weekly letter

November 7, 2007

 

Greetings to all!

 

November 11 is traditional Veterans Day (formerly Armistice Day), which will be observed this year on Monday, November 12.  Veterans Day is an occasion to remember with appreciation the service provided by thousands of men and women in wartime and peace.  In his book, The Greatest Generation Speaks, Tom Brokaw includes a moment of appreciation experienced by a World War 2 veteran, Harold W. Duket.

 

     I am 76 years old, a veteran of the European Theatre of Operations...This past week ago Monday my wife and I attended the Memorial Day services at a small town in Wisconsin.  As was my custom I wore my Eisenhower jacket (which I can get on but can't button) with my T5 rating on the sleeve along with 4 gold stripes for two years overseas and the few ribbons I picked up along the way and my overseas cap.  I stood at the right times and saluted at the right times.  As we got up to leave, an army officer from the Vietnam conflict who had been on the band shell as one of the speakers came up to me and said: "I saw you in your uniform and I just wanted to say thank you." It was later on that day when I realized he hadn't said, "Thank you for coming to the ceremonies" or "Thank you for being here."  He just said, "Thank you."  As I approach the 55th anniversary of my going ashore in France, I must say this is the first time anyone ever said thank you for what we assumed was just our duty and obligation.

 

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, November 11:

     Haggai 1:5 - 2:9

     2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17

     Luke 20:27-38

 

Men's Coffee:  Walnut Hill men are invited to gather for coffee this Saturday, November 10, 8am, at Paneras (Richmond Road).  Feel free to stop in for as long or short a time as your schedule allows.  No rsvp required.

 

Sunday Conversations concerning the Scripture lessons for the day (see above) continue this Sunday, 10am, in Trinity Hall.  Feel free to drop in and join the conversation, enjoy a cup of coffee, or just listen in.

 

Children's Choir:  This Sunday, November 11, 10am, Nell Horman continues 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 upstairs office of Trinity Hall. For more information, contact Nell.

 

The Women's Guild will meet on Monday, November 12, 1:30pm, at the home of Ruth Sharrard.  The Guild will continue its study of Ten Gospel Promises for Later Life, this month focusing on "Powerlessness is Powerful."  All Walnut Hill women are invited to attend.  Contact Lee Tucker or Ruth Sharrard for more details.

 

Men's Dinner:   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."  To rsvp, contact Gene Brockopp or use the sign-up sheet in the sanctuary.

 

In the Community:  "Is America's First Freedom Under Siege" is the title of a program on Monday, November 12, 7pm, at Joseph Beth Booksellers. Presenters will include the Rev. Oliver Thomas who will present remarks, "Erosion and Attack:  Our Constitution at Risk," as well as several other panelists. The program is sponsored by The Interfaith Alliance Foundation, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, and The Interfaith Alliance of the Bluegrass.

 

Thanks, news, etc...

     *Thanks to...Nell Horman and Amy Trail for their work with the children; the choir, Linda and Nelson Barnes, Phil Bloomfield, Lisa Smith, and Ron Johnston for their leadership during worship; David Sharrard for leading our Sunday Conversation; Karen, Jerry and William Ristau and Lauren Fouts for our after worship refreshments last Sunday.

     *The Vestry invites your recommendations of persons to serve on the Vestry, Class of 2010.  The Vestry will consider all persons recommended, from which two persons will be nominated for election by the congregation on December 9.  Contact Linda Talbott Barnes with any suggestions you might have.

 

Peace to all.

 

Mike Ward