Wednesday, September 10, 2008

weekly letter

September 10, 2008
 
Greetings to all!
 
This Sunday, September 14, we will be having a special 10am conversation (see below) focusing on the story of Walnut Hill's ecumenical origin and identity.   A piece of that story is preserved in our "Articles of Agreement" with the Presbytery of Transylvania.  Article I of that Agreement sets forth the purpose of Walnut Hill Church.
 
The purpose for which Walnut Hill Church is formed and organized is to unite persons and resources into a shared ministry through one church in order:
     a) to serve more effectively the Christian community in general and in particular an area in the southeast section of Fayette County, Kentucky
     b) to express more fully the mission and service of the Church of Jesus Christ
     c) to preserve the dignity and heritage of the Walnut Hill Church building and grounds
     d) to provide public worship, the apostolic ministry of Word and Sacrament, religious instruction, and pastoral care and counseling in the name of Jesus Christ
     e) to jointly support a single Christian Community, so that a united and coordinated program shall be developed, conducted and carried out under the sponsorship of the members of Walnut Hill Church, keeping in mind that the program shall respect the liturgical practices of participating judicatories.
 
"Where Do We Go From Here?"  has been the general theme of our second Sunday Working Group conversations throughout this year.  This Sunday our conversation will focus on Walnut Hill's ecumenical origin as a starting place to ask where we might go from here in regard to our ecumenical identity and mission.  Whether you have been at Walnut Hill for a long time or just recently arrived, you are invited to be part of the conversation this Sunday, September 14, 10am, in Trinity Hall.  (Child care will be available.) 
 
The Scripture lessons for Sunday, September 14:
     Exodus 14:19-31
     Romans 14:1-12
     Matthew 18:21-35
 
Men's Coffee:  Men are invited to gather for coffee this Saturday, September 13, 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.
 
Hosts Needed - Hosts are needed for this Sunday, September 14, after worship refreshments.  Remember that our after worship refreshments need not be elaborate, just something to gather around as we enjoy conversation in Trinity Hall.  Use reply email to volunteer as a host (or co-host) for this Sunday.  Check the sign up sheet in the Sanctuary foyer to volunteer for a Sunday later in the fall.
 
Hurricane Disaster Relief - Persons wishing to aid in disaster relief for those affected by this season's storms, may do so at Walnut Hill this Sunday, September 14.  Walnut Hill will be sending a donation via our ecumenical partner Church World Service to support storm relief efforts along the U.S. Atlantic and Gulf coast as well as among island nations in the Caribbean.  Baskets will be available in the Sanctuary foyer to receive your donations of cash and checks (payable to Walnut Hill Church).
 
FALL POTLUCK - The annual Fall Potluck Picnic is scheduled for Sunday, September 21, immediately after morning worship.  Bring a salad, side dish, or dessert.  Meat and beverage will be provided.  Don't miss this delicious Walnut Hill tradition.
 
CROP Walk - The CROP Walk is coming on Sunday afternoon, September 28.  The CROP Walk is a great opportunity for persons of all ages to walk through downtown Lexington in support of hunger relief efforts locally and globally.  Watch for more details.
 
Athens-Chilesburg Elementary is seeking volunteers to serve as tutors for elementary age students, approximately one hour per week.  No prior teaching experience is required.  Training is provided.  Contact Natalie Watt for more information about being a tutor at Athens-Chilesburg Elementary.
 
Thanks, news, etc...
     *Thanks to several folks for their service last Sunday...Phil Bloomfield and Sherry Warden for preparing our Communion elements last Sunday; the Choir, Thomas and Deanna Rawlings, Ron Johnston, Emett and Joyce Barfield for their leadership and assistance during morning worship; Nell Horman for working with the children; Laura and Chuck Adams, Joanne Hilliard, and Casey Hilliard for providing our after worship refreshments.
     *Eighteen men attended this week's Men's Dinner. Thanks to Bill Roberts for being our speaker for the evening.  Thanks to Gene Brockopp for coordinating the gathering and to Lyle Hanna for arranging our speaker for the evening.
     *The Vestry will meet this Sunday, September 14, after worship.
 
Peace to all.
 
Mike Ward

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