Friday, February 08, 2013

When I refuse to heed your words – v2



Even then, in the midst of my sin,
away from the congregation, the body
God there with me still
God’s Spirit crying; Don’t!
Be faithful, turn from your sin
there when I refuse to heed your words
going my own way, selfish -
mindful, aware that I am wrong;
wallowing in my sin

Yet I still choose to disobey
to turn from my Master
Freedom run amuck
no boundaries, bad choices
lost in excess, my sin;
Disobeying my Savior
who died on the cross -
as if driving another nail;
Spitting in his face


Edited February 8, 2013
“When I refuse to heed your words – v2”
January 28, 2012
“When I refuse to heed your words”
Mark 1:21-22 (The Message)
Mark 1:21-28
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
January 23, 2012 to January 29, 2012,
“Words of Authority”
by Nell Noonan              
scripture and meditation for January 28, 2012
read January 28, 2012
&
1 Corinthians 8:7-13
1 Corinthians 8:1-13
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
January 23, 2012 to January 29, 2012,
“Words of Authority”
by Nell Noonan              
scripture and meditation for January 27, 2012
read January 27, 2012
&
1 Corinthians 8:1-6
1 Corinthians 8:1-13
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
January 23, 2012 to January 29, 2012,
“Words of Authority”
by Nell Noonan              
scripture and meditation for January 26, 2012
read January 26, 2012
&
John 8:1-11
&
Samuel Thompson’s
Inclusion Essay
shared at the New England United Methodist Church
Annual Conference
in response to call by Reconciling Ministries Network
for essays describing, “My vision for an inclusive church”,
June 10, 2011
&
Love on Trial,
the case against the Reverend Amy DeLong,
which begins on June 20, 2011
&
in part inspired by conversations with
the Reverend John Makokha
Riruta UMC
Children of Africa Hope Mission Project in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya. http://rirutaumc.homestead.com/children_of_africa.html
&
Matthew 25:31-46
The Sheep and the Goats
&
Matthew 28:18-20
Great Commission


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 22,060+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

How fitting we begin in ashes – v2



How quickly did you wash
the gray-black stain from your head
or did you ignore the call
to go to church at all;
did you go out to the store
did you enter into a quiet time
or did you turn the TV on

what is your response to Christ’s great love
to God’s awesome sacrifice
giving his own life, climbing our cross;
how fitting we begin in ashes
the burnt hopes, hosannas
before we tortured and killed our king
before he became our sacrifice


=====
Edited February 8, 2013
“How fitting we begin in ashes – v2”
February 27, 2012
Worship Theme – “Ash Wednesday
Prelude
Unison Prayer
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 (CEB)
Joel 2:12-17a (CEB)
Prayer of Confession (Psalm 51:3)
Pastoral Prayer
Word of Assurance (GBOD 2012)
Thanksgiving over the ashes
Distribution of the Ashes
hymn, “Sunday’s Palms Are Wednesday’s Ashes” TFWS #2138
and Ash Wednesday Meditation,
“The Math of Lent”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
A Handmaiden of the Lord
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
Ash Wednesday
February 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 22,060+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Like Samuel to Eli – v2


so we are to Jesus
our High Priest
our Mentor, our Teacher
the source of our life
our redeemer, our Savior

Like Samuel to Eli
sitting at his feet
hearing his message
our example, our model
the light which we keep

so we are to Jesus
our High Priest
our Brother, our Teacher
our Savior, Messiah
the source of all life


------
Edited February 8, 2013
“Like Samuel to Eli – v2”
December 29, 2012
“Like Samuel to Eli”
1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 (The Message)
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
December 24, 2012 to December 30, 2012
“The Word Brings Joy and Growth”
by Enuma Okoro
for December 27, 2012,
read December 29, 2012
Advent
Christmas
&
1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 (NIV)
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
December 24, 2012 to December 30, 2012
“The Word Brings Joy and Growth”
by Enuma Okoro
for December 26, 2012,
read December 29, 2012
Advent
Christmas
&
John 1:1-14
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
December 24, 2012 to December 30, 2012
“The Word Brings Joy and Growth”
by Enuma Okoro
for December 25, 2012,
read December 29, 2012
Advent
Christmas Day
&
Isaiah 9:2-7
To Us a Child is born
Luke 2:1-20
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
December 24, 2012 to December 30, 2012
“The Word Brings Joy and Growth”
by Enuma Okoro
for December 24, 2012,
read December 29, 2012
Advent
Christmas


