weekly letter

January 9, 2008

 

Greetings to all!

 

This Sunday, January 13, is the Sunday of the Baptism of the Lord, the first event of Jesus' adult life mentioned in the Gospel narratives.  Thich Nhat Hanh, the popular Buddhist teacher and writer, offers an interesting perspective on the event.

 

     The Holy Spirit descended on Jesus like a dove, penetrated Him deeply, and He became the manifestation of the Holy Spirit.  With the Holy Spirit in Him, Jesus' power as a healer transformed many people.  We also have the seed of the Holy Spirit in us - the capacity of healing, transforming, and loving.  When we touch that seed, we touch God the Father and God the Son.

(from Be Still and Know)

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, January 13, the Baptism of the Lord:

     Isaiah 42:1-9

     Acts 10:34-43

     Matthew 3:13-17

 

Sunday Conversations around the lessons for the day (see above) continue this Sunday, January 13, 10am, in Trinity Hall.  Feel free to stop by, join the conversation, enjoy a cup of coffee, or just listen in.

 

The Vestry will meet on Sunday, January 13, 10am, in Trinity Hall.

 

Youth are invited to Just Dinner on Tuesday, January 15.  "Just Dinner" is a great opportunity to enjoy a meal out and visit with church friends.  Contact Lauren Fouts for more information and to rsvp.

 

Confirmation Classes will be offered this Lenten season (February/March) for middle and high school youth who are ready make their profession of faith and enter into church membership.  Interested youth and/or their parents are invited to contact Lauren Fouts for more information about the confirmation process.

 

Jesus Today, a book discussion, will be offered on Wednesday evenings in Lent, beginning Wednesday, February 13, 7pm. Copies of the book (Jesus Today, by Albert Nolan) are available at Walnut Hill.

 

Ecumenical News:

   *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. 

    *The Presbytery of Transylvania will be meeting on January 22 to act upon a search committee recommendation to elect the Rev. Richard Smith as General Presbyter of Transylvania Presbytery.  Rev. Smith has served congregations in Missouri, Iowa, Indiana, Illinois and is currently Senior Pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Ashland, Kentucky. In its letter to the presbytery, the search committee wrote: "Richard has the heart of a pastor, the faith and authenticity of a disciple of Jesus Christ, and the leadership skills and experience we believe our presbytery needs in this crucial time."

 

In the Community:  This Christian-Muslim Dialogue meets this Saturday, January 12, 10am - Noon, at Hunter Presbyterian Church.  The Christian-Muslim Dialogue is an ongoing monthly gathering to discuss issues of interfaith concern and interest.  The dialogue meetings are free and open to the public. A potluck lunch is shared after the formal program. 

 

Thanks, news, etc...

     *Thanks to ... the choir, Megan and Carthel Smith, Oggie and Beth Hilliard, and Nell Horman for their leadership and assistance during worship; Phil Bloomfield and Sherry Warden for preparing our Communion elements; Mary Ann Davis, Betty Kinnaird, and Maggy Patterson for our after worship refreshments last Sunday.

 

Peace to all.

 

Mike Ward