Saturday, July 31, 2010

Ignoring God

Focused on the here and now
possessions here on earth
ignoring God and his commands
not loving our fellow man
forgetting the lessons of Christ
that we are not of this earth
that this is but a journey
in heaven is our true birth

This is but a foretaste
our treasure should be with Christ
following in his footsteps
sharing his perfect love
Offering what we have been given
reconciled by God
telling of his forgiveness
washing us clean of our sin


July 31, 2010
Luke 12:13-21
Colossians 3:1-4
Psalm 107:1-3 (Call to Worship)
Unison Prayer:
“Eternal God, we have come this day to be with you,
to talk with you, to listen to you, to hear your voice,
to rest in your embrace. Help us to put aside the worries
we have, even if only for this time with you, so that
we may be wholly yours. In Jesus name. Amen”
Worship Theme: “Sharing our blessings”
and sermon, “It’s Nice to Share. . . ”
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
August 1, 2010
Tenth Sunday after Pentecost

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 20,610+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Proclaim His Blessing

Share the good news!
proclaim his blessing
offer our testimony
of the many gifts of God

Pour out in worship
praising our father above
share the good news
of Jesus the son

Come to earth to save us
offering his life
removing the stain of our sin
redeeming us from death

So much God has given
from this we are to share
the good of Jesus
our king forevermore


July 31, 2010
Luke 12:13-21
Colossians 3:1-4
Psalm 107:1-3 (Call to Worship)
Unison Prayer:
“Eternal God, we have come this day to be with you,
to talk with you, to listen to you, to hear your voice,
to rest in your embrace. Help us to put aside the worries
we have, even if only for this time with you, so that
we may be wholly yours. In Jesus name. Amen”
Worship Theme: “Sharing our blessings”
and sermon, “It’s Nice to Share. . . ”
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
August 1, 2010
Tenth Sunday after Pentecost



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 20,610+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Only in Being Humble

Honor is for the humble
not those puffed up in pride
not those who seek it
but those who are faithful

Working in the fields
their hands to the plow
their cross upon their shoulder
answering the master’s call

Only in being humble
not seeking wealth or fame
finding honor in serving
going in Jesus’ name


July 31, 2010
Proverbs 18:12b
Proverbs 18:12
Proverbs 17-20
http://www.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/reading.cgi?plan=straight&ver=NAS
Heartlight’s Straight Through Bible Study
for July 31, 2010, read July 31, 2010

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 19,130+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Tears in Heaven

What tears there must be in heaven
because we do not love our neighbor
only seeing the differences
that let us separate, find distinctions
pushing each other apart
failing to listen, to heed our master’s calling
his command to each of us
to love our neighbor
not in some way conditional
but as we love ourselves
that all of us are equal
hoping that we would be one people
the sheep of one flock
all of us together
all of us children of God

What tears there must be in heaven
because we do not love our neighbors
pushing them away
that they do not belong
puffing ourselves up
as if we are on our own righteous
that we somehow are worthy of grace
and they should be cast out
that we would judge one another
forgetting our own sin
that we are not following his teaching
to love one another
as he himself loved us
dying in our place
that we may come before our king


July 31, 2010
When Christians Get it Wrong trailer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEp5aGSwUmY
AbingtonBooks
http://www.facebook.com/AbingdonPress
by Adam Hamilton
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pastor-Adam-Hamilton/338460008965
&
my comment posted to this post:
“This is a very powerful message and one that needs repeating. We as Christian deny Christ when we do not live out the Great Commission by creating barriers, stumbling blocks to Christ. We must be sowing joy, not judgment, love not division, hope not condemnation, agape love not the values of the world. Only in this are we fulfilling our call, using our gifts for God's glory.”
&
Matthew 5-7
Sermon on the Mount
&
Matthew 25:31-46
the Judgment
&
Luke 12:13-21
Colossians 3:1-4
Psalm 107:1-3 (Call to Worship)
Unison Prayer:
“Eternal God, we have come this day to be with you,
to talk with you, to listen to you, to hear your voice,
to rest in your embrace. Help us to put aside the worries
we have, even if only for this time with you, so that
we may be wholly yours. In Jesus name. Amen”
Worship Theme: “Sharing our blessings”
and sermon, “It’s Nice to Share. . . ”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
August 1, 2010
Tenth Sunday after Pentecost
&
Matthew 13:1-11; 24-30
“Waste and Grace”,
by Rev. Frank Gulinello, Jr.
“ Jesus’ parable of the Sower focuses on the scattering of the seed.
No matter what kind of ground it falls upon, whether hardpan or
deep rich soil, God will have a harvest yielding a hundred fold.
So, scattering the seed aimlessly is not wasteful in God’s economy.”
http://www.concordwumc.org
Wesley United Methodist Church
Concord, NH
August 1, 2010
&
Isaiah 43:18-21
Genesis 1:1-2:4
(read responsively by the congregation,
speaking the words of God)
John 13:34-35 (Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “Church is a verb, not a noun.”
and sermon, “Changing the Dictionary, Changing Lives”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
July 11, 2010
Seventh Sunday after Pentecost


