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
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