Alive in My Mouth

A lesson of Christ
on his body, his blood
real food for us
offered in love
Alive in my mouth,
the sacrifice, reformed,
reminding me ever
of life evermore.


=====
August 21, 2012
John 6:51-58 (The Message)
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
August 6, 2012 to August 12, 2012
“Faith Seeking Understanding”
by G. Kevin Baker
for August 19, 2012
read August 19, 2012
&
John 6:51-58 (NIV)
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
August 6, 2012 to August 12, 2012
“Faith Seeking Understanding”
by G. Kevin Baker
for August 18, 2012
read August 19, 2012
&
Ephesians 5:15-20 (The Message)
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
August 6, 2012 to August 12, 2012
“Faith Seeking Understanding”
by G. Kevin Baker
for August 17, 2012,
read August 18, 2012
reread August 19, 2012
&
Ephesians 5:15-20 (NIV)
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
August 6, 2012 to August 12, 2012
“Faith Seeking Understanding”
by G. Kevin Baker
for August 16, 2012,
read August 18, 2012
&
Psalm 111
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
August 6, 2012 to August 12, 2012
“Faith Seeking Understanding”
by G. Kevin Baker
for August 15, 2012,
read August 15, 2012
&
1 Kings 2:10-12 (The Message)
1 Kings 3:3-14 (The Message)
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
August 6, 2012 to August 12, 2012
“Faith Seeking Understanding”
by G. Kevin Baker
for August 14, 2012,
read August 14, 2012
&
1 Kings 2:10-12 (NIV)
1 Kings 3:3-14 (NIV)
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
August 6, 2012 to August 12, 2012
“Faith Seeking Understanding”
by G. Kevin Baker
for August 13, 2012,
read August 13, 2012


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.

The Nourishment of Christ

in the bread and the cup
in his body and his blood
we receive, we share
the nourishment of Christ
food for our bodies
for our eternal lives
given by his loving hands
offering himself to us.


-------
August 21, 2012
John 6:51-58 (The Message)
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
August 6, 2012 to August 12, 2012
“Faith Seeking Understanding”
by G. Kevin Baker
for August 19, 2012
read August 19, 2012
&
John 6:51-58 (NIV)
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
August 6, 2012 to August 12, 2012
“Faith Seeking Understanding”
by G. Kevin Baker
for August 18, 2012
read August 19, 2012
&
Ephesians 5:15-20 (The Message)
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
August 6, 2012 to August 12, 2012
“Faith Seeking Understanding”
by G. Kevin Baker
for August 17, 2012,
read August 18, 2012
reread August 19, 2012
&
Ephesians 5:15-20 (NIV)
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
August 6, 2012 to August 12, 2012
“Faith Seeking Understanding”
by G. Kevin Baker
for August 16, 2012,
read August 18, 2012
&
Psalm 111
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
August 6, 2012 to August 12, 2012
“Faith Seeking Understanding”
by G. Kevin Baker
for August 15, 2012,
read August 15, 2012
&
1 Kings 2:10-12 (The Message)
1 Kings 3:3-14 (The Message)
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
August 6, 2012 to August 12, 2012
“Faith Seeking Understanding”
by G. Kevin Baker
for August 14, 2012,
read August 14, 2012
&
1 Kings 2:10-12 (NIV)
1 Kings 3:3-14 (NIV)
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
August 6, 2012 to August 12, 2012
“Faith Seeking Understanding”
by G. Kevin Baker
for August 13, 2012,
read August 13, 2012


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 19,740+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

savor the goodness

we are gifted with life
with love from God
we ignore, we turn
we run from God’s love
savor the goodness
the grace of our Lord
turn back to him
eternal life our reward.


=====
August 21, 2012
John 6:61-58 (NIV)
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
August 6, 2012 to August 12, 2012
“Faith Seeking Understanding”
by G. Kevin Baker
for August 18, 2012
read August 19, 2012
&
Ephesians 5:15-20 (The Message)
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
August 6, 2012 to August 12, 2012
“Faith Seeking Understanding”
by G. Kevin Baker
for August 17, 2012,
read August 18, 2012
reread August 19, 2012
&
Ephesians 5:15-20 (NIV)
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
August 6, 2012 to August 12, 2012
“Faith Seeking Understanding”
by G. Kevin Baker
for August 16, 2012,
read August 18, 2012
&
Psalm 111
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
August 6, 2012 to August 12, 2012
“Faith Seeking Understanding”
by G. Kevin Baker
for August 15, 2012,
read August 15, 2012
&
1 Kings 2:10-12 (The Message)
1 Kings 3:3-14 (The Message)
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
August 6, 2012 to August 12, 2012
“Faith Seeking Understanding”
by G. Kevin Baker
for August 14, 2012,
read August 14, 2012
&
1 Kings 2:10-12 (NIV)
1 Kings 3:3-14 (NIV)
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
August 6, 2012 to August 12, 2012
“Faith Seeking Understanding”
by G. Kevin Baker
for August 13, 2012,
read August 13, 2012


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 21,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The bread of his flesh

The life in his life
the bread of life
the bread of his flesh
given for us
The love of God
love come down
from heaven to live
to die for all of us
The bread of his flesh
broken for us
God here with us
to show us real love.

