Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

April 29, 2009

Greetings to all!

The current flu outbreak provides one more opportunity for anxiety as the term "pandemic" has been added to our vocabulary, alongside other concerns of our current world such as recession, climate change, global terror, etc.  It is important in such times to be careful but not timid, responsible but not self-absorbed, vigilant but not suspicious, in other words not to allow our selves and our lives to be shaped by fear, but rather by the sense of ourselves, and all people, as beloved children of God.  It is possible to take care of one's self in difficult times and still be mindful of others, to provide for one's self and family and still share with others, to be a bearer of "good news" even in troubling days.  Such is our calling as people of faith.  A helpful prayer during these days comes from the Jewish tradition:

Let there be love and understanding among us; let peace and friendship be our shelter from life's storms.  Eternal God, help us to walk with good companions, to live with hope in our hearts and eternity in our thoughts, that we may lie down in peace and rise up finding our hearts waiting to do your will.  Blessed is the Eternal One, Guardian of Israel, whose love gives light to all the world.

(from Gates of Prayer: The New Union Prayerbook)

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, May 3, the 4th Sunday of Easter, the Sacrament of Holy Communion:

Acts 4:5-12

1 John 3:16-24

John 10:11-18

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, May 3, 10am, in Trinity Hall.  Our focus for the day will be God and Empire, a video series by John Dominic Crossan.  Gene Brockopp will be leading our discussion this Sunday.  Feel free to join the conversation, enjoy a cup of coffee, or just listen in.

The Children's Choir will be practicing this Sunday, May 3, 10am. The children are preparing for a music presentation on Mother's Day, May 10.  Look for Nell Horman on Sunday morning in the Children's Chapel or in the basement of Trinity Hall.  

Men's Dinner - Walnut Hill men are invited to gather for dinner on Wednesday, May 6, 6:00pm, at Buddy's Restaurant (corner of Euclid Ave. and High St.).  Our guest for the evening will be Assistant Chief David Boggs of the LFUCG Division of Police.  Chief Boggs will offer remarks regarding the operations of the Lexington police department and then respond to our questions.  Use reply email or the sign up sheet in the Sanctuary foyer to rsvp.

Spring Potluck - Our Spring Potluck is scheduled for Sunday, May 17, immediately after morning worship.  Bring a salad, side dish, or dessert.  We are currently seeking a "coordinator" (s) for the meal to help with a few of the details.  Use reply email or contact the church office to volunteer.

From the Diocese of Lexington - The Episcopal Diocese of Lexington will be sponsoring "Camp Haven" this summer, June 22 -26, at Mission House in Lexington.  Camp Haven is a day camp program for children who have a parent incarcerated in a local or state detention facility.  The camp is seeking older youth and adults who would like to volunteer to serve as day counselors for the campers who range in age from 7 to 12 years.  Even part time volunteers are helpful.  Use reply email to request more information.

Thanks, news, etc...

*Thanks to Andy Sigmon and Emily Warren who visited Walnut Hill last Sunday on behalf of Cathedral Domain and Camp Burnamwood.  Thanks to a strong offering, $1,082 will be sent to each of these camp programs.  Parents, remember that Walnut Hill will underwrite 1/2 the cost for any Walnut Hill child or youth to attend a summer program at Cathedral Domain or Burnamwood.  

*Thanks to Tom Teater for his service at the organ on Sunday.

*Nicholas Wendell Steede received the sacrament of Baptism during morning worship last Sunday.  Congratulations to Nicholas' parents, Scott and Brook Steede, and to maternal grandparents, Chris and Barbara Bohmer.  Thanks also to Nicholas' family, especially his uncle, Richard Kimbrel, for providing our after worship refreshments in celebration of the Baptism.

*The Rev. Dr. Marian McClure  has been elected to be the new Executive Director of the Kentucky Council of Churches, succeeding the Rev. Dr. Nancy Jo Kemper who is retiring after 18 years of service in that position.  The election was held at a meeting of the Council's Executive Board at Central Christian Church.  Mike Ward serves as a member of the KCC executive board.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

    

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

April 22, 2009

Greetings to all!

Today is Earth Day, a good day to think about ways in which we might make a difference through our stewardship of the earth and its resources.  Consider these ideas from "Tim," a fourteen year old.  Perhaps Tim's ideas will prompt some ideas of your own.

I don't know what to do about the big stuff.  But I know how we can start with some of the little stuff.  (1) Recycle. Take the time to put the can into the recycling bin.  And complete the cycle - only buy things that come in recycled containers.  (2) Save Gas. Walk, ride a bike, rollerblade, whatever. But cut down on the gas.  (3) Cut down on paper use. Use both sides of binder paper, photocopy back-to-back, and take a canvas bag to the store for carrying your groceries.  (4) Get outside.  Ask to have Sunday school, youth group, even worship outdoors somewhere.  And let people share their stories about being close to nature.  (5) Be 60-Minutes. Choose one company to research how it treats the earth, then tell people the facts - like your friends, your parents, even your congressperson.  Tell the press while you're at it.  And let the company know that you're telling the press.  That ought to get some attention.  So, five things.  They don't stop global warming or fill in the hole in the ozone, but they are a start.  Who knows?  Maybe if everybody starts doing some of this little stuff, the big stuff will take care of itself.

(from Way to Live) 

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, April 26, the Third Sunday of Easter:

Exodus 19:1-9

Hebrews 11:8-12

Luke 9:57-62

Men's Coffee - Walnut Hill men are invited to gather for coffee this Saturday, April 25, 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, April 26, 10am, in Trinity Hall.  Feel free to join in the conversation, enjoy a cup of coffee, or just listen in.

The Children's Choir will be practicing this Sunday, April 26, 10am, in anticipation of a presentation on Mother's Day.  Look for Nell Horman in the basement of Trinity Hall or in the Children's Chapel.  

The Vestry will meet this Sunday, April 26, 10am, in Trinity Hall.

Men's Dinner - The next Walnut Hill Men's Dinner is scheduled for Wednesday, May 6, 6:00pm, at Buddy's.  Our special guest for the evening will be Assistant Chief David Boggs who will talk with us and respond to our questions regarding the work of the Lexington-Fayette County police department.  You may register to attend via reply email or the sign up sheet in the foyer of the Sanctuary.  Contact Gene Brockopp for more details

Camp Sunday -  It has become a tradition at Walnut Hill to designate a Sunday in the spring to be "Camp Sunday", a day to celebrate and support the ministry taking place at Cathedral Domain and Camp Burnamwood.  This Sunday, April 26, will be Camp Sunday at Walnut Hill.  We will welcome guests from Cathedral Domain and Camp Burnamwood as well as support these two ministries with our offering for the day.

Church Garden - At last report a few plots remain available in Walnut Hill's Church Garden.  Walnut Hill members are invited to sign up for a garden plot in which they might raise the crop of their choice.  This is a great opportunity for adults, youth, and children to get "close to nature".  A garden sign-up sheet is available in the Sanctuary foyer.  Contact John Ragland for more information.

Thanks, news, etc...

*Thanks to...Kim Bloomfield and Kathleen and Art Weinberg for providing our refreshments last Sunday.

*This is the last call for One Great Hour of Sharing collection boxes to be returned to the church for inclusion in this year's One Great Hour of Sharing Offering.  After this Sunday, the offering received will be counted and sent to assist in disaster relief and refugee resettlement around the world.

*On a personal note, thanks to all for your ongoing encouragement to Barbara, William, and I in these days.  Barb is doing much better!

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

April 15, 2009

Greetings to all!

"It is better to give than to receive," so the old saying goes.  That may be true, or perhaps we simply prefer to be on the giving end of things than the receiving end.  Yet, sometimes all we can do is receive.  In that moment we discover something very true about life.  Consider these thoughts from Henri Nouwen.

Receiving is often harder than giving.  Giving is very important: giving insight, giving hope, giving courage, giving advice, giving support, giving money, and most of all, giving ourselves.  Without giving there is no brotherhood and sisterhood.  

