Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

September 9, 2009

Greetings to all!

The issue of health care is much on the minds of people these days,
both the care available for ourselves and our loved ones, as well as
the care available to fellow citizens who are without adequate
insurance. Ideas, often conflicting, abound regarding how to provide
adequate and effective care for all persons. For Christians, the
place of healing (physical, emotional, and spiritual) in the Jesus
tradition is an important consideration. When one of the gospel
writers wanted to summarize Jesus' ministry, he wrote: "Jesus went
through Galilee, teaching... proclaiming the good news of the kingdom
and curing every disease and every sickness among the people." (MT
4:23) Indeed, Jesus' healing ministry has provided a theological
basis for the founding of myriad medical missions and hospitals over
the years. Jesus' example does not provide easy answers to our
current health care questions, but it does remind Jesus' present day
disciples that the issue of health care has dimensions transcending
partisan political and economic arguments. May we bring our best
medical, economic, political, and theological thinking to bear in
these days. Consider the following prayer:

We pray, ever present God, asking that you will bless our efforts to
fashion in the United States a health care system that will bless all
our people. We know there are many who wait in silence for more
accessible and affordable care. Be with those who wait, whose voices
are often not heard in the public debate. But you, O God, hear all
voices. Strengthen our leaders, and all of us, to use our heads, our
hearts, our voices, and our hands to fulfill the vision of a health
care system that includes everyone and works effectively for all. It
is a great challenge, worthy of a great nation. Work through us, God,
to make real your will on earth, as it is in heaven. Amen.
(adapted from the "Interfaith Week of Prayer for Health Care)

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, September 13:
Proverbs 1:20-33
James 3:1-12
Mark 8:27-38

MEN'S COFFEE - Walnut Hill men are invited to gather for coffee on
Saturday, September 12, 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.

LIVING THE QUESTIONS, video discussion series, continues on Sunday,
September 13, 10am, in Trinity Hall. Feel free to join the
conversation, enjoy a cup of coffee, or just listen in.

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.

A SACRAMENTS CLASS will be offered at 10am on Sunday, September 27.
All children and youth who have not yet completed Confirmation are
encouraged to attend. The class will equip children and youth to
understand the sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion as they
witness and participate in them. Contact Lauren Fouts for more
information.

THANKS, NEWS, ETC...
*Thanks to...the Rev. Dr. John Cavendish for supplying the pulpit on
Sunday; the choir, Linda and Nelson Barnes, Phil Bloomfield, Bob and
Natalie Watt for their leadership and assistance during worship last
Sunday; Julia and Charles Snow for providing our after worship
refreshments.
*The Vestry will meet on Sunday, September 13, 10am, in Trinity Hall.
*The 2009 CROP Walk is coming on Sunday afternoon, September 27.
Watch for more details.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

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