Monday, January 02, 2017

sermon, "Let's Do This...!", by Pastor Ruth Foss, Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church, Patten. ME, January 1, 2017, New Year's Day, Epiphany of the Lord Sunday



January 1, 2017
Stetson Memorial UMC
New Year’s Day
Sermon Series:
 “Becoming You…”
Adapted from Marcia McPhee’
“Who Are You?” Sermon Series
Psalm 8 NKJV
Revelation 21:1-6 CEB
Ephesians 3:1-12 CEB
Matthew 2:9-10 NIV
“Let’s Do This…”

Prayer that God’s Word is heard through me or in-spite of me…

Good morning. Have you ever been so psyched to do something that you are all pumped up? You are so excited that you can’t even sleep. It is something that you have wanted to do or so long and now you have your opportunity to do so. I love the Home Depot commercials where people are going to Home Depot and getting the stuff they need to complete a project around the home. The phrase that catches my attention is when they say “Let’s do this.” I think that this year this will be my “mantra” … Let’s Do This!

Happy New Year! I pray that all of you had an awe-inspired Christmas and that you would have a God breathed New Year. It is nice though, having the holiday’s behind us. I can have a chance to slow down a little and breath in…well at least for the next 9 weeks before Lent begins.

Back to the let’s do this statement. In the Christian calendar, today is Epiphany Sunday. The day we celebrate the Magi coming to visit Jesus… I wonder how they must have felt? They were so excited to see His star and they traveled from a faraway distant land. They finally were able see the new born king that was foretold by the prophets. Listen to what Matthew 2:9-10 says about their emotions upon finding Jesus.
“After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.”
Their “Let’s Do This” brought them to a place of awe and wonder…they followed God’s star and discovered and unimagined joy.

Each time we enter into a new year I always think of Revelation 21:1-6. It reminds me of God’s promise and gives me hope of “Maybe this year.” It reads:
New heaven and new earth
21 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 I saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 I heard a loud voice from the throne say, “Look! God’s dwelling is here with humankind. He will dwell with them, and they will be his peoples. God himself will be with them as their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more. There will be no mourning, crying, or pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” 5 Then the one seated on the throne said, “Look! I’m making all things new.” He also said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” 6 Then he said to me, “All is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will freely give water from the life-giving spring.

This piece of scripture makes we want to do something in the here and now… This piece of scripture makes me say “let’s do this”…Let’s make a difference in other’s lives…Let’s help those who are mourning, in pain, crying… Let’s bring them to God’s dwelling place so that god may dwell with them too.

Now you may say to yourself…well that’s all fine and good for you Pastor Ruth but I am not so sure this “Let’s do this” mantra is going to work for me…I’m just not cut out to “do it.” You know what…neither was I. But the grace of God came upon me and I stand here before you now because of it. But you still may not be convinced of the whole “Let’s do this thing” … Ok…let’s hear a word from Paul that kind of tells us that we all really do need to “Do This”… now as I read this scripture I want you to insert your name when I say Paul … I am reading Ephesians 3:1-12…
Paul, apostle to the Gentiles
3 This is why I, Paul, am a prisoner of Christ for you Gentiles.
2 You’ve heard, of course, about the responsibility to distribute God’s grace, which God gave to me for you, right? 3 God showed me his secret plan in a revelation, as I mentioned briefly before (4 when you read this, you’ll understand my insight into the secret plan about Christ). 5 Earlier generations didn’t know this hidden plan that God has now revealed to his holy apostles and prophets through the Spirit. 6 This plan is that the Gentiles would be coheirs and parts of the same body, and that they would share with the Jews in the promises of God in Christ Jesus through the gospel. 7 I became a servant of the gospel because of the grace that God showed me through the exercise of his power.

8 God gave his grace to me, the least of all God’s people, to preach the good news about the immeasurable riches of Christ to the Gentiles. 9 God sent me to reveal the secret plan that had been hidden since the beginning of time by God, who created everything. 10 God’s purpose is now to show the rulers and powers in the heavens the many different varieties of his wisdom through the church. 11 This was consistent with the plan he had from the beginning of time that he accomplished through Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 In Christ we have bold and confident access to God through faith in him.”

“about the responsibility to distribute God’s grace, which God gave to me for you” We have a responsibility to distribute God’s grace…to share our stories of faith. We are given grace to share grace…

“This plan is that the Gentiles would be coheirs and parts of the same body, and that they would share with the Jews in the promises of God in Christ Jesus through the gospel” We are to share the fact that within God’s plan, through Jesus, we too have the same promises of old…

“God gave his grace to me, the least of all God’s people, to preach the good news about the immeasurable riches of Christ to the Gentiles. 9 God sent me to reveal the secret plan that had been hidden since the beginning of time by God, who created everything” We are to be the ambassadors of God to the world…from our homeland which is not of this world… We are to share the Good News…

This all can be very hard when we may not know who we are in Christ Jesus. Who are we really…how does God equip us…what are we supposed to do…? I propose this for us. Let’s look at who we are. Let’s take a deep journey into these questions and more. Let’s see what transformation happens as we become who God says we are and not who the world thinks we are. 

In 2017 let’s do this…let’s have “More saving. More doing.” …as home depot states. This journey begins with its first steps today. Are you willing to become you? Well then “Let’s Do This” together. Let’s do this for the One who is the Messiah…the Savior…the child in a manger…our Risen Lord, Jesus Christ.

Amen
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January 21, 2017
the One who teaches us
January 21, 2017
the One who guides us
January 21, 2017
the One who takes away our sin
January 21, 2017
the One who redeemed us
January 21, 2017
God continues to call us
January 21, 2017
God molds us into the name
January 21, 2017
The one who knows our name
January 21, 2017
God molds us into the image
January 21, 2017
we bear the name of Christ
January 21, 2017
children of the Most High God
January 21, 2017
healing our broken vessels
edited January 21, 2017
We are the clay of the Potter – v2
edited January 20, 2017
Claimed by the Creator – v2
edited January 20, 2017
this is the God who named us – v2
January 20, 2017
this is the God who named us
edited January 20, 2017
do we know our name – v2
edited January 20, 2017
Rabbi, Messiah, and Lamb – v3
edited January 19, 2017
our identity in Christ - v2
January 19, 2017
the God who gave us life
January 19, 2017
We are clay of the Potter
(starting with second stanza of “God is the one who formed you”)
January 19, 2017
God is the one who formed you
January 19, 2017
we were only dust
January 19, 2017
you give us the breath of life
January 19, 2017
we are all formed by your hand
January 19, 2017
Claimed by the Creator
edited January 19, 2017
You are mine – v2
January 19, 2017
the Lord your God
January 19, 2017
we are the clay - 2
January 19, 2017
this is the potter
January 19, 2017
the Creator of the universe
January 19, 2017
we too are beloved – v2
January 18, 2017
I have called you by name
January 18, 2017
You are mine
January 18, 2017
I have redeemed you
edited January 18, 2017
Rabbi, Messiah, and Lamb – v2
January 18, 2017
Rabbi, Messiah, and Lamb
edited January 18, 2017
Rabbi, teacher – v2
edited January 18, 2017
many pieces, one body of Christ
edited January 18, 2017
I follow Christ – v2
January 18, 2017
I follow Christ
January 18, 2017
John spoke his name
January 18, 2017
Jesus was the Lamb
January 18, 2017
do we know our name
January 18, 2017
Christ taught us about God
January 18, 2017
we are taught by his life
January 18, 2017
we are still being  taught
January 17, 2017
Rabbi, teacher
January 16, 2017
Jesus wore that name to the cross
January 16, 2017
shattered pieces of the body of Christ
January 16, 2017
Claiming other masters
January 16, 2017
we have gone to the river
January 16, 2017
we are God’s beloved - 2
January 16, 2017
not who the world thinks we are
January 16, 2017
may we become who God says we are
January 16, 2017
to become who God wants me to be
January 16, 2017
we have found the Messiah - 2
January 16, 2017
we have found the Christ
January 16, 2017
named by God
January 16, 2017
labeled by the world
January 16, 2017
I want there to be more
edited January 16, 2017
a Follower of Christ – v2
January 16, 2017
a Follower of Christ
January 16, 2017
He is the One
January 15, 2017
rejecting their labels
January 15, 2017
names we long to hear
January 15, 2017
the names we hear whispered
January 15, 2017
the names we call ourselves
January 15, 2017
peeling away the veneer
January 15, 2017
following the Messiah
January 15, 2017
leaving the prophet
January 14, 2017
leaving John at the Jordan
January 14, 2017
bringing Peter to Christ
January 14, 2017
chasing after the Christ
on Andrew, brother of Peter
edited January 14, 2017
fire fell upon the Christ – v3
(editing version 2)
edited January 14, 2017
through the waters, through the fire – v2
January 9, 2017
through the waters, through the fire
edited January 14, 2017
we are blessed – 3 – v2
January 14, 2017
we are blessed - 3
January 14, 2017
who are you
January 14, 2017
Do we know who we are
January 14, 2017
You are the Beloved of God
January 15, 2017
Stetson Memorial UMC
Sermon Series:
 “Becoming You…”
“Named”
Adapted from Marcia McPhee’
“Who Are You?” Sermon Series
Psalm 40:1-7 (TLB)
Isaiah 43:1-3 (NIV Bible)
John 1:29-32 (NLT)
John 1:37-41 (NLT)
1 Corinthians 1:11-12 (NIV Bible)
Isaiah 64:8 (NLT)
and sermon, “Who Do You Say You Are…?”
text

