weekly letter

November 5, 2008

 

Greetings to all!

 

With the election behind us, it is a good time to be in prayer for all those persons currently in and/or preparing for office.  Consider the following prayer by Reinhold Niebuhr.

 

     We pray for all who have authority in the world, for the leaders of our nation and for those who bear office in all the nations, that they may seek the peaceable fruits of justice;  grant that they may know the limits of human wisdom in the perplexities of this day, and calling upon you in humility, and acknowledging your majesty, may learn the wisdom of restraint and the justice of charity.  Amen.

(from Justice and Mercy)

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, November 9:

     Joshua 24:1-3, 14-25

     1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

     Matthew 25:1-13

 

Men's Coffee:  Men are invited to gather for coffee this Saturday, November 8, 8am, at Paneras (Richmond Road).  Feel free to stop in for as long or short a time as your schedule allows.  No rsvp required.

 

The Walnut Hill Working Group will be in session this Sunday, November 9, 10am, in Trinity Hall.  The Working Group is the name for our 2nd Sunday conversations regarding Walnut Hill's life and ministry.  Our Working Group topic for this Sunday will be "Walnut Hill's Ministry With and To Women and Men."  In what ways might Walnut Hill Church be of support, encouragement, and resource to women and men in regard to their particular needs, issues, and challenges?  All Walnut Hill members and friends are invited to attend this conversation. 

 

The Walnut Hill Children's Choir continues practice this Sunday, November 9, 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 ($20).

     -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 to...Martha and Jane Lee Moore for providing our after worship refreshments last Sunday; Sherry Warden for preparation of the Communion elements; the Walnut Hill Choir, Ruth and David Sharrard, Bob Watt, John and Irene Ragland for their leadership and assistance during morning worship; Nell Horman and Amy Trail for their work with the children.

 

Peace to all.

 

Mike Ward