Friday, March 08, 2013

we have been weighed in the balance – v3

we come to you in confession
before our loving God
in the time of reflection
that we may be restored
Following the steps of Jesus
looking within our hearts
hope in the journey
that we may truly live

in our inward selves
we know we are Prodigal children
failed to be faithful
strayed in our walk
We have been weighed in the balance
we have been found wanting
not faithful in our calling
straying from your path

like our ancestors before us
questioning Moses in the desert
we have been weighed in our conscience
we have been found wanting
God may judge us
to Him we are transparent
an open book failing
to do Your holy work

our hearts have been hardened
unhearing, unfeeling
ignored the cries
of the weak, the needy
Walking upon them
seeking wealth and power
we have chosen false idols
over our brothers, our sisters

an indictment, our reflection
a harsh mirror before us
if we are honest, truthful
coming to God in confession
We have neglected to do good
when it was in our power
failing to be loving
to care for our neighbors

                                       
====
edited March 7, 2013 and March 8, 2013
“we have been weighed in the balance – v3”
March 1, 2013
“we have been weighed in the balance – v2”
Merger of three poems of February 14, 2013
“we have been weighed in the balance”
“we have been found wanting”
“ignored their cries”
“We have neglected to do good – v2”
Worship Theme – “Ash Wednesday
Prelude
Unison Prayer
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 (CEB)
Joel 2:12-17a (CEB)
hymn, “Sunday’s Palms Are Wednesday’s Ashes” TFWS #2138
Prayer of Confession
Words of Assurance
Imposition of Ashes
Communion liturgy – “The Great Thanksgiving for Early Lent”
Lenten poem:”Changer: A Lenten Poem”
by Adrienne Sparrow Trevathan
my earlier poem, “within the sweetness of the smoke”
on the bulletin back cover

This Lenten Season, we are doing something a little different. We are doing Lenten Dramas from:   http://www.sermonsfromseattle.com/home.htm It is called "The Voice of God". We are hearing conversations between God and some of the characters that took part in Passion Week. It has been a "moving experience" for all. . . 
February 13 2013 Ash Wednesday – James  (portrayed by Diane Mitchell)
February 17, 2013 – Judas  (portrayal by Ray Foss)
February 24, 2013 – Peter  (portrayal by Marshall Burns)
March 3, 2013 – Pilate  (portrayed by Richard Fleury)
March 10, 2013 – Barabbas  (portrayed by Mark Cioffi)
March 17, 2013 - Dysmas (Thief on the cross)  (portrayed by Ray Foss)
March 24, 2013 Palm Sunday
March 28, 2013 Maundy Thursday – The Centurion  (portrayed by Mark Cioffi)
March 29, 2013 Good Friday - Mary Mother of Jesus (portrayed by Kathy Akerman)
March 31, 2013 Easter Sunday! - The Gardner (portrayed by Mary Ann Cioffi)
and Ash Wednesday Drama:
(a conversation with James and God
after the Garden of Gethsemane)
by Pastor Ruth Foss
A Handmaiden of the Lord
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
February 13, 2013
Ash Wednesday
Lent

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 22,690+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

No comments: