Live in him;
walk as he walked
believe and be healed
spread his message, his love
Live as he lived;
follow the master’s call
do the father’s will
share his holy love
June 23, 2008
1 John 2:1-6 and
Upper Room devotional for June 17, 2008
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=6&day=17&year=2008&x=107&y=6
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
A Tremor
A tremor, a quiver, a vibration
a transfer of energy, of power
an act of faith, of healing
He sensed her touch,
touching only his clothes;
but he felt it none the less
even in the bustling throng,
the jostling crowd
A touch, a prayer, healing
He paused, to find her,
to give her words of comfort
to acknowledge her faith
A living priest, making her clean
making her whole
June 23, 2008
Mark 5:21-43 and
Upper Room devotional for June 16, 2008
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=6&day=16&year=2008&x=107&y=6
a transfer of energy, of power
an act of faith, of healing
He sensed her touch,
touching only his clothes;
but he felt it none the less
even in the bustling throng,
the jostling crowd
A touch, a prayer, healing
He paused, to find her,
to give her words of comfort
to acknowledge her faith
A living priest, making her clean
making her whole
June 23, 2008
Mark 5:21-43 and
Upper Room devotional for June 16, 2008
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=6&day=16&year=2008&x=107&y=6
Physical Contact
Healing for both,
different but still the same
her hands touching his cloak
His hands on her still young body
Healing by physical contact
by faith in Him,
something special, divine
about Him alone
Needing to touch, for his touch
Healing tactile, real
through their touch
different but still the same
her hands touching his cloak
His hands on her still young body
Healing by physical contact
by faith in Him,
something special, divine
about Him alone
Needing to touch, for his touch
Healing tactile, real
through their touch
June 23, 2008
Physical Contact
Mark 5:21-43 and
Upper Room devotional for June 16, 2008
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 35,030+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Through the Crowd
Out of the crowd, in the busy market
she came, unclean, outcast
not to trouble the master,
merely to touch his cloak
that would be enough
no laying on of hands, no healing service
But he felt her touch
and he gave her more
physical healing, yes;
but spiritual reconciliation
belonging, for her faith
June 23, 2008
Mark 5:21-43 and
Upper Room devotional for June 16, 2008
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=6&day=16&year=2008&x=107&y=6
she came, unclean, outcast
not to trouble the master,
merely to touch his cloak
that would be enough
no laying on of hands, no healing service
But he felt her touch
and he gave her more
physical healing, yes;
but spiritual reconciliation
belonging, for her faith
June 23, 2008
Mark 5:21-43 and
Upper Room devotional for June 16, 2008
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=6&day=16&year=2008&x=107&y=6
By Her Touch
She was healed,
by her touch, merely
touching his clothes
her faith transformed that touch
to healing
without contact with him,
no healing hands on her
just the hem of his robe
enough for her
transformed, brought back to life
clean once more; healed
June 23, 2008
Mark 5:21-43 and
Upper Room devotional for June 16, 2008
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=6&day=16&year=2008&x=107&y=6
by her touch, merely
touching his clothes
her faith transformed that touch
to healing
without contact with him,
no healing hands on her
just the hem of his robe
enough for her
transformed, brought back to life
clean once more; healed
June 23, 2008
Mark 5:21-43 and
Upper Room devotional for June 16, 2008
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=6&day=16&year=2008&x=107&y=6
The Ripeness of Now
Some feeling, hard to explain
a sudden ripeness, in God’s time
ready for a harvest, growth visible
a presence of God, palpable
real, wonderful
The seeds which were planted,
the good rich soil, the living water,
the love, the care,
bringing a harvest for God
June 22, 2008
1 Corinthians 3:5-9
and the combined message,
“Transition”, by
Reverend Yoo Cha Yi,
Pastor Ruth Foss, Mary Ann Cioffi,
and Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
Suncook, NH
June 22, 2008
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 19,720+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
a sudden ripeness, in God’s time
ready for a harvest, growth visible
a presence of God, palpable
real, wonderful
The seeds which were planted,
the good rich soil, the living water,
the love, the care,
bringing a harvest for God
June 22, 2008
1 Corinthians 3:5-9
and the combined message,
“Transition”, by
Reverend Yoo Cha Yi,
Pastor Ruth Foss, Mary Ann Cioffi,
and Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
by
Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“God’s
Whisper” blog
Suncook United Methodist ChurchSuncook, NH
June 22, 2008
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 19,720+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Ripeness
It is a more ephemeral,
a more undefined quixotic thought
not the chronological age,
of so many days, of years
Ripeness, being ready
prepared for God’s harvest
Something we cannot know
we who toil in the garden,
the field, the vineyard
We plant the seed,
water and tend the garden
God alone brings the growth
and picks the appointed hour
for the harvest
June 22, 2008
1 Corinthians 3:5-9
and the combined message,
“Transition”, by
Reverend Yoo Cha Yi,
Pastor Ruth Foss, Mary Ann Cioffi,
and Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
Pastor Ruth Foss
Suncook, NH
June 22, 2008
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 19,730+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
a more undefined quixotic thought
not the chronological age,
of so many days, of years
Ripeness, being ready
prepared for God’s harvest
Something we cannot know
we who toil in the garden,
the field, the vineyard
We plant the seed,
water and tend the garden
God alone brings the growth
and picks the appointed hour
for the harvest
June 22, 2008
1 Corinthians 3:5-9
and the combined message,
“Transition”, by
Reverend Yoo Cha Yi,
Pastor Ruth Foss, Mary Ann Cioffi,
and Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
Pastor Ruth Foss
by
Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“God’s
Whisper” blog
Suncook United Methodist ChurchSuncook, NH
June 22, 2008
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 19,730+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Planting Seeds (2)
Her loving hands
her faithful words
planting seeds, leaving stones
on the journey of ministry
tending, watering the garden
leaving the seedlings
to other gardeners
each tending the plants
for the harvest to come.
June 22, 2008
1 Corinthians 3:5-9
and the combined message,
“Transition”, by
Reverend Yoo Cha Yi,
Pastor Ruth Foss, Mary Ann Cioffi,
and Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
Suncook, NH
June 22, 2008
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 19,720+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
her faithful words
planting seeds, leaving stones
on the journey of ministry
tending, watering the garden
leaving the seedlings
to other gardeners
each tending the plants
for the harvest to come.
