
January 5, 2015
there was no epiphany
January 5, 2015
each epiphany moment
January 4, 2015
the treasure of the Magi
January 4, 2015
Epiphany Moments
January 4, 2015
Epiphanies and Revelations
Worship Theme: Epiphany Sunday
Matthew 2:1-12 NIV
Luke 2:22-40 NIV
Epiphany Sunday
Children’s Message
Mystery box
-          Winnie the Pooh security blanket
-          borrowed from Nolan Howes
by Pastor Ruth Foss
communion
sermon “I Could Have Had A V-8. . . “
by Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“God’s Whisper” blog
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Epiphany Sunday
January 4, 2015
&
December 22, 2016
preaching to us
December 22, 2016
singing to heaven
December 22, 2016
shining like the star
December 21, 2016
sharing the message
December 19, 2016
whispering, shouting
December 19, 2016
The angel’s announcement
December 19, 2016
The angels sang
December 19, 2016
love was alive
editing December 18, 2016
a sacred knowing – v3
December 17, 2016
if this was Christ
December 17, 2016
this is the Christ - 3
edited December 17, 2016
a sacred knowing – v2
December 17, 2016
a sacred knowing
December 18, 2016
Fourth Sunday of Advent - Love
worship theme: Sacred Knowing
Luke 2:1-15
Advent sermon series based on Marcia McFee’s series “Sacred”
Worship In Song Service
Centering Song
= Surely the Presence
Opening Prayer
Worship Video
Lighting of the Advent Wreath
= Amen
= Hark, the Herald Angels Sing
= Angels We Have Heard On High
Offertory
= Offering
Prayer of Thanksgiving
SMUMC Sacred Dance Ministry
= Away In A Manger
Special Music
= Why Can’t Christmas Just Be Christmas
= Silent Night
= Adestes Fidelis (O Come All Ye Faithful)
= O Holy Night
Closing Music
= Carol of the Drum
= How Many Kings?
= Mary’s Little Baby Boy
= Joy to the World
= Feliz Navidad
Departing Blessing
======================
Praise Team Leader Chuck Loucka
Praise Team Members: Chuck Loucka, Pastor Ruth Foss, Chrissy McCarthy, Shanequa Foss, Theresa Schmidt, Sharon McPhee, Shyanne Foss, Ken Perkins, Ted Pettengill
service led by Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
December 18, 2016
Fourth Sunday of Advent
&
December 17, 2016
we are touched by the sacred
December 17, 2016
every place we go is sacred
edited December 17, 2016
the vessels of our bodies – v2
edited December 17, 2016
joy overwhelmed them – v2
December 16, 2016
joy overwhelmed them
edited December 16, 2016
shouting for joy – 2 – v3
edited December 15, 2016
shouting for joy – 2 – v2
December 15, 2016
shouting for joy - 2
December 14, 2016
this was Jesus - 2
December 14, 2016
they knew
December 13, 2016
filled with the Holy Spirit - 3
December 12, 2016
peace is birthed
December 12, 2016
He knew this was the Christ
December 12, 2016
set aside for God
December 12, 2016
the vessels of our bodies
December 11, 2016
carrying the sacred within us
December 11, 2016
Mary sang a song of praise
December 11, 2016
They showed up
December 11, 2016
when God needed them
December 11, 2016
joy in their knowing
edited December 11, 2016
sensing the holy – v2
December 11, 2016
sensing the holy
December 11, 2016
Knowing this place is holy
December 11, 2016
Worship in Song
December 11, 2016
John leapt for joy
December 11, 2016
Mary sang the Magnificat
December 11, 2016
hope was birthed
December 11, 2016
in the sacredness of that moment
edited December 11, 2016
we rejoice in our Lord – v2
December 11, 2016
