weekly letter

September 26, 2007

 

Greetings to all!

 

Sometimes we act in unloving ways toward our neighbors.  Sometimes we act in unloving ways toward ourselves.  Joyce Rupp reflects on the commandment "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."

 

     The royal law of loving others as ourselves is quite a challenge.  First of all, it requires us to love ourselves well.  I meet many, many adults who struggle with their self-worth.  If they make mistakes, they call themselves "stupid."  If they don't match up to what people think is the right physical size, shape or color, they consider themselves "ugly." If they say the wrong thing or lack some social skill, they abuse themselves verbally and feel guilty or ashamed. 

    St. Teresa of Avila developed a prayer that I find very helpful in gaining self-esteem.  Sit in a chair and imagine Jesus looking upon you with great love.  That's it.  Just sit there and be loved.  This is not easy at first, but gradually, day after day, it becomes less difficult and more acceptable.  As we learn to love ourselves more, we will find that it is much easier to love others in a non-judgmental way as well.

(from Inviting God In)

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, September 30:

     Jeremiah 32:1-15

     1 Timothy 6:6-19

     Luke 16:19-31

 

Men's Coffee - Men are invited to gather for coffee this Saturday, September 29, 8am, at Paneras on Richmond Road.  Feel free to stop by for as long or short a time as your schedule allows.  No rsvp required.

 

Exploring Ecumenism:  This Sunday, September 30, 10am, we continue our series of three Sundays exploring "ecumenism" at Walnut Hill and beyond.  Session titles for this Sunday include...

     ...for children -  Jesus Loves the Little Children -In this beloved story Jesus makes it clear: children are always welcome.  Jesus proclaimed that everyone must have faith like that of a child to enter the Kingdom of God.  When Jesus blessed the children, what did he do? How can we be a blessing to all God's children.

    ...for adults and youth - Walnut Hill - an Ecumenical Church - So goes the Preamble to Walnut Hill's Constitution and By-laws, but what does it mean? We will explore Walnut Hill as an example of local ecumenism.

 

Hospitality - Volunteers are needed to host/co-host refreshments for Sundays this fall, including this Sunday, September 30.  Please let us know by reply email if you would like to host/co-host this Sunday's refreshments or check the sign-up sheet in the sanctuary foyer for a Sunday later in the season.

 

Looks like everyone is going out to dinner next week:

     *Tuesday, Oct 2 - "Just Dinner" for youth.  Contact Lauren Fouts (863-5823) for details and to rsvp.

     *Wednesday, Oct 3 - "Women's Dinner" , 5:30pm, at Jo-Beth Booksellers Cafe. Speaker: Judge Pamela Goodwine. Contact Linda Talbott Barnes (255-9389) for details and to rsvp.

     *Thursday, Oct 4 - "Men's Dinner" , 6:00pm, at Jo-Beth Booksellers Cafe.  Speaker: Senator Ernesto Scorsone.  Contact Gene Brockopp (268-2045) for details and to rsvp.

 

Thanks, news, etc...

     *Walnut Hill member Richard Bean departed this life on Wednesday, September 19.  Services for Dick were held in the Walnut Hill Cemetery on Saturday, September 22.

     *Thanks to...Jim and Nancy Graves for hosting our after worship refreshments last Sunday; the Hilliard family for hosting the youth on Sunday afternoon.

     *Congratulations to Megan Smith for her participation as a member of the flag corps of the state champion Lafayette High School Marching Band!

 

Peace to all.

 

Mike Ward

weekly letter

September 19, 2007

 

Greetings to all!

 

We are soon to pass through the autumnal equinox, one of two days in the year when light and darkness balance each other.  With the autumnal equinox, darkness becomes dominant for a few months, until the vernal equinox when daylight will have its turn again.  It is an eternal struggle, or perhaps an eternal dance.  Only occasionally do we notice the progression from light, to darkness, to light...yet, it governs our lives perhaps more than we know. Consider the following:

 

     Happily, our home is a planet where the days begin to grow longer in the northern hemisphere just as Christmas arrives.  Six months later, they start growing shorter again. Spring comes to every clime, however different it may appear in Norway, New Zealand, and Ecuador, and so does autumn.  Human beings respond by elaborating on nature's turnings: in every age and place, we develop seasonal rhythms of planting and reaping, of fasting and feasting, of letting go and starting afresh.  These rhythms run through the days and the weeks, stitching them together until they come full circle over the course of a year.

     Within the rhythms that encircle a year lived in Christian faith, season also follows season.  The natural tilts and turns of the northern hemisphere, where the Christian seasons of faith originated, set the stage:  Easter follows the vernal equinox, Christmas the winter solstice.  But the larger motions that govern these seasons belong to the story of God - a story in which nature is present but one that nature does not write.  Amazingly, even though this story began before time itself and reaches beyond the end of time, it is a story that has room in its narrative for each individual who encounters it in the present day.  Within the Christian practice of living through the year, the gift of time becomes a means of entry into this story, a mysterious opening into participation in the life of God.

