Poetry Where You Live

sermon blog

meditation blog

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stetson-Memorial-United-Methodist-Church/174161846023512

“God’s Whisper” blog

Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church

Patten, ME

2^nd Sunday of Advent

Advent Sermon Series: The Voices of Advent, “I was there…”

https://www.facebook.com/174161846023512/photos/pb.174161846023512.-2207520000.1417377248./605547519551607/

Luke 1:26-38 (KJV)

Voices of Advent – “I was there…”

http://rossolson.org/drama/advent/

dramas by Ross Olson

http://rossolson.org/

sermon/message – “Mary”

http://rossolson.org/drama/advent/mary.html

as performed by Shyanne Foss,

who, like Mary, is 14 years old

worship led by Pastor Ruth Foss

Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church

2^nd Sunday of Advent

December 7, 2014

Acts 1:8-14

referenced article about Black Friday death in 2008

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/30/nyregion/30walmart.html?_r=0

(and website for Black Friday Deaths - http://blackfridaydeathcount.com/)

Introduction and

Chapter 1. “Beginning with the End”

Not A Silent Night

by Reverend Adam Hamilton

Spirit study led by Pastor Ruth Foss

Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church

Patten, ME

earlier books by Rev. Hamilton studied in Spirit Study groups -

The Way: Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus

http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=1104578

“Final Words from the Cross”

http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426746802

“24 Hours That Changed the World”

http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=833652

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 34,220+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

How can we be silent

How can we be silent

about what has happened

the commercialization of Christmas

the loss of Christ

Families with empty seats at the table

workers giving up Thanksgiving

to work at Walmart, at Staples,

at Toys R Us, at Sears

endless names of stores

with their doors open

a website dedicated

for Black Friday deaths

How can we be silent

about what has happened

the commercialization of Christmas

the loss of Christ

====

December 6, 2014

How can we be silent

Advent book study:

Luke 2:33-35

prophecy of Simeon

Chapter 2: “The Piercing of Mary’s Soul”

Not A Silent Night

http://www.adamhamilton.org/store/9781426771842#.VGp1BTTF9gg

http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/DynamicContent.aspx?id=276&pageid=1808

by Reverend Adam Hamilton

http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/bookstore.aspx?contributorid=3827

http://www.facebook.com/RevAdamHamilton

https://twitter.com/RevAdamHamilton

Spirit study led by Pastor Ruth Foss

sermon blog

meditation blog

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stetson-Memorial-United-Methodist-Church/174161846023512

“God’s Whisper” blog

Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church

Patten, ME

2^nd Sunday of Advent

Advent Sermon Series: The Voices of Advent, “I was there…”

https://www.facebook.com/174161846023512/photos/pb.174161846023512.-2207520000.1417377248./605547519551607/

Luke 1:26-38 (KJV)

Voices of Advent – “I was there…”

http://rossolson.org/drama/advent/

dramas by Ross Olson

http://rossolson.org/

sermon/message – “Mary”

http://rossolson.org/drama/advent/mary.html

as performed by Shyanne Foss,

who, like Mary, is 14 years old

worship led by Pastor Ruth Foss

Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church

2^nd Sunday of Advent

December 7, 2014

Acts 1:8-14

referenced article about Black Friday death in 2008

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/30/nyregion/30walmart.html?_r=0

(and website for Black Friday Deaths - http://blackfridaydeathcount.com/)

Introduction and

Chapter 1. “Beginning with the End”

Not A Silent Night

by Reverend Adam Hamilton

Spirit study led by Pastor Ruth Foss

Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church

Patten, ME

earlier books by Rev. Hamilton studied in Spirit Study groups -

The Way: Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus

http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=1104578

“Final Words from the Cross”

http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426746802

“24 Hours That Changed the World”

http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=833652

Tear Down Christmas – v4

Blow up this holiday

turn your hearts to Jesus

the Babe in the manger

this isn’t what Christ died for

people being trampled at Walmart

so someone can get the best deal

Tear down this Christmas

time to start over

for it has lost its meaning;

nothing of Christ

in this frenetic season.

Rushing about, shopping

the Perfect gift

as that is the Good News of Jesus;

all an illusion, a lie,

forgetting about the Christ.

Tear down this Christmas,

the excess, the noise, noise, noise,

nothing of Christ in this Christmas. . .

We must start over;

the love of the ages

lost in the dust.

Reclaim wonder,

a child, believer,

the joy of Christ’s coming;

Tear down this Christmas,

reclaim Jesus, the Babe in the manger;

we must start over right now.

