Saturday, January 15, 2011

This is the One, the Christ

Oh to Have been there
standing on the river bank
seeking Your coming
feeling the power
that John was that one
to be there before
that voice crying in the wilderness

Oh to Have been there
standing on the river bank
seeking Your coming
in that moment
blessed by heaven
when John cried out
This is the one!
the one that the dove fell on
is the One we seek


January 14, 2011
John 1:29-34
&
written at the House of Purpose Coffeehouse
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-House-Of-Purpose/357853918881
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-House-Of-Purpose/357853918881#!/event.php?eid=169041309805902
January 14, 2011
&
Isaiah 49:1-7
John 1:29-42
Worship Theme: “Called by God to . . .”
and sermon, “A Light to the Nations”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 16, 2011
Second Sunday after Epiphany


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

A Time to Heal

In transition
between two seasons
the ending of calling
listening to God

A time to heal
to stitch the schism
a balm to the hurting
restoring community


January 15, 2011
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
Matthew 3:13-17
Unison Prayer
Worship Theme: “Living by God’s Time”
and sermon, “What Time Is It?”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
(announcing his retirement 6/30/2011)
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 2, 2011
First Sunday after Epiphany
Baptism of the Lord Sunday


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

A Time to Go

No longer feeling a call
heeding the word of God
sensing a season at an end
heeding the word of God

A time to go, to walk away
trusting in others
leaving the work to other hands
in our sisters and our brothers


January 15, 2011
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
Matthew 3:13-17
Unison Prayer
Worship Theme: “Living by God’s Time”
and sermon, “What Time Is It?”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
(announcing his retirement 6/30/2011)
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 2, 2011
First Sunday after Epiphany
Baptism of the Lord Sunday


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

Magoi

No clear number
merely several
many may have come to Him
to kneel before the King

Several came together
following His star
kneeling before the Christ-child
giving Him our all


January 15, 2011
Matthew 1:18-25; Matthew 2:1-15
Isaiah 40:21, 28-31
Unison Prayer (paraphrase of “An Epiphany Prayer”
by Frank Colquhoun, see
http://www.churchyear.net/epiphanyprayers.html)
Worship Theme: “Be still and know that I am God”
and sermon, “Listening to the Voice of the Prompter”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson, including extract from book,
“Vital Signs: A pathway to Congregational Wholeness”,
by Dan R. Dick, Discipleship Resources
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 2, 2011
Second Sunday after Christmas
Epiphany Sunday
&
handout on Magi of 1/9/2011
&Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
Matthew 3:13-17
Unison Prayer
Worship Theme: “Living by God’s Time”
and sermon, “What Time Is It?”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
(announcing his retirement 6/30/2011)
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 9, 2011
First Sunday after Epiphany
Baptism of the Lord Sunday


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

possessed by your love and grace

A prayer for servitude
turning from our lives
ever over to You, Lord

Possessed by Your love and grace
walking in Your light
yoked with our Savior
going the way of the cross


January 15, 2011
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
Matthew 3:13-17
Unison Prayer
Worship Theme: “Living by God’s Time”
and sermon, “What Time Is It?”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
(announcing his retirement 6/30/2011)
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 2, 2011
First Sunday after Epiphany
Baptism of the Lord Sunday


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

They Followed Jesus

Changing their focus
disciples of John
seeking the Messiah

They followed Jesus
believing He was the Christ
the one foretold in scripture
the Son of the living God


January 15, 2011
Isaiah 49:1-7
John 1:29-42
Worship Theme: “Called by God to . . .”
and sermon, “A Light to the Nations”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 16, 2011
Second Sunday after Epiphany


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

These Stones in the Snow

Under the pines
off to my right
up ahead
illumined below
through the mottled sky
stones in the snow
capped in white
the ground, this place
truly at rest


January 14, 2011
drive from Pembroke, NH
to Claremont, NH
Rte 89 and Rte 103
January 1, 2011
&
written at the House of Purpose Coffeehouse
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-House-Of-Purpose/357853918881
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-House-Of-Purpose/357853918881#!/event.php?eid=169041309805902
January 14, 2011
&
Isaiah 49:1-7
John 1:29-42
Worship Theme: “Called by God to . . .”
and sermon, “A Light to the Nations”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 16, 2011
Second Sunday after Epiphany


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

Take the Coal to My Lips

Lord, God Almighty
I fear You
Your holy presence
sitting in Your courts
humble, as a man
knowing my feet of clay
wanting to be Your servant
Your voice crying out
light to the nations
hope to all people

Take the coal to my lips
burn away my sin
the stain of my past
all that I was
Make me utterly new
a witness, obedient
humble, as a lamb
Use me Lord
send me, I submit my will
all that I am to You
ever and always


January 14, 2011
Isaiah 6:1-8
&
written at the House of Purpose Coffeehouse
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-House-Of-Purpose/357853918881
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-House-Of-Purpose/357853918881#!/event.php?eid=169041309805902
January 14, 2011
&
Isaiah 49:1-7
John 1:29-42
Worship Theme: “Called by God to . . .”
and sermon, “A Light to the Nations”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 16, 2011
Second Sunday after Epiphany


