September 17, 2008
Greetings to all!
From the financial markets, to geo-politics, to hurricane force winds, these have been rather shaky times. I am reminded of Paul Tillich's famous sermon, "The Shaking of the Foundations," which he presented shortly after the devastations of World War II. In one section of the sermon, Tillich observes how such "shaking" eventually breaks through even that often entrenched human response, "cynicism."
There are certainly some among us who are cynical toward most of that which men create and praise. There are some among us who are cynical about the present situation of the world and the leaders of the world. We may be cynical, of course, about the true motives behind all human action; we may be cynical about ourselves, our inner growth and our outer achievements. We may be cynical about religion and about our Churches, their doctrines, their symbols and their representatives. There is scarcely one thing about which we may not be cynical. But we can not be cynical about the shaking of the foundations of everything! I have never encountered anyone who seriously was cynical about that...if the foundations of this place and all places begin to crumble, cynicism itself crumbles with them. And only two alternatives remain - despair, which is the certainty of eternal destruction, or faith, which is the certainty of eternal salvation. "The world itself shall crumble, but...my salvation knows no end," says the Lord. This is the alternative for which the prophets stood. This is what we should call religion, or more precisely, the religious ground for all religion.
(from The Shaking of the Foundations)
The Scripture lessons for Sunday, September 21:
Exodus 16:2-15
Philippians 1:21-30
Matthew 21:23-32
Sunday Conversations resume this Sunday, September 21, 10am, in Trinity Hall with conversation regarding the lessons for the day (see above).
FALL POTLUCK - The annual Fall Potluck Picnic is scheduled for this Sunday, September 21, immediately after morning worship in Trinity Hall. Bring a salad, side dish, or dessert. Meat and beverage will be provided. Don't miss this delicious Walnut Hill tradition.
Hurricane Disaster Relief - Persons wishing to aid in disaster relief for those affected by this season's storms, may do so at Walnut Hill through this Sunday, September 21. 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).
CROP Walk - The CROP Walk is coming on Sunday afternoon, September 28, 3pm. 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. Walnut Hill Church will sponsor any Walnut Hill member or friend in the amount of $35/person, but to be sponsored we need to know that you plan to walk. Contact Nell Horman or the church office if you plan to participate in the CROP Walk.
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. This is your final opportunity to sign up to attend one of the meals being scheduled in October. Use reply email or call the church office (263-5304) by the end of this week to indicate your interest.
In the Community:
*The Christian-Muslim Dialogue Group will host a program regarding the "Gulen Movement." The Gulen movement is the inspiration of a Turkish Muslim teacher, Fethullah Gulen, promoting the possibility of harmony between persons of different religious traditions. The program will be held on Saturday, September 20, 10am, at Hunter Presbyterian Church (109 Rosemont Garden, near the intersection with Nicholasville Rd). The program is free and open to the public.
*The Interfaith Alliance of the Bluegrass will host a program titled "Peace and Justice in Lexington," focusing on efforts to help released prisoners re-enter society. Participants will include the Rev. Gerard Howell, Chaplain of the Fayette Co. Detention Center, as well as re-entry program volunteers and former inmates. The program will be held on Tuesday, September 23, 7pm, at Central Baptist Church (110 Wilson Downing Rd, across from Fayette Mall). The program is free and open to the public.
Thanks, news, etc...
*Thanks to...Bill McAtee and Oscar and Jane Lange for visiting and sharing with the Working Group session last Sunday; Nell Horman and Derek Vaughan for their work with the children and youth; Mary Lee Snyder and Carol and Norman Drury for our after worship refreshments; the Vestry and the Cemetery Association Board for their good work during recent meetings.
*Walnut Hill men should mark Tuesday, October 14, 6pm, as the date/time for the next Men's Dinner. More details forthcoming.
Peace to all.
Mike Ward
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