the holy within them
December 11, 2016
leaping in the sanctuary
December 11, 2016
John sensed the Christ
December 11, 2016
A sacred moment
December 11, 2016
we rejoice in our Lord
December 11, 2016
we light this third candle
December 10, 2016
in the joy of our Lord
December 10, 2016
a sacred space for Advent
edited December 10, 2016
we will find God – v2
December 10, 2016
a holy space set apart
edited December 10, 2016
within the vessel of Mary’s womb
edited December 10, 2016
within the vessel of her body – v2
December 10, 2016
within the vessel of her body
edited December 10, 2016
in the sanctuary of her womb – v2
December 10, 2016
in the sanctuary of her womb
December 10, 2016
in the response of John, of Elizabeth
December 10, 2016
in the refuge of her home
December 10, 2016
in the sanctuary of her bosom
December 11, 2016
Third Sunday of Advent - Joy
worship theme: Sacred Space
Psalm 146
Psalm 47:2a
Luke 1:39-56
(Mary’s visit with Elizabeth)
Advent sermon series based on Marcia McFee’s series “Sacred”
and sermon “Birthing Room. . . ”
text
video
by Pastor Ruth Foss
and Children’s Message
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
December 11, 2016
Third Sunday of Advent
&
edited December 10, 2016
the response of Mary, of Joseph – v3
(editing original again)
edited December 10, 2016
matching our steps – v2
December 10, 2016
they said yes to God
edited December 9, 2016
their faith made them holy
December 9, 2016
their actions made them holy
December 9, 2016
Christ’s holy parents
December 9, 2016
they did the extraordinary
December 8, 2016
at peace in submission
edited December 8, 2016
we are called to be sacred – v2
December 8, 2016
we are called to be sacred
December 7, 2016
the sacredness of the ordinary
edited December 7, 2016
sacred people – v2
edited December 7, 2016
our own call to be sacred – v2
December 7, 2016
our own call to be sacred
December 7, 2016
sacred people
December 7, 2016
humble servants
December 7, 2016
those in the background
December 6, 2016
God used them
December 6, 2016
those ordinary people
December 6, 2016
eternity and time
December 6, 2016
because they showed up
December 6, 2016
to touch the sacred – 2
edited December 6, 2016
I am the Lord’s Servant – 2 – v2
December 6, 2016
sacred
December 6, 2016
matching our steps
December 6, 2016
we are special
December 6, 2016
same as all the others
edited December 5, 2016
the response of Mary, of Joseph – v2
December 5, 2016
we will find God
merged December 5, 2016
the response of Mary, of Joseph
December 5, 2016
following God’s command
December 5, 2016
I am the Lord’s Servant - 2
December 4, 2016
King and God and sacrifice
December 4, 2016
remembering the cross
December 4, 2016
In the storms, in the darkness
December 4, 2016
guide us in the way of peace
December 4, 2016
They answered God’s call
December 4, 2016
going makes the difference
December 4, 2016
the ordinary are made sacred
December 4, 2016
nothing special
December 4, 2016
Second Sunday of Advent - Peace
worship theme: Sacred People
hymns:
Tell Me The Story of Jesus
Where Shepherds Watched Their Flocks
We Three Kings of Orient Are
What Child Is This?
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
Let There Be Peace On Earth
Psalm 72:1-7
Psalm 72:18-19
Matthew 1:18-25
Luke 1:26-38
Advent sermon series based on Marcia McFee’s series “Sacred”
and sermon “In the Ordinary. . . “
text

