Wednesday, May 28, 2008

weekly letter

May 28, 2008
 
Greetings to all!
 
Gardening is a favorite spring and summer activity for many people.  Some are more successful at it than others.  Kathleen Norris reflects on her experience as a gardener.
 
     My garden, even more than most, is an exercise in faith.  And in failure.  I inherited it when I moved to my grandmother's house but scarcely knew what I had...In the first years I was in the house, I felt that I should care for the flowers but didn't know how.  Advice from neighbors helped, but not enough.  Advice from books was sometimes of use, but often it only reinforced my sense of myself as a hopeless gardener.  I'd weed around the flowers and usually pull some flowers by mistake.  Often, in the spring, I was working away from home, and the weeds got away from me.  I was mightily impressed that the columbines and daisies never failed to come back up, no matter how I neglected them.  They came to seem like unlosable friends.
     In the half of the garden where my grandmother grew her vegetables, I've given up on tomatoes - end rot, no matter what I tried - and in some years have simply let the weeds take over.  When I manage to be at home in the early spring, I have a friend till the ground and plant basil, lettuce, and snow peas.  In a recent fit of optimism, I've tried to establish parsley (having killed off my grandmother's patch years ago), chives, sorrel, rosemary, and thyme.  The thyme died before the summer was out, as did much of the tarragon patch a friend helped establish years ago.  Some of it seemed to have survived, and I hope it will be up next spring, along with the rosemary, parsley, sorrel, and chives.  I wouldn't put money on any of it.
     In the medieval era gardens were designed to suffice for the loss of Eden.  The garden I've grown into, in my middle age, seems more a kind of Purgatory, but I love it.  It's a ratty little garden, not much at all. But I can call it mine.
(from The Cloister Walk)
The scripture lessons for Sunday, June 1, the Sacrament of Holy Communion:
     Genesis 6:9-22; 7:24; 8:14-19
     Romans 1:16-17; 3:22-31
     Matthew 7:21-29
 
Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, June 1, 10am, in Trinity Hall.  Our conversation for this Sunday will focus on the lessons for the day (see above).  Feel free to join the conversation, enjoy a cup of coffee, or just listen in.
 
Make a Joyful Noise... The second annual "Weekend Together" will be held June 6 - 8.  Our theme will be Make a Joyful Noise: A Celebration of Music in the Life of the Church.  Activities will be available for all ages including:
     *Friday, June 6, 6pm - Dinner and Activities:  We will begin the weekend with a catered dinner and activities for all ages. Nell Horman and Lauren Fouts will lead a music program for children.  Adults will enjoy a program of hymn history and hymn singing led by Angela Hurley, closing with a service of "Evensong".  Please rsvp for Friday's dinner by reply email, by phone (263-5304), or by the sign up sheet in the sanctuary foyer.
     *Saturday, June 7, 9am - Activities for Children: Children will enjoy a morning of music and sign language, even making simple instruments of their own.
     *Sunday, June 8, 10am - Activities for Children and Adults: Children will put the finishing touches on music to be presented during morning worship.  Adults will enjoy a program of reflection and singing hymns from the "gospel tradition" as led by David Sharrard.  At 11am we will conclude our weekend with a service rich in music and singing.
 
Refugee Resettlement Update:  Nelson Barnes continues to guide resettlement work with our new neighbors Raghad, Rania, and Zahra.  Special thanks to all those who have helped in the effort through their dollars, donated items, and time.  Current needs include possible employment contacts and recreation activities for the children and/or family; a gently used chest of drawers would be much appreciated as well.  Contact Nelson (519-0013 or nb@nelbar.com) for more information.
 
Help Wanted:  We are seeking an occasional ride to church for one of our members who lives in the Tates Creek Road area (inside New Circle).  Contact the church office for more information.
 
Disaster Relief:   If you have not yet found a way to respond to recent natural calamities, including the Myanmar cyclone, China earthquake, and Midwest tornadoes, Walnut Hill is now accepting donations to be sent via our ecumenical partner, Church World Service.  A collection basked is available in the foyer of the sanctuary.  All individual donations will be added to a $500 donation soon to be sent from the Community Fund.
 
Peace to all.
 
Mike Ward    
 

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

weekly letter

May 21, 2008
 
Greetings to all!
 
Monday, May 26, is Memorial Day (observed).  Consider the following prayer authored by Reinhold Niebuhr in the mid-twentieth century, another time of turmoil and danger.
 
