Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

August 26, 2009

Greetings to all!

Senator Edward Kennedy has died, ending his journey with brain cancer
as well as his long tenure as a U.S. Senator from Massachusetts.
Whatever we might think of Senator Kennedy's politics, his presence in
the Senate is hard to overstate, and for many "baby-boomers" he has
been part of the national scene for as long as we can remember.
Senator Kennedy's death provides an occasion for us to appreciate and
offer prayer for all those who lead in government.

O Lord, our governor, your glory shines throughout the world. We
commend our nation to your merciful care, that we may live securely in
peace and may be guided by your providence. Give all in authority the
wisdom and strength to know your will and to do it. Help them
remember that they are called to serve the people as lovers of truth
and justice; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

(from The Book of Common Worship)

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, August 30:
Song of Solomon 2:8-13
James 1:17-27
Mark 7:1-23

Men's Coffee: Walnut Hill men are invited to gather for coffee on
Saturday, August 29, 8am, at Paneras (Richmond Road). Feel free to
stop in for as long or short a time as your schedule permits. No rsvp
required.

"Living the Questions," a video discussion series on issues of faith
and life, continues this Sunday, August 30, 10am, in Trinity Hall.
Feel free to join the conversation, enjoy a cup of coffee, or just
listen in.

A Host(s) is needed for our after worship refreshments this Sunday,
August 30. Remember that 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. Thanks to our refreshment hosts in recent weeks including,
Amy and Matt Trail, Nell and Mark Horman, Angela Hurley, Lee and Jim
Tucker, Joyce and Emett Barfield.

The Fall Potluck is coming on Sunday, September 20, immediately after
worship. Bring a salad, side dish, or dessert and join in this tasty
Walnut Hill tradition. We are currently seeking a volunteer(s) to
coordinate a few arrangement details. Use reply email to inquire or
volunteer.

WOMEN'S DINNER - Walnut Hill women are invited to gather for dinner on
Wednesday, September 23, 6:30pm, at Buddy's Bar and Grill. Our guest
for the evening will be Dr. Maureen A. Flannery, MD, who will speak
about alternative healing methods. Use the sign up sheet in the
Sanctuary foyer to rsvp or contact Natalie Watt or Dorothy Brockopp.

MEN'S DINNER - Walnut Hill men are invited to gather for dinner on
Tuesday, September 22, 6:00pm, at The Signature Club (Lansdowne
Drive). Our guest for the evening will be the Rev. Robert Sessum who
will talk with us about current issues facing the Episcopal Church
(USA) in particular and mainstream protestant denominations in
general. Use the sign up sheet in the Sanctuary foyer to rsvp or
contact Gene Brockopp.

In the community: An "Interfaith Candlelight Prayer Service for Hope
and Health Care Reform" will be held on Sunday, August 30, 7:30pm, at
Central Baptist Church (corner of Wilson Downing Rd and Nicholasville
Rd, across from Fayette Mall). This service is an opportunity for
voices of faith to come together outside of partisan politics and
share common expression of our desire for health care reflecting our
common humanity and faithful stewardship of our healthcare resources.
Service leadership will be ecumenical and interfaith.

Thanks, news, etc...
*Twenty-four Walnut Hill members, friends, and guests gathered at
Applebee's Park on Tuesday to watch the Legends play the Crawdads. It
was a beautiful evening at the ballpark topped off by a Legends' come-
from-behind win! Thanks to Gene Brockopp for coordinating this
delightful outing.
*Thanks to all those who provided able leadership and service during
Mike Ward's absence including preachers/worship leaders, Sunday School
leaders, hospitality providers, building openers/closers, etc., etc.
Thanks so much to all who helped in so many ways!

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

August 5, 2009

Greetings to all!

Reflecting on Psalm 34:4 ("Glorify the Lord with me; let us together
extol God's name."), Joyce Rupp comments on the importance of a
strong, positive attitude, both for one's self and for others.

Have you ever noticed how another person's spirit or attitude
influences your own? I was at a gathering recently and the person
next to me was filled with negativity and criticism. She complained
about everyone and everything. I found myself joining in with her.
Her negativity fed mine. I left feeling badly about my behavior. I
know it's healthy to voice legitimate complaints and concerns, but I
also know it's lethal to the spiritual life when one gripes and
criticizes incessantly. Life's wonderful gifts can easily be missed
when life is constantly viewed negatively.
Then I thought of Sandra, a member of my Wednesday morning prayer
group. When she comes into the room, she brings with her an aura of
hope and optimism. She finds a lot to laugh about and looks at life
in a positive way. It's not that she denies her own problems and
troubles or that she never complains about her life, but she has a way
of not letting herself get completely absorbed in them. I like being
around her and feel uplifted and hopeful when she's there. Could this
be why the psalmist issues an invitation to praise and glorify God
together? Could it be that the psalmist recognized how the strength
of one positive, grateful person can draw another into similar
gratitude and praise of God? I tend to think so.
(from Inviting God In)

SUMMER QUESTIONS: Our Scripture lessons and sermon continue to be
prompted by your questions. This week's question: Tell us about your
faith journey. (This Sunday concludes our summer question series.
Thanks for all your questions and topic suggestions.)

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, August 9:
Genesis 32:22-31
Romans 12:9-21
Mark 16:1-8

LtQ2 - "Living the Questions 2.0" video discussion series continues
each Sunday morning, 10am, in Trinity Hall. Each session includes a
20 minute video followed by group conversation. Session titles
upcoming for the next three Sundays include "Thinking Theologically,"
"Stories of Creation," and "Lives of Jesus." Feel free to join the
conversation, enjoy a cup of coffee, or just listen in.

MEN'S COFFEE - Walnut Hill men are invited to gather for coffee on
Saturday, August 15, 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.

"TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALL GAME!" - An evening of baseball is being
organized for Tuesday, August 25, 7pm, at Applebee's Park, as the
Lexington Legends host the Hickory Crawdads. Tickets are $8/person.
This event is open to all ages (children must be accompanied by a
parent). Reserve your ticket(s) before August 15 using the sign up
sheet in the sanctuary foyer, or by contacting Gene Brockopp.

MEN'S AND WOMEN'S DINNERS: (mark your calendars)
*The next Walnut Hill Men's Dinner will be held on Tuesday, September
22, 6pm, at the Signature Club (Lansdowne Dr). Our guest for the
evening will be the Rev. Bob Sessum, Good Shepherd Episcopal Church,
who will speak regarding current issues facing the Episcopal Church in
the United States.
*The next Walnut Hill Women's Dinner will be held on Wednesday,
September 23, 6:30pm, at Buddy's Bar and Grill (corner of High St &
Euclid Ave). Our guest for the evening will be Dr. Maureen Flannery
(MD), who will speak regarding alternative healing methods.

ADDRESS/PHONE DIRECTORY - A new directory is currently being
prepared. If you have recently changed your address or phone number,
please contact Lee Tucker, so that we will have the most up-to-date
information possible for the directory.

THANKS TO...Nell Horman for her work with the children this past
Sunday; ...the Choir, Chris and Barbara Bohmer, Phil Bloomfield,
Carthel and Megan Smith for their leadership and assistance during
worship.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward