Friday, February 17, 2017

sermon, Relational Living, by Pastor Ruth Foss, Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church, Febraury 12, 2017h



February 12, 2017
Stetson Memorial UMC
Sermon Series:
 “Becoming You. . . ”
“Relational/Right Relationships”
Adapted from Marcia McPhee’
“Who Are You?” Sermon Series
Psalm 119:1-10
Matthew 18:15-17
Ecclesiastes 5:9-12 MSG
Matthew 5:22-24 MSG
“Who are you” by The Who

“Relational Living. . . ”

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

Please stand for the reading of the Gospel St. Matthew, chapter 18, verses 15 through 17. Listen to the Word of God, His Love Letter to His beloved, you and I. . . Read Matthew from the Message Bible.
“Who are you” theme song. . .

Who here like to be all alone? Who just can’t stand be around others so much that they would rather be on an island by themselves? Ok...there are some days that this sounds like a truly happy life. . . but how long would we really be able to live without social media. . . even if we want to be alone. . .  It can be hard to have a relationship with others who are just as broken as we are. . . that whole brokenness gets in the way...

What was God thinking anyway? Expecting us to be all relational and stuff with each other. . . never mind being relational with Him outside of these four walls and time we share with Him while we are here. Shocking. . . ! Beloved. . . one point to think about is this. . .  God doesn’t need us. . . but wants us to be in relationship so much with Him. . . He gave His one and only begotten Son to die for us so that He can. . . 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. (John 15:13 NIV)

We have been talking about how God’s promises and truths, can be very hard to understand if we don’t realize who we are in Christ Jesus. Who are we really. . . how does God equip us. . . what are we supposed to do. . . ? We have begun to look at who we are in Christ. . . we have begun a deep journey into these questions and more. I continue to truly believe that we all want to become the “you” God wants us to be. Let’s see what transformation happens as we become who God says we are and not who the world thinks we are. 

On our journey, we have discovered one fact. . . you and I are God’s beloved. You and I are cherished, favored, and loved by God. Even in this world of rejection and exclusiveness, there is One who never reject us. . . flaws and all. . . no matter how far we may fall. We have gone to the river with Jesus and remembered our baptism and the promise found there. We are striving to live that life of acceptance and grace so that we can extend that same grace to others.

We talked about the different names that we go by, how we are identified.
We are the beloved of God. . . if we choose to accept and believe. . .  We also are honored by bearing Jesus Christ’s name when we call ourselves “Christ”ians. . . what a thought that is. . .  God has called us to an extraordinary purpose that only you or I can fulfill. As we find our niche. . . we become an example for those who are looking for a better way. . .  

We know that when we act with nobility. . . with integrity we honor God and embody the life we are called to live. . . one of trustworthiness and honesty. We need to be that type of Christian as we try to have relational living with those around us. . . living out and in the family of God. But why is it that when it comes to relating to and caring for our fellow man, we can tend to come up a little short? Why do we get lonely when we try to live our lives on our own? What does God say about living in communion. . . relationally. . . with those whom He also created? 17 Friends love through all kinds of weather, and families stick together in all kinds of trouble. (Proverbs 17:17 MSG)

From the beginning of time. . . all the way back to the Garden of Eden. . . we were created to be in relation with one another. . . It is not good for man to be alone. Let us create a helper him. . . and with God. . . The God came and walked in the garden in the cool of the evening...Unfortunately because of humankinds fall from grace, selfishness, greed and jealousy. . . just to name a few. . . came into play. We were created for relational living with our fellow creatures and with God.

The scripture from Matthew 18 this morning, speaks about how we are to act towards one another with our community of faith. I think it works for those who are not of the faith. . . it just may bring them to the redemption and faith in Jesus Christ. We are to act in love. . . even if the other person doesn’t. . . even if they won’t admit they are wrong. We are to still offer God’s love and mercy. There have been many church’s. . . too many church’s. . . that have closed their doors because they reuse to show God’s love. There have been those who have just died because they choose not to show God’s love to those within their own body and others who are not of that body. . . who are in need of a Savior. . . decide that they don’t need Christ because they treat others better than those who are His ambassadors. . .  We were created for relational living with our fellow creatures and with God.