     O Lord, guard those who guard us.  Give them stout hearts and keep them from all cruelty or malice that no dishonor stain their power.  Remind us how dearly our securities are bought, whether in peace or war, at the price of other people's toil and tears.  Remind us all of your majesty which rules and overrules human ambitions and power, that we and all your children be not discouraged in defeat nor arrogant in the day of triumph.
     Lead the nations and all who have dominion in them to a new day in which your power which stands over the power of nations will be freely acknowledged, and people may find peace and justice through a concord of wills under your will which is justice and mercy for all people. Amen.
(adapted from Justice and Mercy)
The scripture lessons for Sunday, May 25, the 8th Sunday in Ordinary Time: 
     2 Samuel 1:17-27
     Revelation 21:1-4
     Matthew 6:24-34
 
Men's Coffee - Walnut Hill men are invited to gather for coffee on Saturday, May 24, 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.
 
The Children's Choir is in session again for the next several Sundays (through June 8), at 10am, in the upstairs office of Trinity Hall.  Look for Nell Horman who is leading the children in preparing for our Make a Joyful Noise weekend (see below).
 
Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, May 25, 10am, in Trinity Hall.  Our focus for the conversation will be Memorial Day. Feel free to stop in, enjoy a cup of coffee, join the conversation, or just listen in.
 
A host(s) is needed for our after worship refreshments this Sunday, May 25.  Refreshments need not be elaborate, just something to gather around as we enjoy fellowship after the service.  Use reply email or call the church office to volunteer.
 
Make a Joyful Noise... The second annual "Weekend Together" will be held June 6 - 8.  Our theme will be Make a Joyful Noise: A Celebration of Music in the Life of the Church.  Activities will be available for all ages including:
     *Friday, June 6, 6pm - Dinner and Activities:  We will begin the weekend with a catered dinner and activities for all ages. Nell Horman and Lauren Fouts will lead a music program for children.  Adults will enjoy a program of hymn history and hymn singing led by Angela Hurley, closing with a service of "Evensong".  Please rsvp for Friday's dinner by reply email, by phone (263-5304), or by the sign up sheet in the sanctuary foyer.
     *Saturday, June 7, 9am - Activities for Children: Children will enjoy a morning of music and sign language, even making simple instruments of their own.
     *Sunday, June 8, 10am - Activities for Children and Adults: Children will put the finishing touches on music to be presented during morning worship.  Adults will enjoy a program of reflection and singing hymns from the "gospel tradition" as led by David Sharrard.  At 11am we will conclude our weekend with a service rich in music and singing.
 
Refugee Resettlement Update:  Nelson Barnes continues to guide resettlement work with our new neighbors Raghad, Rania, and Zahra.  Special thanks to all those who have helped in the effort through their dollars, donated items, and time.  Current needs include possible employment contacts and recreation activities for the children and/or family.  Contact Nelson (519-0013 or nb@nelbar.com) for more information.
 
Thanks, news, etc...
     *Thanks to...Ruth Sharrard, Patterson & Kim DeCamp, and a host of others who provided food for and helped clean up from our spring potluck last Sunday.
     *Congratulations to soon-to-be high school graduates who were honored during worship last Sunday including:  Shelby Hilliard, Sara Johnston, Meredith Swim, and William Ward.
     *If you have not yet found a way to respond to recent natural calamities, including the Myanmar cyclone, China earthquake, and midwest tornadoes, Walnut Hill is now accepting donations to be sent via our ecumenical partner, Church World Service.  A collection basked is available in the foyer of the sanctuary.
 
Peace to all.
 
Mike Ward

Friday, May 16, 2008

SPRING POTLUCK

WALNUT HILL CHURCH
 
SPRING POTLUCK!
 
SUNDAY, MAY 18, AFTER WORSHIP
 
BRING A SALAD, SIDE DISH, OR DESSERT
 
SEE YOU THERE!
 
(NO RSVP NEEDED)

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

weekly letter

May 14, 2008
 
Greetings to all!
 
This Sunday, May 18, is Trinity Sunday on the church calendar.  Frederick Buechner offers some thoughts on this strange, and distinctively Christian, notion of God.
 
