Thursday, August 21, 2008
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
All Are Welcome
Driving to the courthouse
a word of hope, of offering
“all are welcome”, the sign read
How wonderful this affirmation
this statement of faith
proclaimed to all who would pass by
How important for all of us
all people of faith
to aspire, to strive, to work
to make this pledge true,
in our own churches
to see that all are welcome
that no one is turned away
finding the door closed
All must know,
from the instant they arrive
that they are welcome in the house of God
We merely the glove,
holding out the hand of God
in welcome, to all
August 19, 2008
sign in front of
Pembroke Congregational Church
a word of hope, of offering
“all are welcome”, the sign read
How wonderful this affirmation
this statement of faith
proclaimed to all who would pass by
How important for all of us
all people of faith
to aspire, to strive, to work
to make this pledge true,
in our own churches
to see that all are welcome
that no one is turned away
finding the door closed
All must know,
from the instant they arrive
that they are welcome in the house of God
We merely the glove,
holding out the hand of God
in welcome, to all
August 19, 2008
sign in front of
Pembroke Congregational Church
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Leading the Congregation
We were all watching her lead
joining her hands, her voice
rising as we gained confidence
the love of God, the words we share
truths about the spreading of God’s message
one at a time, each of us commissioned
learning new words to emboldened
to teach us, leading the congregation
in a humble praise, a promise
the connection, the compassion
the relationships love grows
August 17, 2008
Shanequa
Love Grows One by One
by Carol Johnson
Suncook United Methodist Church
joining her hands, her voice
rising as we gained confidence
the love of God, the words we share
truths about the spreading of God’s message
one at a time, each of us commissioned
learning new words to emboldened
to teach us, leading the congregation
in a humble praise, a promise
the connection, the compassion
the relationships love grows
August 17, 2008
Shanequa
Love Grows One by One
by Carol Johnson
Suncook United Methodist Church
Teaching the Congregation
A morning to celebrate
our week of worship
coming to a close in the sanctuary
little hearts touched by the word of God
sharing truths, lessons for all of us to share
A single little voice, her hands,
teaching the congregation a bit more
about how to love, how real it is
believing as she does in the power of that hope
hearing clearly her voice, watching her hands
so we could join her calling
to share with each other
how love grows
August 17, 2008
Shanequa
Love Grows One by One
by Carol Johnson
Suncook United Methodist Church
our week of worship
coming to a close in the sanctuary
little hearts touched by the word of God
sharing truths, lessons for all of us to share
A single little voice, her hands,
teaching the congregation a bit more
about how to love, how real it is
believing as she does in the power of that hope
hearing clearly her voice, watching her hands
so we could join her calling
to share with each other
how love grows
August 17, 2008
Shanequa
Love Grows One by One
by Carol Johnson
Suncook United Methodist Church
A Sword of the Spirit
The living word of God
beating in the spirit, our hearts bearing his message
our hope living within in, guiding us
changing us, agents of the commission
bringing hope, bearing witness
God’s saving grace, the fulfillment
God’s steadfast love revealed
in the holy scriptures
and in our lives of faith
and those who have gone before
back to the patriarchs, the disciples, the apostles
each carrying the sword into battle
in their time, against the enemies
of the love of God
a sword to tear down the walls
to bring us back to God
August 17, 2008
Ephesians 6:10-17
and Upper Room daily devotional for 8/17/08
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=8&day=17&year=2008
beating in the spirit, our hearts bearing his message
our hope living within in, guiding us
changing us, agents of the commission
bringing hope, bearing witness
God’s saving grace, the fulfillment
God’s steadfast love revealed
in the holy scriptures
and in our lives of faith
and those who have gone before
back to the patriarchs, the disciples, the apostles
each carrying the sword into battle
in their time, against the enemies
of the love of God
a sword to tear down the walls
to bring us back to God
August 17, 2008
Ephesians 6:10-17
and Upper Room daily devotional for 8/17/08
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=8&day=17&year=2008
A Sword
A sword, such in the word of God
of the spirit, living in each one of us
a weapon, offensive weapon,
to be used to change the world
A message of love, written on our hearts
made real, living through us
armor we need, to defend us from the world
the temptations, the assaults, the enemy
but the sword for battle, to bring the fight to them
the holy word of God
this is our sword
August 17, 2008
Ephesians 6:10-17
and Upper Room daily devotional for 8/17/08
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=8&day=17&year=2008
of the spirit, living in each one of us
a weapon, offensive weapon,
to be used to change the world
A message of love, written on our hearts
made real, living through us
armor we need, to defend us from the world
the temptations, the assaults, the enemy
but the sword for battle, to bring the fight to them
the holy word of God
this is our sword
August 17, 2008
Ephesians 6:10-17
and Upper Room daily devotional for 8/17/08
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=8&day=17&year=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. All rights
reserved. Contact me at Ray
Foss for usage. See all 30,710+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Be Bold
Boldly acting, without fear
a stranger, on the dangerous road
stopping, making himself vulnerable
reaching out to the man
lying, bleeding, dying on the ground
risking so much, this enemy of the people
Through him, his example,
the Messiah, the one told of in the prophets,
through this outcast the Lord bears witness
Be bold to help your neighbors,
risking to heal, to love, to care
even your enemy, you are to love them all,
just as the ancient words said
Just as God commanded.
August 17, 2008
Luke 10:25-37 and
sermon “Let us love, not in word or speech alone. Let us
love in truth and action”, by
Reverend Huntley Halvorson
and Vacation Bible School,
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.cokesburyvbs.com/beachparty/
a stranger, on the dangerous road
stopping, making himself vulnerable
reaching out to the man
lying, bleeding, dying on the ground
risking so much, this enemy of the people
Through him, his example,
the Messiah, the one told of in the prophets,
through this outcast the Lord bears witness
Be bold to help your neighbors,
risking to heal, to love, to care
even your enemy, you are to love them all,
just as the ancient words said
Just as God commanded.
August 17, 2008
Luke 10:25-37 and
sermon “Let us love, not in word or speech alone. Let us
love in truth and action”, by
Reverend Huntley Halvorson
and Vacation Bible School,
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.cokesburyvbs.com/beachparty/
Be Obedient
Obey the law
and you will live
So were the words of the savior,
the messiah to a people who would not hear
Easy words of instruction, clear on their face
contorted, twisted, the words more important
than the love they were to share
A lesson in living the law of God,
to love your neighbor as yourself
Piety and stricture, puffing
deflated in the example of the stranger
the unclean Samaritan
obeying the law
in ways they would not
breathing the spirit of the law
doing the will of God
August 17, 2008
Luke 10:25-37 and
sermon “Let us love, not in word or speech alone. Let us
love in truth and action”, by
Reverend Huntley Halvorson
and Vacation Bible School,
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.cokesburyvbs.com/beachparty/
and you will live
So were the words of the savior,
the messiah to a people who would not hear
Easy words of instruction, clear on their face
contorted, twisted, the words more important
than the love they were to share
A lesson in living the law of God,
to love your neighbor as yourself
Piety and stricture, puffing
deflated in the example of the stranger
the unclean Samaritan
obeying the law
in ways they would not
breathing the spirit of the law
doing the will of God
August 17, 2008
Luke 10:25-37 and
sermon “Let us love, not in word or speech alone. Let us
love in truth and action”, by
Reverend Huntley Halvorson
and Vacation Bible School,
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.cokesburyvbs.com/beachparty/
Be Kind
Be kind, that is the rule,
the ancient rule of the people,
the words of the law, repeated by memory
from the lips of the scribe, the teacher of the law
Jesus affirmed these words, that is where life is
But the story of that dying man’
on the Jericho Road an indictment
the hypocrisy of the people of the word
A Samaritan, a people of ill repute
He was the one who demonstrated caring,
kindness to a stranger, an enemy
a man dying, unclean on the ground
He ministered in the way
the scripture envisioned,
the spirit of the words
in his acts revealed
August 17, 2008
Luke 10:25-37 and
sermon “Let us love, not in word or speech alone. Let us
love in truth and action”, by
Reverend Huntley Halvorson
and Vacation Bible School,
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.cokesburyvbs.com/beachparty/
the ancient rule of the people,
the words of the law, repeated by memory
from the lips of the scribe, the teacher of the law
Jesus affirmed these words, that is where life is
But the story of that dying man’
on the Jericho Road an indictment
the hypocrisy of the people of the word
A Samaritan, a people of ill repute
He was the one who demonstrated caring,
kindness to a stranger, an enemy
a man dying, unclean on the ground
He ministered in the way
the scripture envisioned,
the spirit of the words
in his acts revealed
August 17, 2008
Luke 10:25-37 and
sermon “Let us love, not in word or speech alone. Let us
love in truth and action”, by
Reverend Huntley Halvorson
and Vacation Bible School,
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.cokesburyvbs.com/beachparty/
Be Forgiving
A Samaritan on the Jericho Road
an outcast, unwanted, finding a Jew,
bleeding, dying on the way
forgiving the hurt, the scorn
the prejudice on his people
showing mercy to one in need
doing what others would not do
risking becoming unclean
touching a sick man,
in his time of trial,
before he would have died
forgiving the past, focused on
the one who was lying in the dust
reaching out in compassion
to offer his aid, relieving his pain
August 17, 2008
Luke 10:25-37 and
sermon “Let us love, not in word or speech alone. Let us
love in truth and action”, by
Reverend Huntley Halvorson
and Vacation Bible School,
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.cokesburyvbs.com/beachparty/
an outcast, unwanted, finding a Jew,
bleeding, dying on the way
forgiving the hurt, the scorn
the prejudice on his people
showing mercy to one in need
doing what others would not do
risking becoming unclean
touching a sick man,
in his time of trial,
before he would have died
forgiving the past, focused on
the one who was lying in the dust
reaching out in compassion
to offer his aid, relieving his pain
August 17, 2008
Luke 10:25-37 and
sermon “Let us love, not in word or speech alone. Let us
love in truth and action”, by
Reverend Huntley Halvorson
and Vacation Bible School,
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.cokesburyvbs.com/beachparty/
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Two-Way Tag
The pool filling a bit too slowly
“Let’s play tag, you’re it first!”
