The Destruction of Creation

The destruction of creation
when we claim to be God
forgetting we are stewards
called to watch over the earth
to rest, to all to go fallow
the earth from time to time
to care for creation
by following God,
the master’s commands

We must remember
our charge to nurture
to tend the garden, the earth
to take sabbath, rest for ourselves
our animals, the whole world
The creator watching over us
how he must be crying now
as his people warm the planet
and fight around the globe


December 13, 2009
Philippians 4:4-7
Exodus 23:10-12
Isaiah 12:2-6 (Call to Worship)
Psalm 150, United Methodist Hymnal #862 (Responsive Prayer)
Genesis 1:26-30
Worship Theme: “Advent Conspiracy: Thou Shalt Rest”
sermon, “And I Will Give You Rest”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 13, 2009
Third Sunday of Advent
part of a series of sermons,
using the Advent Conspiracy
http://www.adventconspiracy.org/
&
Pastoral Letter of the Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church
“God’s Renewed Creation: Call to Hope and Action”, at:
http://www.umc.org/atf/cf/%7BDB6A45E4-C446-4248-82C8-E131B6424741%7D/GRC_Pastoral%20Ltr.pdf
& more worship resources at:
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=48267
&
Bill McKibben,
http://www.billmckibben.com/
December 10, 2009
“The Moral Math of Climate Change”
http://speakingoffaith.publicradio.org/
Speaking of Faith
&
http://www.350.org/
350.org
&
http://en.cop15.dk/
15th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP15)

The Crisis of Our Control

By failing to heed the commandments
the laws of the Lord
our planet crying out
the crisis of our control

Thinking we can do
anything we choose
consequences to our actions
all around the earth

Stewards only of the world
dominion does not mean overuse
leaving nothing in our wake
only scars upon the land

Forgetting our place in creation
servants of the king
caring for the land in our time
while we walk upon the earth

Rest, for ourselves,
all peoples, all animals too
even rest for the land
as the master planned
commanded us to do

Now facing the costs
our arrogance revealed
the crisis of our control
when we set ourselves up as God


December 13, 2009
Philippians 4:4-7
Exodus 23:10-12
Isaiah 12:2-6 (Call to Worship)
Psalm 150, United Methodist Hymnal #862 (Responsive Prayer)
Genesis 1:26-30
Worship Theme: “Advent Conspiracy: Thou Shalt Rest”
sermon, “And I Will Give You Rest”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
https://twitter.com/PastorRuthFoss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.suncookumc.org
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
December 13, 2009
Third Sunday of Advent
part of a series of sermons,
using the Advent Conspiracy
http://www.adventconspiracy.org/
&
Pastoral Letter of the Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church
“God’s Renewed Creation: Call to Hope and Action”, at:
http://www.umc.org/atf/cf/%7BDB6A45E4-C446-4248-82C8-E131B6424741%7D/GRC_Pastoral%20Ltr.pdf
& more worship resources at:
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=48267
&
Bill McKibben,
http://www.billmckibben.com/
December 10, 2009
“The Moral Math of Climate Change”
http://speakingoffaith.publicradio.org/
Speaking of Faith
&
http://www.350.org/
350.org
&
http://en.cop15.dk/
15th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP15)


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 19,830+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

That Artisan

Seeing the world
as the work of that artisan
God, the creator
bringing the world into existence
out of his mind and his loving hands
ours to watch over
dominion in our human hands
To tend and to care for
while we walk the earth
the garden, his creation
left behind
when we return
to dust once more


December 13, 2009
Philippians 4:4-7
Exodus 23:10-12
Isaiah 12:2-6 (Call to Worship)
Psalm 150, United Methodist Hymnal #862 (Responsive Prayer)
Genesis 1:26-30
Worship Theme: “Advent Conspiracy: Thou Shalt Rest”
sermon, “And I Will Give You Rest”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
https://twitter.com/PastorRuthFoss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.suncookumc.org
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
December 13, 2009
Third Sunday of Advent
part of a series of sermons,
using the Advent Conspiracy
http://www.adventconspiracy.org/
&
Pastoral Letter of the Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church
“God’s Renewed Creation: Call to Hope and Action”, at:
http://www.umc.org/atf/cf/%7BDB6A45E4-C446-4248-82C8-E131B6424741%7D/GRC_Pastoral%20Ltr.pdf
& more worship resources at:
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=48267
&
Bill McKibben,
http://www.billmckibben.com/
December 10, 2009
“The Moral Math of Climate Change”
http://speakingoffaith.publicradio.org/
Speaking of Faith
&
http://www.350.org/
350.org
&
http://en.cop15.dk/
15th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP15)


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 19,900+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The Earth Crying Out for Rest

All part of God’s plan
the sabbath, rest for his people
rest for the land, all of creation
The earth crying out,
for us to heed God’s command
the earth crying out for rest
that we would understand
the design of the creator
from the beginning of time
a balance of use and going fallow
that we would hear his plan
caring for the earth, as stewards
and giving it rest from our toils


December 13, 2009
Philippians 4:4-7
Exodus 23:10-12
Isaiah 12:2-6 (Call to Worship)
Psalm 150, United Methodist Hymnal #862 (Responsive Prayer)
Genesis 1:26-30
Worship Theme: “Advent Conspiracy: Thou Shalt Rest”
sermon, “And I Will Give You Rest”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 13, 2009
Third Sunday of Advent
part of a series of sermons,
using the Advent Conspiracy
http://www.adventconspiracy.org/
&
Pastoral Letter of the Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church
“God’s Renewed Creation: Call to Hope and Action”, at:
http://www.umc.org/atf/cf/%7BDB6A45E4-C446-4248-82C8-E131B6424741%7D/GRC_Pastoral%20Ltr.pdf
& more worship resources at:
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=48267
&
Bill McKibben,
http://www.billmckibben.com/
December 10, 2009
“The Moral Math of Climate Change”
http://speakingoffaith.publicradio.org/
Speaking of Faith
&
http://www.350.org/
350.org
&
http://en.cop15.dk/
15th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP15)