====

edited December 6, 2014

“Tear Down Christmas – v4

(editing version 3 below)

Acts 1:8-14

referenced article about Black Friday death in 2008

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/30/nyregion/30walmart.html?_r=0

(and website for Black Friday Deaths - http://blackfridaydeathcount.com/)

Introduction and

Chapter 1. “Beginning with the End”

Not A Silent Night

by Reverend Adam Hamilton

Spirit study led by Pastor Ruth Foss

Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church

Patten, ME

earlier books by Rev. Hamilton studied in Spirit Study groups -

The Way: Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus

http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=1104578

“Final Words from the Cross”

http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426746802

“24 Hours That Changed the World”

http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=833652

AUGUST 01, 2013

“Tear Down Christmas – v3”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2013/08/tear-down-christmas-v3.html

Edited December 12, 2012

“Tear Down Christmas – v2”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/12/tear-down-christmas-v2.html

December 10, 2012

“Tear Down Christmas”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/12/tear-down-christmas-it-has-lost-its.html

“Burn Down Christmas”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/12/burn-down-christmas.html

Thoughts about:

- the commercialization of Christmas,

- the Fiscal Cliff

- our lack of confidence in government

- and the coarseness of the world

Spirit Study,

around session 2,

“Giving Up on Perfect”

of video series:

“A Different Kind of Christmas: Living and Giving Like Jesus”

http://www.thethoughtfulchristian.com/Products/9781426753541/a-different-kind-of-christmas-dvd-w-leader-guide.aspx

by Reverend Mike Slaughter

http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/bookstore.aspx?contributorid=4257

and companion book,

“Christmas Is Not Your Birthday: Experience the Joy of Living and Giving like Jesus”,

http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=1005372

also by Reverend Mike Slaughter,

led by Pastor Ruth Foss

sermon blog

meditation blog

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/12/sermon-true-love-by-pastor-ruth-foss.html

“God’s Whisper” blog

Suncook United Methodist Church

Suncook, NH

December 9, 2012

Second Sunday of Advent

Worship Theme: “I Believe in the Love/ Peace”

Luke 3:1-6 (English Standard Version Bible)

John the Baptist Prepares the Way

Malachi 3:1-4 (Common English Bible)

Philippians 1:3-11 (Contemporary English Version Bible)

and sermon – “True Love”

by Pastor Ruth Foss

Suncook United Methodist Church

Suncook, NH

December 9, 2012

Second 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, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 34,210+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

When Why Has No Answer – v7

We are not talking about accidents

Not in capriciousness

in the randomness of fate;

but when “Why?” has no answer

how we all can relate

Wondering with Job

with all who have suffered

how pain, struggle can be

when we try to walk righteously

repenting of our sin

Nothing we can comprehend

the forces in the world

choices we and others make,

leading some to suffer

and some to reap corrupt gain

The walk on this earth

the journey of faith, of life,

far from the Garden where we began;

our faith alone sustaining us

until we reach the promised land

===

edited December 6, 2014

When Why Has No Answer – v7

(editing version 2)

edited November 15, 2014

When Why Has No Answer – v6

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/11/when-why-has-no-answer-v6.html

(editing version 2)

edited November 6, 2014

When Why Has No Answer – v5

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/11/when-why-has-no-answer-v5.html

(editing original again)

Edited October 19, 2014

“When Why Has No Answer – v4”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/10/when-why-has-no-answer-v4.html

(editing original again)

Edited January 1, 2014

“When Why Has No Answer – v3”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/01/when-why-has-no-answer-v3.html

Edited October 13, 2012

“When Why Has No Answer – v2”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/10/when-why-has-no-answer-v2.html

May 26, 2010

“When Why Has No Answer”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/05/when-why-has-no-answer.html

edited October 14, 2014

More than We can Handle – v2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/10/more-than-we-can-handle-v2.html

May 26, 2010

More than We can Handle

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/05/more-than-we-can-handle.html

struggling with questions of life and death

and God’s timing

reading the first part of

the book of Job, including

Job 1:1-5:16

http://www.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/reading.cgi?plan=straight&ver=NAS

Heartlight’s Straight Through Bible Study

for May 23, 2010, read May 24, 2010

Job 1:21

Job 2:10

and

Job 5:17-8:22

http://www.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/reading.cgi?plan=straight&ver=NAS

Heartlight’s Straight Through Bible Study

for May 24, 2010, read May 25, 2010

and the later part of the book, and

the following poem, posted

to FaithWriters.com 5/26/2010

------------------------

Answering the Clay

The potter spoke

out of the whirlwind

answering the claim

rebuking his claims

the demands he dared to speak

A reminder, the distance to God

how far below

is the home of man

Walking in the dust

rather than riding the clouds

Marveling at the works

of His majestic hands

October 18, 2009

Job 38:1-7 (34-41)

Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35b

Job 38:1-7, 16-18, 34-38 & 40:3-5

and sermon, “Father Knows Best”,

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2009/10/sermon-father-knows-best-by-pastor-ruth.html

by Pastor Ruth Foss

sermon blog

meditation blog

http://joannesher.blogspot.com/2009/10/monday-manna-for-october-19-what-is-man.html

“God’s Whisper” blog

Suncook United Methodist Church

Suncook, NH

October 18, 2009

Psalm 8:3-4

and writing challenge

“Monday Manna for October 19 - What is man?”

posted by Joanne Sher on her blog,

“An Open Book”, at:

the following poem, posted

to FaithWriters.com 5/26/2010

------------------------

His Comeuppance

In the chapters growing

wondering when it would happen

when his comeuppance

his response would come

Over and over questioning the creator

challenging God, not just asking

demanding an accounting

a justification from the one who made us

A mortal asking for a reason from the potter

stubborn clay, judging God

His answer in the whirlwind

the challenge of the maker

Where were you when I made all?

