Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

December 30, 2009

Greetings to all!

As we prepare to open the calendar for a new year, consider the
following reflection by Henri Nouwen.

A new beginning! We must learn to live each day, each hour, yes,
each minute as a new beginning, as a unique opportunity to make
everything new. Imagine that we could live each moment pregnant with
new life. Imagine that we could live each day as a day full of
promises. Imagine that we could walk through the new year always
listening to a voice saying to us: "I have a gift for you and can't
wait for you to see it!" Imagine.
Is it possible that our imagination can lead us to the truth of our
lives? Yes, it can! The problem is that we allow our past, which
becomes longer and longer each year, to say to us: "You know it all;
you have seen it all, be realistic; the future will be just another
repeat of the past. Try to survive as best you can." There are many
cunning foxes jumping on our shoulders and whispering in our ears the
great lie: "There is nothing new under the sun...don't let yourself
be fooled." When we listen to these foxes, they eventually prove
themselves right: our new year, our new day, our new hour become flat,
boring, dull, and without anything new.
So what are we to do? First, we must send the foxes back to where
they belong: in their foxholes. And then we must open our minds and
our hearts to the voice that resounds through the valleys and hills of
our life saying: "Let me show you where I live among my people. My
name is 'God-with-you.' I will wipe away all the tears from your eyes;
there will be no more death, and no more mourning or sadness. The
world of the past has gone." (Revelation 21:2-5) When we choose to
listen to that voice, every choice will open us a little more to
discover the new life hidden in the moment, waiting eagerly to be born.
(from "Here and Now')

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, January 3, observing the Epiphany of
the Lord:
Isaiah 60:1-6
Ephesians 3:1-12
Matthew 2:1-12
(The sacrament of Holy Communion will be celebrated this Sunday,
January 3.)

MEN'S COFFEE - Walnut Hill men are invited to gather for coffee on
Saturday, January 2, 8am, at Paneras on 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 Sunday, 10am, in Trinity Hall. We
will talk together about the year ahead, including your suggestions
for our "Sunday Conversation" topics. Feel free to enjoy a cup of
coffee, join the conversation, or just listen in.

ACE TRIP - Walnut Hill Church is sponsoring 15 students to
participate in the Athens Chilesburg Elementary School Fifth Grade
Class Trip to Washington, DC. These are students who otherwise do not
have the financial resources to participate. The trip costs
approximately $550/child. Your gift in any amount is welcome. Make
your check payable to Walnut Hill Church, designated "ACE Trip."

HOPE CENTER ITEMS - If you are just back from some holiday travel and
have collected some travel/trial size toiletry items, remember that we
are collecting unused travel/trial size toiletry items to be
distributed among clients of the Hope Center. Place your items in the
"Hope Center" box in the Sanctuary foyer.

CHRISTMAS FOLLOW-UP - Once again Walnut Hill "kept Christmas well"
including...our holiday potluck and party; presentations by the
children and youth; sanctuary decorations; Christmas Eve gatherings; a
carload of gifts for the "Giving Tree" family; gifts for our Iraqi
neighbors; more than $600 for the "Innkeeper's Offering" to shelter
homeless women, children, and families; holiday greetings shared all
around. Thanks to all those who helped make Christmas a special
season at Walnut Hill.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Mike Ward

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

December 23, 2009

Greetings to all!

Christmas is upon us! Consider the following reflection.

And did it happen that in a stable long ago,
a weary couple, who no-one wanted to know,
should choose a manger, in spite of the danger,
to hold and hallow the Lord below?

And did it happen that in the stillness of the night,
the woman labored to let God see the light,
and bathed and dressed him, nursed and blessed him,
the Word incarnate whose time was right?

And did it happen that news of this first reached the poor,
compelled by angels to tiptoe to the door
and see no trappings, just linen wrappings,
a baby for certain and God for sure?

And did it happen that all of this was meant to be,
that God from distance should choose to be set free
and show uniqueness transformed in weakness,
that I might touch God and God touch me?

(adapted from "Cloth for the Cradle")

CHRISTMAS EVE SCHEDULE - Thursday, December 24:
*5pm - "Carols and Candlelight," a service of lessons, carols, and
candlelight for all ages.
*9pm - "Evening Prayer Fireside," a quieter guided reflection
including prayers, familiar songs, and candlelight, for adults and
older youth.

INNKEEPER'S OFFERING - The Innkeeper's Offering will be received on
Christmas Eve. This offering supports the Salvation Army in their
work to provide food, shelter, and other services to homeless women,
children, and families.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, the First Sunday of Christmas, we will have our
regular morning worship service at 11am. The nursery will be staffed
for infants and small children. Sunday School will be available for
older children. Bring a plate of cookies or other item (holiday
leftovers welcome) for the after worship refreshment table.

"SUNDAY CONVERSATIONS" discussion will be dismissed for this Sunday
(12/27). "Sunday Conversations" will resume on January 3, 10am, in
Trinity Hall.

GIVING TREE - Thanks to all who responded so generously to our "Giving
Tree" program this season. A carload of gifts has been delivered to a
Lexington family who will enjoy those gifts on Christmas morning and
beyond.

HOPE CENTER ITEMS - Remember as you travel this season that we are
collecting unused travel and trial size toiletry items to be donated
to the Hope Center for distribution to their visitors. Place items in
the Hope Center box in the Sanctuary foyer.

THANKS TO....the Trail family, the Children's Choir, the adult Choir,
Spencer Horman, Barbara & Chris Bohmer, Ruth and David Sharrard, and
Phil Bloomfield for their assistance and leadership during worship
last Sunday; our Sanctuary decorators including Kim Thomasson, Thomas
Rawlings, Meredith Rawlings, Barbara Waldmann-Ward, and Ruth Sharrard.

Merry Christmas!

Mike Ward

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

December 16, 2009

Greetings to all!

If you were at worship last Sunday, you experienced the joy of the
Walnut Hill Christmas Pageant as through word, and song, and costume
the children/youth reminded us of the old story we remember at
Christmas. What about that story, the shepherds, the angels, the
stable, etc., etc? There is much debate about the "facts" of the
story these days.

Who knows what the facts of Jesus' birth actually were? As for
myself, the longer I live, the more inclined I am to believe in
miracle, the more I suspect that if we had been there at the birth, we
might well have seen and heard things that would be hard to reconcile
with modern science. But of course that is not the point, because the
Gospel writers are not really interested primarily in the facts of the
birth but in the significance, the meaning for them of that birth,
just as the people who love us are not really interested primarily in
the facts of our births but in what it meant to them when we were born
and how for them the world was never the same again, how their whole
lives were charged with new significance. Whether there were ten
million angels there, or just the woman herself and her husband, when
that child was born the whole course of history was changed. That is
a fact as hard and blunt as any fact. Art, music, literature, our
culture itself, our political institutions, our whole understanding of
ourselves and our world - it is impossible to conceive of how
differently world history would have developed if that child had not
been born. And in terms of faith, much more must be said because for
faith, the birth of the child into the darkness of the world made
possible not just a new way of understanding life, but a new way of
living life.
(Frederick Buechner as found in "Listening to Your Life")

The Scriptures for Sunday, December 20, the Fourth Sunday of Advent:
Isaiah 9:2-7
Titus 2:11-14
Luke 2:1-20
(Sunday morning begins our week of Christmas services. Sunday's
service will be our Christmas Communion service, with traditional
liturgy, choir, and the sacrament.)

SATURDAY COFFEE - Walnut Hill men are invited to gather for coffee on
Saturday, December 19, 8am, at Paneras on 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, 10am, in Trinity Hall.
This week's conversation will include a brief video by Parker Palmer
based on his book, "A Hidden Wholeness: The Journey Toward an
Undivided Life." Feel free to enjoy a cup of coffee, join the
conversation, or just listen in.

CHRISTMAS GIVING: Thanks to all those who picked up an ornament off
the Giving Tree. Remember to return your ornaments, with the
accompanying gift, by Sunday, December 20. For those who missed the
Giving Tree or would simply like ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY TO GIVE during
this season, we are gathering some gifts for the Iraqi family we
helped resettle in Lexington last year. Let us know by reply email if
you would like to provide a gift, gift card, or cash toward this
effort. You may also contact Sherry Warden who is gathering these
gifts for our Iraqi neighbors.

CHURCH ROSTER: Copies of the new church address/phone roster are
available in the foyer of the Sanctuary. You may also contact the
church office (263-5304) to have one sent to you. Thanks to Jim and
Lee Tucker for their work updating and publishing our church roster.

POINSETTIAS may be "adopted" for the holiday season at $15/plant.
Contact Lee Tucker to adopt a poinsettia. Checks payable to Walnut
Hill Church. Adopted poinsettias may be taken home after Sunday
service on December 27.

SUNDAY HOSPITALITY - We welcome a volunteer(s) who would like to
provide refreshments after worship for this Sunday, December 20.
Remember that our Sunday refreshments need not be elaborate, just
something simple to gather around as we visit after service. Use
reply email to volunteer for this Sunday, or check the sign up sheet
in the Sanctuary foyer to host a Sunday after the holidays.

CHRISTMAS WORSHIP CALENDAR:
Sunday, December 20, 11am, Christmas Communion Service
Thursday, December 24, 5pm, "Carols and Candlelight" service for all
ages
Thursday, December 24, 9pm, "Evening Prayer Fireside" for adults and
older children/youth
Sunday, December 27, 11am, Morning Worship

THANKS TO...the children/youth for their words, music, and pageantry
last Sunday, and to Nell Horman, Lauren Fouts, Angela Hurley and many
parents for helping the children/youth present the Christmas story so
wonderfully; to the Bloomfield family for their gracious hospitality
in hosting our annual Christmas party last Sunday afternoon, and to 40
or so members and friends who made the gathering so festive.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

December 9, 2009

Greetings to all!

Anne Weems offers a poetic reflection titled "An Angel Filled Advent."

