February 27, 2008
Greetings to all!
Rabbi and author Lawrence Kushner recalls an experience "bird watching" one winter morning.
In the distance, the horizon is becoming visible now as a dark ribbon of deep red in the winter chill. And dawn comes. The whole sky explodes into bright orange.
And then, within the next fifteen minutes, we watch in awestruck silence, as 25,000 snow geese, cranes, great blue herons, and God only knows who else, awake from their sleeping on the water and fly off for the next leg of their migration. They are so close and there are so many of them, I can literally feel the flapping wing-flung wind on my face. The park rangers call it "the flyaway." Last evening they warned: You're never the same after the flyaway. And I understand: Somehow, simply being present to experience this event changes your perception of what it means to be a creature.
And here's the thing that chastens and humbles me: The birds do this all the time...doing what they know how to do, doing the only thing they know to do, doing what they were "meant" to be doing, doing what they're "supposed" to do. While I, in my ignorance - obsessed with completing some writing assignment - am doing what I'm supposed to be doing, what I am meant to do. All these creatures, moving on their ways, going about their business, one orchestrated flow of life. My God, I can still feel the wind of their wings on my face.
(from the essay "An Ocean of God" as found in God at 2000)
The Scripture lessons for Sunday, March 2, the Sacrament of Holy Communion:
1 Samuel 16:1-13
Ephesians 5:8-14
John 9:1-41
Jesus Today book discussion continues on Wednesday, February 27, 7pm, at the Wards', 341 Albany Road. The discussion focus on February 27 is "Part 3 - Personal Transformation."
Men's Coffee - Walnut Hill men are invited to gather for coffee on Saturday, March 1, 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 continue this Sunday, March 2, 10am, in Trinity Hall. David Sharrard will lead this Sunday's conversation. The topic for the day will be Bishop Stacy Sauls' address to the Episcopal Diocese of Lexington Annual Convention on the topic of being "Pro-Human Being." The hour will include viewing a video recording of the Bishop's address. Feel free to join the conversation, enjoy a cup of coffee, or just listen in.
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.
REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT MEETING - Persons interested in learning more about and/or participating in Walnut Hill's sponsorship of a refugee family are invited to a brief meeting after worship on Sunday, March 2. Nelson Barnes, who will be chairing our sponsorship team, will be available to answer questions and sign up those who would like to help.
Children's Choir - The Walnut Hill Children's Choir is practicing at 10 am on Sunday mornings in the upstairs office of Trinity Hall. 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.
Speaking of choirs, volunteers are invited to become part of Walnut Hill's Worship Choir. As you know, the Worship Choir leads our music on Communion Sundays. If you would like to be part of the Worship Choir, contact Angela Hurley or simply come to the Sanctuary at 10am on Communion Sundays (including March 2) to prepare for that day's service. We are grateful to the Choir and to Angela for their music leadership.
Thanks to...David Sharrard for leading our Sunday Conversation; Joanne and Jody Wallen and Mary Lee Snyder for our after worship refreshments; Nell Horman, Stephanie Prewitt, and Derek Vaughan for their work with children and youth last Sunday.
Peace to all.
Mike Ward
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