Sunday, November 08, 2009
Misuse Happens
our resources, our vision
focused on the wrong
our temporal, urgent
society-driven desires
instant gratification
excess, and hangover
the pain of loss, misuse
estrangement from God
from our neighbors
in our drive to be better
to have more
all of our possessions
in the way
keeping us apart
little islands, bumper cars
driven, alone
Step back from the edge
turn from the world
idols, false gods
on the altar of society
consumerism,
materialism
passions without feeling
all a cancer, keeping us
held hostage
Turn, return home
to our family, our father
seek him, a better way
and his loving arms
ever waiting for us
November 8, 2009
Luke 15:11-32, “The Prodigal Son”
Proverbs 21:5, 21:20
Psalm 98:4-8 (Call to Worship)
and Matthew 6:24
“No man can serve two masters:
for either he will hate the one,
and love the other; or else he will hold to the one,
and despise the other.
Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”
& sermon “The Saints and Their Checkbooks”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
November 8, 2009
Labels: America, Faith, God, Huntley Halvorson, Luke 15, Matthew 6, Methodist, Poetry Where You Live, Prodigal Son, Proverbs 21, Psalm 98, Raymond A. Foss, United Methodist
Biblical Economics
the son, come to earth, to bring us home
to mend the breach created, our estrangement,
our distance from God, the creator, our father
So many tellings, of one story
our wanton desires, serving other god
chasing after our wealth, after power
losing sight of our neighbor, our brothers,
our sisters on this earth
focusing on the lesser things,
the things that rust and turn to dust
when we should treasure eternal life
and walk more humbly on the way
Caring for our neighbors,
those who need our love, our help
storing treasure in heaven
for a future, walking the streets of gold
November 8, 2009
Luke 15:11-32, “The Prodigal Son”
Proverbs 21:5, 21:20
Psalm 98:4-8 (Call to Worship)
and Matthew 6:24
“No man can serve two masters:
for either he will hate the one,
and love the other; or else he will hold to the one,
and despise the other.
Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”
& sermon “The Saints and Their Checkbooks”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
November 8, 2009
Labels: America, Faith, God, Huntley Halvorson, Luke 15, Matthew 6, Methodist, Poetry Where You Live, Prodigal Son, Proverbs 21, Psalm 98, Raymond A. Foss, United Methodist
The Forgiveness of God
washed clean, as if gone
the forgiveness of God
arms open wide for our return
when we turn from the world
coming home to him
Met, on our road home
before we are back
or father coming to us
arms open wide
bring us back to him
November 8, 2009
Luke 15:11-32, “The Prodigal Son”
Proverbs 21:5, 21:20
Psalm 98:4-8 (Call to Worship)
and Matthew 6:24
“No man can serve two masters:
for either he will hate the one,
and love the other; or else he will hold to the one,
and despise the other.
Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”
& sermon “The Saints and Their Checkbooks”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
November 8, 2009
Labels: America, Faith, God, Huntley Halvorson, Luke 15, Matthew 6, Methodist, Poetry Where You Live, Prodigal Son, Proverbs 21, Psalm 98, Raymond A. Foss, United Methodist
Consumers
counter to our faith
consumers, not stewards
to use the precious earth
to feed as we may choose
leaving none left behind
going to the edge
and going far beyond
like a plague or war on the land
the prodigal we have become
wasting what we have
caring not for our father’s love
Taking what we can
gorging on our wealth
leaving nothing in our wakes
but debt, and hurt and ache
November 8, 2009
Luke 15:11-32, “The Prodigal Son”
Proverbs 21:5, 21:20
Psalm 98:4-8 (Call to Worship)
and Matthew 6:24
“No man can serve two masters:
for either he will hate the one,
and love the other; or else he will hold to the one,
and despise the other.
Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”
& sermon “The Saints and Their Checkbooks”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
November 8, 2009
Labels: America, Faith, God, Huntley Halvorson, Luke 15, Matthew 6, Methodist, Poetry Where You Live, Prodigal Son, Proverbs 21, Psalm 98, Raymond A. Foss, United Methodist
God or Money
looking at our checkbooks
to see our priorities
a challenge from the pulpit
on the focus of our lives
serving God or money
in the way we spend our wealth
serving our neighbors
or gorging on ourselves
There can be only one master
money or our loving God
we each are free to choose
and account when our master calls
November 8, 2009
Luke 15:11-32, “The Prodigal Son”
Proverbs 21:5, 21:20
Psalm 98:4-8 (Call to Worship)
and Matthew 6:24
“No man can serve two masters:
for either he will hate the one,
and love the other; or else he will hold to the one,
and despise the other.
Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”
& sermon “The Saints and Their Checkbooks”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
November 8, 2009
Labels: America, Faith, God, Huntley Halvorson, Luke 15, Matthew 6, Methodist, Poetry Where You Live, Prodigal Son, Proverbs 21, Psalm 98, Raymond A. Foss, United Methodist
Consumers
like plague, war on the land
Taking what we can
leaving nothing in our wakes
but debt, and hurt and ache
November 8, 2009 – Twitter version
Luke 15:11-32, “The Prodigal Son”
Proverbs 21:5, 21:20
Psalm 98:4-8 (Call to Worship)
and Matthew 6:24
“No man can serve two masters:
for either he will hate the one,
and love the other; or else he will hold to the one,
and despise the other.
Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”
& sermon “The Saints and Their Checkbooks”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
November 8, 2009
Labels: America, Faith, God, Huntley Halvorson, Luke 15, Matthew 6, Methodist, Poetry Where You Live, Prodigal Son, Proverbs 21, Psalm 98, Raymond A. Foss, United Methodist
Underwater
describing so well the start of the world
so many of us, looking up at the surface
wondering what went so wrong
how our world, our economy
our own lives
drowning
Our lives, our priorities
so out of whack, disjointed
chasing the allusion, wealth, position
losing sight of important relationships
a simpler life, with lasting reward
following a false god, lost
missing inner peace
meaningful lives
greater riches
than we can
imagine
eternal life
following the true God
walking with our savior
living closer to our brother
seeing him in our neighbors
offering them a hand, hope, life
rising above the waters
up onto the waves
walking to our future
seeking our treasure in the Lord
November 8, 2009
Luke 15:11-32, “The Prodigal Son”
Proverbs 21:5, 21:20
Psalm 98:4-8 (Call to Worship)
& sermon “The Saints and Their Checkbooks”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
November 8, 2009
Labels: America, Faith, God, Huntley Halvorson, Luke 15, Matthew 6, Methodist, Poetry Where You Live, Prodigal Son, Proverbs 21, Psalm 98, Raymond A. Foss, United Methodist
A Famine on the Land
our whole society, that foreign land
away from the loving father
seeking other gods, false, human ambitions
wealth, power, pleasure
overextending, consuming,
all that we have
A famine on the land,
jobless, without our wealth
our home, our property gone
eating the pods with the pigs
wanting to go back home
Turn from the world
going back, to his open arms
all are welcome
in the father’s loving embrace
November 8, 2009
Luke 15:11-32, “The Prodigal Son”
Proverbs 21:5, 21:20
Psalm 98:4-8 (Call to Worship)
& sermon “The Saints and Their Checkbooks”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
November 8, 2009
Labels: America, Faith, God, Huntley Halvorson, Luke 15, Matthew 6, Methodist, Poetry Where You Live, Prodigal Son, Proverbs 21, Psalm 98, Raymond A. Foss, United Methodist
Power – haiku – 1
Holy spirit filling them
empowered to speak
November 7, 2009
Annual Church Conference
moderated by Reverend John Blackadar