Wouldn't it be wonderful if Advent came filled with angels and
alleluias? Wouldn't it be perfect if we were greeted on these
December mornings with a hovering of heavenly hosts tuning their harps
and brushing up on their fa-la-las? Wouldn't it be incredible if
their music filled our waking hours with the promise of peace on earth
and if each Advent night we dreamed of nothing but goodwill? Wouldn't
we be ecstatic if we could take those angels shopping, or trim the
tree or have them hold our hands and dance through our houses
decorating? And, oh, how glorious it would be to sit in church next
to an angel and sing our hark-the-heralds! What an Advent that would
be! What Christmas spirit we could have! An angel-filled Advent has
so many possibilities! But in lieu of that, perhaps we can give thanks
for the good earthly joys we have been given and for the earthly
"angels" that we know who do such a good job of filling our Advent
with alleluias!
(from "Kneeling in Bethlehem)

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, December 13, the Third Sunday of
Advent:
Zephaniah 3:14-20
Philippians 4:4-7
Luke 3:7-18

CHRISTMAS PAGEANT: The children will be offering their annual
Christmas presentation this Sunday, December 13, during morning
worship. All children planning to participate are asked to gather in
Trinity Hall at 10am for a final practice. Contact Nell Horman or
Lauren Fouts for more information.

LIVING THE QUESTIONS video discussion series concludes this Sunday,
December 13, 10am, in Trinity Hall. The theme for the day is
"Embracing Mystery." Feel free to enjoy a cup of coffee, join the
conversation, or just listen in.

CHRISTMAS PARTY: The annual Walnut Hill Christmas Party will be held
this Sunday, December 13, 4pm - 6pm, at 1202 Delong Place. Please
bring an hors-doeuvre item for the refreshment table. This gathering
is for adults.

CHRISTMAS GIVING: We are pleased to report that all of the ornaments
were taken from "The Giving Tree" last Sunday. Thanks to all those
who picked up an ornament. Remember to return your ornaments, with
the accompanying gift, by Sunday, December 20. For those who missed
the Giving Tree or would simply like ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY TO GIVE
during this season, we are gathering some gifts for the Iraqi family
we helped resettle in Lexington last year. Let us know by reply email
if you would like to provide a gift, gift card, or cash toward this
effort. You may also contact Sherry Warden who is gathering these
gifts for our Iraqi neighbors.

CHURCH ROSTER: Copies of the new church address/phone roster are
available in the foyer of the Sanctuary. You may also contact the
church office (263-5304) to have one sent to you. Thanks to Jim and
Lee Tucker for their work updating and publishing our church roster.

POINSETTIAS may be "adopted" for the holiday season at $15/plant.
Contact Lee Tucker to adopt a poinsettia. Checks payable to Walnut
Hill Church. Adopted poinsettias may be taken home after Sunday
service on December 27.

THANKS to all those who helped make last Sunday a special day
including: the Choir, the Children's Choir, Garrett Rea, Spencer
Horman, Forrest and Monta Rae Cook, Dorothy Paull, Bill and Maggy
Patterson, Ron Johnston, Cory Sharrard, and Ruth Sharrard for their
leadership during worship; Beth and Oggie Hilliard, Barbara and Chris
Bohmer, and Joanne Hilliard for coordinating our Christmas potluck;
all our great Walnut Hill cooks for a delicious potluck feast; the
Talbott family for preparing the Giving Tree ornaments; Phil
Bloomfield for preparing the Communion elements; all those working on
Christmas Pageant preparations; Gene Brockopp for leading our LTQ
discussion.

CHOIR VESTMENTS DEDICATED: In case you missed it Sunday, Choir members
were wearing new vestments recently purchased through the Memorial
Fund. These vestments were dedicated in honor of our Music and Choir
Director, Dr. Angela Hurley, who was presented with organist vestments
and a resolution in her honor.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Friday, December 4, 2009

Walnut Hill Christmas Potluck

December 4, 2009

Dear Friends:

Just a note to remind you of our

CHRISTMAS POTLUCK
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6
AFTER WORSHIP

Bring a salad, side dish, or dessert.

See you then!

Peace,

Mike Ward

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

December 2, 2009

Greetings to all!

Last Sunday we entered the season of Advent, four Sundays leading up
to Christmas. Dorothy Bass describes the season.

The Christian year begins as the calendar year sputters into its
final month. Its first season is quiet but expectant, leaning, as if
heavy with child, into the future. During the four weeks of Advent,
the season whose name means "coming," we carry our yearning in full
view, like a protruding belly. Borrowing the words of the prophet
Isaiah, we declare our own longing for the eyes of the blind to be
opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped, and for streams of water in
the desert. We dare to hope that God will indeed send good news to
the oppressed and bind up the brokenhearted and repair the ruined
cities (Isaiah 35:1-10; 61:1-4). Then John the Baptist, crying
Isaiah's words in the wilderness, announces that God's promises are
close to fulfillment. "Stir up your power and come," we pray,
yearning out of the depths of history and into the promises beyond
history, and out of the depths of our own lives toward the fulfillment
of our deepest longings.
(from "Receiving the Day")

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, December 6, the Second Sunday of
Advent, the Sacrament of Holy Communion:
Malachi 3:1-4
Philippians 1:3-11
Luke 3:1-6

MEN'S COFFEE - Walnut Hill men are invited to gather for coffee and
conversation this Saturday, December 5, 8am, at Panera's on Richmond
Rd. Feel free to stop in for as long or short a time as your schedule
allows. No rsvp required.

THE CHILDREN'S CHOIR continues its practice this Sunday, 10am, in
Trinity Hall. The children are practicing for a Christmas
presentation during morning worship on Sunday, December 13. All
children through elementary age are encouraged to participate.
Contact Nell Horman for more details.

LIVING THE QUESTIONS video discussion series continues this Sunday,
10am, in Trinity Hall. The topic for this Sunday is "Creative
Transformation." Feel free to enjoy a cup of coffee, join the
conversation, or just listen in.

CHRISTMAS SEASON POTLUCK - Be sure to join us this Sunday, December 6,
immediately after worship for our traditional Christmas Season
Potluck. This gathering is for all ages! Bring a salad, side dish,
or dessert (and your appetite)!

THE GIVING TREE - A favorite Walnut Hill tradition is the "Giving
Tree" with its ornaments representing gifts for the children and
adults of a local Lexington family. The Giving Tree will be up and
decorated in Trinity Hall on Sunday, December 6. Simply take an
ornament from the tree, purchase the suggested gift, and return the
gift and ornament to Walnut Hill by Sunday, December 20.

CHRISTMAS PARTY - The annual Walnut Hill Christmas Party will be held
on Sunday, December 13, 4pm - 6pm, at 1202 Delong Place. Bring an
hors-doeuvre item. This gathering is for adults.

ATHENS-CHILESBURG ELEMENTARY - Once again this Christmas season we are
welcoming donations in support of Walnut Hill's sponsorship of 15
children to participate in the A.C.E. 5th Grade Class Trip to
Washington, DC. Without sponsorship these children would not have the
means to participate in this special experience. The trip costs
approximately $550/child. Your gift in any amount is welcome. Make
your check payable to Walnut Hill Church, designated "ACE Trip."

IN THE COMMUNITY: White Oak Pond Christian Church (Madison County)
will present "Pioneer Christmas In Kentucky" at 6:30pm on December 11,
12, and 13. The program is described as "an 18th century Christmas
evening of dinner and musical drama. " Reservations ($25/person) are
required. Call 859-623-6515 for reservations or more information.

THANKS TO...David Sharrard, Brook and Scott Steede, and the Children's
Choir for their leadership during worship; Gene Brockopp for leading
our LTQ discussion; Nell Horman and Jo Wallen for working with the
Children's Choir; Ruth Sharrard for our Advent Wreath; Susan and Brian
Gillispie for our after worship refreshments.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

November 24, 2009

Greetings to all!

In the midst of the travel, sporting events, parades, shopping, and
food, Thanksgiving invites at least some recollection of the Pilgrims
who landed on the shores of the New World in 1620. Gov. William
Bradford's "History of the Plimoth Plantation" offers a glimpse of the
challenges they faced.

Being thus arrived in a good harbor and brought safe to land, they
fell upon their knees & blessed ye God of heaven, who had brought them
over ye vast & furious ocean, and delivered them from all ye periles
and miseries thereof, againe to set their feet on ye firme and stable
earth, their proper elemente...
But I cannot but stay and make a pause, and stand half amased at this
poore peoples presente condition; and so I thinke will the reader too,
when he well considers ye same...They had nowe no friends to welcome
them, no inns to entertaine or refresh their weatherbeaten bodys, no
houses or much less townes to repaire too, to seeke for succoure...And
for ye season it was winter, and they that know ye winters of ye
countrie know them to be sharp & violent, & subject to cruell & feirce
stormes, deangerous to travill to known places, much more to serch an
unknown coast. Besids, what could they see but a hidious & desolate
wildernes, full of wild beasts...For summer being done, all things
stand upon them with a weatherbeaten face; and ye whole countrie, full
of woods & thickets, represented a wild and savage heiw.
(as found in "A Religious History of the American People")

THE LECTIONARY readings for Sunday, November 29, the First Sunday of
Advent:
Jeremiah 33:14-16
1 Thessalonians 3:9-13
Luke 21:25-36

THE CHILDREN'S CHOIR continues its practice this Sunday, 10am, in
Trinity Hall. The children are practicing for a Christmas
presentation during morning worship on Sunday, December 13. All
children through elementary age are encouraged to participate.
Contact Nell Horman for more details.

LIVING THE QUESTIONS video discussion series continues this Sunday,
10am, in Trinity Hall. The topic for this Sunday is "Compassion: The
Heart of Jesus' Ministry." Feel free to enjoy a cup of coffee, join
the conversation, or just listen in.

THANKSGIVING DRESSING/STUFFING: Thanks to all those who contributed
to Walnut Hill's providing the stuffing/dressing for the Nathaniel
Mission's Community Thanksgiving Meal. We are pleased to report that
all 20 pans were sponsored, enough to serve the 400 guests anticipated
at the meal. Matt Trail will be delivering the stuffing/dressing
today, and it is sure to be enjoyed by all. Thanks also to
Critchfield Meats for their help with this project.

WOMEN'S OUTREACH - Related to our November Women's Dinner theme,
Walnut Hill women are invited to bring gift items to be donated to
residents at the Bluegrass Healthcare and Rehabilitation facility.
Suggested items include: powders, night gowns, lap blankets, robes,
socks, slippers, bed jackets, purses, makeup bags, stationery with
stamps. These gift items may be brought to Walnut Hill on Sundays in
November.

