June 4, 2008
Greetings to all!
This weekend, June 6 - 8, is our second annual Weekend Together (see schedule below). Our theme for the weekend is "Make a Joyful Noise: A Celebration of Music in the Life of the Church". We will be focusing our attention on congregational music, hymn-singing and the like. In regard to hymn-singing, there may be more to it than meets the eye, or should we say "the ear."
The faith that is produced by hymn-singing is reinforced by the communal event in which the individual is caught up. A singer does not simply contemplate the images of the hymn in solitude, but stands amid others and sings as one among many. The potential for transformation is magnified because one sings in a group; the group itself adds elements of chance and change that might not be as prevalent in isolation or solitude. One enters a realm where one is not alone; the ordinary psychic boundaries are transcended and energy is permitted to flow back and forth among the group, in and out. The feeling of this movement is highly pleasurable....Not only are the boundaries between individuals transcended, the boundaries of time are also transcended as the past merges with the present. Moreover, the particular past that is brought into the present through hymn-singing is often one marked by heightened awareness and the potentiality for transformation: memories of a funeral of a beloved aunt, a crisis in the community, one's marriage, or ordination. Expressive forms carry "a qualitative dimension of the historical experience" into the present. A hymn brings the felt experience that has coagulated around its images into the room at each rendition. This "past/present" experience of faith usually happens at a very primary psychic level - on the boundary of conceptual thought, touching the mystery of existence itself.
(from an essay, "Hymn-Singing: The Congregation Making Faith", by Linda J. Clark)
The Scripture lessons for Sunday, June 8:
Exodus 15:1-18
Colossians 3:12-17
Matthew 26:26-30
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 or by phone (263-5304).
*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.
Men's Coffee: Walnut Hill men are invited to gather for coffee this Saturday, June 7, 8am, at Paneras on Richmond Road. Feel free to stop in for as little or as long a time as your schedule allows. No rsvp required.
Parents Meeting: Parents are invited to remain after worship on Sunday, June 8, for a brief meeting regarding "Sunday School" for the summer months. Lauren Fouts will share information regarding curriculum plans as well as volunteer needs for the summer.
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 basket 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.
Resettlement Update: A recent meeting with Kentucky Refugee Ministries indicates that we are on the right track with the support being provided to Raghad and her daughters. Primary needs now include: language training, employment contacts, and recreational opportunities. To offer assistance or ideas in any of these, or other, areas, contact Nelson Barnes (519-0013 or nb@nelbar.com).
Peace to all.
Mike Ward
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