weekly letter

October 24, 2007

 

Greetings to all!

 

This Sunday, October 28, is Reformation Sunday, observed in many Protestant traditions, recalling those times, people, and events that led to so much change in the ecclesiastical, political, and cultural landscape of Europe and beyond.  In honor of that day, it seems appropriate to consider some words from Martin Luther as he describes the occasion of his discovery of God's grace in the midst of studying Paul's letter to the Romans.

 

     At last, by the mercy of God, meditating day and night, I gave heed to the context of the words, namely, "In it the righteousness of God is revealed, as it is written, 'He who through faith is righteous shall live.'" There I began to understand that the righteousness of God is that by which the righteous lives by a gift of God, namely by faith.  And this is the meaning: the righteousness of God is revealed by the gospel, namely, the passive righteousness with which the merciful God justifies us by faith...Here I felt I was altogether born again and had entered paradise itself through open gates.  There a totally new face of the entire Scripture showed itself to me.

(as found in A History of Christian Thought, Volume III)

 

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, October 28:

     Joel 2:23-32

     2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18

     Luke 18:9-14

 

Men's Coffee: Walnut Hill men are invited to gather for coffee on Saturday morning, October 27, 8am, at Paneras on Richmond Road.  Feel free to stop by for as long or short a time as your schedule permits.  No rsvp required.

 

Children's Choir:  This Sunday, October 28, 10am, Nell Horman resumes her music work with the Walnut Hill children.  Children and youth are invited to take part in these Sunday morning music times leading toward a Christmas presentation in December.  Look for Nell on Sunday in the Children's Chapel (weather permitting) or in the upstairs office of Trinity Hall. For more information, contact Nell (273-1021).

 

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, October 28, 10am, in Trinity Hall.  This week we will focus on Reformation Sunday, discussing some of the words of the early reformers.  Feel free to stop in for a cup of coffee, to share an idea or question, or just to listen.

 

Hospitality Opportunity - A host(s) is needed for our after worship refreshments this Sunday, October 28.  Use reply email or contact the church office (263-5304) to volunteer.

 

Nathaniel Mission Partnership - For the last several years Walnut Hill has supported the Nathaniel Mission Community Thanksgiving Dinner by providing the "dressing" (a.k.a. "stuffing") for the meal (300 servings, approximately 10 large baking pans).  By arrangement with Critchfield's the dressing will cost $18 per pan.  Contact Lee Tucker to sponsor a pan.

 

Men's Dinner - Arrangements for the next Men's Dinner have been set as follows:  Tuesday, November 13, 6pm, at Buddy's on High Street.  The speaker will be Dr. Rick Lowery, Interim Dean of Students at Lexington Theological Seminary.  His topic for the evening, "Still Brewing in Kentucky, Sacrifice in the Old Testament, and Conflict Resolution."  Contact Gene Brockopp for more information.

 

Thanks, news, etc...

     *Thanks to...Beth, Oggie, Shelby, and Dougie Hilliard and Joanne Hilliard for providing our refreshments last Sunday.

     *Lee Sturtevant was introduced to the congregation last Sunday as a new member of Walnut Hill Church.

 

Peace to all.

 

Mike Ward