But receiving is just as important, because by receiving we reveal to the givers that they have gifts to offer.  When we say, "Thank you, you gave me hope; thank you, you gave me reason to live; thank you, you allowed me to realize my dream," we make givers aware of their unique and precious gifts.  Sometimes it is only in the eyes of the receivers that givers discover their gifts.

(from Bread for the Journey)

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, April 19, the Second Sunday of Easter:

Acts 4:32-35

1 John 1:1 - 2:2

John 20:19-31

Sunday Conversations resume this Sunday, April 19, 10am, in Trinity Hall.  This Sunday we will take a journey into the "emerging church movement" as we view and discuss a video by Rob Bell, pastor of the Mars Hill Bible Church in Grandville, Michigan, average Sunday attendance, 11,000.  The particular video, "Name," is one of a series of discussion programs produced by Bell, and it provides a glimpse of the presentation style and content that is attracting so many youth and young adults around the country.  Youth as well as adults might find this Sunday's presentation quite interesting.  Join in the conversation, enjoy a cup of coffee, or just listen in.

One Great Hour of Sharing - If you missed Easter Sunday or simply forgot to bring your One Great Hour of Sharing collection box with you, you may bring it this Sunday, April 19.  We will add it to that which has already been received in support of disaster relief and refugee resettlement around the world.

Church Garden:  At last report a few garden plots remain in Walnut Hill's Church Garden.  They are available on a first come - first serve basis to church members and friends who would like to try their hand at some gardening this summer.  Contact John Ragland for more details.

Men's Dinner: The next Walnut Hill Men's Dinner will be held on Wednesday, May 6, 6:00 pm, at Buddy's Restaurant.  Our special guest for the evening will be Assistant Chief David Boggs of the LFUCG Police Department.  Chief Boggs will present a brief overview of the operations of our community police department and then respond to our questions.  Use the sign up sheet in the foyer of the sanctuary to rsvp.  Contact Gene Brockopp for more information.

Thanks, news, etc...

*Thanks to all those persons who stepped up in a variety of ways over the Easter weekend to lead the congregation in its observance of the Resurrection of the Lord.  In its essence, the church is not a building or place, but rather a community of people, which was revealed in last Sunday's Easter celebration.  Thanks to all, young and old, who had a part in it.

*Walnut Hill women gathered for dinner last Wednesday, April 8.  Along with dinner and fellowship, they discussed ways in which Walnut Hill might reach out to the community in these days.  Their ideas are being forwarded to the Vestry for further consideration.  Thanks to all those women who participated, with special thanks to Natalie Watt and Dorothy Brockopp for coordinating the gathering.

*Take note of the new email address for the church office, mward@walnuthillchurchky.org.  The old verizon email address is no longer in service.

On a personal note, we are pleased to report that Barbara is home and doing a little better every day.  Thanks to all for your prayers and encouragement.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward 

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

April 8, 2009

Greetings to all!

Easter is upon us, and with it the central affirmation of Christianity, "Christ is risen!"  Joyce Rupp  reflects on the Easter affirmation in regard to the difficult times of our lives.

Remember the times you thought you couldn't endure the pain or loss any longer?  It seemed too much to bear. Maybe you are in a situation like that now.  At such times it is difficult to believe that grief will be turned into joy.  Others can assure us that the pain will pass with time, but usually everything in us doubts this.  That's why we need to celebrate Easter continually.  We need to recall and celebrate the Easter story much more than once a year.  We celebrate Easter every time we look closely at the little surprises of joy in our lives.  Each time we announce these joys to ourselves or to others, we are like the angels at the empty tomb announcing resurrection.

I know a woman who is never without the pain of four metal rods pressing in her back.  Yet, she has found joy beyond her daily pain.  She relishes happiness in her relationship with her spouse, delights in her grandchildren, enjoys the beauty of the changing seasons.  She is an Easter person who daily chooses to believe that she does not have to stay in the tomb of pain and discouragement.