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

Telling Our Brother

We must share
we must witness
telling our brothers
the identity of Jesus

He is the Messiah
our Savior
the One foretold
the Holy One of Heaven
the humble sacrifice
the risen Lamb of God


January 14, 2011
John 1:40-42
&
written at the House of Purpose Coffeehouse
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-House-Of-Purpose/357853918881
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-House-Of-Purpose/357853918881#!/event.php?eid=169041309805902
January 14, 2011
&
Isaiah 49:1-7
John 1:29-42
Worship Theme: “Called by God to . . .”
and sermon, “A Light to the Nations”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 16, 2011
Second Sunday after Epiphany


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

Telling His Brother

The most intimate witness
Andrew, at the beginning
telling his brother, Simon
the One, that they had longed for
now with us.
Come, I will lead you to Him.


January 14, 2011
John 1:40-42
&
written at the House of Purpose Coffeehouse
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-House-Of-Purpose/357853918881
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-House-Of-Purpose/357853918881#!/event.php?eid=169041309805902
January 14, 2011
&
Isaiah 49:1-7
John 1:29-42
Worship Theme: “Called by God to . . .”
and sermon, “A Light to the Nations”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 16, 2011
Second Sunday after Epiphany


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

The Lamb of God

We must proclaim Jesus
the Lamb of God
the one foretold
ancient, eternal
prophesied in scripture
proclaimed in the wilderness
witnessed by God

John in the water
calling to our faith
Shouting his identity
passing the mantle
the one who bears the Spirit
who lifts our plodding feet

Here is the Messiah
the Holy One of God
calling us ever
to turn from the world
to follow Him to glory
at the end of these days


January 14, 2011
John 1:29
&
written at the House of Purpose Coffeehouse
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-House-Of-Purpose/357853918881
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-House-Of-Purpose/357853918881#!/event.php?eid=169041309805902
January 14, 2011
&
Isaiah 49:1-7
John 1:29-42
Worship Theme: “Called by God to . . .”
and sermon, “A Light to the Nations”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 16, 2011
Second Sunday after Epiphany


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

We Have Found the Messiah

We can shout!
sharing the news
like Andrew, to Simon
telling our brothers, our sisters
all whom we meet

We have found the Messiah!
our Savior alive
living with us
walking beside us
Jesus, the Christ


January 14, 2011
John 1:41
&
written at the House of Purpose Coffeehouse
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-House-Of-Purpose/357853918881
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-House-Of-Purpose/357853918881#!/event.php?eid=169041309805902
January 14, 2011
&
Isaiah 49:1-7
John 1:29-42
Worship Theme: “Called by God to . . .”
and sermon, “A Light to the Nations”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 16, 2011
Second Sunday after Epiphany



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

He Led Them to Jesus

In the beginning
in John’s telling
the disciples of John
yet longing for the Messiah
like him seeking
the coming of the Christ
Andrew coming
to tell the others
starting with his brother
He led them to Jesus
and the world was forever changed


January 14, 2011
John 1:42
&
written at the House of Purpose Coffeehouse
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-House-Of-Purpose/357853918881
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-House-Of-Purpose/357853918881#!/event.php?eid=169041309805902
January 14, 2011
&
Isaiah 49:1-7
John 1:29-42
Worship Theme: “Called by God to . . .”
and sermon, “A Light to the Nations”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 16, 2011
Second Sunday after Epiphany


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

The One on whom the Dove Landed

The one who existed
before all else was created
God’s love come down
come to the earth, to save
the one in whom we trust
the one on whom the dove landed
This is the Son of God


January 14, 2011
John 1:33-34
&
written at the House of Purpose Coffeehouse
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-House-Of-Purpose/357853918881
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-House-Of-Purpose/357853918881#!/event.php?eid=169041309805902
January 14, 2011
&
Isaiah 49:1-7
John 1:29-42
Worship Theme: “Called by God to . . .”
and sermon, “A Light to the Nations”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 16, 2011
Second Sunday after Epiphany



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

This One is God’s Son

To have spoken these words
proclaiming Christ
while He walked the earth
spreading God’s love
before He climbed the cross
that this one, the one
on whom the dove fee
that this One is God’s Son
our Brother, the Christ


January 14, 2011
John 1:34
&
written at the House of Purpose Coffeehouse
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-House-Of-Purpose/357853918881
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-House-Of-Purpose/357853918881#!/event.php?eid=169041309805902
January 14, 2011
&
Isaiah 49:1-7
John 1:29-42
Worship Theme: “Called by God to . . .”
and sermon, “A Light to the Nations”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 16, 2011
Second Sunday after Epiphany


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

I Saw the Dove

With John, may we
proclaim Christ
that power
that moment of Grace
God’s love falling
raining down
falling upon us
filling our hearts

I saw the dove
I have seen God
in places great and small
the weight of the dove
resting upon me
leading me out
guiding me to proclaim
to share Christ ever
with all whom I meet