     The much-maligned doctrine of the Trinity is an assertion that, appearances to the contrary notwithstanding, there is only one God.  Father, Son, and Holy Spirit mean that the mystery beyond us, the mystery among us, and the mystery within us are all the same mystery.  Thus the Trinity is a way of saying something about us and the way we experience God.  The Trinity is also a way of saying something about God and the way God is within God's self, i.e., God does not need the Creation in order to have something to love, because within God's self love happens.  In other words, the love God is is love not as a noun but as a verb.  The verb is reflexive as well as transitive.
     If the idea of God as both Three and One seems farfetched and obfuscating, look in the mirror someday.  There is (a) the interior life known only to yourself and those you choose to communicate it to (the Father).  There is (b) the visible face, which in some measure reflects that inner life (Son). And there is (c) the invisible power you have which enables you to communicate that interior life in such a way that others do not merely know about it, but know it in the sense of its becoming part of who they are (the Holy Spirit).  Yet what you are looking at in the mirror is clearly and indivisibly the one and only you.
(from Wishful Thinking)
 
The Scripture lessons for Sunday, May 18, Trinity Sunday:
     Genesis 1:1 - 2:4
     2 Corinthians 13:11-13
     Matthew 28:16-20
 
Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, May 18, 10am, in Trinity Hall.  Our conversation this Sunday will, not surprisingly, focus on The Trinity.  Feel free to join the conversation, enjoy a cup of coffee, or just listen in.
 
SPRING POTLUCK, Sunday, May 18, after worship, in Trinity Hall.  Join us for this delicious spring tradition.  Bring a salad, side dish, or dessert.
 
REFUGEE FAMILY UPDATE:  Raghad, Rania, and Zahra are settling in to their new home thanks to the hospitality and generosity of many Walnut Hill members and friends. Our most pressing current need is to find employment possibilities for Raghad. Contact Nelson Barnes (519-0013 or nb@nelbar.com) for more information.  Thanks to all who are working hard to welcome our new friends.
 
HELPING OUR NEIGHBORS REBUILD: Walnut Hill has partnered with Grace Methodist Church (Lucedale, MS) to equip a dormitory to be used by workgroups engaged in ongoing post-Katrina rebuilding.  Walnut Hill's particular commitment is to underwrite the H/VAC system for the living quarters of the dormitory.  Total cost of the project is $6,000, of which the Vestry has committed $3,000 from money on hand.  Gifts toward the $3,000 balance are now being received ($825 has been donated to date).  Checks may be payable to Walnut Hill Church, designated "Mississippi".  For more information regarding this project, check out the bulletin board in Trinity Hall and/or contact Lyle Hanna.
 
Recognizing Graduates:  Sunday, May 18, promises to be a special day as we will be recognizing graduates in the Walnut Hill family.  We do not want to overlook anyone.  If you know a young person or adult related to Walnut Hill who is graduating this spring (high school, college, graduate school, vocational school, etc.), please contact the church office, so that we might be sure to acknowledge them all on May 18.
 
A WEEKEND TOGETHER -  Our second annual "Weekend Together" is scheduled for June 6 - 8.  The weekend will include dinner and activities for all ages on Friday evening, activities for children on Saturday morning, Sunday School and worship for all ages continuing the theme on Sunday morning.  Speaking of theme, this year's theme is: Make a Joyful Noise: A Celebration of Music in the Life of the Church.  Mark your calendar and watch for more details.
 
Thanks to...several folks, some known only to themselves, who stepped up to help in a number of ways during last Sunday's wind and power outage (It was an interesting morning!); Linda Talbott Barnes for our after worship refreshments; Ron Johnston for leading the Walnut Hill Working Group discussion; Ruth Sharrard for hosting the Women's Guild meeting; Barbara Waldmann-Ward for gardening work around the Sanctuary.
 
Peace to all.
 
Mike Ward

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

weekly letter

May 7, 2008
 
Greetings to all!
 
Once again the world has witnessed a natural calamity beyond our imagination.  The events in Myanmar are difficult to take in.  The numbers of dead, injured, missing, and homeless stagger us.  We are inclined to turn away.  But let us not turn away, anymore than we would want others to turn away if the calamity was ours.  Instead, let us keep the people of Myanmar in our thoughts and prayers.  Let us look for ways to respond to their suffering and support those directly involved in such efforts.  May this event, in all its tragedy, serve to remind us of our connection to one another in the human family.  The following prayer might be helpful for our reflection:
Almighty and everlasting God,
you comfort the sorrowful,
and strengthen those who suffer.
Let prayers of your children who are in any trouble
rise to you.
To everyone in distress
grant mercy, grant relief, grant refreshment;
we pray through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.
(adapted from The Book of Common Worship)
 
The Scripture lessons for Sunday, May 11, the Day of Pentecost:
     Acts 2:1-21
     1 Corinthians 12:3-13
     John 20:19-23
 
Saturday Coffee:  Men are invited to gather for coffee this Saturday, May 10, 8am, at Paneras on Richmond Road.  Feel free to stop in for as long or short a time as your schedule allows.
 