THE GIVING TREE - A favorite Walnut Hill tradition is the "Giving
Tree" with its ornaments representing gifts for the children and
adults of a local Lexington family. The Giving Tree will be up and
decorated in Trinity Hall on Sunday, December 6. Simply take an
ornament from the tree, purchase the suggested gift, and return the
gift and ornament to Walnut Hill by Sunday, December 20.

HOLIDAY EVENTS: Here is a look ahead to some holiday events on Walnut
Hill's calendar.
Sunday, December 6: Congregational Christmas Potluck, after
worship. Bring a salad, side dish, or dessert.
Sunday, December 13: Children's Christmas Presentation, during
morning worship.
Sunday, December 13: Christmas Party (for adults), 4pm, 1202 Delong
Place.
Sunday, December 20: Christmas Communion Service, 11am.
Thursday, December 24: Christmas Eve Family Service, 5pm, for all ages.
Thursday, December 24: Christmas Eve, Evening Prayer Fireside, 9pm,
for adults and older youth.

THANKS TO...Ruth Sharrad and her sister Kay Kramer for the wonderful
Thanksgiving Cornucopia adorning the Sanctuary last Sunday; Jo Wallen
for her work with the youth on Sunday; Irene Bloomfield, Kim
Bloomfield, and Kathleen and Art Weinberg for our Sunday refreshments:
Grant and Whitty Rea, Garrett Rea, and Spencer Horman for their
service during worship; Nell Horman for her work with the children's
choir....and to so many others who make our Sunday gatherings possible.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Mike Ward

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

November 18, 2009

Greetings to all!

This Sunday, November 22, is the last Sunday of the church's
liturgical year, the Sunday of Christ the King, which celebrates the
exaltation of Christ. Christ exalted can be a challenging notion for
us these days, particularly as we seek to emphasize the humanity of
Jesus. Kathleen Norris tells of how she came to appreciate the value
of living with both Jesus the suffering servant and the exalted Christ.

I began to realize that one of the most difficult things about
believing in Christ is to resist the temptation to dis-incarnate him,
to not accept him as both fully human and fully divine...The orthodox
Christian seeks another way, that of living with paradox, of accepting
the ways that seeming dualities work together in Jesus Christ, and in
our own lives. For me, it has meant trying to hear the gospels in a
way that allows me to reject a simplistic dualism in the interest of a
creative tension between flesh and spirit, faith and reason, even God
and Caesar.
Once, when I was the only guest one Sunday night at a women's
monastery, the sisters invited me join them in the "statio," the
community's procession into the church...I didn't realize it at the
time, but the sisters' invitation was an uncommon act of hospitality,
and not being able to amble into church on my own pushed me into
recognizing what the sisters already sensed, that Christ is actively
present in their worshiping community. Not as a static idea or
principle, but a Word made flesh, a listening, active Christ who in
the gospels tells us that he prays for us, and who promises to be with
us always.
Walking slowly into church in that long line of women taught me much
about liturgical time and space. I found to my surprise that the
entire vespers service had more resonance for me because of the solemn
way I had entered into it. Our procession was also a reminder of the
procession of life itself; the older sisters with their walkers and
canes had set a pace that the younger women had to follow. The
prioress was my partner; we brought up the rear. "We bow first to the
Christ who is at the altar," she whispered to me, as the procession
lurched along, "and then we turn to face our partner, and bow to the
Christ in each other." "I see," I said, and I did.
(from Amazing Grace)

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, November 22, Christ the King:
2 Samuel 23:1-7
Revelation 1:4-8
John 18:33-37

MEN'S COFFEE: Walnut Hill men are invited to gather for coffee this
Saturday, November 21, 8am, at Paneras on Richmond Road. Feel free to
stop in for as long or short a time as your schedule allows. No rsvp
required.

THE CHILDREN'S CHOIR continues its practice this Sunday, 10am, in
Trinity Hall. The children are practicing for a Christmas
presentation during morning worship on Sunday, December 13. All
children through elementary age are encouraged to participate.
Contact Nell Horman for more details.

LIVING THE QUESTIONS video discussion series continues this Sunday,
10am, in Trinity Hall. The topic for this Sunday is "Prayer: Intimacy
with God." Feel free to enjoy a cup of coffee, join the conversation,
or just listen in.

YOUTH CONVERSATION: Walnut Hill Youth (middle and high school) are
invited to gather for conversation during the worship hour this
Sunday, November 22, in the upstairs office in Trinity Hall. The
conversation will be based on the "Nooma" series videos which explore
life issues in a very non-traditional way. For more information
regarding the "Nooma" series and/or Sunday youth conversations,
contact Lauren Fouts.

WOMEN'S OUTREACH - Related to our November Women's Dinner theme,
Walnut Hill women are invited to bring gift items to be donated to
residents at the Bluegrass Healthcare and Rehabilitation facility.
Suggested items include: powders, night gowns, lap blankets, robes,
socks, slippers, bed jackets, purses, makeup bags, stationery with
stamps. These gift items may be brought to Walnut Hill on Sundays in
November.

HOLIDAY EVENTS: Here is a look ahead to some holiday events on Walnut
Hill's calendar.
Sunday, December 6: Congregational Christmas Potluck, after
worship. Bring a salad, side dish, or dessert.
Sunday, December 13: Children's Christmas Presentation, during
morning worship.
Sunday, December 13: Christmas Party (for adults), 4pm, 1202 Delong
Place.
Sunday, December 20: Christmas Communion Service, 11am.
Thursday, December 24: Christmas Eve Family Service, 5pm, for all ages.
Thursday, December 24: Christmas Eve, Evening Prayer Fireside, 9pm,
for adults and older youth.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

November 11, 2009

Greetings to all!

Thinking about Veterans Day I am reminded of Abraham Lincoln's words
regarding the nation's obligation to those who bear the brunt of its
conflicts:

With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the
right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish
the work we are in; to bind up the nation's wounds; to care for him
who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan -
to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace,
among ourselves, and with all nations. (from the 2nd Inaugural Address)

Also, on Veterans Day, consider this prayer for men and women serving
today:

O God our Father, we commend to Thy keeping all the men and women
serving our country by sea, land, and air, that the whole world may
share the fruit of their dedication and sacrifice, a just and lasting
peace; through the grace of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (as found
in the Walnut Hill Worship Book)

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, November 15:
1 Samuel 1:4-20
Hebrews 10:11-14
Mark 13:1-8

WOMEN'S DINNER - The next Walnut Hill Women's Dinner will be held on
Wednesday, November 11, 6:30pm, at Buddy's Bar and Grill (corner of
Euclid Avenue and High Street). Our guest for the evening will be Dr.
Graham Rowles, who will speak on issues related to "aging" and
initiatives to support those who are living in their senior years.
All Walnut Hill women are invited to attend.

MEN'S DINNER - The next Walnut Hill Men's Dinner will be held on
Wednesday, November 11, 6pm, at the Chop House (Richmond Road, just
outside New Circle). Our guest for the evening will be Mr. Bob
Babbage, former KY Secretary of State and State Auditor, legislative
lobbyist, consultant, and political commentator. All Walnut Hill men
are invited to attend.

THE CHILDREN'S CHOIR continues its practice this Sunday, 10am, in
Trinity Hall. The children are practicing for a Christmas
presentation during morning worship on Sunday, December 13. All
children through elementary age are encouraged to participate.
Contact Nell Horman for more details.

LIVING THE QUESTIONS video discussion series continues this Sunday,
10am, in Trinity Hall. The topic for this Sunday is "Social Justice:
Realizing God's Vision." Feel free to enjoy a cup of coffee, join the
conversation, or just listen in.

WOMEN'S OUTREACH - Related to our November Women's Dinner theme,
Walnut Hill women are invited to bring gift items to be donated to
residents at the Bluegrass Healthcare and Rehabilitation facility.
Suggested items include: powders, night gowns, lap blankets, robes,
socks, slippers, bed jackets, purses, makeup bags, stationery with
stamps. These gift items may be brought to the Women's Dinner on
November 11 or to Walnut Hill on Sundays in November.

THANKSGIVING OUTREACH - Once again Walnut Hill is sponsoring the
dressing/stuffing portion of the Nathaniel Mission Community
Thanksgiving Dinner. The Mission expects to serve 400 persons at this
year's event. That's a lot of stuffing, 20 pans to be exact. We are
pleased to report that this project is now fully subscribed. Thanks
to all!

IN THE COMMUNITY: Walnut Hill member Margaret C. Price will be
presenting a reading and book signing of her new book, "Smiley Pete,
Magnificent Moocher," at Joseph Beth Booksellers on Sunday, November
15, 2pm. "Smiley Pete, Magnificent Moocher" is the heart warming,
true story about a stray dog who became Lexington's downtown goodwill
ambassador. A portion of the book's proceeds benefits the Woodford
Humane Society.

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING REPORT: The annual meeting of the congregation
of Walnut Hill Church was held on Sunday, November 8. David Sharrard
and John Talbott were elected as new Vestry members, replacing Phil
Bloomfield and Ron Johnston whose terms expire this year. Natalie
Watt was elected Senior Warden for 2010. Oggie Hilliard was elected
Vice Warden. Martha DeReamer and Lee Tucker were elected by the
Vestry to continue their service as Treasurer and Clerk respectively.
The pastor's terms of call and congregational budget for 2010 were
also approved by the congregation.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

November 4, 2009

Greetings to all!

The autumn time change always gets to me. It seems like the day ends
so early. But what if the day was reckoned to begin, rather than end,
at dusk? Consider the following from Dorothy Bass.

