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