weekly letter

February 25, 2009

Greetings to all!

Today is Ash Wednesday, the traditional beginning of Lent, a season of special reflection and practice in preparation for Holy Week and Easter Sunday.  In her poem, "Ashes," Ann Weems reflects on the practice of using ashes from the palms of last year's Palm Sunday observance for the imposition of the sign of the cross upon the worshiper's forehead on Ash Wednesday.

Two nights ago I knelt and

took the ashes from the fireplace.

It was some time before I saw evidence

of the smudge of ash upon my face.

I washed it quickly away.

Last night I knelt and took the bread

and dipped it in the cup,

and then I felt the cool smooth

finger of ash upon my forehead,

ashes from last year's palms

saved for this holy time.

I wondered if there might still be 

some remnant of Hosanna!

lingering in the ashes.

All evening long I wore the ash,

that holy ash,

and when others saw the smudge,

I wondered if they were inclined

to wipe it clean

or to lean closer

in the hope of hearing

some soft Hosanna!

burning still in ash

or heart...

(from Kneeling in Jerusalem)

 There are many opportunities for worship in the community on Ash Wednesday, including...

*12:05pm and 7:00pm at Christ Church Cathedral

*7:00 pm at Second Presbyterian Church

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, March 1, the First Sunday in Lent, the Sacrament of Holy Communion:

Genesis 9:8-17

1 Peter 3:18-22

Mark 1:9-15

Men's Dinner - Walnut Hill men are invited to gather for dinner on Thursday, February 26, 6:00pm, at Buddy's (corner of Euclid Ave. and High St.). Our speaker for the evening will be Mr. Tom Martin, editor of Business Lexington. Persons planning to attend may rsvp by reply email or by contacting the church office (263-5304). Men are also invited to gather for coffee on Saturday, February 28, 8:00 am, at Paneras on Richmond Road. No rsvp required.

Saving Jesus, a video discussion series regarding the Jesus of history and faith, continues this Sunday, March 1, 10:00am, in Trinity Hall. This Sunday's session will continue the conversation regarding the death of Jesus. Feel free to join in the conversation, enjoy a cup of coffee, or just listen in.

In the community: The Christian -Muslim Dialogue group will meet on Saturday, February 28, 10:00am, at the Hunter Presbyterian Church. The program will feature Matthew and Nancy Sleeth, from Wilmore, Kentucky, who have received national attention for their advocacy on behalf of the environment, most notably in Dr. Sleeth's book, Serve God, Save the Planet. The meeting is free and open to the public. An optional potluck lunch follows the program.

Thanks, news, etc...

*Thanks to...Angela Hurley for representing Walnut Hill at the recent annual convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Lexington; Whitty Rea and Nell Horman for their work with the children last Sunday; Deanna and Thomas Rawlings for providing our after worship refreshments; John Ragland for his many hours supervising and sharing in the work of debris removal in the aftermath of the recent ice storm.

*Perhaps you noticed the new email address on this week's letter (mward@walnuthillchurchky.org), part of our current computer and internet transition. You might want to note the new address for your future use. The old verizon email address will soon be discontinued. Thanks to Nelson Barnes who has been providing technical guidance and support in this transition.

*As many of you know, the Hammels (Steve, Victoria, and Harry) are in the process of moving to New Orleans following an employment opportunity for Victoria. Several persons have expressed interest in providing some financial assistance for this move. Walnut Hill will gladly receive and forward any individual gifts. Simply make your check payable to Walnut Hill Church, designated "Hammels."  

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

weekly letter

February 18, 2009

 

Greetings to all!

 

This Sunday, February 22, is the "Transfiguration of the Lord," recalling the story in which Jesus and three disciples were on a mountain when Jesus was "transfigured" before them (Mark 9:2-9).  Joyce Rupp reflects on this story from the perspective of the disciples who were not present.

 

     I never tire of hearing the story of the transfiguration of Jesus. It has such power and mystery in it.  I wondered today about what might have happened "behind the scenes": how did the rest of the disciples feel about missing out on this profound moment of revelation?  Surely they would have longed to have been on the mountain, too.  I suspect that they had some feelings of envy, questioning why Jesus hadn't chosen to take them along.  After all, they were also his disciples.

     Sometimes other people have the things we long for: money, opportunity for travel, faithful friends, good health, a marriage partner, consolation in prayer, children who are successful, and so on.  What happens inside of us when we see someone else receive something we wish we had?  To be genuinely happy for another's "mountaintop experience" is a sign of a truly generous spirit.  To enter into someone else's joy without wishing it was our own is a great gift that we can give another.

(from Inviting God In)

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, February 22, the Transfiguration of the Lord:

     2 Kings 2:1-12

     2 Corinthians 4:3-6

     Mark 9:2-9

 

Saving Jesus, a video discussion series exploring Jesus Christ for the third millennium, continues this Sunday, February 22, 10am, in Trinity Hall.  This Sunday's session, "Killing Jesus: The Atonement," explores what it means to say that Jesus' death was "sacrificial" and what Jesus' sacrifice might mean (or not mean) for us.  Feel free to join the conversation, enjoy a cup of coffee, or just listen in. (Childcare is available upon request.  Use reply email or call the church office to request child care.)

 

Host(s) Needed - Hosts are needed for our after worship refreshments this Sunday, February 22.  Remember that refreshments need not be elaborate, just something simple to gather around as we fellowship after worship.  Use reply email to volunteer as a host (co-host) for this Sunday's refreshments.  Check the sign up sheet in the sanctuary foyer for opportunities in the weeks ahead.

 

Men's Dinner - The next Walnut Hill Men's Dinner is scheduled for Thursday, February 26, 6:00pm, at Buddy's (corner of Euclid Ave. and High St.).  Mr. Tom Martin, editor of Business Lexington, will be the speaker.  Use reply email or contact Gene Brockopp to RSVP.

 

One Great Hour of Sharing:  The One Great Hour of Sharing is an ecumenical offering that supports refugee resettlement and disaster relief around the world.  Pick up a collection box for your household at Walnut Hill this Sunday, or make one for yourself if you prefer.  Beginning with Ash Wednesday (Feb 25), at each meal, invite family members to put a coin in the collection box.  During your table grace, include a prayer for some place and people of the world.  On Easter Sunday (April 12) bring your offering to Walnut Hill, and it will be added to the special One Great Hour of Sharing offering received that day.

 

Some Assembly Required - Several new pieces of nursery equipment were recently purchased requiring some assembly.  This should be a relatively easy job for someone skilled with his/her hands and able to follow instructions.  Use reply email or contact Lauren Fouts to volunteer.

 

Thanks, news, etc...

     *Thanks to...Dorothy Brockopp and Natalie Brown Watt for coordinating last week's Women's Dinner; Lisa Smith for editing the recent edition of the Walnut Hill Newsletter; Ron Johnston and Mark Horman for their leadership of the Walnut Hill Working Group and the Cemetery Association Business Meeting respectively; Whitty Rea for her work with the Sunday School children.

     *Officers were elected at last Sunday's Cemetery Association business meeting including President (Mark Horman), Vice President (Jeff DeReamer), and Secretary-Treasurer (Deidre Talbott).  Thanks to these persons for their willingness to serve, and thanks also to Amy Trail for her recent service as Cemetery Association Secretary-Treasurer.

     *The Episcopal Diocese of Lexington holds its annual convention this week.  Angela Hurley and Mike Ward will be attending on behalf of Walnut Hill.

     *We are currently in a process of transition regarding the church's computer equipment and internet service.  We expect this transition will be rather seamless, but feel free to call the church office (263-5304) if you have any difficulty receiving or sending emails to/from the church over the next few weeks.

 

Peace to all.