(from Receiving the Day, by Dorothy C. Bass)

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, September 23:

     Jeremiah 8:18 - 9:1

     1 Timothy 2:1-7

     Luke 16:1-13

 

Exploring Ecumenism:  This Sunday, September 23, 10am, we begin a series of three Sundays exploring "ecumenism" at Walnut Hill and beyond.  We hope to deepen our appreciation and understanding of Walnut Hill's ecumenical identity.  Explorations will be available for children, youth and adults.  Session titles for this Sunday include...

     ...for children -  Mary, Mary Quite Contrary - Today's children lead busy lives.  The story of Mary and Martha reveals the importance of making time and space in our lives for Jesus.  Why did Mary take time to listen to Jesus?  What did Jesus want Martha (and us) to know?

    ...for adults and youth - A History of the Ecumenical Movement - We will explore the history of ecumenism, particularly from the mid 20th century forward.  We will discover successes, set backs, and a large amount of change along the way.

 

Youth Meeting - Walnut Hill youth (middle school and high school) are invited to gather on Sunday afternoon, September 23 after worship for a "So Long to Summer Party".   The Hilliards will be hosting the gathering at their home.  Bring your swimsuit.  Contact Lauren Fouts (863-5823) for more information and to rsvp.

 

Women's Dinner - Walnut Hill women are invited to dinner on Wednesday, October 3, 5:30pm, at Joseph Beth Booksellers Cafe.  Our special guest for the evening will be Circuit Court Judge Pamela Goodwine.  Contact Linda Talbott Barnes (255-9389) for more information and to rsvp.

 

Men's Dinner - Walnut Hill men are invited to dinner on Thursday, October 4, 6:00pm, at Joseph Beth Booksellers Cafe.  Our special guest for the evening will be State Senator Ernesto Scorsone.  Contact Gene Brockopp (268-2045) for more information and to rsvp.

 

Thanks, news, etc...

     *Thanks to...Shelby Hilliard for her assistance during the worship service last Sunday; Nell Horman and Derek Vaughan for working with the children and youth last Sunday.  Thanks to all those who contributed to an abundant and festive fall potluck with special appreciation to Mary Lee Snyder, Danae Spencer, Ruth Sharrard, Barbara Waldmann-Ward, Lee and Jim Tucker.

     *Ruth and David Sharrard, Mike and Barb Ward represented Walnut Hill at the CROP Walk last Sunday.  Thanks to Community Fund sponsorship and several special donations, Walnut Hill is sending $340 to support hunger relief locally and around the world.

     *Speaking of walks, the Nathaniel Mission's March for the Mission is scheduled for this Saturday, September 22, at Jacobson Park.  Contact the Mission (255-0062) for more information.

     *Copies of the 2007-2008 Women's Guild study book, Ten Gospel Promises for Later Life, are available in the foyer of the sanctuary.

 

Peace to all.

 

Mike Ward

Walnut Hill Church News

Walnut Hill Church

 

Fall Potluck Dinner

Sunday, September 16, after worship

 

Bring a salad, side dish, or dessert.

 

Don't miss this delicious Walnut Hill tradition!

weekly letter

September 12, 2007

 

Greetings to all!

 

    This week is an important one for our neighbors of Jewish and Muslim traditions.  On the Jewish calendar, September 13-14 is Rosh Hashanah (the New Year) leading to Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement, September 22), then followed closely by Sukkot (September 27 - October 3).  On the Muslim calendar, September 13 marks the beginning of Ramadan (a month of fasting) that extends through October 12.   All around us, locally and globally, neighbors will celebrating seasons with important meaning for their lives and communities.  Let us be mindful of our neighbors, wishing them meaningful celebrations and joyful gatherings with family and friends.   Perhaps the following the following prayer might guide our reflection and practice in these days:

Eternal God,

you are the one God worshiped by all,

by many names, through many practices.

In this convergence of holy seasons,

give us grace to hear your truth

through the instructions of Moses, the lawgiver,

and in the teachings of Mohammed, the prophet,

and to show your love as disciples of Jesus Christ,

that Christians, Muslims, and Jews together

may serve you in faith and friendship.

  Amen.

(adapted from the Book of Common Worship)

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, September 16:

      Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28

     1 Timothy 1:12-17

      Luke 15:1-10

 

Men's Coffee:  Walnut Hill men are invited to gather for coffee this Saturday, September 15, 8am, at Paneras on Richmond Road.  Feel free to stop by for as long or short a time as your schedule permits.

