Monday, April 06, 2015

God climbed the altar

This complete act of submission
this manifest moment of grace
more than the cup, His prayer,
or in the moment of Gethsemane
beyond the lash, the crown of thorns,
the horrible scourging
the beating Christ took for us
before the cross.

Jesus the lamb
the Son of the Father
became the sacrifice
God like Abraham
climbing the mountain
God climbed the altar,
dying as a sacrifice
to set us free from sin.

=====
edited April 6, 2015
God climbed the altar

edited/new April 2, 2015
Jesus climbed the altar
April 2, 2015
Isaac climbing the altar
Genesis 22:1-18
Mark 15:25-39
Lenten book study:
Chapter 6. “The Crucifixion”
24 Hours That Changed the World
by Reverend Adam Hamilton
Spirit study led by Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“God’s Whisper” blog
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
&
Mark 15:15b-23
Lenten book study:
Chapter 5. “The Torture and Humiliation of the King”
24 Hours That Changed the World
by Reverend Adam Hamilton
Spirit study led by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
&
Spirit Study
March 18, 2015
Mark 15:1-15
Lenten book study:
Chapter 4. “Jesus, Barabbas, and Pilate”
24 Hours That Changed the World
by Reverend Adam Hamilton
Spirit study led by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
&
Spirit Study
March 10, 2015
Mark 14:53, 55, 61-68, 70-72
Mark 14:53-72
Lenten book study:
Chapter 3. “Condemned by the Righteous”
24 Hours That Changed the World
by Reverend Adam Hamilton
Spirit study led by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
&
Spirit Study
March 10, 2015
Spirit Study
March 3, 2015
Mark 14:26, 32-42
Mark 14:32a
Lenten book study:
Chapter 2. “Garden of Gethsemane”
by Reverend Adam Hamilton
Spirit study led by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
&
Matthew 26:28
Exodus 24:8
Jeremiah 31:31-34
John 15:15
John 13:3-5
Mark 14:12, 22-25
Lenten book study:
Chapter 1. “The Last Supper”
24 Hours That Changed the World
by Reverend Adam Hamilton
Spirit study led by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
&
other books by Rev. Hamilton studied in Spirit Study groups -
Not A Silent Night
&
The Way: Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus
&        
“Final Words from the Cross”

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, 2015. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 36,880+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Was it a Week – v2

God created,
the theories conflicting;
how long it took and
is it still in motion.

Was it a week
or was it a million;
does it really matter,
because God created.

=====
edited February 6, 2016
Was it a Week – v5
(editing version 4)
edited February 3, 2016
Was it a Week – v4
(editing original)
edited July 26, 2015
Was it a Week – v3
(editing original)
edited April 6, 2015
Was it a Week – v2
April 17, 2012
Was it a Week
bible study with Jean Anocibar on April 17, 2012
John 1:1-14
Colossians 1:15-20
1 John 1:1-7
Genesis 1:1-13 (NIV) (The Message)
Genesis 1:14-27 (NIV) (The Message)
Genesis 1:28-2:4a (NIV) (The Message)
Galatians 5:22
1 Corinthians 13:4-8


All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 40,960+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Please share Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church's Youtube video channel link and Facebook link.

Please share the church's Youtube channel link -

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG9t8phsy6bU9ZaKspHOnsg  with all your family and friends. 

There are 116 videos there, since 2/1/2015 (as of 4/6/2015), including all the sermons and most of the hymns, etc. 

A lot of people don't have Facebook but do have computers and other devices with internet access. Spread the Good News! 

Here is the Facebook page too -  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stetson-Memorial-United-Methodist-Church/174161846023512

see the same note on the church's FB page -
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=664348487004843&id=174161846023512




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, 2015. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 38,710+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

dripping to overflowing – v4

Immersed in Love
saturated with living water;
God’s living presence abiding
His Spirit within

time with more layers
than what we know so well;
far more than our sight,
what our eyes can see

dripping to overflowing
our bodies, our lives;
faith in more than we see
reality more than what we touch

Love unbound,
for greater vision;
washed in the water
dripping to overflowing.

