Saturday, November 29, 2014

We Are So Blessed

We are so grateful
we are so blessed
by You in our lives
for life after life
We are so blessed
by Your gifts, oh Lord,
we just want to praise You,
You are our reward.

===
November 29, 2014
We Are So Blessed

Cover of bulletin -
Psalm 183:1-2
November 24, 2014
a bounteous harvest
November 24, 2014
Authentic Fruit
November 24, 2014
we are thankful to God - 2
November 24, 2014
Thankful for You Lord – v2
November 24, 2014
Thankful for You Lord
Thanksgiving worship service
Aroostook Cluster of the United Methodist Church
Northern Maine District
the Reverend Doctor Pat MacHugh
welcome and hosted by Pastor Sue Brown
Mars Hill United Methodist Church
Mars Hill, ME
November 24, 2014
&
scripture reading Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“God’s Whisper” blog
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
&
message by
Rev. Dot Matson
Mapleton United Methodist Church
&
Lidstone Memorial United Methodist Church (Washburn, ME)
&
Rev. Ellen Cleaves
Limestone United Methodist Church
&
Rev. Dr. Tom Bentum
Bessie Gray Memorial United Methodist Church
Caribou, ME
&
Reverend SeungRi (Victor) Han
Houlton United Methodist Church
Houlton, ME
&
Paula Lilley
Hodgdon United Methodist Church
Hodgdon, ME
&
Pastor Mary Miller
United Parish – Ft. Fairfield
&
Benediction by Rev. Chris Dare
Grant Memorial United Methodist Church
Presque Isle, ME
&
November 24, 2014
Thankful for You Lord
Thanksgiving Sunday
Christ the King Sunday
Fall Sermon Series: The I Am Statements of Jesus
Sermon 8 of Series: “I Am the Vine”
Psalm 95:1-6
Psalm 107:29-32 CEB
Matthew 7:16-20 CEB
John 15:5
John 15:1-8 (CEB)
children’s message
– mystery box – 
new-born diaper and a pacifier
sermon – “Just Plain Thankful“
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Thanksgiving Sunday
Christ the King Sunday
November 23, 2014

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 34,040+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

not knowing what to expect – v2

trying to be present, open,
not knowing what to expect
trying not to anticipate
letting the moments come

beginning with silence
coming together, each of us,
not knowing what to expect
strangers, in this time set apart

trying to be open, giving,
to the revealing in God’s time
no different than the rest
on the Emmaus Road

====
edited November 29, 2014
not knowing what to expect – v2

November 21, 2014
not knowing what to expect
November 21, 2014
listening first - 2
November 21, 2014
gathering in silence
November 21, 2014
praying for them in silence
Prayers for the Women’s Walk to Emmaus
Crossroads Walk to Emmaus of New England
Walk to Emmaus
Luke 24:13-35
grace
love
Luke 15:11-32
Prodigal Son
Mark 10:17-31
The Parable of the Rich Man
(same template from 11/4/2012)

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 34,040+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

ordinary days – v2

too much do we think of them
each of our days, living,
in ordinary time, as ordinary days,
nothing special, just walking forward,
when there is no such thing
as an ordinary day, under heaven
in our lives, in these walks
if we would have eyes to see them
wonderful moments in each day
moments to drink in, to savor,
to gather in our senses
there is beauty all around us
if we will only listen
if we would feel the breeze
the smells of creation
a harvest, a bounty
in these means of grace


===
edited November 29, 2014
ordinary days – v2

November 24, 2014
ordinary days
Thanksgiving worship service
Aroostook Cluster of the United Methodist Church
Northern Maine District
District Superintendent, the Reverend Doctor Pat MacHugh
welcome and hosted by Pastor Sue Brown
Mars Hill United Methodist Church
Mars Hill, ME
November 23, 2014
&
scripture reading Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“God’s Whisper” blog
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
&
message by
Rev. Dot Matson
Mapleton United Methodist Church
&
Lidstone Memorial United Methodist Church (Washburn, ME)
&
Rev. Ellen Cleaves
Limestone United Methodist Church
&
Rev. Dr. Tom Bentum
Bessie Gray Memorial United Methodist Church
Caribou, ME
&
Reverend SeungRi (Victor) Han
Houlton United Methodist Church
Houlton, ME
&
Paula Lilley
Hodgdon United Methodist Church
Hodgdon, ME
&
Pastor Mary Miller
United Parish – Ft. Fairfield
&
Benediction by Rev. Chris Dare
Grant Memorial United Methodist Church
Presque Isle, ME