June 22, 2008
1 Corinthians 3:5-9
and the combined message,
“Transition”, by
Reverend Yoo Cha Yi,
Pastor Ruth Foss, Mary Ann Cioffi,
and Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
by
Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“God’s
Whisper” blog
Suncook United Methodist ChurchSuncook, NH
June 22, 2008
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 19,720+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
At God’s Time
We plant, we water
watch for growth,
for change, in human time,
by the calendar, the closk
the change of seasons,
the cycles of measured life
The harvest, of the garden we tend
in God’s time alone
Kairos not Chronos time alone
We are to be faithful,
toiling in our time
ready for harvest
at God’s appointed hour
watch for growth,
for change, in human time,
by the calendar, the closk
the change of seasons,
the cycles of measured life
The harvest, of the garden we tend
in God’s time alone
Kairos not Chronos time alone
We are to be faithful,
toiling in our time
ready for harvest
at God’s appointed hour
-----------------------
edited July 29, 2019
At God’s Time – v2
June 22, 2008
At God’s Time
1 Corinthians 3:5-9
and the combined message,
“Transition”, by
Reverend Yoo Cha Yi,
Pastor Ruth Foss, Mary Ann Cioffi,
and Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
Suncook United Methodist Church,
Suncook, NH, June 22, 2008
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted
by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008,
2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019. All
rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)
for usage. See all 51,110+ of my poems
at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
1 Corinthians 3, Christ, creator, Faith, garden, God,
harvest, love, Pastor Ruth Foss, sun, water,
#1Corinthians3 #Christ #creator #Faith #garden #God #harvest
#love #sun #water #Spirit #grace,
River of Faith
Living water, a river of faith
living in the hearts, one on one
a generation on generation
a mighty nation, a holy priesthood
seeds, each growing,
each one a minister, spreading seeds,
watering plants, tending the garden
throughout human time,
for a harvest of the righteous
in God’s time
living in the hearts, one on one
a generation on generation
a mighty nation, a holy priesthood
seeds, each growing,
each one a minister, spreading seeds,
watering plants, tending the garden
throughout human time,
for a harvest of the righteous
in God’s time
====================
edited September 28, 2019
River of Faith – v2
June 22, 2008
River of Faith
1 Corinthians 3:5-9
and the combined message,
“Transition”, by
Reverend Yoo Cha Yi,
Pastor Ruth Foss, Mary Ann Cioffi,
and Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
by Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
8AM Live
meditation blog
“God’s Whisper” blog
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
June 22, 2008
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by
Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008,
2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019. All
rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,110+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
1 Corinthians 3, Christ, creator, Faith, garden, God, harvest,
love, Pastor Ruth Foss, Pembroke NH, sun, Suncook NH, water,
#1Corinthians3 #Christ #creator #Faith #garden #God #harvest #love
#PastorRuthFoss #sun #soil #water,
Seeds
Seeds of grace, shared, planted
planted within us, put in our hands
give the seeds we are given
share God’s grace, his love
to the ends of the world
to the whole garden
Water them, with love
with the prophets, the law
the lessons of the son
the fulfilled promises of the father
a living faith
to save the world
June 22, 2008
1 Corinthians 3:5-9
and the combined message,
“Transition”, by
Reverend Yoo Cha Yi,
Pastor Ruth Foss, Mary Ann Cioffi,
and Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
Suncook, NH
June 22, 2008
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 19,660+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
planted within us, put in our hands
give the seeds we are given
share God’s grace, his love
to the ends of the world
to the whole garden
Water them, with love
with the prophets, the law
the lessons of the son
the fulfilled promises of the father
a living faith
to save the world
June 22, 2008
1 Corinthians 3:5-9
and the combined message,
“Transition”, by
Reverend Yoo Cha Yi,
Pastor Ruth Foss, Mary Ann Cioffi,
and Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
by
Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“God’s
Whisper” blog
Suncook United Methodist ChurchSuncook, NH
June 22, 2008
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 19,660+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
In His Time (2)
A wondrous presence,
the growing of the garden
in His time, growth
visible, discernible
able to be seen
The work of those who toil
who have toiled in the garden
reap harvests of glory, of joy
in His time,
a reflection on
all the gardeners
June 22, 2008
1 Corinthians 3:5-9
and the combined message,
“Transition”, by
Reverend Yoo Cha Yi,
Pastor Ruth Foss, Mary Ann Cioffi,
and Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
Suncook, NH
June 22, 2008
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 19,660+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
the growing of the garden
in His time, growth
visible, discernible
able to be seen
The work of those who toil
who have toiled in the garden
reap harvests of glory, of joy
in His time,
a reflection on
all the gardeners
June 22, 2008
1 Corinthians 3:5-9
and the combined message,
“Transition”, by
Reverend Yoo Cha Yi,
Pastor Ruth Foss, Mary Ann Cioffi,
and Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
by
Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“God’s
Whisper” blog
Suncook United Methodist ChurchSuncook, NH
June 22, 2008
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 19,660+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Adding Water
Water they need,
to live to grow
the seeds, planted in the garden
Add the water, each in their turn
different water each will give
other foods to nourish,
to feed the fields
Different gifts given
to the congregation
growing to discipleship
adding water
each in their turn
tending for the gardener
June 22, 2008
1 Corinthians 3:5-9
and the combined message,
“Transition”, by
Reverend Yoo Cha Yi,
Pastor Ruth Foss, Mary Ann Cioffi,
and Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
Suncook, NH
June 22, 2008
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 19,660+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
to live to grow
the seeds, planted in the garden
Add the water, each in their turn
different water each will give
other foods to nourish,
to feed the fields
Different gifts given
to the congregation
growing to discipleship
adding water
each in their turn
tending for the gardener
June 22, 2008
1 Corinthians 3:5-9
and the combined message,
“Transition”, by
Reverend Yoo Cha Yi,
Pastor Ruth Foss, Mary Ann Cioffi,
and Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
by
Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“God’s
Whisper” blog
Suncook United Methodist ChurchSuncook, NH
June 22, 2008
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 19,660+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Weeds and Rocks
Among the seeds, planted in the garden
watered with the flowers, vegetables
unwanted weeds,
rocks of differing sizes, shapes
unplanted, unplanned
growing, a bumper crop
in our garden too
work for the gardener
culling the crop,
looking at the weeds,
the rocks differently
maybe they too are worthy
June 22, 2008
1 Corinthians 3:5-9
and the combined message,
“Transition”, by
Reverend Yoo Cha Yi,
Pastor Ruth Foss, Mary Ann Cioffi,
and Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
Suncook, NH
June 22, 2008
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 19,660+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
watered with the flowers, vegetables
unwanted weeds,
rocks of differing sizes, shapes
unplanted, unplanned
growing, a bumper crop
in our garden too
work for the gardener
culling the crop,
looking at the weeds,
the rocks differently
maybe they too are worthy
June 22, 2008
1 Corinthians 3:5-9
and the combined message,
“Transition”, by
Reverend Yoo Cha Yi,
Pastor Ruth Foss, Mary Ann Cioffi,
and Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
by
Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“God’s
Whisper” blog
Suncook United Methodist ChurchSuncook, NH
June 22, 2008
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 19,660+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Watering Seeds
Each of us seeds, seeds within us
seeds we plant, throughout the garden
each provides the water, different gifts
all needed, to nourish the seeds
what one plants, another waters
many water, weed, care for the garden
God provides the growth
when God will, reaping a harvest
by hands who do not plant
June 22, 2008
1 Corinthians 3:5-9
and the combined message,
“Transition”, by
Reverend Yoo Cha Yi,
Pastor Ruth Foss, Mary Ann Cioffi,
and Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
Suncook, NH
June 22, 2008
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 19,660+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
seeds we plant, throughout the garden
each provides the water, different gifts
all needed, to nourish the seeds
what one plants, another waters
many water, weed, care for the garden
God provides the growth
when God will, reaping a harvest
by hands who do not plant
June 22, 2008
1 Corinthians 3:5-9
and the combined message,
“Transition”, by
Reverend Yoo Cha Yi,
Pastor Ruth Foss, Mary Ann Cioffi,
and Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
by
Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“God’s
Whisper” blog
Suncook United Methodist ChurchSuncook, NH
June 22, 2008
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 19,660+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
The Growth
God’s love, the sun of the garden
there is the source
the growth, provided by God
We plant, we water
we prune and weed
nourishing, nurturing
the living garden
growing, in God’s time
through his love
the garden grows
bearing fruit unknown
for God’s harvest
June 22, 2008
1 Corinthians 3:5-9
and the combined message,
“Transition”, by
Reverend Yoo Cha Yi,
Pastor Ruth Foss, Mary Ann Cioffi,
and Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
Suncook, NH
June 22, 2008
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 19,620+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
there is the source
the growth, provided by God
We plant, we water
we prune and weed
nourishing, nurturing
the living garden
growing, in God’s time
through his love
the garden grows
bearing fruit unknown
for God’s harvest
June 22, 2008
1 Corinthians 3:5-9
and the combined message,
“Transition”, by
Reverend Yoo Cha Yi,
Pastor Ruth Foss, Mary Ann Cioffi,
and Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
by
Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“God’s
Whisper” blog
Suncook United Methodist ChurchSuncook, NH
June 22, 2008
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 19,620+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Three Nails
Three nails sit, quietly
