Greetings to all!
The July 4th holiday provides opportunity to reflect on the freedoms that are part of our American heritage, including the freedom of religion. Freedom of religious expression was a particular passion of Thomas Jefferson. In a letter to the Danbury (Connecticut) Baptist Association, then President Jefferson expresses his thoughts on religious freedom.
(January 1, 1802)
Gentlemen:
The affectionate sentiments of esteem and approbation which you are so good as to express towards me on behalf of the Danbury Baptist association, give me the highest satisfaction. My duties dictate a faithful and zealous pursuit of the interests of my constituents, & in proportion as they are persuaded of my fidelity to those duties, the discharge of them becomes more and more pleasing.
Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between Man & his God, that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship, that the legitimate powers of government reach actions only, & not opinions, I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should "make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof," thus building a wall of separation between Church & State. Adhering to this expression of the supreme will of the nation in behalf of the rights of conscience, I shall see with sincere satisfaction the progress of those sentiments which tend to restore to man all his natural rights, convinced he has no natural right in opposition to his social duties.
I reciprocate your kind prayers for the protection & blessing of the common father and creator of man, and tender you for yourselves & your religious association, assurances of my high respect & esteem.
Summer Questions: We continue our summer preaching as prompted by your questions. This week's question - "How do we put Micah 6:8 into practice today?" Your questions continue to be welcome. Use the "question envelope" in the Sanctuary foyer to submit your question.
The Scripture lessons for Sunday, July 5, the Sacrament of Holy Communion:
Micah 6:1-8
Romans 13:1-7
John 19:8-16
Men's Coffee - Walnut Hill men are invited to begin their July 4 holiday with some coffee and conversation on Saturday, July 4, 8am, at Paneras (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, July 5, in Trinity Hall as we view and discuss the video series, Eclipsing Empire, featuring New Testament scholars John Dominic Crossan and Marcus Borg. This week's video segment focuses on "The Theology of Paul." Feel free to join the conversation, enjoy a cup of coffee, or just listen in.
Items for the Hope Center - If you are traveling this summer and happen to collect some of those hotel size soaps and shampoos, feel free to bring them (unopened) to Walnut Hill and place them in the box marked "Hope Center." They will be taken to the Hope Center and distributed among the Hope Center's clients. If you are not traveling but would like to donate items, feel free to pick up some "travel size" toiletry items on your next shopping trip. Look for the "Hope Center" box in the foyer of the Sanctuary. Thanks to Glenna Fay for making us aware of this opportunity.
Men's Dinner, July 23 - Walnut Hill men should mark the date, Thursday, July 23, on their calendars, for the next Walnut Hill Men's Dinner. Our guest for the evening will be Mr. Al Smith, longtime Kentucky political commentator. Time and place for the dinner to be announced.
Thanks, news, etc...
*Thanks to...Lee Sturtevant and Tom Ward for providing our after worship refreshments last Sunday.
*Jennifer Mynear visited Walnut Hill last Sunday to receive Walnut Hill's $2,000 donation in support of Jarrett's Joy Cart. Natalie Watt presented the donation on behalf of the congregation, and Mrs. Mynear offered remarks in response. Jennifer also left several copies of a story book, The Importance of Joy, which tells the story of the "Joy Cart" in terms that a child can understand. Feel free to pick up a copy in the Nursery Room of Trinity Hall.
HAPPY 4TH!
Mike Ward
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