Friday, November 04, 2016

sermon, "Right Here... Right Now...", by Pastor Ruth Foss, Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church, Patten, ME, October 30, 2016



October 30, 2016
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
The Body of Christ. . . ?
“Start Living Right Now”
Psalm 148
Matthew 7:21-23; Mark 1:14-20
2 Corinthians 5:11-15; 2 Corinthians 6:1-2
Acts 17:24-28

Right Here. . . Right Now. . .  

Prayer of adoration and for God’s illumination so that His Word would be heard through me or in spite of me. . .

I would ask you to stand, as you are able, for the Gospel reading from the Gospel of Matthew, verses 21-23. Listen to the Word of God. . . His Love Letter. . . to and for you and me. . . His beloved children. . .

Comfort zone. . . what comes to mind when I use the words “comfort zone”? Why do you think we create comfort zones for ourselves? Are you willing to step out of our comfort zone? I know for me it is hard to step out of my comfort zone. I like my comfort zone. It is a place where I feel safe and don’t have to worry about failing. As we stay in our comfort zone, we know how far we can go. . . it’s much more sensible for us to stay there if we are going to serve God. Right?

When God called me to ministry I had this fear of public speaking. Every time I had to do it I would stumble and stutter through whatever it was I had to read. There was no way I was going to be able to speak in front of a congregation every week let alone shepherd one. Now here is God calling me out of my comfort zone. What was I to do? I had said that I would do whatever God called me to do when I rededicated my life to God. I never realized how much I would have to step out in faith. . .

Now remember, as I said last week, as we think about. . . as we ponder this question or these questions. . . we remember that God loves you and I so much that He thinks we are to die for. . .  As a matter of fact. . . that is exactly what He did. . . die for sinners like us. . . He who knew no sin took our sin upon Himself. . .  are we willing to begin living in the right here and now? Are we going to trust God. . . like we proclaim. . . with our lives? Is it time to get out of the boat and get rid of our safety water wings and walk upon the waters of this world?

We have been trying to define. . . trying to open our view of. . . the body of Christ? We have defined it as family. But how we do you and I define “family?” But we don’t even come close to how God would define it. We are not the ones who define family. . . the Creator of our diversely awesome family is the One who defines it. . . remember “Ohana means family and family means no one is left out or left behind.”  We have come to the realization that to become community in the world. . . to continue to be relevant we, as Christ’s followers, need to wake up. Wake from our slumber. . . wake from our complacency. . . wake from our numbness and see the world and people around us who are looking for someone to reach out in love, hope and compassion. We need to decide what is most important in our lives as Christ followers. And we need to do this together. . . as one family. . . one body of Christ. We are called to love one another. We are called to “look into” the eyes of those in need and help fill that need. We are called to be the hands, feet and voice in the world. Our hearts must be broken not so much for us and our agenda but for what breaks His heart. . . for His agenda. . .

So here we are at the end of ourselves. We have been talking about many things and have pondered much. But one thing has remained the same through it all. . . there was one question that was asked and only we can answer that question. What are you going to do?

In the Mark scripture this morning the men that Jesus spoke to all had the same question posed to them. They were asked by Jesus to follow Him. . . to become fishers of men. And in every invitation, the answer was the same. . . YES. Yes, I will change my life. Yes, I will leave everything and follow you. Yes, I will trust You with all that I have and am. Yes, I know that You will supply all since You are asking me to leave my profession. Jesus is still asking you and me the same question. . . will you follow me? Are you willing to follow me right here. . . right now. . . ?