January 14, 2011
John 1:33
&
written at the House of Purpose Coffeehouse
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-House-Of-Purpose/357853918881
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-House-Of-Purpose/357853918881#!/event.php?eid=169041309805902
January 14, 2011
&
Isaiah 49:1-7
John 1:29-42
Worship Theme: “Called by God to . . .”
and sermon, “A Light to the Nations”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 16, 2011
Second Sunday after Epiphany


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

I Testified

We must each find that place
where we too can stand
in the waters, the fields
with John, with His disciples
the saints before us
able to state with them -

I have testified
proclaiming Christ
that this one is God’s Son
our Hope and our Redeemer


January 14, 2011
written at the House of Purpose Coffeehouse
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-House-Of-Purpose/357853918881
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-House-Of-Purpose/357853918881#!/event.php?eid=169041309805902
January 14, 2011
&
Isaiah 49:1-7
John 1:29-42
Worship Theme: “Called by God to . . .”
and sermon, “A Light to the Nations”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 16, 2011
Second Sunday after Epiphany


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

I have seen

I have seen,
I know
I testify
that This is God’s Son
the one prophesied
foretold long ago
coming down from heaven
to save the whole world


January 14, 2011
John 1:33:34
&
written at the House of Purpose Coffeehouse
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-House-Of-Purpose/357853918881
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-House-Of-Purpose/357853918881#!/event.php?eid=169041309805902
January 14, 2011
&
Isaiah 49:1-7
John 1:29-42
Worship Theme: “Called by God to . . .”
and sermon, “A Light to the Nations”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 16, 2011
Second Sunday after Epiphany


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

Washing away the dust of this world

Baptizing in water
like John in the Jordan
washing away the dust of this world
repenting of our sin
opening our hearts
that He might be known
that we would see Jesus
that we would see
the face of our Savior
and that we would see Him
in one another


January 14, 2011
John 1:31
&
written at the House of Purpose Coffeehouse
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-House-Of-Purpose/357853918881
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-House-Of-Purpose/357853918881#!/event.php?eid=169041309805902
January 14, 2011
&
Isaiah 49:1-7
John 1:29-42
Worship Theme: “Called by God to . . .”
and sermon, “A Light to the Nations”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 16, 2011
Second Sunday after Epiphany


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

Made by God

Not by ourselves
anything we have ever done
Made by God
each and every one of us
A fire, a beacon
a light for the nations
sharing our Savior
Proclaiming Christ
to the ends of the earth


January 14, 2011
Isaiah 49:6
&
written at the House of Purpose Coffeehouse
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-House-Of-Purpose/357853918881
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-House-Of-Purpose/357853918881#!/event.php?eid=169041309805902
January 14, 2011
&
Isaiah 49:1-7
John 1:29-42
Worship Theme: “Called by God to . . .”
and sermon, “A Light to the Nations”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 16, 2011
Second Sunday after Epiphany


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

I didn’t accomplish anything

On my own
by my own devices
nothingness, waste
I didn’t accomplish anything
nothing at all

Only though God
my reward is in Jesus
in the grace of Christ
healing all our brokenness
our comfort in the Lord


January 14, 2011
Isaiah 49:4
&
written at the House of Purpose Coffeehouse
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-House-Of-Purpose/357853918881
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-House-Of-Purpose/357853918881#!/event.php?eid=169041309805902
January 14, 2011
&
Isaiah 49:1-7
John 1:29-42
Worship Theme: “Called by God to . . .”
and sermon, “A Light to the Nations”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 16, 2011
Second Sunday after Epiphany


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

He recorded my name

Long before my birth
God knew me
His purpose, His plan
where He wanted me to serve
my call in this life

He recorded my name
in the book of life
written on His palms
on the stone of God’s heart

He wrote my name
for His purpose, His plan
to share Christ
to proclaim His love
in the book of my life
ever and always


January 14, 2011
written at the House of Purpose Coffeehouse
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-House-Of-Purpose/357853918881
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-House-Of-Purpose/357853918881#!/event.php?eid=169041309805902
January 14, 2011
&
Isaiah 49:1-7
John 1:29-42
Worship Theme: “Called by God to . . .”
and sermon, “A Light to the Nations”
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
January 16, 2011
Second Sunday after Epiphany

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 20,560+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Before I was Born

While I was in My Mother’s Womb

Selected by my Maker
chosen by the Creator
to serve in this time and place
called to witness
known by my Savior
Before I was born
in my mother’s womb
God knew me
forming me, molding me
filling me
with His Spirit
to be poured out
to be shared, light
shining my witness
to God’s endless grace
light in the darkness
for the whole human race


January 14, 2011 and January 15, 2011 (last 2 lines)
written at the House of Purpose Coffeehouse
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-House-Of-Purpose/357853918881
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-House-Of-Purpose/357853918881#!/event.php?eid=169041309805902
January 14, 2011
&
Isaiah 49:1-7
John 1:29-42
Worship Theme: “Called by God to . . .”
and sermon, “A Light to the Nations”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 16, 2011
Second Sunday after Epiphany


