Saturday, March 21, 2015

you have left God’s grace – v2

when you take on the yoke
of the law, of custom,
you have left God’s grace
you have abandoned
Christ’s freedom.
we must listen
to God’s Word only
all else a burden
a yoke we must not carry,
stuff of the world.
Christ bought our freedom
His blood on the cross
we must not pick up
the weight He took on
His sacrifice on the cross.

===========
edited March 21, 2015
you have left God’s grace – v2

February 3, 2015
you have left God’s grace
Galatians 5:4
Galatians 5
Men’s Bible Study
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
February 1, 2015
&
Galatians 4
Men’s Bible Study
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
January 25, 2015
&
Galatians 3
Men’s Bible Study
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
January 18, 2015

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 36,680+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

You Are Here – v3

We light Your candle,
bring Your light, Spirit
into our dark sanctuary
fill our hearts;
We do this not to draw You in
for You are here, already here, Lord,
by our gathering alone, You are here, oh God.

We light the candles, illuminating
reminding us, forgetful as we are,
of Your continuing presence
lighting all of our days;
Alive with us in community
and within us, in the secret places.
the secret places of our hearts.

edited March 21, 2015
You Are Here – v3

(editing original again)
edited March 19, 2015
You Are Here – v2
November 9, 2008
You Are Here
Unison Prayer, from the Worship Source Book,
Suncook United Methodist Church

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 36,680+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Not to the silent but to the gadflies – v3

God gives words to the prophets,
to those who will not be silent,
those who would call out for justice
who rail against the mighty,
the corruption of the powerful;
not to the shy but to the gadflies
calling out the arrogant, the unjust,
those who use their power to oppress.

May we be bold, confident,
may we be submissive, a servant,
that we would live more justly
that we would be fair in our dealings
with all of our neighbors;
may we live gently with other people
all over this world
to the ends of the earth.

May the those who speak, who cry out,
ever be filled, able,
with the Spirit’s power
to speak truth ever, this is our prayer;
that righteousness would rain down
upon the hearts of the powerful
ever to be drawn closer
to the loving heart of God.

=====
edited March 21, 2015
Not to the silent but to the gadflies – v3

(editing version 2)
edited March 14, 2015
Not to the silent but to the gadflies – v2
edited March 13, 2015
Not to power but to mercy – v2
----
July 11, 2010
Flawed in Our Selfishness
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
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
July 11, 2010
Seventh Sunday after Pentecost
&
July 8, 2010
Truer Blessing
Luke 10:29-37
Luke 10:25-28
Luke 10:25-37
The Good Samaritan
&
Luke 10:1-11, 16-20
Alive Now Daily Reflections
for July 5, 2010 to July 11, 2010
by Nancy Ferguson (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
for July 7, 2010
July 7, 2010
&
July 4, 2010
Oppression Still
July 4, 2010
Free to be Yoked with You
July 4, 2010
Free to Serve You
July 3, 2010
Guided in Our Freedom
July 3, 2010
Living in Our Freedom
July 3, 2010
Our Sense of Freedom
July 3, 2010
Which freedoms do we value
July 4, 2010
The Responsibility of Freedom
Alive Now Daily Reflections
for June 28, 2010 to July 4, 2010
by Nancy Ferguson (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
for July 4, 2010, read July 4, 2010
&
2 Kings 5:1-14
Psalm 30
Luke 10:16-20
Galatians 6:7-10
Psalm 36:5-10 (United Methodist Hymnal #771)
Worship Theme: “The high cost of freedom”
and sermon, “The Cost of Freedom”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“God’s Whisper” blog
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
July 4, 2010
=====
July 4, 2010
Shocking Us
July 4, 2010
The Pursuit of Blessedness
July 4, 2010
The Pursuit of True Happiness
July 4, 2010
A Christian Manifesto
July 3, 2010
written as a series of poems:
Not to power but to mercy
-           “Not to the proud but to the humble”
Matthew 5:3
-          Not to the full but to the empty”
Matthew 5:4
-          “Not to the joyful but to those who sorrow”
Matthew 5:5
-          “Not to the proud but to the humble”
Matthew 5:6
-          Not to the silent but to the gadflies”
Matthew 5:7
-          “Not to power but to mercy”
Matthew 5:8
-          “Not to the world but to the creator”
Matthew 5:9
-          “Not to war but to peace”
Matthew 5:10
-          Not to the Timid but to the persecuted”
Matthew 5:11
-          Not to be praised but to be ridiculed”
July 3, 2010
Radically Different
July 3, 2010
Challenging Our Understanding
July 3, 2010
Changing Our Perspective
July 3, 2010
Our Happiness Recast
July 2, 2010
Living as a Blessing
July 2, 2010
These words of Christ
July 2, 2010
Beatitudes on the Fourth
July 2, 2010
Our Happiness
Matthew 5:1-13
Beatitudes
and email, “Notes from Peter” (Hey)
received July 1, 2010
“This Sunday my sermon is titled
“Pursuing More Than Happiness,”
and it is based on Matthew 5:1-13.
If you have a few minutes to read
this passage of scripture prior to attending the service,
you might get a little more out of the sermon.
In this sermon, I want to challenge us all
to live with greater intentionality and to find
deeper levels of meaning
for our lives. Instant gratification can be the
enemy of faithful living.
Intentionality is the path to blessedness.”
Wesley United Methodist Church
Concord, NH
July 4, 2010
Independence Day

