Greetings to all!
The autumn time change always gets to me. It seems like the day ends
so early. But what if the day was reckoned to begin, rather than end,
at dusk? Consider the following from Dorothy Bass.
When does a day begin? In the movie "Groundhog Day," the weatherman
played by Bill Murray knows the answer all too well: the day begins
when the clock radio goes off at 6am, blaring mindless chatter and
annoying music into the bedroom. It's time drag himself to his feet,
splash water on his face, and go out to endure February 2 all over
again.
When does a day begin? The hymn of creation that opens the
scriptures of Jews and Christians offers an answer too...(Genesis 1).
Here the days begin at dusk.
Eugene Peterson, a minister and author, urges fast-paced moderns to
pay attention to the wisdom of Genesis in this matter. Perceiving the
day's beginning at the darkening point teaches us something important
about who we are as human beings, he says. "The Hebrew evening/morning
sequence conditions us to the rhythms of grace. We go to sleep, and
God begins his work."
The first part of the day passes in darkness, then, but not in
inactivity. God is out growing the crops even before the farmer is up
and knitting together the wound before the clinic opens. When farmer
and physician awake, they will join in, contributing mightily, but
only because grace came first. Likewise, God has been working on and
in them, body and mind, while they slept; yesterday's bruises and
slights have begun to heal. Entered this way, morning is new, worth
being grateful for even before we have put our human touches on it.
This simple shift in perception is a fundamental movement within the
Christian practice of receiving the day. At the heart of this
practice is praise of the One who created the earth and separated the
light from the darkness. This One is still active in earth and all
creatures, including ourselves. Every day, this One offers gifts -
life, light, and hours in which to work and eat and love and rest -
and invites humankind to join in the ongoing work of caring for
creation and all who dwell therein. The same One also continues, each
day, the work of new creation: the work of forgiving and reconciling
and restoring wholeness. This too we are invited to enter, both as
ones who stand in need of this divine work and as partners in it.
(as found in "Receiving the Day")
IN MEMORY: Walnut Hill member William "Bill" Riley departed this life
on Tuesday, November 3. A memorial service will be held on Saturday,
November 7, 11am, at Walnut Hill Church. Visitation will be held on
Thursday, November 5, 5pm - 8pm, at Kerr Brothers Funeral Home
(Harrodsburg Road). Our prayers and thoughts are with Shirley and her
family.
The scripture lessons for Sunday, November 8:
Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17
Hebrews 9:24-28
Mark 12:38-44
SATURDAY COFFEE - Walnut Hill men are invited to gather for coffee on
Saturday, November 7, 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.
THE CHILDREN'S CHOIR continues its practice this Sunday, 10am, in
Trinity Hall. The children are practicing for a Christmas
presentation during morning worship on Sunday, December 13. All
children through elementary age are encouraged to participate.
Contact Nell Horman for more details.
LIVING THE QUESTIONS video discussion series continues this Sunday,
10am, in Trinity Hall. The topic for this Sunday is "A Kingdom
Without Walls." Feel free to enjoy a cup of coffee, join the
conversation, or just listen in.
YOUTH CONVERSATION: Walnut Hill Youth (middle and high school) are
invited to gather for conversation during the worship hour this
Sunday, November 8, in the upstairs office in Trinity Hall. The
conversation will be based on the "Nooma" series videos which explore
life issues in a very non-traditional way. For more information
regarding the "Nooma" series and/or Sunday youth conversations,
contact Lauren Fouts.
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING - The annual meeting of the congregation of
Walnut Hill Church will be held on Sunday, November 8, immediately
after morning worship. Business items for the congregational meeting
include the election of Vestry members, approval of the pastor's terms
of call, and review of the 2010 budget. All Members and Friends of
Walnut Hill Church have privilege of voice and vote at congregational
meetings and are encouraged to attend.
WOMEN'S DINNER - The next Walnut Hill Women's Dinner will be held on
Wednesday, November 11, 6:30pm, at Buddy's Bar and Grill (corner of
Euclid Avenue and High Street). Our guest for the evening will be Dr.
Graham Rowles, who will speak on issues related to "aging" and
initiatives to support those who are living in their senior years.
Rsvp via the sign up sheet in the Sanctuary foyer or by contacting
Natalie Watt or Dorothy Brockopp.
WOMEN'S OUTREACH - Related to our November Women's Dinner theme,
Walnut Hill women are invited to bring gift items to be donated to
residents at the Bluegrass Healthcare and Rehabilitation facility.
Suggested items include: powders, night gowns, lap blankets, robes,
socks, slippers, bed jackets, purses, makeup bags, stationery with
stamps. These gift items may be brought to the Women's Dinner on
November 11 or to Walnut Hill on Sundays in November.
MEN'S DINNER - The next Walnut Hill Men's Dinner will be held on
Wednesday, November 11, 6pm, at the Chop House (Richmond Road, just
outside New Circle). Our guest for the evening will be Mr. Bob
Babbage, former KY Secretary of State and State Auditor, legislative
lobbyist, consultant, and political commentator. Rsvp via the sign up
sheet in the Sanctuary foyer or by contacting Gene Brockopp.
THANKSGIVING OUTREACH - Once again Walnut Hill is sponsoring the
dressing/stuffing portion of the Nathaniel Mission Community
Thanksgiving Dinner. The Mission expects to serve 400 persons at this
year's event. That's a lot of stuffing, 20 pans worth to be exact.
If you would like to sponsor a pan ($20 each), let us know by reply
email or contact Lee Tucker. Checks may be payable to Walnut Hill
Church designated "Thanksgiving."
Peace to all.
Mike Ward
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