January 7, 2009
Greetings to all!
It has been a rapid succession of seasons and festivals as we have moved through Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany. Before us is another day to be observed, the Baptism of the Lord, on Sunday, January 11. Joyce Rupp reflects on the occasion.
What was it like for Jesus when John baptized him? When he heard the voice from the heavens call him "the beloved"? He must have felt a surge of tenderness wash over him. A strong, assuring conviction of his relationship with God must have become firmly stored in his soul at that time. Jesus felt this power again and again in his life as he came forth from the desert, as he healed the sick, as he spent nights alone in prayer, as he stood up for his beliefs, as he communed with his friends, as he walked the road to Calvary.
I have felt the effects of my own baptism time and again. I am surprised every time it happens. I notice this inner power when people tell me how much my words and actions helped them, or when I am hiking in the words and, suddenly, I sense and pay attention to a presence much bigger than my own. I experience this power when I feel a nudge inside of me to be a better person or to do something to help alleviate the pain of my world. It is a wonderful gift, this power of the Holy Spirit. I invite you today to reflect on your own life and how you have experienced this potent presence of God.
(from Inviting God In)
The Scripture lessons for Sunday, January 11, the Baptism of the Lord:
Genesis 1:1-5
Acts 19:1-7
Mark 1:4-11
Sunday Conversations regarding the Scripture lessons for the day (see above) continue this Sunday, 10am, in Trinity Hall. David Sharrard will be leading this Sunday's discussion. Feel free to join the conversation, enjoy a cup of coffee, or just listen in.
Saving Jesus, a revolutionary exploration of Jesus Christ for the third millennium, is the title of a video discussion series scheduled to begin on Sunday, January 18, 10am, in Trinity Hall. Watch for more details next week and see a brief "sneak preview" in the Sanctuary before worship this Sunday, January 11.
Men's Dinner - The next Walnut Hill Men's Dinner is scheduled for Tuesday, January 27, 6pm, at Buddy's (corner of Euclid Ave. and High St.) We look forward to welcoming Mr. Al Smith, longtime Kentucky political commentator, as our special guest for the evening. Please rsvp via reply email, the sign up sheet in the Sanctuary foyer, or by contacting Gene Brockopp.
Hosts are needed for our after worship hospitality for the Sundays ahead. Please check the sign up sheet in the Sanctuary foyer or inquire by reply email for a Sunday upcoming. Remember that refreshments need not be elaborate, just something simple to gather around as we fellowship after worship.
A.C.E. School Trip - Walnut Hill has committed to sponsor 11 students to participate in the Athens-Chilesburg Elementary School 5th grade class trip to Washington, DC. These are students who otherwise could not afford to participate. The cost per child is $535. Donations in any amount are welcome. Make checks payable to Walnut Hill Church with "ACE Trip" in the memo.
The Vestry will meet this Sunday, January 11, 10am, in Trinity Hall.
Thanks, news, etc....
*Thanks to...Phil Bloomfield for preparing the Communion elements last Sunday; to the Choir, Linda and Nelson Barnes, Ruth and David Sharrard, and Phil Bloomfield for their leadership and assistance during worship; Kim Bloomfied for her assistance with the children; Nell Horman for providing our afterworship refreshments.
*Walnut Hill has received a plaque from Lexington Habitat for Humanity acknowledging our co-sponsorship of the recent Interfaith Build, which resulted in the construction of a house for the Denton family at 1858 Balfour Drive. You can see the plaque, including a photo of the house, in the Sanctuary foyer.
*The Episcopal Diocese of Lexington will hold its annual convention in February. Among the activities of the convention is a silent auction to support scholarships for participation in regional and national youth events. Congregations are invited to donate items or gift baskets for the auction. If you have an item that you would like to donate, or if you would like to assemble a gift basket on Walnut Hill's behalf, please contact Mike Ward.
Peace to all.
Mike Ward
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