Saturday, November 30, 2013

Jessie – v3



You were my first love
besides my own mother
Gone when I was thirteen
On May Day, your day
favorite of the whole year.

Your smiling face and the
Warble in your gentle voice
Still ring in my memory.
Those thick glasses
With seemingly brittle wire frames.
My little hand in yours.

Flowers in the many beds of your garden,
Silver dollar plants and orange lanterns
Beside and on the front porch.
Morning Glories climbing the twine and up the back
Of the house, below your kitchen window
Drenched in sunlight.
Violets in the dining room
Fragrance and beautiful color and form
An April violet created for me.

The sights and smells of your small enameled kitchen
The flour sifter and kitchen scale
From your father’s bakery on the cabinet
Encrusted with decades of flour and love
Cookies made for family and shut-ins.
The Cookie Lady article yellowed and on the wall
Below the kitchen clock
How proud I was to hear the story
How happy I was to taste the confections myself
Especially at Christmas-time

Saturday night beans and brown bread
At the dining room table
Formal but familial
Staying over with you and Grampa
Sharing Ritz and milk
The wonder of my father’s room
As you showed me the pulley system
He created over his bed
To turn on and off the light suspended from the
Ceiling in the middle of the room.
Bellows by the fireplace
our family still has
The thick carpet on the stairs
The landings for the toy soldiers
And other creatures we played with
The mystery of the second floor porch and the stairs
To the attic above
The clawed feet of the bathtub
The family pictures on your bureau
The warmth of your love.

How proud I was to be one of your pallbearers
The first and greatest loved one I ever lost.
Back ramrod straight as I sat in my chair
Waiting for the cue to walk beside you one last time
Hearing the loving words from the pulpit
From your minister, your friend.
A moment of peace, of knowing you were loved
And you were with the Lord already.

How I hated Him for taking you
how I cursed God for this
So mad to lose you just as I wanted to know you more
Just as I could have been more
Clumsily, finding my way without you still
in a darker world.

I wished we could have talked about the desk,
Your father’s desk that you gave me
Did you know about the history of this gift?
That it was from that ship?
Did you know why he had it?
I wish I knew more.

Cookie Lady I miss you.


Edited November 30, 2013
“Jessie – v3”
(editing original again)
May 12, 2013
Edited for Mother’s Day worship service
“Jessie – v2”
written 5/2/2001, posted to blog 2/12/2004
“Jessie”
&
Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
Suncook, NH
May 12, 2013
Mother’s Day

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 26,770+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

God’s deliverance

our sorrow into joy
weeping for a time
rising in God’s comfort
God’s deliverance
from our sorrow
from our times of trial
not in the past
but in our here and now


March 2, 2012
God’s deliverance
Psalm 22:23-26
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
February 27, 2012 to March, 2012,
“Movement toward Covenant”
by John Indermark
scripture and meditation for March 1, 2012
read March 1, 2012

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 26,770+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Living in Sabbath Time – v2

Our whole days,
in every moment
living in sabbath time
Conscious of God’s presence
and of God’s provision
All that has been created,
all that we need
beyond our imagination
already made, available
Spending time in his creation
feeling God’s grace
the outpouring of His love
time with our family
worshiping the Lord


edited February 25, 2012
Living in Sabbath Time – v2
changing the spelling from “worshipped” to “worshiped”,
because Blogger and Twitter said “worshipped” is a misspelling.
&
September 27, 2009
Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23
Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-9
Psalm 46:1-3 (Call to Worship)
& sermon, “Whose Rule Is It?”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
9/27/09
and
Exodus 20:8-11 (Ten Commandments: Sabbath)

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 26,770+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Our rebirth

Our rebirth
from the waters
the baptism of fire
walking differently, with him
filled by the Spirit of Christ
Our rebirth
transformation
filled with the gift of the Spirit
a fire kindled within us
wanting to burn out of control
wanting us to serve joyfully
where God would send us
going with a blessing
out into the world


January 11, 2012
Our rebirth
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
sermon blog
meditation blog
Suncook United Methodist Church
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, 2013. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 26,770
 of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

a loving shepherd

Christ cares for us
watching over us
a loving shepherd
the owner, the son of God
not a stranger, a hired hand
a shepherd who truly loves us
held within his arms