To care for the garden

To care for the garden
the world that we share
such was our charge from the Lord
dominion over the world
for our time on the earth
the planet in our loving care

Forgetting the wisdom
the plan of the creator
written in the commands of old
resting from our toils
both men and beasts
even the land to go fallow

Now, in our arrogance
the world on the brink
climate, war,
struggle out of control
a need to return
to the plan of the Lord


December 13, 2009
Philippians 4:4-7
Exodus 23:10-12
Isaiah 12:2-6 (Call to Worship)
Psalm 150, United Methodist Hymnal #862 (Responsive Prayer)
Genesis 1:26-30
Worship Theme: “Advent Conspiracy: Thou Shalt Rest”
sermon, “And I Will Give You Rest”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 13, 2009
Third Sunday of Advent
part of a series of sermons,
using the Advent Conspiracy
http://www.adventconspiracy.org/
&
Pastoral Letter of the Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church
“God’s Renewed Creation: Call to Hope and Action”, at:
http://www.umc.org/atf/cf/%7BDB6A45E4-C446-4248-82C8-E131B6424741%7D/GRC_Pastoral%20Ltr.pdf
& more worship resources at:
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=48267
&
Bill McKibben,
http://www.billmckibben.com/
December 10, 2009
“The Moral Math of Climate Change”
http://speakingoffaith.publicradio.org/
Speaking of Faith
&
http://www.350.org/
350.org
&
http://en.cop15.dk/
15th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP15)

Rest for the Land

Within the commandments
the call from God to rest
an understanding more than man
rest for the land as well
our animals, our servants
the land all needing to rest
our duty as stewards
to follow the master’s will

To care for the land and the people
the animals and plants as well
all of creation is waiting
for us to follow his call
to treat the planet with care
in keeping with our charge
masters over creation
not as creators, gardeners
only for our time on the earth


December 13, 2009
Philippians 4:4-7
Exodus 23:10-12
Isaiah 12:2-6 (Call to Worship)
Psalm 150, United Methodist Hymnal #862 (Responsive Prayer)
Genesis 1:26-30
Worship Theme: “Advent Conspiracy: Thou Shalt Rest”
sermon, “And I Will Give You Rest”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 13, 2009
Third Sunday of Advent
part of a series of sermons,
using the Advent Conspiracy
http://www.adventconspiracy.org/
&
Pastoral Letter of the Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church
“God’s Renewed Creation: Call to Hope and Action”, at:
http://www.umc.org/atf/cf/%7BDB6A45E4-C446-4248-82C8-E131B6424741%7D/GRC_Pastoral%20Ltr.pdf
& more worship resources at:
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=48267
&
Bill McKibben,
http://www.billmckibben.com/
December 10, 2009
“The Moral Math of Climate Change”
http://speakingoffaith.publicradio.org/
Speaking of Faith
&
http://www.350.org/
350.org
&
http://en.cop15.dk/
15th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP15)

Tending His Garden

Remembering his scripture
his commandments written down
our place in the world
where we as humans stand
below the creator
in his image though we may be
stewards, servants only
tending his garden while we are here
control over the world
dominion over the earth
but we must follow the commands
to rest and remember God
the source of all that is
our daily bread he does provide
we are only on the earth for a time
our days only he knows the number
we are to be faithful and kind
watching out for our neighbor
giving rest to ourselves and the earth
caring for the garden
while we walk here on the earth


December 13, 2009
Philippians 4:4-7
Exodus 23:10-12
Isaiah 12:2-6 (Call to Worship)
Psalm 150, United Methodist Hymnal #862 (Responsive Prayer)
Genesis 1:26-30
Worship Theme: “Advent Conspiracy: Thou Shalt Rest”
sermon, “And I Will Give You Rest”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 13, 2009
Third Sunday of Advent
part of a series of sermons,
using the Advent Conspiracy
http://www.adventconspiracy.org/
&
Pastoral Letter of the Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church
“God’s Renewed Creation: Call to Hope and Action”, at:
http://www.umc.org/atf/cf/%7BDB6A45E4-C446-4248-82C8-E131B6424741%7D/GRC_Pastoral%20Ltr.pdf
& more worship resources at:
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=48267
&
Bill McKibben,
http://www.billmckibben.com/
December 10, 2009
“The Moral Math of Climate Change”
http://speakingoffaith.publicradio.org/
Speaking of Faith
&
http://www.350.org/
350.org
&
http://en.cop15.dk/
15th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP15)

Caring for the Garden

Caring for the Garden
not the wanton interests of man
following the commands of the father
doing what we can
to care for the garden
the whole of the world
leaving a smaller footprint
walking gently on the earth
tending the garden
in our time and around the globe
seeking justice for our neighbor
and rest for our tired earth


December 13, 2009
Philippians 4:4-7
Exodus 23:10-12
Isaiah 12:2-6 (Call to Worship)
Psalm 150, United Methodist Hymnal #862 (Responsive Prayer)
Genesis 1:26-30
Worship Theme: “Advent Conspiracy: Thou Shalt Rest”
sermon, “And I Will Give You Rest”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 13, 2009
Third Sunday of Advent
part of a series of sermons,
using the Advent Conspiracy
http://www.adventconspiracy.org/
&
Pastoral Letter of the Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church
“God’s Renewed Creation: Call to Hope and Action”, at:
http://www.umc.org/atf/cf/%7BDB6A45E4-C446-4248-82C8-E131B6424741%7D/GRC_Pastoral%20Ltr.pdf
& more worship resources at:
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=48267
&
Bill McKibben,
http://www.billmckibben.com/
December 10, 2009
“The Moral Math of Climate Change”
http://speakingoffaith.publicradio.org/
Speaking of Faith
&
http://www.350.org/
350.org
&
http://en.cop15.dk/
15th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP15)