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 36,680+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

a son of God – v2

defined by our Father
who we follow
a son of the devil
or a Son of God;
so easy to see
who we cleave to -  
our selfish desires
or our God’s love.

------
edited March 21, 2015
a son of God – v2

February 6, 2014
a son of God
2 Corinthians 5:17
“You Are Defined by Your Father”
by Phil Robertson
for February 1, 2014
read February 1, 2014
Duck Commander Daily Devotional
compiled by Alan Robertson

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 36,680+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

this one king – v3

This One King was
the Babe of the manger;
the King the Magi sought
our Lord, Christ Jesus.

Herod read the signs
and he was terrified.
He knew where Christ was to be born;
He too read the ancient scriptures.


====
edited March 21, 2015
this one king – v3

(editing version 2)
edited January 21, 2015
this one king – v2
January 14, 2015
this one king
Worship Theme: Epiphany Sunday
Matthew 2:1-12 NIV
Luke 2:22-40 NIV
Epiphany Sunday
by Pastor Ruth Foss
communion
sermon “I Could Have Had A V-8. . . “
by Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“God’s Whisper” blog
Children’s Message
Mystery box
-          Winnie the Pooh security blanket
-          borrowed from Nolan Howes
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Epiphany Sunday
January 4, 2015
&
Worship Theme: New Year
Ecclesiastes 3:1-12 NIV
Revelation 21:1-6 NIV
Epiphany of the Lord Sunday
sermon “A Year in Review
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Prayer of Thanksgiving
we thank you Lord – v7
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Epiphany of the Lord Sunday
December 28, 2014
&
John 1:1-14
Luke 2:8-20
Matthew 2:1-2, 10-11
4th Sunday of Advent
Advent Sermon Series: The Voices of Advent, “I was there…”
Voices of Advent – “I was there…”
dramas by Ross Olson
sermon/message – “The Shepherd”
as performed by and worship led by Pastor Ruth Foss
Advent wreath lighting
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Christmas Eve Service
December 24, 2014
&
Luke 2:1-7 (KJV)
4th Sunday of Advent
Advent Sermon Series: The Voices of Advent, “I was there…”
Voices of Advent – “I was there…”
dramas by Ross Olson
sermon/message – “The Innkeeper”
(as performed by Doris DeRespino
with Madison Robinson
and Shanequa Foss as the daughters)
children’s message
-          understanding time
by Julie Stites
Prayer of Thanksgiving –
we thank you Lord – v6
worship led by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
4th Sunday of Advent
December 21, 2014
&
Matthew 1:18-25
3rd Sunday of Advent
Advent Sermon Series: The Voices of Advent, “I was there…”
Voices of Advent – “I was there…”
dramas by Ross Olson
sermon/message – “Joseph”
 (as performed by Raymond A. Foss who, like Joseph,
is an step-father and adoptive  father)
Prayer of Thanksgiving –
we thank you Lord – v4
worship led by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
3rd Sunday of Advent
December 14, 2014
&
2nd Sunday of Advent
Advent Sermon Series: The Voices of Advent, “I was there…”
Luke 1:26-38 (KJV)
Voices of Advent – “I was there…”
dramas by Ross Olson
sermon/message – “Mary”
(as performed by Shyanne Foss,
who, like Mary, is 14 years old)
Prayer of Thanksgiving –
we thank you Lord – v2
worship led by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
2nd Sunday of Advent
December 7, 2014
&
1st Sunday of Advent
Advent Sermon Series: The Voices of Advent, “I was there…”
Sacred Dance Introit
Michael W. Smith’s
 “Intro and Prepare Ye the Way”
from his New Hallelujah album
Advent wreath lighting
Prayer of Thanksgiving –
Luke 1:19-20a
Voices of Advent – “I was there…”
dramas by Ross Olson
sermon/message – “Angel Gabriel”
(as performed by Terry Pettengill)
worship led by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
1st Sunday of Advent
November 30, 2014