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 19,130+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

In the Face of Each Stranger

The face of the Christ
our risen savior
who gives us life
when we die with him
who raises us up
on wings like eagles
who is preparing a place for him
when he comes again

The face of Jesus
in the face of each stranger
everyone we meet
all made like us
the master in the stranger
those who appear different from us
yet all of us children
children of the living God

Calling us to love
to share his message
to go to the ends of the earth
making disciples in his name
how can we do this if
we focus on the differences
when we are all unworthy
and need him to live



July 31, 2010
When Christians Get it Wrong trailer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEp5aGSwUmY
AbingtonBooks
http://www.facebook.com/AbingdonPress
by Adam Hamilton
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pastor-Adam-Hamilton/338460008965
&
my comment posted to this post:
“This is a very powerful message and one that needs repeating. We as Christian deny Christ when we do not live out the Great Commission by creating barriers, stumbling blocks to Christ. We must be sowing joy, not judgment, love not division, hope not condemnation, agape love not the values of the world. Only in this are we fulfilling our call, using our gifts for God's glory.”
&
Matthew 5-7
Sermon on the Mount
&
Matthew 25:31-46
the Judgment

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 19,210+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Seeing Jesus

Seeing Jesus
on the face of each stranger
each person we meet
in the image of God

How would we be different
if we saw Jesus
in each person we meet
those like you and me


July 31, 2010
When Christians Get it Wrong trailer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEp5aGSwUmY
AbingtonBooks
http://www.facebook.com/AbingdonPress
by Adam Hamilton
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pastor-Adam-Hamilton/338460008965
&
my comment posted to this post:
“This is a very powerful message and one that needs repeating. We as Christian deny Christ when we do not live out the Great Commission by creating barriers, stumbling blocks to Christ. We must be sowing joy, not judgment, love not division, hope not condemnation, agape love not the values of the world. Only in this are we fulfilling our call, using our gifts for God's glory.”
&
Matthew 5-7
Sermon on the Mount
&
Matthew 25:31-46
the Judgment
&
Luke 12:13-21
Colossians 3:1-4
Psalm 107:1-3 (Call to Worship)
Unison Prayer:
“Eternal God, we have come this day to be with you,
to talk with you, to listen to you, to hear your voice,
to rest in your embrace. Help us to put aside the worries
we have, even if only for this time with you, so that
we may be wholly yours. In Jesus name. Amen”
Worship Theme: “Sharing our blessings”
and sermon, “It’s Nice to Share. . . ”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
August 1, 2010
Tenth Sunday after Pentecost
&
Matthew 13:1-11; 24-30
“Waste and Grace”,
by Rev. Frank Gulinello, Jr.
“ Jesus’ parable of the Sower focuses on the scattering of the seed.
No matter what kind of ground it falls upon, whether hardpan or
deep rich soil, God will have a harvest yielding a hundred fold.
So, scattering the seed aimlessly is not wasteful in God’s economy.”
http://www.concordwumc.org
Wesley United Methodist Church
Concord, NH
August 1, 2010

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 19,130+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

We Should See Jesus

Just as in his words
how we should walk in life
caring for our neighbor
bearing his burdens
offering them caring
going out of our way to share
the gifts that we enjoy

