weekly letter

January 2, 2008

 

Happy New Year to all!

 

In observance of the New Year, there is an interesting custom call the "first-footing" prayer:

 

     In Scotland, New Year is given much importance: folk go from house to house wishing each other a good year ahead, and celebrate their good wishes with food and plenty of drink.  It is often seen as important who should be the first to cross the threshold and "bring in the year" once midnight has passed.  The song below (spoken or sung) asks Christ Himself to come and "first foot" for us.  The door is opened (literally) to welcome Him in and invite His blessing, whether He comes in silence or in the company of other guests.

 

     This day is a new day that has never been before.  This year is a new year, the opening door. (open the door)  Enter, Lord Christ - we have joy in your coming.  You have given us life; and we welcome Your coming.  I turn now to face You, I lift up my eyes.  Be blessing my face, Lord; be blessing my eyes.  May all my eye looks on be blessed and be bright, my neighbors, my loved ones be blessed in Your sight.  You have given us life and we welcome Your coming.  Be with us, Lord, we have joy, we have joy.  This year is a new year, the opening door.  Be with us, Lord, we have joy, we have joy.  Amen.

(from Celtic Daily Prayer)

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, January 6, the Epiphany of the Lord, Holy Communion:

     Isaiah 60:1-6

     Ephesians 3:1-12

     Matthew 2:1-12

 

Men's Coffee - Walnut Hill men are invited to gather for coffee this Saturday, January 5, 8am, at Paneras on 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 scripture lessons for the day (see above) continue this Sunday, January 6, 10am, in Trinity Hall.  Our conversation this Sunday will include a brief excerpt from the film Jesus of Nazareth portraying the "Visit of the Magi." Feel free to join the conversation, enjoy a cup of coffee, or just listen in.

 

The 112th Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Lexington will be held February 21 - 23 in Lexington.  The Annual Convention is an interesting and often inspiring gathering of clergy and lay persons from across central and eastern Kentucky.  Walnut Hill is privileged to be invited to the Convention as a sign of our ecumenical relationship with the Diocese.  Please contact Mike Ward if you would be interested in attending all or part of the Convention as a delegate from Walnut Hill Church. 

 

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...David Sharrard for supplying at the organ for worship last Sunday.

     *An offering of $1,764 was received on Christmas Eve to benefit the Salvation Army's work of sheltering homeless women and families.  Thanks to all who attended and gave so generously.

 

Peace to all.

 

Mike Ward