on the top of the cabinet
next to the stack, bible,
devotionals, reading to do,
by the prayer shawl, the prayer
the prayer He taught us
Three spikes, into our savior’s body
reminders of our sin, our shame
the price he pays for our breach,
our evil, while we live
Three nails sit there still,
quietly speaking the truth
that day on Calgary
my sin those nails,
my shame that cross
my brother carrying my burden
Three nails to remember
how he loves us so
June 22, 2008
1 John 2:1-6 and
Upper Room devotional for June 17, 2008
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=6&day=17&year=2008&x=107&y=6
on the top of the cabinet
next to the stack, bible,
devotionals, reading to do,
by the prayer shawl, the prayer
the prayer He taught us
Three spikes, into our savior’s body
reminders of our sin, our shame
the price he pays for our breach,
our evil, while we live
Three nails sit there still,
quietly speaking the truth
that day on Calgary
my sin those nails,
my shame that cross
my brother carrying my burden
Three nails to remember
how he loves us so
June 22, 2008
1 John 2:1-6 and
Upper Room devotional for June 17, 2008
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=6&day=17&year=2008&x=107&y=6
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Our Children Teach Us
In their reflection, our flaws, our lapses, our weakness,
humanness, reality, blemishes and all
Blank slates, ready to be filled
Lessons they will teach,
based on what is written there
A story of the children in the garden
disobeying the one rule, blaming others
A tale of a father, wayward willful children
A prayer of the son, our savior,
risen Lord, our brother
They are a reflection of the father,
a projection of the generations to come
each a mirror on the fathers and mothers
who came before, the village in which we live,
We bear the responsibility, for the next ones,
to reflect the son, the father,
to be the hands, the feet, the voices
bringing their message, of love, of hope
to all the generations to come
until the end of the age
June 15 and June 18, 2008
Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Lectionary Year A,
Luke 15:11-32, Lectionary Year A, Prodigal Son,
the Lord’s Prayer, and the sermon,
“Jesus’ Teachings on Fatherhood”,
by Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH, Father’s Day, June 15, 2008
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
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 19,620+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
humanness, reality, blemishes and all
Blank slates, ready to be filled
Lessons they will teach,
based on what is written there
A story of the children in the garden
disobeying the one rule, blaming others
A tale of a father, wayward willful children
A prayer of the son, our savior,
risen Lord, our brother
They are a reflection of the father,
a projection of the generations to come
each a mirror on the fathers and mothers
who came before, the village in which we live,
We bear the responsibility, for the next ones,
to reflect the son, the father,
to be the hands, the feet, the voices
bringing their message, of love, of hope
to all the generations to come
until the end of the age
June 15 and June 18, 2008
Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Lectionary Year A,
Luke 15:11-32, Lectionary Year A, Prodigal Son,
the Lord’s Prayer, and the sermon,
“Jesus’ Teachings on Fatherhood”,
by Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH, Father’s Day, June 15, 2008
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
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 19,620+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Lessons Our Children Teach
A father, grandfather, everyman
pondering, musing, breathing out
the lessons our children teach
in word and in deed,
mirroring our lives, our words,
our behaviors, in ways we may not expect
we may not like, a reflection
A son, a carpenter
our brother
taught us lessons too
written and saved,
down through the generations
mirroring the father, the loving parent
in ways we don’t expect, in words unlike others
sometimes in parables, sometimes in his actions
priorities unlike the worlds
May we mold our lives
in the ways of the son, of that father
ways that will lead our children
to reflect his ways too
and teach their children lessons well
June 15 and June 18, 2008
Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Lectionary Year A,
Luke 15:11-32, Lectionary Year A, Prodigal Son,
the Lord’s Prayer, and the sermon,
“Jesus’ Teachings on Fatherhood”,
by Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH, Father’s Day, June 15, 2008
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
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 19,620+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
pondering, musing, breathing out
the lessons our children teach
in word and in deed,
mirroring our lives, our words,
our behaviors, in ways we may not expect
we may not like, a reflection
A son, a carpenter
our brother
taught us lessons too
written and saved,
down through the generations
mirroring the father, the loving parent
in ways we don’t expect, in words unlike others
sometimes in parables, sometimes in his actions
priorities unlike the worlds
May we mold our lives
in the ways of the son, of that father
ways that will lead our children
to reflect his ways too
and teach their children lessons well
June 15 and June 18, 2008
Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Lectionary Year A,
Luke 15:11-32, Lectionary Year A, Prodigal Son,
the Lord’s Prayer, and the sermon,
“Jesus’ Teachings on Fatherhood”,
by Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH, Father’s Day, June 15, 2008
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
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 19,620+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Lessons of the Son
The wisdom of Solomon,
a pale reflection, blurry image
The Son spoke of the Father’s love
a parable of the loving father,
a prayer modeled on his life
reverently living, the pious life
Praying to the father, in heaven,
as we would to our fathers,
if we could find the words
these words, a mirror on the father
echoing back his love
a hope for life in relationship
with him, always, thy kingdom here
our lives an offering
to our real father
June 18, 2008
Luke 15:11-32, Lectionary Year A, Prodigal Son,
the Lord’s Prayer, and the sermon,
“Jesus’ Teachings on Fatherhood”,
by Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH, Father’s Day, June 15, 2008
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
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 19,620+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
a pale reflection, blurry image
The Son spoke of the Father’s love
a parable of the loving father,
a prayer modeled on his life
reverently living, the pious life
Praying to the father, in heaven,
as we would to our fathers,
if we could find the words
these words, a mirror on the father
echoing back his love
a hope for life in relationship
with him, always, thy kingdom here
our lives an offering
to our real father
June 18, 2008
Luke 15:11-32, Lectionary Year A, Prodigal Son,
the Lord’s Prayer, and the sermon,
“Jesus’ Teachings on Fatherhood”,
by Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH, Father’s Day, June 15, 2008
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
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 19,620+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
NAIL IN THE FENCE
I received this story in my email this morning. I don't know who the author was, and no one has to forward it if you don't want to; but I thought this was a wonderful lesson.
--------
NAIL IN THE FENCE
Make sure you read all the way down to the last sentence.
(Most importantly the last sentence)
There once was a little boy who had a bad temper. His Father gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, he must hammer a nail into the back of the fence. The first day the boy had driven 37 nails into the fence.
Over the next few weeks, as he learned to control his anger, the number of nails hammered daily gradually dwindled down. He discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive those nails into the fence.
Finally the day came when the boy didn't lose his temper at all. He told his father about it and the father suggested that the boy now pull out one nail for each day that he was able to hold his temper.
The days passed and the young boy was finally able to tell his father that all the nails were gone. The father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence He said, 'You have done well, my son, but look at the holes in the fence. The fence will never be the same. When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like this one. You can put a knife in a man and draw it out.
It won't matter how many times you say I'm sorry, the wound is still there. 'A verbal wound is as bad as a physical one.
Friends are very rare jewels, indeed. They make you smile and encourage you to succeed. They lend an ear, they share words of praise and they always want to open their hearts to us.'
It's National Friendship Week. Show your friends how much you care. Send this to everyone you consider a FRIEND, even if it means sending it back to the person who sent it to you. If it comes back to you, then you'll know you have a circle of friends.
YOU ARE MY FRIEND AND I AM HONORED!
Now send this to every friend you have!!
And to your family.
Please forgive me if I have ever left a hole.
--------
NAIL IN THE FENCE
Make sure you read all the way down to the last sentence.
(Most importantly the last sentence)
There once was a little boy who had a bad temper. His Father gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, he must hammer a nail into the back of the fence. The first day the boy had driven 37 nails into the fence.
Over the next few weeks, as he learned to control his anger, the number of nails hammered daily gradually dwindled down. He discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive those nails into the fence.
Finally the day came when the boy didn't lose his temper at all. He told his father about it and the father suggested that the boy now pull out one nail for each day that he was able to hold his temper.
The days passed and the young boy was finally able to tell his father that all the nails were gone. The father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence He said, 'You have done well, my son, but look at the holes in the fence. The fence will never be the same. When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like this one. You can put a knife in a man and draw it out.
It won't matter how many times you say I'm sorry, the wound is still there. 'A verbal wound is as bad as a physical one.
Friends are very rare jewels, indeed. They make you smile and encourage you to succeed. They lend an ear, they share words of praise and they always want to open their hearts to us.'
It's National Friendship Week. Show your friends how much you care. Send this to everyone you consider a FRIEND, even if it means sending it back to the person who sent it to you. If it comes back to you, then you'll know you have a circle of friends.
YOU ARE MY FRIEND AND I AM HONORED!
Now send this to every friend you have!!
And to your family.