=====

edited February 12, 2016

The bread of his flesh – v2

August 21, 2012

The bread of his flesh

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-bread-of-his-flesh.html

John 6:51

John 6:51-58 (NIV)

John 6:60

John 6:66

John 6:68

Upper Room Disciplines for 2012

http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm

August 6, 2012 to August 12, 2012

“Faith Seeking Understanding”

by G. Kevin Baker

for August 18, 2012

read August 19, 2012

&

Ephesians 5:15-20 (The Message)

Upper Room Disciplines for 2012

August 6, 2012 to August 12, 2012

“Faith Seeking Understanding”

by G. Kevin Baker

for August 17, 2012,

read August 18, 2012

reread August 19, 2012

&

Ephesians 5:15-20 (NIV)

Upper Room Disciplines for 2012

August 6, 2012 to August 12, 2012

“Faith Seeking Understanding”

by G. Kevin Baker

for August 16, 2012,

read August 18, 2012

&

Psalm 111

Upper Room Disciplines for 2012

August 6, 2012 to August 12, 2012

“Faith Seeking Understanding”

by G. Kevin Baker

for August 15, 2012,

read August 15, 2012

&

1 Kings 2:10-12 (The Message)

1 Kings 3:3-14 (The Message)

Upper Room Disciplines for 2012

August 6, 2012 to August 12, 2012

“Faith Seeking Understanding”

by G. Kevin Baker

for August 14, 2012,

read August 14, 2012

&

1 Kings 2:10-12 (NIV)

1 Kings 3:3-14 (NIV)

Upper Room Disciplines for 2012

August 6, 2012 to August 12, 2012

“Faith Seeking Understanding”

by G. Kevin Baker

for August 13, 2012,

read August 13, 2012

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 41,030+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

fulfill time

fulfill time
redeeming it to be holy
use the words within us
to heal brokenness
fulfill time
for God’s purpose
sharing love for the whole world
seek to use it wisely
for the good of all


====
August 21, 2012
Ephesians 5:15-20 (NIV)
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
August 6, 2012 to August 12, 2012
“Faith Seeking Understanding”
by G. Kevin Baker
for August 16, 2012,
read August 18, 2012
&
Psalm 111
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
August 6, 2012 to August 12, 2012
“Faith Seeking Understanding”
by G. Kevin Baker
for August 15, 2012,
read August 15, 2012
&
1 Kings 2:10-12 (The Message)
1 Kings 3:3-14 (The Message)
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
August 6, 2012 to August 12, 2012
“Faith Seeking Understanding”
by G. Kevin Baker
for August 14, 2012,
read August 14, 2012
&
1 Kings 2:10-12 (NIV)
1 Kings 3:3-14 (NIV)
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
August 6, 2012 to August 12, 2012
“Faith Seeking Understanding”
by G. Kevin Baker
for August 13, 2012,
read August 13, 2012


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 21,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

redeem time

fill it with goodness
words of the Spirit
guided by Christ’s love
all of our journey
redeem time
for time is evil
the days a blank slate
our lives to be written
redeem time
fulfilling our purpose
our calling from God
to share the great message


====
August 21, 2012
Ephesians 5:15-20 (NIV)
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
August 6, 2012 to August 12, 2012
“Faith Seeking Understanding”
by G. Kevin Baker
for August 16, 2012,
read August 18, 2012
&
Psalm 111
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
August 6, 2012 to August 12, 2012
“Faith Seeking Understanding”
by G. Kevin Baker
for August 15, 2012,
read August 15, 2012
&
1 Kings 2:10-12 (The Message)
1 Kings 3:3-14 (The Message)
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
August 6, 2012 to August 12, 2012
“Faith Seeking Understanding”
by G. Kevin Baker
for August 14, 2012,
read August 14, 2012
&
1 Kings 2:10-12 (NIV)
1 Kings 3:3-14 (NIV)
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
August 6, 2012 to August 12, 2012
“Faith Seeking Understanding”
by G. Kevin Baker
for August 13, 2012,
read August 13, 2012


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 21,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

be filled with the Spirit

Words of command,
far more than suggestion,
how we are to walk
righteous before the Lord
Be filled with the Spirit
let God’s love overflow
emptied to be filled
to pour forth the Word
Be filled with the Spirit
a witness to the world
guided by Christ’s teaching
the Son, the living Word.


===
August 21, 2012
Ephesians 5:18
Ephesians 5:15-20 (NIV)
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
August 6, 2012 to August 12, 2012
“Faith Seeking Understanding”
by G. Kevin Baker
for August 16, 2012,
read August 18, 2012
&
Psalm 111
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
August 6, 2012 to August 12, 2012
“Faith Seeking Understanding”
by G. Kevin Baker
for August 15, 2012,
read August 15, 2012
&
1 Kings 2:10-12 (The Message)
1 Kings 3:3-14 (The Message)
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
August 6, 2012 to August 12, 2012
“Faith Seeking Understanding”
by G. Kevin Baker
for August 14, 2012,
read August 14, 2012
&
1 Kings 2:10-12 (NIV)
1 Kings 3:3-14 (NIV)
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
August 6, 2012 to August 12, 2012
“Faith Seeking Understanding”
by G. Kevin Baker
for August 13, 2012,
read August 13, 2012


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 21,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

the days are evil

So many temptations,
time to be wasted away,
be mindful of God’s wisdom
his calling for our lives
The days are evil, abiding
living in the world
trying to steal our focus
our calling from the Lord


====
August 21, 2012
Ephesians 5:16
Ephesians 5:15-20 (NIV)
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
August 6, 2012 to August 12, 2012
“Faith Seeking Understanding”
by G. Kevin Baker
for August 16, 2012,
read August 18, 2012
&
Psalm 111
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
August 6, 2012 to August 12, 2012
“Faith Seeking Understanding”
by G. Kevin Baker
for August 15, 2012,
read August 15, 2012
&
1 Kings 2:10-12 (The Message)
1 Kings 3:3-14 (The Message)
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
August 6, 2012 to August 12, 2012
“Faith Seeking Understanding”
by G. Kevin Baker
for August 14, 2012,
read August 14, 2012
&
1 Kings 2:10-12 (NIV)
1 Kings 3:3-14 (NIV)
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
August 6, 2012 to August 12, 2012
“Faith Seeking Understanding”
by G. Kevin Baker
for August 13, 2012,
read August 13, 2012


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.

make the most of each day

our life for a purpose
the days by themselves evil
able to lead us astray
to fritter away the time we have been given
make the most of each day
mindful of our calling
serve God as He planned
faithful to our purpose


