Fasting - Poem by Raymond A. Foss

Fasting, self-denial
giving up distractions
things of this world
getting in the way

Time freed from things
to do’s and eating
spending time instead
sitting with our Father

Our lives changed
if we conform to this season
letting Lent wrap around us
warm in the embrace of God

Giving up little things
to gather at his feet
to feel the saints with us
offering so much to teach

Listening in these moments
reclaimed from other things
in fasting and self-denial
drawing closer to God

March 10, 2011
Joel 2:12-17a
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
John 20:11-18
(“In the Garden”, United Methodist Hymnal, #314)
Prelude
Call to Worship
Prayer for Peace
Communion
Distribution of Ashes
and Ash Wednesday Meditation
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
March 9, 2011
Ash Wednesday
http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?ptid=16&mid=6710
article, “When did United Methodists start the "imposition of ashes" on Ash Wednesday?”
Season of Lent
&
Facebook message
by Barack Obama
March 9, 2011
http://www.facebook.com/#!/barackobama/
“Michelle and I join with millions of Christians
here and across the world to mark Ash Wednesday.
As we observe the season of Lent, we receive
with thanksgiving this opportunity for grace and repentance,
recommit ourselves to our faith, and
remember our obligations to one another.”
http://www.facebook.com/#!/barackobama/posts/10150107573326749

Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.