November 30, 2013
Christ the King Sunday
6th and final service of Fall Sermon Series:
 “Shepherd Us O God”
Psalm 23:6 King James Version
Jeremiah 29:11 Common English Bible
2 Timothy 4:7-8 Common English Bible
John 14:1-3 Common English Bible
“Shepherd Me O God” by Marty Haugen
Psalm 23
Prayer of Thanksgiving
“For this prayer”
by Raymond Foss
children’s sermon
“we get to live with God for eternity”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
and sermon “From Here To Eternity
by Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
November 24, 2013
&
November 23, 2013
Sermon 5 of Fall Series
“Shepherd Us O God”
Psalm 23:5 King James Version
Psalm 144:15 The Message Bible
Psalm 68:3-4 The Message Bible
1 Chronicles 16:30-33 The Message Bible
“Shepherd Me O God” by Marty Haugen
5th service of Fall Sermon Series:
Psalm 23
Prayer of Thanksgiving
“We come to worship You”
by Raymond Foss
children’s sermon
by Pastor Ruth Foss
and sermon “Oh Happy Day
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
November 17, 2013
&
Sermon 4 of Fall Series
“Shepherd Us O God”
Deuteronomy 7:9 MSG
Numbers 23:19
Psalm 23:4 King James Version
Psalm 139:23-24 King James Version
 “Shepherd Me O God” by Marty Haugen
4th service of Fall Sermon Series:
Psalm 23
children’s sermon
When you are afraid and need something to hold onto,
hold onto Jesus, hold onto God.
by Pastor Ruth Foss
and sermon “Just A Prayer Away”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
November 10, 2013
&
Sermon 3 of Fall Series
“Shepherd Us O God”
Psalm 23:3 (King James Version)
James 3:18 (Common English Bible)
Psalm 31:24 (Amplified Bible)
Isaiah 40:29 (Amplified Bible)
Psalm 32:8 (Amplified Bible)
“Shepherd Me O God” by Marty Haugen
3rd service of Fall Sermon Series:
Psalm 23
Lord’s Prayer
All Saints Sunday
Communion
children’s sermon
by Pastor Ruth Foss
and sermon “Strength For The Day”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
November 3, 2013
&
Sermon 2 of Fall Series
“Shepherd Us O God”
Psalm 23:1-2 (King James Version)
James 3:18 (Common English Bible)
2 Samuel 22:3 (New Living Translation)
Proverbs 14:30 (New International Version)
Psalm 121:8 (King James Version)
“Shepherd Me O God” by Marty Haugen
2st service of Fall Sermon Series:
Psalm 23
Lord’s Prayer
Offertory – “I Stand In Awe”
children’s message
“listen to the right voices, listen to God’s Word”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
and sermon “Safe and Sound”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
October 27, 2013
&
1st service of Fall Sermon Series:
“Shepherd Us O God”
John 10:11-18 (The Message)
John 10:1-10 (The Message)
John 10:1-18 (The Message)
Psalm 23
Lord’s Prayer
children’s message
follow the bible
by Pastor Ruth Foss
and sermon “The Good Shepherd
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
October 20, 2013

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 26,770+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

the stain of his blood – v3

the stain of his blood
upon our hands
his life in our mouths
his body, the wine, the juice
the stain remembered
our sin upon him
his life pouring out

God offered, a sacrifice
the stain of his blood
his life poured out
painted on hearts
to protect and save us
that death would pass over
all of us to paradise


