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