may I seek you

as the Magi

carrying treasure

may I seek you

my Savior, my God

may I worship you

Jesus, giver of light

following you ever

the source of all life

------

December 31, 2012

Matthew 2:1-12

“The Visit of the Magi” (NIV)

“Scholars from the East” (The Message)

Micah 5:2

Matthew 2:13-18

Upper Room Disciplines for 2012

http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm

December 31, 2012 to January 6, 2013

“Resolutions”

by Tom Appel

for December 31, 2012,

read December 31, 2012

Thanksgiving

Advent

Christmas

New Years

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 21,980+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

those overlooked and ignored

Christ’s measure, how he will judge

by how we cared for our neighbors

those in our lives

those overlooked and ignored

the least and the last

how we cared for the others

those who cross our path

====

December 30, 2012

First Sunday after Christmas

Worship Theme: “New Year”

Matthew 25:31-46 (The Message Bible)

Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 (Common English Bible)

Revelation 21:1-6a (Common English Bible)

Call to Worship (Lectionary Worship Aids ©2012)

Unison Prayer (((Lectionary Worship Aids ©2012)

Prayer of Dedication (GBOD 2012 Luke 2:41-52)

and sermon – “New Beginnings”

by Pastor Ruth Foss

https://twitter.com/PastorRuthFoss

http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss

http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com 

http://pastorruth.posterous.com/ 

A Handmaiden of the Lord

http://www.suncookumc.org

Suncook United Methodist Church

http://www.suncookumc.org 

http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965

Suncook, NH

December 30, 2012

First Sunday after Christmas

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 21,980+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

with the time that we have

our life within the boundaries

of the days of our lives

not known to us

but ever known to God

we are given time

time to use how we like

time for a purpose

and time to waster

with the time that we have

so much we can do

but time is spent

in the things that we choose

====

December 30, 2012

First Sunday after Christmas

Worship Theme: “New Year”

Matthew 25:31-46 (The Message Bible)

Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 (Common English Bible)

Revelation 21:1-6a (Common English Bible)

Call to Worship (Lectionary Worship Aids ©2012)

Unison Prayer (((Lectionary Worship Aids ©2012)

Prayer of Dedication (GBOD 2012 Luke 2:41-52)

and sermon – “New Beginnings”

by Pastor Ruth Foss

https://twitter.com/PastorRuthFoss

http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss

http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com 

http://pastorruth.posterous.com/ 

A Handmaiden of the Lord

http://www.suncookumc.org

Suncook United Methodist Church

http://www.suncookumc.org 

http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965

Suncook, NH

December 30, 2012

First Sunday after Christmas

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 21,980+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

living within the world

our lives on the earth

within time and space

bound by the cycles

the seasons, the race

living within the world

but able to choose

to follow the world’s time

or the way of the cross

focused on eternity

not the things that will rust

====

December 30, 2012

First Sunday after Christmas

Worship Theme: “New Year”

Matthew 25:31-46 (The Message Bible)

Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 (Common English Bible)

Revelation 21:1-6a (Common English Bible)

Call to Worship (Lectionary Worship Aids ©2012)

Unison Prayer (((Lectionary Worship Aids ©2012)

Prayer of Dedication (GBOD 2012 Luke 2:41-52)

and sermon – “New Beginnings”

by Pastor Ruth Foss

https://twitter.com/PastorRuthFoss

http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss

http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com 

http://pastorruth.posterous.com/ 

A Handmaiden of the Lord

http://www.suncookumc.org

Suncook United Methodist Church

http://www.suncookumc.org 

http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965

Suncook, NH

December 30, 2012

First Sunday after Christmas

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 21,980+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

living within time

not free of its limits

spinning in space

living within time

the whole human race

time we are given

a little or a lot

we must spend it wisely

before it is used up

====

December 30, 2012

First Sunday after Christmas

Worship Theme: “New Year”

Matthew 25:31-46 (The Message Bible)

Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 (Common English Bible)

Revelation 21:1-6a (Common English Bible)

Call to Worship (Lectionary Worship Aids ©2012)

Unison Prayer (((Lectionary Worship Aids ©2012)

Prayer of Dedication (GBOD 2012 Luke 2:41-52)

and sermon – “New Beginnings”

by Pastor Ruth Foss

https://twitter.com/PastorRuthFoss>

http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss

http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com 

http://pastorruth.posterous.com/ 

A Handmaiden of the Lord

http://www.suncookumc.org

Suncook United Methodist Church

http://www.suncookumc.org 

http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965

Suncook, NH

December 30, 2012

First Sunday after Christmas

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 21,640+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

little by little

not always cataclysmic

a sudden epiphany

little by little

made new by God

if we give to the potter

to his healing touch

our lives transformed,

with meaning

because God loves us that much

====

December 30, 2012

First Sunday after Christmas

Worship Theme: “New Year”

Matthew 25:31-46 (The Message Bible)

Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 (Common English Bible)