We should see Jesus
on the face of our sister
our brother, our neighbor
every stranger that we meet
acting better, that we do so often,
judging our neighbor
finding in them fault

We should see Jesus
in each crying baby
in each person different
than you and me
because in reality
we are no different
all of us unworthy
of the love he gives to us

We should be sharing,
planting the seeds we have been given
pouring out God’s grace
his love for you and me
offering our hand
a voice against injustice
crossing the street to come to the aid
of your children when they are in need
not turning away, blind to their plight,
because they are the same as you and me


July 31, 2010
written immediately after the poem “Do We See Jesus”
----------------

Do We See Jesus

Maybe to understand our failing
to be truly faithful
the harsh judgment
that so many have made
that we are not truly Christian
when we judge our neighbor
closing our doors
not opening our hearts
offering no helping hand

Do we see Jesus
standing before us
in the face of our sister
or brother among us
anywhere on the earth
suffering, dying
hurting in this moment
needing us to love them
as he commanded

Offering seeds of his love
that all may be healed
brought before God together
through the curtain of Jesus
faithful servants
ever working in your fields
sowing grace, hope ever
in the love of God
for all of humanity



July 31, 2010
When Christians Get it Wrong trailer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEp5aGSwUmY
AbingtonBooks
http://www.facebook.com/AbingdonPress
by Adam Hamilton
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pastor-Adam-Hamilton/338460008965
&
my comment posted to this post:
“This is a very powerful message and one that needs repeating. We as Christian deny Christ when we do not live out the Great Commission by creating barriers, stumbling blocks to Christ. We must be sowing joy, not judgment, love not division, hope not condemnation, agape love not the values of the world. Only in this are we fulfilling our call, using our gifts for God's glory.”
&
Matthew 5-7
Sermon on the Mount
&
Matthew 25:31-46
the Judgment
&
Luke 12:13-21
Colossians 3:1-4
Psalm 107:1-3 (Call to Worship)
Unison Prayer:
“Eternal God, we have come this day to be with you,
to talk with you, to listen to you, to hear your voice,
to rest in your embrace. Help us to put aside the worries
we have, even if only for this time with you, so that
we may be wholly yours. In Jesus name. Amen”
Worship Theme: “Sharing our blessings”
and sermon, “It’s Nice to Share. . . ”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
August 1, 2010
Tenth Sunday after Pentecost
&
Matthew 13:1-11; 24-30
“Waste and Grace”,
by Rev. Frank Gulinello, Jr.
“ Jesus’ parable of the Sower focuses on the scattering of the seed.
No matter what kind of ground it falls upon, whether hardpan or
deep rich soil, God will have a harvest yielding a hundred fold.
So, scattering the seed aimlessly is not wasteful in God’s economy.”
http://www.concordwumc.org
Wesley United Methodist Church
Concord, NH
August 1, 2010


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 19,130+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Do We See Jesus

Maybe to understand our failing
to be truly faithful
the harsh judgment
that so many have made
that we are not truly Christian
when we judge our neighbor
closing our doors
not opening our hearts
offering no helping hand

Do we see Jesus
standing before us
in the face of our sister
or brother among us
anywhere on the earth
suffering, dying
hurting in this moment
needing us to love them
as he commanded

Offering seeds of his love
that all may be healed
brought before God together
through the curtain of Jesus
faithful servants
ever working in your fields
sowing grace, hope ever
in the love of God
for all of humanity


