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
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