Greetings to all!
This Sunday, October 25, is Reformation Sunday, a day to reflect upon
the events giving rise to the "Protestant" traditions of
Christianity. Among the personalities of the Reformation was John
Calvin, the founder of the so-called Reformed Tradition, who happens
to be celebrating his 500th birthday this year. In observance of
Reformation Sunday, and in recognition of Calvin's 500th birthday,
consider this selection from Calvin's "Institutes of the Christian
Religion" and his thoughts about truth to be found in science and the
liberal arts, particularly as the ancient sciences and arts had been
recently rediscovered in the Renaissance.
Whenever we come upon these matters in secular writers, let that
admirable light of truth shining in them teach us that the mind of
man, though fallen... from its wholeness, is nevertheless clothed and
ornamented with God's excellent gifts. If we regard the Spirit of God
as the sole fountain of truth, we shall neither reject the truth
itself, nor despise it wherever it shall appear; unless we wish to
dishonor the Spirit of God. For by holding the gifts of the Spirit in
slight esteem, we condemn and reproach the Spirit himself. What
then? Shall we deny that the truth shone upon the ancient jurists who
established civic order and discipline with such great equity? Shall
we say that the philosophers were blind in their fine observation and
artful description of nature? Shall we say that those men were devoid
of understanding who conceived the art of disputation and taught us to
speak reasonably? Shall we say that they are insane who developed
medicine, devoting their labor to our benefit? What shall we say of
all the mathematical sciences? Shall we consider them the ravings of
madmen? No, we cannot read the writings of the ancients on these
subjects without great admiration. We marvel at them because we are
compelled to recognize how preeminent they are. But shall we count
anything praiseworthy or noble without recognizing at the same time
that it comes from God?
The Scripture lessons for Sunday, October 25, Reformation Sunday:
Jeremiah 31:31-34
Romans 3:19-28
John 8:31-36
MEN'S COFFEE - Walnut Hill men are invited to gather for coffee this
Saturday, October 24, 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 this Sunday,
October 25, 10am, in Trinity Hall. The topic for the day will be
"Debunking the Rapture." Feel free to enjoy a cup of coffee, join the
conversation, or just listen in.
CHILDREN'S CHOIR - The Walnut Hill Children's Choir begins practice
this Sunday, October 25, 10am, in Trinity Hall. Nell Horman will be
working with working with the children as they prepare for a Christmas
season presentation. All children through elementary age are invited
to participate. Contact Nell Horman or Lauren Fouts for more
information.
YOUTH CLASS - The Walnut Hill Youth Class will meet this Sunday,
October 25, during the 11am hour. Conversation will spring from the
"Nooma" video series. All youth, middle school and above, are invited
to this gathering, which is held in the upstairs office of Trinity Hall.
WOMEN'S DINNER / MEN'S DINNER - The next Walnut Hill Women's Dinner
is scheduled for Wednesday, November 11, 6:30pm at Buddy's Bar and
Grill. The next Walnut Hill Men's Dinner is also scheduled for
Wednesday, November 11, 6pm, location to be announced. Mark the date
on your calendar. Watch for more program information on Sunday, and
in next week's email letter.
IN THE COMMUNITY
*The Christian-Muslim Dialogue will be held on Saturday, October 24,
10am - Noon, at the Unitarian Universalist Church on Clays Mill Road.
Featured speaker for the morning will be Professor Robert Olson.
*The Interfaith Alliance of the Bluegrass Annual Meeting and Dinner
will be held on Thursday, October 29, 6:30 pm, at Christ Church
Cathedral. Featured speaker will be Mr. Jonathan Miller. Call
559-5943 for more information and reservations.
IN MEMORY: Walnut Hill member Floyd Thomasson departed this life on
Thursday, October 15. Services and interment were held at Walnut Hill
Church and Cemetery on Sunday, October 18. Our prayers are with
Floyd's family.
Peace to all.
Mike Ward
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