Revelation 21:1-6a (Common English Bible)

Call to Worship (Lectionary Worship Aids ©2012)

Unison Prayer (((Lectionary Worship Aids ©2012)

Prayer of Dedication (GBOD 2012 Luke 2:41-52)

and sermon – “New Beginnings”

by Pastor Ruth Foss

https://twitter.com/PastorRuthFoss>

http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss

http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com 

http://pastorruth.posterous.com/ 

A Handmaiden of the Lord

http://www.suncookumc.org

Suncook United Methodist Church

http://www.suncookumc.org 

http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965

Suncook, NH

December 30, 2012

First Sunday after Christmas

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 21,640+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Logos – v2

the Word of God, life

His truth, God’s love

Alive, with us

in Christ, Emmanuel

the Word of God, light

light to pierce the darkness

alive in the manger

God here with us

the Word of God, hope

our future, salvation

God’s Word spoke

entering creation

the Word of God, gift

given as a ransom

healing the breach

restoring creation

------

Edited December 30, 2012

“Logos – v2”

December 29, 2012

“Logos

John 1:1-14

Upper Room Disciplines for 2012

http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm

December 24, 2012 to December 30, 2012

“The Word Brings Joy and Growth”

by Enuma Okoro

http://enumaokoro.com/

for December 25, 2012,

read December 29, 2012

Advent

Christmas Day

&

Isaiah 9:2-7

To Us a Child is born

Luke 2:1-20

Upper Room Disciplines for 2012

http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm

December 24, 2012 to December 30, 2012

“The Word Brings Joy and Growth”

by Enuma Okoro

http://enumaokoro.com/

for December 24, 2012,

read December 29, 2012

Advent

Christmas

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 21,640+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

So we are to Christ

So we are to Christ

our High Priest

our mentor

the source of our life

Like Samuel to Eli

sitting at his feet

our example, our model

the light which we keep

Listen to his lessons

the wisdom of the ages

the love of heaven

poured down on us

Study with Jesus

our high priest, our savior

the light of God

given unto us

Sit with Jesus

as Samuel did

at the feet of his master

being taught

Sit with Jesus

our High Priest, our master

to be taught

to share God’s blessing

Shine in reflection

the glow of the master

our shepherd, our master

Christ’s light to guide us

Walk beside Jesus

as did the first disciples

learning from his teachings

all that he gives us

Grow in your faith

ever closer to Jesus

to the delight of God

our Savior, our Creator

Grow in your faith

ever closer to Jesus

walk in his light

follow his example

Follow his ways

the lessons of witness

his life our example

how we should live

What we study

what we discern

follow Jesus

in all that we do

------

Edited December 30, 2012

combining the poems:

“Like Samuel to Eli”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/12/like-samuel-to-eli.html

“Study with Jesus”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/12/study-with-jesus.html

“Sit with Jesus”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/12/sit-with-jesus.html

“pray with Jesus”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/12/pray-with-jesus.html

“walk beside Jesus”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/12/walk-beside-jesus.html

“grow in your faith”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/12/grow-in-your-faith.html

“follow Jesus – 2”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/12/follow-jesus-2.html

December 29, 2012

1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 (The Message)

Upper Room Disciplines for 2012

http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm

December 24, 2012 to December 30, 2012

“The Word Brings Joy and Growth”

by Enuma Okoro

http://enumaokoro.com/

for December 27, 2012,

read December 29, 2012

Advent

Christmas

&

1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 (NIV)

Upper Room Disciplines for 2012

http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm

December 24, 2012 to December 30, 2012

“The Word Brings Joy and Growth”

by Enuma Okoro

http://enumaokoro.com/

for December 26, 2012,

read December 29, 2012

Advent

Christmas

&

John 1:1-14

Upper Room Disciplines for 2012

http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm

December 24, 2012 to December 30, 2012

“The Word Brings Joy and Growth”

by Enuma Okoro

http://enumaokoro.com/

for December 25, 2012,

read December 29, 2012

Advent

Christmas Day

&

Isaiah 9:2-7

To Us a Child is born

Luke 2:1-20

Upper Room Disciplines for 2012

http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm

December 24, 2012 to December 30, 2012

“The Word Brings Joy and Growth”

by Enuma Okoro

http://enumaokoro.com/

for December 24, 2012,

read December 29, 2012

Advent

Christmas

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 21,640+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

only so much given

use your time well

the gifts you are given

your talents, your skills

for building up the kingdom

only so much given

how much we do not know

use your time wisely

for our lives will end

lift up your neighbors

be a true friend

open up your hearts

for Christ’s example

offer your witness

sharing what you are given

====

December 30, 2012

First Sunday after Christmas

Worship Theme: “New Year”

Matthew 25:31-46 (The Message Bible)

Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 (Common English Bible)

Revelation 21:1-6a (Common English Bible)

Call to Worship (Lectionary Worship Aids ©2012)

Unison Prayer (((Lectionary Worship Aids ©2012)