video
by Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
Children’s Message – mystery box
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
January 15, 2017
&
edited January 13, 2017
Fire fell upon the Christ – v2
edited January 13, 2017
Fire fell upon Him – v2
edited January 13, 2017
Fire fell upon the Christ
January 13, 2017
fire fell upon him
edited January 12, 2017
life-giving fire – v3
(editing version 2)
edited January 12, 2017
a moment in history – v2
edited January 12, 2017
a moment in history
January 12, 2017
a moment in history
edited/new January 12, 2017
in the water we die
January 12, 2017
into the waters we fall
edited January 12, 2017
through water, through fire – v2
edited January 12, 2017
droplets of your mercy – v2
edited January 11, 2017
this is the promise – v2
edited January 11, 2017
unconditional love – v2
edited January 11, 2017
you have been sealed with power – v2
edited January 11, 2017
breaking open our lives  - v3
(editing version 2)
edited January 11, 2017
our jars of alabaster – v2
edited January 11, 2017
scattering our gifts – v2
January 10, 2017
you have been sealed with grace
January 10, 2017
you have been sealed with power
January 9, 2017
you have been sealed – v2
January 9, 2017
through water we are redeemed – v2
January 9, 2017
Remember your baptism – v4
(editing version 3)
edited January 9, 2017
through water, through fire
January 9, 2017
through the waters, through the fire
January 9, 2017
life-changing baptism
January 9, 2017
WE ARE BELOVED - 2
January 9, 2017
through his name
January 9, 2017
this is the promise
January 9, 2017
we too are beloved
January 9, 2017
the delight of my life
January 9, 2017
marked by my love - 2
January 9, 2017
accepted, flaws and all
January 9, 2017
love is conditional
January 9, 2017
Cherished, favored, and loved
January 8, 2017
unconditional love
January 8, 2017
the flame within us
January 8, 2017
to complete the new creation - 2
January 8, 2017
in our baptism of water – 2
&
================
February 6, 2016
let these waters remind us
February 6, 2016
Come, refresh us
February 6, 2016
droplets of your mercy
February 6, 2016
you have been sealed
February 6, 2016
your healing waters flow
February 6, 2016
through water we are redeemed
edited February 6, 2016
Remember your baptism – v3
(editing version 2)
edited February 5, 2016
Remember your baptism – v2
February 5, 2016
Remember your baptism
February 5, 2016
Fire and Water work together - 2
edited February 4, 2016
the Spirit and Water – v4
(merging edits to version 2 and version 3)
February 3, 2016
Fire is added - 2
February 3, 2016
out of the waters - 2
edited February 3, 2016
God created – 2 – v2
February 3, 2016
God created - 2
February 2, 2016
the earth was birthed - 2
February 2, 2016
God, through Christ
February 2, 2016
God created light - 2
February 2, 2016
the flames within us
February 2, 2016
in our baptism of water
January 20, 2016
fire and water work together
January 17, 2016
never before
January 17, 2016
understanding
January 17, 2016
all of a sudden
January 17, 2016
unveiling our eyes
edited January 14, 2016
The Spirit and Water – v3
(editing original)
edited January 11, 2016
The Spirit and Water – v2
January 10, 2016
The Spirit and Water
Baptism of the Lord Sunday
Psalm 29
Acts 8:14-17
and sermon, “Fire and Water ”
text:
video:
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Children’s Message from Mystery Box
by Pastor Ruth Foss
praise song  - “Hear Our Praises”
praise song – “You Deserve the Glory”
praise songs - "We Will Dance", "Blessed Assurance", and "Glory and Honor", all together
offertory – “Your Love Oh Lord”
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
January 10, 2016
======================
&
January 8, 2017
My Chosen One
January 8, 2017
remembering my baptism
January 8, 2017
Water and Fire
edited January 8, 2017
life-giving fire – v2
January 8, 2017
life-giving fire
January 8, 2017
Spirit of fire – v2
January 8, 2017
Spirit of fire
January 8, 2017
You are God’s Beloved
January 8, 2017
temples of fire
January 8, 2017
Fire added
January 8, 2017
the life you birthed in us
January 8, 2017
This was God’s Servant
January 8, 2017
coming to the Jordan
January 8, 2017
I can’t baptize you
edited January 8, 2017
Cherished of God – v2
January 7, 2017
Cherished of God
January 7, 2017
His cousin standing before him
January 7, 2017
Baptizing  Christ
January 7, 2017
Baptizing Jesus
January 7, 2017
taking God into his arms
January 7, 2017
Cherished and Beloved
January 7, 2017
more than a prophet
January 8, 2017
Stetson Memorial UMC