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 36,680+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

the stain remaining – v2

no matter his washing,
his words no matter;
the stain remaining
innocent blood still there
upon his hands.

no amount of cleansing
could remove the mark,
the stain of his sin,
spilling innocent blood;
remaining forever,
upon his hands.

edited March 21, 2015
the stain remaining – v2

March 18, 2015
the stain remaining
Spirit Study
March 18, 2015
Mark 15:1-15
Lenten book study:
Chapter 4. “Jesus, Barabbas, and Pilate”
24 Hours That Changed the World
by Reverend Adam Hamilton
Spirit study led by Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“God’s Whisper” blog
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
&
edited November 30, 2014
washing his hands – 2 – v4
(editing original again)
edited November 29, 2014
washing his hands – 2 – v3
(editing original again)
edited November 5, 2014
“Washing His Hands – 2 – v2
March 26, 2013
“Washing His Hands - 2”
edited November 5, 2014
Washing His Hands – v4
(editing original again)
edited November 5, 2014
My guilt remains – v3
(editing version 2)
Edited January 4, 2014
My guilt remains – v2
March 7, 2013 and March 8, 2013
My guilt remains
Third Sunday in Lent
Luke 13:1-9 (GOD’S WORD Translation)
Isaiah 55:1-9 (GOD’S WORD Translation)
Worship Theme – “The Voice of God . . . Pilate”
Call to Worship (Psalm 27:1, 5, 14 God’s Word Translation)
Unison Prayer: (Worship and Song © 2011)
Prayer of Dedication (adapted from GBOD © 2013 Luke 13:1-9)
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 Lenten Drama:
(a conversation with Pilate and God after the crucifixion)
by Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 3, 2013
Third Sunday in Lent
Lent
&
----
Edited December 11, 2013
“Washing His Hands – v3”
Edited March 26, 2013
“Washing His Hands – v2”
March 26, 2013
“Washing His Hands - 2”
Matthew 27:17b
Matthew 27:15-26
Sanctuary for Lent for 2013
by Robert V. Dodd
scripture and meditation for March 26, 2013
read March 26, 2013
&
earlier poem
December 2, 2006 20:02
“Washing His Hands
Matt 27:1-26; Luke 23:1-25
and The Master and Margarita
by Mikhail Bulgakov
&
Spirit Study
March 10, 2015
Mark 14:53, 55, 61-68, 70-72
Mark 14:53-72
Lenten book study:
Chapter 3. “Condemned by the Righteous”
24 Hours That Changed the World
by Reverend Adam Hamilton
Spirit study led by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
&
Spirit Study
March 10, 2015
Spirit Study
March 3, 2015
Mark 14:26, 32-42
Mark 14:32a
Lenten book study:
Chapter 2. “Garden of Gethsemane”
by Reverend Adam Hamilton
Spirit study led by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
&
Matthew 26:28
Exodus 24:8
Jeremiah 31:31-34
John 15:15
John 13:3-5
Mark 14:12, 22-25
Lenten book study:
Chapter 1. “The Last Supper”
24 Hours That Changed the World
by Reverend Adam Hamilton
Spirit study led by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
&
other books by Rev. Hamilton studied in Spirit Study groups -
Not A Silent Night
&
The Way: Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus
&        
“Final Words from the Cross”