 

Sunday Conversation around the Scripture lessons for the day (see above) continues this Sunday, 10am, in Trinity Hall. Stop in to join the conversation or simply to listen in.

 

FALL POTLUCK: This Sunday, September 16, is our fall Potluck Picnic immediately after worship in Trinity Hall.  Bring a salad, side dish, or dessert.  Meat and beverages will be provided.  Don't miss this delicious Walnut Hill tradition.

 

The 2007 Lexington CROP Walk to benefit hunger relief is scheduled for Sunday, September 16, 2:30pm through downtown Lexington.  This event is open to all ages.  Contact Mike Ward for more information and to register.

 

In the Community:  Joseph Beth Booksellers and The Interfaith Alliance of the Bluegrass are co-sponsoring an evening with Rabbi Harold Kushner on Tuesday, September 18, 7pm, at Joseph Beth Booksellers (Lexington Green Mall).  Rabbi Kushner will be discussing and signing copies of his book, Overcoming Life's Disappointments.  Tickets (free) are required for this event.  Contact Joseph Beth Booksellers for ticket information.

 

Thanks, news, etc....

     *Thanks to...Jerry Ristau and Mark Horman for their assistance during morning worship last Sunday; Nell Horman and Derek Vaughan for their work with children and youth last Sunday; Barb Waldmann-Ward for trimming and other grounds work last week; Marian Congleton for hosting the Women's Guild on Monday.

     *"Ecumenical Sunday" is coming on October 7.  Make plans to join us for this celebration of Walnut Hill's life and mission as an ecumenical congregation.

 

Peace to all.

 

Mike Ward

weekly letter

September 5, 2007

 

Greetings to all!

 

September often signals the resumption of activities and commitments that are suspended during the summer.  Things seem to become busier, our time more committed, maybe over committed.  As we enter into the busy season, we might benefit from some advice on how to retain inner peace.

 

     Living in the present brings the one thing most people spend their lives striving to achieve: peace.  Relaxing into the present moment puts you in the mental and physical state of calm, quiet, and tranquility and finally gets us off the here-but-gotta-get-there treadmill.  If you are in the moment doing whatever you are doing, then there is no time to examine the gap between your expectation and the reality of how things are, or between where you are and where you think you should be...Many of us race through our lives, always on our way somewhere.  If you ask ten drivers on their morning commute what they are doing, nine of them will most likely respond, "going to work."  The tenth one - the one who responds, "driving my car" - is the one who has learned the lesson of present moment peace.  Chances are he does not arrive at work any later than the other nine who spent their commute focused on where they were headed as opposed to where they were.  He probably even enjoyed the ride.

(from If Life is a Game, These are the Rules, by Cherie Carter-Scott)

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, September 9:

     Jeremiah 18:1-11

     Philemon 1-21

     Luke 14:25-33

 

Sunday Conversations regarding the lessons for the day (see above) continue this Sunday, 10am, in Trinity Hall.

 

Parents' Meeting:  Parents of children (nursery age through high school) are asked to attend a brief meeting after worship this Sunday, September 9.  Lauren Fouts will be presenting information regarding 2007-2008 Sunday School and youth activities.

 

Women's Guild:  The Walnut Hill Women's Guild will gather on Monday, September 10, 1:30pm, at the home of Marian Congleton (1373 Delong Circle).   This year's study will focus on the book, 10 Gospel Promises for Later Life, by Jane Marie Thibault. All Walnut Hill women are invited to attend this gathering for fellowship and study.

 

Youth:  Walnut Hill Youth (middle school and high school) are invited to "Just Dinner" next Tuesday, September 11.  This is a great opportunity for an evening out with church friends.  Contact Lauren Fouts (laurenfouts@bellsouth.net or 863-5823) to rsvp.

 

Fall Potluck: The annual fall potluck is coming up on Sunday, September 16, after morning worship.  Mark the date on your calendar.  Some help is needed with set-up and clean-up.  Contact the church office if you would be willing to help. 

 

In the Community:  The 2007 Lexington CROP Walk to benefit hunger relief is scheduled for Sunday, September 16, 2:30pm.  This event is open to all ages.  Contact Mike Ward for more information.

 

Thanks, news, etc...

     *Thanks to... David and Ruth Sharrard, Phil Bloomfield, and the Walnut Hill Choir for their assistance and leadership at worship last Sunday; Kim DeCamp for assisting with our refreshments last Sunday; many folks for their good 50th birthday wishes to yours truly including a delicious birthday cake courtesy of Marian Congleton. 

     *Check the sanctuary foyer this week for printing samples being proposed for the new Walnut Hill worship book.  We would like your input regarding appearance, legibility, etc.

     *Hosts are need for our after worship refreshments this Sunday, September 16.  Use reply email to let us know if you would like to host (co-host) our refreshments this Sunday.

   

Peace to all.

 

Mike Ward