Wednesday, December 17, 2008

weekly letter

December 17, 2008
 
Greetings to all!
 
     As we draw close to the Nativity, analysis gives way to reflection as prose gives way to poetry:
 
In each heart lies a Bethlehem,
an inn where we must ultimately answer
whether there is room or not.
When we are Bethlehem-bound
we experience our own advent in his.
When we are Bethlehem-bound
we can no longer look the other way
conveniently not seeing stars
not hearing angel voices.
We can no longer excuse ourselves by busily
tending our sheep or our kingdoms.
 
This Advent let's go to Bethlehem
and see this thing that the Lord has made known to us.
In the midst of the shopping sprees
let's ponder in our hearts the Gift of Gifts.
Through the tinsel
let's look for the gold of the Christmas Star.
In the excitement and confusion, in the merry chaos,
let's listen for the brush of angels' wings.
This Advent, let's go to Bethlehem
and find our kneeling places.
(by Ann Weems from Kneeling in Bethlehem)
 
The Scripture lessons for Sunday, December 21, the Fourth Sunday of Advent, Holy Communion:
     Isaiah 9:2-7
     Titus 2:11-14
     Luke 2:1-20
 

CHRISTMAS WORSHIP SCHEDULE:

     Sunday, December 21, 11am - Christmas Worship and Holy Communion - This service will include a formal Christmas liturgy (with choir) and Holy Communion.

     Wednesday, December 24, Christmas Eve 

                    *5pm - Carols and Candlelight - This service of lessons and carols is intended for all ages and will include a candlelight ceremony.

                    *9pm - Evening Prayer Fireside - For those who would like a quieter Christmas Eve experience, we will gather around the fireplace in Trinity Hall for a guided reflection on the meaning of Christmas.  This service is intended for adults and older youth.

 

Men's Coffee - Walnut Hill men are invited to gather for coffee this Saturday, December 20, 8am, at Paneras (Richmond Road).  Feel free to stop in for as long or short a time as your schedule allows.  No rsvp required.

 

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, December 21, 10am, in Trinity Hall, with our ongoing series The Christmas Stories.  Our focus will be The Shepherds (Luke 2:8-20).  Feel free to join the conversation, enjoy a cup of coffee, or just listen in.
 

Youth Christmas Party - Youth, their families (parents too!), and other guests are invited to a Christmas Season gathering at the home of Mike, Barb, and William Ward, on Sunday, December 21, 6:30 - 8:00pm.  Youth (and any youth guests or siblings present) should bring a fun gift (under $5 value) for a random gift exchange and a household cleaning item (or two) for donation to KY Refugee Ministries. Rsvp to the Wards or to the church office (263-5304) by December 19.

 

The Giving Tree:  Those participating in our "Giving Tree" program are asked to return your "ornaments and gifts" by this Sunday, December 21.  Thank you for helping Walnut Hill provide an abundant Christmas for a family nearby.

 

Thanks, news, etc...

     *Thanks to... Nell Horman, Lauren Fouts, and a host of other helpers for all the effort that went into last Sunday's "Christmas Pageant" presentation.  Not to be forgotten, thanks to the children and youth for their good spirited participation...Irene and Alan Bloomfield for their hospitality in hosting our Christmas Party last Sunday.  Over forty persons attended this traditional Walnut Hill gathering...Lyle and Mary Diane Hanna for lighting the Advent candles last Sunday.

     *Poinsettias for decorating the sanctuary may be sponsored ($15/plant) by contacting Lee Tucker or by calling the church office (263-5304).  Sponsors are welcome to take their plants home after the Christmas holiday.

 

Peace to all.

 

Mike Ward

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