July 31, 2010
When Christians Get it Wrong trailer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEp5aGSwUmY
AbingtonBooks
http://www.facebook.com/AbingdonPress
by Adam Hamilton
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pastor-Adam-Hamilton/338460008965
&
my comment posted to this post:
“This is a very powerful message and one that needs repeating. We as Christian deny Christ when we do not live out the Great Commission by creating barriers, stumbling blocks to Christ. We must be sowing joy, not judgment, love not division, hope not condemnation, agape love not the values of the world. Only in this are we fulfilling our call, using our gifts for God's glory.”
&
Matthew 5-7
Sermon on the Mount
&
Matthew 25:31-46
the Judgment
&
Luke 12:13-21
Colossians 3:1-4
Psalm 107:1-3 (Call to Worship)
Unison Prayer:
“Eternal God, we have come this day to be with you,
to talk with you, to listen to you, to hear your voice,
to rest in your embrace. Help us to put aside the worries
we have, even if only for this time with you, so that
we may be wholly yours. In Jesus name. Amen”
Worship Theme: “Sharing our blessings”
and sermon, “It’s Nice to Share. . . ”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
August 1, 2010
Tenth Sunday after Pentecost
&
Matthew 13:1-11; 24-30
“Waste and Grace”,
by Rev. Frank Gulinello, Jr.
“ Jesus’ parable of the Sower focuses on the scattering of the seed.
No matter what kind of ground it falls upon, whether hardpan or
deep rich soil, God will have a harvest yielding a hundred fold.
So, scattering the seed aimlessly is not wasteful in God’s economy.”
http://www.concordwumc.org
Wesley United Methodist Church
Concord, NH
August 1, 2010


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 19,130+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Starting a New Thing

Needing to begin again
as we are losing a generation
shutting the door to them
without our conscious thinking
unable to connect
creating divisions
forgetting God’s message
in petty differences

Starting a new thing
ever and always
finding ways to reach out
to answer our master’s call
acting in concert
together as a people
going forth to serve
the sowers in the field

Knocking down the barriers
removing the stumbling blocks
those we have put in the way
blocking other people’s paths
looking inward
because the enemy is us
listening to the Spirit
that we may heal the breach


July 31, 2010
When Christians Get it Wrong trailer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEp5aGSwUmY
AbingtonBooks
http://www.facebook.com/AbingdonPress
by Adam Hamilton
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pastor-Adam-Hamilton/338460008965
&
my comment posted to this post:
“This is a very powerful message and one that needs repeating. We as Christian deny Christ when we do not live out the Great Commission by creating barriers, stumbling blocks to Christ. We must be sowing joy, not judgment, love not division, hope not condemnation, agape love not the values of the world. Only in this are we fulfilling our call, using our gifts for God's glory.”
&
Matthew 5-7
Sermon on the Mount
&
Matthew 25:31-46
the Judgment
&
Luke 12:13-21
Colossians 3:1-4
Psalm 107:1-3 (Call to Worship)
Unison Prayer:
“Eternal God, we have come this day to be with you,
to talk with you, to listen to you, to hear your voice,
to rest in your embrace. Help us to put aside the worries
we have, even if only for this time with you, so that
we may be wholly yours. In Jesus name. Amen”
Worship Theme: “Sharing our blessings”
and sermon, “It’s Nice to Share. . . ”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
August 1, 2010
Tenth Sunday after Pentecost
&
Matthew 13:1-11; 24-30
“Waste and Grace”,
by Rev. Frank Gulinello, Jr.
“ Jesus’ parable of the Sower focuses on the scattering of the seed.
No matter what kind of ground it falls upon, whether hardpan or
deep rich soil, God will have a harvest yielding a hundred fold.
So, scattering the seed aimlessly is not wasteful in God’s economy.”
http://www.concordwumc.org
Wesley United Methodist Church
Concord, NH
August 1, 2010
&
Isaiah 43:18-21
Genesis 1:1-2:4
(read responsively by the congregation,
speaking the words of God)
John 13:34-35 (Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “Church is a verb, not a noun.”
and sermon, “Changing the Dictionary, Changing Lives”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
July 11, 2010
Seventh Sunday after Pentecost

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 19,210+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Falling Short

As a people
as Christians
falling far short of our calling
not that this is surprising
as we remain human
made of the clay of earth

Needing our master
our savior, our brother
without him unable
to fulfill his commands
his calling for us
needing him to be faithful

The Spirit guides us
visible when we do good
in how we speak to each other
in valuing our neighbor
offering a hand
to anyone in need
in this we see Christ
walking in our midst
in offering seeds of the savior
we continue his work


