weekly letter

February 4, 2009

 

Greetings to all!

 

I heard a news report yesterday that the "Ice Storm of '09" will likely go down as one of the costliest natural disasters in Kentucky history.  Unlike a tornado, earthquake, or hurricane, this disaster arrived quietly with last week's freezing rain and continues to unfold daily in Kentucky's cities, small towns, and rural neighborhoods.  The toll in human life, property damage, lost productivity, and inconvenience grows steadily.  As our lives in Lexington and central Kentucky return to normal, let us not forget those whose lives are still a long way from normal.  Let us keep those affected in our prayers and watch for ways to support those helping on the ground.  Consider the following prayer:

 

Compassionate God:

You are present with us even in the midst of disaster,

to weave wonders of goodness and grace.

Surround those who have been shaken by trouble

with a sense of your ever present love, and hold them in faith.

Protect and strengthen those working to help,

providing comfort to those who need it.

In the midst of these and all our days,

make us mindful of the world and those with whom we share it.

Amen.

 

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, February 8:

     Isaiah 40:21-31

     1 Corinthians 9:16-23

     Mark 1:29-39

 

Saving Jesus, a video discussion series exploring Jesus Christ for the third millennium, continues this Sunday, February 8, 10am, in Trinity Hall.  This Sunday's session, "Jesus' Ministry of Compassion," explores Jesus' acts of healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and challenging the powers of his time.  Feel free to join the conversation, enjoy a cup of coffee, or just listen in. (Childcare is available upon request.  Simply use reply email or call the church office to request child care.)

 

Women's Dinner - The next Walnut Hill Women's Dinner is scheduled for Wednesday, February 11, 6:30pm, at Buddy's (corner of Euclid Ave. and High St.).  Dr. Emily Askew, Professor of Theology at Lexington Seminary, will be the speaker.  Contact Natalie Watt or Dorothy Brockopp, or use the sign up sheet in the Sanctuary foyer to rsvp.

 

The Walnut Hill Cemetery Association will hold its annual meeting on Sunday, February 15, immediately after morning worship.  The business of the annual meeting includes election of officers, the treasurer's report, and other business as might come before the association.  All persons with business for the annual meeting are asked to contact Mark Horman in advance of the meeting day.  All members of Walnut Hill Church are members of the cemetery association and are encouraged to attend. 

 

Men's Dinner - The next Walnut Hill Men's Dinner is scheduled for Thursday, February 26, 6:00pm, at Buddy's (corner of Euclid Ave. and High St.).  Mr. Tom Martin, editor of Business Lexington, will be the speaker.  Contact Gene Brockopp for more information or to RSVP.

 

In the community:  John Dominic Crossan, well-known New Testament and Jesus scholar, will present a lecture at Transylvania University (Haggin Auditorium) on Wednesday, February 4, 7:30pm.  The lecture is free and open to the public.

 

Thanks, news, etc...

     *Thanks to...Phil Bloomfield for preparing last Sunday's Communion elements; the Choir, Bill and Maggy Patterson, Chris and Barbara Bohmer, and Bob Watt for their leadership and assistance during worship.  

     *Thanks to various "soup chefs", youth helpers, and donors who helped make "Souper Bowl Sunday" a great occasion.  Nearly $200 was received to support God's Pantry in their work of hunger relief in central and eastern Kentucky.

 

Peace to all.

 

Mike Ward