God is calling us right here. . . right now. . .  6 As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. 2 For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation”. (2 Corinthians 6:1-2) When we gave our lives to Christ it no longer was and is our own. We were bought at a very High price. . . God’s own Son. So, we who believe are not our own.  11 Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience. 12 We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart. 13 If we are “out of our mind,” as some say, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. 14 For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. (2 Corinthians 5:11-15)

We are called to be light for the world that lives in darkness. . . we are called to be the body of Christ. . . we are called to be fishers of men. Now I don’t do much fishing. . . OK I don’t fish. . . but when you go fishing do you go to places where everyone else goes or do you go to your “favorite fishing hole”? And what would you do if your fishing hole all the sudden had no fish? Would you go somewhere else if someone told you that there were more fish elsewhere? We need stop fishing the same fishing holes and go to where the One who created the fish tells us to go. We need to trust our guide that He knows where our special fishing hole is. . . each of us has a different place but we are all fishing the same type of fish.

We are fishing for soul. . .   not sole but soul fish. We may feel we have the perfect fishing spot but God may have other ponds for you and I to fish. We tend to keep using our own sonar to find the fish instead if God’s sonar to find them. . . funny thing is. . . our sonar may read there is no fish but we insist there is. . . we don’t want to leave the comfort of our surroundings. . . we know this private fishing spot and we gladly bring in this type of fish. . . we don’t want to risk reeling in a shark or something like that. . .  

Acts 17:24-28 tells us;
24 “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. 25 And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. 26 From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. 27 God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. 28 ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’

OK. . . so we are fishing in the same spots. . . we are staying in our comfort zone. . . we are living in our buildings. . . and we are missing something vital to our Christian walk. . .  God. . .  He doesn’t live in our buildings. . . but within all of His creation. That also means that He also lives in the “un-comfort zone” places. It means that as we seek God and His will we have to reach out to those who are part of the body in which we profess. . . the body of Christ. . . out of our comfort zones and into theirs. . .  We are all His offspring. . . some of us are the prodigals hoping someone from home will see their figure on the horizon and welcome them home.

So. . . questions posed earlier:
v Are you and I willing to live right here. . . right now? Speak from the Spirit
v Are we going to trust God with our lives? Speak from the Spirit
v Do we need to get rid of the water wings and walk on the waters of this world? Speak from the Spirit
v Are you will to use your gifts, your graces, your finances for the redemption of souls. . . bringing about change in the community around us and the world? Nothing belongs to us anyway. It is God who gave us the talents and the means. It is because of His great love that we have all that we have. We may be saving for a rainy day but there are people out there who are having a rainy day right now who could use our help.
v Are you willing to answer the call of Jesus as He uses you for His agenda? That’s a question that only you can answer. There is no doubt about it. God is calling us to a new thing. . . and it involves you and me. . . do you not perceive it. . .

OK. . . synopsis. . . As we open our hearts and our doors to those who are on the outside we become family. As we become family we can work together as the body of Christ. . . as a family of believers who reach out to those who are looking for someone to grab their hand to pull them out of the vortex they are in. As we come together the word Ohana becomes our battle cry because no one is left out or left behind. As we help others our focus is changed and we begin to think “we” instead of “me”. We begin to see a change happen within our communities when we begin to define. . . to specify what matters most.  As we look into the eyes of others and come up next to them and help them in their need, we will model what Jesus did for you and me. As we open our hands and our doors we begin to create a better world not only for ourselves but in our community. . . our surrounding communities. . . and the world. We need to work together as a church. . . as churches. . . as extended families. . . as the body of Christ. . . one body. . .  As we love a Jesus did our hearts and hands will be open to and for others. But we need to have our hearts broken from this world and all that it holds to be open to God’s vision and love of others.  We can start living right here. . . right now. . . out of our own little world into the vast possibilities of the Reign of God. We need to pledge our support. . . our presence, our energy and resources as we live for the right here right now in the world. Then and only then, we will become one as we do all of this in the name the One who is head and shoulders above the rest. . . who is the head of the church, our hearts and our minds. . . our Risen Lord Jesus Christ. . .  

