Greetings to all!
Last Sunday we entered the season of Advent, four Sundays leading up
to Christmas. Dorothy Bass describes the season.
The Christian year begins as the calendar year sputters into its
final month. Its first season is quiet but expectant, leaning, as if
heavy with child, into the future. During the four weeks of Advent,
the season whose name means "coming," we carry our yearning in full
view, like a protruding belly. Borrowing the words of the prophet
Isaiah, we declare our own longing for the eyes of the blind to be
opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped, and for streams of water in
the desert. We dare to hope that God will indeed send good news to
the oppressed and bind up the brokenhearted and repair the ruined
cities (Isaiah 35:1-10; 61:1-4). Then John the Baptist, crying
Isaiah's words in the wilderness, announces that God's promises are
close to fulfillment. "Stir up your power and come," we pray,
yearning out of the depths of history and into the promises beyond
history, and out of the depths of our own lives toward the fulfillment
of our deepest longings.
(from "Receiving the Day")
The Scripture lessons for Sunday, December 6, the Second Sunday of
Advent, the Sacrament of Holy Communion:
Malachi 3:1-4
Philippians 1:3-11
Luke 3:1-6
MEN'S COFFEE - Walnut Hill men are invited to gather for coffee and
conversation this Saturday, December 5, 8am, at Panera's on Richmond
Rd. 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 "Creative
Transformation." Feel free to enjoy a cup of coffee, join the
conversation, or just listen in.
CHRISTMAS SEASON POTLUCK - Be sure to join us this Sunday, December 6,
immediately after worship for our traditional Christmas Season
Potluck. This gathering is for all ages! Bring a salad, side dish,
or dessert (and your appetite)!
THE GIVING TREE - A favorite Walnut Hill tradition is the "Giving
Tree" with its ornaments representing gifts for the children and
adults of a local Lexington family. The Giving Tree will be up and
decorated in Trinity Hall on Sunday, December 6. Simply take an
ornament from the tree, purchase the suggested gift, and return the
gift and ornament to Walnut Hill by Sunday, December 20.
CHRISTMAS PARTY - The annual Walnut Hill Christmas Party will be held
on Sunday, December 13, 4pm - 6pm, at 1202 Delong Place. Bring an
hors-doeuvre item. This gathering is for adults.
ATHENS-CHILESBURG ELEMENTARY - Once again this Christmas season we are
welcoming donations in support of Walnut Hill's sponsorship of 15
children to participate in the A.C.E. 5th Grade Class Trip to
Washington, DC. Without sponsorship these children would not have the
means to participate in this special experience. The trip costs
approximately $550/child. Your gift in any amount is welcome. Make
your check payable to Walnut Hill Church, designated "ACE Trip."
IN THE COMMUNITY: White Oak Pond Christian Church (Madison County)
will present "Pioneer Christmas In Kentucky" at 6:30pm on December 11,
12, and 13. The program is described as "an 18th century Christmas
evening of dinner and musical drama. " Reservations ($25/person) are
required. Call 859-623-6515 for reservations or more information.
THANKS TO...David Sharrard, Brook and Scott Steede, and the Children's
Choir for their leadership during worship; Gene Brockopp for leading
our LTQ discussion; Nell Horman and Jo Wallen for working with the
Children's Choir; Ruth Sharrard for our Advent Wreath; Susan and Brian
Gillispie for our after worship refreshments.
Peace to all.
Mike Ward
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