 

Mike Ward

Walnut Hill Cemetery

WALNUT HILL CEMETERY ASSOCIATION

 

The annual meeting of the Walnut Hill Cemetery Association will be held on Sunday, February 15, in the Walnut Hill Church sanctuary, immediately after morning worship.  The agenda for the meeting includes election of officers, review of cemetery finances and activities, and other business as might be needed.  Persons with business to be brought before the Cemetery Association should contact Cemetery Association President Mark Horman.  

 

Also, on Sunday, February 15, 10am, in Trinity Hall, will be an informal discussion regarding the Walnut Hill Cemetery.  Information will be provided regarding the cemetery as well as opportunity to ask questions, offer suggestions, etc.  We will talk together about the cemetery's past, present, and future; why the cemetery is important to Walnut Hill Church; and what we need to do to maintain this treasure for the years to come. 

 

All members of Walnut Hill Church are also members of the Walnut Hill Cemetery Association and are invited and encouraged to attend both the formal business meeting and the informal discussion.  Childcare will be provided.

 

 

 

weekly letter

February 11, 2009

 

Greetings to all!

 

Tomorrow, February 12, is Abraham Lincoln's 200th birthday.  In observance of that day, consider these words spoken by Lincoln on the occasion of his annual message to Congress on December 1, 1862.

 

     ...Fellow-citizens, we cannot escape history.  We of this Congress and this administration, will be remembered in spite of ourselves.  No personal significance, or insignificance, can spare one or another of us.  The fiery trial through which we pass, will light us down, in honor or dishonor, to the latest generation.  We say we are for the Union.  The world will never forget that we say this.  We know how to save the Union.  The world knows we do know how to save it.  We-even we here- hold the power, and bear the responsibility.  In giving freedom to the slave, we assure freedom to the free - honorable alike in what we give, and what we preserve.  We shall nobly save, or meanly lose, the last, best hope of earth.  Other means may succeed; this could not fail.  The way is plain, peaceful, generous, just - a way which, if followed, the world will forever applaud, and God must forever bless.

(from The Words Lincoln Lived By)

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, February 15:

     Genesis 3:14-24

     Matthew 12:22-31

(This Sunday's Scripture lessons are selected with the Lincoln birthday in mind.)

 

Women's Dinner TONIGHT- Walnut Hill Women are invited to gather for dinner on Wednesday, February 11, 6:30pm, at Buddy's (corner of Euclid Ave. and High St.).  Dr. Emily Askew, Professor of Theology at Lexington Seminary, will be the speaker.  Contact Natalie Watt or Dorothy Brockopp for more information.

 

The Walnut Hill Working Group will be in session this Sunday, February 15, 10am, in Trinity Hall.  The Walnut Hill Working Group is simply an opportunity for members and friends to gather and discuss issues related to Walnut Hill's life and ministry.  This Sunday's Working Group will focus on the Walnut Hill Cemetery, providing information and exploring ways to enhance our stewardship of this Walnut Hill treasure.  Come and be part of the conversation, enjoy a cup of coffee, or just listen in.

 

The Walnut Hill Cemetery Association will hold its annual meeting on Sunday, February 15, immediately after morning worship.  The business of the annual meeting includes election of officers, the treasurer's report, and other business as might come before the association.  All persons with business for the annual meeting are asked to contact Mark Horman in advance of the meeting day.  All members of Walnut Hill Church are members of the cemetery association and are encouraged to attend. 

 

Saving Jesus, a video discussion series exploring Jesus Christ for the third millennium, will return on Sunday, February 22, 10am, in Trinity Hall.

 

Men's Dinner - The next Walnut Hill Men's Dinner is scheduled for Thursday, February 26, 6:00pm, at Buddy's (corner of Euclid Ave. and High St.).  Mr. Tom Martin, editor of Business Lexington, will be the speaker.  Contact Gene Brockopp or use the sign up sheet in the Sanctuary foyer to RSVP.