Who are you to question me;

and what right do you claim

calling me to task?

October 17, 2009

Job 38:1-7 (34-41)

Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35b

Job 38:1-7, 16-18, 34-38 & 40:3-5

and sermon, “Father Knows Best”,

by Pastor Ruth L. Foss

Suncook United Methodist Church

Suncook, NH

October 18, 2009

Psalm 8:3-4

and writing challenge

“Monday Manna for October 19 - What is man?”

posted by Joanne Sher on her blog,

“An Open Book”, at:

http://joannesher.blogspot.com/2009/10/monday-manna-for-october-19-what-is-man.html

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 34,210+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The clouds have kidnapped the morning – v6

what if this led the news

truth beyond comprehension

the weather forecast more honest

how little we really know

about the weather patterns

how the forces of nature intersect

the heavens hold a secret

held within their grasp

something we cannot know

ancient struggles evident

written upon the sky, in the soil,

in the dust of the earth

the clouds have kidnapped the morning

the sun not visible at all

the sky coming closer

descending from the heavens

clouds pulled toward the ground

hungry for its bounty

holding the sun for ransom

to repay an ancient debt

an unspoken recording

in the ledger of heaven

in the story of life

spoken from sealed lips

the mystery yet remaining

something yet unknown

for us to take on faith

the sky holds the secret

written on the heavens

revealed in God’s time alone

====

edited December 6, 2014

The clouds have kidnapped the morning – v6

(editing version 4)

edited June 3, 2014

The clouds have kidnapped the morning – v5

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/06/the-clouds-have-kidnapped-morning-v5.html

(editing version 2)

edited May 30, 2014

The clouds have kidnapped the morning – v4

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/05/the-clouds-have-kidnapped-morning-v4.html

edited May 28, 2014

The clouds have kidnapped the morning – v3

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/05/the-clouds-have-kidnapped-morning-v3.html

edited May 28, 2014

The clouds have kidnapped the morning – v2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/05/the-clouds-have-kidnapped-morning-v2.html

May 28, 2014

The clouds have kidnapped the morning

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/05/the-clouds-have-kidnapped-morning.html

Facebook post by

Tarringo Basile-Vaughan

https://www.facebook.com/tarringo.t.vaughan

“The clouds have kidnapped the sun this morning…but still, try to have a happy Wednesday”

https://www.facebook.com/tarringo.t.vaughan/posts/10152250208293141

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 34,210+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

standing vigil at the cross of Jesus

standing vigil at the cross

at the cross of Jesus

as she had stood by him

at his manger bed

when the wise men came

even on this part of the journey

His mother by Him

in His time of agony

she would not leave Him

alone on Calvary

-----

edited December 6, 2014

standing vigil at the cross of Jesus

December 5, 2014

standing vigil at the cross

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/12/standing-vigil-at-cross.html

edited December 6, 2014

on Good Friday morning

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/12/on-good-friday-morning.html

merged December 5, 2014

about six in the morning – v2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/12/about-six-oclock-in-morning-v2.html

edited December 5, 2014

that lonely six hours – v2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/12/that-lonely-six-hours-v2.html

December 5, 2014

that lonely six hours

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/12/that-lonely-six-hours.html

December 5, 2014

watching Christ suffer and die

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/12/watching-christ-suffer-and-die.html

December 5, 2014

through the eyes of his mother

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/12/through-eyes-of-his-mother.html

merged December 5, 2014

about six in the morning – v2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/12/about-six-oclock-in-morning-v2.html

December 5, 2014

by eight o’clock in the morning

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/12/by-eight-oclock-in-morning.html

December 5, 2014

about six o’clock in the morning – v1

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/12/about-six-oclock-in-morning-v1.html

December 5, 2014

a sword will pierce your soul

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/12/a-sword-will-pierce-your-soul.html

December 5, 2014

breaking her heart

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/12/breaking-her-heart.html

December 5, 2014

Standing at His cross

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/12/standing-at-his-cross.html

Advent book study:

Luke 2:33-35

prophecy of Simeon

Chapter 2: “The Piercing of Mary’s Soul”

Not A Silent Night

http://www.adamhamilton.org/store/9781426771842#.VGp1BTTF9gg

http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/DynamicContent.aspx?id=276&pageid=1808

by Reverend Adam Hamilton

http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/bookstore.aspx?contributorid=3827

http://www.facebook.com/RevAdamHamilton

https://twitter.com/RevAdamHamilton

Spirit study led by Pastor Ruth Foss

sermon blog

meditation blog