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

Called by God

Do you hear
the whisper of eternity
the infinite seeks us all
we are all,
a personal yearning
called by our God
Each of us carrying Christ
His light into the darkness
His love to free the captives
hope to the despairing
a way through the wilderness
each of us called by God
to be His witnesses
in this troubled world


January 14, 2011
written at the House of Purpose Coffeehouse
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-House-Of-Purpose/357853918881
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-House-Of-Purpose/357853918881#!/event.php?eid=169041309805902
January 14, 2011
&
Isaiah 49:1-7
John 1:29-42
Worship Theme: “Called by God to . . .”
and sermon, “A Light to the Nations”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 16, 2011
Second Sunday after Epiphany


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

Each of Us Are Called

God speaking to us
gifted for a purpose
each of us chosen
to bear witness

Each of us are called
to bring light to the nations
to offer Christ’s love
to the ends of this troubled world


January 14, 2011
written at the House of Purpose Coffeehouse
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-House-Of-Purpose/357853918881
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-House-Of-Purpose/357853918881#!/event.php?eid=169041309805902
January 14, 2011
&
Isaiah 49:1-7
John 1:29-42
Worship Theme: “Called by God to . . .”
and sermon, “A Light to the Nations”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 16, 2011
Second Sunday after Epiphany


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

A Time to Plant

Seeds in fertile soil
planting in willing hearts
sowing seeds of God’s love
scattered richly on the ground

A time to plant
in the right season
watering another’s plantings
patiently tending the garden

Entrusting the growth to God
the calling of other hands
leaving the rest to the timing
of our Creator, our God


January 15, 2011
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
Matthew 3:13-17
Unison Prayer
Worship Theme: “Living by God’s Time”
and sermon, “What Time Is It?”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
(announcing his retirement 6/30/2011)
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 2, 2011
First Sunday after Epiphany
Baptism of the Lord Sunday


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

Friday, January 14, 2011

Snow – haiku - 6

Snow ate Wednesday
more inches than predicted
piled in dunes of white.


January 14, 2011
snowstorm 1/12/2011


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

Snow – haiku - 5

Brilliant in white
the world encased in wonder
dunes white, sky azure


January 14, 2011
snowstorm 1/12/2011



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

Snow – haiku - 4

Gallons, gasoline
Far too many inches, white
to clean away snow


January 14, 2011
snowstorm 1/12/2011


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

Through the fabric of the clouds



Pulled seams of the tissue
through the fabric of the clouds
God’s light shining upon me
to share a message of love
Seek His presence
but first open my eyes
that I may feel You with me
already by my side


January 14, 2011
after reading the opening lines of Facebook post,
“HIS PRESENCE”,
http://www.facebook.com/notes/frank-love-kagulire/his-presence/191989977478139
by Frank Love Kagulire
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000857959488
on Friday, January 14, 2011 at 7:17am


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

Sun through the slate of the sky

Thinking about Your presence Lord
the words richly flowing
raining down from heaven
that we would know your love
looking up from the keyboard
sensing warmth on my cheek
looking out the window
to see light from the heavens
sun through the slate of the sky
piercing through the darkness
the snow clouds not keeping
the brightening from me
Here too Your presence
reminding me of Your goodness
all of this world Your creation
Your hand in every breath
calling us to You
to the warmth of Your embrace


January 14, 2011
after reading the opening lines of Facebook post,
“HIS PRESENCE”,
http://www.facebook.com/notes/frank-love-kagulire/his-presence/191989977478139
by Frank Love Kagulire
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000857959488
on Friday, January 14, 2011 at 7:17am


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

The Intimacy of God

Not something distance
the essence of our Creator
part of us ever
because of our Savior
Living within us
the Spirit indwelling
coursing through our sinew
the stuff of our bodies
the intimacy of God
His presence eternal
going with us
on this journey of life
Walking beside us
yet dwelling within us
offering us a way
to live eternally
Hope in the presence
the oneness with our Master
if we listen to his whisper
calling to us to follow
to go as we are led
out onto the waters
fearing not the wind
focusing on our Brother


January 14, 2011
after reading the opening lines of Facebook post,
“HIS PRESENCE”,
http://www.facebook.com/notes/frank-love-kagulire/his-presence/191989977478139
by Frank Love Kagulire
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000857959488
on Friday, January 14, 2011 at 7:17am

Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

The Presence of the Living God

In the whisper of the wind
as I shovel the drive
in the midst of the storm
the crackle of the fire
I long for in the fireplace
in the smile of our daughters
the warmth of their hearts
offering love for all
in those moments of grace

A smile in the azure sky
above the world of white
the stillness of my soul
when I listen for your voice
open my heart Lord
let me feel your presence
I long to feel you near me
open my eyes to your love
wrapped warm around me


January 14, 2011
after reading the opening lines of Facebook post,
“HIS PRESENCE”,
http://www.facebook.com/notes/frank-love-kagulire/his-presence/191989977478139
by Frank Love Kagulire
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000857959488
on Friday, January 14, 2011 at 7:17am

Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Cocoons of White

Like silken cocoons
waiting for the metamorphosis
the cars under the snow
in cocoons of white

Wondering what they would be
if they could change
within the blanket of snow
in the silent driveway

Would they change
into another form
would the Ford Taurus
become a Range Rover

The layers peeling
hard-packed from the snow blower
using the shovel gingerly
not the pierce the covering

In the sun once more
out in the open air
warming in the driveway
as if a new creation


January 13, 2011


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

Like Mammoths in the Peat

Preserved, as if still alive
under the hard-packed white
the drifts, the dunes
covering the cars in white

Like mammoths in the peat
preserved for a purpose
giving from the earth
to be used in another season


January 13, 2011

Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

An Individual Sarcophagus of Snow

Like whales beached on the sand
covered in the dunes
each car, like an archaeological dig
ancient Egypt
a treasure discovered
found buried
as if forgotten by time
an individual sarcophagus of snow
the layer of sand, of time
pushed away
markings of make, model
vanity plates, some kind of code
all giving way
to the shovel, the brush
the rays of the sun
falling on the part of the world
melting the snow of yesterday’s storm
exposing the bodies
from inside the sarcophagi of snow


January 13, 2011

Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

With Words of Love - 2

Thinking about God
speaking words of love
anointing the Christ
with His Holy Spirit

Sending Him out
to heal the world
sharing God’s grace
His love for all of us

Mindful of that moment
there is the river
maybe John was a bit harsh
but he was speaking out of love

We need to share
to join as a people
to open the hearts
humble toward our neighbors

Thinking of the way
the manner of the Christ
offering love
not the bile of hate

He could have judged us
far more harshly
He could have sent us
all into the fire

He chose the path
the path of servanthood
loving us all so much
even choosing the cross

His words of love
even for our enemies
radical now as then
would we heed His call now

Redeeming our nation
by humbly serving
offering hope in our listening
and avoiding harsh words


January 10, 2011 and January 11, 2011
after the national moment of silence
January 10, 2011 at 11:00am EST
for the Tucson shooting victims
and hearing some NPR coverage
as I picked up our 9 year old from school
&
Matthew 3:1-17
&
Matthew 3:16-17
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 5, 2011
read January 5, 2011
&
Matthew 3:13-15
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 4, 2011
read January 4, 2011


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

Monday, January 10, 2011

Opening Our Hearts

Something corrosive
when we are walled-off
from our neighbors
when the sameness defines
our sense of community
All of us together
stronger as a nation
feeding the fuel of democracy
in the marketplace of ideas

Yet something has gone wrong
the scales grossly unbalanced
the harpies alone
seem to be on the stage
shouting bile,
estrangement from one another
feeding on our fears
that which alone divides

We need to open our hearts
to stand in the shoes of our neighbors
all of us need to listen
before we speak a word
to hear their perspective
respectfully silent
maybe in being truly open
can the rhetoric be toned down

Now may be the moment
in the midst of collective anguish
a nation crying
for those lost in a square
the public forum
open to all comers
was a place of a massacre
of a poor deranged mind

We need to gather together
as we did today in silence
to commit to the commonality
the central thread of our creed
all of our blessings
the freedoms we cherish
each of them stronger
if we see ourselves as one nation
with just different voices
each one worthy
to be heard out of respect


January 10, 2011
after the national moment of silence
January 10, 2011 at 11:00am EST
for the Tucson shooting victims
and hearing some NPR coverage
as I picked up our 9 year old from school


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

With Greater Civility

Offering up a wish
a prayer for our nation
no matter his motive
that we would grow stronger
leaning on our neighbors
all of us family
even in arguing
a changing in the collective tone
speaking together
in public and private
in face to face settings
an in anonymous postings
all of us together
committing as a nation
together as one people
sharing our freedoms
the right to gather and speak
with greater civility
respecting one another
maybe even as we were speaking
with our Savior, our Creator
our Lord and our God
seeing the face of the divine
in our neighbor
whatever we have to
to step back from this brink


January 10, 2011
after the national moment of silence
January 10, 2011 at 11:00am EST
for the Tucson shooting victims
and hearing some NPR coverage
as I picked up our 9 year old from school


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

That Our Words would Heal

Something odd
from a family law attorney
an advocate for one side
not always able to compromise

Yet the words we choose
in every setting
something we can ponder
before they are loosed

A prayer in this moment
in this season of sorrow
for our people, our nation
that we would come together

That our words would heal
far more than the other
that comity would flow
from our trembling lips

Peace in our discourse
even in disagreement
that healing would come
flowing from each heart


January 10, 2011
after the national moment of silence
January 10, 2011 at 11:00am EST
for the Tucson shooting victims

Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

That We would Lift Up

In all that we do
in all of our words
choosing to lift up
never to tear down

That we would seek peace
comity in our language
that our land would know
the peace that you provide

Search us Lord
help us to blot out
the stain of aggression
ill-will within our hearts