Masters over the Garden

We were created, mankind
in the image of God
given dominion over the earth
masters over the garden
created by God

Ours to tend and nurture
to care and to keep
not to abuse and to ravage
with no sense of what is to come
stewards, servants only
under the watchful eye of God
consequences for our actions
seen in the changes in the world

Rest he commanded, sabbath
for people and the land
to recover and to renew
to remember the place of man

God created, all we see and know
the earth and all that is in it
in six days, as the story goes
we are here, a brief candle
so our lives are set to be
to walk humbly as stewards
to leave a better world behind


December 13, 2009
Philippians 4:4-7
Exodus 23:10-12
Isaiah 12:2-6 (Call to Worship)
Psalm 150, United Methodist Hymnal #862 (Responsive Prayer)
Genesis 1:26-30
Worship Theme: “Advent Conspiracy: Thou Shalt Rest”
sermon, “And I Will Give You Rest”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
https://twitter.com/PastorRuthFoss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.suncookumc.org
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
December 13, 2009
Third Sunday of Advent
part of a series of sermons,
using the Advent Conspiracy
http://www.adventconspiracy.org/
&
Pastoral Letter of the Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church
“God’s Renewed Creation: Call to Hope and Action”, at:
http://www.umc.org/atf/cf/%7BDB6A45E4-C446-4248-82C8-E131B6424741%7D/GRC_Pastoral%20Ltr.pdf
& more worship resources at:
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=48267
&
Bill McKibben,
http://www.billmckibben.com/
December 10, 2009
“The Moral Math of Climate Change”
http://speakingoffaith.publicradio.org/
Speaking of Faith
&
http://www.350.org/
350.org
&
http://en.cop15.dk/
15th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP15)


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 19,820+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Servants in His Garden

The world of His creation
we are the servants in His garden
to care for the land
as he has commanded
to rest and to remember
God created it all
put into our hands
to nurture and to care
over the world he created
for us to use and to cherish
to preserve and to watch over
each generation in its turn


December 13, 2009
Philippians 4:4-7
Exodus 23:10-12
Isaiah 12:2-6 (Call to Worship)
Psalm 150, United Methodist Hymnal #862 (Responsive Prayer)
Genesis 1:26-30
Worship Theme: “Advent Conspiracy: Thou Shalt Rest”
sermon, “And I Will Give You Rest”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 13, 2009
Third Sunday of Advent
part of a series of sermons,
using the Advent Conspiracy
http://www.adventconspiracy.org/
&
Pastoral Letter of the Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church
“God’s Renewed Creation: Call to Hope and Action”, at:
http://www.umc.org/atf/cf/%7BDB6A45E4-C446-4248-82C8-E131B6424741%7D/GRC_Pastoral%20Ltr.pdf
& more worship resources at:
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=48267
&
Bill McKibben,
http://www.billmckibben.com/
December 10, 2009
“The Moral Math of Climate Change”
http://speakingoffaith.publicradio.org/
Speaking of Faith
&
http://www.350.org/
350.org
&
http://en.cop15.dk/
15th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP15)

Stewards in the Garden

Our care is our call from the Lord
the creator of all there is
calling us to watch over the land
the animals, the foreigners
all who come in our midst
to worship God alone
and not set ourselves up as king
to nurture and watch over the earth
to walk humbly before our God
to take time to rest
and care for each other
as we know we should


December 13, 2009
Philippians 4:4-7
Exodus 23:10-12
Isaiah 12:2-6 (Call to Worship)
Psalm 150, United Methodist Hymnal #862 (Responsive Prayer)
Genesis 1:26-30
Worship Theme: “Advent Conspiracy: Thou Shalt Rest”
sermon, “And I Will Give You Rest”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 13, 2009
Third Sunday of Advent
part of a series of sermons,
using the Advent Conspiracy
http://www.adventconspiracy.org/
&
Pastoral Letter of the Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church
“God’s Renewed Creation: Call to Hope and Action”, at:
http://www.umc.org/atf/cf/%7BDB6A45E4-C446-4248-82C8-E131B6424741%7D/GRC_Pastoral%20Ltr.pdf
& more worship resources at:
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=48267
&
Bill McKibben,
http://www.billmckibben.com/
December 10, 2009
“The Moral Math of Climate Change”
http://speakingoffaith.publicradio.org/
Speaking of Faith
&
http://www.350.org/
350.org
&
http://en.cop15.dk/
15th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP15)

Accepting God’s Love

A free gift
a choice to make
rejecting of accepting God’s love
the stain of sin washed away
salvation ours for the taking
freely given by Christ’s sacrifice
ours when we accept Love
into our hearts


December 13, 2009
1 John 4:8 and
book, “Walking with Christ Everyday:
365 daily devotions for men”,
http://www.parable.com/parable/item.Walking-with-Christ-Every-Day-for-Men-Devotional.9781583344774.htm
Day 346, “God is Love”
read 12/13/09
&
Romans 5:8
1 John 4:8 and
book, “Walking with Christ Everyday:
365 daily devotions for men”,
http://www.parable.com/parable/item.Walking-with-Christ-Every-Day-for-Men-Devotional.9781583344774.htm
Day 344, “His Generosity and Yours”
read 12/13/09

Love Reborn

The cross, the grave
could not hold love
Love reborn on the third day
walking again on this earth
our lives at that moment
saved!


