weekly letter

October 29, 2008

 

Greetings to all!

 

November 1 is All Saints' Day.  Henri Nouwen reflects on the Church as "the garden of the Saints."

 

     The Church is a very human organization but also the garden of God's grace.  It is a place where great sanctity keeps blooming.  Saints are people who make the living Christ visible to us in a special way.  Some saints have given their lives in the service of Christ and his Church; others have spoken and written words that keep nurturing us; some have lived heroically in difficult situations; others have remained hidden in quiet lives of prayer and meditation; some were prophetic voices calling for renewal; other were spiritual strategists setting up large organizations or networks of people; some were healthy and strong; other were quite sick, and often anxious and insecure.

     But all of them in their own ways lived in the Church as in a garden where they heard the voice calling them the Beloved and where they found the courage to make Jesus the center of their lives.

(from Bread for the Journey)

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, November 2, All Saints', Holy Communion:

     Revelation 7:9-17

     1 John 3:1-3

     Matthew 5:1-12

 

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, 10am, in Trinity Hall, with conversation regarding the lessons for All Saints' Day (see above).  Feel free to join the conversation, enjoy a cup of coffee, or just listen in.

 

The Walnut Hill Children's Choir continues practice this Sunday, November 2, 10am, in Trinity Hall.  Nell Horman is leading the children as they learn to use voices and instruments to celebrate God's love.  The children are particularly working on Christmas music leading to a Sunday morning presentation in December.  All Walnut Hill children are invited to participate.

 

The Annual Meeting of the Congregation of Walnut Hill Church will be held on Sunday, November 9, in the Sanctuary, immediately after morning worship.  Business items will include election of Vestry members, approval of the Pastor's terms of call, and approval of the 2009 church budget.  All members and friends of Walnut Hill Church have privilege of voice and vote at congregational meetings and are encouraged to attend.

 

Volunteer Opportunities: Use reply email or call the church office to inquire about these opportunities.

     -Newsletter Editor - We are currently seeking a newsletter editor to do electronic layout of newsletter copy for the church's printed newsletter (six per year).

     -Christmas Party Host(s) - We are currently seeking a location and host(s) for this year's Christmas Party, which is scheduled for Sunday afternoon/evening, December 14.

 

Giving Opportunities:

     -Thanksgiving Dressing - Walnut Hill has committed to provide the dressing (a.k.a. "stuffing") for the Thanksgiving Community meal at the Nathaniel Mission.  Approximately 400 people will be served.  Contact Lee tucker if you would like to sponsor a pan of dressing.

     -A.C.E. School Trip - Walnut Hill has committed to sponsor 11 students to participate in the Athens-Chilesburg Elementary School 5th grade class trip to Washington, DC.  These are students who otherwise could not afford to participate.  The cost per child is $535.  Donations in any amount are welcome.  Make checks payable to Walnut Hill Church with "ACE Trip" in the memo.

 

Thanks, news, etc...

     -Thanks to...to a whole group parents who made our Fall Fellowship refreshments so festive last Sunday; many of the same parents, youth, children, and donors who provided the items for and prepared "hygiene kits" that will be sent via Church World Service to persons affected by natural disasters such as earthquake or flood.

     -The Fall Fellowship Dinners were completed over the weekend.  Over thirty members and friends participated.  Special thanks go out to our hosts: Natalie and Bob Watt, Marian Congleton, Irene and John Ragland, Ruth and David Sharrard.  Thanks also to Dorothy Brockopp and Sherry Warden who coordinated the gatherings.

 

Peace to all.

 

Mike Ward

weekly letter

October 22, 2008

 

Greetings to all!

 

One of Jesus' most well-known teachings is the commandment to "love your neighbor as yourself."  Joyce Rupp reflects on this commandment:

 

     This second commandment which Jesus proclaimed is a challenge not only to love others, but also to love myself well.  After all, I am to treat others as I treat myself, and sometimes I treat myself rather shabbily.  I do this when I do not allow myself enough sleep, fill my body with unhealthy food, over work and get stressed, omit play and prayer in my day, forget to affirm and be grateful for my personal gifts...the list could go on and on. Jesus' commandment assumes that I love myself and that I am good to myself.  On this basis, I am to be good to others.

     I believe there are false messages in the back of our minds that keep us from living the second commandment.  One message says that we aren't supposed to think kindly of ourselves because that would be pride.  Another tells us that we should not give ourselves much attention or be too good to ourselves because that would be selfish.  Yet if we are not kind and considerate of our own persons, how can we be this way with others?

(from Inviting God In)

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, October 26:

     Deuteronomy 34:1-12

     1 Thessalonians 2:1-8

     Matthew 22:34-46

 

Men's Coffee - Walnut Hill men are invited to gather for coffee this Saturday, October 25, 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.

 

Sunday Conversations around the Scripture lessons for the day and other topics continue this Sunday, October 26, 10am, in Trinity Hall.  Feel free join the conversation or just listen in.  David Sharrard will be leading this Sunday's conversation.

 

The Walnut Hill Children's Choir continues practice this Sunday, October 26, 10am, in Trinity Hall.  Nell Horman is once again leading the children as they learn to use voices and instruments to celebrate God's love.  The children are particularly working on Christmas music leading to a Sunday morning presentation in December.  All Walnut Hill children are welcome to participate.

 

A Fall Family Fellowship Day is scheduled for Sunday, October 26, after worship.  There will be special refreshments for all, and for the children there will be fun activities and a mission project.  Regarding the mission project, the children will assemble "Hygiene Kits" to be sent to disaster areas via Church World Service.  You can help with the "Hygiene Kits" by donating any of the following items:  wash cloths, hand towels (16 X 28 in.), soap (bath size), band aids, tooth brushes, combs, and nail clippers. 

 

In the community:  The Christian-Muslim Dialogue will meet on Saturday, October 25, 10am - Noon, at the Hunter Presbyterian Church.  The speaker will be Dr. Michael Rivage-Seul, Director of Peace and Social Justice Studies at Berea College.  Dr. Rivage-Seul's topic will be "Integral Peace Studies: the Role of Spirituality and Meditation."  A potluck meal (at Noon) will follow the presentation.

 

Thanks, news, etc...

     *The Vestry will meet this Sunday, October 26, 10am, in Trinity Hall. 

     *This year's annual Congregational Meeting will be held on Sunday, November 9, immediately after morning worship. Please mark the date on your calendar and plan to attend.

 

Peace to all.

 

Mike Ward

weekly letter

October 15, 2008

 

Greetings to all!

 

October is traditionally thought of as harvest season.  Any good harvest depends upon, among other things, good seed for planting and good soil for growing.  Jesus told a story about seed and soil.  I wonder what Jesus was saying about God and about us?

 

     Once there was a man who went out to sow grain.  As he scattered the seed in the field, some of it fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up.  Some of it fell on rocky ground, where there was little soil.  The seeds soon sprouted, because the soil wasn't deep.  But when the sun came up, it burned the young plants; and because the roots had not grown deep enough, the plants soon dried up.  Some of the seed fell among thorn bushes, which grew up and choked the plants. But some seeds fell in good soil, and the plants bore grain: some had one hundred grains, others sixty, and others thirty…Listen then if you have ears!

(Matthew 13:1-9, Today's English Version)

 

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, October 19: 

     Exodus 33:12-23

     1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

     Matthew 22:15-22

 

Sunday Conversations resume this week at 10am, Sunday morning, Trinity Hall.  This Sunday's conversation is titled "A Vision of Economic Collapse" based on Revelation 18.  This Bible study is not for the faint of heart.  Nonetheless, all are welcome to join the conversation, enjoy a cup of coffee, or just listen in.

 

The Walnut Hill Children's Choir resumes practice this Sunday, October 19, 10am, in Trinity Hall.  Nell Horman will once again be leading the children as they learn to use voices and instruments to celebrate God's love.  The children will particularly work on Christmas music leading to a Sunday morning presentation in December.  All Walnut Hill children are welcome to participate.

 

A Host(s) is needed for our after worship refreshments this Sunday, October 19.  Remember that refreshments need not be elaborate, just something simple to gather around as we fellowship after worship.  Let us know by reply email if you would like to host or co-host this Sunday's refreshments.  

 

A Fall Family Fellowship Day is scheduled for Sunday, October 26, after worship.  There will be special refreshments for all, and for the children there will be fun activities and a mission project.  Regarding the mission project, the children will assemble "Hygiene Kits" to be sent to disaster areas via Church World Service.  You can help with the "Hygiene Kits" by donating any of the following items this Sunday or next:  wash cloths, hand towels (16 X 28 in.), soap (bath size), band aids, tooth brushes, combs, and nail clippers. 