Please forgive me if I have ever left a hole.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
A Christian Life
Our prayer, the one He taught us,
The Lord’s Prayer, to the father
given, spoken, always in love
reflecting His love back
through the mirror of our lives
We His children, so quick to emulate others
May we shine His love into the darkness
This prayer, rich in how
live a Christian life
as individuals, as parents, as the church
The Son sharing the love of the Father
the wisdom of the ages,
the truth of his life
a Christian life indeed
June 15 and June 17, 2008
Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Lectionary Year A,
Luke 15:11-32, Lectionary Year A, Prodigal Son,
the Lord’s Prayer, and the sermon,
“Jesus’ Teachings on Fatherhood”,
by Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH, Father’s Day, June 15, 2008
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
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 19,620+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
The Lord’s Prayer, to the father
given, spoken, always in love
reflecting His love back
through the mirror of our lives
We His children, so quick to emulate others
May we shine His love into the darkness
This prayer, rich in how
live a Christian life
as individuals, as parents, as the church
The Son sharing the love of the Father
the wisdom of the ages,
the truth of his life
a Christian life indeed
June 15 and June 17, 2008
Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Lectionary Year A,
Luke 15:11-32, Lectionary Year A, Prodigal Son,
the Lord’s Prayer, and the sermon,
“Jesus’ Teachings on Fatherhood”,
by Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH, Father’s Day, June 15, 2008
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
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 19,620+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Lead Us Not Into Temptation
A grandfather’s perspective, worthy of reflection
the world, so coarse, so raw, so dangerous
So much more, human made hazards
where do we fit, as parents, as the church
In the breach, to save our children
more important than others
a safe place for God’s children
within these walls, within our embrace
the church is called at times like these
lead us through this dark valley,
through the waters
to that promised land,
that lush green valley
all the way home
June 15 and June 17, 2008
Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Lectionary Year A,
Luke 15:11-32, Lectionary Year A, Prodigal Son,
the Lord’s Prayer, and the sermon,
“Jesus’ Teachings on Fatherhood”,
by Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH, Father’s Day, June 15, 2008
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
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 19,620+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
the world, so coarse, so raw, so dangerous
So much more, human made hazards
where do we fit, as parents, as the church
In the breach, to save our children
more important than others
a safe place for God’s children
within these walls, within our embrace
the church is called at times like these
lead us through this dark valley,
through the waters
to that promised land,
that lush green valley
all the way home
June 15 and June 17, 2008
Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Lectionary Year A,
Luke 15:11-32, Lectionary Year A, Prodigal Son,
the Lord’s Prayer, and the sermon,
“Jesus’ Teachings on Fatherhood”,
by Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH, Father’s Day, June 15, 2008
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
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 19,620+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Forgive Us . . . As We Forgive
We are born flawed, vulnerable
driven by our wills,
crashing into one another
Human beings are to be forgiving of other
Do unto others, oh yes, as you would have done to you
never, do as I say, not as I do
do not scold for your own failings
and we all fail, it is our nature, willful children
blundering into trouble
We bluster and bellow, rail
for our own issues, not the instant one
our anger of our own making
work on the log, not the speck
a forgiving heart is forgiven
June 15 and June 17, 2008
Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Lectionary Year A,
Luke 15:11-32, Lectionary Year A, Prodigal Son,
the Lord’s Prayer, and the sermon,
“Jesus’ Teachings on Fatherhood”,
by Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH, Father’s Day, June 15, 2008
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
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 19,620+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
driven by our wills,
crashing into one another
Human beings are to be forgiving of other
Do unto others, oh yes, as you would have done to you
never, do as I say, not as I do
do not scold for your own failings
and we all fail, it is our nature, willful children
blundering into trouble
We bluster and bellow, rail
for our own issues, not the instant one
our anger of our own making
work on the log, not the speck
a forgiving heart is forgiven
June 15 and June 17, 2008
Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Lectionary Year A,
Luke 15:11-32, Lectionary Year A, Prodigal Son,
the Lord’s Prayer, and the sermon,
“Jesus’ Teachings on Fatherhood”,
by Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH, Father’s Day, June 15, 2008
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
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 19,620+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread
His story, the pastor’s words
so familiar to me
a smile, knowing, grew on my face
He told of their incessant questions
each day, can I have a snack?
snack time after school
He has provided us
what do we give them
to meet their daily needs
Simple food, small gifts
How much more
He give each of us, each day
June 15 to June 17, 2008
Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Lectionary Year A,
Luke 15:11-32, Lectionary Year A, Prodigal Son,
the Lord’s Prayer, and the sermon,
“Jesus’ Teachings on Fatherhood”,
by Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH, Father’s Day, June 15, 2008
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
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 19,620+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
so familiar to me
a smile, knowing, grew on my face
He told of their incessant questions
each day, can I have a snack?
snack time after school
He has provided us
what do we give them
to meet their daily needs
Simple food, small gifts
How much more
He give each of us, each day
June 15 to June 17, 2008
Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Lectionary Year A,
Luke 15:11-32, Lectionary Year A, Prodigal Son,
the Lord’s Prayer, and the sermon,
“Jesus’ Teachings on Fatherhood”,
by Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH, Father’s Day, June 15, 2008
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
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 19,620+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Thy Kingdom Come
A wish, a prayer, humbly raised
that heaven would come to earth
the world to be a better place
teach us Lord, how to treat the world
through your example, the prayers you shared
how to treat others with respect
all are worthy, all to be loved
We are responsible
for one another
we are our brother’s,
our sister’s keepers
Teach us to turn from our ways
and find hope in your life
so we can bring thy kingdom here
June 15 to June 17, 2008
Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Lectionary Year A,
Luke 15:11-32, Lectionary Year A, Prodigal Son,
the Lord’s Prayer, and the sermon,
“Jesus’ Teachings on Fatherhood”,
by Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH, Father’s Day, June 15, 2008
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
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 19,620+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
that heaven would come to earth
the world to be a better place
teach us Lord, how to treat the world
through your example, the prayers you shared
how to treat others with respect
all are worthy, all to be loved
We are responsible
for one another
we are our brother’s,
our sister’s keepers
Teach us to turn from our ways
and find hope in your life
so we can bring thy kingdom here
June 15 to June 17, 2008
Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Lectionary Year A,
Luke 15:11-32, Lectionary Year A, Prodigal Son,
the Lord’s Prayer, and the sermon,
“Jesus’ Teachings on Fatherhood”,
by Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH, Father’s Day, June 15, 2008
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
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 19,620+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Hallowed be Thy Name
Hallowed be the name
of our father, God
we hallow, praise, call him blessed
in response, natural, read
God’s love, for us
We respond, in love
not a fearful love, not by command,
not by his awesome power
Our children, they listen
listen oh so well,
mirrors on our lives
Just so, we hallow his name
and hope to mirror his ways
June 15 to June 17, 2008
Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Lectionary Year A,
Luke 15:11-32, Lectionary Year A, Prodigal Son,
the Lord’s Prayer, and the sermon,
“Jesus’ Teachings on Fatherhood”,
by Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH, Father’s Day, June 15, 2008
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
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 19,620+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
of our father, God
we hallow, praise, call him blessed
in response, natural, read
God’s love, for us
We respond, in love
not a fearful love, not by command,
not by his awesome power
Our children, they listen
listen oh so well,
mirrors on our lives
Just so, we hallow his name
and hope to mirror his ways
June 15 to June 17, 2008
Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Lectionary Year A,
Luke 15:11-32, Lectionary Year A, Prodigal Son,
the Lord’s Prayer, and the sermon,
“Jesus’ Teachings on Fatherhood”,
by Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH, Father’s Day, June 15, 2008
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
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 19,620+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Our Father
The prayer He taught us,
of the savior, God incarnate
beginning with a name of God
a loving intimate name,
not a cold, aloof, judgmental God in heaven
A loving father, real and personal
caring, forgiving,
reaching for us,
for a connection
a living relationship
with our God, our father
of the savior, God incarnate
beginning with a name of God
a loving intimate name,
not a cold, aloof, judgmental God in heaven
A loving father, real and personal
caring, forgiving,
reaching for us,
for a connection
a living relationship
with our God, our father
June 17, 2008
Lead Us not into temptation
June 17, 2008
Forgive Us … As We Forgive
June 17, 2008
Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread
June 17, 2008
Thy Kingdom Come
June 17, 2008
Hallowed Be Thy Name
June 15, 2008
Our Father
Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Lectionary Year A,
Luke 15:11-32, Lectionary Year A, Prodigal Son,
the Lord’s Prayer, and the sermon,
“Jesus’ Teachings on Fatherhood”,
by Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
Wesley United Methodist Church
Concord, NH
Father’s Day
June 15, 2008
&
July 4, 2015
The Lord’s Prayer – revised
The Lord’s Prayer (traditional, trespasses)
July
28, 2013
The
Lord’s Prayer – 2
Luke
11:1-4
“The
Lord’s Prayer”
Luke
11:1-13
“Jesus’
Teaching on Prayer”
Upper
Room Disciplines for 2013
July
22, 2013 to July 28, 2013
“Relationship
with the Living God”
by
Patricia Wilson
for
July 27, 2013
read
July 28, 2013
&
Edited
April 27, 2013
“The
Lord’s Prayer – v2”
April
25, 2013
Our
First Prayer – v2
April
25, 2013
Our
First Prayer
April
25, 2013
“The
Lord’s Prayer”
Wednesday
night worship
new
series on the Lord’s Prayer
United
Methodist Hymnal, #895
“Our
Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be they name.
Thy kingdom come,
thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,
forever. Amen.
hallowed be they name.
Thy kingdom come,
thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,
forever. Amen.
