Greetings to all!
Today is Ash Wednesday, the traditional beginning of Lent, a season of special reflection and practice in preparation for Holy Week and Easter Sunday. In her poem, "Ashes," Ann Weems reflects on the practice of using ashes from the palms of last year's Palm Sunday observance for the imposition of the sign of the cross upon the worshiper's forehead on Ash Wednesday.
Two nights ago I knelt and
took the ashes from the fireplace.
It was some time before I saw evidence
of the smudge of ash upon my face.
I washed it quickly away.
Last night I knelt and took the bread
and dipped it in the cup,
and then I felt the cool smooth
finger of ash upon my forehead,
ashes from last year's palms
saved for this holy time.
I wondered if there might still be
some remnant of Hosanna!
lingering in the ashes.
All evening long I wore the ash,
that holy ash,
and when others saw the smudge,
I wondered if they were inclined
to wipe it clean
or to lean closer
in the hope of hearing
some soft Hosanna!
burning still in ash
or heart...
(from Kneeling in Jerusalem)
There are many opportunities for worship in the community on Ash Wednesday, including...
*12:05pm and 7:00pm at Christ Church Cathedral
*7:00 pm at Second Presbyterian Church
The Scripture lessons for Sunday, March 1, the First Sunday in Lent, the Sacrament of Holy Communion:
Genesis 9:8-17
1 Peter 3:18-22
Mark 1:9-15
Men's Dinner - Walnut Hill men are invited to gather for dinner on Thursday, February 26, 6:00pm, at Buddy's (corner of Euclid Ave. and High St.). Our speaker for the evening will be Mr. Tom Martin, editor of Business Lexington. Persons planning to attend may rsvp by reply email or by contacting the church office (263-5304). Men are also invited to gather for coffee on Saturday, February 28, 8:00 am, at Paneras on Richmond Road. No rsvp required.
Saving Jesus, a video discussion series regarding the Jesus of history and faith, continues this Sunday, March 1, 10:00am, in Trinity Hall. This Sunday's session will continue the conversation regarding the death of Jesus. Feel free to join in the conversation, enjoy a cup of coffee, or just listen in.
In the community: The Christian -Muslim Dialogue group will meet on Saturday, February 28, 10:00am, at the Hunter Presbyterian Church. The program will feature Matthew and Nancy Sleeth, from Wilmore, Kentucky, who have received national attention for their advocacy on behalf of the environment, most notably in Dr. Sleeth's book, Serve God, Save the Planet. The meeting is free and open to the public. An optional potluck lunch follows the program.
Thanks, news, etc...
*Thanks to...Angela Hurley for representing Walnut Hill at the recent annual convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Lexington; Whitty Rea and Nell Horman for their work with the children last Sunday; Deanna and Thomas Rawlings for providing our after worship refreshments; John Ragland for his many hours supervising and sharing in the work of debris removal in the aftermath of the recent ice storm.
*Perhaps you noticed the new email address on this week's letter (mward@walnuthillchurchky.org), part of our current computer and internet transition. You might want to note the new address for your future use. The old verizon email address will soon be discontinued. Thanks to Nelson Barnes who has been providing technical guidance and support in this transition.
*As many of you know, the Hammels (Steve, Victoria, and Harry) are in the process of moving to New Orleans following an employment opportunity for Victoria. Several persons have expressed interest in providing some financial assistance for this move. Walnut Hill will gladly receive and forward any individual gifts. Simply make your check payable to Walnut Hill Church, designated "Hammels."
Peace to all.
Mike Ward
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