===
August 21, 2012
Ephesians 5:16
Ephesians 5:15-20 (NIV)
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
August 6, 2012 to August 12, 2012
“Faith Seeking Understanding”
by G. Kevin Baker
for August 16, 2012,
read August 18, 2012
&
Psalm 111
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
August 6, 2012 to August 12, 2012
“Faith Seeking Understanding”
by G. Kevin Baker
for August 15, 2012,
read August 15, 2012
&
1 Kings 2:10-12 (The Message)
1 Kings 3:3-14 (The Message)
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
August 6, 2012 to August 12, 2012
“Faith Seeking Understanding”
by G. Kevin Baker
for August 14, 2012,
read August 14, 2012
&
1 Kings 2:10-12 (NIV)
1 Kings 3:3-14 (NIV)
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
August 6, 2012 to August 12, 2012
“Faith Seeking Understanding”
by G. Kevin Baker
for August 13, 2012,
read August 13, 2012


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 21,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

cultivating seeds of gratitude

a spirit of life, in joy, compassion
by gratitude made possible
but nascent for a time
cultivating seeds of gratitude
in your hearts and mine
only in God’s time
fulfillment sublime.


August 19, 2012
Ephesians 5:15-20 (The Message)
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
August 6, 2012 to August 12, 2012
“Faith Seeking Understanding”
by G. Kevin Baker
for August 17, 2012,
read August 18, 2012
reread August 19, 2012
&
Ephesians 5:15-20 (NIV)
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
August 6, 2012 to August 12, 2012
“Faith Seeking Understanding”
by G. Kevin Baker
for August 16, 2012,
read August 18, 2012
&
Psalm 111
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
August 6, 2012 to August 12, 2012
“Faith Seeking Understanding”
by G. Kevin Baker
for August 15, 2012,
read August 15, 2012
&
1 Kings 2:10-12 (The Message)
1 Kings 3:3-14 (The Message)
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
August 6, 2012 to August 12, 2012
“Faith Seeking Understanding”
by G. Kevin Baker
for August 14, 2012,
read August 14, 2012
&
1 Kings 2:10-12 (NIV)
1 Kings 3:3-14 (NIV)
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
August 6, 2012 to August 12, 2012
“Faith Seeking Understanding”
by G. Kevin Baker
for August 13, 2012,
read August 13, 2012


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 21,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Sermon, "It's Child's Play, by Pastor Ruth Foss, Suncook United Methodist Church, August 19, 2012

August 19, 2012
Twelfth Sunday of Kingdomtide
Worship Theme: Discipleship
Hebrews 12: 1-3 CEB
Philippians 3: 12-12 CEB
Mark 8:34-38 (Adapted from the MSG, ERV, and NLT Bibles)
Definition of Disciple from: http://www.gotquestions.org/Christian-discipleship.html


It’s Childs Play. . .

Good morning. . . I used to like plating. . . and still do. . . children’s games like follow the leader or Simon Says when I was young. I got pretty good at it too. I would concentrate on the leader and try to do exactly what they did. I never really looked at those around me playing the game. If I did. . . I would surely do the wrong move. It never paid off following someone other than the leader.

Today we are going to stop into another port on our Cruise of the Sacred Waters of Our Faith. . . the port of Discipleship. Now before we begin our tour let’s take a look at the definition of discipleship. By definition, a disciple is a follower, one who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another. A Christian disciple is a person who accepts and assists in the spreading of the good news of Jesus Christ. Christian discipleship is the process by which disciples grow in the Lord Jesus Christ and are equipped by the Holy Spirit, who resides in our hearts, to overcome the pressures and trials of this present life and become more and more Christ like. This process requires believers to respond to the Holy Spirit’s prompting to examine their thoughts, words and actions and compare them with the Word of God. This requires that we be in the Word daily—studying it, praying over it, and obeying it.

In addition, we should always be ready to give testimony of the reason for the hope that is within us and to disciple others to walk in His way. According to Scripture, being a Christian disciple involves personal growth characterized by the following:

1. Putting Jesus first in all things. The disciple of Christ needs to be set apart from the world. Our focus should be on our Lord and pleasing Him in every area of our lives. We must put off self-centeredness and put on Christ-centeredness.

2. Following Jesus' teachings (John 8:31-32). We must be obedient children and doers of the Word. Obedience is the supreme test of faith in God and Jesus is the perfect example of obedience as He lived a life on earth of complete obedience to the Father even to the point of death.

3. Fruitfulness (John 15:5-8). Our job is not producing fruit. Our job is to abide in Christ, and if we do, the Holy Spirit will produce the fruit, and this fruit is the result of our obedience. As we become more obedient to the Lord and learn to walk in His ways, our lives will change. The biggest change will take place in our hearts, and the overflow of this will be new conduct (thoughts, words and actions) representative of that change. The change we seek is done from the inside out, through the power of the Holy Spirit. It isn’t something we can conjure up on our own.

4. Love for other disciples (John 13:34-35). We are told that love of other believers is the evidence of our being a member of God's family. Love is defined and elaborated on in 1 Corinthians 13:1-13. These verses show us that love is not an emotion; it is action. We must be doing something and involved in the process. Furthermore, we are told to think more highly of others than of ourselves and to look out for their interests. Our attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.

5. Evangelism - Making disciples of others (Matthew 28:18-20). We are to share our faith and tell nonbelievers about the wonderful changes Jesus Christ has made in our lives. No matter what our maturity level in the Christian life, we have something to offer. Too often, we believe the lie from Satan that we don't really know enough or haven't been a Christian long enough to make a difference. Not true! Some of the most enthusiastic representatives of the Christian life are new believers who have just discovered the awesome love of God. They may not know a lot of Bible verses or the "accepted" way of saying things, but they have experienced the love of the living God, and that is exactly what we are to share.

Wow. . . this port has much to tell us. . . it is kind of like the “rules and regulations” of being a disciple of Christ. But how well to we play by the rules? Being a disciple of Christ is hard but God never said it would be easy. The only thing God promises is that He will be with us, guiding us in the way we should be.