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 34,040+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

praying for them in silence – v5

As they are I am,
praying for them in silence
not in the bounds of sleep
but alone with my thoughts
this time set apart.
Seeking to walk beside Jesus.

As they are I am,
praying for them in silence
seeking our Lord and Savior
life within the vine
in holy communion.
Quietly praying for them.


====
edited November 29, 2014
praying for them in silence – v5

(editing version 3)
edited November 24, 2014
praying for them in silence – v4
 (editing original again)
edited November 24, 2014
praying for them in silence – v3
(editing original again)
edited November 21, 2014
praying for them in silence – v2
November 21, 2014
hearing the ancient words
November 21, 2014
not knowing what to expect
November 21, 2014
listening first - 2
November 21, 2014
gathering in silence
November 21, 2014
praying for them in silence
Prayers for the Women’s Walk to Emmaus
Crossroads Walk to Emmaus of New England
Walk to Emmaus
Luke 24:13-35
grace
love
Luke 15:11-32
Prodigal Son
Mark 10:17-31
The Parable of the Rich Man
(same template from 11/4/2012)

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 34,030+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

praying for them in silence – v4

as they are I am
praying for them in silence
not in the bounds of sleep
but alone with my thoughts
in the dark of night
this time set apart
seeking to walk beside Jesus
in my own walk
praying they would find You
out on the road too;
as they are I am
praying for them in silence
in the dark of night


====
edited November 24, 2014
praying for them in silence – v4

 (editing original again)
edited November 24, 2014
praying for them in silence – v3
(editing original again)
edited November 21, 2014
praying for them in silence – v2
November 21, 2014
hearing the ancient words
November 21, 2014
not knowing what to expect
November 21, 2014
listening first - 2
November 21, 2014
gathering in silence
November 21, 2014
praying for them in silence
Prayers for the Women’s Walk to Emmaus
Crossroads Walk to Emmaus of New England
Walk to Emmaus
Luke 24:13-35
grace
love
Luke 15:11-32
Prodigal Son
Mark 10:17-31
The Parable of the Rich Man
(same template from 11/4/2012)

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 34,030+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Given Eyes to See Jesus – v4

The scripture doesn’t say why, but it is clear
it was not a mistake
they were purposely unable
unable to see Jesus
to them a stranger standing with them
walking on the road
not able to see Him
their Master, their Teacher,
the risen Son of God;
but to them a stranger
walking on the road
as they discussed the Passion
the anguish of these days
the despair they felt within them
that He had died on the cross
(and not yet believing He is Risen).

They needed His teaching
His walk through the Law
through each of the Prophets
every word of scripture foretelling His coming,
His suffering, His rising from the grave
they needed the Walk to Emmaus
needing to hear the ancient words
from the mouth of Jesus
unable to see Jesus
hearing Him as a stranger;
Given eyes to see Jesus
to be a witness, suddenly,
to share the risen Jesus,
our Lord and Savior,
to run to share with others
the Good News of Christ

====  
edited November 29, 2014
Given Eyes to See Jesus – v4

(editing version 2)
edited November 24, 2014
Given Eyes to See Jesus – v3
(editing version 2)
edited November 21, 2014
Given Eyes to See Jesus – v2
(merger of 2 poems)
November 21, 2014
Given Eyes to See Jesus
Luke 24:31
November 21, 2014
unable to see Jesus
November 21, 2014
walking beside Jesus
Luke 24:16
November 21, 2014
hearing the ancient words
November 21, 2014
not knowing what to expect
November 21, 2014
praying in the wee hours
November 21, 2014
listening first - 2
November 21, 2014
gathering in silence
November 21, 2014
praying for them in silence
Prayers for the Women’s Walk to Emmaus
Crossroads Walk to Emmaus of New England
Walk to Emmaus
Luke 24:13-35
grace
love
Luke 15:11-32
Prodigal Son
Mark 10:17-31
The Parable of the Rich Man
(same template from 11/4/2012)

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 34,030+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Love God – v2

I have written many words
but never these two words
never the title to a poem
to Love God
to love God only
never written down

The command simple
Love God
love God only
with your whole being
with all that we are
all we will ever be
given unto God

Love God
really so simple
the measure before us
ever, always
to Love God fully
with our whole lives

------
edited November 29, 2014
Love God – v2

November 28, 2014
Love God
Matthew 22:37
-          Deuteronomy 6:5
Matthew 22:39
-          Leviticus 19:18
Matthew 22:36-40
devotion “Two Simple Principles”
devotion by Jep Robertson
for November 20, 2014
read November 28, 2014
Duck Commander Daily Devotional
compiled by Alan Robertson

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 34,030+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

the weight of Mammon

so much stuff, so many things
our barns overflowing
when others have need
want abounding, as there is grace;
letting go of Mammon,
coming to God.

------
November 29, 2014
the weight of Mammon

1 Timothy 6:9-10
devotion “The Downside of Riches”
devotion by Phil Robertson
for November 29, 2014
read November 29, 2014
Duck Commander Daily Devotional
compiled by Alan Robertson

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 34,030+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

be at peace, trust in God

be at peace, trust in God
the gifts you have been given
to be used for the Lord
serve in the vineyard, in the field,
wherever you are planted
serve the Lord
be at peace, go forward
trust in God to provide
only be faithful
in god’s call on your life
God is the Creator
of heaven and earth
Ask and He will give you
all that you need.

------
November 29, 2014
be at peace, trust in God

Philippians 4:6
devotion “God Will Provide”
devotion by Justin Martin
for November 28, 2014
read November 29, 2014
Duck Commander Daily Devotional
compiled by Alan Robertson

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 34,030+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

stitching nets

sharpening our blades
honing our arguments
our words of faith
repairing the tears
tightening loose threads
stitching nets
growing in the word
preparing for witness
to testify, to share,
sharing our testimony;
grow stronger in Christ
God’s living Word.           

------
November 29, 2014
stitching nets

2 Timothy 4:2
devotion “Be Prepared”
devotion by Alex Robertson Mancuso
for November 27, 2014
read November 29, 2014
Duck Commander Daily Devotional
compiled by Alan Robertson

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 34,020+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

nobody’s perfect

nobody’s perfect
we all fail, we all stumble,
we are all on a journey
growing in our faith

don’t expect perfection
you haven’t achieved it
be gentle in judgment
share love richly
show mercy from your lips

------
November 29, 2014
nobody’s perfect

Micah 6:8 (The Message)
“But he’s already made it plain how to live, what to do,
what God is looking for in men and women.
It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor,
be compassionate and loyal in your love,
And don’t take yourself too seriously—
take God seriously.”
devotion “It’s Quite Simple”
devotion by Korie Robertson
for November 26, 2014
read November 29, 2014
Duck Commander Daily Devotional
compiled by Alan Robertson

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 34,020+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

In this simple meal – v2

in remembering ever
in this simple meal
the bread and the wine
to remember His love
what He has done
Christ always with us
here at His table
pouring out a blessing
sealed with His blood;
Cleansed with His mercy
healing with His love


======
edited February 1, 2016
in this simple meal – v3
(editing original)
edited November 29, 2014
In this simple meal – v2
April 2, 2012
In this simple meal
Luke 22:19b
Luke 22:16-20
Last Supper
Sanctuary for Lent for 2012
by Robert V. Dodd
scripture and meditation for April 2, 2012
read April 2, 2012


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 40,850+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

kneeling before Jesus – v10

the synagogue leader,
by name in the scripture,
risking his reputation
but being her father
faith more than fear
doing what he had to
kneeling before Jesus
calling him to heal her
to come to his daughter
dying in her bed

as a father, taking a chance,
risking his reputation
his position, his standing
but kneeling before Jesus
to heal his daughter’s illness
courageous submission
love for her over position
faith more than fear
coming to Jesus, to the Christ,
his plea did God hear