so was the solution, for the littlest
Laughing, running, out of her sister’s reach
cackle and dart across the yard
a game for summer
playing two-way tag
running through the clover,
the long, wet grass
in the sun
August 13, 2008
“Let’s play tag, you’re it first!”
so was the solution, for the littlest
Laughing, running, out of her sister’s reach
cackle and dart across the yard
a game for summer
playing two-way tag
running through the clover,
the long, wet grass
in the sun
August 13, 2008
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Really Forgiven
Like God for us,
Joseph’s brothers
really forgiven
someone who could punish
mete out a judgment
A generous heart,
an open hand
welcoming them in
His recognition
the provision of God
His life’s story
for God’s holy purpose
by his faithfulness
August 12, 2008
Genesis 15:1-5
Joseph’s brothers
really forgiven
someone who could punish
mete out a judgment
A generous heart,
an open hand
welcoming them in
His recognition
the provision of God
His life’s story
for God’s holy purpose
by his faithfulness
August 12, 2008
Genesis 15:1-5
On the Damascus Road
Blind, gaining sight
persecuting, preaching
converted on the Damascus road
in a blaze of light, a voice from above
changing his life,
the story of our faith
forevermore
Spreading the word
justification, grace by faith
dying to the law,
rising with our brother
his life a libation
poured out in love
each one of us beneficiaries
his conversion
on the Damascus road
August 12, 2008
Philippians 3:7-11,
Acts 9:1-9 and
Upper Room August 11, 2008
persecuting, preaching
converted on the Damascus road
in a blaze of light, a voice from above
changing his life,
the story of our faith
forevermore
Spreading the word
justification, grace by faith
dying to the law,
rising with our brother
his life a libation
poured out in love
each one of us beneficiaries
his conversion
on the Damascus road
August 12, 2008
Philippians 3:7-11,
Acts 9:1-9 and
Upper Room August 11, 2008
Christ’s Prayer
After ministering, feeding
their healing, physical, spiritual
He sent away the disciples
climbed the hillside
in solitude to pray
wild, separate holy places
His prayers personal, direct
a loving father, listening
strength flowing from heaven
descending like a dove
calling by the son
as he taught us
August 12, 2008
Matthew 14:22-23
their healing, physical, spiritual
He sent away the disciples
climbed the hillside
in solitude to pray
wild, separate holy places
His prayers personal, direct
a loving father, listening
strength flowing from heaven
descending like a dove
calling by the son
as he taught us
August 12, 2008
Matthew 14:22-23
Waiting with Me
We didn’t really talk much
a bit, on the waiting, the drag of time
waiting till you awoke
sitting, present with me, with you
there, once again, for our family
truly grateful for her friendship, love
Glad she was waiting with me.
August 12, 2008
James 5:13-18 and sermon by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
“Lessons from a Poke in the Eye”, 8/10/08,
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.suncookumc.org/Message81008.dsp
and time when Ruth had surgery and
Reverend Lori Eldredge waited with me
a bit, on the waiting, the drag of time
waiting till you awoke
sitting, present with me, with you
there, once again, for our family
truly grateful for her friendship, love
Glad she was waiting with me.
August 12, 2008
James 5:13-18 and sermon by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
“Lessons from a Poke in the Eye”, 8/10/08,
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.suncookumc.org/Message81008.dsp
and time when Ruth had surgery and
Reverend Lori Eldredge waited with me
Fully Present to Humanity
Christ, son of God, holy, triune
living God, the Word, living among us
fully present to humanity, attentive to our reality
Fully human, crying in sorrow, showing anger,
fear, frustration, growing tired, needing time apart
in ministry a teacher, a servant, fully human
dealing with the disciples, the scribes, Pharisees
rulers wanting him dead.
With people, in their pain, their darkness,
their doubting, even at his death, his resurrection
His triumph, needing to touch
He was there in all of this, fully present to humanity
August 12, 2008
Philippians & sermon by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
“Lessons from a Poke in the Eye”, 8/10/08,
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.suncookumc.org/Message81008.dsp
living God, the Word, living among us
fully present to humanity, attentive to our reality
Fully human, crying in sorrow, showing anger,
fear, frustration, growing tired, needing time apart
in ministry a teacher, a servant, fully human
dealing with the disciples, the scribes, Pharisees
rulers wanting him dead.
With people, in their pain, their darkness,
their doubting, even at his death, his resurrection
His triumph, needing to touch
He was there in all of this, fully present to humanity
August 12, 2008
Philippians & sermon by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
“Lessons from a Poke in the Eye”, 8/10/08,
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.suncookumc.org/Message81008.dsp
A Real Conversation
The pastor’s message, his sermon
a real conversation, about real life
his eye surgery the thread of the sermon,
the necklace,
beads along the way, pearls of wisdom
dangling, connected, bits of truth
joy, humor, along life’s journey
some scripture, apostle’s proofs,
leavening the bread, baked to fresh
a bit of himself, of Paul,
of the gospel, a tapestry, a beautiful necklace
a bit of bread, daily bread,
reminding us, in remembrance,
the connection we share, one to another,
and with God
August 12, 2008
sermon by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
“Lessons from a Poke in the Eye”, 8/10/08,
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.suncookumc.org/Message81008.dsp
a real conversation, about real life
his eye surgery the thread of the sermon,
the necklace,
beads along the way, pearls of wisdom
dangling, connected, bits of truth
joy, humor, along life’s journey
some scripture, apostle’s proofs,
leavening the bread, baked to fresh
a bit of himself, of Paul,
of the gospel, a tapestry, a beautiful necklace
a bit of bread, daily bread,
reminding us, in remembrance,
the connection we share, one to another,
and with God
August 12, 2008
sermon by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
“Lessons from a Poke in the Eye”, 8/10/08,
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.suncookumc.org/Message81008.dsp
Each One, on Their Own
Each one, on their own,
a prayer before the cereal,
the juice, the berries,
stopping, bowing their heads
Each one in turn
offering a prayer,
calling on grace
before breakfast
No prompting, not a word
no grace said by the adults
in the still waking house
They each thanked God
one, two, three
for the daily bread
and asked God
to use them that day
August 12, 2008
breakfast time before church
August 10, 2008
a prayer before the cereal,
the juice, the berries,
stopping, bowing their heads
Each one in turn
offering a prayer,
calling on grace
before breakfast
No prompting, not a word
no grace said by the adults
in the still waking house
They each thanked God
one, two, three
for the daily bread
and asked God
to use them that day
August 12, 2008
breakfast time before church
August 10, 2008
Monday, August 11, 2008
In Solitary Places
He went away to pray
in solitary places
away from the crowds.
Solitary places to find God
peace, quiet spaces,
especially on the mountainside
Spending time, alone, with the creator
praying to God in solitary places
August 10, 2008
Matthew 14:22-23
in solitary places
away from the crowds.
Solitary places to find God
peace, quiet spaces,
especially on the mountainside
Spending time, alone, with the creator
praying to God in solitary places
August 10, 2008
Matthew 14:22-23
Sitting by the Pier
Gulls perched on the pilings
a cormorant coursing low
toward the open sea
a breeze inland from the Atlantic
up on the bay, sitting by the pier
watching the boats, moored at rest,
the people, some busy, some quiet like me
a flotilla of bright kayaks slips silently by
bright blue beyond the glade of masts and rigging
caws of the gulls, the splash of minnows
soaking up the sun
sitting by the pier
August 10, 2008
a cormorant coursing low
toward the open sea
a breeze inland from the Atlantic
up on the bay, sitting by the pier
watching the boats, moored at rest,
the people, some busy, some quiet like me
a flotilla of bright kayaks slips silently by
bright blue beyond the glade of masts and rigging
caws of the gulls, the splash of minnows
soaking up the sun
sitting by the pier
August 10, 2008
Not Enough Pastel Plaid
In the shop, a bit too pretty, pristine
I caught a few subtle, furtive,
slightly disdainful glances
supposing, deciding we were not quite worthy
some of the clerks, some of the primped,
prepped customers
Maybe it was our clothes,
our color scheme
not enough pastel plaid,
no alligator or turned-up collar,
not barefoot boat shoes
maybe the natural chaos, children in summer
or maybe the mocha hues of my family.
Whatever, our money was just as green.
August 10, 2008
I caught a few subtle, furtive,
slightly disdainful glances
supposing, deciding we were not quite worthy
some of the clerks, some of the primped,
prepped customers
Maybe it was our clothes,
our color scheme
not enough pastel plaid,
no alligator or turned-up collar,
not barefoot boat shoes
maybe the natural chaos, children in summer
or maybe the mocha hues of my family.
Whatever, our money was just as green.
August 10, 2008
Doing His Work
A sink of dirty dishes from today,
cluttered counter, a bit
boxes needing to be opened
small, little things, unimportant
for she was getting on with,
doing His work, preaching the Good News
sharing His message in the holy word.
Bible studies in the living room
add another leaf to the table
for another chair, all welcome here
the potluck, the growing fellowship
Move those boxes out of the way
empty a few memories, one at a time
They will get done in time
for she is already busy
doing His work, as he called
August 10, 2008
cluttered counter, a bit
boxes needing to be opened
small, little things, unimportant
for she was getting on with,
doing His work, preaching the Good News
sharing His message in the holy word.