It is hard to always offer God’s love to others. . . especially if they are not like we are. . . especially if they have acted in not so Christ-like ways towards us. It is hard to offer God’s love to someone who may think they don’t need it in their lives. But what will become of this world if we. . . if you and I. . . decide that we just won’t live with our brothers and sisters. . . decide that we have offered God’s love one too many times and now we are done? Start over from scratch, confront him with the need for repentance, and offer again God’s forgiving love.

Matthew 5:22-24 states:
I’m telling you that anyone who is so much as angry with a brother or sister is guilty of murder. Carelessly call a brother ‘idiot!’ and you just might find yourself hauled into court. Thoughtlessly yell ‘stupid!’ at a sister and you are on the brink of hellfire. The simple moral fact is that words kill.
23-24 “This is how I want you to conduct yourself in these matters. If you enter your place of worship and, about to make an offering, you suddenly remember a grudge a friend has against you, abandon your offering, leave immediately, go to this friend and make things right. Then and only then, come back and work things out with God. (MSG Bible)

It doesn’t say to just pretend that there is no issue. It doesn’t say to hold a grudge. It doesn’t even say if you are right you don’t have to do anything. It does say to go and fix the relationship. There is nothing more difficult than worshipping with someone you are angry with. You can’t concentrate and give God your attention. All that is going through your mind is the issue between you and your brother or sister. We were created for relational living with our fellow creatures and with God.

The example we are to copy is that of Jesus. When Jesus knew His time was growing near, He had this conversation with His Disciples. The conversation is found in John’s Gospel in the 15th Chapter verses 11-15:

11-15 “I’ve told you these things for a purpose: that my joy might be your joy, and your joy wholly mature. This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you. This is the very best way to love. Put your life on the line for your friends. You are my friends when you do the things I command you. I’m no longer calling you servants because servants don’t understand what their master is thinking and planning. No, I’ve named you friends because I’ve let you in on everything I’ve heard from the Father.

Love one another as “I” have loved you. . . no longer servants but His friends. Beloved Jesus calls us friend. Now He died for us but still calls us friends. . . we have sinned and sinned again but He still calls us friends. . . how can we not forgive those who offend us in such minute ways? How can we not give them grace. . . show God’s love He has shown to us? Jesus wanted, and still wants, not a servant master relationship but a friend relationship.

I believe that the most visual imagery of how we should be with one another is found in Ecclesiastes 5:9-12. Speak from the Spirit about the rope. . .  Listen to how it describes relational living. I believe that this is what God intended all along. I love how the Message Bible Translation puts it:

9-10 It’s better to have a partner than go it alone.
Share the work, share the wealth.
And if one falls down, the other helps,
But if there’s no one to help, tough!
11 Two in a bed warm each other.
Alone, you shiver all night.
12 By yourself you’re unprotected.
With a friend you can face the worst.
Can you round up a third?
A three-stranded rope isn’t easily snapped.

Three-fold relationship. . . You, others, and God. That is something that will never be able to be broken. With God within the mi we truly can live that relational life He intended us to have. . .

Who are you? Are you and I living a relational or a “Lone Ranger” type of life? Are you and I loving other not as we love ourselves but how Jesus loved and still loves us. . . ? Are you and I offering the hand of grace or the backhand of the word? We are called to be the mirror image of our Risen Lord, Jesus Christ. How are we doing with that? Are you and I acting in ways that honor God or ourselves? Who are you and I this relational way of living, worldly or godly? Are we stuck living in a me un-relationality or is there so much more than that as we model the imagery of relationally living our three-fold life?

“Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25 MSG)

