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