When does a day begin? In the movie "Groundhog Day," the weatherman
played by Bill Murray knows the answer all too well: the day begins
when the clock radio goes off at 6am, blaring mindless chatter and
annoying music into the bedroom. It's time drag himself to his feet,
splash water on his face, and go out to endure February 2 all over
again.
When does a day begin? The hymn of creation that opens the
scriptures of Jews and Christians offers an answer too...(Genesis 1).
Here the days begin at dusk.
Eugene Peterson, a minister and author, urges fast-paced moderns to
pay attention to the wisdom of Genesis in this matter. Perceiving the
day's beginning at the darkening point teaches us something important
about who we are as human beings, he says. "The Hebrew evening/morning
sequence conditions us to the rhythms of grace. We go to sleep, and
God begins his work."
The first part of the day passes in darkness, then, but not in
inactivity. God is out growing the crops even before the farmer is up
and knitting together the wound before the clinic opens. When farmer
and physician awake, they will join in, contributing mightily, but
only because grace came first. Likewise, God has been working on and
in them, body and mind, while they slept; yesterday's bruises and
slights have begun to heal. Entered this way, morning is new, worth
being grateful for even before we have put our human touches on it.
This simple shift in perception is a fundamental movement within the
Christian practice of receiving the day. At the heart of this
practice is praise of the One who created the earth and separated the
light from the darkness. This One is still active in earth and all
creatures, including ourselves. Every day, this One offers gifts -
life, light, and hours in which to work and eat and love and rest -
and invites humankind to join in the ongoing work of caring for
creation and all who dwell therein. The same One also continues, each
day, the work of new creation: the work of forgiving and reconciling
and restoring wholeness. This too we are invited to enter, both as
ones who stand in need of this divine work and as partners in it.
(as found in "Receiving the Day")

IN MEMORY: Walnut Hill member William "Bill" Riley departed this life
on Tuesday, November 3. A memorial service will be held on Saturday,
November 7, 11am, at Walnut Hill Church. Visitation will be held on
Thursday, November 5, 5pm - 8pm, at Kerr Brothers Funeral Home
(Harrodsburg Road). Our prayers and thoughts are with Shirley and her
family.

The scripture lessons for Sunday, November 8:
Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17
Hebrews 9:24-28
Mark 12:38-44

SATURDAY COFFEE - Walnut Hill men are invited to gather for coffee on
Saturday, November 7, 8am, at Paneras on Richmond Road. Feel free to
stop in for as long or short a time as your schedule allows. No rsvp
required.

THE CHILDREN'S CHOIR continues its practice this Sunday, 10am, in
Trinity Hall. The children are practicing for a Christmas
presentation during morning worship on Sunday, December 13. All
children through elementary age are encouraged to participate.
Contact Nell Horman for more details.

LIVING THE QUESTIONS video discussion series continues this Sunday,
10am, in Trinity Hall. The topic for this Sunday is "A Kingdom
Without Walls." Feel free to enjoy a cup of coffee, join the
conversation, or just listen in.

YOUTH CONVERSATION: Walnut Hill Youth (middle and high school) are
invited to gather for conversation during the worship hour this
Sunday, November 8, in the upstairs office in Trinity Hall. The
conversation will be based on the "Nooma" series videos which explore
life issues in a very non-traditional way. For more information
regarding the "Nooma" series and/or Sunday youth conversations,
contact Lauren Fouts.

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING - The annual meeting of the congregation of
Walnut Hill Church will be held on Sunday, November 8, immediately
after morning worship. Business items for the congregational meeting
include the election of Vestry members, approval of the pastor's terms
of call, and review of the 2010 budget. All Members and Friends of
Walnut Hill Church have privilege of voice and vote at congregational
meetings and are encouraged to attend.

WOMEN'S DINNER - The next Walnut Hill Women's Dinner will be held on
Wednesday, November 11, 6:30pm, at Buddy's Bar and Grill (corner of
Euclid Avenue and High Street). Our guest for the evening will be Dr.
Graham Rowles, who will speak on issues related to "aging" and
initiatives to support those who are living in their senior years.
Rsvp via the sign up sheet in the Sanctuary foyer or by contacting
Natalie Watt or Dorothy Brockopp.

WOMEN'S OUTREACH - Related to our November Women's Dinner theme,
Walnut Hill women are invited to bring gift items to be donated to
residents at the Bluegrass Healthcare and Rehabilitation facility.
Suggested items include: powders, night gowns, lap blankets, robes,
socks, slippers, bed jackets, purses, makeup bags, stationery with
stamps. These gift items may be brought to the Women's Dinner on
November 11 or to Walnut Hill on Sundays in November.

MEN'S DINNER - The next Walnut Hill Men's Dinner will be held on
Wednesday, November 11, 6pm, at the Chop House (Richmond Road, just
outside New Circle). Our guest for the evening will be Mr. Bob
Babbage, former KY Secretary of State and State Auditor, legislative
lobbyist, consultant, and political commentator. Rsvp via the sign up
sheet in the Sanctuary foyer or by contacting Gene Brockopp.

THANKSGIVING OUTREACH - Once again Walnut Hill is sponsoring the
dressing/stuffing portion of the Nathaniel Mission Community
Thanksgiving Dinner. The Mission expects to serve 400 persons at this
year's event. That's a lot of stuffing, 20 pans worth to be exact.
If you would like to sponsor a pan ($20 each), let us know by reply
email or contact Lee Tucker. Checks may be payable to Walnut Hill
Church designated "Thanksgiving."

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

October 28, 2009

Greetings to all!

This Sunday, November 1, is All Saints' Day, an opportunity to recall
and celebrate the communion of saints past, present, and future.
Perhaps we have our "favorite saints," whether they be known to the
world or known only to us. Thomas Merton recalls a couple of his
favorite saints.

The saints of the 15th century are among those who most move me. In
the collapse of medieval society, corruption of the clergy, decadence
of conventual life, there emerge men and women of the laity supremely
obedient to God, especially Nicholas of Flue and Joan of Arc.
Complete and simple signs of contradiction to worldliness and system
and convention and prejudiced interest. Not rebels at all, but
completely meek and submissive instruments of God. In them you see
clearly and movingly revealed what it is not to be a mere rebel but to
be obedient to God as a sign to men, a sign of mercy, a revelation of
truth and of power. I am drawn to these "signs" of God with all the
love of my heart, trusting above all in their love and their
intercession, for they live in the glory of God.
(from "The Intimate Merton")

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, November 1, All Saints' Day, the
Sacrament of Holy Communion:
Isaiah 25:6-9
Revelation 7:9-17
Matthew 5:1-12

THE CHILDREN'S CHOIR continues its practice this Sunday, 10am, in
Trinity Hall. The children are practicing for a Christmas
presentation during morning worship on Sunday, December 13. All
children through elementary age are encouraged to participate.
Contact Nell Horman for more details.

LIVING THE QUESTIONS video discussion series continues this Sunday,
10am, in Trinity Hall. The topic for this Sunday is, "Reclaiming the
World," which offers a new, earth centered, look at the book of
Revelation. Feel free to enjoy a cup of coffee, join the
conversation, or just listen in.

SUNDAY HOSPITALITY - A host(s) is needed for our after worship
refreshments this Sunday, November 1. Keep in mind that refreshments
need not be elaborate, just something simple to gather around as we
visit after worship. Use reply email or call the church office
(263-5304) to inquire about hosting our refreshments this Sunday.
Check the sign up sheet in the Sanctuary for hospitality opportunities
later in November and December. Thanks to all our after worship
hosts, including Kathy Steinmetz and John Bauer who hosted our
refreshments last Sunday.

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING - The annual meeting of the congregation of
Walnut Hill Church will be held on Sunday, November 8, immediately
after morning worship. Business items for the congregational meeting
include the election of Vestry members, approval of the pastor's terms
of call, and review of the 2010 budget. All Members and Friends of
Walnut Hill Church have privilege of voice and vote at congregational
meetings and are encouraged to attend.

WOMEN'S DINNER - The next Walnut Hill Women's Dinner will be held on
Wednesday, November 11, 6:30pm, at Buddy's Bar and Grill (corner of
Euclid Avenue and High Street). Our guest for the evening will be Dr.
Graham Rowles, who will speak on issues related to "aging" and
initiatives to support those who are living in their senior years.
Rsvp via the sign up sheet in the Sanctuary foyer or by contacting
Natalie Watt or Dorothy Brockopp.

WOMEN'S OUTREACH - Related to our November Women's Dinner theme,
Walnut Hill women are invited to bring gift items to be donated to
residents at the Bluegrass Healthcare and Rehabilitation facility.
Suggested items include: powders, night gowns, lap blankets, robes,
socks, slippers, bed jackets, purses, makeup bags, stationery with
stamps. These gift items may be brought to the Women's Dinner on
November 11 or to Walnut Hill on Sundays in November.

MEN'S DINNER - The next Walnut Hill Men's Dinner will be held on
Wednesday, November 11, 6pm, at the Chop House (Richmond Road, just
outside New Circle). Our guest for the evening will be Mr. Bob
Babbage, former KY Secretary of State and State Auditor, legislative
lobbyist, consultant, and political commentator. Rsvp via the sign up
sheet in the Sanctuary foyer or by contacting Gene Brockopp.

LOOKING AHEAD - The Christmas season will soon be upon us. Among the
traditional Walnut Hill Christmas activities is the annual Christmas
Party. This year's party is scheduled for Sunday afternoon, December
13. We are currently welcoming inquiries from persons who would be
willing to open their home for this gathering. Use reply email or
call the church office for more information.

PEACE TO ALL.

Mike Ward

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

October 21, 2009

Greetings to all!

This Sunday, October 25, is Reformation Sunday, a day to reflect upon
the events giving rise to the "Protestant" traditions of
Christianity. Among the personalities of the Reformation was John
Calvin, the founder of the so-called Reformed Tradition, who happens
to be celebrating his 500th birthday this year. In observance of
Reformation Sunday, and in recognition of Calvin's 500th birthday,
consider this selection from Calvin's "Institutes of the Christian
Religion" and his thoughts about truth to be found in science and the
liberal arts, particularly as the ancient sciences and arts had been
recently rediscovered in the Renaissance.

Whenever we come upon these matters in secular writers, let that
admirable light of truth shining in them teach us that the mind of
man, though fallen... from its wholeness, is nevertheless clothed and
ornamented with God's excellent gifts. If we regard the Spirit of God
as the sole fountain of truth, we shall neither reject the truth
itself, nor despise it wherever it shall appear; unless we wish to
dishonor the Spirit of God. For by holding the gifts of the Spirit in
slight esteem, we condemn and reproach the Spirit himself. What
then? Shall we deny that the truth shone upon the ancient jurists who
established civic order and discipline with such great equity? Shall
we say that the philosophers were blind in their fine observation and
artful description of nature? Shall we say that those men were devoid
of understanding who conceived the art of disputation and taught us to
speak reasonably? Shall we say that they are insane who developed
medicine, devoting their labor to our benefit? What shall we say of
all the mathematical sciences? Shall we consider them the ravings of
madmen? No, we cannot read the writings of the ancients on these
subjects without great admiration. We marvel at them because we are
compelled to recognize how preeminent they are. But shall we count
anything praiseworthy or noble without recognizing at the same time
that it comes from God?