Worship
Theme: “Teach Us to Pray”
message,
“Let us pray. . . ”
by Pastor Ruth
Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“God’s Whisper” blog
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
April
24, 2013
Eastertide
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 38,130+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Whose Calf Was It
The words of the scripture
tell many stories, layered truths
the nature of man, the character of God
the love of the father, always waiting
Two brothers, one older, responsible,
one younger, reckless
Open arms for the son
who came back home
a calf prepared for the banquet
The brother’s calf, no longer the father’s
for his brother’s feast
a hard pill to swallow
All the father had was his
but he only saw the calf
His calf, given to his brother
to welcome him home
June 15, 2008
Luke 15:11-32, Lectionary Year A, Prodigal Son,
the Lord’s Prayer, and the sermon,
“Jesus’ Teachings on Fatherhood”,
by Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH, Father’s Day, June 15, 2008
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
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 19,600+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
tell many stories, layered truths
the nature of man, the character of God
the love of the father, always waiting
Two brothers, one older, responsible,
one younger, reckless
Open arms for the son
who came back home
a calf prepared for the banquet
The brother’s calf, no longer the father’s
for his brother’s feast
a hard pill to swallow
All the father had was his
but he only saw the calf
His calf, given to his brother
to welcome him home
June 15, 2008
Luke 15:11-32, Lectionary Year A, Prodigal Son,
the Lord’s Prayer, and the sermon,
“Jesus’ Teachings on Fatherhood”,
by Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH, Father’s Day, June 15, 2008
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
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 19,600+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
A Jewish Boy
A wayward Jewish boy
separated from family, from his people,
from his faith, focused on his wealth,
All was lost, an unclean life
In the end, at the bottom of the abyss
A Jewish boy feeding pigs
Coming to his senses
returning home,
to his father’s embrace
unmerited love,
a gift for repentance alone
Beyond human measure.
June 15, 2008
Luke 15:11-32, Lectionary Year A, Prodigal Son,
the Lord’s Prayer, and the sermon,
“Jesus’ Teachings on Fatherhood”,
by Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH, Father’s Day, June 15, 2008
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
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 19,600+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
separated from family, from his people,
from his faith, focused on his wealth,
All was lost, an unclean life
In the end, at the bottom of the abyss
A Jewish boy feeding pigs
Coming to his senses
returning home,
to his father’s embrace
unmerited love,
a gift for repentance alone
Beyond human measure.
June 15, 2008
Luke 15:11-32, Lectionary Year A, Prodigal Son,
the Lord’s Prayer, and the sermon,
“Jesus’ Teachings on Fatherhood”,
by Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH, Father’s Day, June 15, 2008
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
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 19,600+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
A Mislabeled Message
The words of the story,
labeled the Prodigal Son;
but this is a mistake
The deeper meaning,
for all of us prodigal children
the story of the father
reacting to both sons
those who go and lose their way
those who stay and are blind
The father allowing the children
to choose for themselves
Always waiting for them
to come back home
to understand their father’s love
the gifts he shared
with each one of them
June 15, 2008
Luke 15:11-32, Lectionary Year A, Prodigal Son,
the Lord’s Prayer, and the sermon,
“Jesus’ Teachings on Fatherhood”,
by Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH, Father’s Day, June 15, 2008
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
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 19,600+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
labeled the Prodigal Son;
but this is a mistake
The deeper meaning,
for all of us prodigal children
the story of the father
reacting to both sons
those who go and lose their way
those who stay and are blind
The father allowing the children
to choose for themselves
Always waiting for them
to come back home
to understand their father’s love
the gifts he shared
with each one of them
June 15, 2008
Luke 15:11-32, Lectionary Year A, Prodigal Son,
the Lord’s Prayer, and the sermon,
“Jesus’ Teachings on Fatherhood”,
by Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH, Father’s Day, June 15, 2008
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
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 19,600+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
The Loving Father
The true nature of God
revealed in the story of the two sons
the one who roamed and
the one who stayed behind
the reckless and the dutiful
each needing a lesson, to grow
the love, the open arms of the father,
this is the true point of their story
we learn the lesson they could not
watching the loving father,
waiting always, for the wayward children
with arms open wide
to all his children
June 15, 2008
Luke 15:11-32, Lectionary Year A, Prodigal Son,
the Lord’s Prayer, and the sermon,
“Jesus’ Teachings on Fatherhood”,
by Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH, Father’s Day, June 15, 2008
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
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 19,600+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
revealed in the story of the two sons
the one who roamed and
the one who stayed behind
the reckless and the dutiful
each needing a lesson, to grow
the love, the open arms of the father,
this is the true point of their story
we learn the lesson they could not
watching the loving father,
waiting always, for the wayward children
with arms open wide
to all his children
June 15, 2008
Luke 15:11-32, Lectionary Year A, Prodigal Son,
the Lord’s Prayer, and the sermon,
“Jesus’ Teachings on Fatherhood”,
by Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH, Father’s Day, June 15, 2008
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
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 19,600+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
A Good Father
The children had their thought
the ingredients essential
A little bit of love, or a whole lot,
care, oh we definitely need that,
help when they struggle
being respectful of their needs
their views given weight
Real, with flesh and bone,
blood and life
so we make a good father
or so was their recipe
June 15, 2008
Luke 15:11-32, Lectionary Year A, Prodigal Son,
children’s time, asking the children what makes a good father
by Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH, Father’s Day, June 15, 2008
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
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 19,570+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
the ingredients essential
A little bit of love, or a whole lot,
care, oh we definitely need that,
help when they struggle
being respectful of their needs
their views given weight
Real, with flesh and bone,
blood and life
so we make a good father
or so was their recipe
June 15, 2008
Luke 15:11-32, Lectionary Year A, Prodigal Son,
children’s time, asking the children what makes a good father
by Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH, Father’s Day, June 15, 2008
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
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 19,570+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Preaching the Word of God
The gospel lesson, the only scripture
not read from the lectern, not this day
The word of God preached from the pulpit
the story told with passion
inflection, with memory
familiarity with the lesson
comfort with the words,
and their deepest meaning
Bringing Christ’s parable to life
for the whole congregation
June 15, 2008
Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Lectionary Year A,
Luke 15:11-32, Lectionary Year A, Prodigal Son,
the Lord’s Prayer, and the sermon,
“Jesus’ Teachings on Fatherhood”,
by Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH, Father’s Day, June 15, 2008
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
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 19,570+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
not read from the lectern, not this day
The word of God preached from the pulpit
the story told with passion
inflection, with memory
familiarity with the lesson
comfort with the words,
and their deepest meaning
Bringing Christ’s parable to life
for the whole congregation
June 15, 2008
Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Lectionary Year A,
Luke 15:11-32, Lectionary Year A, Prodigal Son,
the Lord’s Prayer, and the sermon,
“Jesus’ Teachings on Fatherhood”,
by Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH, Father’s Day, June 15, 2008
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
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 19,570+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
The First Children
What a revelation, those first moments
discovery of the behaviors of children,
of disobedience, and passing the blame,
in that first story of the first children,
the first father, the creator of all
Adam and Eve, disobeying the one rule
and Adam blaming her, and she the snake
How often have parents discovered,
heard the same tale, over and over again
June 15, 2008
Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Lectionary Year A,
Luke 15:11-32, Lectionary Year A, Prodigal Son,
and sermon,“Jesus’ Teachings on Fatherhood”,
by Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH, Father’s Day
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 19,560+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
discovery of the behaviors of children,
of disobedience, and passing the blame,
in that first story of the first children,
the first father, the creator of all
Adam and Eve, disobeying the one rule
and Adam blaming her, and she the snake
How often have parents discovered,
heard the same tale, over and over again
June 15, 2008
Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Lectionary Year A,
Luke 15:11-32, Lectionary Year A, Prodigal Son,
and sermon,“Jesus’ Teachings on Fatherhood”,
by Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH, Father’s Day
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 19,560+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
In threes
He repeated himself, in section after section
always, always, always
all of our days, all of our days, all of our days
Yes, in threes he spoke, to anchor the point
to repeat and to preach
to reach each one of us in the congregation
to stir our souls with the promise of God
to be with us, to be with us, each one of us
always in our troubles,
always when the darkness comes,
always when there is joy in our hearts
We can boldly act,
we can go forth without fear
we can go into the lion’s den,
because He will never leave us
he will always be there with us
we are never alone
Because He keeps His promises
Christ was born as the prophets foretold,
He lived as the law and the prophets
and he died as the Messiah must
Christ died by the hands of man
He rose by the grace of God
He will return as he promised
So have hope in the power of his words
go forth to do his work
Bring hope to the ends of the world!