video
by Pastor Ruth Foss
and Children’s Message
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
December 4, 2016
Second Sunday of Advent
&
edited December 3, 2016
breathing in Advent – v2
edited December 3, 2016
sit within the sacredness of the stable – v2
December 3, 2016
are we voices crying
December 3, 2016
thinking about the Christ-child
edited December 3, 2016
this sacred time of now – v2
edited December 3, 2016
within the sacred time – v2
edited December 3, 2016
the time of heaven – v2
edited December 2, 2016
walking barefoot – v2
edited December 2, 2016
taking off our shoes – v2
edited December 2, 2016
walking in sacred time – v2
edited December 2, 2016
a closeness of heaven – v2
December 1, 2016
walking in sacred time
December 1, 2016
Have we forgotten Christ
December 1, 2016
we carry God’s message of hope
December 1, 2016
we are heralds in the darkness
December 1, 2016
we light this candle
December 1, 2016
God’s promises endure - 2
edited / new name December 1, 2016
we live in the light of the holy
December 1, 2016
we live in the light of hope
December 1, 2016
we have forgotten God
December 1, 2016
sit within the sacredness of the stable
December 1, 2016
walking barefoot
December 1, 2016
taking off our shoes
December 1, 2016
this sacred time of now
December 1, 2016
the gift of our days
December 1, 2016
the gift of now
December 1, 2016
within the sacred time
December 1, 2016
trappings of the season
December 1, 2016
the time of heaven
December 1, 2016
a closeness of heaven
December 1, 2016
we are God’s voice
November 30, 2016
prepare the way of the Lord
November 30, 2016
removing God from Advent
November 30, 2016
removing God from Christmas
November 30, 2016
the sacred space of Advent – v2
edited November 29, 2016
the light of the manger – v2
November 29, 2016
removing God from the sacred
November 29, 2016
within this sacred time
November 29, 2016
the light of the manger
November 29, 2016
God incarnate - 2
November 29, 2016
a sacred time
November 29, 2016
are our hearts open
edited November 29, 2016
are we waiting for Jesus – v2
November 28, 2016
the sacred time of Advent
November 28, 2016
breathing in Advent
November 28, 2016
breathing in these minutes
edited November 28, 2016
to touch the sacred – v2
November 28, 2016
slowing our steps in Advent
November 28, 2016
journeying on a dirt road
November 27, 2016
to touch the sacred
November 27, 2016
the wonder of the manger
November 27, 2016
the sacred space of Advent
November 27, 2016
lost in the lights and glitter
November 27, 2016
set apart and holy
November 27, 2016
we will celebrate his birth
November 27, 2016
we wait for His coming
November 27, 2016
before the turkey is cold
November 27, 2016
The day is almost here - 2
November 27, 2016
The night is almost over
November 27, 2016
put on the armor of light
Romans 13:11-12
November 27, 2016
change your life - 2
November 27, 2016
preaching in the desert
November 27, 2016
our hope is in His word
November 27, 2016
hope in that flickering candle
edited/ new name November 27, 2016
we light this candle in the hope
November 27, 2016
going doing
the Magi and John the Baptist
November 27, 2016
there is hope in the promise
November 27, 2016
are we waiting  for Jesus
edited November 27, 2016
where is Jesus – v2
November 27, 2016
awaking in Advent
November 26, 2016
we light this candle in hope
November 26, 2016
coming to Christ
November 26, 2016
crying with John
November 26, 2016
why aren’t we shouting
November 26, 2016
where is Jesus
November 26, 2016
do we listen to John
November 26, 2016
a voice of hope
November 26, 2016
preparing our hearts - 2
November 26, 2016
we join him at the Jordan
edited November 26, 2016
we stand convicted – v2
November 26, 2016
we begin in hope
November 26, 2016
we feed the flame
November 26, 2016
we begin in advent
November 26, 2016
we light the spark
edited/ new name November 26, 2016
we light a candle of hope
November 26, 2016
lighting a candle of hope
November 27, 2016
First Sunday of Advent - Hope
Prepare Ye the Way
worship theme: Sacred Time
Psalm 130
Romans 13:11-12
Matthew 3:1-12
Advent sermon series based on Marcia McFee’s series “Sacred”
and sermon “In the Business…“
text
video (partial before disk was full, 11:47 minutes)
by Pastor Ruth Foss
and Children’s Message
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
November 27, 2016
First Sunday of Advent

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 42,600+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Christ, God, Spirit, grace, love, Pastor Ruth Foss, Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church, prayer, Advent, Christmas, hope, candle, Luke 1, Matthew 1, Mary, Joseph, Matthew 3, peace, sacred, joy, Luke 2,

#Christ #God #Spirit #grace #love #pray #Mary #Joseph #candle #hope #Advent #Christmas #peace #Matthew1 #Luke1 #sacred #joy #Luke2

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David, Emmanuel, Epiphany, Faith, gifts, God, gospel, hope, Jesse, journey, king, Magi, Matthew 2, Methodist, poem, poetry, sing, star, United Methodist, wise men,

#David #Emmanuel #Epiphany #Faith #gifts #God #gospel #hope #Jesse #journey #king #Kings #Magi #Matthew2 #Methodist #poem #poetry #scripture #sing #star #wisemen #world