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, October 25, Reformation Sunday:
Jeremiah 31:31-34
Romans 3:19-28
John 8:31-36

MEN'S COFFEE - Walnut Hill men are invited to gather for coffee this
Saturday, October 24, 8am, at Paneras on Richmond Road. Feel free to
stop in for as long or short a time as your schedule allows. No rsvp
required.

LIVING THE QUESTIONS video discussion series continues this Sunday,
October 25, 10am, in Trinity Hall. The topic for the day will be
"Debunking the Rapture." Feel free to enjoy a cup of coffee, join the
conversation, or just listen in.

CHILDREN'S CHOIR - The Walnut Hill Children's Choir begins practice
this Sunday, October 25, 10am, in Trinity Hall. Nell Horman will be
working with working with the children as they prepare for a Christmas
season presentation. All children through elementary age are invited
to participate. Contact Nell Horman or Lauren Fouts for more
information.

YOUTH CLASS - The Walnut Hill Youth Class will meet this Sunday,
October 25, during the 11am hour. Conversation will spring from the
"Nooma" video series. All youth, middle school and above, are invited
to this gathering, which is held in the upstairs office of Trinity Hall.

WOMEN'S DINNER / MEN'S DINNER - The next Walnut Hill Women's Dinner
is scheduled for Wednesday, November 11, 6:30pm at Buddy's Bar and
Grill. The next Walnut Hill Men's Dinner is also scheduled for
Wednesday, November 11, 6pm, location to be announced. Mark the date
on your calendar. Watch for more program information on Sunday, and
in next week's email letter.

IN THE COMMUNITY
*The Christian-Muslim Dialogue will be held on Saturday, October 24,
10am - Noon, at the Unitarian Universalist Church on Clays Mill Road.
Featured speaker for the morning will be Professor Robert Olson.
*The Interfaith Alliance of the Bluegrass Annual Meeting and Dinner
will be held on Thursday, October 29, 6:30 pm, at Christ Church
Cathedral. Featured speaker will be Mr. Jonathan Miller. Call
559-5943 for more information and reservations.

IN MEMORY: Walnut Hill member Floyd Thomasson departed this life on
Thursday, October 15. Services and interment were held at Walnut Hill
Church and Cemetery on Sunday, October 18. Our prayers are with
Floyd's family.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

October 14, 2009

Greetings to all!

With all the clouds and rain the sun seemed a little slow in rising
this morning. Joyce Rupp reflects on the blessings of the daylight
via the Psalms, such as Psalm 90:14 or (my personal favorite) Psalm
118:24.

The ill or those unable to sleep at night are especially grateful at
the first hints of morning light. The dawning rays bring freedom from
the isolation of night's darkness and offer the promise of hope in the
fresh new day. The authors of the psalms understood the special
moment of dawn and were in touch with the human condition. Many
psalms refer to the morning as a time of blessing, an awakening to the
graciousness of God, a restoration of hope, and an opportunity to
realize again how blessed we are to have the gift of life. The
spiritual writer Anthony Bloom once wrote: "This day is blessed by
God, it is God's own and now let us go into it. You walk into this day
as God's own messenger; whoever you meet, you meet in God's own way.
You are there to be the presence of the Spirit..."
Whether we feel drowsy, grumpy, in pain, or energized and refreshed,
ready to begin anew, when we awake with the dawning of a new day, we
know that God is with us. The day that stretches before us is a day
in which God will be our companion. It is a day in which we can bear
the goodness of God to all we meet.
(from "Inviting God In")

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, October 18:
Job 38:1-7, 34-41
Hebrews 5:1-10
Mark 10:35-45

LIVING THE QUESTIONS video discussion series continues this Sunday,
10am, in Trinity Hall. The topic for this Sunday is "Practicing
Resurrection." Feel free to join the conversation, enjoy a cup of
coffee, or just listen in.

ACE CLASS TRIP - As we have in recent years, again this year Walnut
Hill Church will be sponsoring students to participate in the Athens-
Chilesburg Elementary School Fifth Grade Class Trip to Washington,
DC. Fifteen students are in need of financial assistance to attend,
at a cost of approximately $550 per student. Your donations in any
amount are welcome. Make your check payable to Walnut Hill Church,
designated "ACE Trip." Feel free to contact Natalie Watt for more
information regarding the ACE Class Trip and/or other ways that you
can support the important work of education at Athens-Chilesburg
Elementary.

SUNDAY HOSPITALITY - A new sign-up sheet has been posted for Sunday
Hospitality. Look for it in the Sanctuary foyer. There are plenty of
opportunities throughout the fall season. We appreciate all those who
provide our refreshments from Sunday to Sunday.

IN THE COMMUNITY: The Kentucky Council of Churches will hold its 62nd
Annual Assembly on October 15 - 16 at Natural Bridge State Park. The
theme of this year's Assembly: "The Creation Waits With Eager
Longing." Keynote speaker will be Dr. Larry Rasmussen, Professor
Emeritus of Social Ethics at Union Theological Seminary, New York.
See the Council of Churches website (www.kycouncilofchurches.org) for
more information about the Assembly in particular and the Kentucky
Council of Churches in general. Mike Ward will be attending the
Annual Assembly as a member of the Council's Executive Board.

THANKS, NEWS, ETC:
*Thanks to...Marian Congleton, Barbara Nutini, and Maggie and Bill
Patterson for providing last Sunday's refreshments; Nell Horman and
Derek Vaughan for their work with the youth class; Gene Brockopp for
moderating our LTQ discussion; Stephen Trail for his service as
acolyte, and to Mark Horman for his service as acolyte coach; John
Ragland and Mark Horman for end of season vegetable garden
maintenance; Barbara Waldmann-Ward for recent flower bed maintenance;
David Sharrard for Sanctuary door repair; Ruth Sharrard for our Sunday
flowers; Martha DeReamer for her weekly work as Treasurer. We are
grateful to these persons and many others who by their service keep
things going at Walnut Hill.
*Congratulations to two couples on their recent marriages: Lee
Sturtevant and Tom Ward, Betsy Morley and Ben Bates.
*$116.00 has been received in special gifts, which will be forwarded
to Church World Service to assist in relief and recovery work in Somoa
and Indonesia.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

October 7, 2009

Greetings to all!

Henri Nouwen reflects on joy, a friend, and the sun.

I have a friend who radiates joy, not because his life is easy, but
because he habitually recognizes God's presence in the midst of all
human suffering, his own as well as others'. Wherever he goes,
whomever he meets, he is able to see and hear something beautiful,
something for which to be grateful. He doesn't deny the great sorrow
that surrounds him nor is he blind or deaf to the agonizing sights and
sounds of his fellow human beings, but his spirit gravitates toward
the light in the darkness and the prayers in the midst of the cries of
despair.
My friend's joy is contagious. The more I am with him, the more I
catch glimpses of the sun shining through the clouds. Yes, I know
there is a sun, even though the skies are covered with clouds. While
my friend always spoke about the sun, I kept speaking about the
clouds, until one day I realized that it was the sun that allowed me
to see the clouds.
Those who keep speaking about the sun while walking under a cloudy
sky are messengers of hope, the true saints of our day.
(from "Here and Now")

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, October 11:
Job 23:1-9, 16-17
Hebrews 4:12-16
Mark 10:17-31

MEN'S COFFEE: Walnut Hill men are invited to gather for coffee this
Saturday, October 10, 8am, at Paneras on Richmond Road. Feel free to
stop in for as long or short a time as your schedule allows. No rsvp
required.

LIVING THE QUESTIONS video discussion series continues this Sunday,
October 11, 10am in Trinity Hall. The topic for this Sunday will be
"The Myth of Redemptive Violence." Feel free to join the
conversation, enjoy a cup of coffee, or just listen in.

YOUTH CLASS RETURNS: Beginning this Sunday, October 11, a discussion
class for youth (middle school and high school) will be offered during
the 11am hour on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. We are
grateful to several volunteers who have stepped forward to make this
class possible. We encourage young people to be present for what
promises to be an interesting and lively conversation.

A HOST (S) is needed for our after worship refreshments this Sunday,
October 11. Refreshments need not be elaborate, just something simple
to gather around as we fellowship after worship. Use reply email to
volunteer for this Sunday or check out the sign up sheet in the
Sanctuary foyer to host a Sunday later in the Fall. Thanks to all our
volunteer hosts, most recently Mary Lee Snyder who hosted our
refreshments last Sunday.

IN THE COMMUNITY:
*The Kentucky Council of Churches and the Central Kentucky Jewish
Federation are co-sponsoring an interfaith panel discussion on
religion and the environment to be held on Thursday, October 8, 7 - 9
pm, at Lexington Theological Seminary. The event is titled "Religion
and the Environment: How Do We Work Together To Survive?" This event
is free and open to the public.
*During the week of October 26 -30, Southland Christian Church will
be partnering with the organization "Feed My Starving Children" to
pack 5000 meals for the hungry. Volunteers are welcome. For more
information go to www.southlandchristian.org and click on "Hungry."

CONGREGATION NEWS:
*The Rev. Dr. Marian McClure Taylor, Executive Director of the
Kentucky Council of Churches, visited Walnut Hill last Sunday for our
Ecumenical Sunday observance. Dr. Taylor participated in conversation
during the 10am hour and preached during the worship service. An
offering for the Council was received totaling $2,087.
*Water damage repairs continue in the basement of Trinity Hall
including carpet replacement, drywall repair, and painting. The space
should be usable for the Day School and other activities by the end of
this week.
*A farm style fence has been installed around the playground to
enhance the security of children playing there. Oggie Hilliard
supervised the project. The Walnut Hill Day School is paying expenses
related to the installation.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Friday, October 2, 2009

Walnut Hill Church Ecumenical Sunday

October 2, 2009

Dear Friends:

This note is just a reminder regarding our "Ecumenical Sunday"
observance this Sunday, October 4.

Our guest for the day will be the Rev. Dr. Marian McClure Taylor,
Executive Director of the Kentucky Council of Churches.

Our schedule for the day:

10:00am - "Conversation with Dr. Taylor"
- Activities for Children
- Nursery Care for infants and toddlers

11:00am - Morning Worship and Holy Communion
- Sunday School for Children
- Nursery Care for infants and toddlers

Refreshments after worship.

See you then!

Mike Ward

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

September 30, 2009

Greetings to all!

