weekly letter

November 26, 2008

 

Greetings to all!

 

The Thanksgiving Holiday is before us.  At the center of the holiday is "Thanksgiving Dinner."  

 

     There is nothing like a special meal to mark a day as important.  Certain times - Thanksgiving, Christmas, Mom's birthday, etc. - call for certain foods, and those who are in the know know which and when.  Food and time can be so bound together in our memories and affections that the scent of a certain spice carries us instantly back to a certain day.  Moreover, some times call not just for special food but for lots of it.  When his grown children come home, a friend who is the cook in his family makes too much of everything:  here are all their favorites, not one vegetable dish but three, not one bread basket but two, each overflowing with more than the family can eat.  It is his love of them, not merely the food, that is running over, of course.  Such occasions, whether they are on a public calendar or on days known only within a small circle, are not just meals.  They are feasts. Food abounds, and so does mercy.

(from Receiving the Day by Dorothy C. Bass)

 

Community Thanksgiving:  An ecumenical Thanksgiving Eve Worship service will be held on Wednesday, November 26, 7:00pm, at Park United Methodist Church (645 East High Street).  Representatives from several congregations will share in leadership of the service.

 

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, November 30, the First Sunday of Advent:

     Isaiah 64:1-9

    1 Corinthians 1:3-9

     Mark 13:24-37

 

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, November 30, 10am, in Trinity Hall.  This Sunday we begin a four-part conversation, The Christmas Stories.  Our focus on Sunday will be "An Angel Visits Mary" (Luke 1:26-38).  Feel free to join the conversation, enjoy a cup of coffee, or just listen in.

 

Hosts Needed -  Hosts are needed for our after worship refreshments this Sunday, November 30.  Remember that our after worship refreshments need not be elaborate.  Just something simple to gather around as we fellowship.  Use reply email to let us know if you would like host (or co-host) this Sunday's refreshments.

 

Christmas Season Potluck- Our traditional congregational potluck to open the Christmas season will be held on Sunday, December 7, immediately after worship, in Trinity Hall.  Bring a salad, side dish, or dessert.  Don't miss this festive occasion for all ages. 

 

Annual Christmas Party - Our annual Christmas Party will be held on Sunday, December 14, 3 - 5pm, at the home of Irene and Alan Bloomfield, 1202 Delong Place.  This traditional gathering is an opportunity for adults to share Christmas cheer.  Bring an hors-d'oeuvre or dessert item. 

 

ATTENTION Walnut Hill Women:  Natalie Watt and Dorothy Brockopp invite all Walnut Hill women to a dinner and conversation at Buddy's restaurant on Wednesday, December 10, 6:30 p.m.  Each attendee will purchase her own meal.  The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss future women's programs/meetings, including possible dates, topics, speakers, etc.  Please rsvp to Natalie or to the church office (Walnut.hillchurch@verizon.net or 263-5304) before December 3.  You may also rsvp via the sign up sheet in the Sanctuary foyer. 

 

Giving Opportunities:

     -Abundant Christmas - Once again this season we are sponsoring a family through the Nathaniel Mission's "Abundant Christmas" program.  This year's family includes a single mother and three children.  Look for the "Giving Tree" in Trinity Hall from which you can take an ornament(s).  Each ornament represents one gift for one family member.  Gifts must be returned to Walnut Hill by December 21.

      -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...David Sharrard, John Ragland, Mark Horman, Thomas and Deanna Rawlings for their work in the Sanctuary and Trinity Hall last Saturday; Ruth Sharrard and her sister, Kay Kramer, for the wonderful Thanksgiving Cornucopia arrangement last Sunday; Amy and Matt Trail, Witty and Grant Rea, Nell and Mark Horman for last Sunday's refreshments; Nell Horman, Amy Trail, and Derek Vaughan for their work with children and youth.

     -Walnut Hill delivered one hundred pounds of "stuffing" to the Nathaniel Mission on Tuesday, our contribution to their annual community Thanksgiving Dinner.  Forty-eight non-perishable food items were received during worship on Sunday morning.  These items will be delivered to God's Pantry for distribution in the local community. 

 

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

Mike Ward