& John 20:19-22
& hymn, “Breathe on Me, Breath of God”,
http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh420.sht
United Methodist Hymnal, #420
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
November 5, 2009
Labels: acts 2:1-21, breath, christian poems, Faith, flame, haiku, Holy Spirit, John 20, John Blackadar, Methodist, NEUMC, New Hampshire, Pembroke NH, Pentecost, Poetry Where You Live, Raymond A. Foss, Suncook NH, Suncook United Methodist Church, United Methodist, voice, Writing Poetry
Autumn – haiku – 1
slowly tumbling to the ground
caught by blowing wind
November 7, 2009
Labels: autumn, christian poems, dance, haiku, leaves, Nature, New Hampshire, Pembroke NH, Poetry Where You Live, Raymond A. Foss, Suncook NH, wind, Writing Poetry
Autumn Leaves – haiku – 1
the green color dying, lost
in brilliant death
November 7, 2009
Labels: autumn, christian poems, dance, haiku, leaves, Nature, New Hampshire, Pembroke NH, Poetry Where You Live, Raymond A. Foss, Suncook NH, wind, Writing Poetry
Tumbling – haiku – 1
frolicking in the autumn
mischievous fall winds
November 7, 2009
Labels: autumn, christian poems, dance, haiku, leaves, Nature, New Hampshire, Pembroke NH, Poetry Where You Live, Raymond A. Foss, Suncook NH, wind, Writing Poetry
Saturday, November 07, 2009
Christian – haiku – 1
where the savior leads, going
out into the world
November 7, 2009
Labels: Christ, christian, christian poems, christian poetry, Faith, God, haiku, love, master, Methodist, neighbor, NEUMC, Pembroke NH, poem, Poetry Where You Live, praise poems, praise poetry, Raymond A. Foss, savior, Suncook NH, United Methodist, witness, work, world, Writing Poetry
Christian – haiku – 2
follow our loving shepherd
be his hands, his feet
November 7, 2009
Labels: Christ, christian, christian poems, christian poetry, Faith, feet, God, haiku, hands, love, Methodist, neighbor, NEUMC, Pembroke NH, poem, Poetry Where You Live, praise poems, praise poetry, Raymond A. Foss, shepherd, Suncook NH, United Methodist, witness, work, Writing Poetry
Christian – haiku – 3
be Christ out into the world
share God’s love, his grace
November 7, 2009
Labels: Christ, christian, christian poems, christian poetry, cross, Faith, God, haiku, love, Methodist, neighbor, NEUMC, Pembroke NH, poem, Poetry Where You Live, praise poems, praise poetry, Raymond A. Foss, Suncook NH, United Methodist, witness, work, world, Writing Poetry
Christian – haiku – 4
doing the work of the Christ
be his messengers
November 7, 2009
Labels: Christ, christian, christian poems, christian poetry, Faith, God, haiku, love, Methodist, neighbor, NEUMC, Pembroke NH, poem, Poetry Where You Live, praise poems, praise poetry, Raymond A. Foss, Suncook NH, United Methodist, witness, work, Writing Poetry
Christian – haiku – 4 – v2
doing the work of the Christ
be his witnesses
November 7, 2009
Labels: Christ, christian, christian poems, christian poetry, Faith, God, haiku, love, Methodist, neighbor, NEUMC, Pembroke NH, poem, Poetry Where You Live, praise poems, praise poetry, Raymond A. Foss, Suncook NH, United Methodist, witness, work, Writing Poetry
A prayer, entering in
gathering, confused, afraid
seeing the risen Christ
feeling the breath of God
falling upon them,
bodily transformed
by the gift of Christ
new life begun
So we entered in
into our time of reflection
of worship, calling us
closer to thee, oh God
open to the spirit
speaking from deep within
calling us to your ministry
in this church, in this time
our place in your creation
to go, reborn, as they were
to do your work
in this troubled world
November 7, 2009
Annual Church Conference
moderated by Reverend John Blackadar
& John 20:19-22
& hymn, “Breathe on Me, Breath of God”,
http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh420.sht
United Methodist Hymnal, #420
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
November 5, 2009