----
edited April 6, 2015
dripping to overflowing – v4

(editing version 3)
edited July 20, 2014
dripping to overflowing – v3
edited July 19, 2014
dripping to overflowing – v2
July 16, 2014
dripping to overflowing
Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24
Psalm 139:1-24
“God Knows Everything” (NCV)
Upper Room Disciplines for 2014
for July 16, 2014
read July 16, 2014
&
July 14, 2014 to July 20, 2014
“Our Father”
by Danny Wright
New Paradigm Christian Church
&
overview page
Genesis 28:10-19
“Jacob’s Dream at Bethel” (NCV)
Jacob’s ladder
Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24
Psalm 139:1-24
“God Knows Everything” (NCV)
Romans 8:12-25
Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
“A Story about Wheat and Weeds” (NCV)
the parable of the wheat and the tares

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, 2015. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 36,870+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

on my shoulder – v4

I need to remember
that God is with us
on my shoulder
as I walk in life;
God is here to guide me
to direct me;
the yoke of Christ
is upon me
as I walk in life

little things
on the journey,
choices to be made,
to stay true to God
or to turn, to run away;
called to share love
to be a blessing, light,
in every step, each moment,
as I walk in life.

------  
edited April 6, 2015
on my shoulder – v4

(merging edits to version 2 and version 3)
edited March 26, 2015
on my shoulder – v3
(editing original again)
edited December 10, 2014
on my shoulder – v2
May 12, 2014
on my shoulder
Joshua 1:6-8
“Courageous Living”
devotion by Cole Robertson
son of Jase Robertson
and Missy Robertson
for May 11, 2014
read May 11, 2014
Duck Commander Daily Devotional
compiled by Alan Robertson

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 36,870+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Sunday, April 05, 2015

Easter 2015 Prayer of Thanksgiving, Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church, April 5, 2015

Easter Prayer of Thanksgiving

Almighty God, we are awe struck by the power of Easter morning. You are no longer on the cross. We thank you for what you chose to do for all of us, because no one made you do this. It was your choice. We worship you with joy because Christ Is Risen from the dead. We rejoice because we too may rise with Christ.

We pray that you will use these tithes and offerings that we offer to you humbly. You know and we know that you have give us all we have, including our lives, and especially new life in Christ. Use these gifts to further your kingdom in this community, in this state and around the world. And it is in Jesus' name that we pray. Amen.


April 5, 2015

Easter Sunday!
Surely the Presence
Greetings and Announcements / Opening Prayer

Let The Glory Come Down!

Matthew 28:1-10 (The Message)

John 20:1
John 20:11-16 (Amplified Bible)
Communion
and sermon “The End Is Just the Beginning…”

by Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“God’s Whisper” blog
“I Believe in Jesus”

“Go To The Rock”

“Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee”

“Fairest Lord Jesus”

Matthew 28:1-10 and
Offertory, “He’s Alive”

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Children’s Message

Communion, “The Old Rugged Cross” and
Because He Lives

closing song, “This Is The Day”

Departing Blessing

Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
April 5, 2015
&
Good Friday service

Good Friday Sermon
“Is This The Finally… ?”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Opening prayer, Prayer of confession and
Assurance of Forgiveness
Invitation to Prayer
and
Service of Tenebrae –
The Service of Shadows
(with 7 candles)
1. THE SHADOW OF BETRAYAL
Matthew 26:20-25
2. THE SHADOW OF INNER AGONY
Luke 22:40-44
3. THE SHADOW OF LONELINESS
 Matthew 26:40-45
4. THE SHADOW OF DESERTION
Matthew 26:47-50, 55, 56
5. THE SHADOW OF ACCUSATION
Matthew 26:59-67
6. THE SHADOW OF MOCKERY
Mark 15:12-20
7. THE SHADOW OF DEATH
Luke 23:33-46
Hymn: Were You There… (United Methodist Hymnal #288)
FINAL READING
John 1:1-4
led by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
April 3, 2015
&
Good Friday prayer vigil
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
April 3, 2015
&
Maundy Thursday
Opening Prayer and 1st reading:
Psalm 116:1-6, 12-19 (NRSV)
2nd reading - Exodus 12:1-4, 11-14 (NRSV) and 3rd reading -
1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (NRSV)
4th reading - John 13:1-17, 31b-35
sermon, “Lenten Reflections”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
prayer of confession
“As the Deer”
“More Love, More Power”
“How Beautiful”
foot washing
Communion – part 1
Communion - part 2
Prayer after communion
Benediction
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
April 2, 2015
&
Palm Sunday
John 19:28-29 (The Amplified Bible)
sermon, “What Do We Thirst For? . . .”
video:
text:
by Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“God’s Whisper” blog
Children’s Message – “That slipper snake”
-          Mystery box – rubber snake
video:
text:
Sacred Dance introit, distribution of the palms
to “Hosanna” by Kirk Franklin
praise hymn, “Hear Our Praises”
praise hymn, “How Majestic Is Your Name”
praise hymn, Great Is Thy Faithfulness
praise hymn, “Break Every Chain”
offertory hymn, “Light The Fire Again” 
Communion hymns, “I Could Sing Of Your Love Forever”
closing song, “God You Reign”
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
6th Sunday of Lent
Palm Sunday
March 29, 2015
&
Mark 15:21-36a (The Message)
Psalm 22:1
sermon, “You Are Never Alone”
video:
text:
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Children’s Message – “The Protection of the Trinity”
-          Mystery box – jackknife (from Ted)
video:
text:
praise hymn, “I Will Call Upon the Lord”
praise hymn, “Standing In The Need of Prayer”
praise hymn, “It’s Amazing”
praise hymn, “For Those Tears I Died”
offertory hymn, “ At The Cross”
Communion and Communion hymns, “Ain’t Jesus Good” and “I Will Bless The Lord”
closing hymn, “Let Everything That Has Breath”
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
5th Sunday in Lent
March 22, 2015
&
John 19:25-27
Ephesians 1:3-14
Romans 8:15
sermon, “You Are Chosen”
video:
text:
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Children’s Message – “God's Love Letter; God is writing your story”
-          Mystery box – a pencil
video:
text:
praise hymn, “Step By Step”
praise hymn, “Lord, I Lift Your Name On High”
praise hymn, “Jesus, Messiah”
praise hymn, “I Stand Amazed”
offertory hymn, “May Jesus Christ Be Praised” (“When Morning Gilds the Skies”)
Communion and Communion hymn, “There Is A River”
closing hymn, “Shout To the Lord”
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
3rd Sunday in Lent
March 8, 2015
&
Luke 23:32, 39-43
sermon, “So This Is Paradise”
video:
text:
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Children’s Message – “Thirsting for God”
-          Mystery box – bottle of grape juice
video:
text:

centering hymn, “Surely the Presence”, Greeting and Announcements, Opening Prayer
praise hymn, “Forever”
praise hymn, “Everlasting”
praise hymn, “To God Be the Glory”
praise hymn, “I Worship You Almighty God”
offertory hymn, “The Love Of God Goes On”
Communion hymn, “10,000 Reasons”
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
2nd Sunday in Lent
March 1, 2015
&
Luke 23:23, 33-34
sermon, “You Are Forgiven”
video:
text:
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Children’s Message – “Jesus is our superhero”
-          Mystery box – Iron Man, Incredible Hulk, Captain America, Scooby Doo
-          and a candy cane
video:
image:
text:
centering, “Surely the Presence”
praise hymn, “I Sing the Mighty Power of God”
offertory hymn, “Make My Life A Prayer to You”
Communion hymn, “Praise the Lord! Ye Heavens, Adore Him”
closing hymn, “Our God Reigns”
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
1st Sunday in Lent
February 22, 2015

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, 2015. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 36,870+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.