How often do we put Christ first or should I say not put Christ first? Have we lost our focus or are we right on target letting Him lead us. . . captaining our ship? Are we self-centered or Christ-centered in our lives? It is important to put Christ first if we want to be “mirror images” of who we claim.

Are we being doers or just hearers of the Word? I order to be Christ’s followers we must do as we are shown and told to do. If Jesus was just a hearer of the word how could the world have changed? How could we have received the salvation He offered and still offers you and me even this day? In order to change the world as Jesus did, we must do. . . imitate His lead.

Are we allowing the Holy Spirit to produce fruit in us or are we still sowing our own seeds. . . seeds of the world. . . in our garden of our Spirit? The Holy Spirit is what helps us grow but how can it begin to germinate love, joy, peace and mercy if we are still living in our past lives? The change of the Spirit is from the inside out. When we begin to see our fellow man as our fellow man the change has begun and our lives are made richer for it.

Speaking of our fellow humankind, are we loving others as ourselves. . . Are we even loving other Disciples of Christ? As the song goes “they will know we are Christians by our love, by our love. Yes they’ll know we are Christians by our love. Love is a verb not a noun. Love brings us to places we may not want to go but we go any way just for the sheer joy of it. Showing love that we have been shown from the Cross. . . which in fact was the ultimate love. . . love that kept Jesus’ outstretched arms for you and for me on that dark Friday so long ago.

I am reminded of something that I heard just recently. I was told by someone that they loved their church. They loved all the people and the message that the church gave to their community but something went wrong. They over heard some people of this church talking. . . OK, gossiping about someone. Now thy highly respected that person and they were devastated by hearing them do this. Now. . . they question whether or not they can go to their church and be with this person in worship. . . “they will know we are Christians by our love, by our love. Yes they’ll know we are Christians by our love.

Are we making disciples and sharing our story with those who need to hear the good News? Or are we keeping it locked up like a secret that can’t. . . shouldn’t be shared? There are so many in this world that could really use a little good news in their lives. . . a little hope to help them through their journey.

Beloved church, this is one port that can’t be ignored. This port is essential to the Good News of Christ. If we ignore this port. . . well then I guess it’s all for nothing because how can God’s kingdom come if people know nothing about the kingdom? We need to get into the game and refocus our Spirits and our minds. Let us go forth and play follow the leader with the perfecter of our Faith our Risen Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus depending on you and He’s depending on me to win the game. Come. . . join in the game and become a child again. . . a child of God who loves to play with abandon the game of life.

Amen




====
August 21, 2012
Eighth of a worship series on:
“Cruising the Sacred Waters of Our Faith”
Worship Theme: Discipleship
Mark 8:34-38 (Adapted from the MSG, ERV, and NLT Bibles)
Definition of Disciple from: http://www.gotquestions.org/Christian-discipleship.html
Hebrews 12:1-3 (Common English Bible)
Philippians 3:12-12 (Common English Bible)
Call to Worship (Abington Worship 2012)
Unison Prayer (Abington Worship 2012)
Pastoral Prayer by Pastor Ruth Foss
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD 2012, Ephesians 4:25-5:2)
Message for children
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
August 19, 2012
Twelfth Sunday of Kingdomtide
&
Seventh of a worship series on:
“Cruising the Sacred Waters of Our Faith”
Theme – A Celebration of Vacation Bible School
Operation Overboard
http://overboard.cokesburyvbs.com/
Bible Lessons
Proverbs 3:5, “Depend on God”
Matthew 22:39, “Dare to Care”
John 3:16, “Claim the Name”
Joshua 24:15, “Choose to Follow”
Mark 16:15, “Change the World”
Call to Worship
Unison Prayer
Pastoral Prayer by Pastor Ruth Foss
Prayer of Dedication (Adapted from GBOD 2012)
and sermon – “Dive in Deep into His Word”
by Erica M. Berberena
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
August 12, 2012
Eleventh Sunday of Kingdomtide
&
Sixth of a worship series on:
“Cruising the Sacred Waters of Our Faith”
Theme – Worship
Luke 4:5-8 (The Message Bible)
2 Samuel 6:12-19 (The Message Bible)
Hebrews 12:28-29 (The Message Bible)
Call to Worship (Worship Sourcebook 2004 – Psalm 150:1-2, 6 TP)
Unison Prayer (Worship Sourcebook 2004)
Pastoral Prayer by Pastor Ruth Foss
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD 2012, 2 see John 6:1-15)
Anthem, “Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho”, by Pastor Ruth Foss
Message for children
by Pastor Ruth Foss
and sermon – “Worship. . . it does a body good”
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
July 29, 2012
Nineth Sunday of Kingdomtide
(I was the liturgist this week)
&
Fifth of a worship series on:
“Cruising the Sacred Waters of Our Faith”
Theme – Is There Room for God?
Mark 6:53-56 (New Living Translation Bible)
2 Samuel 7:1-14a (New Living Translation Bible)
Ephesians 2:19-22 (New Living Translation Bible)
Call to Worship (Abington Worship 2012)
Unison Prayer (Abington Worship 2012)
Pastoral Prayer by Pastor Ruth Foss
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD 2012, 2 Samuel 7:1-14a)
Anthem, “Ave Maria”, by Diane Mitchell
Message for children
by Pastor Ruth
and sermon – “Where Does God Want to Live?”
http://ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com/2012/07/where-does-god-want-to-live.html
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
July 22, 2012
Eighth Sunday of Kingdomtide
&
Fourth of a worship series on:
“Cruising the Sacred Waters of Our Faith”
Theme – Do We Worship Only On Sunday?
Mark 6:14-29 (The Message Bible)
2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19
Call to Worship (Abington Worship 2012)
Unison Prayer
Pastoral Prayer by Pastor Ruth Foss
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD 2012, Ephesians 1:3-14)
Message for children,
about King David dancing for joy
by Pastor Ruth
and sermon – “Doing It Your Way, Every Day”
by Mary Ann Cioffi
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
July 15, 2012
Seventh Sunday of Kingdomtide
&
Third of a worship series on:
“Cruising the Sacred Waters of Our Faith”
Theme - Can we see the big picture?
Mark 6:1-13 (The Living Bible)
Psalm 48 (NRSV)
2 Corinthians 12:2-10 (The Living Bible)
Call to Worship (Abington Worship 2009)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (Mark 6:1-13)
Message for children, only the walking stick (Mark 6:1-13)
by Pastor Ruth Foss
and sermon - “Big Picture Followers”
by Kathy Akerman
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
July 8, 2012
Sixth Sunday of Kingdomtide
&
second of a worship series on:
“Cruising the Sacred Waters of Our Faith”
Theme - Where do we put Jesus in our lives?
Mark 5:21-43 (GOD’s WORD Translation)
Psalm 130 (Common English Bible)
2 Corinthians 8:7-15 (NIV)
Call to Worship (Abington Worship 2012)(Psalm 130, Mark 5)
Unison Prayer
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/07/unison-prayer-suncook-united-methodist.html
Prayer of the People
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/07/prayers-of-people-suncook-united.html
Prayer of Dedication (Mark 5:21-43) (2 Corinthians 8, Mark 5)
(adapted from GBOD 2012 and Abington Worship 2012)
Communion, UMH, page 9
Message for children, “There is Power in a Touch”
http://www.sermons4kids.com/power_in_a_touch.htm
(Mark 5:27-29)
Sermon - What Jesus Means to Me!
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/07/sermon-what-jesus-means-to-me-suncook.html
by Raymond A. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/raymond.a.foss
Poetry Where You Live
http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
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
July 1, 2012
Fifth Sunday of Kingdomtide
&
first of a worship series on:
“Cruising the Sacred Waters of Our Faith”
Mark 4:35-41 (Common English Bible)
Jesus stops a storm
Psalm 9:9-11 (NRSV Bible)
Psalm 9:9-20 (NRSV Bible)
2 Corinthians 6:1-10 (NRSV Bible)
2 Corinthians 6:1-13 (NRSV Bible)
Worship Theme: “What’s in a name?”
Call to Worship (Abington Worship 2012)
Unison Prayer (Abington Worship 2012)
Hymn: “It Is Well With My Soul”, UMH #377
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD 2012 (2 Corinthians 6: 1-13))
Message for Children, “A story about some rocks”
David and Goliath
and sermon, ““Who Is Jesus?”
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/who-is-jesus
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
June 24, 2012
Fourth Sunday of Kingdomtide