Labels: Christ, christian poems, christian poetry, church, disciples, Faith, God, Holy Spirit, John 20, love, Methodist, NEUMC, New Hampshire, Pembroke NH, poem, poetry, Poetry Where You Live, praise poems, praise poetry, Raymond A. Foss, religious poetry, Suncook NH, Suncook United Methodist Church, United Methodist
Waiting with Wonder
how they must have been
even in the struggles
the journey they were on
going to the home,
to Bethlehem town
wondering what God
had planned for them
Waiting, with wonder
so we are now
at the birth of the holy child
the life he would live
so that live he may give
for each one of us living and dead
Alive in the Lord, at the end of this coil
when our days here on earth are done
going to our reward, paid for by the Lord
to walk with our savior again
On the streets paved with gold
in the new Jerusalem
where crying and death are no more
All of this from, the birth of the babe
Christ come into the world
Born and swaddled, laid
in that manger bed,
watched by the animals
the shepherds, long, long ago
Waiting, in wonder
in our hearts and our lives
walking as followers of Christ
sharing his story, his message of love
so all may enter in
Choosing with us the way of the cross
to pick up and do our part
bringing God grace
his love for the world
to everyone we meet
November 7, 2009
on seeing someone searching on Google,
“"waiting with wonder" advent”,
and finding this poem to access my blog
November 7, 2009
----
The Advent Journey
Following the star,
we all, like them, following the star
the light, the Word
coming into the world
living with us, to be among us
a journey of waiting, with wonder
experiencing anew
that which they beheld
the star of his rising,
his bright birth star
Bringing that light
into the sanctuary, into our hearts
preparing ourselves, awake, on watch
for the babe in the manger
the king on the clouds
that is our Advent journey
November 30, 2008
Matthew 2:11
Isaiah 64:1-9
Mark 13:24-37
and sermon, “Anticipation”
Pastor Ruth L. Foss
Suncook United Methodist Church
Labels: advent, Christ, christian poems, christian poetry, church, Faith, God, Isaiah 64, manger, Mark 13, Matthew 2, Methodist, NEUMC, Pastor Ruth L. Foss, Pembroke NH, poem, poetry, Poetry Where You Live, praise poems, praise poetry, Raymond A. Foss, religious poetry, sing, Suncook United Methodist Church, United Methodist
Friday, November 06, 2009
Giving Her All
giving her all
all that she had
nothing held back
offered to the Lord
a worthy gift
fragrant to God
November 6, 2009
Luke 20:45-21:4
The scribe and the widow’s offering
part of the sermon, “The Widow’s Might”,
by the Reverend Peter Hey,
http://www.concordwumc.org
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
November 18, 2007
Labels: christian poems, christian poetry, Faith, gifts, giving, God, Luke 20, Methodist, NEUMC, New Hampshire, Offering, Pembroke NH, Peter Hey, poem, poetry, Poetry Where You Live, praise poems, praise poetry, Raymond A. Foss, religious poetry, sharing, widow
The Widow’s Faith
so small compared to the other offerings
but so huge, in metaphor
giving all she had,
because of her faith
loving dependent
trusting in God alone
so much more than all the others
giving all, out her poverty
not a tithe out of their wealth
November 6, 2009
Luke 20:45-21:4
The scribe and the widow’s offering
part of the sermon, “The Widow’s Might”,
by the Reverend Peter Hey,
http://www.concordwumc.org
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
November 18, 2007
Labels: christian poems, christian poetry, Faith, gifts, giving, God, Luke 20, Methodist, NEUMC, New Hampshire, Offering, Pembroke NH, Peter Hey, poem, poetry, Poetry Where You Live, praise poems, praise poetry, Raymond A. Foss, religious poetry, sharing, widow
Living Church
living church an adverb and verb
our lives different
doing worship, in our daily lives
Monday to Saturday
going, being Christ
loving our neighbors
Sabbath rest, in the knowing
living church beyond the walls
outside the boundaries
out into the world
going, doing, church as way of living
open to the holy spirit
and wherever it may call
November 6, 2009
Annual Church Conference
moderated by Reverend John Blackadar
& John 20:19-22
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
November 5, 2009
Labels: Christ, christian poems, christian poetry, church, disciples, Faith, God, Holy Spirit, John 20, love, Methodist, NEUMC, New Hampshire, Pembroke NH, poem, Poetry Where You Live, praise poems, praise poetry, Raymond A. Foss, Suncook NH, Suncook United Methodist Church, United Methodist
So I send you
hearing these words of the risen Christ
coming to them, into the room
even though the doors were locked;
Entering into their presence
breathing the spirit upon them
offering them peace
and sending them into the world
As the father sent me, so I send you
the words of the risen Messiah
just as had been prophesized
standing in their midst
Sending them out
to offer the love of the father
sharing his message of hope
to all who would lend an ear
Bringing the Christ
into each town, each place
the servant king dwelling within us
the spirit of the risen Lord
a smile upon our face
Going out into the world
from that start that day
to the ends of the earth
right up to this present time
Waiting for his return
his promise yet to come
In the waiting time,
sharing Christ in our time
in our own gifted way
Being the hands and feet of Christ
a voice in the wilderness
calling all of us sinners home
November 6, 2009
Annual Church Conference
moderated by Reverend John Blackadar
& John 20:19-22
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
November 5, 2009
Labels: Christ, christian poems, christian poetry, church, disciples, Faith, God, Holy Spirit, John 20, love, Methodist, NEUMC, New Hampshire, Pembroke NH, poem, poetry, Poetry Where You Live, praise poems, praise poetry, Raymond A. Foss, Suncook NH, Suncook United Methodist Church, United Methodist
Open to the Spirit
open to the spirit’s call
as the first disciples were
on that fateful night
The breath of God
the saving on that day
the spirit filling each eager heart
to carry the savior’s call
Out into the world
hungry for the word
Seeking peace in other gods
needing the truth of Christ
The savior’s path, the way of the cross
loving our neighbors instead
this is the way of peace
of love to lead us home
November 5, 2009 and November 6, 2009
Annual Church Conference
moderated by Reverend John Blackadar
& John 20:19-22
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
November 5, 2009
Labels: Christ, christian poems, christian poetry, church, cross, disciples, Faith, God, Holy Spirit, John 20, John Blackadar, love, Methodist, NEUMC, New Hampshire, Pembroke NH, poem, poetry, Poetry Where You Live, praise poems, praise poetry, Raymond A. Foss, Suncook NH, Suncook United Methodist Church, United Methodist
When We Find Our Voice
when we feel the master’s call
the spirit being the one
who gives us words to share
A willing vessel let me be
open to the savior’s breath
fill me with your spirit Lord,
let me do your will
Going where I am led
to share your loving word
a message of hope for the world
in your grace, your sacrifice
your promise fulfilled on Easter day
Going to the ends of the earth
a world to be made whole
telling all the world
in him we may see the love of God
as scripture had foretold
November 5, 2009 and November 6, 2009
Annual Church Conference
moderated by Reverend John Blackadar
& John 20:19-22
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
November 5, 2009
Labels: Christ, christian poems, christian poetry, church, Faith, God, Holy Spirit, John 20, John Blackadar, love, Methodist, NEUMC, New Hampshire, Pembroke NH, poem, poetry, Poetry Where You Live, praise poems, praise poetry, Raymond A. Foss, sacrifice, Suncook NH, Suncook United Methodist Church, United Methodist, voice
© Raymond A. Foss 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009. All rights reserved.
Written about and in New Hampshire
All of the poetry presented on the site and its archives were written by me. If you want to use them, please contact me at:
Ray Foss
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