Open us Lord
for the comfort of Your presence
to heal our brokenness
to balm the wounds of our souls

Teach us Lord
the way of our Savior
the humble Messiah,
that chose the cross not the sword

Redeem us Lord
in our disquiet
from the ways of the world
to the way of servanthood


January 10, 2011
after the national moment of silence
January 10, 2011 at 11:00am EST
for the Tucson shooting victims

Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

Suspending Our Control

Our only hope for joy
letting go of our watches
suspending our control
turning our lives over
to the will of the Father
trusting in His provision
conforming our steps
our purpose
to the timing of God
His holy plan
the rhythm of our days
forgetting our watches
letting grace come
come what may


January 10, 2011
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
Matthew 3:13-17
Worship Theme: “Living by God’s Time”
and sermon, “What Time Is It?”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
(announcing his retirement 6/30/2011)
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 2, 2011
First Sunday after Epiphany
Baptism of the Lord Sunday


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

Taking off our watches

A fundamental challenge
to trust only in God
separating from the world
the tyranny of the clock

Letting go of the commands of time
taking off our watches
committed to God’s calling
open to His leading

All that is to happen
if we are open
guided by the hands of God
in His time and for His purpose


January 9, 2011
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
Matthew 3:13-17
Worship Theme: “Living by God’s Time”
and sermon, “What Time Is It?”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
(announcing his retirement 6/30/2011)
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 2, 2011
First Sunday after Epiphany
Baptism of the Lord Sunday


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

Sunday, January 09, 2011

Not in Just One Season

Open to God’s calling
as they come along
not in just one season
but all the day long

God can call us anytime
to go and do his work
wherever he may lead us
out into the world

Needing to be ready
our oil always full
shining our light in the darkness
continuing Christ’s work


January 9, 2011
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
Matthew 3:13-17
Worship Theme: “Living by God’s Time”
and sermon, “What Time Is It?”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
(announcing his retirement 6/30/2011)
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 2, 2011
First Sunday after Epiphany
Baptism of the Lord Sunday


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

Continuing the Work of Jesus

Every day as worship
opportunities to witness
the seasons of God’s appointments
coming in God’s time

Each of us needing to be open
ever to the Spirit’s calling
continuing the work of Jesus
every day, ever,
ever and always


January 9, 2011
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
Matthew 3:13-17
Worship Theme: “Living by God’s Time”
and sermon, “What Time Is It?”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
(announcing his retirement 6/30/2011)
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 2, 2011
First Sunday after Epiphany
Baptism of the Lord Sunday


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

Continue the Work of Jesus

Now as in that moment
when he rose from the waters
all of us commissioned
to continue his holy work

Each of us charged
commissioned for a purpose
to spread the message
God’s message of love

Each of us appointed
anointed with the Spirit
washed in the waters
guided by Christ

Each of us to continue
to continue the work of Jesus
nothing is more important
nothing in the world


January 9, 2011
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
Matthew 3:13-17
Worship Theme: “Living by God’s Time”
and sermon, “What Time Is It?”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
(announcing his retirement 6/30/2011)
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 2, 2011
First Sunday after Epiphany
Baptism of the Lord Sunday


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

Continue the Work

In our season
our time of appointment
to serve where we are planted
to grow the number of disciples

Each of our charged
each commissioned
to build up the body
the kingdom on earth

We are to continue the work
seen there in the river
in the baptizing of John
telling us to repent

In Christ’s ministry
in all that would follow
all of us witnesses
sharing God’s love


January 9, 2011
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
Matthew 3:13-17
Worship Theme: “Living by God’s Time”
and sermon, “What Time Is It?”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
(announcing his retirement 6/30/2011)
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 2, 2011
First Sunday after Epiphany
Baptism of the Lord Sunday


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

Passing the baton on to others

In ending this season
this time in ministry
handing the baton off
to some unnamed others
to continue the work
what they had started
serving together
in this time of God’s calling

We all are the others
those who have been appointed
each one based on our calling
to serve where God plants us
sure of His wisdom
that all will be right
all part of God’s planning
in His time alone


=============
edited January 29, 2016
Passing the Baton on to Others – v3
(merging edits to original and version 2)
Edited August 24, 2013
Passing the baton on to others – v2
January 9, 2011
Passing the baton on to others
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
Matthew 3:13-17
Worship Theme: “Living by God’s Time”
and sermon, “What Time Is It?”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
(announcing his retirement 6/30/2011)
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 2, 2011
First Sunday after Epiphany
Baptism of the Lord Sunday


All of my poems and photographs 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 40,830+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Anointed with Power

The humble carpenter
rising from the waters
no longer who he was
claimed by the Creator
as his Son, the holy One of heaven
the one who was foretold
to set his people free

God’s voice booming
reverberating through the skies
claiming the Messiah
anointing Him with power
with the Holy Spirit
sending him into the world
to heal us from inside