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 22,060+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The Seed of God – 2 – v2


the seed of God, a Son
becoming a mortal
germinated in the manger
rising from that ground

the shoot of Jesse, of David
the royal bloodline
the seed planted
into the soil of the world

the manger, the stable
a humble birth, a Savior
the seed, the King of Israel
the One who was to come

the seed of God, a Man
rising from the waters
from the Jordan, going
to preach into this world

the shoot of Jesse, of David
the king of God’s people
sacrificing, dying
to redeem us to life

the seed of God, a Victor
rising from the ashes
from the stone grave rising
to heaven, to the heights


====
Edited February 8, 2013
“The Seed of God – 2 - v2”
Edited February 7, 2013
“The Seed of God - 2”
December 6, 2012
“Germinated in the Manger”
Wednesday night worship
Worship Theme: “Advent: Hope”
Psalm 36:5
Psalm 85:10
Jeremiah 33:15
“In the Waiting”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
A Handmaiden of the Lord
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 5, 2012
Advent


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 22,220+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Lilac Air – reprise – v6



A cloud of intoxication
flooding my senses
slowing our steps
(or mine at least)
savoring the moment
gathering in the nectar
the aerosol of fragrance
breathing springtime in
my lung full of the fragrance

Whites and purples
different shades of the bouquets
as if colors themselves emitted aromas
painting the sky with their shades
richly, urgently, calling me
wooing me, intoxicating,
to linger in the dew of fragrance
to drink of these spirits
perfumes falling down on me
raining as I walk


-------
Edited February 8, 2013
“Lilac Air – reprise – v6
Edited February 4, 2013
“Lilac Air – reprise – v5”
Edited January 4, 2013
“Lilac Air – reprise – v2”
May 11, 2010
“Lilac Air - reprise”
written about our walks to school last week
because of the lilacs on the way
Pembroke Village School
Suncook, NH

--------
Lilac Air

Sweet, intoxicating, alluring
spreading out onto the playground
the bush changing the air
soft, subtle, a presence
lilac air at the side of the school
calling, enticing the passersby
to linger, to drink
aerosol nectar
sweet, lively spring perfume
a perfect fragrance,
rich with memory
under a cloudy blue sky
warm this Wednesday afternoon
Living bouquet,
a balance of purple, of green
set off against, before
red brick of the school

May 13, 2009
Pembroke Village School
Suncook, NH

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 22,060+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Lilac Air – v5



A living presence, growing,
sweet, intoxicating, alluring
spreading out onto the playground
blossoms, the bursting bushes
changing the air, its texture,
soft, subtle, a presence, enveloping
lilac air at the side of the school
calling, enticing each passersby

To linger, to drink, to soak in
aerosol nectar, a drug ready
sweet, lively spring perfume
a perfect fragrance, enticing
rich with memory, with color
under a cloudy blue sky, comforting
warm this Wednesday afternoon

Living bouquet, immersion,
a balance of purple, of green
juxtaposed, set apart, soft colors,
against the solid wall, backdrop
warm red brick of the old school;
cool air of spring, an inviting presence,
wrapping around us, arms entwined
reaching for us, out of a sense of love


=====
Edited February 8, 2013
“Lilac Air – v5
Edited February 5, 2013
“Lilac Air – v4”
Edited January 5, 2013
“Lilac Air – v3”
Edited January 4, 2013
“Lilac Air – v2
May 13, 2009
“Lilac Air”
Pembroke Village School
Suncook, NH

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 22,060+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Thursday, February 07, 2013

The Seed of God - 2


the seed of God, a Son
becoming a mortal man
germinated in the manger
rising from the ground

the shoot of Jesse, of David
the royal bloodline
the seed germinated
into the soil of the world

the manger, the stable
a humble birth, a Savior
the seed, the King of Israel
the One who was to come


====
Edited February 7, 2013
“The Seed of God”
December 6, 2012
“Germinated in the Manger”
Wednesday night worship
Worship Theme: “Advent: Hope”
Psalm 36:5
Psalm 85:10
Jeremiah 33:15
“In the Waiting”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
A Handmaiden of the Lord
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 5, 2012
Advent


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 22,220+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Dried Palms – 2 – v2

A metaphor for the church year
dried palms being gathered
brought to be burned
to make new ashes

Our joy for too few moments
drying much too quickly
hope an illusion
our lives not centered on Christ