June 15, 2008
Matthew 28:16-20
The Great Commission
Jeremiah 31:6-17 and the sermon,
“A Future with Hope: Audacious Proclamation”,
by the Reverend Dr. William B. McClain,
New England Annual Conference,
Gordon College, Wenham, MA,
June 14, 2008
Dr. McClain is the Mary Elizabeth Joyce Professor of Preaching at
Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C.
always, always, always
all of our days, all of our days, all of our days
Yes, in threes he spoke, to anchor the point
to repeat and to preach
to reach each one of us in the congregation
to stir our souls with the promise of God
to be with us, to be with us, each one of us
always in our troubles,
always when the darkness comes,
always when there is joy in our hearts
We can boldly act,
we can go forth without fear
we can go into the lion’s den,
because He will never leave us
he will always be there with us
we are never alone
Because He keeps His promises
Christ was born as the prophets foretold,
He lived as the law and the prophets
and he died as the Messiah must
Christ died by the hands of man
He rose by the grace of God
He will return as he promised
So have hope in the power of his words
go forth to do his work
Bring hope to the ends of the world!
June 15, 2008
Matthew 28:16-20
The Great Commission
Jeremiah 31:6-17 and the sermon,
“A Future with Hope: Audacious Proclamation”,
by the Reverend Dr. William B. McClain,
New England Annual Conference,
Gordon College, Wenham, MA,
June 14, 2008
Dr. McClain is the Mary Elizabeth Joyce Professor of Preaching at
Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C.
Always, Always, Always
Always, always, always
he will be with us,
every day, all our days, even last one
so long as the sun shall shine
until the earth shall end,
always will our Lord be with us
We are not alone, never ever alone
for He is with us
Always, till the end of the age
our risen savior,
the fulfillment of all the prophets,
walking beside us, watching over us
giving comfort and hope,
love and support
Always, always, always
living all our days with our Lord
June 15, 2008
Matthew 28:16-20
The Great Commission
Jeremiah 31:6-17 and the sermon,
“A Future with Hope: Audacious Proclamation”,
by the Reverend Dr. William B. McClain,
New England Annual Conference,
Gordon College, Wenham, MA,
June 14, 2008
Dr. McClain is the Mary Elizabeth Joyce Professor of Preaching at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C.
he will be with us,
every day, all our days, even last one
so long as the sun shall shine
until the earth shall end,
always will our Lord be with us
We are not alone, never ever alone
for He is with us
Always, till the end of the age
our risen savior,
the fulfillment of all the prophets,
walking beside us, watching over us
giving comfort and hope,
love and support
Always, always, always
living all our days with our Lord
June 15, 2008
Matthew 28:16-20
The Great Commission
Jeremiah 31:6-17 and the sermon,
“A Future with Hope: Audacious Proclamation”,
by the Reverend Dr. William B. McClain,
New England Annual Conference,
Gordon College, Wenham, MA,
June 14, 2008
Dr. McClain is the Mary Elizabeth Joyce Professor of Preaching at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C.
His Promise
He made the promise, the final words
at the end of his time on earth
to be with us, with us, always,
Never alone are we, always with the Lord
a promise to believe in, to trust
This God who came to earth,
who suffered and died;
he rose, but more, he is risen
now and always, a risen Lord
living now at the right hand
With us in all our days,
in all the days to come
Whether good days or bad
Always with us, each step,
each instant of time
walking with our savior
His promise, hope for the believers
love for us all
June 15, 2008
Matthew 28:16-20
The Great Commission
Jeremiah 31:6-17 and the sermon,
“A Future with Hope: Audacious Proclamation”,
by the Reverend Dr. William B. McClain,
New England Annual Conference,
Gordon College, Wenham, MA,
June 14, 2008
Dr. McClain is the Mary Elizabeth Joyce Professor of Preaching at
Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C.
at the end of his time on earth
to be with us, with us, always,
Never alone are we, always with the Lord
a promise to believe in, to trust
This God who came to earth,
who suffered and died;
he rose, but more, he is risen
now and always, a risen Lord
living now at the right hand
With us in all our days,
in all the days to come
Whether good days or bad
Always with us, each step,
each instant of time
walking with our savior
His promise, hope for the believers
love for us all
June 15, 2008
Matthew 28:16-20
The Great Commission
Jeremiah 31:6-17 and the sermon,
“A Future with Hope: Audacious Proclamation”,
by the Reverend Dr. William B. McClain,
New England Annual Conference,
Gordon College, Wenham, MA,
June 14, 2008
Dr. McClain is the Mary Elizabeth Joyce Professor of Preaching at
Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C.
The Final Words
His final words,
after the charge to the disciples,
to each one of us still
a promise He will keep,
to be with us always,
every day of our lives,
with us in every trial
in every gladness,
in every moment of pain
When the days are hard to bear
he is with us, the Messiah
When we sing with joy
he is with us, the Risen Lord
When we laugh and when we play
he is with us, the Prince of Peace
When we grieve and when we pray
He is with us, the lamb of God
He who lived an immaculate life
who fulfilled the promises of the Father
left us with a promise
in his final words, to be with us
Always
June 15, 2008
Matthew 28:16-20
The Great Commission
Jeremiah 31:6-17 and the sermon,
“A Future with Hope: Audacious Proclamation”,
by the Reverend Dr. William B. McClain,
New England Annual Conference,
Gordon College, Wenham, MA,
June 14, 2008
Dr. McClain is the Mary Elizabeth Joyce Professor of Preaching at
Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C.
after the charge to the disciples,
to each one of us still
a promise He will keep,
to be with us always,
every day of our lives,
with us in every trial
in every gladness,
in every moment of pain
When the days are hard to bear
he is with us, the Messiah
When we sing with joy
he is with us, the Risen Lord
When we laugh and when we play
he is with us, the Prince of Peace
When we grieve and when we pray
He is with us, the lamb of God
He who lived an immaculate life
who fulfilled the promises of the Father
left us with a promise
in his final words, to be with us
Always
June 15, 2008
Matthew 28:16-20
The Great Commission
Jeremiah 31:6-17 and the sermon,
“A Future with Hope: Audacious Proclamation”,
by the Reverend Dr. William B. McClain,
New England Annual Conference,
Gordon College, Wenham, MA,
June 14, 2008
Dr. McClain is the Mary Elizabeth Joyce Professor of Preaching at
Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C.
Believe His Promise
His promise, in the final words
a promise to keep
A book of proofs, of the fulfillment
of the testaments of old,
the law and the prophets
together in this boy, this man
a life of purity, unblemished and true
given for all, to be a sacrifice
He suffered for us, for all who sin
and rose to proclaim victory
for us all to come home
He gave a command and a charge to keep
and sealed these words
with a promise so deep
To be with us always, forever amen
through thick and thin
and each one of our days
Believe in His promise
June 15, 2008
Matthew 28:16-20
The Great Commission
Jeremiah 31:6-17 and the sermon,
“A Future with Hope: Audacious Proclamation”,
by the Reverend Dr. William B. McClain,
New England Annual Conference,
Gordon College, Wenham, MA,
June 14, 2008
Dr. McClain is the Mary Elizabeth Joyce Professor of Preaching at
Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C.
a promise to keep
A book of proofs, of the fulfillment
of the testaments of old,
the law and the prophets
together in this boy, this man
a life of purity, unblemished and true
given for all, to be a sacrifice
He suffered for us, for all who sin
and rose to proclaim victory
for us all to come home
He gave a command and a charge to keep
and sealed these words
with a promise so deep
To be with us always, forever amen
through thick and thin
and each one of our days
Believe in His promise
June 15, 2008
Matthew 28:16-20
The Great Commission
Jeremiah 31:6-17 and the sermon,
“A Future with Hope: Audacious Proclamation”,
by the Reverend Dr. William B. McClain,
New England Annual Conference,
Gordon College, Wenham, MA,
June 14, 2008
Dr. McClain is the Mary Elizabeth Joyce Professor of Preaching at
Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C.
She Served
It was funny, that moment of revelation
of understanding the not so subtle change.
I told our pastor that the girls and I
changing our assigned station, in the sanctuary
that we received communion from mom,
where she was assisting
A word of correction,
by our pastor, our friend.
She served communion,
this night, her first time
with the credentials,
the sending out, the words
given, recognized with authority,
to perform the sacraments,
to live the call she feels, affirmed so often,
the call within her;
Another corner turned,
preparing for the day, next month,
when she will be the one breaking the bread
saying the words over the cup
truly serving communion
in our new sanctuary,
to her new congregation
the flock she will help shepherd
in service to God
June 15, 2008
communion at Annual Conference,
Gordon College, Wenham, MA
June 14, 2008
of understanding the not so subtle change.
I told our pastor that the girls and I
changing our assigned station, in the sanctuary
that we received communion from mom,
where she was assisting
A word of correction,
by our pastor, our friend.
She served communion,
this night, her first time
with the credentials,
the sending out, the words
given, recognized with authority,
to perform the sacraments,
to live the call she feels, affirmed so often,
the call within her;
Another corner turned,
preparing for the day, next month,
when she will be the one breaking the bread
saying the words over the cup
truly serving communion
in our new sanctuary,
to her new congregation
the flock she will help shepherd
in service to God
June 15, 2008
communion at Annual Conference,
Gordon College, Wenham, MA
June 14, 2008
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Shark Words
If you get a chance, check out Shark Words at http://sharkwords.blogspot.com/. A strong message and beautiful images.
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 19,840+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
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 19,840+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Friday, June 13, 2008
A Proposal by the NE Chapter of the Methodist Federation for Social Action, The NE Annual Conference Reconciling Ministries Committee and ...
A Witness to Conscience
On April 30, 2008 in Fort Worth Texas the General Conference of the United Methodist
Church voted not only to maintain condemnatory language concerning homosexuality in
the section of the Social Principles dealing with Human Sexuality (paragraph 161.G), but to significantly weaken the current statement of the church by deleting affirmative language and inserting further judgmental statements. Sadly, due to the limits of parliamentary procedure, delegates never had an opportunity to debate the merits of the majority report coming out of the Church and Society II Legislative Committee. This report, in the eyes of many, represented an honest, gracious and fair statement of the present reality within the United Methodist Church and held great promise for the healing of our church. (Both statements are attached.)
The Social Principles are not church law. They are intended, in the words of their
preface, to be “a call to faithfulness” and “instructive and persuasive in the best of the prophetic spirit.” We believe that the disparaging language of the adopted version of 161.G is neither faithful nor persuasive, and it is certainly not prophetic. It is instructive only to the degree that it indicates how far the United Methodist Church has to go before its motto of “Open hearts, open minds, open doors” becomes reality.
Recognizing that, from time to time, the legislative efforts of the church fail to keep pace with the leading of the Holy Spirit, and being further convinced that faithful United Methodists can never acquiesce to discrimination, no matter how many votes may be mustered in its service, we call upon the New England Annual Conference to do the following:
• Declare that we will not recognize the destructive and discriminatory language
contained in Paragraph 161.G as faithful, persuasive or prophetic.
• Charge the Conference Board of Church and Society with drafting an alternative
paragraph 161.G to be presented to the 2009 session of the Annual Conference for
its perfection and approval
• Disseminate that alternative paragraph to all of the churches in the New England
Annual Conference with the suggestion that it be appended as a spiritual
corrective to the 2008 Book of Discipline.
• Invite other annual conferences to join with us in this witness to conscience.
Respectfully submitted by the New England Chapter of the Methodist Federation for
Social Action, The New England Annual Conference Reconciling Ministries Committee
and the New England Annual Conference Board of Church and Society.
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 19,840+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
On April 30, 2008 in Fort Worth Texas the General Conference of the United Methodist
Church voted not only to maintain condemnatory language concerning homosexuality in
the section of the Social Principles dealing with Human Sexuality (paragraph 161.G), but to significantly weaken the current statement of the church by deleting affirmative language and inserting further judgmental statements. Sadly, due to the limits of parliamentary procedure, delegates never had an opportunity to debate the merits of the majority report coming out of the Church and Society II Legislative Committee. This report, in the eyes of many, represented an honest, gracious and fair statement of the present reality within the United Methodist Church and held great promise for the healing of our church. (Both statements are attached.)
The Social Principles are not church law. They are intended, in the words of their
preface, to be “a call to faithfulness” and “instructive and persuasive in the best of the prophetic spirit.” We believe that the disparaging language of the adopted version of 161.G is neither faithful nor persuasive, and it is certainly not prophetic. It is instructive only to the degree that it indicates how far the United Methodist Church has to go before its motto of “Open hearts, open minds, open doors” becomes reality.
Recognizing that, from time to time, the legislative efforts of the church fail to keep pace with the leading of the Holy Spirit, and being further convinced that faithful United Methodists can never acquiesce to discrimination, no matter how many votes may be mustered in its service, we call upon the New England Annual Conference to do the following:
• Declare that we will not recognize the destructive and discriminatory language
contained in Paragraph 161.G as faithful, persuasive or prophetic.
• Charge the Conference Board of Church and Society with drafting an alternative
paragraph 161.G to be presented to the 2009 session of the Annual Conference for
its perfection and approval
• Disseminate that alternative paragraph to all of the churches in the New England
Annual Conference with the suggestion that it be appended as a spiritual
corrective to the 2008 Book of Discipline.
• Invite other annual conferences to join with us in this witness to conscience.
Respectfully submitted by the New England Chapter of the Methodist Federation for
Social Action, The New England Annual Conference Reconciling Ministries Committee
and the New England Annual Conference Board of Church and Society.
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 19,840+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Letter from Congressman Carol Shea-Porter, May 28, 2008 on waterboarding
May 28, 2008
Dear Mr. Foss:
Thank you for contacting me about waterboarding. I strongly believe that methods of torture, such as waterboarding, hypothermia, and stress positions, are not an acceptable or humane method of obtaining information.
I was proud to introduce as an original cosponsor, with Chairman Jerrold Nadler of the Constitution Subcommittee of the Judiciary, the American Anti-Torture Act (H.R. 4114). H.R. 4114 would have extended the U.S. Army Field Manual prohibition on torture techniques like waterboarding to all U.S. government agencies. This language was included in the Intelligence Authorization Act (H.R. 2082) and would have prevented intelligence agencies from engaging in torture. The President objected to this language and subsequently vetoed the Intelligence Authorization Act.
I was also proud to cosponsor the Justice for Victims of Torture and Terrorism Act (H.R. 5167), which prohibits the President from granting immunity to Iraqi officials that participate in inhumane acts. H.R. 5167 has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee. As an advocate for human rights, I am closely monitoring the status of this legislation and look forward to supporting it, should it come to the House floor.
To learn more about current legislation or about my voting record, I invite you to visit the Library of Congress legislative information website (www.thomas.gov). There, you can find the full text of a bill or a summary, who introduced it and when, who is cosponsoring it, and where it is in the legislative process. I also invite you to visit my website (http://shea-porter.house.gov) for more information about bills that I have introduced or cosponsored, and for issue updates, position statements, event announcements, or to sign up for my email newsletter.
Thank you for contacting my office. It is a privilege to serve you in Washington.
Sincerely,
Carol Shea-Porter
Member of Congress
Dear Mr. Foss:
Thank you for contacting me about waterboarding. I strongly believe that methods of torture, such as waterboarding, hypothermia, and stress positions, are not an acceptable or humane method of obtaining information.
I was proud to introduce as an original cosponsor, with Chairman Jerrold Nadler of the Constitution Subcommittee of the Judiciary, the American Anti-Torture Act (H.R. 4114). H.R. 4114 would have extended the U.S. Army Field Manual prohibition on torture techniques like waterboarding to all U.S. government agencies. This language was included in the Intelligence Authorization Act (H.R. 2082) and would have prevented intelligence agencies from engaging in torture. The President objected to this language and subsequently vetoed the Intelligence Authorization Act.
I was also proud to cosponsor the Justice for Victims of Torture and Terrorism Act (H.R. 5167), which prohibits the President from granting immunity to Iraqi officials that participate in inhumane acts. H.R. 5167 has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee. As an advocate for human rights, I am closely monitoring the status of this legislation and look forward to supporting it, should it come to the House floor.
To learn more about current legislation or about my voting record, I invite you to visit the Library of Congress legislative information website (www.thomas.gov). There, you can find the full text of a bill or a summary, who introduced it and when, who is cosponsoring it, and where it is in the legislative process. I also invite you to visit my website (http://shea-porter.house.gov) for more information about bills that I have introduced or cosponsored, and for issue updates, position statements, event announcements, or to sign up for my email newsletter.
Thank you for contacting my office. It is a privilege to serve you in Washington.