December 13, 2009
Romans 5:8
1 John 4:8 and
book, “Walking with Christ Everyday:
365 daily devotions for men”,
http://www.parable.com/parable/item.Walking-with-Christ-Every-Day-for-Men-Devotional.9781583344774.htm
Day 344, “His Generosity and Yours”
read 12/13/09

Love Dying for Us

God is love,
so the scripture attests
all of God, triune
God showed love
sending a son
mortal yet divine
Love walking the ways of earth
a life like yours and mine
Love dying, on the cross
a sacrifice for you and me
unimaginable love
while we are yet in sin


December 13, 2009
Romans 5:8
1 John 4:8 and
book, “Walking with Christ Everyday:
365 daily devotions for men”,
http://www.parable.com/parable/item.Walking-with-Christ-Every-Day-for-Men-Devotional.9781583344774.htm
Day 344, “His Generosity and Yours”
read 12/13/09

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 19,900+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

A Sabbath for the Earth

Under the words of the commandments
a sabbath day of rest
stopping to commune with our creator
to worship God with our neighbors
to remember his holiness

A Sabbath for the earth
to rest from our toils, demands
to recover from the excesses of man
renewing on that day, as the creator planned
a cycle of life in his command

A balance of work and rest
peace in trusting in the creator
our part in the heavenly plan
we and all of creation
held in his loving hands


December 13, 2009
Philippians 4:4-7
Exodus 23:10-12
Isaiah 12:2-6 (Call to Worship)
Psalm 150, United Methodist Hymnal #862 (Responsive Prayer)
Genesis 1:26-30
Worship Theme: “Advent Conspiracy: Thou Shalt Rest”
sermon, “And I Will Give You Rest”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
and sermon – “All You Need Is Love. . . ”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
https://twitter.com/PastorRuthFoss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.suncookumc.org
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
December 13, 2009
Third Sunday of Advent
part of a series of sermons,
using the Advent Conspiracy
http://www.adventconspiracy.org/
&
Pastoral Letter of the Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church
“God’s Renewed Creation: Call to Hope and Action”, at:
http://www.umc.org/atf/cf/%7BDB6A45E4-C446-4248-82C8-E131B6424741%7D/GRC_Pastoral%20Ltr.pdf
& more worship resources at:
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=48267
&
Bill McKibben,
http://www.billmckibben.com/
December 10, 2009
“The Moral Math of Climate Change”
http://speakingoffaith.publicradio.org/
Speaking of Faith
&
http://www.350.org/
350.org
&
http://en.cop15.dk/
15th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP15)

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 19,810+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Not hidden

The snow, the bushel,
the blanket of white
nothing, the light not hidden
shining forth, through the coating
the deep pile of snow
giving way, the light, the heart
shining through!


December 12, 2009
snow storm December 9, 2009
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.suncookumc.org
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH



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 19,810+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The Light Bursting Forth

Through the frozen covering
the blanket of white
the deep frozen lawn
the light bursting forth
burning away the white
the lights of his cross shining
into the night
Light shining into the darkness
lighting the world


December 12, 2009
snow storm December 9, 2009
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.suncookumc.org
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH

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 19,810+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The Pot Luck Gene

Laughing in knowing
the truth in what he was saying
the words through the radio
speaking of having pot lucks,
our community meals,
engrained in our DNA
Part of our faith,
our loving traditions
being one body,
perhaps through the stomach,
one community sharing
all carrying
the pot luck gene


December 12, 2009
comment by Bill McKibben,
http://www.billmckibben.com/
December 10, 2009
“The Moral Math of Climate Change”
http://speakingoffaith.publicradio.org/
Speaking of Faith
on the connection between Methodism
and pot luck dinners, something we joke
about at church
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.suncookumc.org
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH



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 19,810+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

To “Our” Home

A prayer this afternoon,
on the changing of our days
that the language would evolve
speaking of our home,
not your home;
that we would be welcoming
that she would feel
this is her home too
not a place to stay
but a place to live
as long as she wants
part of one family


December 12, 2009


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 19,810+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The Heat of His Light

The foot of snow
that fell the day before
no match for the heat of his light
the snow melted away
revealing his cross
before our church
reminding us once again
the Christ child died for us
on the cross, the light went out
But the cross is not the end of the tale
it is continuing right to this day
Christ rose from the dead
to remove our stain
and enable us to live again


December 12, 2009
snow storm December 9, 2009
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.suncookumc.org
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH


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 19,810+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The Light Shining Through

In the middle of the storm
moving the snow so deep
seeing the cross before the church
buried by my feet
thinking about where to send
the snow from the blower
didn’t want to cover
the cross any deeper
But on the next day
the light shining through
the heat of the strings of lights
the light of his cross
shining up through the snow
not hidden or buried at all
Shining in the night, all through the day
a beacon of hope to share
reminding us as we prepare
for the child to come
the choice the man made for all


December 12, 2009
snow storm December 9, 2009
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.suncookumc.org
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH


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 19,900+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Her Servant Song

If we listen, the beauty of her words
joining her servant song
all of our day long
her obedience,
the power
faith
Leading her
a vessel for the Lord
knowing her customs
the law of her land back then
accepting the Holy Spirit
using her to change the world
So we too, like Mary
to answer when we are called
as the Lord wishes
let me be your servant
all of my days

================

edited July 22, 2019

Her Servant Song – v2

December 12, 2009

Her Servant Song

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2009/12/her-servant-song.html

on seeing the hits on searches

for the following poem

----

Singing the Song of Mary

Our mother, of our brother

our savior, the Christ

so we sing, joining her

singing the song of Mary

its melody alive

shining in the night

the darkness lit

by his bright star

Claiming our faith like Mary

a servant of God to be

walking humbly with our creator

welcoming our king

November 27, 2009

Isaiah 2:1-4

Jeremiah 33:14-15

Luke 1:46-50 and

sermon, “It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas”

by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,

https://twitter.com/PastorRuthFoss

http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss

http://www.pstruthsermons.blogspot.com

sermon blog

http://www.pstrruthfoss.blogspot.com

8AM Live

https://8amlive.wordpress.com/

meditation blog

http://pstrfoss.wordpress.com/

“God’s Whisper” blog

&

Suncook United Methodist Church

Suncook, NH

November 29, 2009

First Sunday of Advent

part of a series of sermons,

using the Advent Conspiracy

http://www.adventconspiracy.org/

& poem from last year:

------------

Magnificat

Joining Mary, her song

sung to God, for all generations -

blessings we share, each of us

with her, all creation, blessed by the creator

humble servants are we, walking with our brother

sharing this wondrous message, with her, the angels,

those who have gone before us

A choir, singing her song, our song

of praise, of grace, of God’s great works

rejoicing with our mother, our sister

at all the almighty has done for us,

for the people, the descendants of Abraham

by faith, by his love, all of us saved

Share the good news

December 21 and 27, 2008

Micah 4:1-7

Luke 1:46-55

and sermon, “An Upside Down Christmas”,

by Reverend Huntley Halvorson

Suncook United Methodist Church

Suncook, NH

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 50,900+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Acts 2, advent, Advent Conspiracy, angels, Christ, Faith, God, Luke 1, Luke 2, Messiah, shepherd, wise men,

#Spirit #Acts2 #advent #Advent Conspiracy #angels #Christ #Faith #God #Luke1 #Luke2 #Messiah #shepherd #wisemen

Messengers now

Our role clear,
in this time and place
to be the messengers of God
to show Christ on our face
an image of the king of kings
down here on earth below
giving a glimpse of what love is
in how we live our lives
offering Christ to our neighbor
helping those in need
preparing the way for the Lord
to open their hearts
so they may know
he wants to have
a relationship
to reconcile
all to him
to bring
each of us
to heaven
to feel his amazing grace


December 7, 2009 and December 9, 2009
Luke 1:26-49
Luke 2:36-38
Acts 2:17-21
Worship Theme: The Inclusiveness of God
sermon, “The Advent Conspiracy: "Three Wise Women"”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.suncookumc.org
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
December 6, 2009
Second Sunday of Advent
part of a series of sermons,
using the Advent Conspiracy
http://www.adventconspiracy.org/

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 19,900+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Before the Birth

Preparing from the coming
long before the birth
angels came from heaven
before he came to earth
bringing messages
to Mary and to Joseph
the prophecy to be fulfilled
in the child in her womb

Each one faith,
doing their part
she being a vessel
he standing by her side
faithful people
living their faith
walking to Bethlehem
doing the master’s work


December 7, 2009 and December 9, 2009
Luke 1:26-49
Luke 2:36-38
Acts 2:17-21
Worship Theme: The Inclusiveness of God
sermon, “The Advent Conspiracy: "Three Wise Women"”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 6, 2009
Second Sunday of Advent
part of a series of sermons,
using the Advent Conspiracy
http://www.adventconspiracy.org/

well before he was born

The story of Luke
the coming of the Christ-child
started at the beginning
well before he was born
the visits by the angels
to Zechariah, to Mary
their different responses
to messengers from God
the cousins, Mary and Elizabeth
each facing pregnancy
unexpected in their own ways
Joseph visited in a dream
told to name him Jesus
Zechariah naming his son
in that moment, he could speak
the sons in the womb
knowing each other’s presence
so close to the king
John lept in his mother’s womb


December 7, 2009 and December 9, 2009
Luke 1:26-49
Luke 2:36-38
Acts 2:17-21
Worship Theme: The Inclusiveness of God
sermon, “The Advent Conspiracy: "Three Wise Women"”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 6, 2009
Second Sunday of Advent
part of a series of sermons,
using the Advent Conspiracy
http://www.adventconspiracy.org/

We Rejoice

In our waiting
in our time of preparing
we rejoice
in the return,
the coming of the Lord
Each Advent special
each different
feeling the presence of Christ
again in our midst
Remembering the story
the part each one had in it
the wise men, the women
of Joseph and Mary
of the shepherds and angels
calling them in the night
the joy, the obedience
the believe of these first ones
living the Advent story
come into life


December 7, 2009 and December 9, 2009
Luke 1:26-49
Luke 2:36-38
Acts 2:17-21
Worship Theme: The Inclusiveness of God
sermon, “The Advent Conspiracy: "Three Wise Women"”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
and pastoral prayer by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
https://twitter.com/PastorRuthFoss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.suncookumc.org
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
December 6, 2009
Second Sunday of Advent
part of a series of sermons,
using the Advent Conspiracy
http://www.adventconspiracy.org/


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 19,810+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Before the Manger

The story of Christ
long before the manger
the promise of God
long ago, in the prophets
but more than this
the story of two couples
cousins, one older, one so young
each pregnant, afraid
their husbands, trying to understand
the plan God had for them
trying to believe
to be faithful to them
needing the angels
to help them along
before the manger,
the couples’ lives intersecting
helping them remain
faithful to God

---------------

edited September 11, 2019

Before the Manger – v2

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2019/09/before-manger-v2.html

December 7, 2009 and December 9, 2009

Before the Manger

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2009/12/before-manger.html

Luke 1:26-49

Luke 2:36-38

Acts 2:17-21

Worship Theme: The Inclusiveness of God

sermon, “The Advent Conspiracy: "Three Wise Women"”

by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,

Suncook United Methodist Church

Suncook, NH

December 6, 2009

Second Sunday of Advent

part of a series of sermons,

using the Advent Conspiracy

http://www.adventconspiracy.org/

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 51,880+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Acts 2, advent, Advent Conspiracy, angels, Christ, Faith, God, Luke 1, Luke 2, Poetry Where You Live, Raymond A. Foss, shepherd, wise men, manger, Mary, Elizabeth, Zechariah, Joseph, John, Jesus,