Bible studies in the living room
add another leaf to the table
for another chair, all welcome here
the potluck, the growing fellowship
Move those boxes out of the way
empty a few memories, one at a time
They will get done in time
for she is already busy
doing His work, as he called
August 10, 2008
A Cup of Berries
Hand-picked, small
blackberries
each one fully-ripe,
cool in the take-out coffee cup,
sitting in the dark fridge.
Open and inviting,
calling me to pick,
crimson stain on my fingers
ripe berry past my lips
August fruit, ripe summer fruit
kept from spoiling,
enticing me again
August 10, 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. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 30,580+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
blackberries
each one fully-ripe,
cool in the take-out coffee cup,
sitting in the dark fridge.
Open and inviting,
calling me to pick,
crimson stain on my fingers
ripe berry past my lips
August fruit, ripe summer fruit
kept from spoiling,
enticing me again
August 10, 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. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 30,580+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Shimmering Silver
Between the roses, the cedars
the field shimmering silver
dew life manna in the desert
covering each blade of grass
green of summer, rich
nourished by rain
obscured beneath the silver
lit up, glowing
a gift of God, of this morning
as the sun’s rays warm the yard;
fleeting color, soon to melt
August 11, 2008
about parsonage back yard
North Kingstown United Methodist Church
the field shimmering silver
dew life manna in the desert
covering each blade of grass
green of summer, rich
nourished by rain
obscured beneath the silver
lit up, glowing
a gift of God, of this morning
as the sun’s rays warm the yard;
fleeting color, soon to melt
August 11, 2008
about parsonage back yard
North Kingstown United Methodist Church
A Basket of Summer Fruits
In this sacred place,
this holy ground
a basket of summer fruits
squashes from your garden
fruits of labor, holy work
raised for the pantry, for others
grace to be given away
for those in need
offering food to the hungry,
love to our brothers, our sisters,
out of the bounty
of your abundant garden
August 10, 2008
North Kingstown United Methodist Church
the church garden, fruits for the food pantry
this holy ground
a basket of summer fruits
squashes from your garden
fruits of labor, holy work
raised for the pantry, for others
grace to be given away
for those in need
offering food to the hungry,
love to our brothers, our sisters,
out of the bounty
of your abundant garden
August 10, 2008
North Kingstown United Methodist Church
the church garden, fruits for the food pantry
The Bounty of Your Garden
Your garden, ripe with squash, with beans,
soon to bear tomatoes, pumpkins
other summer fruits ready for picking
the bounty of your garden
gathered by loving hands
brought into worship, Sunday
this sacred place, sanctuary
To be shared, with those in need
a ministry, hospitality, serving our neighbors
So we are called, providing them
a glimpse of Christ,
by the work of their hands
August 10, 2008
North Kingstown United Methodist Church
the church garden, fruits for the food pantry
soon to bear tomatoes, pumpkins
other summer fruits ready for picking
the bounty of your garden
gathered by loving hands
brought into worship, Sunday
this sacred place, sanctuary
To be shared, with those in need
a ministry, hospitality, serving our neighbors
So we are called, providing them
a glimpse of Christ,
by the work of their hands
August 10, 2008
North Kingstown United Methodist Church
the church garden, fruits for the food pantry
Layered Upon the Cross
Images of his life, stylized
within a circle, stained glass
all placed, layered upon the cross
all of his life, leading, based
remembering his sacrifice,
what he was born to do
all of his life
layered upon the cross
August 11, 2008
North Kingstown United Methodist Church
their stained glass windows in the sanctuary
within a circle, stained glass
all placed, layered upon the cross
all of his life, leading, based
remembering his sacrifice,
what he was born to do
all of his life
layered upon the cross
August 11, 2008
North Kingstown United Methodist Church
their stained glass windows in the sanctuary
Performing Miracles
The miracles, performed by Christ;
but more, performed by the disciples,
the bread enough for the multitude
walking on the surface of the sea
healing, speaking in tongues,
going where they would not have gone
sharing his message, commissioned
We are the disciples now,
performing miracles
if we believe enough, radical hospitality
a saving message to share,
when we are willing to go
where the Lord sends us
August 11, 2008
Matthew 13:21
Matthew 14:22-33, Psalm 69:1-3, Psalm 130:1
Acts 2:1-21
and sermon, “Reach Out Your Hand”,
by Reverend Lori Eldredge,
North Kingstown United Methodist Church
August 10, 2008
but more, performed by the disciples,
the bread enough for the multitude
walking on the surface of the sea
healing, speaking in tongues,
going where they would not have gone
sharing his message, commissioned
We are the disciples now,
performing miracles
if we believe enough, radical hospitality
a saving message to share,
when we are willing to go
where the Lord sends us
August 11, 2008
Matthew 13:21
Matthew 14:22-33, Psalm 69:1-3, Psalm 130:1
Acts 2:1-21
and sermon, “Reach Out Your Hand”,
by Reverend Lori Eldredge,
North Kingstown United Methodist Church
August 10, 2008
Fully Committed
I guess you could say,
Peter was fully committed
in those wondrous moments
stepping from a swaying ship
out onto the rolling seas
The master said “come”, and
he went, over the side,
up onto the waters, walking
as if on dry land
fully committed, in relationship
focused on the living Christ
the Messiah, living with him
studying at his feet,
performing miracles with him
being his hands, feeding the multitude
healing as he was taught
long before the flames
steeled his nerves
August 11, 2008
Matthew 14:22-33, Psalm 69:1-3, Psalm 130:1
and sermon, “Reach Out Your Hand”,
by Reverend Lori Eldredge,
North Kingstown United Methodist Church
August 10, 2008
Peter was fully committed
in those wondrous moments
stepping from a swaying ship
out onto the rolling seas
The master said “come”, and
he went, over the side,
up onto the waters, walking
as if on dry land
fully committed, in relationship
focused on the living Christ
the Messiah, living with him
studying at his feet,
performing miracles with him
being his hands, feeding the multitude
healing as he was taught
long before the flames
steeled his nerves
August 11, 2008
Matthew 14:22-33, Psalm 69:1-3, Psalm 130:1
and sermon, “Reach Out Your Hand”,
by Reverend Lori Eldredge,
North Kingstown United Methodist Church
August 10, 2008
Calling on Our Faith
A righteous life, daily prayer
calling on our faith, as we live, daily
not only in times of adversity, walking with us
our faith living, growing, breathing as we breath
nourished in the giving, in the sharing, the growing
over and over, as we live our lives, able to stretch
to reach out to others, an example, a shining light
our faith enough, to walk on the waters,
to course across the waves,
to reach out our hands to others
needing his love, his hands
Our hands are his hands, our feet
the only feet he has
His voice through our mouths
through the living of our faith
answering his call to come, by going
August 11, 2008
Matthew 14:22-33, Psalm 69:1-3, Psalm 130:1
and sermon, “Reach Out Your Hand”,
by Reverend Lori Eldredge,
North Kingstown United Methodist Church
August 10, 2008
calling on our faith, as we live, daily
not only in times of adversity, walking with us
our faith living, growing, breathing as we breath
nourished in the giving, in the sharing, the growing
over and over, as we live our lives, able to stretch
to reach out to others, an example, a shining light
our faith enough, to walk on the waters,
to course across the waves,
to reach out our hands to others
needing his love, his hands
Our hands are his hands, our feet
the only feet he has
His voice through our mouths
through the living of our faith
answering his call to come, by going
August 11, 2008
Matthew 14:22-33, Psalm 69:1-3, Psalm 130:1
and sermon, “Reach Out Your Hand”,
by Reverend Lori Eldredge,
North Kingstown United Methodist Church
August 10, 2008
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Reach Down
Reach down, lift them up,
your brother, sister sinking
faith needing your hand, my hand
a word of comfort, His message of hope
Love of the father strong enough
to carry us when we fall
A servant-kind, living in us
working in the world through us
Do all you can, all you are called to do
Be the hands, the feet, the fragrance,
the face of Christ to them all.
August 11, 2008
Matthew 14:22-33, Psalm 69:1-3, Psalm 130:1
and sermon, “Reach Out Your Hand”,
by Reverend Lori Eldredge,
North Kingstown United Methodist Church
August 10, 2008
your brother, sister sinking
faith needing your hand, my hand
a word of comfort, His message of hope
Love of the father strong enough
to carry us when we fall
A servant-kind, living in us
working in the world through us
Do all you can, all you are called to do
Be the hands, the feet, the fragrance,
the face of Christ to them all.
August 11, 2008
Matthew 14:22-33, Psalm 69:1-3, Psalm 130:1
and sermon, “Reach Out Your Hand”,
by Reverend Lori Eldredge,
North Kingstown United Methodist Church
August 10, 2008
Reach Out Your Hands
Like Christ, reaching to Peter,
reach out your hands
when doubts, winds of struggle,
adversity catches our focus
saps the strength of our faith
Watch for others crying out
be there, for them, when they fall
Be Christ’s hands
lifting them up
out of the deep.
August 10, 2008
Matthew 14:22-33, Psalm 69:1-3, Psalm 130:1
and sermon, “Reach Out Your Hand”,
by Reverend Lori Eldredge,
North Kingstown United Methodist Church
August 10, 2008
reach out your hands
when doubts, winds of struggle,
adversity catches our focus
saps the strength of our faith
Watch for others crying out
be there, for them, when they fall
Be Christ’s hands
lifting them up
out of the deep.
August 10, 2008
Matthew 14:22-33, Psalm 69:1-3, Psalm 130:1
and sermon, “Reach Out Your Hand”,
by Reverend Lori Eldredge,
North Kingstown United Methodist Church
August 10, 2008
Noticing the Wind
He was walking safely walking
on the waters, the waves
fear, noticing the wind,
falling, sinking below the waters
Saved, caught by his hand,
lifting him once more
there for him, for all of us
his sacrifice, grace enough
to save the whole world
His hands ready
stilling the winds, the waves
saving us when we call.