Baptism of the Lord Sunday
Sermon Series:
 “Becoming You…”
Adapted from Marcia McPhee’
“Who Are You?” Sermon Series
Isaiah 42:1-9
Matthew 3:13-17
Acts 10:34-43
and sermon, “Cherished, Favored, and Loved…”
text
video
by Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
Children’s Message – mystery box
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
January 8, 2017
Baptism of the Lord Sunday
&
January 7, 2017
prisoners of Christ – v2
January 7, 2017
being vessels, servants
January 7, 2017
prisoners of Christ
edited January 7, 2017
offering our witness – 2 – v2
January 7, 2017
offering our witness - 2
edited January 7, 2017
like seeds of the Sower – v2
January 7, 2017
within the alabaster
January 7, 2017
like jars of alabaster
January 7, 2017
our jars of alabaster
January 7, 2017
scattering our gifts
January 7, 2017
showering our gifts
edited January 7, 2017
breaking open our lives – v2
January 7, 2017
breaking open our lives
January 7, 2017
breaking open the bottles
January 7, 2017
laying our gifts at Christ’s feet
January 6, 2017
like seeds of the Sower
Epiphany Day / Three Kings Day
January 6, 2017
like gifts of the Magi
Epiphany Day / Three Kings Day
January 6, 2017
we share our stories of faith
edited January 6, 2017
Ignore the world – v2
edited January 6, 2017
becoming who God says we are – v2
Epiphany Day / Three Kings Day
edited January 6, 2017
treasure we carry – v3
Epiphany Day / Three Kings Day
edited January 6, 2017
treasure we carry – v2
January 6, 2017
treasure we carry
Epiphany Day / Three Kings Day
January 6, 2017
redistribute grace
January 6, 2017
grace is entrusted to us
January 6, 2017
we hold grace
edited January 6, 2017
who are we really – 2 – v2
January 5, 2017
a new revelation
January 5, 2017
becoming who God says we are
January 5, 2017
our identity in Christ
January 5, 2017
Do we know
January 5, 2017
Ignore the world
January 5, 2017
who are we really – 2
January 4, 2017
a journey to discover
edited January 4, 2017
who are we really – v2
January 4, 2017
who are we really
January 4, 2017
who we are in Christ
edited January 3, 2017
yoked to one another – v2
January 3, 2017
yoked to one another
edited January 3, 2017
Doing more together – v2
January 3, 2017
Doing more together
January 3, 2017
Too much for us to carry
January 3, 2017
Let’s Do This Together – v2
January 3, 2017
Let’s Do This Together
January 3, 2017
We are commissioned
January 3, 2017
God will dwell with us
January 2, 2017
Their Reward
January 2, 2017
we celebrate the Magi
January 2, 2017
Doing more
January 2, 2017
Saving more
January 2, 2017
Grace is given - 3
January 2, 2017
Let’s bring them
January 2, 2017
maybe this year
January 1, 2017
Let’s share the message
January 1, 2017
we can do this together
January 1, 2017
not sitting silent, doing
January 1, 2017
Stetson Memorial UMC
Epiphany of the Lord Sunday
New Year’s Day
Sermon Series:
 “Becoming You…”
Adapted from Marcia McPhee’
“Who Are You?” Sermon Series
Psalm 8 NKJV
Revelation 21:1-6 CEB
Ephesians 3:1-12 CEB
Matthew 2:9-10 NIV
and sermon, “Let’s Do This…!”
text
video
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Children’s Message – tissue in mystery box
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
January 1, 2017
Epiphany of the Lord Sunday
New Years Day

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, and 2017. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 42,950 of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Christ, God, Spirit, grace, love, faith, Pastor Ruth Foss, Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church, journey, cherished, beloved, Isaiah 43, Psalm 40, John 1, 1 Corinthians 1, favored, baptism,

#Christ #God #Spirit #grace #love #journey #cherished #beloved #Isaiah43 #Psalm40 #John1 #1Corinthians1

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Christ, God, Spirit, grace, love, faith, Pastor Ruth Foss, Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church, journey, Isaiah 42, Matthew 3, Acts 10, cherished, favored, loved, baptism of the Lord, baptism,

#Christ #God #Spirit #grace #love #baptism #journey #Isaiah42 #Matthew3 #Acts10 #cherished #favored #loved #BaptismoftheLord

Christ, God, Spirit, grace, love, Pastor Ruth Foss, Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church, Advent, Christmas, hope, peace, sacred, joy, Ephesians  3, Revelations 21, Psalm 8, Epiphany, Magi, journey,

#Christ #God #Spirit #grace #love #hope #Advent #Christmas #peace #sacred #joy #Epiphany #Ephesians3

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