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 22,040+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Hills of Heather – v2

A long way from home,
My own home, at least in that time.
Back in the Highlands,
Once walked by my kin
Before they came to this place,
A new start, a new land.
Returning, heading out
From the cities, up, to find peace,
Out into the Highlands
Hills, shades of rust,
Of plum, of heather
In full flower. Heather, that
Set Burns’ pen to writing,
Like the thistle, a part of me,
The lyric within me,
Echoing in my sight,
My own history.


Edited August 19, 2012
“Hills of Heather – v2”
September 7, 2007 22:27
“Hills of Heather”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2007/09/hills-of-heather.html

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 21,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

the gift of the Holy Spirit – v2

Water poured down from heaven
quenching our dry flesh
God remaining, coming,
entering in with us
the gift of the Holy Spirit
washing upon us
the fire, the flame,
the Spirit within us
joining with the water
infusing us with power
to live, to rise again
the Spirit here with us
guiding us in love


=====
Edited August 18, 2012
“the gift of the Holy Spirit – v2”
January 11, 2012
“the gift of the Holy Spirit”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/01/gift-of-holy-spirit.html
Worship Theme – “Water and Spirit”
Mark 1:4-11 God’s WORD Translation (GW)
Genesis 1:1-5 Common English Bible (CEB)
Acts 19:1-7 Common English Bible (CEB)
Call to Worship (Psalm 29:1-4 NRSV Bible)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD (Psalm 29))
Reaffirmation of Baptismal Covenant
hymn, “When Jesus came to Jordan”, UMH #252
Matthew 3:13-17
Luke 3:21-22
Mark 1:9-11
and sermon, “Water and Baptism”
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
First Sunday after Epiphany/
Baptism of the Lord Sunday
January 8, 2012

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 20,980+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Rice Paper – v7

We act as if there is nothing of us
that we don’t matter, somehow,
that our lives don’t leave a mark.
scars when we cause harm.
We think we are independent,
islands separated, apart, or so it is,
if we think only of ourselves
not of the others, those we touch in life.
What if we left a mark,
with each step of our life

How would life be different, if we left bright lines?
What if our spirits are dipped,
what if they are painted, drenched,
covered in coal-black printer’s ink
what if our journey, every action,
every step, every word we speak,
our walk of faith, of life, on this earth
was written upon thick rice paper
absorbed into other flesh
written on other lives.

What if our spirits left deep impressions
a bit of ourselves, a touch, a shadow, an echo
each one living characters, stenciled,
words of generosity or of self
as if written by a stylus, thickly,
darker when self-centered, selfish
brighter, bolder within our faith, our living
what if we left a mark, a scar, an impression
forever, permanent in time, eternal
Marks left forever, a fossil record,
like dinosaur tracks in moving clay

Preserved, for someone, for hearts,
to read, interpret, to remember,
to judge, in some distant future
words written, by our words, our actions
drawn, written, left on the rice paper
pages of our lives, in the book of life
the ink left here on earth
lines of our lives, written for others
imprinted upon their lives
and those who will follow

We are not islands, separate,
we are connected to each other
our words, our actions, written
written on other lives.
Those we touch, those who come after
ripples in time, marks
written on the rice paper
our words, our actions,
for good or for ill
all of this written, preserved
on the rice paper.


