weekly letter

Wednesday, February 6, 2008, Ash Wednesday

 

Greetings to all!

 

Attendance at an Ash Wednesday service is a tradition for many people. 

 

     I am always amazed at how many people come to Ash Wednesday services.  Each Lent I wonder what brings them there.  Why do they make such an effort to take their lunch hour or to rise earlier than usual or to come to church after a wearying day's work when they might not come to Mass any other weekday of the year?

     Perhaps it is the call to "return."  Maybe a sense of hope is kindled in hearts by the possibility of coming back to God and trying once more to strengthen one's faith.  I think it may also be the realization that there is always a part of one's heart that has not yet been given over to God.  When we look within, we see that there is still more that needs to be brought home to the Holy One.  There are always parts of us that we hold back and that need to be re-joined to God, in whose heart we truly belong...Let us enter this Church season trusting that God will draw near and help us in our desire to "return."

(from Inviting God In, by Joyce Rupp)

Speaking of Ash Wednesday services, opportunities abound, including:

     *Noon and 7:00pm at Christ Church Cathedral

     *7:05pm at Second Presbyterian Church

 

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, February 10, the First Sunday in Lent:

     *Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7

     *Romans 5:12-19

     *Matthew 4:1-11

 

The Walnut Hill Working Group is an opportunity for Walnut Hill members and friends to gather and work together on issues important to Walnut Hill's present and future.  The first "working group" session will be held this Sunday, February 10, 10am in Trinity Hall.  Come and join in the conversation, the work, and the fun.  Watch for the next "working group" session on the second Sunday of March. 

 

Jesus Today, a book discussion, will be offered on Wednesday evenings in Lent, beginning Wednesday, February 13, 7pm, at the Wards', 341 Albany Road. Copies of the book (Jesus Today, by Albert Nolan) are available at Walnut Hill or by purchase through Amazon.com or Barnes and Noble.  For those attending on the 13th, the discussion focus will be Part One - The Signs of Our Times.

 

During Lent four Walnut Hill youth will begin their studies as the Confirmation Class of 2008.  They will meet early on Sunday mornings  to discuss the Bible, worship, Christian doctrine, ethics, and stewardship.  Their goal is to become confirmed members of Walnut Hill via their confirmation on Easter Sunday.  Please include Braxton DeCamp, Meredith Rawlings, William Ristau, Chloe Talbott and their families in your prayers as they journey toward claiming the promises made at their Baptism.

 

Thanks, news, etc...

     *Thanks to...Chris and Barbara Bohmer and Phil Bloomfield for their assistance serving the Sacrament last Sunday.

     *Thanks to all those who participated in the "Souper Bowl" festivities last Sunday, to the young people for their inspiration, to Lauren Fouts for coordinating the event, to our soup tasters, and particular thanks to our soup chefs Emily Talbott, Karen Ristau, Martha DeReamer, Kim DeCamp, Lauren Fouts, Mike Ward, Oggie Hilliard, and Deanna Rawlings.  $225 was received to support the work of God's Pantry. 

 

Peace to all.

 

Mike Ward