Greetings to all!
St. Patrick's Day approaches (March 17), one of the most popularly observed of the saints' days; yet, hidden beneath the shamrocks and green beer is the fascinating story of a Roman era Briton who was kidnapped to Ireland, escaped back to his home, and then later returned to Ireland with the Gospel. He is credited with establishing Christianity in Ireland. Regarding Patrick, June Skinner Sawyers writes:
Patrick is the most human of the Celtic saints, a deeply flawed man who delved deep within himself to emerge anew. If he were living in modern-day America, he would have likely said that he had reinvented himself. Like most of us, he questioned his purpose in life and occasionally pondered his own competence. Thus, at times, he felt woefully ill prepared to handle the ongoing struggles of daily living. And yet, he persevered - as we all must, if we wish to see the light of another day.
Perhaps Patrick's greatest gift to humanity is his selflessness. Like the Christ figure that he admired so dearly, Patrick willingly sacrificed his own personal freedom for the sake of a greater good. Clearly, most of us will not - cannot - relinquish what we hold most precious, but we can all do more to share the spirit of goodness that resides in us. We can, for example, choose to offer our support to someone in need. We can extend our love. We can simply be there to listen. Quite often, our presence is all that is required. We can, in other words, choose to make a difference.
(from Praying with Celtic Saints,...)
The Scripture lessons for Sunday, March 15, the Third Sunday in Lent:
Exodus 20:1-17
1 Corinthians 1:18-25
John 2:13-22
Men's Coffee: Men are invited to gather for coffee this Saturday, March 14, 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.
Saving Jesus, video discussion series, continues this Sunday, March 15, 10am, in Trinity Hall. Our topic for the morning is "Why Is Jesus Worth Saving," considering Jesus' and Christianity's place among the world's religions in the 21st century. Feel free to join the conversation, enjoy a cup of coffee, or just listen in.
The Children's Choir continues its Sunday morning sessions this Sunday, March 15, 10am. Look for the choir in the Children's Chapel (weather permitting) or in the basement of Trinity Hall. The children are practicing music and movement for a presentation later in the spring. All children through elementary age are invited to participate. Contact Nell Horman for more information.
Youth and Parents are invited to a brief conversation after worship this Sunday titled, "I Want To Be Included," focusing on opportunities for youth (middle school and older) to be involved, develop skills, and provide leadership in support of Walnut Hill's life and ministry. Youth and their parents are requested to take a few minutes after worship to receive this important information.
Women's Dinner: The next Walnut Hill Women's Dinner is scheduled for Wednesday, April 8, 6:30 pm, at Buddy's. In addition to a meal and good fellowship will be a roundtable conversation regarding ways in which Walnut Hill might reach out to the local community in these financially troubled times. Use the sign up sheet in the Sanctuary foyer to rsvp. Contact Natalie Watt or Dorothy Brockopp for more information.
Thanks, news, etc...
*Thanks to ... the Rawlings family, Jeannie Brewer, Ginger Martin, and John Ragland for their work last Saturday clearing ice storm debris from the cemetery grounds; Ruth and David Sharrard, Cory and Aaron Sharrard for providing our after worship refreshments last Sunday; Nell Horman for her work with the children's choir; Martha DeReamer for her work each week as required in her ongoing service as Walnut Hill's Treasurer.
*Easter is just around the corner (April 12), and with it comes the opportunity to "sponsor" a lily for our Easter sanctuary decoration. Contact Lee Tucker if you would like to sponsor a lily for Easter. Sponsors are welcome to take their plants home to enjoy after the holiday.
Peace to all.
Mike Ward
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