Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Greetings to all!

The World Equestrian Games has finally arrived, and the watchword for
all of us is "hospitality."  Let us be truly hospitable while our global guests are in
town.  As we do so, let us know remember that the call to hospitality applies
not only to those who pass briefly in and out of our lives, but also to those with
whom we share our "home" in an ongoing way.  Consider these thoughts on 
hospitality as offered by Ana Maria Pineda.

Ironically, it is not just hospitality to the "stranger" that is in peril in our society.
We are short not only of tables that welcome strangers but even of tables that
welcome friends.  In a society that prizes youthfulness, the elderly are often 
isolated from the affection and care of their own families.  In many busy families,
children find no after-school welcome home, and spouses find little time to
host one another over supper.  And when we become estranged - separated
by grievances large or small, or simply crowded out of one another's lives - 
we all too often become "strangers" even to those we once loved.  Can we move
beyond strangeness and estrangement to learn the skills of welcoming one
another and to claim the joy of homecoming?
(from "Hospitality" as found in Practicing Our Faith)

The Scripture lesson for Sunday, September 26:
Luke 16:19-31

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, September 26, 10am, in Trinity
Hall.  Our focus for the day will be Jesus' parables of the "Growing Seed," "The
Leaven," and "The Mustard Seed."   

Host Needed - Speaking of hospitality, we are looking for a refreshment host(s)
for this Sunday, September 26.  Use reply email to inquire about hosting this
Sunday's after worship refreshments, or check the sign up sheet in the Sanctuary
foyer to host a Sunday later in the fall.

The 2010 CROP Walk is coming on Sunday, September 26, 3pm.  The CROP
Walk is an ecumenical event to raise awareness and funds for hunger relief
locally and around the world.  You can support the CROP Walk by walking (3 miles)
or by sponsoring a walker.  Walnut Hill Church will sponsor any Walnut Hill walker
in the amount of $35.  A sign up sheet for walkers is available in the Sanctuary foyer, 
as well as a basket to receive your individual sponsorship donations.  Nell Horman is 
serving as our team leader.  

Youth Gathering - Walnut Hill youth gathered last Sunday evening for pizza and
planning.  Thanks to all the youth and leaders who attended and helped develop
a list of future youth activities.  The youth plan to continue the conversation next
Wednesday, Sept. 29, 6pm, at Joe Bologna's.  For more information, check out the youth
tab on the Walnut Hill website, the Walnut Hill Church Facebook page, or contact
Nelson Barnes. 

Thanks to all who helped make our Fall Potluck a delicious success.  From picking 
up the chicken, to managing and cleaning up the kitchen, to returning the tables and
chairs to their storage place, and of course the preparing of a variety of delicious 
dishes, thanks to all!

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

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