March 12, 2008
Greetings to all!
Thanks to all for your patience with last weekend's snow fall, service cancellation, etc. We can hope that this was the first and last snow event of the season. With the snow behind us, Holy Week is immediately before us, beginning with Jesus' entry into Jerusalem (Palm Sunday), concluding with the resurrection of the Lord (Easter Sunday). Ann Weems reflects on Holy Week.
Holy is the week...Holy, consecrated, belonging to God...We move from hosannas to horror with the predictable ease of those who know not what they do. Our hosannas sung, our palms waved, let us go with passion into this week. It is a time to curse fig trees that do not yield fruit. It is a time to cleanse our temples of any blasphemy. It is a time to greet Jesus as the Lord's Anointed One, to lavishly break our alabaster and pour perfume out for him without counting the cost.
It is a time for preparation...The time to give thanks and break bread is upon us. The time to give thanks and drink of the cup is imminent. Eat, drink, remember: On this night of nights, each one must ask, as we dip our bread into the wine, "Is it I?" And on that darkest of days, each of us must stand beneath the tree and watch the dying if we are to be there when the stone is rolled away.
The only road to Easter morning is through the unrelenting shadows of that Friday. Only then will the alleluias be sung; only then will the dancing begin.
(from Kneeling in Jerusalem)
The scripture lessons for Sunday, March 16, Palm Sunday:
Isaiah 50:4-9
Philippians 2:5-11
Matthew 21:1-11
Men's coffee - Men are invited to gather for coffee this Saturday, March 15, 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.
Talking About Our Faith, Sunday, March 16, 10am, Trinity Hall: Confirmation students, parents, mentors, Vestry members and others gather to talk together about their faith. All are welcome. Come and join the conversation.
Children's Choir - The Walnut Hill Children's Choir is preparing an Easter Sunday presentation. They will be practicing this Saturday(03/15) at 11am and Sunday morning(03/16) at 10am. This choir is open to all Walnut Hill children and youth who enjoy making a joyful noise! Contact Nell Horman for more information.
Easter Egg Hunt, after worship, Sunday, March 16: Parents, please bring one dozen stuffed eggs for each child participating. Rain date, March 23.
Bowl For Kids Sake: Youth are invited to Bowl For Kids' Sake to benefit Big Brothers/Big Sisters on Sunday afternoon, March 16. 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 via reply email, the sign up sheet in the Sanctuary, or by contacting Lauren Fouts.
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).
Easter Lilies: Contact Lee Tucker to sponsor an Easter Lily for our Easter Sunday (March 23) worship. Plants are $14 each, checks payable to Walnut Hill Church. "Lily sponsors" are welcome to enjoy their plants at home after Easter Sunday service.
Peace to all.
Mike Ward
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