Wednesday, August 6, 2008

weekly letter

August 6, 2008

 

Greetings to all!

 

The Olympics begin this week.  Whether or not we follow it closely, the event reminds us of the amazing potential of the human body.  In her book, Honoring the Body, Stephanie Paulsell reflects on this theme.

 

            The bodies of others sometimes evoke our praise and wonderment.  And often they do this through feats of bodily exertion.  Think of Olympic runners and swimmers, gymnasts and skaters, beautiful in their strength and speed...Athletes who explore the edges of physical limits with their bodies remind us that human beings are fearfully and wonderfully made indeed.  They clothe the mystery of the body in the vivid garment of their disciplined, striving flesh.  Watching them, we are inspired to test the limits of our own bodies and our own lives.  No wonder the apostle Paul so often draws on the image of the athlete to inspire new Christians to embrace their path with rigor, singleness of purpose, self-control, perseverance, and endurance.  No wonder the prophets used images of physical  strength to describe the coming reign of God.  "Strengthen the weak hands, make firm the feeble knees." When God's people return to Zion, Isaiah writes, "the lame shall leap like a deer."

 

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, August 10:

            Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28

            Romans 9:1-5

            Matthew 14:13-21

 

The Walnut Hill Working Group will be in session this Sunday, August 10, 10am, in Trinity Hall.  Walnut Hill members and friends are invited to gather for conversation regarding the proposed Worship Book that we have been using over these recent Sundays.  Share your observations, criticisms, suggestions, etc, enjoy a cup of coffee, or just listen in.

 

Fellowship Dinners:  Fellowship Dinners are coming in the fall.  You might remember these small group gatherings

(6 -8 persons) in various homes for a meal and fellowship.  We are currently signing up persons who would like to attend and/or host a meal in late September.  Use reply email, the sign up sheet in the sanctuary foyer, or call the church office (263-5304) to indicate your interest.  Contact Sherry Warden or Dorothy Brockopp for more information.

 

Nursery Clean-up:  Summer is a good time to clean out the closets and other places where things seem to accumulate.  One such place is the church nursery.  We are looking for some volunteers to help get the nursery in readiness for the Sunday School year ahead.  Contact Lauren Fouts for more information.

 

Thanks, news, etc…

            *Thanks toKelly Peterson for her service at the organ last Sunday; Phil Bloomfield and Sherry Warden for preparing Communion elements; Mark and Nell Horman, Phil Bloomfield, John DeReamer, and William Ward for their assistance during worship; Gene Brockopp for his assistance with our after worship refreshments.

            *Walnut Hill children Katie Swim, Spencer Horman, and Benjamin Horman recently attended summer camp sessions at Cathedral Domain.  Be sure to inquire of these young people regarding their camp experiences.

            *Walnut Hill has received a "thank you" card from the congregation of Grace Methodist Church, Lucedale, MS, acknowledging our recent support of their community rebuilding efforts.  The card has been posted on the bulletin board in Trinity Hall.

 

Peace to all.

 

Mike Ward 

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