We are the body of Christ. . . good bad or indifferent we need to get along. We need to be stepping out of our comfort zone and meet the other parts of the body where they are. . . by the way. . . we can’t be the true body of Christ without them. We all get to have choices in life? Are you going fishing or not. . . ? By the way. . . before you answer that question. . . and yes, it is between you and God. . . I want to leave you with 1 more piece of Scripture that is found in the Gospel of Matthew chapter 7 verses 21-23:

True and False Disciples
21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’

Food for thought. . .

AMEN

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

November 3, 2016
why don’t we speak up
November 3, 2016
we sit in judgement
November 2, 2016
we were bought at a high price
November 2, 2016
we live for him who died for us
November 2, 2016
will your follow me - 2
November 1, 2016
may we answer yes
November 1, 2016
they answered with their lives
November 1, 2016
their answer was yes
November 1, 2016
the answer was the same
November 1, 2016
will we ignore God
November 1, 2016
what are we going to do
November 1, 2016
are we willing
November 1, 2016
not on the sidelines
November 1, 2016
with our lives
October 31, 2016
to what is God calling you
edited/name change October 31, 2016
living in the right here and now
October 31, 2016
in the right here and now
October 31, 2016
serving our God
October 31, 2016
beginning right now
edited October 31, 2016
a message of engagement – v2
October 31, 2016
a message of engagement
October 31, 2016
Are we going to trust God
October 31, 2016
wherever He may call us
October 31, 2016
walking upon the waters
October 31, 2016
stepping out of our comfort
October 30, 2016
we want to be safe
October 30, 2016
it depends what it is
October 30, 2016
the world is evil
October 30, 2016
our seats are full
October 30, 2016
leaving our comfort
October 30, 2016
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
The Body of Christ. . . ?
“Start Living Right Now”
Psalm 148
Matthew 7:21-28
Mark 1:14-20
2 Corinthians 5:11-15
2 Corinthians 6:1-2
Acts 17:24-28
sermon, “Starting Right Here. . . Right Now. . .”
text:

video:
by Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“God’s Whisper” blog
and Children’s Message
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
October 30, 2016
&
October 30, 2016
why do we hate them
October 30, 2016
why are we not loving - 2
October 30, 2016
we are involved in the healing
October 30, 2016
involved in the hurt
October 30, 2016
we are all involved
October 30, 2016
when one part is honored
October 30, 2016
an unholy spirit
October 30, 2016
we all suffer
October 30, 2016
do they even know
October 30, 2016
crying in pain
October 30, 2016
raw emotion
October 30, 2016
I felt his pain
October 30, 2016
we are all broken - 2
October 30, 2016
if one part hurts
October 30, 2016
a missing part
October 30, 2016
an incomplete vision
October 30, 2016
an incomplete image
October 30, 2016
an incomplete puzzle
October 30, 2016
members of the body
October 29, 2016
we need each other - 2
October 29, 2016
adding parts
October 29, 2016
shattered and broken
October 29, 2016
we will die apart
October 29, 2016
gathered together
October 29, 2016
just shards and pieces
edited October 29, 2016
useless apart – v2
October 29, 2016
useless apart
October 29, 2016
we are one body
edited/new name October 28, 2016
whose we are - 4
October 28, 2016
whose they were
October 28, 2016
arguing theology
October 28, 2016
the church was fighting
October 28, 2016
the haze of the enemy
October 28, 2016
tainted by the world
October 28, 2016
He took on my sin
October 28, 2016
He died for my sin
October 28, 2016
we are to die for - 2
October 26, 2016
to become community
October 25, 2016
He called it good
October 25, 2016
grieving God – 2 – v2
October 25, 2016
why are we not sharing
October 25, 2016
why are we not caring
October 25, 2016
why are we not loving
October 25, 2016
why are we not healing
October 25, 2016
It grieves God’s heart
October 25, 2016
grieving God - 2
October 24, 2016
melt me, Spirit
October 24, 2016
break my heart, oh God
October 24, 2016
break me, Holy Spirit
October 24, 2016
defeat me, Lord Jesus
October 23, 2016
missing pieces of the body
October 23, 2016
Do we break God’s heart
October 23, 2016
Repeating the Message - 2
October 23, 2016
what breaks your heart
October 23, 2016
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
The Body of Christ. . . ?
“Break my heart / I want to touch lives”
Psalm 145
1 Corinthians 12:25-25 (The Message)
Romans 12:4-10 (The Message)
sermon, “What Do You Really Feel. . . ”
text:
video:
by Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“God’s Whisper” blog
and Children’s Message
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
October 23, 2016
&
October 23, 2016
pick up the towel - 2
October 23, 2016
we need to help them
October 23, 2016
knitted as a body
October 22, 2016
He is the Master
October 22, 2016
as one body - 2
October 22, 2016
we must be awake
October 22, 2016
come beside our neighbors
October 22, 2016
Follow God’s Plan
October 22, 2016
we have no say
October 22, 2016
look me in the eye - 2
October 22, 2016
will we see a change
edited October 22, 2016
not one of us is perfect – v2
edited October 22, 2016
how do we show love – v2
October 22, 2016
how do we show love
October 22, 2016
is it manifestly evident
October 22, 2016
do they know we love them
edited/ name change October 22, 2016
does our love
edited October 22, 2016
do you love – v2
October 22, 2016
do you love
edited October 22, 2016
dipped in the ink of poison – v3
edited October 21, 2016
dipped in the ink of poison – v2
edited October 21, 2016
we are to love – 2 – v2
edited October 21, 2016
we have been marked by the holy
October 21, 2016
we are to love - 2
October 21, 2016
we have been marked by death
October 21, 2016
we must not judge our neighbor
October 21, 2016
someone chose to love us
October 20, 2016
we must be the Good Samaritan, the Good Neighbor
edited October 20, 2016
for someone we were an other – v2
October 20, 2016
for someone we were an other
October 20, 2016
our words do not stay private
October 20, 2016
dipped in the ink of poison
edited October 20, 2016
our words cut deeply
October 20, 2016
our words cut
October 20, 2016
we are we to judge
October 20, 2016
not one of us is perfect
edited October 14, 2016
Christ commanded us to love – 2 – v2
October 14, 2016
Christ commanded us to love - 2
October 14, 2016
we must love everyone
October 13, 2016
Do you love Hillary, the Donald