Sunday, October 4, is "Ecumenical Sunday" at Walnut Hill, an
opportunity to celebrate and explore our ecumenical identity. It is a
good occasion to revisit Walnut Hill's mission statement as found in
the Preamble to our Constitution and By-Laws:

We, the members of Walnut Hill Church, an Ecumenical Church, of
Lexington, Kentucky, do hereby organize for the purpose of providing
public worship, the apostolic ministry of word and sacrament,
religious instruction, pastoral care and counseling and in general a
witness to the community of the need for life and work in the name of
Jesus.
We accept for membership with us all those who profess the Lord Jesus
and who share with us an appreciation for the historic creeds,
sacraments, the historic canon of scripture of the Old and New
Testaments, and the historic apostolic ministry. We also include in
our fellowship those who, while seeking truth, may not be prepared to
accept as yet the fulness of the above stated standards. We, as a
church, are a fellowship of believers who wish to bring together all
men and women as children of God and do not wish to make an obstacle
in creed and dogma to fellowship with God's people. We believe that
the true basis of Christian fellowship is love which is greater than
all our differences, and without this love we have no claim to
Christian Fellowship.

THE REV. DR. MARIAN MCCLURE TAYLOR, Executive Director of the Kentucky
Council of Churches, will be our special guest for Ecumenical Sunday.
Dr. Taylor is a graduate of the University of the South (Sewanee).
She later received her Ph.D. from Harvard and her M. Div. from
Louisville Presbyterian Seminary. She has a long history of
ecumenical and international experience. Regarding her hopes for the
Kentucky Council of Churches, Dr. Taylor writes: "With God's help,
the Christian community in Kentucky will reach deeper and wider -
deeper as we enjoy learning from each other's traditions, and wider as
we partner for the good of our most vulnerable fellow citizens. May
all Christians join us as we humbly offer our unity as a witness to
the gospel of Jesus Christ."

ECUMENICAL SUNDAY SCHEDULE
*10am - "Conversation with Dr. Taylor"
- Activities for Children
-Nursery Care for Infants
*11am - Morning Worship and Holy Communion
- Sunday School for Children
- Nursery Care for Infants
*Noon - Refreshments and Fellowship

THANKS AND NEWS:
*Thanks to Karl and Jane Lange, Steve and Mardie Lange for providing
our after worship refreshments last Sunday. Karl and Steve are the
sons of Betty and Karl Lange who were instrumental in Walnut Hill's
restoration and reopening.
*Forrest and Monta Rae Cook have been received as members of Walnut
Hill Church by transfer from Good Shepherd Episcopal Church.
*Seventeen women attended the Walnut Hill Women's Dinner on September
23. Thanks to Natalie Watt and Dorothy Brockopp for coordinating this
gathering.
*Seventeen walkers participated in the CROP Walk as part of a Walnut
Hill team, raising a total of $776 for hunger relief locally and
around the globe. Thanks to all those who participated and to Nell
Horman for coordinating the Walnut Hill team.
*The basement of Trinity Hall sustained significant water damage
during last weekend's heavy rains, forcing the Walnut Hill Day School
to cancel classes this week. Work is underway to repair the damage,
so that the Day School may resume full activities as soon as possible.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

September 23, 2009

Greetings to all!

We hear much about and, if we live long enough, experience the many
challenges of aging. Madeleine L'Engle expresses some "hopes" for
herself in regard to aging.

So my hope, each day as I grow older, is that this will never be
simply chronological aging - which is a nuisance and frequently a bore
- the old 'bod' at over half a century has had hard use; it won't take
what it did a few years ago - but that I will also grow into maturity,
where the experience which can be acquired only through chronology
will teach me how to be more aware, open, unafraid to be vulnerable,
involved, committed, to accept disagreement without feeling threatened
(repeat and underline this one), to understand that I cannot take
myself seriously until I stop taking myself seriously - to be, in
fact, a true adult. To be.
(from A Circle of Quiet)

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, September 27:
Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22
James 5:13-20
Mark 9:38-50

WOMEN'S DINNER - Walnut Hill women are invited to gather for dinner on
Wednesday, September 23, 6:30pm, at Buddy's Bar and Grill (corner of
Euclid Ave. and High St.). Our guest for the evening will be Dr.
Maureen Flannery, MD, who will speak about alternative healing methods.

MEN'S COFFEE - Walnut Hill men are invited to gather for coffee and
conversation on Saturday, September 26, 8am, at Panera's on Richmond
Road. Feel free to stop in for as long or short a time as your
schedule allows. No rsvp required.

SACRAMENTS CLASS - A Sacraments Class will be offered at 10am on
Sunday, September 27. All children and youth who have not yet
completed Confirmation are encouraged to attend. The class will equip
children and youth to understand and participate more fully in the
sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion. Contact Lauren Fouts for
more information.

LTQ - "Living the Questions" video discussion series continues this
Sunday, September 27, 10am, in Trinity Hall. The topic for this
Sunday: "Evil, Suffering, and a God of Love." Feel free to join the
conversation, enjoy a cup of coffee, or just listen in.

CROP WALK - The 2009 CROP WALK will be held on Sunday, September 27,
3pm. The CROP WALK is an ecumenical event for all ages to raise
awareness and dollars in the work to relieve hunger locally and
globally. The 2.4 mile walk begins and ends at Second Presbyterian
Church and includes a good portion of downtown Lexington. Walnut Hill
Church will sponsor any Walnut HIll Walker in the amount of $35.
Walkers are welcome, but not required, to secure additional
sponsorships as well. For more information, to join the Walnut Hill
team, or to sponsor a walker, contact Nell Horman.

ATHENS-CHILESBURG ELEMENTARY SCHOOL is seeking volunteers to serve as
tutors to work with children in reading and other subject areas.
Contact Natalie Watt for more information regarding this service
opportunity.

IN THE COMMUNITY: "The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure" for breast
cancer will be held on Saturday, September 26. For more information
about running/walking or sponsoring a participant, contact Mary Diane
Hanna.

THANKS AND NEWS:
*Thanks to all who helped with and participated in last Sunday's Fall
Potluck. A delicious time was had by all.
*Thanks to the Rev. Bob Sessum who visited with our Men's Dinner
group on Tuesday, September 22. We are grateful for Bob's insights on
the Church gleaned over forty years of ministry practice. Thanks to
Gene Brockopp for coordinating the arrangements of the meal.
*David Burl Hamrick-Moore received the sacrament of Christian Baptism
on Sunday, September 20, during morning worship. We celebrate this
joyful occasion with David and his family.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Friday, September 18, 2009

Walnut Hill Church Fall Potluck

September 18, 2009

Join us for the Walnut Hill Church Fall Potluck to be held this
Sunday, September 20, immediately after worship.

Bring a salad, side dish, or dessert.

See you there!

Peace,

Mike Ward

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

September 16, 2009

Greetings to all!

Among his teachings Jesus offered two similar, yet slightly different,
commandments: "Love your neighbor as you love your self," and "Love
one another as I have loved you." Thomas Keating offers a brief
reflection on these words of Jesus.

To love one's neighbor as oneself is to respect the image of God in
our neighbor with all the rights which that dignity confers. To love
one another as Jesus loves us is to love one another in our humanness
- in our individuality and opinionatedness, in personality conflicts
and in unbearable situations. It is to continue to show love, no
matter what the provocation may be to act otherwise.
(from "Invitation to Love")

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, September 20:
Proverbs 31:10-31
James 3:13 - 4:3, 7-8
Mark 9:30 - 37

FALL POTLUCK - The annual Fall Potluck is this Sunday, September 20,
immediately after morning worship. Bring a salad, side dish, or
dessert, and join us for this delicious Walnut Hill tradition. Don't
miss it! (By the way, we could still use a volunteer or two to help
with a couple simple details during the meal. Use reply email to
inquire.)

LTQ - "Living the Questions" video discussion series continues this
Sunday, September 20, 10am, in Trinity Hall. Feel free to join the
conversation, enjoy a cup of coffee, or just listen in.

WOMEN'S DINNER - Walnut Hill women are invited to gather for dinner on
Wednesday, September 23, 6:30pm, at Buddy's Bar and Grill. Our guest
for the evening will be Dr. Maureen A. Flannery, MD, who will speak
about alternative healing methods. Use the sign up sheet in the
Sanctuary foyer to rsvp, or contact Natalie Watt or Dorothy Brockopp.

MEN'S DINNER - Walnut Hill men are invited to gather for dinner on
Tuesday, September 22, 6:00pm, at The Signature Club (Lansdowne
Drive). Our guest for the evening will be the Rev. Robert Sessum who
will talk with us about current issues facing the Episcopal Church
(USA) in particular and mainstream protestant denominations in
general. Use the sign up sheet in the Sanctuary foyer to rsvp, or
contact Gene Brockopp.

CROP WALK - The 2009 CROP WALK will be held on Sunday, September 27,
3pm. The CROP WALK is an ecumenical event for all ages to raise
awareness and dollars in the work to relieve hunger locally and
globally. The 2.4 mile walk begins and ends at Second Presbyterian
Church and includes a good portion of downtown Lexington. Walnut Hill
Church will sponsor any Walnut HIll Walker in the amount of $35.
Walkers are welcome, but not required, to secure additional
sponsorships as well. For more information, or to join the Walnut
Hill team, or to sponsor a walker, contact Nell Horman.

A SACRAMENTS CLASS will be offered at 10am on Sunday, September 27.
All children and youth who have not yet completed Confirmation are
encouraged to attend. The class will equip children and youth to
understand the sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion as they
witness and participate in them. Contact Lauren Fouts for more
information.

IN THE COMMUNITY: "The Susan G. Komen Race or the Cure" for breast
cancer will be held on Saturday, September 26. For more information
about running/walking or sponsoring a participant, contact Mary Diane
Hanna.

THANKS AND NEWS:
*Thanks to Ben Horman for his acolyte service last Sunday.
Elementary age girls and boys are welcome to serve as acolytes on
Sunday mornings. Parents may contact Mark Horman for more information.
*The prayers and thoughts of the congregation are offered to Martha
DeReamer and family on the occasion of the death of Martha's mother,
Mrs. Janice Ernst Laing.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

September 9, 2009

Greetings to all!