Amen

====================
February 16, 2017
we are to offer God’s mercy
February 16, 2017
we are to act in love
February 16, 2017
families stick together
February 16, 2017
friends love
February 16, 2017
hold fast together
Proverbs 17:17
February 16, 2017
put your life on the line
John 15:11-15
February 16, 2017
don’t let it fester
February 16, 2017
go and tell them
Matthew 18:15-17
February 16, 2017
abandon your offering
Matthew 5:21-22
edited/new name February 16, 2017
encourage one another
February 16, 2017
speak together
February 14, 2017
spurring each other on
Hebrews 10:24-25
February 13, 2017
work things out
February 13, 2017
so much as anger
February 13, 2017
anger is murder
February 13, 2017
make things right
Matthew 5:23-24
February 13, 2017
words kill
Matthew 5:21-22
February 13, 2017
the other helps
February 13, 2017
Share the wealth
February 13, 2017
Share the work
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
February 13, 2017
Share the work
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
edited February 12, 2017
a downward spiral – v2
cropped February 12, 2017
may we dance in the circle – pt 2
(second stanza)
cropped February 12, 2017
may we dance in the circle – pt 1
(first stanza)
February 12, 2017
may we dance in the circle
edited February 12, 2017
may our lives be joined – v2
February 12, 2017
may our lives be joined
February 12, 2017
may we live in communion
February 12, 2017
Stetson Memorial UMC
Sermon Series:
 “Becoming You. . . ”
“Relational/ Right Relationship”
Adapted from Marcia McPhee’
“Who Are You?” Sermon Series
Psalm 119:1-10
Matthew 18:15-17
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (MSG)
Matthew 5:22-24 (MSG)
and sermon, “Relational Living. . . “
text

