weekly letter

March 26, 2008

 

Greetings to all!

 

Easter Day begins a season that continues for fifty days concluding on the Day of Pentecost. Dorothy Bass offers a thought for our continued reflection during this Easter season.

 

     At Easter Sunrise or Easter Vigil, on a morning in New Jersey or an evening in Indiana, Christian people gather within time, on a certain day not long after the spring equinox, to proclaim that on a similar day long ago the eternal God lived and died as a vulnerable human being, within time.  And more: we proclaim that here, in time like ours, God wrestled with and overcame time's most fearsome weapon, the one we mortals know will someday end our time.  And more: we proclaim that now all time is imbued with this victory.  This is what I realized on a Sunday evening when I was thirty-one years old: life has prevailed over death, and life still prevails over death.

(from Receiving the Day)

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, March 30, the Second Sunday of Easter:

     Acts 2:14, 22-32

     1 Peter 1:3-9

     John 20:19-31

 

Men's Coffee - Walnut Hill men are invited to gather for coffee on Saturday, March 29, 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 regarding the lessons for the day (see above) resume this Sunday, March 30, 10am, in Trinity Hall.  Feel free to join the conversation, enjoy a cup coffee, or just listen in.  Our conversation this Sunday will focus on Jesus' post-resurrection appearance to the disciples as told in the Gospel of John.

 

A Host(s) is needed for our after worship refreshments this Sunday, March 30.  Refreshments need not be elaborate, just something around which to gather as we enjoy fellowship with each other.  Use reply email or contact the church office (263-5304) if you would like to host or co-host this Sunday's refreshments.  Use the sign up sheet in the Sanctuary foyer to volunteer for Sundays later in the spring.

 

A Special Visitor - This Sunday, March 30, we welcome the Rev. Canon Johnnie Ross, assistant to the Episcopal Bishop of Lexington, who will bring greetings from the Diocese of Lexington as well as the morning message.  Mike Ward will serve as liturgist for the day. Walnut Hill is honored by Rev. Ross' visit as it affirms our ongoing relationship with the Diocese of Lexington.

 

*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). 

 

*The next Walnut Hill Men's Dinner will be held on Thursday, April 10, 6pm, at Joseph Beth Bookseller's Café.  Our special guest for the evening will be Dick Shore who will speak regarding the mining practice of mountaintop removal, its effects upon the environment, and why we should be concerned about it.  Contact Gene Brockopp (268-2045) or use the sign up sheet in the Sanctuary to rsvp.

 

*The Interfaith Alliance of the Bluegrass is organizing three interfaith dialogue groups for the spring.  These groups (10 persons each) are by invitation and will include participants from various religious traditions who will gather on three occasions for a meal and guided conversation.  Walnut Hill has been invited to nominate two persons for this program, one for the group that will meet on Thursday evenings (April 24, May 8 and 22), 6:30pm – 8:30pm; and one for the group that will meet on Wednesday mornings (April 30, May 14 and 28), 8am – 10am.  Meeting locations to be announced.   Contact Mike Ward if you would like to participate in this program.

 

Congregational News:

*Thanks to...the Walnut Hill Children's Choir and director Nell Horman for their presentation during worship on Sunday; Julia Eastin Dubowy for providing music during the Sunrise Service; Phil Bloomfield for preparing our Communion elements; The adult Choir, Jeff & Martha DeReamer, Bob and Natalie Watt, and Ron Johnston for their assistance and leadership during worship.

*Congratulations to Braxton DeCamp, Meredith Rawlings, William Ristau, and Chloe Talbott (the 2008 Confirmation Class) who were received into membership on Easter Sunday.

*Walnut Hill member Shelby Shanklin, Jr., departed this life on Thursday, March 20.  A memorial service for Shelby was held at Walnut Hill on March 24. 

*Persons who have been collecting the One Great Hour of Sharing offering at home during Lent are asked to bring your home collection boxes to the church at your earliest opportunity. 

 

Peace to all.

 

Mike Ward