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
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