 

Thanks, news, etc…

   *Thanks to…Matt and Amy Trail for providing our after worship refreshments last Sunday; David O'Neal for speaking to our Men's Dinner group and to Gene Brockopp for organizing the gathering; Marian Congleton for hosting the Women's Guild Bible study; Marian Congleton and Bob and Natalie Watt for hosting Fellowship Dinners last weekend; Barb Waldmann-Ward for recent gardening work.

    *Members and friends are reminded that the opportunity to comment on the proposed Walnut Hill Worship Book continues through the end of October.  You may write comments on the comments (last) page of the book itself, or contact Mike Ward or any Vestry member.

     *Mike Ward will be out of the office on Thursday and Friday attending the 61^st Annual Assembly of the Kentucky Council of Churches in Frankfort.

 

Peace to all,

 

Mike Ward

weekly letter

October 8, 2008

 

Greetings to all!

 

With all the heavy news surrounding us these day, perhaps we could stand a parable on the lighter side, yet with a point.  The title of the parable, by Anthony DeMello, is "The Contented Fisherman."

 

     A rich industrialist was horrified to find a fisherman lying lazily beside his boat, smoking a pipe.  "Why aren't you out fishing?" said the industrialist.  "Because I have caught enough fish for the day," said the fisherman. 

     "Why don't you catch some more?"

     "What would I do with it?"

     "You could earn more money" was the reply.  "With that you could have a motor fixed to your boat and go into deeper waters and catch more fish.  Then you would make enough to buy nylon nets.  These would bring you more fish and more money.  Soon you would have enough money to own two boats...maybe even a fleet of boats.  Then you would be rich like me."

     "What would I do then?"

     "Then you could really enjoy life."

     "What do you think I am doing right now?"

~Which would you rather have: a fortune or a capacity for enjoyment.~

(adapted from The Song of the Bird)

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, October 12:

     Exodus 32:1-14

     Philippians 4:1-9

     Matthew 22:1-14

 

Men's Coffee:  Walnut Hill men are invited to gather for coffee on Saturday, October 11, 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.

 

Walnut Hill Working Group - The Walnut Hill Working Group will meet on Sunday, October 12, 10am, in Trinity Hall.  This month's working group session, Following the Money, will focus on Walnut Hill's budget for 2009.  Participants will help craft Walnut Hill's budget priorities for what promises to be a very challenging year ahead.  We will address questions like:  How will the current economic downturn affect Walnut Hill's income?  What plans or programs might need to be delayed or cut back?  How can Walnut Hill reach out to the community in these difficult times?  All members and friends are invited to this important conversation.

 

The Women's Guild will meet on Monday, October 13, 1:30pm, at the home of Marian Congleton for fellowship and Bible Study.  The Bible Study topic will be:  The Good Life: Finding It and Enjoying It.  All Walnut Hill women are invited to attend.

 

Men's Dinner - The next Walnut Hill Men's Dinner is scheduled for Tuesday, October 14, 6pm, at Buddy's (corner of Euclid Ave and East High St).  Our guest for the evening will be Mr. David O'Neal, chairman of the Fayette County Democratic Party, who will offer observations regarding the current campaign/election season.  Use reply email, the sign up sheet in the Sanctuary, or contact Gene Brockopp to rsvp.

 

In the Community:

     *The Annual Old Richmond Road Neighborhood Association Meeting and Potluck Dinner will be held on Monday, October 13, 6pm, at the Jean Farris Winery.  Contact Mary Diane Hanna to rsvp (263-4231 or marydianehanna@yahoo.com).

     *The Interfaith Alliance of the Bluegrass is sponsoring "Dialogue and Dessert," an opportunity to share with others about their various religious traditions.  Interfaith groups of 8 - 10 participants will meet for five consecutive weeks (Mon, Tue, Wed, or Thu from October 20 - November 20, from 7 - 9pm).  Participants may choose the particular evening that works best for them.  For more information or to register for a group, contact Jack Morris at 273-0458 or jgmorris38@aol.com).

 

Thanks, news, etc....

     *Thanks to...Melissa Holland, President of the KY Council of Churches, for her visit at Walnut Hill on Ecumenical Sunday and to all our members who helped to make the worship service a meaningful celebration; Cory Sharrard for her work with the children last Sunday; Kim Bloomfield, Kathleen and Art Weinberg for providing our refreshments last Sunday.

