Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Greetings to all!

This Sunday, July 4, is Independence Day, a good day to recall the words and works

of our nation's Founders, including Thomas Jefferson.  Among Jefferson's words and 

works was the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, one of three accomplishments

Jefferson requested be inscribed on his grave marker.

Whereas Almighty God hath created the mind free; that all attempts to influence

it by temporal punishments or burthens, or by civil incapacitations, tend only to beget 

habits of hypocrisy and meanness, and are a departure from the plan of the Holy 

author of our religion...

Be it enacted by the General Assembly, that no man shall be compelled to 

frequent or support any religious worship, place, or ministry whatsoever, nor shall be

enforced, restrained, molested, or burthened in his body or goods, nor shall otherwise

suffer on account of his religious opinions or belief; but that all men shall be free to 

profess, and by argument to maintain, their opinion in matters of religion, and that the

same shall in no wise diminish, enlarge or affect their civil capacities.

(as found in American Gospel)

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, July 4, the Sacrament of Holy Communion:

Isaiah 59:9-15

Romans 13:1-10

Mark 12:13-17

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, July 4, 10am, in Trinity Hall.  The topic for

this Sunday: "How Do We Right the Wrong?"  Come and enjoy a cup of coffee, join the 

conversation, or just listen in.

A host (s) is needed for our after worship refreshments this Sunday, July 4.  Remember

that our Sunday refreshments need not be elaborate, just something simple to gather

around as we fellowship after worship.  Use reply email to volunteer for this Sunday, 

or check the sign up sheet in the Sanctuary for a Sunday later in the summer.

Summer Food Drive:  Bring non-perishable food items over the Sundays of the

summer to be part of Walnut Hill's Summer Food Drive.  Place your donations in

the big blue barrel located in Trinity Hall.  When the barrel is full, God's Pantry

will distribute the items throughout central and eastern Kentucky.

Sermon Podcasts:  As you are travelling this summer, remember that the Sunday

Sermons at Walnut Hill are available as podcasts via the Walnut Hill Church website,

www.walnuthillchurchky.org.  Thanks to Nelson Barnes for his work maintaining the

Walnut Hill website.

Thanks, news...

*Thanks to...Mr. Scott Wells for his supply service at the organ during the Sundays

of June; to all those who participated in our Wednesday evening gatherings in June, which

yielded much fellowship as well as service to the church, community, and world.

*The middle school youth group of the John Knox and Avon Lake Churches (Cleveland,

OH) overnighted at Walnut Hill last Friday evening on their return trip from a youth event

in Tennessee.

*Robert and Donita Henry visited Walnut Hill last Sunday on behalf of the Mission 

Lexington Dental Clinic to receive a grant from the Walnut Hill Community Fund.  A copy

of Dr. Henry's remarks to the congregation is posted on the bulletin board in Trinity Hall.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, June 27, at Walnut Hill Church...

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

"What Good Is Prayer?"

In this video, theologians, pastors, writers, and others invite

us to think about what we mean by the word "prayer."  Does 

God hear our prayers? Does God answer our prayers?  If so,

how? Is prayer a particular activity, or does it include all of

life?  Join us as we consider and talk about these and

related questions.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon:  "Passing the Mantle"

Text:  2 Kings 2:1-14

Presentation of a 2010 Community Fund Grant to the Mission

Lexington Dental Clinic.

Nursery care and Sunday School for children.

Summer Food Drive

We are collecting non-perishable food items throughout the

summer.  These items will be distributed in central and

eastern Kentucky via God's Pantry.  Place your donated items

in the "blue barrel" located in Trinity Hall.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Greetings to all!

One of the challenges of modern life is that of "distraction."  In a recent essay, 

Thomas Steagald offers thoughts on "distraction,"  "paying attention," and 

a lesson from  the tradition of St. Benedict.

We see it all the time.  We're on our cell phones talking to someone other

than those at the table with us.  We're putting somebody on hold while we

take another call.  We are shuttled by device and distraction to somebody's

subroutine.  The message is always the same:  whoever is calling needs my

attention more than you do;  whatever this call concerns, it is more important

than the present conversation; whoever or whatever is "out there" is more 

interesting than this, or you, or now...

Instead, we must determine to commit ourselves to "this place and this

conversation," doing the best we can to be attentive to each person in each

situation: listening, engaged, present and available.  We can pay attention by

not checking out, by saving messages and e-mail until later, by leaving the

phone in the car when we go into a restaurant...by taking the earbuds out of

our ears.

...Benedict placed great value on hospitality, "Let all guests be treated as

Christ, for he is going to say, 'I came as guest and you received me.'" Benedict 

says, "Let due honor be shown," and I would add, "to those right in front of us."