The Walnut Hill Working Group will meet this Sunday, May 11, 10am, in Trinity Hall for a conversation regarding church finances titled, "What Do We Do With The Money?"  All members/friends of Walnut Hill are invited to attend, ask questions, make suggestions, or just listen in.
 
Women's Guild:  The Women's Guild will meet on Monday, May 12, 1:30pm, at the home of Ruth Sharrard. The discussion topic will be, "Death Is Not the End of Life", the conclusion to our ongoing study, Seven Gospel Promises for Later Life.
REFUGEE FAMILY UPDATE:  Raghad, Rania, and Zahra are settling in to their new home thanks to the hospitality and generosity of many Walnut Hill members and friends. Check out the Walnut Hill website to view a photo of our new neighbors (www.walnuthillchurchky.org).  Current needs/opportunities include: a chest of drawers, employment possibilities, and activities to help the family get acquainted with their new surroundings. Contact Nelson Barnes (519-0013 or nb@nelbar.com) for more information or to volunteer.  Thanks to all who are working hard to welcome our new friends.
 
HELPING OUR NEIGHBORS REBUILD: Walnut Hill has partnered with Grace Methodist Church (Lucedale, MS) to equip a dormitory to be used by workgroups engaged in ongoing post-Katrina rebuilding.  Walnut Hill's particular commitment is to underwrite the H/VAC system for the living quarters of the dormitory.  Total cost of the project is $6,000, of which the Vestry has committed $3,000 from money on hand.  Gifts toward the $3,000 balance are now being received ($800 has been donated to date).  Checks may be payable to Walnut Hill Church, designated "Mississippi".  For more information regarding this project, check out the bulletin board in Trinity Hall and/or contact Lyle Hanna.
 
Recognizing Graduates:  Sunday, May 18, promises to be a special day as we will be recognizing graduates in the Walnut Hill family.  We do not want to overlook anyone.  If you know a young person or adult related to Walnut Hill who is graduating this spring (high school, college, graduate school, vocational school, etc.), please contact the church office, so that we might be sure to acknowledge them all on May 18.
 
Spring Potluck:  The spring potluck is coming on Sunday, May 18, after worship.  It is always a delicious event.  Mark the date on your calendar. 
 
Thanks to...Angela Hurley and the choir, Phil Bloomfield, Oggie and Beth Hilliard, David and Ruth Sharrard for their assistance and leadership during worship last Sunday; Margaret Swim for our after worship refreshments.
 
Peace to all.
 
Mike Ward

Friday, May 2, 2008

weekly letter extra

REFUGEE FAMILY ARRIVES!!
 
After a two-day journey beginning in Damascus, Syria, via Hungary, New York City, and Chicago, our sponsor-family arrived in Lexington on May 1, 1:30 pm.  This brave mother (Raghad) and her two daughers ( Rania and Zahra) were exhausted.  After a brief greeting at the airport, they were escorted to their apartment for much needed refreshment and rest. 
 
We are beginning to learn a bit about our family's story.  Originally from Baghdad, Raghad's husband was the victim of gang violence several years ago during the early post-Saddam chaos.  After some fearful months, Raghad took her her two daughters (now ages 12 and 9) to Syria, where she began the arduous process of seeking permanent asylum in another country.  The process has led them to the U.S. and to Lexington. Of course, the journey is only beginning with their arrival here.  English must be learned.  Work must be found. Etc, etc. 
 
Today we are simply trying to make our new friends as comfortable as they can be in their new home.  Thanks to all who have helped, and are helping in this regard.  While the apartment was basically furnished before their arrival, we are now discovering some of the particular items we might need to fit this family.  Most immediately, the girls are little too old to use one bed, so we want to secure a single bed for each of them.  An extra set of linens (1 queen, and 2 singles) would be helpful.  Also, a small microwave would help kitchen tasks to be a bit easier.  If you would like to donate any of these items (used or new), contact Nelson Barnes (559-0013, 255-9389, or nb@nelbar.com).  Also, feel free to contact Nelson for information regarding other wish-list items and/or tasks to be done.
 
Peace,
 
Mike Ward