------
Edited August 18, 2012
“Rice Paper – v7”
Edited August 17, 2012
“Rice Paper – v6”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/rice-paper-v6.html
Edited August 17, 2012
“Rice Paper – v5”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/rice-paper-v5.html
Edited August 17, 2012
“Rice Paper – v4”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/rice-paper-v4.html
Edited August 16, 2012
“Rice Paper – v3”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/rice-paper-v3.html
edited February 17, 2012
“Rice Paper – v2”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/02/rice-paper-v2.html
February 16, 2012
“Rice Paper”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/02/rice-paper.html
Wednesday evening worship
Fourth of series on prayer,
inspired by Marcia McFee,
“All My Days: A Summer of Prayer”,
Third Sunday: Stepping Stones
and meditation
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
February 15, 2012
&
Wednesday evening worship
Third of series on prayer,
inspired by Marcia McFee,
“All My Days: A Summer of Prayer”,
Third Sunday: Silence
and meditation
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
February 8, 2012
&
Wednesday evening worship
Second of series on prayer,
inspired by Marcia McFee,
“All My Days: A Summer of Prayer”,
Second Sunday: Bumpy Bead
1 John 4:7-21
and meditation
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
January 25, 2012
&
Wednesday evening worship
start of series on prayer,
inspired by Marcia McFee,
“All My Days: A Summer of Prayer”,
First Sunday: God
Psalm 105:1-6
Isaiah 56:1-8
Acts 17:22-32
poem, “Pied Beauty”,
by Gerard Manley Hopkins
and meditation
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
January 11, 2012

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,720+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

light bodies interwoven – v4

we are beings of light, of energy
free of shape, of substance
unbound by the chains of flesh
alive, in God’s love, changed
sloughing off the shell of our skin
lifted from this earth
to dance in the highest heaven

light bodies released
as butterflies from cocoons
the blood of God’s love within
in shimmering brilliance
our true essence, from our sleep
Love lit within us
interwoven, revealing

we rise, in union
swirling, twirling,
the dance of glory
one body, one vine
our eternal provision
light bodies interwoven
dancing, in Love, with God.


====
Edited August 17, 2012
edited poem, “light bodies interwoven – v4”
Edited August 15, 2012
edited poem, “light bodies interwoven – v3”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/light-bodies-interwoven-v3.html
Edited August 14, 2012
edited poem “light bodies interwoven – v2”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/light-bodies-interwoven-v2.html
Edited August 14, 2012
new poem “not easily broken”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/not-easily-broken.html
Edited August 14, 2012
new poem “light bodies interwoven”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/light-bodies-interwoven.html
Edited August 14, 2012
new poem “threads of light – 2”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/threads-of-light-2.html
Edited August 14, 2012
new poem, “a body of light”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/a-body-of-light.html
Edited August 8, 2012
new poem in response, “the bond stronger”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-bond-stronger.html
Edited August 8, 2012
new poem, “filaments of light”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/filaments-of-light.html
Edited August 8, 2012
new poem, “fibers of light”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/fibers-of-light.html
Edited August 8, 2012
new poem, “glowing threads”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/glowing-threads.html
Edited August 8, 2012
new poem, “threads of light”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/threads-of-light.html
Edited August 7, 2012
new poem, “threads forged together”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/threads-forged-together.html
Edited August 7, 2012
new poem, “threads of the cord”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/threads-of-cord.html
Edited August 7, 2012
new poem – “from filaments of spun glass”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/from-filaments-of-spun-glass.html
Edited August 7, 2012
“A cord is woven – v3”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/a-cord-is-woven-v3.html
Edited August 7, 2012
“A cord is woven – v2”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/a-cord-is-woven-v2.html
Edited August 7, 2012
new poem, “A cord is woven”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/a-cord-is-woven.html
Edited August 7, 2012
new poem, “A bond is forged”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/a-bond-is-forged.html
Edited August 7, 2012
“A cord is forged – v2”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/a-cord-is-forged-v2.html
August 7, 2012
“A cord is forged”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/a-cord-is-forged.html
&
Seventh of a worship series on:
“Cruising the Sacred Waters of Our Faith”
Theme – Fellowship
John 15:12-17 (Common English Bible)
Ecclesiastes 4:9-11 (Common English Bible)
1 John 4:7-11 (Common English Bible)
Call to Worship (Abington Worship 2012)
(John 6:35)
Unison Prayer (Abington Worship 2012)
Pastoral Prayer by Pastor Ruth Foss
Reception of New Members
(Acts 2:42, 46-47; Philippians 1:3-6, 9-11)
Prayer of Dedication (John 6:24-35)
Hymn – “You Who Are Thirsty” (TFWS #2132)
(Isaiah 55:1, Matthew 5:6, 11-28)
Hymn – “They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love” (TFWS #2233)
(John 13:34-35; Ephesians 4:4-6)
Communion
Message for children
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
August 5, 2012
Tenth Sunday of Kingdomtide
&
Sixth of a worship series on:
“Cruising the Sacred Waters of Our Faith”
Theme – Worship
Luke 4:5-8 (The Message Bible)
2 Samuel 6:12-19 (The Message Bible)
Hebrews 12:28-29 (The Message Bible)
Call to Worship (Worship Sourcebook 2004 – Psalm 150:1-2, 6 TP)
Unison Prayer (Worship Sourcebook 2004)
Pastoral Prayer by Pastor Ruth Foss
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD 2012, 2 see John 6:1-15)
Anthem, “Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho”, by Pastor Ruth Foss
Message for children
by Pastor Ruth Foss
and sermon – “Worship. . . it does a body good”
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
July 29, 2012
Nineth Sunday of Kingdomtide
(I was the liturgist this week)
&
Fifth of a worship series on:
“Cruising the Sacred Waters of Our Faith”
Theme – Is There Room for God?
Mark 6:53-56 (New Living Translation Bible)
2 Samuel 7:1-14a (New Living Translation Bible)
Ephesians 2:19-22 (New Living Translation Bible)
Call to Worship (Abington Worship 2012)
Unison Prayer (Abington Worship 2012)
Pastoral Prayer by Pastor Ruth Foss
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD 2012, 2 Samuel 7:1-14a)
Anthem, “Ave Maria”, by Diane Mitchell
Message for children
by Pastor Ruth
and sermon – “Where Does God Want to Live?”
http://ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com/2012/07/where-does-god-want-to-live.html
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
July 22, 2012
Eighth Sunday of Kingdomtide
&
Fourth of a worship series on:
“Cruising the Sacred Waters of Our Faith”
Theme – Do We Worship Only On Sunday?
Mark 6:14-29 (The Message Bible)
2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19
Call to Worship (Abington Worship 2012)
Unison Prayer
Pastoral Prayer by Pastor Ruth Foss
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD 2012, Ephesians 1:3-14)
Message for children,
about King David dancing for joy
by Pastor Ruth
and sermon – “Doing It Your Way, Every Day”
by Mary Ann Cioffi
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
July 15, 2012
Seventh Sunday of Kingdomtide
&
Third of a worship series on:
“Cruising the Sacred Waters of Our Faith”
Theme - Can we see the big picture?
Mark 6:1-13 (The Living Bible)
Psalm 48 (NRSV)
2 Corinthians 12:2-10 (The Living Bible)
Call to Worship (Abington Worship 2009)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (Mark 6:1-13)
Message for children, only the walking stick (Mark 6:1-13)
by Pastor Ruth Foss
and sermon - “Big Picture Followers”
by Kathy Akerman
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
July 8, 2012
Sixth Sunday of Kingdomtide
&
second of a worship series on:
“Cruising the Sacred Waters of Our Faith”
Theme - Where do we put Jesus in our lives?
Mark 5:21-43 (GOD’s WORD Translation)
Psalm 130 (Common English Bible)
2 Corinthians 8:7-15 (NIV)
Call to Worship (Abington Worship 2012)(Psalm 130, Mark 5)
Unison Prayer
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/07/unison-prayer-suncook-united-methodist.html
Prayer of the People
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/07/prayers-of-people-suncook-united.html
Prayer of Dedication (Mark 5:21-43) (2 Corinthians 8, Mark 5)
(adapted from GBOD 2012 and Abington Worship 2012)
Communion, UMH, page 9
Message for children, “There is Power in a Touch”
http://www.sermons4kids.com/power_in_a_touch.htm
(Mark 5:27-29)
Sermon - What Jesus Means to Me!
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/07/sermon-what-jesus-means-to-me-suncook.html
by Raymond A. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/raymond.a.foss
Poetry Where You Live
http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
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
July 1, 2012
Fifth Sunday of Kingdomtide
&
first of a worship series on:
“Cruising the Sacred Waters of Our Faith”
Mark 4:35-41 (Common English Bible)
Jesus stops a storm
Psalm 9:9-11 (NRSV Bible)
Psalm 9:9-20 (NRSV Bible)
2 Corinthians 6:1-10 (NRSV Bible)
2 Corinthians 6:1-13 (NRSV Bible)
Worship Theme: “What’s in a name?”
Call to Worship (Abington Worship 2012)
Unison Prayer (Abington Worship 2012)
Hymn: “It Is Well With My Soul”, UMH #377
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD 2012 (2 Corinthians 6: 1-13))
Message for Children, “A story about some rocks”
David and Goliath
and sermon, ““Who Is Jesus?”
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/who-is-jesus
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
June 24, 2012
Fourth Sunday of Kingdomtide