(from The Christian Century)

In Memory:  Mary James Ireland Fishback, a member of Walnut Hill Church,

departed this life on Wednesday, June 23.  Service arrangements for Mary are

being made through Milward Funeral Directors.

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, June 27:

2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14

Galatians 5:1, 13-25

Luke 9:51-62

One Spirit, Many Gifts is the title of a three part series of Wednesday evenings

in June (June 9, 16, 23), 6pm - 7:45pm, for all ages to gather for a meal and service.

This Wednesday, June 23, we will gather for a "Pizza Night" and then some service 

to our world through the assembling of "Hygiene Kits," which are sent by Church

World Service to places affected by natural disaster. Join us as we fellowship and

serve together.

Men's Coffee - Walnut Hill men are invited to gather for coffee on Saturday,

June 26, 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.

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, June 27, 10am, in Trinity Hall.  

This Sunday's conversation topic will be:  "What Good Is Prayer?"  Come and 

enjoy a cup of coffee, join the conversation, or just listen in.

A Host(s) is needed for our after worship hospitality this Sunday, June 27.

Remember that our after worship refreshments need not be elaborate.  Use reply

e-mail to volunteer for this Sunday, or check the sign up sheet in the Sanctuary

for a Sunday later in the summer.

Summer Food Drive:  Bring non-perishable food items over the Sundays of the

summer to be part of Walnut Hill's Summer Food Drive.  Place your donations in

the big blue barrel located in Trinity Hall.  Once the barrel is full, God's Pantry

will distribute the items throughout central and eastern Kentucky.

In the Community:  Indian Summer Camp, a camp program for children with cancer,

is seeking donations of old National Geographic magazines and maps as part of 

their global travel theme for this summer's camp.  If you would like to donate a

National Geographic magazine or map, contact Barbara Waldmann-Ward

Thanks to...the Children's Choir (directed by Nell Horman) and John DeReamer for

their special presentations last Sunday in observance of Father's Day; Barbara 

Nutini, Barbara and Bob Berryman, Lee and Tom Ward, and Barbara Waldmann-

Ward for providing last Sunday's refreshments.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward 

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, June 20, at Walnut Hill Church...

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

What Happens After Death?

How do you think about death?  What does immortality or life

after death mean to you? If you've lost someone you love in

death, how do you think about them?  This Sunday's video

invites reflection and conversation on these and related

questions.

Children's Choir, 10am, Children's Chapel

Children (through elementary age) are invited to gather for

singing, preparing for their Father's Day music presentation.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon:  A Demon Named  "Legion"

Text:  Luke 8:26-39

Children's music presentation during morning worship.

Nursery care and Sunday School for children.

Refreshments and Fellowship, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to stay and enjoy the hospitality.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

June 16, 2010

Greetings to all!

This summer's World Cup soccer tournament has brought renewed attention to the

nation of South Africa, particularly its experience since the end of apartheid in 1994.

The end of apartheid was marked by much celebration and hope as expressed in the

following prayer from the National Service of Thanksgiving, May 1994.

O God our loving Eternal Parent, we praise you with a great shout of joy!  Your ruling

power has proved victorious!  For centuries our land seemed too dark for sunrise,

too bloody for healing, too sick for recovery, too hateful for reconciliation.  But you

have brought us into the daylight of liberation; you have healed us with new hope;

you have stirred us to believe our nation can be reborn; we see the eyes of our 

sisters and brothers shining with resolve to build a new South Africa.  Accept our 

prayers of praise and thanksgiving...

We thank you for the spiritual power which gives us new birth.  You have given us 

the courage to change our minds, to open our hearts to those we despised, and to

discover we can disagree without being enemies.  We are not winners and losers,

but citizens who push and pull together to move the nation forward.  We thank you

for the Good News that you will always be with us, and will always overcome:  that 

love will conquer hatred; that tolerance will conquer antagonism; that cooperation will

conquer conflict; that your Holy Spirit can empower our spirits; through Jesus Christ

our Lord.

(from An African Prayer Book)

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, June 20:

1 Kings 19:1-15

Galatians 3:23-29

Luke 8:26-39

One Spirit, Many Gifts is the title of a three part series of Wednesday evenings in June 

(June 9, 16, 23), 6pm - 7:45pm, for all ages to gather for a meal and service.  This 

Wednesday,June 16, we will gather for a potluck meal (bring a dish) and then some 

service to our Community (focusing on the issue of hunger).  Next week's gathering will focus

on service to the World.  You may attend any or all these Wednesday gatherings as your

schedule permits.  Join us as we fellowship and serve together.

