weekly letter

July 2, 2008

 

Greetings to all!

 

Independence Day is upon us and with it, between the fire works and cookouts, an opportunity to recall and appreciate our nation's Founders.  Much discussion these days about the Founders focuses on what they might have believed, or not believed, religiously speaking.  In a letter written on March 9, 1790, an aged and ailing Ben Franklin describes his own beliefs.

 

     I believe in one God, creator of the universe.  That he governs it by his Providence.  That he ought to be worshiped.  That the most acceptable service we can render to him is doing good to his other children.  That the soul of man is immortal, and will be treated with justice in another life respecting its conduct in this.  These I take to be the fundamental principles of all sound religion, and I regard them as you do, in whatever sect I meet with them. 

     As to Jesus of Nazareth...I think the system of morals and his religion as he left them to us, the best the world ever saw, or is likely to see; but I apprehend it has received various corrupting changes, and I have...some doubts as to his divinity; though it is a question I do not dogmatize upon, having never studied it, and think it needless to busy myself with it now, when I expect soon an opportunity of knowing the truth with less trouble.

(as found in American Gospel, Jon Meacham)

 

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, July 6, the Sacrament of Holy Communion:

     Leviticus 25:1-12

     Romans 13:1-7

     Luke 4:14-21

 

Men's Coffee:  Men are invited to gather for coffee this Saturday, July 5, 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 continue this Sunday, July 6, 10am, in Trinity Hall.  In light of the Independence Day holiday, our conversation will focus on aspects of "Religion in Public Life."  Feel free to join the conversation, enjoy a cup of coffee, or just listen in.

 

Sunday School for older children and youth will be dismissed for the holiday weekend, Sunday, July 6.  Older children and youth are welcome to remain in the Sanctuary for the entire worship service on Sunday.  The nursery will be staffed as usual for infants and small children.

 

A Sign of Appreciation:  Walnut Hill has lately received a photograph of the plaque installed in the newly built volunteer workers dormitory at the Grace United Methodist Church in Lucedale, Mississippi.  The dormitory will be used to house work groups staying in the community while engaged in post-Katrina rebuilding projects.  Through a combination of allocated and specially donated funds, Walnut Hill provided the H/VAC system for the building's living quarters.  The plaque acknowledges Walnut Hill's support of the project.  Check out the photo on the bulletin board in Trinity Hall.

 

An Invitation:  Temple Adath Israel (North Ashland Ave.) invites the Lexington community to its Sabbath Evening Service on Friday, July 4, 7:30pm, for a celebration of our nation's religious freedom and diversity.  The service will be in the traditional Sabbath Service form with interfaith participation.  The Rev. Cynthia Cain, minister of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Lexington and current president of the Interfaith Alliance of the Bluegrass, will deliver the evening address.

 

Peace to all.

 

Mike Ward