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
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