weekly letter

March 5, 2008

 

Greetings to all!

 

Lent is a time for strengthening the practices of faith, among them "prayer." Mother Teresa has advice for those of us who are too busy to pray.

 

     There are some people who, in order not pray, use as an excuse the fact that life is so hectic that it prevents them from praying.  This cannot be.  Prayer does not demand that we interrupt our work, but that we continue working as if it were a prayer.  It is not necessary to always be meditating, nor to consciously experience the sensation that we are talking to God, no matter how nice this would be.  What matters is being with God, living in God, and in God's will. To love with a pure heart, to love everybody, especially to love the poor, is a twenty-four-hour prayer.

(from Mother Teresa: In My Own Words)

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, March 9, the Fifth Sunday in Lent:

     Ezekiel 37:1-14

     Romans 8:6-11

     John 11:1-45

 

The Walnut Hill Working Group (WHWG), will meet this Sunday, March 9, 10am, in Trinity Hall. The WHWG is an opportunity for Walnut Hill members and friends to gather for conversation and work on issues important to Walnut Hill's life and ministry.  This month's WHWG will focus on "Attracting and Keeping Youth, Young Adults, and Families." Join the conversation!  Ron Johnston will lead the conversation.

 

Jesus Today Book Discussion, Wednesday, March 5, 7pm, at the Wards' (341 Albany Road).  The discussion focus will be "Part 4 – Jesus and the Experience of Oneness." This will be the final session of the Jesus Today discussion series.

 

Easter Egg Hunt, after worship, Sunday, March 16 (Palm Sunday):  Parents, please bring one dozen stuffed eggs for each child participating. Rain date, March 23. Contact Lauren Fouts for more details.

 

Youth are invited to Bowl For Kids' Sake on Sunday, March 16, to benefit Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Lexington.  Contact Lauren Fouts for details.

 

Maundy Thursday Simple Meal and Worship: Adults, youth, and children are invited to gather in Trinity Hall on Thursday, March 20, 6pm for a simple meal and worship in the spirit of Jesus' "Last Supper".  Rsvp to Lauren Fouts or via the sign up sheet in the Sanctuary.

 

The Walnut Hill Refugee Ministry Team is being gathered around the leadership of Nelson Barnes.  Opportunities abound for persons of all ages to help in larger and smaller ways.  A refugee family could be sent our way at any time, so we need to be ready! Check the Sanctuary foyer for information regarding how you can help, or simply contact Nelson (255-9389). 

 

Thanks, news, etc...

     *Thanks to a variety of folks who served in various ways last Sunday including... David Sharrard for leading our Sunday Conversation; Phil Bloomfield and Sherry Warden for preparing the Communion elements; Nell Horman and Amy Trail for working with the children; Angela Hurley and the Choir for music leadership; Beth and Dougie Hilliard, Ron Johnston, J.R. and Elaine Horn for their assistance during worship; Martha and Jeff DeReamer for securing our Sunday offering; Mary Lee Snyder for gathering up our worship pamphlets; Cabby Boone and JoAnne Hilliard for our after worship refreshments.  While we are at, let's not forget Lauren Fouts, Megan Robinson, and Ashley Clark for their work with our children; Ruth Sharrard for regularly providing our Sanctuary flowers; Jim Tucker and Art Weinberg for flag duty; Mark Horman for setting the fire....And that's just one Sunday! The names might change, but each Sunday it's the same story: It takes the whole congregation to make the church go!  Thanks to all who serve in so many ways from Sunday to Sunday. 

    *Thanks also to Gene Brockopp for organizing and Grant Phelps for providing the program at our recent Men's Dinner.  The fellowship was great, and we learned much about ongoing rebuilding efforts along the Gulf Coast.

    *Transylvania Presbytery will be meeting on Tuesday, March 11, Danville.  Mike Ward will be attending the meeting.

 

Peace to all.

 

Mike Ward