Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

February 17, 2010 - Ash Wednesday

Greetings to all!

In his book, "Testimony," Thomas Long tells an Ash Wednesday story.

On Ash Wednesday several years ago, one of my friends, a hospital
chaplain, left the hospital shortly before noon and attended a service
at a nearby church. As part of the worship, the minister inscribed on
my friend's forehead a cross made of ashes mingled with oil. He
returned to the hospital, ashes still in place, and began to visit the
patients. One of the patients, a woman, noticed the ashes on his
forehead and, thinking it was a smudge of dirt, grabbed a tissue, spit
on it, and said, "Come here, hon, you've gotten into something." My
friend artfully avoided the tissue and said, "No, they are ashes.
They're supposed to be there." She looked at him, puzzled. He began
to talk to her about the meaning of Ash Wednesday, how the day meant
that God was with us when we were weak and vulnerable, how we are but
dust, ashes, and God was with us, taking us toward Easter even when
life was broken, tragic, and sad. The woman thought for a moment, and
then she said, "I think I want some of that." My friend reached to
his forehead, borrowed some of the ashen smudge, and with his finger
traced on her forehead the sign of the cross.

ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICES:
*Christ Church Cathedral at 12:05pm and 7:00pm.
*Maxwell Street Presbyterian Church at Noon and 7:30pm.

The Gospel lesson for Sunday, February 21, the First Sunday in Lent:
John 2:1-12
This Sunday we begin a series of Sunday reflections during Lent on
lessons from the Gospel according to St. John.

SUNDAY CONVERSATIONS continue this Sunday, February 21, 10am, in
Trinity Hall, featuring a video "Q & A with Huston Smith." Huston
Smith is an author and teacher most well known for his study of world
religions. Feel free to stop in for a cup of coffee, join the
conversation, or just listen in.

HOST(S) NEEDED - A host(s) is needed for our after worship
refreshments this Sunday, February 21. Remember that refreshments
need not be elaborate, just something simple to enjoy as we fellowship
after worship. Use reply email to inquire about hosting this Sunday
or check the sign up sheet in the sanctuary for available Sundays
later in the winter and spring. Thanks to all our Sunday hosts!

MEN'S DINNER - The next Walnut Hill Men's Dinner is scheduled for
Tuesday, February 23, 6pm, at Buddy's Bar and Grill. Our guest for
the evening will be University of Kentucky professor Dr. Graham Rowles
who will talk with us about issues related to aging in our society, a
topic of importance for all persons in terms of both social policy and
personal experience. Rsvp via the sign up sheet in the sanctuary,
reply email, or by contacting Gene Brockopp.

ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING offering boxes are available in the foyer of
the Sanctuary. Pick one up for use in your household this Lenten
season, placing a coin in the box at each family meal. Return the
offering box on Easter Sunday. The OGHS offering supports disaster
relief, refugee resettlement, and development work around the world.

WINTRY WEATHER - If wintry weather on a Sunday morning causes you to
wonder about our services or other activities, feel free to call the
church office (263-5304). A message will be available via the church
phone by 9am on wintry Sunday mornings providing the status of that
day's worship service and other activities.

THANKS TO....Cory Sharrard for her presence with the Sunday School
children during the month of February; Stephen Trail for his service
as acolyte last Sunday; John Ragland for his efforts coordinating our
snow removal during this very wintry season; Lauren Fouts for
preparation of our Lenten season booklet; Mark Horman for locking
things up after services last Sunday; the Vestry for their leadership;
the Inquiry Team for their ongoing work.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

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