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