Wednesday, April 29, 2009

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




    

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