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 20,940+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Rice Paper – v6

We think we are independent,
islands separated, apart, or so it is,
if we think only of ourselves
of the others, those we touch in life

What if our spirits are dipped,
what if they are painted, drenched,
covered in coal-black printer’s ink
what if our journey, every action,
every step, every word we speak,
our walk of faith, of life, on this earth
was written upon thick rice paper
absorbed into other flesh
written on other lives

What if our spirits left deep impressions
a bit of ourselves, a touch, a shadow, an echo
each one living characters, stenciled,
words of generosity or of self
as if written by a stylus, thickly,
darker when self-centered, selfish
brighter, bolder within our faith, our living
what if we left a mark, a scar, an impression
forever, permanent in time, eternal
Marks left forever, a fossil record,
like dinosaur tracks in moving clay

Preserved, for someone, for hearts, to read, interpret,
to remember, to judge, in some distant future
words written, by our words, our actions
drawn, written, left on the rice paper
pages of our lives, in the book of life
the ink left here on earth
lines of our lives, written for others
imprinted upon their lives
and those who will follow

We are not islands, separate
we are connected to each other
our words, our actions, written
written on other lives.


------
Edited August 17, 2012
“Rice Paper – v5”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/rice-paper-v5.html
Edited August 17, 2012
“Rice Paper – v4”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/rice-paper-v4.html
Edited August 16, 2012
“Rice Paper – v3”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/rice-paper-v3.html
edited February 17, 2012
“Rice Paper – v2”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/02/rice-paper-v2.html
February 16, 2012
“Rice Paper”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/02/rice-paper.html
Wednesday evening worship
Fourth of series on prayer,
inspired by Marcia McFee,
“All My Days: A Summer of Prayer”,
Third Sunday: Stepping Stones
and meditation
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
February 15, 2012
&
Wednesday evening worship
Third of series on prayer,
inspired by Marcia McFee,
“All My Days: A Summer of Prayer”,
Third Sunday: Silence
and meditation
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
February 8, 2012
&
Wednesday evening worship
Second of series on prayer,
inspired by Marcia McFee,
“All My Days: A Summer of Prayer”,
Second Sunday: Bumpy Bead
1 John 4:7-21
and meditation
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
January 25, 2012
&
Wednesday evening worship
start of series on prayer,
inspired by Marcia McFee,
“All My Days: A Summer of Prayer”,
First Sunday: God
Psalm 105:1-6
Isaiah 56:1-8
Acts 17:22-32
poem, “Pied Beauty”,
by Gerard Manley Hopkins
and meditation
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
January 11, 2012