Sincerely,
Carol Shea-Porter
Member of Congress
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Into His Hands
Into His hands, we lay down our burdens
we lay them into His loving hands
Our father, our shepherd, our guide in life
triune God, we turn them over to you
wash our cares away, knock the scales from our eyes
cast off this burden, leave it by the wayside
Rise up, rise oh my spirit, feel your embrace
strength lies in that faith, that your will may be done
that your arms are enough, that they are there
to hold us, to provide for us, to meet our needs
daily bread, living water, unmerited love
Wash over me, make my way straight
let me turn to you in need
and know they will be met
Let my doubts be a fading memory
may your presence be my joy
May I bring that message of calm,
of hope, of love
everywhere I step
June 12, 2008
we lay them into His loving hands
Our father, our shepherd, our guide in life
triune God, we turn them over to you
wash our cares away, knock the scales from our eyes
cast off this burden, leave it by the wayside
Rise up, rise oh my spirit, feel your embrace
strength lies in that faith, that your will may be done
that your arms are enough, that they are there
to hold us, to provide for us, to meet our needs
daily bread, living water, unmerited love
Wash over me, make my way straight
let me turn to you in need
and know they will be met
Let my doubts be a fading memory
may your presence be my joy
May I bring that message of calm,
of hope, of love
everywhere I step
June 12, 2008
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Robert Grant - Transparent Watercolors
Please take a look at Robert Grant's beautiful paintings at:
http://www.robertgrantwatercolors.com/
http://www.robertgrantwatercolors.com/
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
A Legacy
By their words, of memory, of love
they shared a bit of her life’s story
But in their dance, varied and wondrous,
they revealed the power of her ministry
a legacy of praise, of beautiful worship
They brought her into the sanctuary,
into this holy space, filling the room
with her love, her legacy sang praises to God
this holy ground, this space, this place
Worship she brought, these disciples of hers
a legacy of dance, sacred dance
to the glory of God
Continuing her ministry
for generations to come
June 10, 2008
June 7, 2008 Sacred Dance Sharing Program
Wesley United Methodist Church, Concord, NH,
dedicated to Elsie Keeffe
http://www.concordmonitor.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080115/NEWS01/801150339
http://www.sacreddanceguild.org/
they shared a bit of her life’s story
But in their dance, varied and wondrous,
they revealed the power of her ministry
a legacy of praise, of beautiful worship
They brought her into the sanctuary,
into this holy space, filling the room
with her love, her legacy sang praises to God
this holy ground, this space, this place
Worship she brought, these disciples of hers
a legacy of dance, sacred dance
to the glory of God
Continuing her ministry
for generations to come
June 10, 2008
June 7, 2008 Sacred Dance Sharing Program
Wesley United Methodist Church, Concord, NH,
dedicated to Elsie Keeffe
http://www.concordmonitor.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080115/NEWS01/801150339
http://www.sacreddanceguild.org/
In Dance
They worshipped, praised the Lord,
sang with their movements, their bodies, their beings
In dance they prayed, sang with their feet
barefoot, on holy ground, they spun, and kneeled
their arms to the heavens, their hearts to God
In dance they sang for our creator
what a joyous sound they made
June 10, 2008
June 7, 2008 Sacred Dance Sharing Program
Wesley United Methodist Church, Concord, NH
sang with their movements, their bodies, their beings
In dance they prayed, sang with their feet
barefoot, on holy ground, they spun, and kneeled
their arms to the heavens, their hearts to God
In dance they sang for our creator
what a joyous sound they made
June 10, 2008
June 7, 2008 Sacred Dance Sharing Program
Wesley United Methodist Church, Concord, NH
Did You Hear Them
Four second-graders, each reading, in unison
A message for themselves, for the congregation
reminder of the ancient truth, the power of the words
the hope, the guidance, the direction in the words of God,
inspired providential, the promise of God, in these holy pages
A light to our way, in this dark and troubled world
Hope for all who delve into its pages, ready medicine
for souls in need, for hearts looking for a path,
a journey begun, continuing in this place
Did you hear them, speaking words of power
for the congregation, for all who have ears
Listen; there is joy here
June 10, 2008
Psalm 119:105
Presentation of the Bibles, Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH, June 8, 2008
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
A message for themselves, for the congregation
reminder of the ancient truth, the power of the words
the hope, the guidance, the direction in the words of God,
inspired providential, the promise of God, in these holy pages
A light to our way, in this dark and troubled world
Hope for all who delve into its pages, ready medicine
for souls in need, for hearts looking for a path,
a journey begun, continuing in this place
Did you hear them, speaking words of power
for the congregation, for all who have ears
Listen; there is joy here
June 10, 2008
Psalm 119:105
Presentation of the Bibles, Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH, June 8, 2008
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Monday, June 09, 2008
Under Advisement
Taken under advisement,
how to explain those words
aggrieved party
Did the case get its due
the judge hear our plea
through the haze of the lies
the lies and half-truths
made without script, without thought
So it is each time
the matter is taken
under advisement
The order is in the mail
and the arrearage grows
how to explain those words
aggrieved party
Did the case get its due
the judge hear our plea
through the haze of the lies
the lies and half-truths
made without script, without thought
So it is each time
the matter is taken
under advisement
The order is in the mail
and the arrearage grows
The Judge was Laughing
I have often wondered,
is it better that the judge was laughing
would that be my one good moment that day,
the next time I am before them
will that be the quota for the day
Those same walls, that same space
working, white collar, sweatshop
a selfish mistress, demanding loyalty
fealty, hours spent preparing
for scant minutes on the record
Maybe negotiate in the hall
bring that smile to the judge’s face
All set, signed and sealed, case closed
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 19,840+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
is it better that the judge was laughing
would that be my one good moment that day,
the next time I am before them
will that be the quota for the day
Those same walls, that same space
working, white collar, sweatshop
a selfish mistress, demanding loyalty
fealty, hours spent preparing
for scant minutes on the record
Maybe negotiate in the hall
bring that smile to the judge’s face
All set, signed and sealed, case closed
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 19,840+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Into the Courtroom
Waiting our turn before the Court
the capital letter, this Honorable Court
waiting for our brief short minutes
the clock is running
the watchful gaze of the one in the robe
The clock is running, the Bailiff on watch
in silence waiting, their facts painful
aired into the ether, onto the record
fault and blame, his face reddened
his back tight under his blue shirt
the room hushed, paused, waiting
for the words, the judgment
of the man in the black robe
the capital letter, this Honorable Court
waiting for our brief short minutes
the clock is running
the watchful gaze of the one in the robe
The clock is running, the Bailiff on watch
in silence waiting, their facts painful
aired into the ether, onto the record
fault and blame, his face reddened
his back tight under his blue shirt
the room hushed, paused, waiting
for the words, the judgment
of the man in the black robe
By the Children
We were taught
once more
the stories of his life
By the children
just as he said,
our salvation
in becoming like them
We were reminded
of his life
his lessons for us
by our children
May 8, 2008
Children’s Sunday,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
once more
the stories of his life
By the children
just as he said,
our salvation
in becoming like them
We were reminded
of his life
his lessons for us
by our children
May 8, 2008
Children’s Sunday,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
Saturday, June 07, 2008
Letter from the White House, dated May 30, 2008
So, the question remains, if Waterboarding is torture, why would America do it, ever?
If the evidence truly cannot be used, why do it?
If we are a nation of laws, why do it?
If we hope to be a beacon of hope to the world, why do it?
If we want to have any moral authority in the community of nations, why do it?
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 19,840+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Friday, June 06, 2008
Her Tears
She was sitting there
at her computer,
listening to one of our songs
one that touches us still
saying what we cannot
always find the words to say
in words so true for us
Watching her for a moment,
smiling as I hear the words too
Her tears, coursing down her cheeks
amazed, as I am, by the wonder
the magic, the daily miracle of love,
Cascading over us
as strong now,
as the first time
we said those words,
I love you,
praying that years from now
long after the girls are grown
long into our lives together
Love will shine in us
as much as today
June 6, 2008
Ruth, and Amazed by Lonestar
at her computer,
listening to one of our songs
one that touches us still
saying what we cannot
always find the words to say
in words so true for us
Watching her for a moment,
smiling as I hear the words too
Her tears, coursing down her cheeks
amazed, as I am, by the wonder
the magic, the daily miracle of love,
Cascading over us
as strong now,
as the first time
we said those words,
I love you,
praying that years from now
long after the girls are grown
long into our lives together
Love will shine in us
as much as today
June 6, 2008
Ruth, and Amazed by Lonestar
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
lilies - 071906
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 20,280+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
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