January 9, 2011
Acts 10:39-43
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 9, 2011
read January 9, 2011
&
Acts 10:34-38
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 8, 2011
read January 8, 2011
&
Isaiah 42:1-9
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 7, 2011
read January 7, 2011
&
Matthew 3:16-17
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 5, 2011
read January 5, 2011
&
Matthew 3:13-15
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 4, 2011
read January 4, 2011



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

Anointed by the Holy Spirit

Like the water of the river
God’s love washing over us
over the body of Jesus
anointed by the Spirit
the love of God in physical form
descending from the heavens
falling on him, landing
like a dove from heaven
giving him power
to spread God’s holy message
to heal us from our brokenness
to go into the world


January 9, 2011
Acts 10:39-43
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 9, 2011
read January 9, 2011
&
Acts 10:34-38
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 8, 2011
read January 8, 2011
&
Isaiah 42:1-9
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 7, 2011
read January 7, 2011
&
Matthew 3:16-17
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 5, 2011
read January 5, 2011
&
Matthew 3:13-15
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 4, 2011
read January 4, 2011


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

God anointed Jesus

As he came up
up out of the water
God anointed Jesus
commissioned him for service
anointed with the Spirit
descending from above
landing upon him
like a heavenly dove


January 9, 2011
Acts 10:39-43
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 9, 2011
read January 9, 2011
&
Acts 10:34-38
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 8, 2011
read January 8, 2011
&
Isaiah 42:1-9
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 7, 2011
read January 7, 2011
&
Matthew 3:16-17
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 5, 2011
read January 5, 2011
&
Matthew 3:13-15
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 4, 2011
read January 4, 2011


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

The Candle and the Pitcher

The towel on the Pitcher
resting on the altar
beside the Christ Candle
with the bible
the crèche
opposite the offering
all in their place

So many symbols
like the Chrismon tree
symbols of
the life of Christ
before us in worship
under the cross
of Calvary


January 9, 2011
altar decorations
by Vicki Kneeland
&
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
Matthew 3:13-17
Worship Theme: “Living by God’s Time”
and sermon, “What Time Is It?”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
(announcing his retirement 6/30/2011)
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 2, 2011
First Sunday after Epiphany
Baptism of the Lord Sunday

Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

In the Time Appointed by God

At that time
in God’s choosing
leading Christ from his home
from his life
to the River
to his cousin John
preparing the way

In the time appointed by God
Christ leaving his home
all he had known
to submit to God’s calling
to be baptized
healing the world
through the power of God’s love


January 9, 2011
Ecclesiastes 3:1-18
Matthew 3:13-17
Worship Theme: “Living by God’s Time”
and sermon, “What Time Is It?”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
(announcing his retirement 6/30/2011)
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 2, 2011
First Sunday after Epiphany
Baptism of the Lord Sunday
&
Isaiah 42:1-9
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 7, 2011
read January 7, 2011
&
Matthew 3:16-17
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 5, 2011
read January 5, 2011
&
Matthew 3:13-15
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 4, 2011
read January 4, 2011

Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

While John was Crying Out

In that appointed time
while John was crying out
exhorting the people
to repent of their sin
to be baptized
falling into the water

Jesus, the humble carpenter
the man Jesus
coming to the waters
to the River Jordan
to be baptized
to be prepared
to fulfill all scripture


January 9, 2011
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
Matthew 3:13-17
Worship Theme: “Living by God’s Time”
and sermon, “What Time Is It?”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
(announcing his retirement 6/30/2011)
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 2, 2011
First Sunday after Epiphany
Baptism of the Lord Sunday
&
Isaiah 42:1-9
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 7, 2011
read January 7, 2011
&
Matthew 3:16-17
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 5, 2011
read January 5, 2011
&
Matthew 3:13-15
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 4, 2011
read January 4, 2011



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

Not In Our Timing

The exiles, those in bondage
the least, the last
crying out to God
for the Savior
the promised of God

All in God’s wisdom
not in our timing
but in the fullness
in the time of God’s choosing
Christ came, to the River
to set upon his journey
to save the whole world


January 9, 2011
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
Matthew 3:13-17
Worship Theme: “Living by God’s Time”
and sermon, “What Time Is It?”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
(announcing his retirement 6/30/2011)
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 2, 2011
First Sunday after Epiphany
Baptism of the Lord Sunday
&
Isaiah 42:1-9
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 7, 2011
read January 7, 2011
&
Matthew 3:16-17
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 5, 2011
read January 5, 2011
&
Matthew 3:13-15
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 4, 2011
read January 4, 2011

Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

At That Time

While John was at the River
in his role, preparing
the way for our Savior
at that time coming to the water

God waiting for this moment
when Christ was thirty
mature, for this purpose
reading to take on the mantle

God now speaking
as Christ rose from the water
announcing Christ is His Son
the Holy One of Heaven

Not until this moment
Christ came to the fore
Submitting to God’s calling
going out to serve