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 36,680+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

If we can project peace – v5

Can we project peace
out into the world
like ripples on the waters
changing the path
of all of creation;
spreading love instead?

Can peace accumulate,
a rising tide, surging
building, growing, projected;
expanding, flowing, changing
the path of all of creation
sending ripples out into the world?

If we can project peace
within our homes, our hearts
calming our path;
We can change our lives
putting oil on the waters
calming the seas.

----
edited March 21, 2015
if we can project peace – v5

(editing version 3)
edited February 10, 2015
If we can project peace – v4
(editing version 3 and version 2)
edited February 10, 2015
Do we hasten the storms – v3
(merging edits to version 1 and version 2)
Edited February 9, 2015
Are our feelings like ripples – v3
edited February 9, 2015
Projecting Peace – v2
edited February 9, 2015
the coming storm – v2
edited February 9, 2015
the building storm – v2
edited February 9, 2015
can we quench the storm – v2
edited February 9, 2015
Did we cause the storm – v2
edited February 9, 2015
can we calm the storms – v2
Edited February 9, 2015
Are we the cause of all of this – v2
edited February 9, 2015
Can we change the climate – v2
edited February 9, 2015
The accumulated energy – v2
edited February 9, 2015
Do our emotions have power – v3
edited February 9, 2015
Do our feelings cast ripples – v3
edited February 9, 2015
If we can create chaos – v3
edited February 9, 2015
If we can project peace – v3
edited February 9, 2015
The waves of our feelings – v9
February 9, 2015
Are we the storm – v2
edited February 9, 2015
Do we hasten the storm – v2
edited October 10, 2014
The waves of our feelings – v8
(editing original again)
edited October 10, 2014
The waves of our feelings – v7
(editing version 4)
Edited October 23, 2013
The waves of our feelings – v6
(editing version 2)
Edited October 23, 2013
The waves of our feelings – v5
(editing version 2)
Edited September 28, 2013
The ways of our feelings – v4
(editing version 2)
Edited September 28, 2013
The waves of our feelings – v3
(editing original again)
Edited September 27, 2013
The waves of our feelings – v2
November 2, 2012
The waves of our feelings
November 8, 2012
Do our emotions have power – v2
November 2, 2012
Do our emotions have power
November 2, 2012
The accumulated energy
November 1, 2012
Do we hasten the storm
November 8, 2012
Do our feelings cast ripples – v2
November 1, 2012
Do our feelings cast ripples
Edited November 8, 2012
If we can create chaos – v2
November 1, 2012
If we can create chaos
November 1, 2012
Can we change the climate
November 1, 2012
Are our feelings like ripples
November 1, 2012
Are we the cause of all of this
Edited November 22, 2013
If we can project peace – v2
October 31, 2012
If we can project peace
October 31, 2012
Projecting Peace
October 31, 2012
can we quench the storm
October 31, 2012
can we calm the storms
October 31, 2012
Did we cause the storm
October 31, 2012
Are we the storm
October 31, 2012
the building storm
October 31, 2012
the coming storm
confluence of the following twitter status updates:
Twitter post 10/31/2012 by Mayor Cory Booker
Battered but not beaten.
Without power but not powerless.
We stand strong. We stand together.
We will persevere.
&
Twitter post 10/31/2012 by Bill McKibben
&
Twitter post 10/31/2012 by Yoko Ono
If one billion people in the world would Think PEACE - we're gonna get it.
&
Twitter post 10/30/2012 by Deepak Chopra
Are the tempests within us the storms outside us?

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 36,680+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.