October 13, 2016
we must love them
October 13, 2016
even when they do evil
edited October 13, 2016
they are our neighbors – v2
October 13, 2016
they are our neighbors
October 12, 2016
we fail to follow
October 12, 2016
we were made clean
October 12, 2016
Christ washed us
October 12, 2016
Christ was the servant
October 12, 2016
Christ lived out the commandment
October 12, 2016
we have forgotten Christ
edited October 11, 2016
love them like Christ – v2
October 11, 2016
love them like Christ
October 11, 2016
reach out in compassion
October 11, 2016
look into the eyes
October 11, 2016
God created our family
October 11, 2016
those who claim Jesus
edited October 11, 2016
we defy God – v2
edited October 10, 2016
stepping beyond ourselves – v2
October 10, 2016
we reject God’s beloved
October 10, 2016
we deny our family
October 10, 2016
we defy God
October 10, 2016
God defines love
October 10, 2016
we are to die for
October 10, 2016
we have cheapened love
October 10, 2016
you have answered correctly
October 10, 2016
follow his example - 2
edited October 10, 2016
we put on the servant – v2
October 10, 2016
we put on the servant
October 10, 2016
we are to offer love
October 10, 2016
we are to live out his example
October 10, 2016
the one who showed mercy
October 10, 2016
the greatest commandment
October 10, 2016
to do what I could not
October 10, 2016
because Christ did just that
October 10, 2016
Don’t walk by
October 10, 2016
stepping beyond ourselves
October 9, 2016
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
The Body of Christ. . . ?
“Love Them Like Jesus”
Psalm 67
Matthew 22:34-40
Luke 10:25-37
John 13:34-35
sermon, “Who Do You Love. . . ”
text:
video:
by Pastor Ruth Foss
and Children’s Message  - a tea-light candle in the Mystery Box
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
October 9, 2016
&
edited October 8, 2016
why Christ had to come – v3
edited October 8, 2016
why Christ had to come – v2
October 8, 2016
why Christ had to come
merged October 8, 2016
do we love like Christ loves
October 8, 2016
do we love like Jesus
October 8, 2016
do we love like the servant
October 8, 2016
do we love ourselves
October 7, 2016
help fill that need
October 7, 2016
enter their chaos
get involved do something
October 6, 2016
to see a need and just look away
October 6, 2016
How can we look away
October 6, 2016
into their chaos
October 6, 2016
into the mud
October 6, 2016
it gets too personal
October 6, 2016
it gets messy
edited October 6, 2016
it breaks my heart – v2
October 5, 2016
it breaks my heart
October 5, 2016
to see someone in pain, in anguish
October 5, 2016
to see loved ones hurting
October 5, 2016
hard to see
edited October 3, 2016
I can see it in your eyes – v2
October 3, 2016
speak to me
edited October 3, 2016
through their eyes – 3 – v2
cOctober 3, 2016
It is difficult to look into their eyes
October 3, 2016
I can see it in your eyes
October 2, 2016
Look them in the eye
October 2, 2016
through their eyes - 3
October 2, 2016
look me in the eye
October 2, 2016
may I set aside myself
inspired by Pastor Ruth’s prayer before delivering her sermon
(within the video below)
October 2, 2016
Thank you for this place
inspired by Pastor Ruth’s Opening Prayer
October 2, 2016
their eyes speaking to us
inspired by the bulletin cover image
and sermon title
October 2, 2016
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
The Body of Christ. . . ?
Eyes. . . Windows of the Soul
Psalm 100
John 13:1-9, 12-17
James 2:14-17
Matthew 25:34,40-41, 45
and message: “The Eyes Have It. . . ”
text:
video:
by Pastor Ruth Foss
and Children’s Message on the Prodigal Son,
based on a ring being in the Mystery Box
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
October 2, 2016
&
October 2, 2016
we must return
October 2, 2016
we must stand
October 2, 2016
Are we all the body of Christ
October 2, 2016
as he took up the cup
October 2, 2016
we set aside self
October 2, 2016
different parts of the same body
October 2, 2016
who do you want to follow
October 2, 2016
one in one purpose
October 1, 2016
what are we doing
October 1, 2016
God wants us to come – v2
edited October 1, 2016
God wants us to go – v2
edited October 1, 2016
come to the banquet – v2
September 30, 2016
come to the banquet
September 30, 2016
God wants us to go
September 30, 2016
God wants us to come
September 30, 2016
the table is set