Edited November 30, 2013
the stain of his blood – v3
Edited November 28, 2013
the stain of his blood – v2
September 1, 2013
the stain of his blood
Worship Theme: “Fellowship”
John 15:11-17 (The Message)
1 John 4:7-12 (The Message)
“God is Love”
Ecclesiastes 4:9-11
children’s message
Love them anyway
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Communion
and sermon “The Love Zone. . . ”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
Sermon 7 of Summer Series
“Cruising Sacred Waters with Jesus”
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
September 1, 2013
&
Worship Theme: “Worship”
Luke 4:5-8 (The Message)
    (extract of Luke 4:1-13)
Matthew 22:34-37 (New Living Translation)
    (extract of 22:34-40)
John 4:19-24 (The Message)
    (extract of John 4:1-42)
children’s message
how to make good decisions
by Pastor Ruth Foss
and sermon “Worship. .  . It Does A Body Good”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Sermon 6 of Summer Series
“Cruising Sacred Waters with Jesus”
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
August 25, 2013
&
Worship Theme: “Do We Make Room for God . . .?”
Ephesians 2:11-22 (CEB)
“The reconciliation of God’s people” (CEB)
“One in Christ” (NIV)
2 Samuel 7:1-7 (NLT)
Mark 6:30-44, 53-56 (CEB)
“Jesus feeds five thousand people” (CEB)
 “Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand” (NIV)
children’s message
by Pastor Ruth Foss
and sermon “Make Room for Yahweh”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Sermon 5 of Summer Series
“Cruising Sacred Waters with Jesus”
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
August 18, 2013
&
Prayer Vigil at the Park
after worship service
7/28/2013
&
Theme: “Do We Worship Only on Sunday?”
Worship song – “I Sing Praises”
Ephesians 1:3-14 (Gods Word Translation)
Ephesians 1:3-14 (The Message)
Acts 2:38-47 (New Revised Standard Version)
children’s message
sharing our joy
by Pastor Ruth Foss
and sermon “Live Your Worship Out Loud!”
“Shout It From the Mountaintops”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Sermon 4 of Summer Series
“Cruising Sacred Waters with Jesus”
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
July 28, 2013
&
Theme: “Can we see the big picture”
“Big Picture Followers”
1 Corinthians 13:9-12 (GOD’S WORD translation)
Mark 6:1-6 (The Message)
“Just a Carpenter”
Mark 6:1-6 (NRSV)
“Jesus Rejected in Nazareth”
children’s message
sometimes our vision is foggy
by Pastor Ruth Foss
and sermon “Seeing More Clearly. . . ”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Sermon 3 of Summer Series
“Cruising Sacred Waters with Jesus”
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
July 21, 2013
&
Luke 7:36-47 (The Message)
Mark 5:21-34 (GOD’S WORD Translation)
Matthew 13:44-46
children’s message
We are precious to God
by Pastor Ruth Foss
and sermon “How much does Jesus really matter?”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Sermon 2 of Summer Series
“Cruising Sacred Waters with Jesus”
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
July 14, 2013
&
Mark 4:35-41 (The Message)
Luke 4:16-21 (Common English Bible)
Matthew 14:22-33
children’s message
We are not alone
by Pastor Ruth Foss
and sermon “Who Is this Captain”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Sermon 1 of Summer Series
“Cruising Sacred Waters with Jesus”
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
July 7, 2013

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 26,770+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Mending what is Broken – v7

To regain the mantle
the name of the living God
redeeming what is lost
coming back to Him
to the Father, the Prodigals
our spirit, our purpose
renewing us in love
rising up together

Mending what is broken
the divide between us
tearing down the walls
the barriers between us
coming back to God, the Prodigals
gathering our people in
none to be seen as lost
all are children of God


Edited November 30, 2013
Mending what is Broken – v7
(editing version 2)
Mending what is Broken – v6
(editing version 4)
Edited September 13, 2013
Mending what is Broken – v4
(editing original again)
Edited September 13, 2013
Mending what is Broken – v3
(editing original again)
Edited August 28, 2013
Mending what is Broken – v2
June 13, 2011
Mending what is Broken
John 8
&
Samuel Thompson’s
Inclusion Essay
shared at the New England United Methodist Church
Annual Conference
in response to call by Reconciling Ministries Network
for essays describing, “My vision for an inclusive church”,
June 10, 2011
&
Love on Trial,
the case against the Reverend Amy DeLong,
which begins on June 20, 2011
&
in part inspired by conversations with
the Reverend John Makokha
Riruta UMC
Children of Africa Hope Mission Project in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya. http://rirutaumc.homestead.com/children_of_africa.html
&
Matthew 25:31-46
The Sheep and the Goats
&
Matthew 28:18-20
Great Commission

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 26,770+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.