#Acts 2 #advent #AdventConspiracy #angels #Christ #Faith #God #Luke1 #Luke2 #Poetry #shepherd #wisemen #manger #Mary #Elizabeth #Zechariah #Joseph #John #Jesus

In Obedience

Our faith, at its heart
the story of obedience
down through the ages
Abraham, Moses, Mary, Peter
each of them, one and all
following the master’s will
as they, we are called
each to do their part
to share the good news of the Christ
to spread the love of God
to everyone we meet


December 6, 2009 and December 9, 2009
Luke 1:26-49
Luke 2:36-38
Acts 2:17-21
Worship Theme: The Inclusiveness of God
sermon, “The Advent Conspiracy: "Three Wise Women"”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 6, 2009
Second Sunday of Advent
part of a series of sermons,
using the Advent Conspiracy
http://www.adventconspiracy.org/

With joy, gratitude, obedience, with love

Come to us Lord
enter into our hearts
into us this Advent
fill us with your love
Let us experience the waiting
profoundly, over again
let us know the joy of the coming
the return of Christ into the world
grateful in our daily lives
for your blessings on the world
your gift of grace upon us
in the coming of the son
obedient may we be
to answer your call to us
answering your love with our own
a servant may we be


December 7, 2009 and December 9, 2009
Luke 1:26-49
Luke 2:36-38
Acts 2:17-21
Worship Theme: The Inclusiveness of God
sermon, “The Advent Conspiracy: "Three Wise Women"”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
and pastoral prayer by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 6, 2009
Second Sunday of Advent
part of a series of sermons,
using the Advent Conspiracy
http://www.adventconspiracy.org/

A never ending kingdom

The Christ, descendent of David
son of God, Messiah
prophesied of old
coming to the world
to save to heal
the brokenness of man

Fulfilling God’s promise
coming to the earth
to stitch shut the breach
Reconciling man
the promise to the people
the steadfast love of God
coming while were yet in sin

Saving us,
by love come to this world
dying on the cross,
the stain taken upon himself
rising, defeating, death no longer the end
a life in heaven
at the end of the age


December 7, 2009 and December 9, 2009
Luke 1:33
Luke 1:26-49
Luke 2:36-38
Acts 2:17-21
Worship Theme: The Inclusiveness of God
sermon, “The Advent Conspiracy: "Three Wise Women"”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 6, 2009
Second Sunday of Advent
part of a series of sermons,
using the Advent Conspiracy
http://www.adventconspiracy.org/

Sharing the Good News

All of creation, each of us
the messengers now
sharing the good news of Christ
this is our joy, our role
as disciples, as John,
making the way straight
as Mary, believing,
as Joseph, as the shepherds,
the wise men and women
the believers through the ages
Telling the story of Christ
God come to save the world
one believer at a time


December 7, 2009 and December 9, 2009
Luke 1:26-49
Luke 2:8-10
Luke 2:36-38
Acts 2:17-21
Worship Theme: The Inclusiveness of God
sermon, “The Advent Conspiracy: "Three Wise Women"”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 6, 2009
Second Sunday of Advent
part of a series of sermons,
using the Advent Conspiracy
http://www.adventconspiracy.org/

Accepting God’s Plan

To have been Mary, Joseph
visited by angels
to have had their choice
accepting God’s plan
Maybe we do,
in our time and our place
to follow when we are called
the angels, the Spirit
speaking within us
To go when we are called
to do the master’s will
accepting God’s plan for our lives
in all we say and do


December 7, 2009 and December 9, 2009
Luke 1:38
Luke 1:26-49
Luke 2:36-38
Acts 2:17-21
Worship Theme: The Inclusiveness of God
sermon, “The Advent Conspiracy: "Three Wise Women"”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.suncookumc.org
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH

December 6, 2009
Second Sunday of Advent
part of a series of sermons,
using the Advent Conspiracy
http://www.adventconspiracy.org/

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 19,700+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

We are now the angels

In the story of the Christ-child
the stars, the angels
heralded the coming
of the son of God
the babe in the manger
the son of the virgin
the Messiah come
as had been promised
long ago

We are now the angels
we who have heard his story
who believe in Christ
and his coming to the earth
each of us saved,
whether we believe or we doubt him
each of us worthy
when we bow at his feet

Nothing we can say or do
to earn a heavenly reward
just acceptance of his gift
our way, our lives restored
Our task, like the angels
to hail his coming day
when the Lord returns
and opens that glorious age


December 7, 2009 and December 9, 2009
Luke 1:26-49
Luke 2:8-10
Luke 2:36-38
Acts 2:17-21
Worship Theme: The Inclusiveness of God
sermon, “The Advent Conspiracy: "Three Wise Women"”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.suncookumc.org
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
December 6, 2009
Second Sunday of Advent
part of a series of sermons,
using the Advent Conspiracy
http://www.adventconspiracy.org/

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 19,700+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The Story of Obedience

In the telling, the coming of Christ
the story of obedience
of the people in the story
a very human tale
honest in its telling
of Zechariah and Elizabeth
of Mary and Joseph
of John and Jesus
of Symeon and Anna
each one part of the sharing
of the coming of the king
We in this time
choices to make
preparing our hearts
this world, the way,
for the coming of the king


December 6, 2009 and December 9, 2009
Luke 1:26-49
Luke 2:36-38
Acts 2:17-21
Worship Theme: The Inclusiveness of God
sermon, “The Advent Conspiracy: "Three Wise Women"”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 6, 2009
Second Sunday of Advent
part of a series of sermons,
using the Advent Conspiracy
http://www.adventconspiracy.org/