August 10, 2008
Matthew 14:22-33, Psalm 69:1-3, Psalm 130:1
and sermon, “Reach Out Your Hand”,
by Reverend Lori Eldredge,
North Kingstown United Methodist Church
August 10, 2008
on the waters, the waves
fear, noticing the wind,
falling, sinking below the waters
Saved, caught by his hand,
lifting him once more
there for him, for all of us
his sacrifice, grace enough
to save the whole world
His hands ready
stilling the winds, the waves
saving us when we call.
August 10, 2008
Matthew 14:22-33, Psalm 69:1-3, Psalm 130:1
and sermon, “Reach Out Your Hand”,
by Reverend Lori Eldredge,
North Kingstown United Methodist Church
August 10, 2008
Impetuous Peter
Impetuous Peter, jumping
stepping out of the boat
walking without thinking
going to Jesus across the waves
blindly acting, acting out of his faith
Going because the Master called
We all must change
become like Peter
in that pure, beautiful moment
going when the Master calls
out onto the waters.
August 10, 2008
Matthew 14:22-33, Psalm 69:1-3, Psalm 130:1
and sermon, “Reach Out Your Hand”,
by Reverend Lori Eldredge,
North Kingstown United Methodist Church
August 10, 2008
stepping out of the boat
walking without thinking
going to Jesus across the waves
blindly acting, acting out of his faith
Going because the Master called
We all must change
become like Peter
in that pure, beautiful moment
going when the Master calls
out onto the waters.
August 10, 2008
Matthew 14:22-33, Psalm 69:1-3, Psalm 130:1
and sermon, “Reach Out Your Hand”,
by Reverend Lori Eldredge,
North Kingstown United Methodist Church
August 10, 2008
Going to Jesus
Peter, not for praise
not to gain power
An act of faith
climbing out of the boat
going out to Jesus
standing like him on the seas
walking to the Master
uncharted, untrammeled paths
where the Master calls
August 9, 2008
Matthew 14:22-33, Psalm 69:1-3, Psalm 130:1
and sermon, “Reach Out Your Hand”,
by Reverend Lori Eldredge,
North Kingstown United Methodist Church
August 10, 2008
not to gain power
An act of faith
climbing out of the boat
going out to Jesus
standing like him on the seas
walking to the Master
uncharted, untrammeled paths
where the Master calls
August 9, 2008
Matthew 14:22-33, Psalm 69:1-3, Psalm 130:1
and sermon, “Reach Out Your Hand”,
by Reverend Lori Eldredge,
North Kingstown United Methodist Church
August 10, 2008
Above the Waves
He stayed above the waves,
above the waters of doubt
while he stayed focused
Christ, on the water himself
Faith enough to venture out,
to believe he could
A moment of pure faith
defying gravity
only falling when he turned away
Saved, above the waves again
when he called out,
felt the hands of God
lifting him up
August 10, 2008
Matthew 14:22-33, Psalm 69:1-3, Psalm 130:1
and sermon, “Reach Out Your Hand”,
by Reverend Lori Eldredge,
North Kingstown United Methodist Church
August 10, 2008
above the waters of doubt
while he stayed focused
Christ, on the water himself
Faith enough to venture out,
to believe he could
A moment of pure faith
defying gravity
only falling when he turned away
Saved, above the waves again
when he called out,
felt the hands of God
lifting him up
August 10, 2008
Matthew 14:22-33, Psalm 69:1-3, Psalm 130:1
and sermon, “Reach Out Your Hand”,
by Reverend Lori Eldredge,
North Kingstown United Methodist Church
August 10, 2008
When I Have been Sinking
You lift me up Lord,
immediately reaching out
your loving hands catching me
when I fall, holding me
close to you, when I cry out
Helping me carry on
when storms, winds,
doubts grip my focus
You pull me up from the depths
letting me stand again
walking with you, by faith
August 10, 2008
Matthew 14:22-33, Psalm 69:1-3, Psalm 130:1
and sermon, “Reach Out Your Hand”,
by Reverend Lori Eldredge,
North Kingstown United Methodist Church
August 10, 2008
immediately reaching out
your loving hands catching me
when I fall, holding me
close to you, when I cry out
Helping me carry on
when storms, winds,
doubts grip my focus
You pull me up from the depths
letting me stand again
walking with you, by faith
August 10, 2008
Matthew 14:22-33, Psalm 69:1-3, Psalm 130:1
and sermon, “Reach Out Your Hand”,
by Reverend Lori Eldredge,
North Kingstown United Methodist Church
August 10, 2008
Reassured
When they were gripped by fear
buffeted, rocked by wind, waves
afraid in the boat
He reassured them all
“I am near; it is me, the one
standing on the waters
coming to you, from the other shore
Do not fear; I am with you.”
So must we remember,
that same assurance today.
August 10, 2008
Matthew 14:22-33, Psalm 69:1-3, Psalm 130:1
and sermon, “Reach Out Your Hand”,
by Reverend Lori Eldredge,
North Kingstown United Methodist Church
August 10, 2008
buffeted, rocked by wind, waves
afraid in the boat
He reassured them all
“I am near; it is me, the one
standing on the waters
coming to you, from the other shore
Do not fear; I am with you.”
So must we remember,
that same assurance today.
August 10, 2008
Matthew 14:22-33, Psalm 69:1-3, Psalm 130:1
and sermon, “Reach Out Your Hand”,
by Reverend Lori Eldredge,
North Kingstown United Methodist Church
August 10, 2008
Reach out God’s Hands
As Christ, answering Peter’s cries,
reaching out his hands
lifting him out of the depths
sinking no more
We must reach out God’s hands
our hands to those in need
helping them when they doubt
when life’s troubles
pull them down, away from You;
holding them in God’s arms
sharing His love, for we,
you and I, are God’s hands,
His feet, able to lift them up
so they, like us,
can walk on water
August 10, 2008
Matthew 14:22-33, Psalm 69:1-3, Psalm 130:1
and sermon, “Reach Out Your Hand”,
by Reverend Lori Eldredge,
North Kingstown United Methodist Church
August 10, 2008
reaching out his hands
lifting him out of the depths
sinking no more
We must reach out God’s hands
our hands to those in need
helping them when they doubt
when life’s troubles
pull them down, away from You;
holding them in God’s arms
sharing His love, for we,
you and I, are God’s hands,
His feet, able to lift them up
so they, like us,
can walk on water
August 10, 2008
Matthew 14:22-33, Psalm 69:1-3, Psalm 130:1
and sermon, “Reach Out Your Hand”,
by Reverend Lori Eldredge,
North Kingstown United Methodist Church
August 10, 2008
They are Our Hands
When a brother, a sister
one of our neighbors
begins to fall, to sink
the hands to reach out,
Christ’s hands now,
they are our hands
Are you there for those
struggling with their faith
doubts because of the winds
swirling around them, the waves
lapping at their feet?
Reach out your hands
lift them up
August 10, 2008
Matthew 14:22-33, Psalm 69:1-3, Psalm 130:1
and sermon, “Reach Out Your Hand”,
by Reverend Lori Eldredge,
North Kingstown United Methodist Church
August 10, 2008
one of our neighbors
begins to fall, to sink
the hands to reach out,
Christ’s hands now,
they are our hands
Are you there for those
struggling with their faith
doubts because of the winds
swirling around them, the waves
lapping at their feet?
Reach out your hands
lift them up
August 10, 2008
Matthew 14:22-33, Psalm 69:1-3, Psalm 130:1
and sermon, “Reach Out Your Hand”,
by Reverend Lori Eldredge,
North Kingstown United Methodist Church
August 10, 2008
Sinking in the Waters
He stepped out in his faith
walking toward the Lord
Sinking in the waters
at the mercy of the wind
Crying out; saved by the Lord
caught while he doubted
saved from the waves, the deep
pulled from the waters
by the loving hands of God
August 9, 2008
Matthew 14:22-33, Psalm 69:1-3, Psalm 130:1
and sermon, “Reach Out Your Hand”,
by Reverend Lori Eldredge,
North Kingstown United Methodist Church
August 10, 2008
walking toward the Lord
Sinking in the waters
at the mercy of the wind
Crying out; saved by the Lord
caught while he doubted
saved from the waves, the deep
pulled from the waters
by the loving hands of God
August 9, 2008
Matthew 14:22-33, Psalm 69:1-3, Psalm 130:1
and sermon, “Reach Out Your Hand”,
by Reverend Lori Eldredge,
North Kingstown United Methodist Church
August 10, 2008
Saved by His Hand
In faith, he started to walk
at the Master’s call to him to come
His faith strong enough
walking out from safety
from logic, reason
out onto the waters
But he turned away,
lost focus on the Lord.
As he began to sink,
crying out for his teacher.
Saved by his hand,
the Lord reaching out to each one still
lifting us up, when doubts
steal our faith,
helping us again
walking by faith, even on water.
August 9, 2008
Matthew 14:22-33
and sermon, “Reach Out Your Hand”,
by Reverend Lori Eldredge,
North Kingstown United Methodist Church
August 10, 2008
at the Master’s call to him to come
His faith strong enough
walking out from safety
from logic, reason
out onto the waters
But he turned away,
lost focus on the Lord.
As he began to sink,
crying out for his teacher.
Saved by his hand,
the Lord reaching out to each one still
lifting us up, when doubts
steal our faith,
helping us again
walking by faith, even on water.
