Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

July 29, 2009

Greetings to all!

Last Sunday, as we considered the Holy Spirit, we talked about
"breathing" as a simple practice to help us be aware of the Spirit
(breath) of God in our lives. The notion of mindful breathing as a
helpful practice is known in various religious and spiritual
traditions. Consider these reflections from a Buddhist teacher and
writer, Thich Nhat Hanh.

Breathing is the best way to stop - to stop unhappiness, agitation,
fear, and anger. You can practice while sitting, lying down, walking,
standing, or in any position. It is especially pleasant to practice
outdoors, where the air is so refreshing. You can lie down or sit on
the grass or walk slowly and breathe in and out, focusing your
attention on each breath. Without thinking of anything else, you say,
silently, "Breathing in, I know I am breathing in. Breathing out, I
know I am breathing out." If you want, you can just say "In" as you
breathe in, and "Out" as you breathe out...Breathing nourishes us, and
it can bring us a lot of happiness. Practice "In/Out" as many times
as you wish - five times, ten times, twenty times, or more. It is
essential for the practice of stopping, calming, and returning to our
true home in the present moment.
(from Touching Peace)

SUMMER QUESTIONS: Our summer scripture lessons and sermons continue
to be prompted by your questions. This week we have more of a topic
suggestion than a particular question: Forgiveness.

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, August 2, the Sacrament of Holy
Communion:
Psalm 51:1-12
Colossians 3:12-17
Luke 5:17-26

MEN'S COFFEE: Walnut Hill men are invited to gather for coffee this
Saturday, August 1, 8:00am, at Paneras on Richmond Road. Feel free to
stop in for as long or short a time as your schedule permits. No rsvp
required.

LTQ2: "Living the Questions - 2.0" video discussion series continues
this Sunday, August 2, 10am, in Trinity Hall. Each session includes a
20 minute video featuring some of today's leading voices of
progressive Christianity, followed by group conversation. This week's
theme: "Taking the Bible Seriously." Feel free to join in the
conversation, enjoy a cup of coffee, or just listen in. Contact the
church office (263-5304) if you need childcare for the hour. We would
be happy to provide it.

HOSPITALITY: A host(s) is needed for our after worship refreshments
this Sunday, August 2. Remember that Sunday refreshments need not be
elaborate, just something simple to gather around as we fellowship
after worship. Use reply email or call the church office (263-5304)
to volunteer for this Sunday. Check the sign up sheet in the
Sanctuary foyer for more opportunities to host refreshments for a
Sunday upcoming.

DIRECTORY: Lee and Jim Tucker are beginning work on a new
congregational address/phone directory. If you have recently changed
your address or phone, please contact Lee or the church office, so
that we might have the most up-to-date information possible. Thanks
for your help.

HOPE CENTER: Over these summer weeks we are collecting travel
(sample) size toiletry items for distribution at the Hope Center.
Bring unopened items that you might collect as you travel, or purchase
locally, and place them in the collection box in the Sanctuary foyer.

SLEEPLESS IN LEXINGTON is a community event at Applebee's Park
overnight Friday - Saturday, August 1- 2, to raise awareness and money
to support organizations working to solve the problem of chronic
homelessness in Lexington. Check out www.sleeplessinlexington.com for
more information.

THANKS TO...Natalie Watt for her work with the children this past
Sunday; Irene and John Ragland for providing our after worship
refreshments; Al Smith for providing an enjoyable program for our
Men's Dinner last week, and to Gene Brockopp and Lyle Hanna for their
help with dinner and program arrangements.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

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