weekly letter

February 20, 2008

 

Greetings to all!

 

One Lent, Madeleine L'Engle looked for a way implement the Beatitude "Blessed are the peacemakers."  She found opportunity in the face of a laborer whose path she crossed daily while walking her dog.

 

     One winter the man with this thankless job (loading cartons into a supermarket warehouse) was large and strong-looking, but older than a man ought to be who has to lift heavy cartons...So, one morning as the dog and I slid through the bottleneck, I smiled and said, "Good morning."  I got no response. Naturally.  The sour look did not soften.  Why should it? It was stubbornness which made me persist in saying "Good morning," or "Thank you," day after day.  One day he smiled back.  One day he smiled first. Not much in the way of peacemaking, is it? But it is what is offered me each morning.  And, as my grandmother was fond of reminding me, little drops of water and little grains of sand make the mighty ocean and the pleasant land.

     The way of peacemaking given us my be something so small that it seems hardly worth doing, but it is these small offerings which build our reflexes for the larger ones...it may not seem like much; it is not much; but it is what is given at the present moment, and it is what ultimately provides the grace for the greater tests.

     When we are given the grace to be peacemakers even in these little, unimpressive ways, then we are children of God, children by adoption and grace, but children nevertheless, who are bold to call him Father, Abba.  So we children are helped to become peacemakers, and one day we will truly be able to cry, Shalom!

(from The Irrational Season)

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, February 24, the Third Sunday in Lent:

     Exodus 17:1-7

     Romans 5:1-11

     John 4:5-42

 

Jesus Today book discussion continues on Wednesday, February 20, 7pm, at the Wards', 341 Albany Road.  The discussion focus on February 20 will be "Part 2 - Jesus' Spirituality."

 

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, February 24, 10am, in Trinity Hall. David Sharrard will lead this Sunday's conversation.  Feel free to join the conversation, enjoy a cup of coffee, or just listen in.

 

Host Needed - A host(s) is needed for our after after worship refreshments this Sunday, February 24.  Use reply email to let us know if you would like to host, or co-host, this Sunday's refreshments.  By the way, a new hospitality sign up sheet has been posted in the foyer of the Sanctuary for the rest of the winter and spring.

 

Children's Choir - The Walnut Hill Children's Choir will begin practices again at 10 am on Sunday mornings starting February 24.  This choir is open to all Walnut Hill children and youth who enjoy making a joyful noise!  Through the use of song, sign language, and rhythm instruments, Nell Horman leads our children in the celebration of God's good gift of music.  Please talk with Nell if you have questions or would like for your child to participate.

 

Men's Dinner - The next Walnut Hill Men's Dinner is scheduled for Tuesday, March 4, 6pm, at Joseph Beth Booksellers Cafe (private dining room).  Our special guest for the evening will be Grant Phelps who will speak on the topic, Katrina + 2 Years.  Grant will talk about his recent work on the Mississippi Gulf Coast coordinating rebuilding projects for Habitat for Humanity.  Contact Gene Brockopp or use the sign up sheet in the Sanctuary to rsvp.

 

Thanks, news, etc...

     *Thanks to...Gerard Howell for supplying the pulpit this past Sunday; Ruth Sharrard for serving as host to our guest preacher and his wife, Jane; David Sharrard for leading our Sunday Conversation; Mark Horman for opening/closing the buildings and gates; Mary Lee Snyder, Carol and Norman Drury for providing our after worship refreshments.

     *Condolences are extended to David and Lauren Fouts on the occasion of the death of David's father, Dr. Herschel A. Fouts.

     *The 112th Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Lexington will be held February 21 - 23 in Lexington.  Mike Ward will be attending the Friday and Saturday morning sessions of the convention.

 

Peace to all.

 

Mike Ward