July 31, 2010
When Christians Get it Wrong trailer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEp5aGSwUmY
AbingtonBooks
http://www.facebook.com/AbingdonPress
by Adam Hamilton
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pastor-Adam-Hamilton/338460008965
&
my comment posted to this post:
“This is a very powerful message and one that needs repeating. We as Christian deny Christ when we do not live out the Great Commission by creating barriers, stumbling blocks to Christ. We must be sowing joy, not judgment, love not division, hope not condemnation, agape love not the values of the world. Only in this are we fulfilling our call, using our gifts for God's glory.”
&
Matthew 5-7
Sermon on the Mount
&
Matthew 25:31-46
the Judgment
&
Luke 12:13-21
Colossians 3:1-4
Psalm 107:1-3 (Call to Worship)
Unison Prayer:
“Eternal God, we have come this day to be with you,
to talk with you, to listen to you, to hear your voice,
to rest in your embrace. Help us to put aside the worries
we have, even if only for this time with you, so that
we may be wholly yours. In Jesus name. Amen”
Worship Theme: “Sharing our blessings”
and sermon, “It’s Nice to Share. . . ”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
August 1, 2010
Tenth Sunday after Pentecost
&
Matthew 13:1-11; 24-30
“Waste and Grace”,
by Rev. Frank Gulinello, Jr.
“ Jesus’ parable of the Sower focuses on the scattering of the seed.
No matter what kind of ground it falls upon, whether hardpan or
deep rich soil, God will have a harvest yielding a hundred fold.
So, scattering the seed aimlessly is not wasteful in God’s economy.”
http://www.concordwumc.org
Wesley United Methodist Church
Concord, NH
August 1, 2010

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 19,210+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Easier to Judge

So much of the failing
the estrangement from the church
the institutions of our faith
because it is easier to judge
to separate from one another
harder, far harder
to look past our differences
to see our sister, our brother
all of us the same to God
each of us a sinner
redeemed by the savior
made worthy by his sacrifice
able then to claim the name
all of us together
sisters and brothers under the skin
all of us children of God



July 31, 2010
When Christians Get it Wrong trailer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEp5aGSwUmY
AbingtonBooks
http://www.facebook.com/AbingdonPress
by Adam Hamilton
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pastor-Adam-Hamilton/338460008965
&
my comment posted to this post:
“This is a very powerful message and one that needs repeating. We as Christian deny Christ when we do not live out the Great Commission by creating barriers, stumbling blocks to Christ. We must be sowing joy, not judgment, love not division, hope not condemnation, agape love not the values of the world. Only in this are we fulfilling our call, using our gifts for God's glory.”
&
Matthew 5-7
Sermon on the Mount
&
Matthew 25:31-46
the Judgment


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 19,210+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Joining Christ in the Garden

Our lives changed
in falling in the waters
rising on wings like eagles
to do our master’s work

But joining Christ in the Garden
if we are to be God’s servants
working in the field
that there would be
a harvest for the Lord

Falling on our knees
humbly, in prayer
like Christ submitting our lives
to God’s holy plan

Offering ourselves as a sacrifice
following the way of the cross
going forth to serve
proclaiming the way of the Christ


July 31, 2010
reading bio blurb for
Wanda J. Nichols on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorwandajnichols
&
earlier poem
------------
Gethsemane

In this place, in the garden
prayers after the meal, into the night
prayers to the father, his plan revealed
Human fear, a foretaste of pain
Choosing the destiny the prophets foretold.


April 10, 2009
Holy Thursday service
and service of Tenebrae
Reverend Huntley Halvorson
Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
April 9, 2009
Tenebrae – The Service of Shadows
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…
FINAL READING
John 1:1-4



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. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 27,390+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Hidden Rules

Hidden rules
secret handshakes
whether we say “debts”
or “trespasses”,
how we do this or that
whether you may participate
or remain a guest
all of these
the way it is done
closing others out,
whether we know it or not,
that they may not be friends
missing Christ’s point
his command
to love one another
that all may enter in