August 9, 2008
Matthew 14:22-33
and sermon, “Reach Out Your Hand”,
by Reverend Lori Eldredge,
North Kingstown United Methodist Church
August 10, 2008
Caught by His Hand
He was caught
by our savior’s hand
saved when he was sinking
lifted up from the depths,
the deep, by Christ’s hand
bringing him to safety
up onto the buffeted sea
once more able to walk
boldly on the waters
his faith steeled,
by the hand
of our loving brother,
our savior still
August 9, 2008
Matthew 14:22-33
and sermon, “Reach Out Your Hand”,
by Reverend Lori Eldredge,
North Kingstown United Methodist Church
August 10, 2008
by our savior’s hand
saved when he was sinking
lifted up from the depths,
the deep, by Christ’s hand
bringing him to safety
up onto the buffeted sea
once more able to walk
boldly on the waters
his faith steeled,
by the hand
of our loving brother,
our savior still
August 9, 2008
Matthew 14:22-33
and sermon, “Reach Out Your Hand”,
by Reverend Lori Eldredge,
North Kingstown United Methodist Church
August 10, 2008
Immediately He Reached Out
While he was beginning to flounder
sinking through the skin of the waves
crying out to the Master,
“Lord, save me!”
Immediately, he reached out
to catch his hand
save him when he fell,
captured by doubt
Reaching our in an instant
bringing him to the surface
We too, assured of his hand
ready to reach out
and save us when we fall
when our faith is tested
when we lose focus on God
August 9, 2008
Matthew 14:22-33
and sermon, “Reach Out Your Hand”,
by Reverend Lori Eldredge,
North Kingstown United Methodist Church
August 10, 2008
sinking through the skin of the waves
crying out to the Master,
“Lord, save me!”
Immediately, he reached out
to catch his hand
save him when he fell,
captured by doubt
Reaching our in an instant
bringing him to the surface
We too, assured of his hand
ready to reach out
and save us when we fall
when our faith is tested
when we lose focus on God
August 9, 2008
Matthew 14:22-33
and sermon, “Reach Out Your Hand”,
by Reverend Lori Eldredge,
North Kingstown United Methodist Church
August 10, 2008
Lifted Up
Peter, sinking, captured by trouble,
his doubt pulling him under
falling below the waters,
the waves, sinking, darkness
Lifted up, rising, by the outstretched hand
the hand of our Savior
ready for him, immediately
reaching for Peter, for each of us
when our faith trembles
when the wind catches our attention
and we too sink
Our loving God is there,
hands ready to save us
August 9, 2008
Matthew 14:22-33
and sermon, “Reach Out Your Hand”,
by Reverend Lori Eldredge,
North Kingstown United Methodist Church
August 10, 2008
his doubt pulling him under
falling below the waters,
the waves, sinking, darkness
Lifted up, rising, by the outstretched hand
the hand of our Savior
ready for him, immediately
reaching for Peter, for each of us
when our faith trembles
when the wind catches our attention
and we too sink
Our loving God is there,
hands ready to save us
August 9, 2008
Matthew 14:22-33
and sermon, “Reach Out Your Hand”,
by Reverend Lori Eldredge,
North Kingstown United Methodist Church
August 10, 2008
Friday, August 08, 2008
Punk and Accordion Player - Grand Alle, Quebec City, August 1984
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.
Coneflower and Bee
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 20,610+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Bold Steps
His steps were bold, courageous steps
blindly trusting, his faith strong
able to step out, to walk on the waves
his eyes centered on the coming Lord
His fears, doubts, the blowing wind
eyes distracted, sinking fast
the cold water grasping him
pulling him down into the deep
Rising with the master’s hand
to stand once more, regaining his footing
bold, confident steps again,
with our Lord, on the water
August 8, 2008
Matthew 14:22-33
blindly trusting, his faith strong
able to step out, to walk on the waves
his eyes centered on the coming Lord
His fears, doubts, the blowing wind
eyes distracted, sinking fast
the cold water grasping him
pulling him down into the deep
Rising with the master’s hand
to stand once more, regaining his footing
bold, confident steps again,
with our Lord, on the water
August 8, 2008
Matthew 14:22-33
Away to Pray
He went away to pray
sent the disciples on ahead
he went, up onto the mountain
apart, in private
renewal with the father,
the son in solitude
going into the wilderness,
into nature, to be with God
after the healing, the feeding
August 8, 2008
Matthew 14:22-33
Matthew 14:22-23
sent the disciples on ahead
he went, up onto the mountain
apart, in private
renewal with the father,
the son in solitude
going into the wilderness,
into nature, to be with God
after the healing, the feeding
August 8, 2008
Matthew 14:22-33
Matthew 14:22-23
Those in the Boat
Before their shouts of praise
confession he was the Son of God
What were they thinking, those in the boat?
disciples gripped by the wind, fear, huddled
in the rocking boat, buffeted by the wind, the seas
ghost walking, coming toward them on the waves
Peter climbing, stepping out of the boat
walking away, out onto the sea
Sinking, falling, into the waves
Pulled up, walking again, with the Lord;
back to the boat, walking on water.
What must they have thought!
August 8, 2008
Matthew 14:22-33
confession he was the Son of God
What were they thinking, those in the boat?
disciples gripped by the wind, fear, huddled
in the rocking boat, buffeted by the wind, the seas
ghost walking, coming toward them on the waves
Peter climbing, stepping out of the boat
walking away, out onto the sea
Sinking, falling, into the waves
Pulled up, walking again, with the Lord;
back to the boat, walking on water.
What must they have thought!
August 8, 2008
Matthew 14:22-33
The Rock on the Water
Rocks sink, that is a given,
a certainty we all share
A rock thrown, sinks in the water
How right it is the rock, Peter,
who is the one walking on the waters
the storm around him, walking toward Jesus
Physics, fear, gravity calls him down;
but Jesus lifted him up
And he walked again,
on the waters
August 8, 2008
Matthew 14:22-33
a certainty we all share
A rock thrown, sinks in the water
How right it is the rock, Peter,
who is the one walking on the waters
the storm around him, walking toward Jesus
Physics, fear, gravity calls him down;
but Jesus lifted him up
And he walked again,
on the waters
August 8, 2008
Matthew 14:22-33
Of More Faith than Most
Christ said “oh ye of little faith”
to the rock, the foundation of the church
how much more, could he say to us
Peter had more faith than most
the others were still scared, buffeted,
in the boat. He came when the Lord said, “come”.
He walked on liquid water, standing and walking
Fear, the winds swirling around him, doubt
caught his human heart; but the Lord lifted him us
and he walked again, on water, back to the boat
walking this time with Christ beside him
How many of us would have tried, left the boat
and ventured out, in faith?
August 8, 2008
Matthew 14:22-33
to the rock, the foundation of the church
how much more, could he say to us
Peter had more faith than most
the others were still scared, buffeted,
in the boat. He came when the Lord said, “come”.
He walked on liquid water, standing and walking
Fear, the winds swirling around him, doubt
caught his human heart; but the Lord lifted him us
and he walked again, on water, back to the boat
walking this time with Christ beside him
How many of us would have tried, left the boat
and ventured out, in faith?
August 8, 2008
Matthew 14:22-33
The Howling Winds
The howling winds, buffeting the boat,
our lives, at their mercy, the winds of doubt,
of strife, of fear, our masters
The voice of our savior, calling us to come
to walk toward him, to fear not
rather to center our lives, our beings on him
to come to him across the waves,
believing in the miracle of the feedings,
the healings, the fulfillment of all prophecy
in him, and him alone, to walk without fear
Ignore the howling winds,
follow our savior’s call
walk boldly, for he died for this
August 8, 2008
Matthew 14:22-33
our lives, at their mercy, the winds of doubt,
of strife, of fear, our masters
The voice of our savior, calling us to come
to walk toward him, to fear not
rather to center our lives, our beings on him
to come to him across the waves,
believing in the miracle of the feedings,
the healings, the fulfillment of all prophecy
in him, and him alone, to walk without fear
Ignore the howling winds,
follow our savior’s call
walk boldly, for he died for this
August 8, 2008
Matthew 14:22-33
Listening to the Wind
So easy, to listen to the wind
to doubt, to sink,
to see the mountain,
not the path to climb
to listen to the wind,
not our master’s voice
Fear grips us, paralyzes,
freezes our steps, guides away
How we wish, like Peter
we could walk on water
focused on Christ
ignoring the wind
and believing that much
August 8, 2008
Matthew 14:22-33
to doubt, to sink,
to see the mountain,
not the path to climb
to listen to the wind,
not our master’s voice
Fear grips us, paralyzes,
freezes our steps, guides away
How we wish, like Peter
we could walk on water
focused on Christ
ignoring the wind
and believing that much
August 8, 2008
Matthew 14:22-33
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Brookline - Part of Olmsted's Emerald Necklace
Part of Olmsted's Emerald Necklace, Brookline, MA, late 1980's or early 1990's
http://www.muddyrivermmoc.org/html/NecklaceLinks/masterplan.html
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Christian Words
Christian words, written in scripture
Christian words carved in stone
bringing hope to all who are living
The story of our savior’s life
work of his holy hands;
disciples he charged to follow
filled with the holy spirit
words living
within each beating heart
Christian words shared
in the congregation
and in the maddening crowd
words to change a whole nation
a world spun out of control
words of love we are bringing
to a world dark and cold
August 5, 2008
Christian words carved in stone
bringing hope to all who are living
The story of our savior’s life
work of his holy hands;
disciples he charged to follow
filled with the holy spirit
words living
within each beating heart
Christian words shared
in the congregation
and in the maddening crowd
words to change a whole nation
a world spun out of control
words of love we are bringing
to a world dark and cold
August 5, 2008
Christian Saints
Christian saints, in the congregation,
in the faces on the family walls
in the stories of them in the pages
of the histories of the ages
the story of the disciples before us
who helped to spread the hope to the world
of the failed and timid emboldened
of the tongues they were given
to share the word
The saints before us are calling
to carry on our brother’s work
showing us how to be the master’s voice
Christian saints whose shoulders we rise on
Christian saints still with us today
August 5, 2008
in the faces on the family walls
in the stories of them in the pages
of the histories of the ages
the story of the disciples before us
who helped to spread the hope to the world
of the failed and timid emboldened
of the tongues they were given
to share the word
The saints before us are calling
to carry on our brother’s work
showing us how to be the master’s voice
Christian saints whose shoulders we rise on
Christian saints still with us today
August 5, 2008
Christian Hope
Christian hope, in the sacrifice,
In the resurrection, the reunion with God,
a thousand times yes. That is the key of all
that Christ rose, is risen, is risen today
Our Christian hope for all the ages
to the end of the world we all know
till the heavens come down and
the king reigns on his throne
Our hope is his grace so abundant
really to come when we call
to greet us with the arms of the father
and forget we had wandered at all
August 5, 2008
In the resurrection, the reunion with God,
a thousand times yes. That is the key of all
that Christ rose, is risen, is risen today
Our Christian hope for all the ages
to the end of the world we all know
till the heavens come down and
the king reigns on his throne
Our hope is his grace so abundant
really to come when we call
to greet us with the arms of the father
and forget we had wandered at all
August 5, 2008
Monday, August 04, 2008
Christian Faces
Christian faces, all shapes and sizes
mirroring, being, the image, the face of God
the face of Christ in the world, for those we meet
for those in need, those hurting needing healing
our faces, reflecting God’s love, his peace,
the hope in Christ, in his sacrifice, his gift
abundant grace, radiating from our belief,
our faith as from of old, our faces echoes
the lives of the apostles, the saints before us
Christian faces, welcoming them
sharing Christ’s message, his love
to the ends of the earth
August 4, 2008
mirroring, being, the image, the face of God
the face of Christ in the world, for those we meet
for those in need, those hurting needing healing
our faces, reflecting God’s love, his peace,
the hope in Christ, in his sacrifice, his gift
abundant grace, radiating from our belief,
our faith as from of old, our faces echoes
the lives of the apostles, the saints before us
Christian faces, welcoming them
sharing Christ’s message, his love
to the ends of the earth
August 4, 2008
Christian Tongues
Christian tongues, silent for too long
at the injustice, the torture, the inequity
haves and have nots, divisions, prejudices
rampant in our world, needing voices,
champions, those to say, no more
Christian tongues need to speak
to stand for the last, the least, the lost
those little ones Christ called to him
those in dark places he was willing to go
We need to be the tongues, the voices,
the hands, the feet of Christ
Christ’s face to the world
August 4, 2008
at the injustice, the torture, the inequity
haves and have nots, divisions, prejudices
rampant in our world, needing voices,
champions, those to say, no more
Christian tongues need to speak
to stand for the last, the least, the lost
those little ones Christ called to him
those in dark places he was willing to go
We need to be the tongues, the voices,
the hands, the feet of Christ
Christ’s face to the world
August 4, 2008
Christian Lives
Christian lives, bearing witness
love of the creator, the love of the son
the covenant they offered, the grace they share
the gifts of the spirit, of the savior,
gates of heaven, heaping grace on grace
Lives of the saints before us, flawed and bruised
witness to the work we all can do
the broken and weak, the infirm and proud
all can serve, for God’s glory
Christian lives, setting an example
changing the rules of the world
offering hope for the future
so his kingdom will come
August 4, 2008
love of the creator, the love of the son
the covenant they offered, the grace they share
the gifts of the spirit, of the savior,
gates of heaven, heaping grace on grace
Lives of the saints before us, flawed and bruised
witness to the work we all can do
the broken and weak, the infirm and proud
all can serve, for God’s glory
Christian lives, setting an example
changing the rules of the world
offering hope for the future
so his kingdom will come
August 4, 2008
Christian Hearts
Christian hearts, beating strong
caring for his children, his brothers, sisters
those toiling in the fields, the vineyards,
living in the dark places of this world
Hearts showing his compassion, his love
his sacrifice, his service, through their acts
through the calling of our hearts
Being the good neighbor, the loving servant
the last in line, the yoke upon our back
being a libation, poured out, out of our open hearts
for all, a witness of Christ’s life, living still
in the saints around us, a message of hope
straight from the Christian’s heart
August 4, 2008
caring for his children, his brothers, sisters
those toiling in the fields, the vineyards,
living in the dark places of this world
Hearts showing his compassion, his love
his sacrifice, his service, through their acts
through the calling of our hearts
Being the good neighbor, the loving servant
the last in line, the yoke upon our back
being a libation, poured out, out of our open hearts
for all, a witness of Christ’s life, living still
in the saints around us, a message of hope
straight from the Christian’s heart
August 4, 2008
Christian Voices
Christian voices
crying out in the wilderness
in the urban jungle,
the suburban villages
speaking the truth, against complacency
against the inequities of our world
calling out for peace, for love
to pervade the human spirit
Becoming one voice for change
bringing God’s love, Christ’s living message
into human hearts, to all who would listen
crying out, calling for a change in our world
to bring out God’s kingdom here
August 4, 2008
crying out in the wilderness
in the urban jungle,
the suburban villages
speaking the truth, against complacency
against the inequities of our world
calling out for peace, for love
to pervade the human spirit
Becoming one voice for change
bringing God’s love, Christ’s living message
into human hearts, to all who would listen
crying out, calling for a change in our world
to bring out God’s kingdom here
August 4, 2008
Christian Feet
Christian feet, walking the paths of the Lord
following in the way of the master,
walking where he walked
going where the master called,
being his feet, standing for justice,
marching to end oppression,
moving heaven and earth
to change the world,
going into the world,
bringing the message of hope
trusting in the Lord, being his feet
continuing his work in this place
August 4, 2008
following in the way of the master,
walking where he walked
going where the master called,
being his feet, standing for justice,
marching to end oppression,
moving heaven and earth
to change the world,
going into the world,
bringing the message of hope
trusting in the Lord, being his feet
continuing his work in this place
August 4, 2008
Christian Hands
Christian hands, serving the congregants,
serving the community, the world
raising their hands against injustice
offering their hands to those in need
being Christ’s hands in the world
ministering as he did with their hands
with their touch, with their hands doing
being Christ to their neighbors, those sick
needing healing, needing God’s love
August 4, 2008
serving the community, the world
raising their hands against injustice
offering their hands to those in need
being Christ’s hands in the world
ministering as he did with their hands
with their touch, with their hands doing
being Christ to their neighbors, those sick
needing healing, needing God’s love
August 4, 2008
“What a Blessing”, sermon by Pastor Ruth L. Foss, Suncook United Methodist Church, Suncook, NH 8/3/08
Have you ever said to yourself “what a blessing that was” when you receive something that was unexpected? I know I have. I might run into someone I haven’t seen in a while and have a conversation with them and as I walk away I think to myself “what a blessing that was running into so and so. I had a great conversation with them” or I might be reading something and it touches my heart in a way that I never expected. There are so many ways that we are blessed each day. Some we notice right away, some we notice at some point later or even others we may never realize we received.
Last week. . . I was talking about “Fully Relying On God” and about Grace that abounds all around us even when we are not asking or looking for it. Grace is one of the many blessings given to us from God. But this blessing. . . this grace. . . we are to share with those around us.
In Matthew 14:13-21. . . we hear about another blessing. . . a miracle. . . that Jesus performed. Jesus had gone away by Himself to a deserted place in a boat. But the crowds followed Him there when they heard where He was. When He came ashore and saw the crowd he had compassion for them and cured their sick (Blessing number 1). But as night came, the disciples said to them that it was a deserted place and it was getting late. They told Jesus to send the crowds away so that they can go and get something to eat for themselves. Well Jesus, being who He was . . . told the disciples to feed them, not to send them away. The disciples . . . being human as they were. . . . told Jesus they didn’t have enough to feed them. . . . they only had 5 loaves and two small fish for food. Now this is when it gets interesting for me. . . Jesus told them to bring the food to Him and He blessed the food, broke it, and gave it to the disciples to feed the multitude. Everyone ate until they were filled and when the disciples collected what was left and there were twelve baskets of food left over (Blessing number 2). Now there were around 5,000 men not including the women and children.
But there was something else happening here. I was reading in the Upper Room on July 19th and there was a story from a Linda Linn that day and it made me think. She noticed that “only when the disciples began distributing the bread that they received were their meager resources multiplied; only then did a miracle happen.” What was blessed became a blessing.. . . a miracle.. . . when it was shared. We are blessed to be a blessing to those around us causing a miracle to happen.
In the Genesis reading from this morning, we hear about another blessing that happened in an unexpected way. We heard the story of Jacob and how he wrestled with a stranger. . . an angel. . . with God at Penuel, (Now I don’t know about you but I have had my share of Jacob moments struggling with God. But. . . that’s another sermon). Jacob wrestled all night with this stranger and would not let go until this stranger blessed him. Even though the stranger put Jacob’s hip out of joint, he kept fighting for that blessing. We too, at times, need to fight for our blessing. . . we need to hang in there until the end to receive a blessing. We need to see it through and trust in the blessing at the end of the struggle. Jacob was blessed in the end because he persevered through the battle. Jacob had a daily reminder of the battle. Each step he took after that night, he walked with a limp. We too have reminders of our battles and the blessings at the end. It is the stories of our lives and how God has brought us through. It is these reminders. . . these stories. . . that we need to share to help others through their night at Penuel.
The disciples talked about “only” having five loaves and two fish. Only. . . that word only can be so restrictive to us. Travis Tamerius of Christ Our King Presbyterian Church in Columbia, Missouri, wrote a week of devotionals in the Upper Room Disciplines called “Meeting God in the Meager”. These devotionals really made me think about seeing God in the most unexpected places. Well. . . he talks about this word “Only”. He states (and I am paraphrasing) that this word puts boundaries on the limitless possibility. It will fence in our vision to what is practical and reasonable. It pays attention to the obvious. Moses was only a simple man who couldn’t speak well, not a mighty liberator of his people. David was only a shepherd boy, not a future king of Israel. The woman washing Jesus’ feet was just a sinner, not a model for how we should worship and to love. And to the stunned imagination of the disciples, the bread and fish could only go so far.
We are blessed to be a blessing. When we share with others how we have been blessed in our lives. . . it is in that sharing we may give others hope for their own lives. We give them the blessing of hope. When we share our talents we give others the blessing of being able to share in our talents with us. When we share the blessing of the Gospel of Christ and the story of our lives with Christ with others, we just may be blessing in ways we aren’t expecting and they may just decide they want that same blessing for their lives. It is only in the sharing that the blessing is passed on and the miracle can happen.
God can do abundantly more than we can ask or think of according to His power at work through us. We need to recognize that God is able to feed multitudes with all that seems meager and insufficient in our lives. . . even if it is just our stories that we share. They are not to meager. . . they’re just right.
Amen.
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 19,730+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Last week. . . I was talking about “Fully Relying On God” and about Grace that abounds all around us even when we are not asking or looking for it. Grace is one of the many blessings given to us from God. But this blessing. . . this grace. . . we are to share with those around us.
In Matthew 14:13-21. . . we hear about another blessing. . . a miracle. . . that Jesus performed. Jesus had gone away by Himself to a deserted place in a boat. But the crowds followed Him there when they heard where He was. When He came ashore and saw the crowd he had compassion for them and cured their sick (Blessing number 1). But as night came, the disciples said to them that it was a deserted place and it was getting late. They told Jesus to send the crowds away so that they can go and get something to eat for themselves. Well Jesus, being who He was . . . told the disciples to feed them, not to send them away. The disciples . . . being human as they were. . . . told Jesus they didn’t have enough to feed them. . . . they only had 5 loaves and two small fish for food. Now this is when it gets interesting for me. . . Jesus told them to bring the food to Him and He blessed the food, broke it, and gave it to the disciples to feed the multitude. Everyone ate until they were filled and when the disciples collected what was left and there were twelve baskets of food left over (Blessing number 2). Now there were around 5,000 men not including the women and children.
But there was something else happening here. I was reading in the Upper Room on July 19th and there was a story from a Linda Linn that day and it made me think. She noticed that “only when the disciples began distributing the bread that they received were their meager resources multiplied; only then did a miracle happen.” What was blessed became a blessing.. . . a miracle.. . . when it was shared. We are blessed to be a blessing to those around us causing a miracle to happen.
In the Genesis reading from this morning, we hear about another blessing that happened in an unexpected way. We heard the story of Jacob and how he wrestled with a stranger. . . an angel. . . with God at Penuel, (Now I don’t know about you but I have had my share of Jacob moments struggling with God. But. . . that’s another sermon). Jacob wrestled all night with this stranger and would not let go until this stranger blessed him. Even though the stranger put Jacob’s hip out of joint, he kept fighting for that blessing. We too, at times, need to fight for our blessing. . . we need to hang in there until the end to receive a blessing. We need to see it through and trust in the blessing at the end of the struggle. Jacob was blessed in the end because he persevered through the battle. Jacob had a daily reminder of the battle. Each step he took after that night, he walked with a limp. We too have reminders of our battles and the blessings at the end. It is the stories of our lives and how God has brought us through. It is these reminders. . . these stories. . . that we need to share to help others through their night at Penuel.
The disciples talked about “only” having five loaves and two fish. Only. . . that word only can be so restrictive to us. Travis Tamerius of Christ Our King Presbyterian Church in Columbia, Missouri, wrote a week of devotionals in the Upper Room Disciplines called “Meeting God in the Meager”. These devotionals really made me think about seeing God in the most unexpected places. Well. . . he talks about this word “Only”. He states (and I am paraphrasing) that this word puts boundaries on the limitless possibility. It will fence in our vision to what is practical and reasonable. It pays attention to the obvious. Moses was only a simple man who couldn’t speak well, not a mighty liberator of his people. David was only a shepherd boy, not a future king of Israel. The woman washing Jesus’ feet was just a sinner, not a model for how we should worship and to love. And to the stunned imagination of the disciples, the bread and fish could only go so far.
We are blessed to be a blessing. When we share with others how we have been blessed in our lives. . . it is in that sharing we may give others hope for their own lives. We give them the blessing of hope. When we share our talents we give others the blessing of being able to share in our talents with us. When we share the blessing of the Gospel of Christ and the story of our lives with Christ with others, we just may be blessing in ways we aren’t expecting and they may just decide they want that same blessing for their lives. It is only in the sharing that the blessing is passed on and the miracle can happen.
God can do abundantly more than we can ask or think of according to His power at work through us. We need to recognize that God is able to feed multitudes with all that seems meager and insufficient in our lives. . . even if it is just our stories that we share. They are not to meager. . . they’re just right.
Amen.
by
Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“God’s
Whisper” blog
Suncook United Methodist ChurchSuncook, 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 19,730+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
An Echo of Her Glories
A pale, lovely, opening trumpet
a morning glory, in the pot
living with the tomatoes, the marigolds
the living garden by the end of the parking lot
An echo of her glories, the same color, the same beauty
growing in a row behind her house,
yearning, reaching for the kitchen window,
growing up the stands of twine,
above her gardens
Sharing the story of her glories
with the girls this morning
connecting them
with my memories of her
a morning glory, in the pot
living with the tomatoes, the marigolds
the living garden by the end of the parking lot
An echo of her glories, the same color, the same beauty
growing in a row behind her house,
yearning, reaching for the kitchen window,
growing up the stands of twine,
above her gardens
Sharing the story of her glories
with the girls this morning
connecting them
with my memories of her
August 4, 2008
An Echo of Her Glories
morning glories by the church
Suncook United Methodist Church
and those of my paternal grandmother,
Jessie Watson Foss, forty years ago
All of my
poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005,
2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved.
Contact me at Ray
Foss for usage. See all 33,330+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
4 and 1/2 years of blogging
Today marks 4.5 years of this blog. I hope you like what you see. And, yesterday I topped 2,800 poems.
Sunday, August 03, 2008
His Blessing a Blessing
Struggling, wrestling with God
this flawed patriarch, Jacob,
stealing a birthright, usurper
Holding on for a blessing,
a blessing from God,
at morning light
From that blessing,
a new name, Israel
From this blessing,
a blessing for a whole nation
in him the covenant revealed
through him the nation born
August 3, 2008
Genesis 32:22-31
Matthew 14:13-21
and sermon, “What a Blessing”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church,
Suncook, NH, August 3, 2008
this flawed patriarch, Jacob,
stealing a birthright, usurper
Holding on for a blessing,
a blessing from God,
at morning light
From that blessing,
a new name, Israel
From this blessing,
a blessing for a whole nation
in him the covenant revealed
through him the nation born
August 3, 2008
Genesis 32:22-31
Matthew 14:13-21
and sermon, “What a Blessing”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church,
Suncook, NH, August 3, 2008
They Became the Blessing
By the Lord’s blessing, the food consecrated
a pattern of blessing, breaking, sharing;
but they became the blessing
in giving the bread, the fish
to the multitude,
the faithful disciples serving
multiplying the portions, expanding
as they shared, the ripple effect of his blessing
They were the agents of the miracle
in that desert place that day
He blessed the food
but they became the blessing
August 3, 2008
Matthew 14:13-21
Mark 6:30-44
Luke 9:10-17
John 6:1-13
and Matthew 15:32-39
and sermon, “What a Blessing”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church,
Suncook, NH, August 3, 2008
a pattern of blessing, breaking, sharing;
but they became the blessing
in giving the bread, the fish
to the multitude,
the faithful disciples serving
multiplying the portions, expanding
as they shared, the ripple effect of his blessing
They were the agents of the miracle
in that desert place that day
He blessed the food
but they became the blessing
August 3, 2008
Matthew 14:13-21
Mark 6:30-44
Luke 9:10-17
John 6:1-13
and Matthew 15:32-39
and sermon, “What a Blessing”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church,
Suncook, NH, August 3, 2008
He Had Compassion for Them
Like sheep without a shepherd
wandering in the wilderness, seeking
following him, even as he crossed the lake
He had compassion for them, hearing their calls
heeding their yearning for his healing, to be saved,
to be fed, thirsty, hungry they came
and all were fed, from meager fare,
a sumptuous feast, feeding
five thousand and more
healing the sick, offering hope for all
ministering to the flock, the shepherd they lacked
having compassion, pity, caring for them all
even as he grieved, he served his flock
August 3, 2008
Matthew 14:13-21
Mark 6:30-44
Luke 9:10-17
John 6:1-13
and Matthew 15:32-39
and sermon, “What a Blessing”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church,
Suncook, NH, August 3, 2008
wandering in the wilderness, seeking
following him, even as he crossed the lake
He had compassion for them, hearing their calls
heeding their yearning for his healing, to be saved,
to be fed, thirsty, hungry they came
and all were fed, from meager fare,
a sumptuous feast, feeding
five thousand and more
healing the sick, offering hope for all
ministering to the flock, the shepherd they lacked
having compassion, pity, caring for them all
even as he grieved, he served his flock
August 3, 2008
Matthew 14:13-21
Mark 6:30-44
Luke 9:10-17
John 6:1-13
and Matthew 15:32-39
and sermon, “What a Blessing”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church,
Suncook, NH, August 3, 2008
He Said, “Come” - v2
Out of the fog, the mist, the darkness
The Lord’s voice, he said, “Come”
and Peter did, stepping out
out onto the living water
standing, walking, as if on dry land
walking toward our savior, our Lord
walking on water toward our king.