=====
edited November 29, 2014
“kneeling before Jesus – v10

(editing version 2)
edited November 19, 2014
“kneeling before Jesus – v9
(editing version 2)
edited March 21, 2014
“kneeling before Jesus – v8”
(editing original again)
edited January 20, 2014
“kneeling before Jesus – v7”
(editing version 3)
edited January 6, 2014
“kneeling before Jesus – v6”
(editing version 2)
Edited December 21, 2013
“kneeling before Jesus – v5”
(editing the original version again)
Edited December 14, 2013
“kneeling before Jesus – v4”
(editing version 2)
Edited November 21, 2013
“kneeling before Jesus – v3”
edited July 7, 2012
“kneeling before Jesus – v2”
July 7, 2012
“kneeling before Jesus”
Mark 5:21-43
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
June 25, 2012 to July 1, 2012
“Health and Healing”
by C. Michael Gibson
for June 29, 2012,
read June 26, 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 34,020+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

washing his hands – 2 – v3

an art to the cleansing
but not as effective
ritually washing
washing his hands
before the people, the leaders
before the Son of Man

as if to say, “I am not guilty”,
his blood on your hands;
I have been washed;
the stain is not on me,
yet the stain of blood still there
for all eternity


====
edited November 29, 2014
washing his hands – 2 – v3

(editing original again)
edited November 5, 2014
“Washing His Hands – 2 – v2
March 26, 2013
“Washing His Hands - 2”
edited November 5, 2014
Washing His Hands – v4
(editing original again)
edited November 5, 2014
My guilt remains – v3
(editing version 2)
Edited January 4, 2014
My guilt remains – v2
March 7, 2013 and March 8, 2013
My guilt remains
Third Sunday in Lent
Luke 13:1-9 (GOD’S WORD Translation)
Isaiah 55:1-9 (GOD’S WORD Translation)
Worship Theme – “The Voice of God . . . Pilate”
Call to Worship (Psalm 27:1, 5, 14 God’s Word Translation)
Unison Prayer: (Worship and Song © 2011)
Prayer of Dedication (adapted from GBOD © 2013 Luke 13:1-9)
This Lenten Season, we are doing something a little different.
We are doing Lenten Dramas from:   http://www.sermonsfromseattle.com/home.htm
It is called "The Voice of God". We are hearing conversations between
God and some of the characters that took part in Passion Week.
It has been a "moving experience" for all. . . 
February 13 2013 Ash Wednesday – James  (portrayed by Diane Mitchell)
February 17, 2013 – Judas  (portrayal by Ray Foss)
February 24, 2013 – Peter  (portrayal by Marshall Burns)
March 3, 2013 – Pilate  (portrayed by Richard Fleury)
March 10, 2013 – Barabbas  (portrayed by Mark Cioffi)
March 17, 2013 - Dysmas (Thief on the cross) (portrayed by Ray Foss)
March 24, 2013 Palm Sunday
March 28, 2013 Maundy Thursday – The Centurion  (portrayed by Mark Cioffi)
March 29, 2013 Good Friday - Mary Mother of Jesus (portrayed by Kathy Akerman)
March 31, 2013 Easter Sunday! - The Gardner (portrayed by Mary Ann Cioffi)
and Lenten Drama:
(a conversation with Pilate and God after the crucifixion)
by Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 3, 2013
Third Sunday in Lent
Lent
&
----
Edited December 11, 2013
“Washing His Hands – v3”
Edited March 26, 2013
“Washing His Hands – v2”
March 26, 2013
“Washing His Hands - 2”
Matthew 27:17b
Matthew 27:15-26
Sanctuary for Lent for 2013
by Robert V. Dodd
scripture and meditation for March 26, 2013
read March 26, 2013
&
earlier poem
December 2, 2006 20:02
“Washing His Hands
Matt 27:1-26; Luke 23:1-25
and The Master and Margarita
by Mikhail Bulgakov

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 34,020+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.