video
by Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
Children’s Message from the Mystery Box
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
February 12, 2017
&
edited February 11, 2017
you have been sealed with power – v5
(merging version 4 and version 3,
the mirror images)
edited February 11, 2017
you have been sealed with power – v4
(editing version 3)
(reversing the order of each line of the poem)
edited February 11, 2017
you have been sealed with power – v3
(editing version 2)
edited February 11, 2017
the clear water of God – v2
edited February 11, 2017
pools of shimmering light – v2
edited February 11, 2017
the water is light – v3
edited February 10, 2017
the water is light – v2
February 10, 2017
the water is light
February 10, 2017
pools of shimmering light
February 10, 2017
the clear water of God
edited February 10, 2017
Springs of Salt Water – v2
February 10, 2017
Springs of Salt Water
February 10, 2017
the fruit of integrity
February 10, 2017
plant by the water
February 10, 2017
if we lose our salt
edited February 9, 2017
Fire added – v2
edited February 9, 2017
Spirit of Fire – v3
edited February 9, 2017
drink in the water – v2
February 8, 2017
drink in the water
February 8, 2017
draw in God
February 8, 2017
we have a purpose
February 8, 2017
a world in need of light
edited February 7, 2017
salt of your tears – v3
edited February 7, 2017
salt of your tears – v2
February 7, 2017
salt of your  tears
February 7, 2017
shine the light of the gospel
February 7, 2017
come to fulfill the law
Matthew 5:13-20
edited/merged February 6, 2017
shaving the truth – v2
a downward spiral
February 6, 2017
shaving the truth
edited February 5, 2017
We live for Him who died for us – v3
February 5, 2017
stand for something
edited February 5, 2017
offering salt – v2
February 5, 2017
offering salt
February 5, 2017
Share Light
edited February 5, 2017
Holding onto the Light – v2
February 5, 2017
Holding onto the Light
February 5, 2017
Scouting Sunday
Pledge of Allegiance / Scout Motto
Children’s Message – Scout Law Candle Ceremony
Stetson Memorial UMC
Sermon Series:
 “Becoming You. . . ”
“Integrity/Noble”
Adapted from Marcia McPhee’
“Who Are You?” Sermon Series
Psalm 112
Psalm 84
Psalm 1:103 (CEB)
Isaiah 58:6-11 (TLB
Jeremiah 17:7-8 (TLB)
Matthew 5:13-16 (TLB)
and sermon, “Springs of Salt Water. . . “
text
video
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Communion
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
February 5, 2017
Scouting Sunday
&
edited February 5, 2017
We are on display – v3
February 4, 2017
the mirror image of Christ
February 4, 2017
what the Lord require
February 4, 2017
Speak from the Spirit - 3
February 4, 2017
when we act justly
February 4, 2017
emulate the master
February 4, 2017
mirror Christ
February 4, 2017
model Jesus
February 4, 2017
our identity in Jesus
edited February 4, 2017
who are we really – v3
edited February 4, 2017
maybe this year – v2
February 4, 2017
they watch our words
edited February 4, 2017
we are on display – v2
February 4, 2017
we are on display
February 4, 2017
walk in the way of Jesus
edited/expanded February 4, 2017
Follow Christ’s example – v3
expanded February 4, 2017
follow Christ’s example – v2
February 4, 2017
follow Christ’s example – v1
February 4, 2017
they follow our example
February 4, 2017
a shining example - 2
edited February 4, 2017
set a good example – v3
February 4, 2017
set a good example – v2
February 4, 2017
set a good example
edited February 4, 2017
tell me how – v2
edited February 4, 2017
loved forever – v2
edited February 4, 2017
Too much for us to carry – v2
February 3, 2017
do we react quickly – v2
edited February 3, 2017
we become – v2
February 3, 2017
we become
February 3, 2017
when we speak the truth in love
February 3, 2017
no matter how far we fall
February 3, 2017
loved forever
February 3, 2017
who are we really - 3
February 2, 2017
we set a good example when
February 2, 2017
when others offend us
February 2, 2017
do we react quickly
January 31, 2017
are we being Christ
January 30, 2017
we are given mercy
January 30, 2017
we chase them away
January 30, 2017
if we were that example
January 30, 2017
Monkey See, Monkey Do
January 30, 2017
we yearn for peace
January 30, 2017
Teach Me, Lord
January 30, 2017
we learn by doing
January 30, 2017
teach me how
January 30, 2017
we learn by hearing
January 29, 2017
tell me how
January 29, 2017
tell me
January 29, 2017
each moment is a test
edited January 29, 2017
they want us to fail – v2
January 29, 2017
they want us to fail
January 29, 2017
some hope we fail
January 29, 2017
others are watching - 2
January 29, 2017
they are watching
January 29, 2017
we learn by seeing
January 29, 2017
show me how to do it
January 29, 2017
show me how
January 29, 2017
show me
January 29, 2017
Beatitudes
Matthew 5:1-12
Beatitudes
edited January 29, 2017
be a light bearer , a witness – v2
January 29, 2017
be a light bearer, a witness
edited January 29, 2017
humility and servanthood – v3
edited January 29, 2017
humility and servanthood – v2
edited January 29, 2017
oh yes, love mercy – v2
January 29, 2017
oh yes, love mercy
Micah 6:6-8 (KJV)
6 Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before the high God?
Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old?
7 Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands
of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit
of my body for the sin of my soul?
8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and
what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy,
and to walk humbly with thy God?
edited January 29, 2017
redistribute grace – v2
January 28, 2017
bear Christ’s light
January 28, 2017
be an example
January 28, 2017
be a witness
January 29, 2017
Stetson Memorial UMC
Sermon Series:
 “Becoming You. . . ”
“Example”
Adapted from Marcia McPhee’
“Who Are You?” Sermon Series
Psalm 15 (NIV)
Micah 6:6-8