January 8, 2011
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
Matthew 3:13-17
Worship Theme: “Living by God’s Time”
and sermon, “What Time Is It?”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
(announcing his retirement 6/30/2011)
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 2, 2011
First Sunday after Epiphany
Baptism of the Lord Sunday
&
Isaiah 42:1-9
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 7, 2011
read January 7, 2011
&
Matthew 3:16-17
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 5, 2011
read January 5, 2011
&
Matthew 3:13-15
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 4, 2011
read January 4, 2011


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

Not Until Christ Was Thirty

The babe in the manger
the child in the Temple
but not until Christ was thirty
did His time begin

Coming to the Jordan
to John in the water
to be washed of His history
to be commissioned to serve

God announcing His approval
His love for His Son
pleased with This Person
sending Him into the world


January 8, 2011
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
Matthew 3:13-17
Worship Theme: “Living by God’s Time”
and sermon, “What Time Is It?”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
(announcing his retirement 6/30/2011)
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 2, 2011
First Sunday after Epiphany
Baptism of the Lord Sunday
&
Isaiah 42:1-9
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 7, 2011
read January 7, 2011
&
Matthew 3:16-17
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 5, 2011
read January 5, 2011
&
Matthew 3:13-15
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 4, 2011
read January 4, 2011



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

Pleased with Jesus - haiku

God spoke words of love
that He was pleased with Jesus
speaking from above


January 8, 2011
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
Matthew 3:13-17
Worship Theme: “Living by God’s Time”
and sermon, “What Time Is It?”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
(announcing his retirement 6/30/2011)
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 2, 2011
First Sunday after Epiphany
Baptism of the Lord Sunday
&
Isaiah 42:1-9
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 7, 2011
read January 7, 2011
&
Matthew 3:16-17
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 5, 2011
read January 5, 2011
&
Matthew 3:13-15
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 4, 2011
read January 4, 2011



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

Pleased with Jesus

God spoke words of love
that He was pleased with Jesus
speaking from above
The words not hidden
spoken aloud for all
wondering what the people heard
or had they heard at all


January 8, 2011
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
Matthew 3:13-17
Worship Theme: “Living by God’s Time”
and sermon, “What Time Is It?”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
(announcing his retirement 6/30/2011)
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 2, 2011
First Sunday after Epiphany
Baptism of the Lord Sunday
&
Isaiah 42:1-9
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 7, 2011
read January 7, 2011
&
Matthew 3:16-17
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 5, 2011
read January 5, 2011
&
Matthew 3:13-15
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 4, 2011
read January 4, 2011



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

God’s Own Dear Son

As Jesus rose from the water
from the tomb of the river
gasping for air
hearing the word of God
God declared that Jesus
was his own dear Son


January 8, 2011
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
Matthew 3:13-17
Worship Theme: “Living by God’s Time”
and sermon, “What Time Is It?”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
(announcing his retirement 6/30/2011)
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 2, 2011
First Sunday after Epiphany
Baptism of the Lord Sunday
&
Isaiah 42:1-9
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 7, 2011
read January 7, 2011
&
Matthew 3:16-17
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 5, 2011
read January 5, 2011
&
Matthew 3:13-15
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 4, 2011
read January 4, 2011


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

At the Age of Thirty

Not sometime earlier
nothing much known
of the life of Jesus
until He came to the Jordan

At the age of thirty
coming to his cousin
to fulfill what is required
to be baptized in the water

Fulfilling all prophecy
coming into the water
falling in his cousin’s arms
rising to a new calling

God speaking from the heavens
announcing this is the Christ
the first-born Son of God
His love come down
born to live with us


January 8, 2011
Ecclesiastes 3:1-18
Matthew 3:13-17
Worship Theme: “Living by God’s Time”
and sermon, “What Time Is It?”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
(announcing his retirement 6/30/2011)
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 2, 2011
First Sunday after Epiphany
Baptism of the Lord Sunday
&
Isaiah 42:1-9
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 7, 2011
read January 7, 2011
&
Matthew 3:16-17
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 5, 2011
read January 5, 2011
&
Matthew 3:13-15
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 4, 2011
read January 4, 2011


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.

In a Time of God’s Choosing

Not when he was younger
only after John’s preparing
calling us to repentance
to turn our hearts to God

The baptism of Christ
in a time of God’s choosing
leaving his hometown,
coming to the water

Only when the time was right
in the time of Herod
joining John in the wilderness
coming to the River

Christ drenched in the water
nestled in its arms
rising from the womb
seemingly born anew

In this time, God speaking
claiming His Son for the first time
speaking words of power
speaking words of love


January 8, 2011 and January 9, 2011
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
Matthew 3:13-17
Worship Theme: “Living by God’s Time”
and sermon, “What Time Is It?”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
(announcing his retirement 6/30/2011)
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 2, 2011
First Sunday after Epiphany
Baptism of the Lord Sunday
&
Isaiah 42:1-9
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 7, 2011
read January 7, 2011
&
Matthew 3:16-17
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 5, 2011
read January 5, 2011
&
Matthew 3:13-15
and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2011
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=831781
for January 3 and 9, 2011
“Channels of Peace”
by Pat Luna
for January 4, 2011
read January 4, 2011



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.