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, June 20, 10am, in Trinity Hall.  The focus

for this Sunday's conversation is the question, "What happens after death?"  As always,

feel free to drop in and enjoy a cup of coffee, join the conversation, or just listen in.

Hygiene Kits:  Among the service projects included in our One Spirit, Many Gifts program

will be the assembly of Hygiene Kits, which are distributed around the world to persons

recovering from natural disasters.  Everyone can help in this project by donating any or all of 

following hygiene kit items:  handtowel (16"X28"), washcloth, wide tooth comb, nail clipper,

soap (bath size bar), toothbrush, standard bandaids.  Bring any items, or a cash donation, to 

Walnut Hill by Sunday, June 20. 

Thanks to...Cheryl and Ron Johnston, Mark Horman, and Matt Trail for their service and

leadership during worship; Nell Horman for her work with the children's choir;  Stephanie 

Prewitt and Dara Talbott for their assistance in the Sunday School class;  the Hormans

and the Trails for our Sunday refreshments.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, June 13, at Walnut Hill Church...

Sunday Conversation, 10am, Trinity Hall

"An Interview with Harold Kushner"

In this video, Rabbi Harold Kushner, author of the bestseller

When Bad Things Happen to Good People and numerous other

books, responds to questions regarding the nature of God, prayer, 

the scriptures, sexuality, and other topics.

Children's Choir, 10am, Children's Chapel

All children through elementary age are invited to gather in the

Children's Chapel for singing.  They are preparing a music presentation

for the worship service on Sunday, June 20, Father's Day. It is not

too late for you child to join in.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon: "Service"

Text: John 6:1-14

Nursery care and Sunday School for children.

Refreshments and Fellowship, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to stay and enjoy the hospitality after worship.

Also on Sunday...

-The Vestry will meet at 10am.

-The Inquiry Team will meet after worship.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Greetings to all!

In his book, Overcoming Life's Disappointments, Rabbi Harold Kushner explores

lessons to be found in the story of Moses.  The following excerpt comes from 

the chapter, "The Mistakes Good People Make."

It is probably unrealistic to expect perfection, not from Moses, not from 

Einstein, not from ourselves.  It is probably too much to expect ourselves or

anyone to be equally competent in all the dimensions of the complete life.  But as

a friend of mine likes to say, "You can have it all, just not all at the same time."

Maybe we can adjust our priorities as our life situation changes, emphasizing what

is important at one stage of our lives and deferring the emphasis on other aspects of 

life for a later date.  I have known many families who had no time for worship or

serious study when their children were young but made it central to their lives when

their children were grown and they were facing transition into middle age.  I have

known many people who worked hard at their jobs for many years and then became

active in their communities or in charitable causes to fill the void of an "empty nest"

or to provide the sense of validation they no longer found in the workplace.  Moses

did so many things right that thousands of years later we still benefit from them.  But

perhaps we can learn from the one thing he did least well.  We can learn to avoid

the mistake that even good people will too often make, neglecting the basic needs

of our souls and asking our families to sacrifice their own well-being while we set

off to change the world.

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, June 13:

Isaiah 11:1-9

1 Corinthians 12:4-11

John 6:1-14

One Spirit, Many Gifts is the title of a three part series of Wednesday evenings in June 

(June 9, 16, 23), 6pm - 7:45pm for all ages to gather for a meal and service.  The first

Wednesday,June 9, we will gather for a cookout (burgers, hot dogs, etc) and then some 

service to Walnut Hill Church.  Subsequent Wednesdays will focus on service to the

Community, and to the World.  Your rsvp by reply email or by the sign up sheet in the 

Sanctuary will help us plan for our evenings together.  You may attend any or all these

Wednesday gatherings as your schedule permits.

Men's Coffee:  Men are invited to gather for coffee this Saturday, June 12, 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.

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, June 13, 10am, in Trinity Hall.  Our focus for 

this Sunday's conversation will be an interview with Rabbi Harold Kushner, author of 

several books including the popular best seller, When Bad Things Happen to Good People.

The Children's Choir will practice this Sunday, June 13, 10am, in the Children's Chapel. 

The children are working on a presentation for Father's Day, Sunday, June 20.  All children 

through elementary school are encouraged to participate.  

The Vestry will meet this Sunday, June 13, 10am, in Trinity Hall.

Hygiene Kits:  Among the service projects included in our One Spirit, Many Gifts program

will be the assembly of Hygiene Kits, which are distributed around the world to persons

recovering from natural disasters.  Everyone can help in this project by donating any or all of 

following hygiene kit items:  handtowel (16"X28"), washcloth, wide tooth comb, nail clipper,

soap (bath size bar), toothbrush, standard bandaids.  Bring any items, or a cash donation, to 

Walnut Hill by Sunday, June 20.

Thanks and news:

*Thanks to... Grant and Whitty Rea, Phil Bloomfield, Forrest and Monta Rae Cook for their

service during worship last Sunday; ...Mary Diane and Lyle Hanna, Julia and Charlie Snow

for our after worship refreshments.

*The Rev. Emett Barfield, a Friend of Walnut Hill Church, departed this life on Friday, June 4.

Services and burial were held at Walnut Hill Church and Cemetery on Wednesday, June 9.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, June 6, at Walnut Hill Church

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

"Oil In The Gulf: Beyond Being Spectators"

We will view several brief video reflections and then talk together about

what individuals, communities, and even congregations can do to 

move beyond being spectators of the ongoing Gulf oil spill and other

threats to our environment.  Come and share your ideas!

Children's Choir Practice, 10am, Children's Chapel

Children through elementary age are invited to gather for singing

to practice for a presentation during worship on Father's Day, June 20.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon:  What Is Grace?

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

Nursery care and Sunday School for children.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Greetings to all!

Did you know that June 5 - 12 is "International Clothesline Week," a green initiative

inviting households to give their electric/gas dryers (and the environment) a break

by re-discovering the art of hanging the laundry out to dry.  The environmental 

benefits are immediately apparent, but maybe there are even some spiritual lessons

to be found.  Consider this reflection by Gunilla Norris titled, "Hanging Out the Clothes."

As I hang out these clothes let me think

about what it means to be "on the line."

It may not be about courage or bravery

or intention.  It may not be about social action,

good works, or justice.  It may be

something before that, something much earlier,

more simple and humbling.

It may just be about clinging for dear life.

I pin these wet clothes to the line...

an image of joining, of clinging to something.

If I really know that You are my lifeline

then to cling to You is my primary business.

There are so many spiritual traps

if I am the one who puts me on the line.

Instead, let me be simpler, let me just cling to You.

Then all the other lines in my life fall in place:

the line of duty, the line of business,

the line of poetry, the firing line.

Please help me to cling so tenaciously

that I find myself in line with You -

aired out and shaken.

(as found in Being Home)

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, June 6, the Sacrament of Holy Communion:

1 Kings 17:8-24

Galatians 1:11-24

Luke 7:11-17

"What Is Grace?" will be the focus of Sunday's sermon in response to a question left in the 

"summer question envelope" in the Sanctuary foyer.  You may submit your "summer questions"

via the question envelope or by reply email.

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, June 6, 10am in Trinity Hall.  Sunday Conversation 

topics from week to week include the Bible, theology, spirituality, and social issues.  Feel free to 

enjoy a cup of coffee, join the conversation, or just listen in.

A Host(s) is needed for our Sunday refreshments this Sunday, June 6.  Use reply email to 

volunteer for this Sunday or check the sign up sheet in the Sanctuary for a Sunday later in the summer.

One Spirit, Many Gifts is the title of a three part series of Wednesday evenings in June 

(June 9, 16, 23), 6pm - 7:45pm for all ages to gather for a meal and service.  The first Wednesday,

June 9, we will gather for a cookout (burgers, hot dogs, etc) and then some service to Walnut Hill

Church.  Subsequent Wednesdays will focus on service to the Community, and to the World.

Your rsvp by reply email or by the sign up sheet in the Sanctuary will help us plan for our 

evenings together.  You may attend any or all these Wednesday gatherings as your schedule 

permits.

Hygiene Kits:  Among the service projects included in our One Spirit, Many Gifts program

will be the assembly of Hygiene Kits, which are distributed around the world to persons

recovering from natural disasters.  Everyone can help in this project by donating any or all of 

following hygiene kit items:  handtowel (16"X28"), washcloth, wide tooth comb, nail clipper,

soap (bath size bar), toothbrush, standard bandaids.  Bring any items, or a cash donation, to 

Walnut Hill by Sunday, June 20.

Community Fund Grants for 2010 were reported during worship last Sunday.  Grant recipients

(and amounts) include:  Mission Lexington Dental Clinic ($2,500), Bluegrass Domestic Violence

Program ($1,500), God's Pantry ($2,000), Habitat for Humanity ($2,000), Seedleaf ($600), Haiti

Relief ($600), KY Refugee Ministries ($600), Friends with Flowers ($200).  Thanks to all who

participated in the grant making process.

Thanks, news, etc...

*Thanks to...Julia and Charlie Snow for providing last Sunday's refreshments.

*The adult choir will not be singing for the next two Communion Sundays (June and July).

Peace to all.

Mike Ward