The issue of health care is much on the minds of people these days,
both the care available for ourselves and our loved ones, as well as
the care available to fellow citizens who are without adequate
insurance. Ideas, often conflicting, abound regarding how to provide
adequate and effective care for all persons. For Christians, the
place of healing (physical, emotional, and spiritual) in the Jesus
tradition is an important consideration. When one of the gospel
writers wanted to summarize Jesus' ministry, he wrote: "Jesus went
through Galilee, teaching... proclaiming the good news of the kingdom
and curing every disease and every sickness among the people." (MT
4:23) Indeed, Jesus' healing ministry has provided a theological
basis for the founding of myriad medical missions and hospitals over
the years. Jesus' example does not provide easy answers to our
current health care questions, but it does remind Jesus' present day
disciples that the issue of health care has dimensions transcending
partisan political and economic arguments. May we bring our best
medical, economic, political, and theological thinking to bear in
these days. Consider the following prayer:

We pray, ever present God, asking that you will bless our efforts to
fashion in the United States a health care system that will bless all
our people. We know there are many who wait in silence for more
accessible and affordable care. Be with those who wait, whose voices
are often not heard in the public debate. But you, O God, hear all
voices. Strengthen our leaders, and all of us, to use our heads, our
hearts, our voices, and our hands to fulfill the vision of a health
care system that includes everyone and works effectively for all. It
is a great challenge, worthy of a great nation. Work through us, God,
to make real your will on earth, as it is in heaven. Amen.
(adapted from the "Interfaith Week of Prayer for Health Care)

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, September 13:
Proverbs 1:20-33
James 3:1-12
Mark 8:27-38

MEN'S COFFEE - Walnut Hill men are invited to gather for coffee on
Saturday, September 12, 8am, at Paneras on Richmond Road. Feel free
to stop in for as long or short a time as your schedule allows. No
rsvp required.

LIVING THE QUESTIONS, video discussion series, continues on Sunday,
September 13, 10am, in Trinity Hall. Feel free to join the
conversation, enjoy a cup of coffee, or just listen in.

THE FALL POTLUCK is coming on Sunday, September 20, immediately after
worship. Bring a salad, side dish, or dessert and join in this tasty
Walnut Hill tradition. We are currently seeking a volunteer(s) to
coordinate a few arrangement details. Use reply email to inquire or
volunteer.

WOMEN'S DINNER - Walnut Hill women are invited to gather for dinner on
Wednesday, September 23, 6:30pm, at Buddy's Bar and Grill. Our guest
for the evening will be Dr. Maureen A. Flannery, MD, who will speak
about alternative healing methods. Use the sign up sheet in the
Sanctuary foyer to rsvp or contact Natalie Watt or Dorothy Brockopp.

MEN'S DINNER - Walnut Hill men are invited to gather for dinner on
Tuesday, September 22, 6:00pm, at The Signature Club (Lansdowne
Drive). Our guest for the evening will be the Rev. Robert Sessum who
will talk with us about current issues facing the Episcopal Church
(USA) in particular and mainstream protestant denominations in
general. Use the sign up sheet in the Sanctuary foyer to rsvp or
contact Gene Brockopp.

A SACRAMENTS CLASS will be offered at 10am on Sunday, September 27.
All children and youth who have not yet completed Confirmation are
encouraged to attend. The class will equip children and youth to
understand the sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion as they
witness and participate in them. Contact Lauren Fouts for more
information.

THANKS, NEWS, ETC...
*Thanks to...the Rev. Dr. John Cavendish for supplying the pulpit on
Sunday; the choir, Linda and Nelson Barnes, Phil Bloomfield, Bob and
Natalie Watt for their leadership and assistance during worship last
Sunday; Julia and Charles Snow for providing our after worship
refreshments.
*The Vestry will meet on Sunday, September 13, 10am, in Trinity Hall.
*The 2009 CROP Walk is coming on Sunday afternoon, September 27.
Watch for more details.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

September 2, 2009

Greetings to all!

Labor Day weekend is before us, an opportunity to reflect on the work
we do. Consider these thoughts on "vocation."

It comes from the Latin "vocare," to call, and means the work a
person is called to by God.
There are all different kinds of voices calling you to all different
kinds of work, and the problem is to find out which is the voice of
God rather than Society, say, or the Superego, or Self-Interest.
By and large a good rule for finding out is this: The kind of work
God usually calls you to is the kind of work (a) that you need most to
do and (b) that the world most needs to have done. If you really get
a kick out of your work, you've presumably met requirement (a), but if
your work is writing cigarette ads, the chances are you've missed
requirement (b). On the other hand, if your work is being a doctor in
a leper colony, you have probably met requirement (b), but if most of
the time you're bored and depressed by it, the chances are you have
not only bypassed (a), but probably aren't helping your patients much
either.
Neither the hair shirt nor the soft berth will do. The place God
calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world's
deep hunger meet.
(from "Wishful Thinking" by Frederick Buechner)

The Rev. Dr. John Cavendish, Pastor-Emeritus of Walnut Hill Church,
will be leading worship on Sunday, September 6. John served as Pastor
of Walnut Hill Church from 1976 - 2000.

LIVING THE QUESTIONS, video discussion series, continues on Sunday,
September 6, 10am, in Trinity Hall. Feel free to join the
conversation, enjoy a cup of coffee, or just listen in.

THE FALL POTLUCK is coming on Sunday, September 20, immediately after
worship. Bring a salad, side dish, or dessert and join in this tasty
Walnut Hill tradition. We are currently seeking a volunteer(s) to
coordinate a few arrangement details. Use reply email to inquire or
volunteer.

WOMEN'S DINNER - Walnut Hill women are invited to gather for dinner on
Wednesday, September 23, 6:30pm, at Buddy's Bar and Grill. Our guest
for the evening will be Dr. Maureen A. Flannery, MD, who will speak
about alternative healing methods. Use the sign up sheet in the
Sanctuary foyer to rsvp or contact Natalie Watt or Dorothy Brockopp.

MEN'S DINNER - Walnut Hill men are invited to gather for dinner on
Tuesday, September 22, 6:00pm, at The Signature Club (Lansdowne
Drive). Our guest for the evening will be the Rev. Robert Sessum who
will talk with us about current issues facing the Episcopal Church
(USA) in particular and mainstream protestant denominations in
general. Use the sign up sheet in the Sanctuary foyer to rsvp or
contact Gene Brockopp.

A SACRAMENTS CLASS will be offered at 10am on Sunday, September 13.
All children and youth who have not yet completed Confirmation are
encouraged to attend. The class will equip children and youth to
understand the sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion as they
witness and participate in them. Contact Lauren Fouts for more
information.

THANKS, NEWS, ETC...
*Thanks to...Stephen Trail for his service as an acolyte last Sunday;
Mary Diane and Lyle Hanna for their part in providing last Sunday's
after worship refreshments.
*Mike Ward will be participating in the 225th anniversary observance
of Pisgah Presbyterian Church this Sunday, September 6. Mike served
as pastor of Pisgah Church from 1982 - 2001.
*The Walnut Hill Day School opens its school year next week, after
Labor Day. We wish Marilyn Todd and her staff a good school year.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

August 26, 2009

Greetings to all!

Senator Edward Kennedy has died, ending his journey with brain cancer
as well as his long tenure as a U.S. Senator from Massachusetts.
Whatever we might think of Senator Kennedy's politics, his presence in
the Senate is hard to overstate, and for many "baby-boomers" he has
been part of the national scene for as long as we can remember.
Senator Kennedy's death provides an occasion for us to appreciate and
offer prayer for all those who lead in government.

O Lord, our governor, your glory shines throughout the world. We
commend our nation to your merciful care, that we may live securely in
peace and may be guided by your providence. Give all in authority the
wisdom and strength to know your will and to do it. Help them
remember that they are called to serve the people as lovers of truth
and justice; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

(from The Book of Common Worship)

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, August 30:
Song of Solomon 2:8-13
James 1:17-27
Mark 7:1-23

Men's Coffee: Walnut Hill men are invited to gather for coffee on
Saturday, August 29, 8am, at Paneras (Richmond Road). Feel free to
stop in for as long or short a time as your schedule permits. No rsvp
required.

"Living the Questions," a video discussion series on issues of faith
and life, continues this Sunday, August 30, 10am, in Trinity Hall.
Feel free to join the conversation, enjoy a cup of coffee, or just
listen in.

A Host(s) is needed for our after worship refreshments this Sunday,
August 30. Remember that refreshments need not be elaborate, just
something simple to gather around as we fellowship after worship. Use
reply email or call the church office (263-5304) to volunteer for this
Sunday. Thanks to our refreshment hosts in recent weeks including,
Amy and Matt Trail, Nell and Mark Horman, Angela Hurley, Lee and Jim
Tucker, Joyce and Emett Barfield.

The Fall Potluck is coming on Sunday, September 20, immediately after
worship. Bring a salad, side dish, or dessert and join in this tasty
Walnut Hill tradition. We are currently seeking a volunteer(s) to
coordinate a few arrangement details. Use reply email to inquire or
volunteer.

WOMEN'S DINNER - Walnut Hill women are invited to gather for dinner on
Wednesday, September 23, 6:30pm, at Buddy's Bar and Grill. Our guest
for the evening will be Dr. Maureen A. Flannery, MD, who will speak
about alternative healing methods. Use the sign up sheet in the
Sanctuary foyer to rsvp or contact Natalie Watt or Dorothy Brockopp.

MEN'S DINNER - Walnut Hill men are invited to gather for dinner on
Tuesday, September 22, 6:00pm, at The Signature Club (Lansdowne
Drive). Our guest for the evening will be the Rev. Robert Sessum who
will talk with us about current issues facing the Episcopal Church
(USA) in particular and mainstream protestant denominations in
general. Use the sign up sheet in the Sanctuary foyer to rsvp or
contact Gene Brockopp.

In the community: An "Interfaith Candlelight Prayer Service for Hope
and Health Care Reform" will be held on Sunday, August 30, 7:30pm, at
Central Baptist Church (corner of Wilson Downing Rd and Nicholasville
Rd, across from Fayette Mall). This service is an opportunity for
voices of faith to come together outside of partisan politics and
share common expression of our desire for health care reflecting our
common humanity and faithful stewardship of our healthcare resources.
Service leadership will be ecumenical and interfaith.