Prayer of Dedication (GBOD 2012 Luke 2:41-52)

and sermon – “New Beginnings”

by Pastor Ruth Foss

https://twitter.com/PastorRuthFoss>

http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss

http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com 

http://pastorruth.posterous.com/ 

A Handmaiden of the Lord

http://www.suncookumc.org

Suncook United Methodist Church

http://www.suncookumc.org 

http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965

Suncook, NH

December 30, 2012

First Sunday after Christmas

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 21,640+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

By these acts

How our lives are measured

by how we walk in life

how we treat our neighbors

the least and the last

By these acts we are judged

culled for the harvest

the sheep for the banquet

and the goats for the fires

====

December 30, 2012

First Sunday after Christmas

Worship Theme: “New Year”

Matthew 25:31-46 (The Message Bible)

Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 (Common English Bible)

Revelation 21:1-6a (Common English Bible)

Call to Worship (Lectionary Worship Aids ©2012)

Unison Prayer (((Lectionary Worship Aids ©2012)

Prayer of Dedication (GBOD 2012 Luke 2:41-52)

and sermon – “New Beginnings”

by Pastor Ruth Foss

https://twitter.com/PastorRuthFoss>

http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss

http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com 

http://pastorruth.posterous.com/ 

A Handmaiden of the Lord

http://www.suncookumc.org

Suncook United Methodist Church

http://www.suncookumc.org 

http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965

Suncook, NH

December 30, 2012

First Sunday after Christmas

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 21,640+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Glimpses of heaven

as we walk here

journeying in life

walking the mortal coil

our time here on earth

God is always with us

his Spirit within

a foretaste of that future

of that eternal banquet

of eternity with you

====

December 30, 2012

First Sunday after Christmas

Worship Theme: “New Year”

Matthew 25:31-46 (The Message Bible)

Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 (Common English Bible)

Revelation 21:1-6a (Common English Bible)

Call to Worship (Lectionary Worship Aids ©2012)

Unison Prayer (((Lectionary Worship Aids ©2012)

Prayer of Dedication (GBOD 2012 Luke 2:41-52)

and sermon – “New Beginnings”

by Pastor Ruth Foss

https://twitter.com/PastorRuthFoss>

http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss

http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com 

http://pastorruth.posterous.com/ 

A Handmaiden of the Lord

http://www.suncookumc.org

Suncook United Methodist Church

http://www.suncookumc.org 

http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965

Suncook, NH

December 30, 2012

First Sunday after Christmas

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 21,640+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

We offer ourselves to God

We give ourselves to Christ

we offer ourselves to God

we heed the Spirit’s calling

God’s hand upon our lives

So is our promise

our hope for the new year

happy in the turning

for a new beginning

Ever drawing closer

to our Savior, our God

seeking to share your blessing

your light to the world

====

December 30, 2012

First Sunday after Christmas

Worship Theme: “New Year”

Matthew 25:31-46 (The Message Bible)

Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 (Common English Bible)

Revelation 21:1-6a (Common English Bible)

Call to Worship (Lectionary Worship Aids ©2012)

Unison Prayer (((Lectionary Worship Aids ©2012)

Prayer of Dedication (GBOD 2012 Luke 2:41-52)

and sermon – “New Beginnings”

by Pastor Ruth Foss

https://twitter.com/PastorRuthFoss>

http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss

http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com 

http://pastorruth.posterous.com/ 

A Handmaiden of the Lord

http://www.suncookumc.org

Suncook United Methodist Church

http://www.suncookumc.org 

http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965

Suncook, NH

December 30, 2012

First Sunday after Christmas

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 21,640+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

We thank you for these years

We praise you for your presence

your hand upon our lives

we thank you for the year ending

the blessings of love

Thank you for your gifts

your walking here with us

for your protection

for your love poured out

thank you for your guiding

your hand upon our lives

We thank you for the year to come

for our hope for tomorrow

knowing you are with us

in our joys and our sorrows

we thank you for your presence

for your Spirit within

in our hopes, our struggles

in the time here on earth

thank you for your guiding

for your love poured out

thank you for your blessings

your hand upon our lives

====

December 30, 2012

First Sunday after Christmas

Worship Theme: “New Year”

Matthew 25:31-46 (The Message Bible)

Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 (Common English Bible)

Revelation 21:1-6a (Common English Bible)

Call to Worship (Lectionary Worship Aids ©2012)

Unison Prayer (((Lectionary Worship Aids ©2012)

Prayer of Dedication (GBOD 2012 Luke 2:41-52)

and sermon – “New Beginnings”

by Pastor Ruth Foss

https://twitter.com/PastorRuthFoss

http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss

http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com 

http://pastorruth.posterous.com/ 

A Handmaiden of the Lord

http://www.suncookumc.org

Suncook United Methodist Church

http://www.suncookumc.org 

http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965

Suncook, NH

December 30, 2012

First Sunday after Christmas

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 21,920+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.