September 30, 2016
accept the invitation
September 30, 2016
out in the street
edited September 29, 2016
God can use us in each season – v2
September 29, 2016
we are the servants
edited September 29, 2016
are they welcome at our table
edited September 29, 2016
are we offering them a place
September 29, 2016
offer them a place
September 29, 2016
extend the king’s welcome
September 29, 2016
invite others to the banquet
edited September 29, 2016
gather the others – v2
September 29, 2016
gather the others
September 29, 2016
inviting all
September 29, 2016
you’re picking sides
September 29, 2016
How God must grieve
September 29, 2016
keep aflame – v2
September 28, 2016
share joys
editing “share tears”
September 28, 2016
what really matters – v2
September 28, 2016
seek to do the will of God
edited September 28, 2016
seek to share the word – v2
September 28, 2016
seek to share the word
September 28, 2016
discover beauty
September 28, 2016
if you see your enemy hungry
September 28, 2016
keep burning
September 27, 2016
keep aflame
September 27, 2016
pray all the harder
September 27, 2016
make friends
September 27, 2016
share tears
September 27, 2016
God can use us in each season
September 27, 2016
come along beside them
edited September 27, 2016
Church is family – v3
September 27, 2016
imperfect love - 2
September 27, 2016
we need to stand together
Proverbs 27:17
September 26, 2016
run for dear life
September 26, 2016
don’t fake it
September 26, 2016
no one seems to care
September 26, 2016
we have our own set of rules
edited September 26, 2016
an earthly family – v2
September 26, 2016
the same truth
September 26, 2016
we are called to speak
September 26, 2016
It is about Jesus
September 26, 2016
that is the real truth
September 26, 2016
the Holy Spirit leads us - 2
September 26, 2016
in perfect love
September 26, 2016
as one family
September 26, 2016
we need to do this together
September 26, 2016
His definition of family
September 26, 2016
Do we question God
September 26, 2016
a broken family
September 26, 2016
an earthly family
September 25, 2016
a perfect family
September 25, 2016
how are we fulfilling our covenant
September 25, 2016
our sworn duty
September 25, 2016
we have made a divine oath
September 25, 2016
Are we working for the Kingdom
September 25, 2016
if we were not here
September 25, 2016
what difference did I make
September 25, 2016
how often have I been faithful
September 25, 2016
whose life have I changed
September 25, 2016
who have I brought to Christ
edited September 25, 2016
we acknowledge our differences
edited September 25, 2016
acknowledging our differences – v2
September 25, 2016
acknowledging our differences
September 25, 2016
cultivating a life in common
September 25, 2016
God can use us too
edited September 25, 2016
Church is family – v2
different name September 25, 2016
Church is family
September 25, 2016
an authentic family
September 25, 2016
with one common purpose
September 25, 2016
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Sermon Series:
“The Body of Christ. . . ?”
“Is There A Higher Purpose?”
Psalm 147:1-11
Isaiah 1:11-17 (The Message)
1 Corinthians 1:10-12 (The Message)
Luke 14:15-24 (The Message)
Romans 12:9-21 (The Message)
and message: “Is This All There Is. . . ?”
text:
video:
by Pastor Ruth Foss
and Children’s Message
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
September 25, 2016
&
September 24, 2016
what really matters
September 24, 2016
a collective vision
September 24, 2016
family loves
September 24, 2016
where they are
edited September 23, 2016
Satan stalks us
edited September 23, 2016
Evil stalks us – v2
edited September 23, 2016
Evil stalks us – v2
edited September 23, 2016
broken, shattered – v4
 (editing version 2)
September 23, 2016
evil stalks us
September 23, 2016
we are not perfect
September 23, 2016
we must be transparent
September 23, 2016
no secrets
edited September 23, 2016
we are called to another way – v2
September 22, 2016
we are called to another way
edited September 22, 2016
feeling God at work – v2
edited September 22, 2016
in community with one another – v3
edited September 22, 2016
in community with one another – v2
September 22, 2016
in community with one another
September 21, 2016
less I statements
edited September 21, 2016
broken, shattered – v3
September 21, 2016
seeing ourselves - 2
September 21, 2016
welcoming the others
September 21, 2016