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,720+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

donning the mask of bravado – v5

Five pensive souls, separated,
quietly sitting in the waiting room
long minutes clicking on
no clock in sight;
The door swinging open
as if the curtain were
ripped from the stage

I can picture him before he entered in,
based on his grand entrance,
anxious, outside, by the door
as an actor in the wings
practicing new lines to himself,
puffing himself up,
putting on his mask

The stillness in the waiting room, quiet,
shattered by his bluster, bravado
but it was far too evident
the lighting wrong for his makeup
garish in full daylight
a mask hiding his pain
his fear of tomorrow

“Where’s the coffee and donuts?”,
he shouted aloud to the audience
going to the waiting line
hiding his trembling spirit
the surgery to come
slumping in the hard chair
waiting for the nurse

Donning the mask of bravado
projecting a sense of confidence,
but his body betraying him physically
as he entered in;
that the whole act was a lie
afraid, but unable to run,
the fear welling up inside


=====
Edited August 17, 2012
August 14, 2012


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,720+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Rice Paper – v5

We think we are independent,
islands separated, apart, or so it is,
if we think only of ourselves
What if our spirits are dipped,
what if they are painted, drenched,
covered in coal-black printer’s ink
what if our journey, every action,
every step, every word we speak,
our walk of faith, of life, on this earth
was written upon thick rice paper
What of our spirits left deep impressions
a bit of ourselves, a touch,
each one living characters, stenciled,
words of generosity or of self
as if written by a stylus, thickly,
darker when self-centered, selfish
brighter, bolder within our faith, our living
what if we left a mark, a scar, an impression
forever, permanent in time, eternal
Marks left forever, a fossil record,
like dinosaur tracks in moving clay
for someone, for hearts, to read, interpret, remember,
to judge, in some distant future
words written, by our words, our actions
drawn, written, left on the rice paper
pages of our lives, in the book of life
the ink left here on earth


------
Edited August 17, 2012
“Rice Paper – v5”
Edited August 17, 2012
“Rice Paper – v4”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/rice-paper-v4.html
Edited August 16, 2012
“Rice Paper – v3”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/rice-paper-v3.html
edited February 17, 2012
“Rice Paper – v2”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/02/rice-paper-v2.html
February 16, 2012
“Rice Paper”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/02/rice-paper.html
Wednesday evening worship
Fourth of series on prayer,
inspired by Marcia McFee,
“All My Days: A Summer of Prayer”,
Third Sunday: Stepping Stones
and meditation
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
February 15, 2012
&
Wednesday evening worship
Third of series on prayer,
inspired by Marcia McFee,
“All My Days: A Summer of Prayer”,
Third Sunday: Silence
and meditation
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
February 8, 2012
&
Wednesday evening worship
Second of series on prayer,
inspired by Marcia McFee,
“All My Days: A Summer of Prayer”,
Second Sunday: Bumpy Bead
1 John 4:7-21
and meditation
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
January 25, 2012
&
Wednesday evening worship
start of series on prayer,
inspired by Marcia McFee,
“All My Days: A Summer of Prayer”,
First Sunday: God
Psalm 105:1-6
Isaiah 56:1-8
Acts 17:22-32
poem, “Pied Beauty”,
by Gerard Manley Hopkins
and meditation
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
January 11, 2012

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,720+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Adopted – v2

He was a man with secrets
hidden slices of his life
long pushed down
below the surface
covered with pithy jokes
told to his Masonic friends

He was adopted, as an adult,
to take the name he had only known,
or so the story goes
interesting tendrils though
of other threads

Woven into his story
of a mother and uncle
aunt in the sanitarium
blurting out truths buried in his attic
found lifetimes later

What did he know
before the papers were sealed
of who he was, his first name,
before he was
adopted by her



====
Edited August 17, 2012
“Adopted – v2”
July 15, 2006 15:07
“Adopted”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2006/07/adopted.htmll
About my paternal grandfather and a conversation I had with him in 1976, when he was 88. Also about some of the things in his attic when we moved him in to live with us.


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,720+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Rice Paper – v4

What if our spirits were painted
covered in coal-black printer’s ink
what if our journey, every action, every step
our walk of faith, of life, on this earth
was written upon thick rice paper
What of our spirits left impressions
a bit of ourselves, a touch,
each one living characters, written,
words of generosity or of self
as if written by a stylus
darker when self-centered
brighter, bolder with our faith, our living
what if we left a mark, a scar, an impression
forever, permanent in time, eternal
Marks left forever, a fossil record,
like dinosaur tracks in moving clay
for someone, for hearts, to read, interpret, remember,
to judge, in some distant future
words written, by our words, our actions
drawn, written, left on the rice paper
the pages of our lives, in the book of life


------
Edited August 16, 2012
“Rice Paper – v3”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/08/rice-paper-v3.html
edited February 17, 2012
“Rice Paper – v2”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/02/rice-paper-v2.html
February 16, 2012
“Rice Paper”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/02/rice-paper.html
Wednesday evening worship
Fourth of series on prayer,
inspired by Marcia McFee,
“All My Days: A Summer of Prayer”,
Third Sunday: Stepping Stones
and meditation
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
February 15, 2012
&
Wednesday evening worship
Third of series on prayer,
inspired by Marcia McFee,
“All My Days: A Summer of Prayer”,
Third Sunday: Silence
and meditation
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
February 8, 2012
&
Wednesday evening worship
Second of series on prayer,
inspired by Marcia McFee,
“All My Days: A Summer of Prayer”,
Second Sunday: Bumpy Bead
1 John 4:7-21
and meditation
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
January 25, 2012
&
Wednesday evening worship
start of series on prayer,
inspired by Marcia McFee,
“All My Days: A Summer of Prayer”,
First Sunday: God
Psalm 105:1-6
Isaiah 56:1-8
Acts 17:22-32
poem, “Pied Beauty”,
by Gerard Manley Hopkins
and meditation
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
January 11, 2012

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.