Three Wise Women

Elizabeth, Mary, Anna
three wise women
believing in the Christ
long before the men
not from the east
not traveling far
right there
Reordering the telling
the story of the coming Christ-child
his arrival and the awareness
the wisdom to see him
for who he is
As his story continued
throughout his life
as it continues today
in these days of toil and strife
sometimes it is the women
who seize the day


December 7, 2009 and December 9, 2009
Luke 1:26-49
Luke 2:36-38
Acts 2:17-21
Worship Theme: The Inclusiveness of God
sermon, “The Advent Conspiracy: "Three Wise Women"”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 6, 2009
Second Sunday of Advent
part of a series of sermons,
using the Advent Conspiracy
http://www.adventconspiracy.org/

In Luke’s Telling

The story of the Christ
not the fulfillment alone
important lessons of obedient
the power of God
Women, mothers, prophets
faithful daughters of Israel
a central part to play
in the coming of the Son
A priest struck dumb,
not believing in the power of God,
a man choosing to accept his wife,
a couple traveling, in her pregnancy
under the order of the king
In Luke’s telling, the personal decisions
the faith of these women, these men
in the waiting for Christ


December 7, 2009 and December 9, 2009
Luke 1:26-49
Luke 2:36-38
Acts 2:17-21
Worship Theme: The Inclusiveness of God
sermon, “The Advent Conspiracy: "Three Wise Women"”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 6, 2009
Second Sunday of Advent
part of a series of sermons,
using the Advent Conspiracy
http://www.adventconspiracy.org/

Shepherds only

Not the kings, not the rulers
not the leaders in the temple
the common folk, laborers
the shepherds alone heard the good news
Christ, the Messiah, the one foretold in scripture
humbly born, in a manger bed
go to Bethlehem and see
the gift of God, revealing
kneel at his bed;
the king of kings has come!


December 7, 2009 and December 9, 2009
Luke 1:26-49
Luke 2:36-38
Acts 2:17-21
Worship Theme: The Inclusiveness of God
sermon, “The Advent Conspiracy: "Three Wise Women"”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
and Advent Candle Liturgy
for the Second Sunday of Advent
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 6, 2009
Second Sunday of Advent
part of a series of sermons,
using the Advent Conspiracy
http://www.adventconspiracy.org/

Out in the Fields

Out in the fields
away from their families
watching the sheep
in the cold winter night
the laborers in the darkness
alone on the hillside
visited by angels;
the first to hear the good news
Christ is born today!


December 7, 2009 and December 9, 2009
Luke 1:26-49
Luke 2:36-38
Acts 2:17-21
Worship Theme: The Inclusiveness of God
sermon, “The Advent Conspiracy: "Three Wise Women"”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
and Advent Candle Liturgy
for the Second Sunday of Advent
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 6, 2009
Second Sunday of Advent
part of a series of sermons,
using the Advent Conspiracy
http://www.adventconspiracy.org/

In the Fields in the Night

In the fields in the night
the shepherds keeping watch
over their sheep,
alone, in the darkness
under the stars
Called by the angels
to come to the stable
these simple laborers
not the rich, the powerful
these men in the fields
received the good news


December 7, 2009 and December 9, 2009
Luke 1:26-49
Luke 2:36-38
Acts 2:17-21
Worship Theme: The Inclusiveness of God
sermon, “The Advent Conspiracy: "Three Wise Women"”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
and Advent Candle Liturgy
for the Second Sunday of Advent
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 6, 2009
Second Sunday of Advent
part of a series of sermons,
using the Advent Conspiracy
http://www.adventconspiracy.org/

Lept in her womb

sensing him, within the womb
he lept in his mother’s womb
aware of the son of God
beside him, in their greeting
Lept in her womb!
this messenger of God
the one destined
crying in the wilderness
to repent, to change
to prepare
the way of the Lord


December 7, 2009 and December 9, 2009
Luke 1:41-44
Luke 1:26-49
Luke 2:36-38
Acts 2:17-21
Worship Theme: The Inclusiveness of God
sermon, “The Advent Conspiracy: "Three Wise Women"”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 6, 2009
Second Sunday of Advent
part of a series of sermons,
using the Advent Conspiracy
http://www.adventconspiracy.org/

The Path to the Well

Waiting, our salvation
the babe, the Christ
going, humble
to the cross for us
the path to the Well
living waters of life
calling each of us
especially, mindful
in this waiting season


December 7, 2009
Upper Room Disciplines for 2009
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=531844
for December 7, 2009 to December 13, 2009
“Joy Anchored in God’s Love”
Isaiah 12:2-6
Isaiah 12:3
for December 7, 2009
by Reverend Jonette Gay

Surrendering to the Spirit

The wind, the currents
under our open wings
our hearts wide
surrendering to the Spirit
lifting us up, high above
our burdens left on the earth
rising up on the Spirit
buoying us up
by its power
renewing our strength


December 7, 2009
Isaiah 40:31
Isaiah 40:22
Isaiah 40:26
and Day 114, “Renewing Our Strength”, in
“Daily Mediations: On Golden Texts of the Bible”,
by Henry Gariepy
http://books.google.com/books?id=9tjVtRt3TUMC&pg=PP1&dq=henry+gariepy&ei=6tqBSqLVDJiQyQT4i9DOCg#v=onepage&q=&f=false

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 19,810+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

A Pungent Presence of Snow

A bodily, physical presence
the smell of the coming snow
accosting my senses
stepping from my office door
foreboding in its stench
a day of prayer at hand
for all who are out
in the storm today


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 19,900+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

All to be Messengers

the wise men, the wise women
the story of Christ
from a modern perspective
told a bit in reverse
not the wise men,
not the king in Jerusalem

a young girl, an old woman
a widow in the temple
waiting for the Lord
each of them obedient
trusting in God
when the men folk
weren’t believing at all

in the telling,
from the female point of view
seeing the story differently
a different shade or hue
a role for each of us
if we so choose

following those before us
the angels and the weak
all to be messengers
each one of us with a story
a tale of power to speak

the love of God
come in that holy son
the one come to earth
the battle over death won
in the sacrifice on Calvary
all of our sins washed away
so that we like him
could face God some day