 

Thanks, news, etc...

     *Thanks to...Julia and Charlie Snow, Mary Diane and Lyle Hanna for providing our refreshments last Sunday; Whitty Rea for her work with the children; Lisa Smith for her work editing the Walnut Hill Newsletter.

     *Cathedral Domain Camp is seeking congregational contact persons to receive and share information between the Camp and local congregations.  Contact Mike Ward if you would be interested in serving as a camp contact person for Walnut Hill.

 

Peace to all.

 

Mike Ward

weekly letter

February 4, 2009

 

Greetings to all!

 

I heard a news report yesterday that the "Ice Storm of '09" will likely go down as one of the costliest natural disasters in Kentucky history.  Unlike a tornado, earthquake, or hurricane, this disaster arrived quietly with last week's freezing rain and continues to unfold daily in Kentucky's cities, small towns, and rural neighborhoods.  The toll in human life, property damage, lost productivity, and inconvenience grows steadily.  As our lives in Lexington and central Kentucky return to normal, let us not forget those whose lives are still a long way from normal.  Let us keep those affected in our prayers and watch for ways to support those helping on the ground.  Consider the following prayer:

 

Compassionate God:

You are present with us even in the midst of disaster,

to weave wonders of goodness and grace.

Surround those who have been shaken by trouble

with a sense of your ever present love, and hold them in faith.

Protect and strengthen those working to help,

providing comfort to those who need it.

In the midst of these and all our days,

make us mindful of the world and those with whom we share it.

Amen.

 

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, February 8:

     Isaiah 40:21-31

     1 Corinthians 9:16-23

     Mark 1:29-39

 

Saving Jesus, a video discussion series exploring Jesus Christ for the third millennium, continues this Sunday, February 8, 10am, in Trinity Hall.  This Sunday's session, "Jesus' Ministry of Compassion," explores Jesus' acts of healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and challenging the powers of his time.  Feel free to join the conversation, enjoy a cup of coffee, or just listen in. (Childcare is available upon request.  Simply use reply email or call the church office to request child care.)

 

Women's Dinner - The next Walnut Hill Women's Dinner is scheduled for Wednesday, February 11, 6:30pm, at Buddy's (corner of Euclid Ave. and High St.).  Dr. Emily Askew, Professor of Theology at Lexington Seminary, will be the speaker.  Contact Natalie Watt or Dorothy Brockopp, or use the sign up sheet in the Sanctuary foyer to rsvp.

 

The Walnut Hill Cemetery Association will hold its annual meeting on Sunday, February 15, immediately after morning worship.  The business of the annual meeting includes election of officers, the treasurer's report, and other business as might come before the association.  All persons with business for the annual meeting are asked to contact Mark Horman in advance of the meeting day.  All members of Walnut Hill Church are members of the cemetery association and are encouraged to attend. 

 

Men's Dinner - The next Walnut Hill Men's Dinner is scheduled for Thursday, February 26, 6:00pm, at Buddy's (corner of Euclid Ave. and High St.).  Mr. Tom Martin, editor of Business Lexington, will be the speaker.  Contact Gene Brockopp for more information or to RSVP.

 

In the community:  John Dominic Crossan, well-known New Testament and Jesus scholar, will present a lecture at Transylvania University (Haggin Auditorium) on Wednesday, February 4, 7:30pm.  The lecture is free and open to the public.

 

Thanks, news, etc...

     *Thanks to...Phil Bloomfield for preparing last Sunday's Communion elements; the Choir, Bill and Maggy Patterson, Chris and Barbara Bohmer, and Bob Watt for their leadership and assistance during worship.  

     *Thanks to various "soup chefs", youth helpers, and donors who helped make "Souper Bowl Sunday" a great occasion.  Nearly $200 was received to support God's Pantry in their work of hunger relief in central and eastern Kentucky.

 

Peace to all.

 

Mike Ward