Tuesday, December 30, 2008

weekly letter

December 30, 2008
 
Greetings to all!
 
Traditions abound regarding the holidays including the New Year.
 
     In Scotland and the northern parts of England, New Year is given much importance:  Folk go from house to house wishing each other a good year ahead, and celebrate their good wishes with food and plenty of drink.  It is often seen as important who should be the first to cross the threshold and "bring in the year" once midnight has passed.  The prayer below asks Christ to come and "first-foot" for us.  The door is opened to welcome him in and invite his blessing, whether he enters in silence or in the company of other guests.
 
     This day is a new day that has never been before.  This year is a new year, the opening door...(the front door is opened)...Enter, Lord Christ - we have joy in Your coming.  You have given us life; and we welcome your coming.  I turn now to face You, I lift up my eyes.  Be blessing my face, Lord; be blessing my eyes.  May all my eye looks on be blessed and be bright, my neighbours, my loved ones be blessed in Your sight.  You have given us life and we welcome Your coming.  Be with us, Lord, we have joy, we have joy.  This year is a new year, the opening door.  Be with us, Lord, we have joy, we have joy.  Amen.
(from Celtic Daily Prayer)
 
The Scripture lessons for Sunday, January 4, The Epiphany of the Lord, Holy Communion:
     Isaiah 60:1-6
     Ephesians 3:1-12
     Matthew 2:1-12
 
Men's Coffee: Walnut Hill men are invited to gather for coffee this Saturday, January 3, 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 resume this week with the completion of our "Christmas Stories" series.  This Sunday, January 4,  we will focus on The Epiphany Story - Visitors From the East (Matthew 2:1-12).  Feel free to join the conversation, enjoy a cup of coffee, or just listen in.
 
Refreshment Hosts are needed for the first Sunday of the new year, January 4.  Please let us know by reply email if you would like to host (or co-host) this Sunday's refreshments.  Also, check the new sign up sheet in the Sanctuary for opportunities to host refreshments for any Sunday, January through March.
 
Saving Jesus, a revolutionary exploration of Jesus Christ for the third millennium, is the title of video discussion series scheduled to begin on Sunday, January 11, 10am, in Trinity Hall.  Watch for more details next week. 
 
Thanks to all who helped to make the Advent-Christmas season special at Walnut Hill, from our Advent wreath and lighters, to our Advent Booklet and writers, to Christmas Potluck and Party hosts and guests, to the Children's Pageant directors and players, to Sanctuary decorators and poinsettia providers, to Giving Tree givers and Innkeeper's Offering donors, to Sunday refreshment hosts, to worship leaders and worshipers young and old.  Thank you all!
 
News of the Congregation:
     *Over $600 was received for the "Innkeeper's Offering" at our two Christmas Eve gatherings.  The Innkeeper's Offering supports the work of the Salvation Army providing shelter for homeless women, children, and families.
     *On Sunday, December 28, two hand-made benches in Trinity Hall were dedicated in memory of Shelby Shanklin, Jr.  Shelby's children Alice, David, and Craig sponsored the project and were present for the dedication.  
     *A photograph of this year's Christmas Pageant cast is available for viewing on the Walnut Hill Website.  Check it out at www.walnuthillchurchky.org.
 
Happy New Year!
 
Mike Ward

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