weekly letter

December 26, 2007

 

Merry Christmas to all!

 

Christmas does not end, but rather begins, on December 25.  Joyce Rupp guides us in our ongoing Christmas observance as she reflects on Isaiah's words, "How beautiful upon the mountain are the feet of the messenger who...brings good news." (Isaiah 52:7)

 

     It is Christmas!  It is the most wondrous feast, the birth of the One who came to show us a God of love.  How beautiful are the feet of those who walk the extra step across a room to greet someone with whom they have had differences.  How beautiful are the feet of those who step beyond the material gifts and appreciate the heart of the giver.  How beautiful are the feet of those who move about in the kitchen making the special foods and serving the guests who gather.  How beautiful are the feet of those who not only go to church services but who also fully participate by greeting others joyfully, praying and singing heartily.  How beautiful are the feet of those who walk into homeless shelters or places with little comfort to bring some of their own abundance.  Yes, how beautiful are all those feet who walk with glad tidings these days, with the intention of love in their hearts, for they are living the message of the One who came so long ago.  The Christ of abundant love, born some two thousand years ago, lives on in us.  As our feet take us near and far, let us continue to be the Christ to one another.

(adapted from Inviting God In)

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, December 30, the First Sunday of Christmastide:

     Isaiah 63:7-9

     Hebrews 2:10-18

     Matthew 2:13-23

 

Sunday Schedule:  Morning Worship will be at its usual 11:00am time on Sunday, December 30.  The nursery will be staffed for infants and toddlers.  "Sunday Conversations" and "Sunday School" will be dismissed for the day.

 

Holiday Season Thanks! Thanks to all who have made this holiday season a good one at Walnut Hill including writers for the Advent Booklet, potluck dinner and party hosts, refreshment providers, children's music and pageant leaders, children and youth program participants, "Giving Tree" donors and deliverers, musicians and choir members, Christmas Eve worshipers, sanctuary decorators, poinsettia sponsors, and many others.  Thanks to all who have helped Walnut Hill Church "keep Christmas well!"

 

Our condolences and prayers are with Lauren Fouts and her family on the occasion of the death of Lauren's mother, Betty Shenk, on December 20. 

 

Athens-Chilesburg Elementary 5th Graders are once again planning a trip to Washington D.C.  Fifteen (15) children need sponsorship support in order to participate.  The cost of the trip is $465 per student.  We are currently accepting donations in any amount toward the sponsorship of these fifteen children.  Make your check payable to Walnut Hill Church (designated "ACE Trip") and place it in the Sunday offering box or mail it to the church.  Contact Natalie Brown or the church office for more information regarding this project.

 

Happy New Year to all!

 

Mike Ward

weekly letter

December 19, 2007

 

Greetings to all!

 

The 20th century theologian, Karl Barth, often preached at the prison in Basel, Switzerland.  In one of his Christmas sermons (1954), Barth reflects on the angels' song to the shepherds (Luke 2:13-14) and what it means to participate in the Christmas story.

 

     This, then, is the Christmas story.  You see, we cannot possibly hear this story and not look away from ourselves, from our own life with its cares and burdens.  There he is, our great God and Savior, and here we are, human beings, and now it is true that he is for me, is for us.  Impossible to hear his story without hearing our own.  It is the great transformation that has been worked in us once and for all, the great joy it has released in us, and the great calling we have received to set out on the way he shows us.  What shall we do now?  Shall we continue in our old ways, in absentmindedness, in disbelief, perhaps in some lofty Christian sentiments?  Or shall we awake and rise, set out on our journey and turn about?  The angel of the Lord does not compel anybody.  Even less can I compel! A forced listening to the Christmas story, a forced participation in the story, is of no avail.  We must willingly listen and willingly participate...Our place is not among the angels; we live here on earth, in this city, in this house.  Yet when we hear about this song of praise and when we realize that God did not send one angel alone, but that the multitude of the heavenly host was present with their song of praise, might we not be carried away just as we fall in step when a good band plays or unconsciously hum or whistle a well-known tune that falls on our ears?  That would be it! Then we would freely listen to and freely participate in the Christmas story.

(from Deliverance to the Captives)

 

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, December 23, the 4th Sunday of Advent:

     Isaiah 7:10-16

     Romans 1:1-7

     Matthew 1:18-25

 

Youth Christmas Party - Walnut Hill Youth (middle and high school) are invited to a Christmas Party on Thursday, December 20, 6 - 8 pm, at the Wards' (341 Albany Road).  We will enjoy a chili supper, a random gift exchange, and some vintage Christmas videos.  Those attending are asked to bring a fun gift (under $10) for the gift exchange as well as some house cleaning or personal hygiene item(s) to support the work of Kentucky Refugee Ministries.  Guests are welcome.  Please rsvp to the Wards (276-4285).

 

Men's Coffee - Walnut Hill men are invited to gather for coffee this Saturday, December 22, 8am, at Paneras on Richmond Road.  Feel free to stop in for as long or short a time as your schedule permits.  No rsvp required.

 

Decorating the Sanctuary - We will be decorating the sanctuary this Saturday, December 22, 9:30am.  There will be a variety of decorating (and other) tasks available for folks who might like to help decorate, clean, and otherwise get the church ready for Christmas and the New Year.

 

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, December 23, 10am, in Trinity Hall, around the Scripture lessons for the day (see above). Feel free to stop in and join the conversation, enjoy a cup of coffee, or just listen in.

 

Sunday Potluck Refreshments!  With the holiday so near, we invite those present on Sunday (December 23) to bring one plate of Christmas refreshments (cookies, cake, etc.) that you have on hand, or even too much of, for our after worship refreshments.

 

Christmas Eve Worship - Our worship schedule for Christmas Eve will include...

     *5:00pm - an informal service of lessons and carols for all ages, including candlelight ceremony.

     *9:00pm - a formal service of Evening Worship and Holy Communion, including candlelight ceremony

 

Thanks, news....

     *Thanks to...the Walnut Hill children and youth for their music, pageantry, and leadership during worship last Sunday; Lauren Fouts, Nell Horman and a variety of parents who helped the children in their wonderful presentation last Sunday; Julia and Charlie Snow for the abundant and delicious refreshments last Sunday.

     *Alexandra Rose Wallen was born on Friday, December 14, to parents Joanne and Jody Wallen.  All is well with mother and child, and father.

 

Merry Christmas to all!

 

Mike Ward

weekly letter

December 12, 2007

 

Greetings to all!

 

As we continue our journey toward Christmas, "Mary" invites our attention.  Consider these thoughts about Mary from Kathleen Norris:

 

     Over the centuries one of Mary's greatest strengths as a symbol is the considerable tension she exemplifies between the humble peasant woman and the powerful Mother of God...Once Marian imagery has truly been absorbed by a church or a culture, things are never simple.  Or they are entirely so.  Who is this Mary? For one Benedictine sister the biblical Mary exemplifies an intimate relationship to God, based on listening and responding to God's word, that "calls all Christians to the deep, personal, and daily love of Jesus Christ."  As for myself, I have come to think of Mary as the patron saint of "both/and" passion over "either/or" reasoning, and as such, she delights my poetic soul.  Ever since I first encountered Mary in a Benedictine abbey I have learned never to discount her ability to confront and disarm the polarities that so often bring human endeavors to impasse: the subjective and objective, the expansive and the parochial, the affective and the intellectual.

(from Amazing Grace)

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, December 16:

     Isaiah 35:1-10

     Luke 1:47-55

     James 5:7-10

     Luke 1:26-38

 

Children's Christmas Pageant - The children will present the Christmas story in word, song, and costume during morning worship this Sunday, December 16.  Children (through elementary age) are invited to portray the characters of the story in costume.  Youth (middle and high school) are invited to serve as readers and production assistants.  All those participating in the program should assemble at Walnut Hill no later than 10:15am on Sunday morning.  It is not too late for your child/youth to participate.  Contact Lauren Fouts (863-5823) for more information.

 

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

 

Youth Christmas Party - Walnut Hill Youth (middle and high school) are invited to a Christmas Party on Thursday, December 20, 6 - 8 pm, at the Wards' (341 Albany Road).  We will enjoy a chili supper, a random gift exchange, and some vintage Christmas videos.  Those attending are asked to bring a fun gift (under $10) for the gift exchange as well as some house cleaning or personal hygiene item(s) to support the work of Kentucky Refugee Ministries.  Guests are welcome.  Please rsvp to the Wards by December 17.

 

Christmas Eve Worship - Our worship schedule for Christmas Eve will include...

     *5:00pm - an informal service of lessons and carols for all ages, including candlelight ceremony.

     *9:00pm - a formal service of Evening Worship and Holy Communion, including candlelight ceremony

 

Athens-Chilesburg Elementary 5th Graders are once again planning a trip to Washington D.C.  Fifteen (15) children need sponsorship support in order to participate.  The cost of the trip is $465 per student.  We are currently accepting donations in any amount toward the sponsorship of these fifteen children.  Make your check payable to Walnut Hill Church (designated "ACE Trip") and place it in the Sunday offering box or mail it to the church.  Contact Natalie Brown or the church office for more information regarding this project.

 

Thanks, news, etc....

     *Special thanks to Kim Bloomfield, Irene and Alan Bloomfield for their wonderful hospitality in hosting the Walnut Hill Christmas Party last Sunday, and thanks to all who attended this festive annual tradition.

     *Natalie Brown and Oggie Hilliard were elected to service on the Vestry, Class of 2010, at last Sunday's congregational meeting.  Ron Johnston was elected to the office of Senior Warden, Cory Sharrard to Vice Warden, Lee Tucker to Clerk of the Vestry, and Martha DeReamer to Treasurer of the Vestry.  Thanks to our retiring Vestry members Linda Talbott Barnes and Karl Crase, with particular thanks to Linda for her service as Senior Warden.

      *Persons participating in the "Giving Tree" program are asked to return their gifts (with ornaments attached) by Sunday, December 16.

 

Peace to all.

 

Mike Ward

Christmas Gathering

WALNUT HILL CHURCH

CHRISTMAS SEASON PARTY

 

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9

3 - 5 PM

HOSTED BY KIM AND IRENE BLOOMFIELD

AT THE HOME OF IRENE AND ALAN BLOOMFIELD

(1202 DELONG PLACE)

FOR ADULTS

 

BRING AN HORS-D'OEUVRE OR DESSERT ITEM.

 

NO RSVP REQUIRED

weekly letter

December 5, 2007

 

Greetings to all!

 

As we move into Advent, consider the following reflection by Frederick Buechner.

 

     "Advent" means "coming" of course, and the promise of Advent is that what is coming is an unimaginable invasion.  The mythology of our age has to do with flying saucers and invasions from outer space, and that is unimaginable enough.  But what is upon us now is even more so - a close encounter not of the third kind but of a different kind altogether.  An invasion of holiness. That is what Advent is about.

     What is coming upon the world is the Light of the World.  It is Christ.  That is the comfort of it.  The challenge of it is that it has not come yet.  Only the hope for it has come, only the longing for it.  In the meantime we are in the dark, and the dark, God knows, is also in us.  We watch and wait for a holiness to heal us and hallow us, to liberate us from the dark.  Advent is like the hush in a theater just before the curtain rises.  It is like the hazy ring around the winter moon that means the coming of snow which will turn the night to silver.  Soon.

(as found in Listening to Your Life)

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, December 9, the 2nd Sunday of Advent:

     Isaiah 11:1-10

     Romans 15:4-13

     Matthew 3:1-12

 

CHRISTMAS PARTY, SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9, 3PM - 5PM: We will gather at the Bloomfields' (1202 Delong Place) to enjoy this traditional Walnut Hill gathering for adults.  Bring an hors-d'oeuvre or dessert item.  Kim Bloomfield and Irene Bloomfield are hosting this year's party.

 

Men's Coffee - Walnut Hill men are invited to gather for coffee on Saturday, December 8, 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 around the lessons for the day (see above) continue this Sunday, December 9, 10am, in Trinity Hall. Stop in to join the conversation, enjoy a cup of coffee or just listen in.

 

The Annual Meeting of the Congregation of Walnut Hill Church will be held this Sunday, December 9, immediately after morning worship in the Sanctuary.  Business will include election of Vestry members (Class of 2010), approval of the 2008 budget, and approval of the Pastor's terms of call for 2008.  Immediately following the congregational meeting will be the Annual Meeting of the Walnut Hill Cemetery Association.  All "members" and "friends" of Walnut Hill Church have privilege of voice and vote at both meetings.

 

Athens-Chilesburg Elementary 5th Graders are once again planning a trip to Washington D.C.  Fifteen (15) children need sponsorship support in order to participate.  The cost of the trip is $465 per student.  We are currently accepting donations in any amount toward the sponsorship of these fifteen children.  Make your check payable to Walnut Hill Church (designated "ACE Trip") and place it in the Sunday offering box or mail it to the church.  Contact Natalie Brown or the church office for more information regarding this project.

 

Thanks, news, etc...

     *Thanks to ... the Rawlings family, the Walnut Hill Choir, Phil Bloomfield, Cory Sharrard, Ruth Sharrard, William Ward, and Megan Smith for their leadership and assistance during the worship service; Ruth Sharrard for our Advent wreath; David Sharrard for leading our "Sunday Conversation"; Amy Trail and Nell Horman for their work with the children; the Bohmers and the Hilliards for coordinating our Christmas potluck; Diedre Talbott for preparing our "Giving Tree" ornaments.

     *All the "Giving Tree" ornaments were picked up last Sunday.  Thanks to all!  Please remember to return your gifts (with the ornaments attached) by December 16.

     *Persons who would like to sponsor a poinsettia for the Sanctuary should contact Lee Tucker.

 

Peace to all.

 

Mike Ward