Matthew 5:1-12
and sermon, “Monkey See. . . Monkey Do. . . “
text
video
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Children’s Message – mystery box
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
January 29, 2017
&
edited January 27, 2017
Their Reward – v2
January 27, 2017
listen to the Spirit - 3
edited January 27, 2017
don’t let them stop you – v4
edited January 27, 2017
don’t let them stop you – v3
edited January 27, 2017
we must be willing to go – v2
edited January 27, 2017
the One who redeemed us – v2
edited January 27, 2017
A Red Sea Moment – v2
edited January 27, 2017
We are the clay of the Potter – v3
January 27, 2017
our sense of calling
edited January 27, 2017
we are given a purpose – v2
January 27, 2017
we are given a purpose
January 27, 2017
your work to do
January 27, 2017
live into your calling
January 27, 2017
if God calls us
January 26, 2017
Are we willing to follow
January 26, 2017
giving  to the Potter - 2
expanded January 26, 2017
striving to follow – v2
January 26, 2017
striving to follow
January 26, 2017
starting over - 2
expanded January 26, 2017
are you working
January 26, 2017
are you working
January 26, 2017
a desert experience
January 26, 2017
A Red Sea Moment
January 26, 2017
step into the calling of God
January 26, 2017
God has a purpose
January 26, 2017
God has a plan - 5
January 26, 2017
we are equipped by God
January 26, 2017
as we release ourselves
January 26, 2017
when we are called
January 26, 2017
He who calls you is faithful
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
January 26, 2017
bear fruit with patience
Luke 8:11-15
edited January 26, 2017
keep the word
Luke 8:11-15
January 26, 2017
keep the word
Luke 8:11-15
January 26, 2017
called to be saints
1 Corinthians 1:1-2
edited January 26, 2017
sanctified in Christ – v2
1 Corinthians 1:1-2
January 26, 2017
sanctified in Christ
1 Corinthians 1:1-2
January 26, 2017
Called by God - 2
1 Corinthians 1:1-2
January 26, 2017
called to be a people
1 Corinthians 1:1-2
January 26, 2017
by the will of God
1 Corinthians 1:1-2
edited January 25, 2017
we must walk in our purpose – v2
God asked a question
edited January 25, 2017
disciples of Christ – v2
January 25, 2017
don’t let them steal your joy
January 25, 2017
stay on the path - 2
edited January 25, 2017
don’t let them stop you – v2
January 24, 2017
don’t listen to the voices
January 24, 2017
don’t let them stop you
January 24, 2017
we must walk in our purpose
edited January 24, 2017
Fishing Lessons – v2
January 24, 2017
Fishing Lessons
January 24, 2017
God speaks our name
edited January 24, 2017
John spoke his name – v2
edited January 23, 2017
what is it Lord – v2
January 23, 2017
what is it Lord
January 23, 2017
they immediately followed
edited January 23, 2017
God has called you for a purpose – v2
January 23, 2017
God has called you for a purpose
January 23, 2017
disciples of Christ
January 23, 2017
How do we fit
January 23, 2017
they left at once
January 23, 2017
Listen to the Word of God
expanded January 22, 2017
we have a purpose – v3
expanded January 22, 2017
we have a purpose – v2
January 22, 2017
we have a purpose – v1
January 22, 2017
called - 2
January 22, 2017
chosen - 2
January 22, 2017
created
January 22, 2017
why aren’t we acting boldly
January 22, 2017
why are we afraid - 3
Psalm 27:1, 4-8
January 22, 2017
no matter the naysayers
January 22, 2017
Created, Chosen, and Called
January 22, 2017
Listen to the whisper
January 22, 2017
Heed your calling
January 22, 2017
God calls to us
January 22, 2017
God wants volunteers
January 22, 2017
will you pick up your mantle
January 21, 2017
we must be willing to go
January 21, 2017
they straightway left their nets
January 22, 2017
Stetson Memorial UMC
Sermon Series:
 “Becoming You. . . ”
“Called”
Adapted from Marcia McPhee’
“Who Are You?” Sermon Series
Psalm 27:1, 4-8
Isaiah 6:8
Matthew 4:18-22
1 Corinthians 1:1-2
and sermon, “Job Search. . . ”
text
video
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Children’s Message – mystery box
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
January 22, 2017
&
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
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
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 43,230 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, beloved, Psalm 119, Matthew 5, baptism, called, example, integrity, relationship, Ecclesiastes 4 sermon,

#sermon #Christ #God #Spirit #grace #love #Matthew5 #Psalm119 #called #Ecclesiastes4 #relationship

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Christ, God, Spirit, grace, love, faith, Pastor Ruth Foss, Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church, journey, beloved, Isaiah 58, Matthew 5, baptism, called, example, Scouting Sunday, integrity,

#Christ #God #Spirit #grace #love #Matthew5 #Isaiah58 #called #America #Christian #integrity #ScoutingSunday

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Christ, God, Spirit, grace, love, faith, Pastor Ruth Foss, Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church, journey, beloved, Psalm 15, Micah 6, Matthew 5,calling, baptism, called, example, mercy, justice, humble, USA,

#Christ #God #Spirit #grace #love #journey #beloved #Psalm15 #Matthew5 #Micah6 #purpose #calling #ministry #example #USA #America #Christian

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Christ, God, Spirit, grace, love, faith, Pastor Ruth Foss, Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church, journey, cherished, beloved, Psalm 27, Isaiah6, Matthew 4, 1 Corinthians 1,calling, baptism,

#Christ #God #Spirit #grace #love #journey #beloved #Isaiah6 #Psalm27 #Matthew4 #1Corinthians1 #purpose #calling #ministry

================

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

==============

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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