December 7, 2009 and December 8, 2009
Luke 1:26-49
Luke 2:36-38
Acts 2:17-21
Worship Theme: The Inclusiveness of God
sermon, “The Advent Conspiracy: "Three Wise Women"”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.suncookumc.org
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
December 6, 2009
Second Sunday of Advent
part of a series of sermons,
using the Advent Conspiracy
http://www.adventconspiracy.org/


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 19,900+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

We Rejoice Once More

in the coming of Christ
we rejoice once more
conscious of the meaning
God come to earth
flesh, pain, death
all of humanness
like us walking
the dusty road of life

We rejoice once more
in the joy of his salvation
offering us all
a way to go home
giving his all, his life on the altar
the sacrifice only he could give
once and for all

We await his coming
once more waiting
for the Christ-child’s
holy birth, his days
of walking on this earth


December 7, 2009 and December 8, 2009
Luke 1:26-49
Luke 2:36-38
Acts 2:17-21
Worship Theme: The Inclusiveness of God
sermon, “The Advent Conspiracy: "Three Wise Women"”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
and pastoral prayer by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
https://twitter.com/PastorRuthFoss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.suncookumc.org
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
December 6, 2009
Second Sunday of Advent
part of a series of sermons,
using the Advent Conspiracy
http://www.adventconspiracy.org/

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 19,900+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

A Critical Part of the Story

Not just in his birth, in his life
his ministry, in those who believed
all the saints, through the ages
all of us alive

A critical part of the story
the equality of peoples
slave and free, black and white
men and women alike
being called by the king

Wise, women aware of the moment
the coming of Christ
fulfilling the prophesy of old
there at the beginning
believing, by his side

Not just the Magi,
those who had gone far
the ones from the East
who had followed a star

Each in their way
part of the story we share
of the men and women touching
by the coming of the Christ


December 7, 2009 and December 8, 2009
Luke 1:26-49
Luke 2:36-38
Acts 2:17-21
Worship Theme: The Inclusiveness of God
sermon, “The Advent Conspiracy: "Three Wise Women"”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.suncookumc.org
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
December 6, 2009
Second Sunday of Advent
part of a series of sermons,
using the Advent Conspiracy
http://www.adventconspiracy.org/

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 19,900+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Readying for Christ

Readying for Christ
the coming of the king
our hearts, our lives
trying to make sense
to put in order
this lost, confused world
priorities far from the king
our savior,
his coming again

Readying for Christ
in this season
waiting for his day
when he will return
coming not as a babe
but in victory,
a king


December 7, 2009 and December 8, 2009
Luke 1:26-49
Luke 2:36-38
Acts 2:17-21
Worship Theme: The Inclusiveness of God
sermon, “The Advent Conspiracy: "Three Wise Women"”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
and pastoral prayer by Pastor Ruth Foss
https://twitter.com/PastorRuthFoss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.suncookumc.org
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
December 6, 2009
Second Sunday of Advent
part of a series of sermons,
using the Advent Conspiracy
http://www.adventconspiracy.org/


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 19,900+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

ready for Jesus

May we be
ready for Jesus
preparing our hearts
during the season, waiting
longingly, expectantly
hoping for his return
at the end of the age
when the world is ready
or when the world is asleep
like a thief in the night
babe in the manger
the man on the cross
triumphant king
coming in his glory


December 7, 2009 and December 8, 2009
Luke 1:26-49
Luke 2:36-38
Acts 2:17-21
Worship Theme: The Inclusiveness of God
sermon, “The Advent Conspiracy: "Three Wise Women"”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
and pastoral prayer by Pastor Ruth Foss
https://twitter.com/PastorRuthFoss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.suncookumc.org
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
December 6, 2009
Second Sunday of Advent
part of a series of sermons,
using the Advent Conspiracy
http://www.adventconspiracy.org/

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 19,900+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

God Loves

God loves, each of us
enough to send love
his son, into the world
to walk as a mortal
though he was God
to come among us a baby
walking the road
the path of earth
Carrying our sin
up onto the cross
the nails, the pain
humiliation, forgiving us
reconciling us to God
while we yet sin
Bringing to us a way
home to our father
God loves
all of us.


December 8, 2009

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 19,810+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

in distant fields

the foreigners, the laborers
toiling away
in distant fields
people we will never know
bringing our food
under their watchful hands

so like the shepherds
called by the herald angels
workers of the land
watching their flocks by night
anonymous toil
to them the angels came


December 7, 2009
Luke 1:26-49
Luke 2:36-38
Acts 2:17-21
Worship Theme: The Inclusiveness of God
sermon, “The Advent Conspiracy: "Three Wise Women"”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
and Advent Candle Liturgy
for the Second Sunday of Advent
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 6, 2009
Second Sunday of Advent
part of a series of sermons,
using the Advent Conspiracy
http://www.adventconspiracy.org/

Your Sun

Looking out my office window
cold clear December morning
snow, ice, still covering some of the lawn
across the yard, to the cross
in the labyrinth, still draped
a mantle of snow remaining
Your sun, Lord, shining
alive with light
falling on the birch cross
Your sun on the cross
remembering, in this advent season
Your son, coming into the world
first as a baby, wrapped in swaddling
in that humble manger bed
Climbing that cross, by his choice
following your will, servant, even to death
Coming again, in his final victory
your light coming into the world once more
shining your light into the darkness
Your son, no longer on the cross
seated on the throne, victorious

December 8, 2009

Your Sun

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2009/12/your-sun.html

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 28,050+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Copenhagen Climate Conference

My prayer is that real progress can be made.