July 31, 2010
When Christians Get it Wrong trailer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEp5aGSwUmY
AbingtonBooks
http://www.facebook.com/AbingdonPress
by Adam Hamilton
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pastor-Adam-Hamilton/338460008965
&
my comment posted to this post:
“This is a very powerful message and one that needs repeating. We as Christian deny Christ when we do not live out the Great Commission by creating barriers, stumbling blocks to Christ. We must be sowing joy, not judgment, love not division, hope not condemnation, agape love not the values of the world. Only in this are we fulfilling our call, using our gifts for God's glory.”
&
Matthew 5-7
Sermon on the Mount
&
Matthew 25:31-46
the Judgment


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 19,130+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Different from Us

So easy, to focus on differences
how we are not alike
on the outside alone
forgetting how we all
are loved children of God
how we are to care
for all of God’s creation
all of our neighbors
even our enemies
worthy by the Christ
grace to save the whole world
embracing each one
our brothers and sisters
deep under the skin



July 31, 2010
When Christians Get it Wrong trailer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEp5aGSwUmY
AbingtonBooks
http://www.facebook.com/AbingdonPress
by Adam Hamilton
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pastor-Adam-Hamilton/338460008965
&
my comment posted to this post:
“This is a very powerful message and one that needs repeating. We as Christian deny Christ when we do not live out the Great Commission by creating barriers, stumbling blocks to Christ. We must be sowing joy, not judgment, love not division, hope not condemnation, agape love not the values of the world. Only in this are we fulfilling our call, using our gifts for God's glory.”
&
Matthew 5-7
Sermon on the Mount
&
Matthew 25:31-46
the Judgment


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 19,210+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

But He’s not wearing a tie

Have you ever heard the comment
noticed the body language
someone different
maybe not in “church” attire
the eyes saying, maybe,
at least he came to church;
“But he’s not wearing a tie”

Have you ever thought that baby
in the fourth pew, being loud
the five year old
fighting with their sibling
maybe they should be in the nursery
before the children’s message
maybe they don’t fit

So many examples
when we fail to be Christians
so sure of ourselves
forgetting his message
the example of Christ
God emptying himself
to live humbly on the earth
his words in the Beatitudes,
his Sermon on the Mount

So different than ourselves
and the original twelve
too quick to judge others
as the Pharisees had done
ready to use rules, tradition
our sense of right and wrong
setting ourselves apart
causing lasting harm

What would Jesus do
if he entered into our midst
dressed with his robe and sandals
not a newly pressed suit
unshaven, from the dusty road
coming into our midst
would we welcome him
to sit next to us in our assigned pew?


July 31, 2010
When Christians Get it Wrong trailer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEp5aGSwUmY
AbingtonBooks
http://www.facebook.com/AbingdonPress
by Adam Hamilton
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pastor-Adam-Hamilton/338460008965
&
my comment posted to this post:
“This is a very powerful message and one that needs repeating. We as Christian deny Christ when we do not live out the Great Commission by creating barriers, stumbling blocks to Christ. We must be sowing joy, not judgment, love not division, hope not condemnation, agape love not the values of the world. Only in this are we fulfilling our call, using our gifts for God's glory.”
&
Matthew 5-7
Sermon on the Mount


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 19,130+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

When Christians Get it Wrong trailer

This is a very powerful message and one that needs repeating. We as Christian deny Christ when we do not live out the Great Commission by creating barriers, stumbling blocks to Christ. We must be sowing joy, not judgment, love not division, hope not condemnation, agape love not the values of the world. Only in this are we fulfilling our call, using our gifts for God's glory.
July 31, 2010
When Christians Get it Wrong trailer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEp5aGSwUmY
AbingtonBooks
http://www.facebook.com/AbingdonPress
by Adam Hamilton
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pastor-Adam-Hamilton/338460008965


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 19,130+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Sowing Joy

When we are judging
excluding others
when we see ourselves
as the saved
and others are left out
when we hide our gifts
when we sit in the pews alone
we are denying the Christ
why he came to earth