Thanks, news, etc...
*Twenty-four Walnut Hill members, friends, and guests gathered at
Applebee's Park on Tuesday to watch the Legends play the Crawdads. It
was a beautiful evening at the ballpark topped off by a Legends' come-
from-behind win! Thanks to Gene Brockopp for coordinating this
delightful outing.
*Thanks to all those who provided able leadership and service during
Mike Ward's absence including preachers/worship leaders, Sunday School
leaders, hospitality providers, building openers/closers, etc., etc.
Thanks so much to all who helped in so many ways!

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

August 5, 2009

Greetings to all!

Reflecting on Psalm 34:4 ("Glorify the Lord with me; let us together
extol God's name."), Joyce Rupp comments on the importance of a
strong, positive attitude, both for one's self and for others.

Have you ever noticed how another person's spirit or attitude
influences your own? I was at a gathering recently and the person
next to me was filled with negativity and criticism. She complained
about everyone and everything. I found myself joining in with her.
Her negativity fed mine. I left feeling badly about my behavior. I
know it's healthy to voice legitimate complaints and concerns, but I
also know it's lethal to the spiritual life when one gripes and
criticizes incessantly. Life's wonderful gifts can easily be missed
when life is constantly viewed negatively.
Then I thought of Sandra, a member of my Wednesday morning prayer
group. When she comes into the room, she brings with her an aura of
hope and optimism. She finds a lot to laugh about and looks at life
in a positive way. It's not that she denies her own problems and
troubles or that she never complains about her life, but she has a way
of not letting herself get completely absorbed in them. I like being
around her and feel uplifted and hopeful when she's there. Could this
be why the psalmist issues an invitation to praise and glorify God
together? Could it be that the psalmist recognized how the strength
of one positive, grateful person can draw another into similar
gratitude and praise of God? I tend to think so.
(from Inviting God In)

SUMMER QUESTIONS: Our Scripture lessons and sermon continue to be
prompted by your questions. This week's question: Tell us about your
faith journey. (This Sunday concludes our summer question series.
Thanks for all your questions and topic suggestions.)

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, August 9:
Genesis 32:22-31
Romans 12:9-21
Mark 16:1-8

LtQ2 - "Living the Questions 2.0" video discussion series continues
each Sunday morning, 10am, in Trinity Hall. Each session includes a
20 minute video followed by group conversation. Session titles
upcoming for the next three Sundays include "Thinking Theologically,"
"Stories of Creation," and "Lives of Jesus." Feel free to join the
conversation, enjoy a cup of coffee, or just listen in.

MEN'S COFFEE - Walnut Hill men are invited to gather for coffee on
Saturday, August 15, 8am, at Paneras on Richmond Road. Feel free to
stop in for as long or short a time as your schedule allows. No rsvp
required.

"TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALL GAME!" - An evening of baseball is being
organized for Tuesday, August 25, 7pm, at Applebee's Park, as the
Lexington Legends host the Hickory Crawdads. Tickets are $8/person.
This event is open to all ages (children must be accompanied by a
parent). Reserve your ticket(s) before August 15 using the sign up
sheet in the sanctuary foyer, or by contacting Gene Brockopp.

MEN'S AND WOMEN'S DINNERS: (mark your calendars)
*The next Walnut Hill Men's Dinner will be held on Tuesday, September
22, 6pm, at the Signature Club (Lansdowne Dr). Our guest for the
evening will be the Rev. Bob Sessum, Good Shepherd Episcopal Church,
who will speak regarding current issues facing the Episcopal Church in
the United States.
*The next Walnut Hill Women's Dinner will be held on Wednesday,
September 23, 6:30pm, at Buddy's Bar and Grill (corner of High St &
Euclid Ave). Our guest for the evening will be Dr. Maureen Flannery
(MD), who will speak regarding alternative healing methods.

ADDRESS/PHONE DIRECTORY - A new directory is currently being
prepared. If you have recently changed your address or phone number,
please contact Lee Tucker, so that we will have the most up-to-date
information possible for the directory.

THANKS TO...Nell Horman for her work with the children this past
Sunday; ...the Choir, Chris and Barbara Bohmer, Phil Bloomfield,
Carthel and Megan Smith for their leadership and assistance during
worship.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

July 29, 2009

Greetings to all!

Last Sunday, as we considered the Holy Spirit, we talked about
"breathing" as a simple practice to help us be aware of the Spirit
(breath) of God in our lives. The notion of mindful breathing as a
helpful practice is known in various religious and spiritual
traditions. Consider these reflections from a Buddhist teacher and
writer, Thich Nhat Hanh.

Breathing is the best way to stop - to stop unhappiness, agitation,
fear, and anger. You can practice while sitting, lying down, walking,
standing, or in any position. It is especially pleasant to practice
outdoors, where the air is so refreshing. You can lie down or sit on
the grass or walk slowly and breathe in and out, focusing your
attention on each breath. Without thinking of anything else, you say,
silently, "Breathing in, I know I am breathing in. Breathing out, I
know I am breathing out." If you want, you can just say "In" as you
breathe in, and "Out" as you breathe out...Breathing nourishes us, and
it can bring us a lot of happiness. Practice "In/Out" as many times
as you wish - five times, ten times, twenty times, or more. It is
essential for the practice of stopping, calming, and returning to our
true home in the present moment.
(from Touching Peace)

SUMMER QUESTIONS: Our summer scripture lessons and sermons continue
to be prompted by your questions. This week we have more of a topic
suggestion than a particular question: Forgiveness.

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, August 2, the Sacrament of Holy
Communion:
Psalm 51:1-12
Colossians 3:12-17
Luke 5:17-26

MEN'S COFFEE: Walnut Hill men are invited to gather for coffee this
Saturday, August 1, 8:00am, at Paneras on Richmond Road. Feel free to
stop in for as long or short a time as your schedule permits. No rsvp
required.

LTQ2: "Living the Questions - 2.0" video discussion series continues
this Sunday, August 2, 10am, in Trinity Hall. Each session includes a
20 minute video featuring some of today's leading voices of
progressive Christianity, followed by group conversation. This week's
theme: "Taking the Bible Seriously." Feel free to join in the
conversation, enjoy a cup of coffee, or just listen in. Contact the
church office (263-5304) if you need childcare for the hour. We would
be happy to provide it.

HOSPITALITY: A host(s) is needed for our after worship refreshments
this Sunday, August 2. Remember that Sunday refreshments need not be
elaborate, just something simple to gather around as we fellowship
after worship. Use reply email or call the church office (263-5304)
to volunteer for this Sunday. Check the sign up sheet in the
Sanctuary foyer for more opportunities to host refreshments for a
Sunday upcoming.

DIRECTORY: Lee and Jim Tucker are beginning work on a new
congregational address/phone directory. If you have recently changed
your address or phone, please contact Lee or the church office, so
that we might have the most up-to-date information possible. Thanks
for your help.

HOPE CENTER: Over these summer weeks we are collecting travel
(sample) size toiletry items for distribution at the Hope Center.
Bring unopened items that you might collect as you travel, or purchase
locally, and place them in the collection box in the Sanctuary foyer.

SLEEPLESS IN LEXINGTON is a community event at Applebee's Park
overnight Friday - Saturday, August 1- 2, to raise awareness and money
to support organizations working to solve the problem of chronic
homelessness in Lexington. Check out www.sleeplessinlexington.com for
more information.

THANKS TO...Natalie Watt for her work with the children this past
Sunday; Irene and John Ragland for providing our after worship
refreshments; Al Smith for providing an enjoyable program for our
Men's Dinner last week, and to Gene Brockopp and Lyle Hanna for their
help with dinner and program arrangements.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

July 22, 2009

Greetings to all!

Henri Nouwen tells the story of a brief encounter with Mother Teresa.

Once, quite a few years ago, I had the opportunity of meeting Mother
Teresa of Calcutta. I was struggling with many things at the time and
decided to use the occasion to ask Mother Teresa's advice. As soon as
we sat down I started explaining all my problems and difficulties -
trying to convince her of how complicated it all was! When, after ten
minutes of elaborate explanation, I finally became silent, Mother
Teresa looked at me quietly and said: "Well, when you spend one hour
a day adoring your Lord and never do anything which you know is wrong,
you will be fine!"
Reflecting on this brief but decisive encounter, I realize that I had
raised a question from below, and that she had given an answer from
above. At first, her answer didn't seem to fit my question, but then
I began to see that her answer came from God's place and not from the
place of my complaints. Most of the time we respond to questions from
below with answers from below. The result is more questions and more
answers and, often, more confusion.
Mother Teresa's answer was like a flash of lightning in my darkness.
I suddenly knew the truth about myself.
(from Here and Now)

Our Scriptures and sermons continue to be in response to your
questions. The question for this Sunday, July 26: What about the Holy
Spirit?

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, July 26:
Genesis 1:1-5
Romans 8:18-30
John 16:4-15

LTQ2 - "Living The Questions 2.0" begins this Sunday, July 26, 10am,
in Trinity Hall. LTQ2 is a series of video presentations exploring
Christianity. Each 20 minute video segment includes conversations
with leading voices of faith regarding theological issues, and
specific spiritual practices and disciplines. Group conversation
follows the video. Feel free to join the conversation, enjoy a cup of
coffee, or just listen in.

MEN'S DINNER - Walnut Hill men are invited to gather for dinner on
Thursday, July 23, 6pm, at Buddy's Restaurant. Our guest for the
evening will be Mr. Al Smith, long time Kentucky political
commentator. Contact Gene Brockopp, or call the church office
(263-5304) for more information.

HOPE CENTER - Travel size toiletry items (shampoo, soap, toothpaste,
etc) are being gathered for the Hope Center. You may bring these back
from your travels or purchase them locally. At the end of the summer
season, we will send them to the Hope Center for distribution to their
clients, for whom larger quantity sizes are not practical. You may
place your unopened toiletry items in the box marked "Hope Center" in
the foyer of the Sanctuary.

THANKS, NEWS, ETC...
*Thanks to...Kathleen Egner for her service at the organ last Sunday;
Natalie Watt for leading the children's Sunday School class; ...Glenna
and Phil Fay for providing our after worship refreshments.
*Ms. Susie Basham, from God's Pantry, visited Walnut Hill last
Sunday. On behalf of God's Pantry, Ms. Basham received a $4,000
donation from Walnut Hill in support of the work of God's Pantry in
central and eastern Kentucky.
*Benjamin Horman and Kaden Moreno attended camp at Cathedral Domain
last week. Be sure to ask Benjamin and Kaden about their experience.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward