Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

January 6, 2010

Greetings to all!

Today, January 6, is Epiphany, the traditional completion of
Christmastide, the twelve days of Christmas. Epiphany provides an
opportunity for one last look back on Christmas before we leave the
"Bethlehem stories." In that spirit, Madeleine L'Engle remembers her
experience as a child in France.

When I was a little girl in France I put out my shoes on the Eve of
Epiphany. They were ordinary shoes, not proper sabots, so I wasn't
sure that they would be noticed by the three Wise Men; but in the
morning one shoe held a new drawing pad, and the other a box of
colored pencils. I like the idea of presents and feasting on Twelfth
Night, so that Christmas can follow quietly on Advent. Christmas
doesn't start until Christmas Eve, and then it can go on and on and
the tree shines as brightly on Epiphany as on Christmas Day.
And there's more time to make things, which is one of the joys of
Christmas. Our favorite presents are the homemade ones. Several
years ago we decided that we were not going to be bullied by the post
office or the Greeting Card Establishment into mailing our cards well
before Christmas. We make our own cards, and I may not get an idea
for one well before Christmas, for one thing. And there are a goodly
number of people we write to only once a year, tucking the letter in
with the card. So for the past several years we've taken our time,
and as long as the last Christmas letter gets mailed before Lent,
that's all I worry about, and Epiphany is a season of joy instead of
exhaustion.
(from "The Irrational Season")

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, January 10, the Baptism of the Lord:
Isaiah 43:1-7
Acts 8:14-17
Luke 3:15-22

SUNDAY CONVERSATIONS continue this Sunday, January 10, 10am, in
Trinity Hall. Feel free to enjoy a cup of coffee, join the
conversation, or just listen in. By the way, we are currently
inviting and welcoming your suggestions for "Sunday Conversation"
topics, which might be used throughout the year. You can submit your
topic suggestions by reply email, or you may write them on paper and
leave them in the envelope posted in the Sanctuary foyer.

YOUTH DISCUSSIONS resume this Sunday, January 10, during the worship
hour. We continue to use the "Nooma" video series, which present life
situations and issues in a non-traditional format. All middle and
high school youth are welcome to join in the Youth Discussions, which
meet in the upstairs office of Trinity Hall.

ACE TRIP - Walnut Hill Church is sponsoring 15 students to
participate in the Athens Chilesburg Elementary School Fifth Grade
Class Trip to Washington, DC. These are students who otherwise do not
have the financial resources to participate. The trip costs
approximately $550/child. Your gift in any amount is welcome. Make
your check payable to Walnut Hill Church, designated "ACE Trip."

WINTER WEATHER - If winter weather on a Sunday morning leaves you
wondering about our Sunday worship service, you can call the church
office (263-5304). By 9am on wintry weather Sundays a special
message will be available on the church phone regarding services and
other activities for that day.

IN THE COMMUNITY - You might have heard that the Catholic Action
Center is in serious need of blankets, coats, hats, and gloves(clean
and in good condition). You can take such items directly to the
Center at 400 E. Fifth Street (corner of 5th Street and Chestnut). If
you prefer, feel free to bring them to Walnut Hill on Sunday, and we
will deliver them for you.

DIOCESE ANNUAL CONVENTION - The 114th Annual Convention of the
Episcopal Diocese of Lexington will be held February 25 - 27 in
Lexington. The Annual Convention will include worship, Bishop Saul's
Address, keynote address by Episcopal Presiding Bishop Katherine
Jefferts Schori, special presentations, and business of the Diocese.
As part of our ecumenical relationship with the Diocese, Walnut Hill
is invited to send observer delegates to the Convention. Contact Mike
Ward if you would like to attend all or part of this year's Convention
as a delegate from Walnut Hill.

THANKS TO...the Choir, Patterson and Kim DeCamp, Bob and Natalie Watt,
Phil Bloomfield, and Spencer Horman for their leadership and
assistance during worship last Sunday; Amy and Matt Trail, Angela
Hurley, and Wayne Doller for providing our after worship refreshments.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

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