Sowing joy
so must we be
offering hope,
love in his name
a hand to our neighbor
to any who are in need
an ever open door
walking through the gate of Christ
life forevermore


edited April 23, 2016
Tilling the Soil – v2
July 31, 2010
When Christians Get it Wrong trailer
AbingtonBooks
by Adam Hamilton
&
edited January 12, 2016
Giving God Our Clay – v4
(editing version 3)
edited October 30, 2015
Giving God Our Clay – v3
(editing version 2)
edited August 9, 2014
Giving God Our Clay – v2
edited August 29, 2014
We are the Clay – v2
edited August 17, 2014
Made of Clay – v2
August 9, 2010
Made of Clay
potter and clay
&
Matthew 28.16-20
Psalm 78:1-7
Psalm 98:4-8 (Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: You Are a Teacher
and sermon, A Word from The Last Lecture of Jesus
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
August 8, 2010
Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost
&
Matthew 28:16-20
Sermon, “Teaching is Not Just For Teachers”,
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
June 21, 2009
Father’s Day
&
August 5, 2010
We are the Clay
August 1, 2010
Giving God Our Clay
July 30, 2010
-          A Harvest for the Table http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/harvest-for-table.html
-          Ours to share
-         Wholly Yours
-         Not coveting possessions
Luke 12:13-21
Colossians 3:1-4
Psalm 107:1-3 (Call to Worship)
Unison Prayer:
“Eternal God, we have come this day to be with you,
to talk with you, to listen to you, to hear your voice,
to rest in your embrace. Help us to put aside the worries
we have, even if only for this time with you, so that
we may be wholly yours. In Jesus name. Amen”
Worship Theme: “Sharing our blessings”
and sermon, “It’s Nice to Share. . . ”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“God’s Whisper” blog
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
August 1, 2010
Tenth Sunday after Pentecost
&

Matthew 13:1-11; 24-30
“Waste and Grace”,
by Rev. Frank Gulinello, Jr.
“ Jesus’ parable of the Sower focuses on the scattering of the seed.
No matter what kind of ground it falls upon, whether hardpan or
deep rich soil, God will have a harvest yielding a hundred fold.
So, scattering the seed aimlessly is not wasteful in God’s economy.”
Wesley United Methodist Church
Concord, NH
August 1, 2010

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 41,190+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Important Work

Called by God
to spread his message
using our gifts
out in the fields

Sowing hope
seeds of Christ
offering all
a way back home


edited April 23, 2016
Tilling the Soil – v2
July 31, 2010
When Christians Get it Wrong trailer
AbingtonBooks
by Adam Hamilton
&
edited January 12, 2016
Giving God Our Clay – v4
(editing version 3)
edited October 30, 2015
Giving God Our Clay – v3
(editing version 2)
edited August 9, 2014
Giving God Our Clay – v2
edited August 29, 2014
We are the Clay – v2
edited August 17, 2014
Made of Clay – v2
August 9, 2010
Made of Clay
potter and clay
&
Matthew 28.16-20
Psalm 78:1-7
Psalm 98:4-8 (Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: You Are a Teacher
and sermon, A Word from The Last Lecture of Jesus
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
August 8, 2010
Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost
&
Matthew 28:16-20
Sermon, “Teaching is Not Just For Teachers”,
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
June 21, 2009
Father’s Day
&
August 5, 2010
We are the Clay
August 1, 2010
Giving God Our Clay
July 30, 2010
-          A Harvest for the Table http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/07/harvest-for-table.html
-          Ours to share
-         Wholly Yours
-         Not coveting possessions
Luke 12:13-21
Colossians 3:1-4
Psalm 107:1-3 (Call to Worship)
Unison Prayer:
“Eternal God, we have come this day to be with you,
to talk with you, to listen to you, to hear your voice,
to rest in your embrace. Help us to put aside the worries
we have, even if only for this time with you, so that
we may be wholly yours. In Jesus name. Amen”
Worship Theme: “Sharing our blessings”
and sermon, “It’s Nice to Share. . . ”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“God’s Whisper” blog
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
August 1, 2010
Tenth Sunday after Pentecost
&

Matthew 13:1-11; 24-30
“Waste and Grace”,
by Rev. Frank Gulinello, Jr.
“ Jesus’ parable of the Sower focuses on the scattering of the seed.
No matter what kind of ground it falls upon, whether hardpan or
deep rich soil, God will have a harvest yielding a hundred fold.
So, scattering the seed aimlessly is not wasteful in God’s economy.”
Wesley United Methodist Church
Concord, NH
August 1, 2010

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 41,190+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.