August 3, 2008
Matthew 14:22-33,
Matthew 14:28-33
Matthew 14:13-21
Matthew 14:1-33
and sermons, “Walk this Way”
and “What a Blessing”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church,
Suncook, NH, July 27, 2008
and August 3, 2008
The Lord’s voice, he said, “Come”
and Peter did, stepping out
out onto the living water
standing, walking, as if on dry land
walking toward our savior, our Lord
walking on water toward our king.
August 3, 2008
Matthew 14:22-33,
Matthew 14:28-33
Matthew 14:13-21
Matthew 14:1-33
and sermons, “Walk this Way”
and “What a Blessing”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church,
Suncook, NH, July 27, 2008
and August 3, 2008
Out of His Compassion
They were all welcome,
all were healed, made whole
all of them were fed, sustained
by their daily bread, he provided
out of his compassion
the loaves, the fishes
more than enough
All were fed that day
out of his compassion, his blessing
by the disciples hands
August 3, 2008
Matthew 14:13-21
Mark 6:30-44
Luke 9:10-17
John 6:1-13
and Matthew 15:32-39
and sermon, “What a Blessing”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church,
Suncook, NH, August 3, 2008
all were healed, made whole
all of them were fed, sustained
by their daily bread, he provided
out of his compassion
the loaves, the fishes
more than enough
All were fed that day
out of his compassion, his blessing
by the disciples hands
August 3, 2008
Matthew 14:13-21
Mark 6:30-44
Luke 9:10-17
John 6:1-13
and Matthew 15:32-39
and sermon, “What a Blessing”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church,
Suncook, NH, August 3, 2008
Not even Enough for Themselves
Only five loaves, two fishes
not even enough for themselves
barely, just enough for the twelve
for the disciples, for Jesus, alone
But there was more than enough
abundantly provided, a miracle
all were fed, the whole congregation
fed beyond their need, abundantly blessed
God’s grace, his love, his bounty
heaped on them, on them all
On all of us, blessed daily, in his provision
more than enough for all
all who come to him
August 3, 2008
Matthew 14:13-21
Mark 6:30-44
Luke 9:10-17
John 6:1-13
and Matthew 15:32-39
and sermon, “What a Blessing”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church,
Suncook, NH, August 3, 2008
not even enough for themselves
barely, just enough for the twelve
for the disciples, for Jesus, alone
But there was more than enough
abundantly provided, a miracle
all were fed, the whole congregation
fed beyond their need, abundantly blessed
God’s grace, his love, his bounty
heaped on them, on them all
On all of us, blessed daily, in his provision
more than enough for all
all who come to him
August 3, 2008
Matthew 14:13-21
Mark 6:30-44
Luke 9:10-17
John 6:1-13
and Matthew 15:32-39
and sermon, “What a Blessing”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church,
Suncook, NH, August 3, 2008
Bread, Blessed of Heaven
He lifted the bread to heaven
the simple loaves, the fishes two
raised to heaven,
the source of the blessing,
provision of life, of food
He broke the bread;
he gave these to his disciples
They fed the crowd
and all were fed
August 3, 2008
Matthew 14:13-21
Mark 6:30-44
Luke 9:10-17
John 6:1-13
and Matthew 15:32-39
and sermon, “What a Blessing”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church,
Suncook, NH, August 3, 2008
the simple loaves, the fishes two
raised to heaven,
the source of the blessing,
provision of life, of food
He broke the bread;
he gave these to his disciples
They fed the crowd
and all were fed
August 3, 2008
Matthew 14:13-21
Mark 6:30-44
Luke 9:10-17
John 6:1-13
and Matthew 15:32-39
and sermon, “What a Blessing”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church,
Suncook, NH, August 3, 2008
In Them the Miracle Revealed
He blessed the loaves, the fishes
held up to heaven, broken to share
In them, the miracle revealed
sharing five loaves, two fish
with the multitude,
all invited, all to be included
all fed by the blessing,
by the work of their hands
Servants, serving the multitude
by human hands the miracle revealed
August 3, 2008
Matthew 14:13-21
Mark 6:30-44
Luke 9:10-17
John 6:1-13
and Matthew 15:32-39
and sermon, “What a Blessing”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church,
Suncook, NH, August 3, 2008
held up to heaven, broken to share
In them, the miracle revealed
sharing five loaves, two fish
with the multitude,
all invited, all to be included
all fed by the blessing,
by the work of their hands
Servants, serving the multitude
by human hands the miracle revealed
August 3, 2008
Matthew 14:13-21
Mark 6:30-44
Luke 9:10-17
John 6:1-13
and Matthew 15:32-39
and sermon, “What a Blessing”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church,
Suncook, NH, August 3, 2008
They Came to Him
From near and far, the villages
the countryside, all around
seeing him crossing the sea
they came to him
all of them needing his healing,
his message of hope,
all needing to be fed
August 3, 2008
Matthew 14:13-21
Mark 6:30-44
Luke 9:10-17
John 6:1-13
and Matthew 15:32-39
and sermon, “What a Blessing”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church,
Suncook, NH, August 3, 2008
the countryside, all around
seeing him crossing the sea
they came to him
all of them needing his healing,
his message of hope,
all needing to be fed
August 3, 2008
Matthew 14:13-21
Mark 6:30-44
Luke 9:10-17
John 6:1-13
and Matthew 15:32-39
and sermon, “What a Blessing”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church,
Suncook, NH, August 3, 2008
All Needing to be Fed
They came to him, where he was
at the news of his arrival
in this deserted place
All needed to be fed, thirsting
needing to be fed, healed,
to hear his message of hope
He ministered to their bodies
to their spirits, to their faith
feeding them with his blessing
with his words, his healing touch
all were fed, abundantly
in that deserted place
August 3, 2008
Matthew 14:13-21
Mark 6:30-44
Luke 9:10-17
John 6:1-13
and Matthew 15:32-39
and sermon, “What a Blessing”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church,
Suncook, NH, August 3, 2008
at the news of his arrival
in this deserted place
All needed to be fed, thirsting
needing to be fed, healed,
to hear his message of hope
He ministered to their bodies
to their spirits, to their faith
feeding them with his blessing
with his words, his healing touch
all were fed, abundantly
in that deserted place
August 3, 2008
Matthew 14:13-21
Mark 6:30-44
Luke 9:10-17
John 6:1-13
and Matthew 15:32-39
and sermon, “What a Blessing”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church,
Suncook, NH, August 3, 2008
Pity on Them
So many, in pain,
coming to him
seeking his love, his care
his ministering of their needs
He had pity on them,
even in his time of grieving
Healing, sharing,
providing food, bread,
nourishment
to the whole gathering
from the bread, the fish,
from his touch,
from his words of grace
August 3, 2008
Matthew 14:13-21
Matthew 14:1-21
and sermon, “What a Blessing”,
Suncook, NH, August 3, 2008
coming to him
seeking his love, his care
his ministering of their needs
He had pity on them,
even in his time of grieving
Healing, sharing,
providing food, bread,
nourishment
to the whole gathering
from the bread, the fish,
from his touch,
from his words of grace
August 3, 2008
Matthew 14:13-21
Matthew 14:1-21
and sermon, “What a Blessing”,
by
Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
Suncook United Methodist Church,Suncook, NH, August 3, 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. All rights reserved. Contact me
at Ray Foss
for usage. See all 26,820+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
The People Fed
Like Manna in the desert
all the people, the tribes of Israel
Fed with the bread
blessed by heaven
Coming to him, in that desert place
All were hungry, thirsty
for his message, his hope
his healing touch
All needing the bread,
the fish from the hands
of the disciples, the fisherman
August 3, 2008
Matthew 14:13-21
Mark 6:30-44
Luke 9:10-17
John 6:1-13
and Matthew 15:32-39
and sermon, “What a Blessing”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church,
Suncook, NH, August 3, 2008
all the people, the tribes of Israel
Fed with the bread
blessed by heaven
Coming to him, in that desert place
All were hungry, thirsty
for his message, his hope
his healing touch
All needing the bread,
the fish from the hands
of the disciples, the fisherman
August 3, 2008
Matthew 14:13-21
Mark 6:30-44
Luke 9:10-17
John 6:1-13
and Matthew 15:32-39
and sermon, “What a Blessing”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church,
Suncook, NH, August 3, 2008
Even When He Grieved
He healed the sick, ministered to them all
the son a servant to their needs
even when he grieved
the death of the one
the prophet, the one baptizing
in the Jordan, as foretold
He came to the other side
and the people followed,
found him far from home
seeking his healing, his grace
Even while he mourned for his kin
he put his needs below theirs
caring for them in the wilderness
He cured their sick, out of his compassion
fed them, all of them
From five loaves and two fish
out of his servanthood
all were healed, all were fed
even when he grieved.
August 2, 2008
Matthew 14:1-21
Matthew 14:13-21
the son a servant to their needs
even when he grieved
the death of the one
the prophet, the one baptizing
in the Jordan, as foretold
He came to the other side
and the people followed,
found him far from home
seeking his healing, his grace
Even while he mourned for his kin
he put his needs below theirs
caring for them in the wilderness
He cured their sick, out of his compassion
fed them, all of them
From five loaves and two fish
out of his servanthood
all were healed, all were fed
even when he grieved.
August 2, 2008
Matthew 14:1-21
Matthew 14:13-21
If My People Believed
My people, of the covenants
the patriarchs, the prophets
if my people would but believe
He is here for them
fulfilling the law, the prophets
ready to adopt, to save
there for the children
if only they believed
August 2, 2008
Romans 9:1-5
the patriarchs, the prophets
if my people would but believe
He is here for them
fulfilling the law, the prophets
ready to adopt, to save
there for the children
if only they believed
August 2, 2008
Romans 9:1-5
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