Greetings to all!
This Sunday, November 22, is the last Sunday of the church's
liturgical year, the Sunday of Christ the King, which celebrates the
exaltation of Christ. Christ exalted can be a challenging notion for
us these days, particularly as we seek to emphasize the humanity of
Jesus. Kathleen Norris tells of how she came to appreciate the value
of living with both Jesus the suffering servant and the exalted Christ.
I began to realize that one of the most difficult things about
believing in Christ is to resist the temptation to dis-incarnate him,
to not accept him as both fully human and fully divine...The orthodox
Christian seeks another way, that of living with paradox, of accepting
the ways that seeming dualities work together in Jesus Christ, and in
our own lives. For me, it has meant trying to hear the gospels in a
way that allows me to reject a simplistic dualism in the interest of a
creative tension between flesh and spirit, faith and reason, even God
and Caesar.
Once, when I was the only guest one Sunday night at a women's
monastery, the sisters invited me join them in the "statio," the
community's procession into the church...I didn't realize it at the
time, but the sisters' invitation was an uncommon act of hospitality,
and not being able to amble into church on my own pushed me into
recognizing what the sisters already sensed, that Christ is actively
present in their worshiping community. Not as a static idea or
principle, but a Word made flesh, a listening, active Christ who in
the gospels tells us that he prays for us, and who promises to be with
us always.
Walking slowly into church in that long line of women taught me much
about liturgical time and space. I found to my surprise that the
entire vespers service had more resonance for me because of the solemn
way I had entered into it. Our procession was also a reminder of the
procession of life itself; the older sisters with their walkers and
canes had set a pace that the younger women had to follow. The
prioress was my partner; we brought up the rear. "We bow first to the
Christ who is at the altar," she whispered to me, as the procession
lurched along, "and then we turn to face our partner, and bow to the
Christ in each other." "I see," I said, and I did.
(from Amazing Grace)
The Scripture lessons for Sunday, November 22, Christ the King:
2 Samuel 23:1-7
Revelation 1:4-8
John 18:33-37
MEN'S COFFEE: Walnut Hill men are invited to gather for coffee this
Saturday, November 21, 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 "Prayer: Intimacy
with God." 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 22, 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.
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 Walnut Hill on Sundays in
November.
HOLIDAY EVENTS: Here is a look ahead to some holiday events on Walnut
Hill's calendar.
Sunday, December 6: Congregational Christmas Potluck, after
worship. Bring a salad, side dish, or dessert.
Sunday, December 13: Children's Christmas Presentation, during
morning worship.
Sunday, December 13: Christmas Party (for adults), 4pm, 1202 Delong
Place.
Sunday, December 20: Christmas Communion Service, 11am.
Thursday, December 24: Christmas Eve Family Service, 5pm, for all ages.
Thursday, December 24: Christmas Eve, Evening Prayer Fireside, 9pm,
for adults and older youth.
Peace to all.
Mike Ward
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