as the body of Christ
edited September 21, 2016
we are stronger together – v2
edited September 20, 2016
gathering the broken people
September 20, 2016
gathering the broken pieces
September 20, 2016
gathering the other threads
September 20, 2016
we are stronger together
edited September 20, 2016
broken, shattered – v2
September 20, 2016
we are called, we are summoned
September 20, 2016
broken, shattered
September 20, 2016
serving others
September 20, 2016
loving others
September 20, 2016
helping one another
September 20, 2016
a way of living
September 20, 2016
in bondage
September 20, 2016
aching, hurting
September 20, 2016
clothed in righteousness
September 19, 2016
clothed in love - 4
September 19, 2016
robed in Christ
September 19, 2016
she was all alone
edited September 19, 2016
I was crying in the back pew – v3
edited September 19, 2016
I was crying in the back pew – v2
September 19, 2016
I was crying in the back pew
edited September 19, 2016
you welcomed me in – v2
September 19, 2016
you welcomed me in
September 19, 2016
I was a stranger
edited September 19, 2016
parched souls – v2
September 19, 2016
parched souls
September 19, 2016
living water - 2
September 19, 2016
feed their spirits
September 19, 2016
hungry for Jesus - 2
September 18, 2016
welcome them in – 2
September 18, 2016
anew each day
September 18, 2016
lead them to grace
September 18, 2016
as much as we are
September 18, 2016
defining what He has created
September 18, 2016
God defines family
September 18, 2016
we leave people out
September 18, 2016
perfect love
September 18, 2016
family, the body
September 18, 2016
clay in His hand
September 18, 2016
feeling God at work
September 18, 2016
A right relationship with God
September 18, 2016
deep in love with God
September 18, 2016
love, unconditional love
September 18, 2016
the chink in our armor
September 18, 2016
we love them, we hate them
September 18, 2016
we need them
September 18, 2016
welcome the family
edited September 18, 2016
each act of kindness – v2
September 18, 2016
each act of kindness
September 18, 2016
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Sermon Series:
“The Body of Christ. . . ?”
“What really matters?”
Psalm 150
Matthew 25:34-46
bulletin cover
message: “What Is Most Important. . . ?”
text:
video:
by Pastor Ruth Foss
and Children’s Message
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
September 18, 2016
&
forgive us, Lord
September 18, 2016
family – haiku - 2
September 18, 2016
family – haiku
September 18, 2016
will I go and do likewise
edited September 18, 2016
will I extend grace – v2
edited September 18, 2016
do I see Jesus
edited September 18, 2016
do we see Jesus – 3
September 18, 2016
do you see Jesus
September 18, 2016
will I extend grace
September 18, 2016
stick closer together
September 18, 2016
family - 2
edited September 18, 2016
open our hearts – 2 – v2
September 18, 2016
open our hearts - 2
September 18, 2016
open our minds - 2
September 18, 2016
open our doors - 2
September 18, 2016
we hurt our sisters
September 18, 2016
the church is wrong
September 18, 2016
we leave the family
September 18, 2016
we have been asleep
September 18, 2016
we must awake from our slumber
September 18, 2016
grab their hand
September 18, 2016
as we wake up
September 18, 2016
Are you awake
September 18, 2016
if we go numb
September 18, 2016
we miss God’s blessings
edited September 17, 2016
it can’t be fake – v2
edited September 16, 2016
alive again – v2
edited September 16, 2016
in our lives – 2 – v2
edited September 16, 2016
as the body - v2
edited September 16, 2016
we need that joy – v2
edited September 16, 2016
there is hope in that light – v2
edited September 16, 2016
be the light of Jesus – v2
September 16, 2016
alive again
September 16, 2016
it can’t be fake
September 16, 2016
in our lives – 2
September 16, 2016
as the body
September 15, 2016
we need that joy
September 15, 2016
there is hope in that light
edited September 15, 2016
shine the light of Jesus – v2
edited September 15, 2016
be the light of Jesus
September 15, 2016
shine the light of Jesus
edited September 15, 2016
we must stay connected
September 15, 2016
stay connected
September 15, 2016
we must draw together
edited September 15, 2016
I pray for the light – v2
September 15, 2016
I pray for the light
September 12, 2016
outside our walls
September 12, 2016
to change the tide
September 12, 2016
family means
September 12, 2016
like family
September 12, 2016
within our family
September 12, 2016
Yes, I am asleep
September 12, 2016
to be Christ-like
September 12, 2016
sleeping
edited September 12, 2016
we have forgotten family – v2
September 11, 2016
we have forgotten family
September 11, 2016
with God’s help
September 11, 2016
Are you asleep
September 11, 2016
we need to wake up
September 11, 2016
did he miss the message
September 11, 2016
we are all broken
September 11, 2016
expand
September 11, 2016
asleep during the sermon
September 11, 2016
waking up
September 11, 2016
no one is left behind
September 11, 2016
we leave out people
September 11, 2016
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Sermon Series:
“The Body of Christ. . . ?”
Wake Up!
Galatians 6:1-5
Acts 20:7-12
Eutychus
message: “Hey, Are You Asleep. . . ?”
text:
video:
by Pastor Ruth Foss
and Children’s Message
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
September 11, 2016
&
and 15th anniversary of the attack of September 11, 2001
&
September 10, 2016
a gathering together
September 10, 2016
a Godly community
Pastor Ruth Foss
weblog - “A Pastor’s Meditations”
“What is worship?”
September 10, 2016
&
September 10, 2016
we must be the body of Christ
edited September 10, 2016
Are we the body of Christ – v3
September 10, 2016
changing the picture
September 10, 2016
pulling at the threads
September 10, 2016
grieving God’s Spirit
September 10, 2016
denying the welcome of God
September 10, 2016
we don’t define family
September 10, 2016
as the family of Christ
edited/new name September 10, 2016
we must close our eyes
September 10, 2016
draw wide the circle
September 10, 2016
Do I see the face of Jesus
September 10, 2016
close our eyes
September 10, 2016
draw the circle wider
September 10, 2016
love the family of believers
September 10, 2016
stand firm in the faith
September 10, 2016
what would we have to do
September 10, 2016
Resist Satan
September 10, 2016
do good to all people
September 10, 2016
connected - 2
September 9, 2016
we come to worship
edited September 9, 2016
surrender to Jesus – v3
edited September 9, 2016
Are we the body of Christ – v2
edited September 9, 2016
those who game the system – v2
edited September 9, 2016
Do we lack a vision – v2
edited September 8, 2016
bring bandages – v2
edited September 8, 2016
family – v2
edited September 8, 2016
family – v2
September 8, 2016
family
September 8, 2016
bring bandages
edited September 5, 2016
needing the Savior – v2
edited September 5, 2016
do we know our siblings – v3
edited September 5, 2016
do we know our siblings – v2
September 5, 2016
do we know our siblings
edited September 5, 2016
If Jesus was here with us – v3
September 5, 2016
we have distorted the image
September 5, 2016
what would it look like
September 5, 2016
powerful questions
September 5, 2016
if we are the body
September 5, 2016
Are we the body of Christ
September 5, 2016
Are we the family of God
September 5, 2016
what family is
September 5, 2016
Are we family
September 4, 2016
I lay down my life – 3
edited September 5, 2016
we are blood, we are family – v2
edited September 5, 2016
the meaning of family – v2
September 5, 2016
those on his right
September 4, 2016
we are blood, we are family
September 4, 2016
the meaning of family
September 4, 2016
Yes, we are
September 4, 2016
empty seats
September 4, 2016
ache in the tearing
September 4, 2016
brothers and sisters - 2
September 4, 2016
We Are Family
September 4, 2016
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Sermon Series:
“The Body of Christ. . . ?”
Family
Psalm 150
Matthew 25:34-46
Galatians 6:10
1 Peter 2:17
1 Peter 5:9
message: “We Are Family. . . ”
(in the printed bulletin as, “We Are Family. . . ?”)
video:
text:
by Pastor Ruth Foss
and Children’s Message
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
September 4, 2016

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 42,170+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Christ, Faith, love, grace, God, hope, UMC, pray, Spirit, Pastor Ruth Foss, Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church, family, community, Luke 14, Romans 12, John 13, Luke 10, Matthew 22, 1 Corinthians 12,

#Christ #God #Spirit #love #grace #pray #family #community #John13 #Luke10 #Matthew22 #1Corinthian12 #sacrifice

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