January 23, 2008
Greetings to all!
In her book, If Life is a Game, These are the Rules, Cherie Carter-Scott tells the story of "Alan and Linda" who dreamed of living the "good life" and did...
Then the stock market crashed in 1987, and Alan and Linda lost a considerable amount of money. A bizarre but costly lawsuit depleted another huge portion of their savings. One thing led to another, and they found themselves in a financial tailspin. Assets needed to be sold to pay bills, and eventually they lost the country club membership, the cars, and the house. It took several years and much hard work for Alan and Linda to land on their feet, and though they now live a life far from extravagant, they have taken stock of their lives and feel quite blessed. Only now, as they assess what they have left - a solid, loving marriage, their health, a dependable income, and good friends - do they realize that true abundance comes not from amassing, but rather from appreciating.
Scarcity consciousness arises as a result of what I call the "hole-in-the-soul syndrome." This is when we attempt to fill the gaps in our inner lives with things from the outside world. But like puzzle pieces, you can't fit something in where it does not naturally belong. No amount of external objects, affection, love, or attention can ever fill an inner void. The void can only be filled by looking within. You already have and are enough; revel in your own interior abundance and you will never need to look elsewhere.
The Scripture lessons for Sunday, January 27:
Isaiah 9:1-4
Psalm 27:1, 4-9
1 Corinthians 1:10-18
Matthew 4:12-23
KENTUCKY REFUGEE MINISTRIES: Barbara Kleine, Director of Kentucky Refugee Ministries' Lexington office, will be our guest on Sunday, January 27. During the 10am hour in Trinity Hall, Barbara will present information regarding KRM's work with churches and other organizations settling refugee families in central Kentucky. You are invited to come and learn about this important ministry and consider how Walnut Hill might support it.
Sunday Hospitality: Hosts are needed for our after worship refreshments this Sunday, January 27. Contact the church office (263-5304) or use reply email if you would like to host (or co-host) our refreshments this Sunday.
Men's Dinner: Dr. William "Beau" Weston will be our guest for the next Walnut Hill Church Men's Dinner on Thursday evening, January 31, 6pm, at Applebee's Restaurant (Nicholasville Rd. at W. Tiverton Way). Dr. Weston is Associate Professor of Sociology at Centre College and author of the recent book Leading From the Center. Professor Weston will offer informal remarks titled, "Success in the Religion Market," exploring why conservative churches are generally more successful than liberal ones. You may rsvp for the dinner by contacting Gene Brockopp, the church office, or via the sign up sheet in the sanctuary.
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, or by purchase through Amazon.com or Barnes and Noble.
Thanks, news, etc...
*Thanks to...Kathleen and Art Weinberg, Kim Bloomfield, and Irene Bloomfield for providing our after worship refreshments last Sunday; Cory Sharrard and Nell Horman for their work with the children last Sunday.
*The winter edition of our printed newsletter is currently in preparation. Please contact our newsletter editor, Martha DeReamer, or the church office if you have news or other items for inclusion in this newsletter.
Peace to all.
Mike Ward
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