Dried palms of the procession
the beginning of the Passion
held for a year at a time
until they are burned for the ashes



February 7, 2013
Edited – “Dried Palms – 2 – v2”
February 6, 2013
new poem – “Dried Palms – 2”
February 6, 2013
new poem – “The brittleness of our hope”
Edited February 6, 2013
“The smell of the smoke – v3”
February 27, 2012
“The smell of the smoke – v2”
Worship Theme – “Ash Wednesday
Prelude
Unison Prayer
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 (CEB)
Joel 2:12-17a (CEB)
Prayer of Confession (Psalm 51:3)
Pastoral Prayer
Word of Assurance (GBOD 2012)
Thanksgiving over the ashes
Distribution of the Ashes
hymn, “Sunday’s Palms Are Wednesday’s Ashes” TFWS #2138
and Ash Wednesday Meditation,
“The Math of Lent”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
A Handmaiden of the Lord
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
Ash Wednesday
February 22, 2012
&
thinking on the earlier poem, “within the sweetness of the smoke”
February 19, 2012
Ash Wednesday and Lent
beginning this week
burning of the palms from last year
hymn - “Sunday’s palms are Wednesday’s Ashes”, TFWS #2138
&
Worship Theme – “God’s Healing Mercy
Mark 2:1-12 (NRSV)
Isaiah 43:18-25 (NRSV)
2 Corinthians 1:18-22 (NRSV)
Call to Worship (Psalm 41:1-4, 13 (NRSV Bible))
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication ((GBOD Mark 9:2-9)
and sermon, “How Good of God”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
A Handmaiden of the Lord
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
Seventh Sunday of Epiphany
Transfiguration Sunday
February 12, 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 22,220+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Wednesday, February 06, 2013

Dried Palms - 2



A metaphor for the year
dried palms being gathered
brought to be burned
to make new ashes

Our joy for too few moments
drying too quickly
hope an illusion
not centered on Christ


February 6, 2013
new poem – “The brittleness of our hope”
Edited February 6, 2013
“The smell of the smoke – v3”
February 27, 2012
“The smell of the smoke – v2”
Worship Theme – “Ash Wednesday
Prelude
Unison Prayer
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 (CEB)
Joel 2:12-17a (CEB)
Prayer of Confession (Psalm 51:3)
Pastoral Prayer
Word of Assurance (GBOD 2012)
Thanksgiving over the ashes
Distribution of the Ashes
hymn, “Sunday’s Palms Are Wednesday’s Ashes” TFWS #2138
and Ash Wednesday Meditation,
“The Math of Lent”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
A Handmaiden of the Lord
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
Ash Wednesday
February 22, 2012
&
thinking on the earlier poem, “within the sweetness of the smoke”
February 19, 2012
Ash Wednesday and Lent
beginning this week
burning of the palms from last year
hymn - “Sunday’s palms are Wednesday’s Ashes”, TFWS #2138
&
Worship Theme – “God’s Healing Mercy
Mark 2:1-12 (NRSV)
Isaiah 43:18-25 (NRSV)
2 Corinthians 1:18-22 (NRSV)
Call to Worship (Psalm 41:1-4, 13 (NRSV Bible))
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication ((GBOD Mark 9:2-9)
and sermon, “How Good of God”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
A Handmaiden of the Lord
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
Seventh Sunday of Epiphany
Transfiguration Sunday
February 12, 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 22,220+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The effervescence of his blood


standing as we spoke the words
in remembrance, his body
His blood in the cup
the fragrance rising to me
the effervescence of his blood
the grapes alive before me
more real, for a moment
as we were all reading
sharing words of remembrance
God alive, with us


====
February 6, 2013
Mark 1:16-20 (The Message Bible)
Isaiah 6:1-8 (God’s WORD Bible)
Jeremiah 1:4-10 (Common English Bible)
(and Mark 1:1-8, not included by Pastor Ruth)
Worship Theme: “God Calls and Equips Us”
Call to Worship (Lectionary Worship Aids / Series IX, Cycle C © 2013)       
Unison Prayer (Lectionary Worship Aids / Series IX, Cycle C © 2013)
Prayer of Dedication (adapted from GBOD February 12, 2013)          
Prayer of Confession
Communion liturgy
and sermon – “Workin for the Man”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
A Handmaiden of the Lord
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
February 3, 2013
Fourth Sunday of Epiphany

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 22,050+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.