(from Inviting God In)

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, April 12, the Resurrection of the Lord, Holy Communion:

Isaiah 25:6-9

1 Corinthians 15:1-11

John 20:1-18

Women's Dinner -  Walnut Hill women are invited to gather for dinner tonight, Wednesday, April 8, 6:30pm, at Buddy's Restaurant.  In addition to the meal and fellowship will be a round table conversation, "Walnut Hill Reaches Out," discussing possible ways in which Walnut Hill might reach out to the community in these financially troubled times.  

Men's Coffee -  Walnut Hill men are invited to gather for coffee on Saturday, April 11, 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. 

Holy Week Schedule:

*Thursday, April 9, 6pm - Simple Meal and Evening Prayer -   All ages are invited to gather for a simple meal in Trinity Hall at 6pm on Maundy Thursday.  Bring a bread, fruit, or cheese to share.  Soup and beverage will be provided.  After the meal, adults and youth will gather in the Sanctuary for a service of Evening Prayer titled Into the Night, following Jesus through the night of his arrest.  Childcare and activities will be available for younger children.  Program will conclude by 8pm.

*Sunday, April 12, 7am - Easter Sunrise Service - We will gather in the cemetery to celebrate the resurrection of the Lord in word and song.  In case of inclement weather, we will gather in the sanctuary.

       11am - Morning Worship and Holy Communion - We will continue our celebration of Easter Sunday with a traditional liturgy and sacrament.

       Noon - After worship Refreshments - Bring one item to add to the refreshment table.

The One Great Hour of Sharing Offering will be received on Easter Sunday to support refugee resettlement and disaster relief around the world.  Households collecting the offering at home during Lent are welcome to bring their collection boxes on Easter Sunday.

Thanks, news, etc...

*Thanks to....the children for their wonderful music presentation last Sunday, and to Nell Horman for her work with the children; the choir, David and Ruth Sharrard, Phil Bloomfield, Patterson and Kim DeCamp for their assistance during worship last Sunday;  Susan and Brian Gillespie for providing our afterworship refreshments last Sunday.

*Effective immediately the old Walnut.hillchurch@verizon.net email address will no longer be in use.  From today forward, please use mward@walnuthillchurchky.org to send email to the church office.

*On a personal note: Thanks to all for your ongoing encouragement and support during Barbara's current hospital stay.  We continue to appreciate your prayers.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

April 1, 2009

Greetings to all!

Holy Week is before us.  In his book, The Soul of Christianity, Huston Smith introduces his discussion of Holy Week with a paragraph suggesting the drama about to unfold.

Going back to the Jesus of history and rounding out the recorded events of Jesus' life, as the last Passover season he was to experience approached we are told that "he steadfastly set his face toward Jerusalem."  The word "steadfastly" here is well chosen; it registers the determination he needed to face what was in store for him, for the Roman oppression was unbearable and the disputes among the Jews as to how to deal with it were at a boiling point.  The Pharisees in particular were alarmed by the growing number of Jesus' adherents, and a showdown seemed likely.

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, April 5, Palm Sunday, the Sacrament of Holy Communion:

Isaiah 50:4-9

Philippians 2:5-11

John 12:12-16

HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE

*Sunday, April 5, Palm Sunday

-10am - Sunday Conversations, Trinity Hall, Passion Week from John's Perspective

-10am - Children's Choir, Trinity Hall

-11am - Morning Worship and Holy Communion

   - Children's Music Presentation and Procession of the Palms

-Noon - Afterworship Refreshments

   - Easter Egg Hunt

*Thursday, April 9, Maundy Thursday

-6pm - Simple Meal, Trinity Hall (bring a fruit, cheese, or bread)

-7pm - Into the Night - evening prayer and sacrament (child care provided)

*Sunday, April 12, Easter Sunday

-7am - Easter Sunrise Service, Walnut Hill Cemetery (in the sanctuary if raining)

-11am - Morning Worship and Holy Communion

-Noon - Afterworship Refreshments (bring an item for the refreshment table)

The next Walnut Hill Women's Dinner will be held on Wednesday, April 8, 6pm, at Buddy's.  Use the sign up sheet in the sanctuary foyer to rsvp.  

Peace to all.

Mike Ward