Walnut Hill Church: November 2009

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

November 24, 2009

Greetings to all!

In the midst of the travel, sporting events, parades, shopping, and
food, Thanksgiving invites at least some recollection of the Pilgrims
who landed on the shores of the New World in 1620. Gov. William
Bradford's "History of the Plimoth Plantation" offers a glimpse of the
challenges they faced.

Being thus arrived in a good harbor and brought safe to land, they
fell upon their knees & blessed ye God of heaven, who had brought them
over ye vast & furious ocean, and delivered them from all ye periles
and miseries thereof, againe to set their feet on ye firme and stable
earth, their proper elemente...
But I cannot but stay and make a pause, and stand half amased at this
poore peoples presente condition; and so I thinke will the reader too,
when he well considers ye same...They had nowe no friends to welcome
them, no inns to entertaine or refresh their weatherbeaten bodys, no
houses or much less townes to repaire too, to seeke for succoure...And
for ye season it was winter, and they that know ye winters of ye
countrie know them to be sharp & violent, & subject to cruell & feirce
stormes, deangerous to travill to known places, much more to serch an
unknown coast. Besids, what could they see but a hidious & desolate
wildernes, full of wild beasts...For summer being done, all things
stand upon them with a weatherbeaten face; and ye whole countrie, full
of woods & thickets, represented a wild and savage heiw.
(as found in "A Religious History of the American People")

THE LECTIONARY readings for Sunday, November 29, the First Sunday of
Advent:
Jeremiah 33:14-16
1 Thessalonians 3:9-13
Luke 21:25-36

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 "Compassion: The
Heart of Jesus' Ministry." Feel free to enjoy a cup of coffee, join
the conversation, or just listen in.

THANKSGIVING DRESSING/STUFFING: Thanks to all those who contributed
to Walnut Hill's providing the stuffing/dressing for the Nathaniel
Mission's Community Thanksgiving Meal. We are pleased to report that
all 20 pans were sponsored, enough to serve the 400 guests anticipated
at the meal. Matt Trail will be delivering the stuffing/dressing
today, and it is sure to be enjoyed by all. Thanks also to
Critchfield Meats for their help with this project.

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.

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.

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.

THANKS TO...Ruth Sharrad and her sister Kay Kramer for the wonderful
Thanksgiving Cornucopia adorning the Sanctuary last Sunday; Jo Wallen
for her work with the youth on Sunday; Irene Bloomfield, Kim
Bloomfield, and Kathleen and Art Weinberg for our Sunday refreshments:
Grant and Whitty Rea, Garrett Rea, and Spencer Horman for their
service during worship; Nell Horman for her work with the children's
choir....and to so many others who make our Sunday gatherings possible.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Mike Ward

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

November 18, 2009

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.

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.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

November 11, 2009

Greetings to all!

Thinking about Veterans Day I am reminded of Abraham Lincoln's words
regarding the nation's obligation to those who bear the brunt of its
conflicts:

With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the
right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish
the work we are in; to bind up the nation's wounds; to care for him
who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan -
to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace,
among ourselves, and with all nations. (from the 2nd Inaugural Address)

Also, on Veterans Day, consider this prayer for men and women serving
today:

O God our Father, we commend to Thy keeping all the men and women
serving our country by sea, land, and air, that the whole world may
share the fruit of their dedication and sacrifice, a just and lasting
peace; through the grace of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (as found
in the Walnut Hill Worship Book)

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, November 15:
1 Samuel 1:4-20
Hebrews 10:11-14
Mark 13:1-8

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.
All Walnut Hill women are invited to attend.

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. All Walnut Hill men
are invited to attend.

LIVING THE QUESTIONS video discussion series continues this Sunday,
10am, in Trinity Hall. The topic for this Sunday is "Social Justice:
Realizing God's Vision." Feel free to enjoy a cup of coffee, join the
conversation, or just listen in.

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 to be exact. We are
pleased to report that this project is now fully subscribed. Thanks
to all!

IN THE COMMUNITY: Walnut Hill member Margaret C. Price will be
presenting a reading and book signing of her new book, "Smiley Pete,
Magnificent Moocher," at Joseph Beth Booksellers on Sunday, November
15, 2pm. "Smiley Pete, Magnificent Moocher" is the heart warming,
true story about a stray dog who became Lexington's downtown goodwill
ambassador. A portion of the book's proceeds benefits the Woodford
Humane Society.

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING REPORT: The annual meeting of the congregation
of Walnut Hill Church was held on Sunday, November 8. David Sharrard
and John Talbott were elected as new Vestry members, replacing Phil
Bloomfield and Ron Johnston whose terms expire this year. Natalie
Watt was elected Senior Warden for 2010. Oggie Hilliard was elected
Vice Warden. Martha DeReamer and Lee Tucker were elected by the
Vestry to continue their service as Treasurer and Clerk respectively.
The pastor's terms of call and congregational budget for 2010 were
also approved by the congregation.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

November 4, 2009

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.

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.

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