     *The Fall Fellowship Dinners are beginning this weekend with two dinner groups gathering on October 10.  Two more groups will gather on October 25.  Thanks to all hosts and guests, and thanks especially to Sherry Warden and Dorothy Brockopp for their work in coordinating the dinners.

 

Peace to all.

 

Mike Ward   

Ecumenical Sunday

"Ecumenical Sunday"

(celebrating Walnut Hill's ecumenical ministry)

 

Sunday, October 5, 2008

 

*****

 

10:00 am "an Ecumenical Church"

(conversation & activities for all ages)

 

11:00am – Morning Worship and Holy Communion

 

Noon – Refreshments and Fellowship

 

*****

weekly letter

October 1, 2008

 

Greetings to all!

 

These are extraordinary days, to put it mildly.  How do we "keep our balance" in the midst of such events.  The ancient mystics practiced a virtue known as "detachment," which might have some renewed application today.  Kathleen Norris writes about this ancient practice:

 

     The word "detachment," valued by early monks as a virtue, has almost lost its positive connotation.  Nowadays it is most often used in a negative sense, to mean the opposite of a healthy engagement with the world, and with other people.  It conveys a sense of aloofness, a studied remoteness that signifies a lack of concern for others.  The monastic interpretation of "detachment" could not be more different:  in this tradition it means not allowing either worldly values or self-centeredness to distract us from what is most essential in our relationship with God, and with each other.  One sixth-century monk, Dorotheus of Gaza, describes detachment as "being free from wanting certain things to happen," and remaining so trusting of God that "what is happening will be the thing you want and you will be at peace with all."

 

     This sort of detachment is neither passive nor remote but paradoxically is fully engaged with the world.  It is not resignation, but a vigilance that allows a person to recognize that whatever comes is a gift from God.  It does not mean "being above it all," but recognizes that one shares in a common human lot - "Our span is seventy years, or eighty for those who are strong, and most of these are emptiness and pain." (Psalm 90:10)  It is the sort of prayer that can absorb all manner of pain, and transform it into hope.

(from Amazing Grace)

The scripture lessons for Sunday, October 5, Holy Communion:

     Isaiah 25:6-9

     Ephesians 4:1-6

     John 17:1-25

 

ECUMENICAL SUNDAY, October 5, is a day to celebrate and explore our identity as an ecumenical congregation.  This Sunday will provide a great opportunity to be reminded of what makes Walnut Hill unique and to introduce Walnut Hill to a friend or neighbor.  Make plans to attend and invite a guest to join us on this special day.  The schedule for the day will include:

     10am - Informal Conversation (for adults and youth) and Activities for Children around the theme of Walnut Hill Church as "an Ecumenical Church."

    11am - Morning Worship and Holy Communion, a special service of worship celebrating our ecumenical identity.

    Noon - Refreshments and Fellowship

 

Men's Dinner - The next Walnut Hill Men's Dinner is scheduled for Tuesday, October 14, 6pm, at Buddy's (corner of Euclid Ave and East High St).  Our guest for the evening will be Mr. David O'Neal, chairman of the Fayette County Democratic Party, who will offer observations regarding the current campaign/election season.  Use reply email, the sign up sheet in the Sanctuary, or contact Gene Brockopp to rsvp.

 

CROP WALK REPORT - On a beautiful Sunday afternoon, a large crowd of all ages made its way along a 2.4 mile path through downtown Lexington in support of hunger relief locally and globally.  Among the crowd were nine walkers from Walnut Hill including Mary and Amanda Rouse, Gary, Meredith, and Katie Swim, David and Ruth Sharrard, John Saunders, and Mike Ward.  Thanks to Vestry and individual sponsorship, Walnut Hill's delegation added $570 to the 2008 CROP Walk total. 

 

Thanks to Glenna and Jake Graves and Laura Proctor for providing our after worship refreshments last Sunday.

 

On a personal note:  In these days of uncertainty and high anxiety, let us be listening to each other, encouraging each other, and a little more patient than usual with each other.  No doubt we have a lot invested in our nation's economic system, but we are not those investments.  Our worldly treasure will come and go, and while we do the best we can to manage that treasure carefully, our greatest treasure is found within our hearts and the hearts of those around us.  No economic downturn can take that treasure from us.

 

Peace to all.

 

Mike Ward