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