Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, January 2, at Walnut Hill Church...

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

New Year Reflections and Resolutions

We will talk together about the "old" and "new" in our

lives and in the world, and review some scriptures that

invite reflection on the old and new, the past and the

future.  Come and enjoy a cup of coffee, join the 

conversation, or just listen in.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon: Neither Kings nor Wise Men

Text:  Matthew 2:1-12

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

Nursery and Sunday School for children.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Greetings to all!

With the "Christmas rush" behind us we might now find more time for

reflection even as Thomas Merton reflects on the Christmas story.

So there was no room at the inn?  True! But that is simply mentioned

in passing, in a matter of fact sort of way, as the Evangelist points to

what he really means for us to see - the picture of pure peace, pure

joy: "She wrapped her first born Son in swaddling clothes and laid 

him in the manger" (Luke 2:7). By now we know it well, and yet we all

might still be questioning it - except that a reason was given for an

act that might otherwise have seemed strange: "there was no room

for them at the inn."  Well, then, they obviously found some other 

place!

...With those for whom there is no room, Christ is present in this world.

He is mysteriously present in those for whom there seems to be 

nothing but the world at its worst.   For them, there is no escape into

imagination...they remain imprisoned in other hopes, and in more 

pedestrian despairs, despairs and hopes which are held down to earth,

down to street level, and to the pavement only: the desire to be at least

half-human, to taste a little human joy, to do a fairly decent job of 

productive work, to come home to the family... desires for which there is

no room.  It is in these that [Christ] hides Himself, for whom there is 

no room.

(as found in A Thomas Merton Reader)

The Scriptures for Sunday, January 2, the observance of Epiphany:

Isaiah 60:1-6

Ephesians 3:1-12

Matthew 2:1-12

The Sacrament of Holy Communion.

Sunday Conversations resume this Sunday, January 2, 10am, in 

Trinity Hall.  We will spend the hour talking about our "New Year 

Reflections and Resolutions."  Come and enjoy a cup of coffee, join

the conversation, or just listen in.

Host Needed!  A host(s) is needed for our after worship refreshments 

this Sunday, January 2.  Use reply email to inquire about hosting 

this Sunday, or check the sign up sheet in the Sanctuary foyer for 

a Sunday later in January.

"Innkeeper's Offering" - Thanks to a full house and generous hearts,

$743 was received for the "Innkeeper's Offering" on Christmas Eve.

The offering is used to support the Salvation Army's ministry to 

homeless women, children, and families.

Church Directory - A new address/phone directory of church members and

friends has been prepared and is available for pickup in the Sanctuary

foyer. 

Walnut Hill on Facebook - Some might be aware that Walnut Hill Church now

has a beginning Facebook presence, thanks to Nelson Barnes.  We would like

to know what you think about the use of Facebook for communicating about 

Walnut Hill's life and ministry.  For instance, would it be more or less accessible

for you if sermon podcasts were posted on Facebook rather than the church

webpage?  Your thoughts about this question and/or other possible uses of 

Facebook are welcome.  You may use reply email to share your thoughts, or 

contact Nelson directly.

Thanks to...Phil Bloomfield, Sherry Warden, Ruth and David Sharrard, 

Martha and Jeff DeReamer for their service before, during, and after worship on 

Sunday; Glenna Fay, Kathy Steinmetz, and John Bauer for hosting our after 

worship refreshments, and to all those who brought items for the refreshment

tables.

Happy New Year!

Mike Ward

Christmas Weekend at Walnut Hill Church

This weekend, December 24 - 26, at Walnut Hill Church...

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, CHRISTMAS EVE

"Carols and Candlelight", 5pm, Sanctuary

All ages are invited to this informal service including readings,

carols, and a candlelight ceremony.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1ST SUNDAY OF CHRISTMASTIDE

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon:  A Study in Contrast

Text:  Luke 2:1-20

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

Nursery Care and Sunday School for children.

Refreshments and Fellowship, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather after worship.

Bring a plate holiday treats (leftovers welcome) for the

refreshment table.

*****

In case of inclement weather on Sunday, feel free to call the

church office for a status report regarding services and 

activities.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Greetings to all!

Frederick Buechner offers reflections around the verse, "Behold, a virgin

shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel, 

which means, 'God with us.' " (Matthew 1:23)

To look at the last great self-portraits of Rembrandt or to read Pascal or 

hear Bach's B-minor Mass is to know beyond the need for further 

evidence that if God is anywhere, he is with them, as he is also with the 

man behind the meat counter, the woman who scrubs the floors at 

Roosevelt Memorial, and the high-school math teacher who explains fractions

to the bewildered child.  And the step from "God with them" to Emmanuel,

"God with us," may not be as great as it seems.  What keeps the wild hope

of Christmas alive year after year in a world notorious for dashing all hopes

is the haunting dream that the child who was born that day may yet be 

born again even in us and our own snowbound, snowblind longing for him.

(from A Room Called Remember)

*****

In Memory:  Walnut Hill member Lillias "Lil" Cannon departed this life on 

Friday, December 17.  Our prayers are with Lil's devoted husband, George, 

and their family.  Milward Funeral Directors are handling arrangements, which

are pending.

*****

CHRISTMAS WEEKEND SCHEDULE:

Friday, Dec 24, Christmas Eve, 5pm - Carols and Candlelight - All ages

are invited to this informal service of readings, carols, and candlelight. 

"The Innkeeper's Offering" will be received to support the Salvation Army's 

ministry of sheltering homeless women, children, and families.

Sunday, Dec 26, 11am - Morning Worship and Holy Communion  - We 

will continue our observance of Christ's birth with worship and the sacrament.

Nursery care and Sunday School will be available for children.

Sunday, Dec 26, Noon - Refreshments and Fellowship - All are invited to 

gather after worship for refreshments and fellowship.  Bring a plate of 

holiday snacks for the refreshment table (leftovers welcome).

*****

Saturday Coffee and Sunday Conversations programs will be dismissed

for the holiday weekend.  Saturday Coffee gatherings will resume on Saturday,

January 8, and Sunday Conversations will resume on Sunday, January 2.

*****

"Giving Tree" Report -  Thanks to all who participated in this year's "Giving 

Tree" program.  Your response was tremendously generous!  On Monday, more 

than 40 packages and gift cards were delivered to two families in Lexington.  A 

child of one family asked, "Mommy, where is Santa going to put all these gifts?"  

Thank you!

*****

Walnut Hill on Facebook - Some might be aware that Walnut Hill Church now

has a beginning Facebook presence, thanks to Nelson Barnes.  We would like

to know what you think about the use of Facebook for communicating about 

Walnut Hill's life and ministry.  For instance, would it be more or less accessible

for you if sermon podcasts were posted on Facebook rather than the church

webpage?  Your thoughts about this question and/or other possible uses of 

Facebook are welcome.  You may use reply email to share your thoughts, or 

contact Nelson directly.

*****

Thanks to...the Trail family for lighting the Advent Candles this past Sunday; 

Spencer and Ben Horman, Jeff and Martha DeReamer for their service during

worship; Barbara & Bob Berryman, Lynn & Bob Rushing, Lee Sturtevant &

Tom Ward for providing our after worship refreshments.

Merry Christmas!

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, December 19, at Walnut Hill Church...

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Isaiah: The Prophet of Advent

Join us as we continue our conversations around Isaiah's

Advent oracles.  Come and enjoy a cup of coffee, join the 

conversation, or just listen in.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon: The Carpenter

Text:  Matthew 1:18-25

Nursery care and Sunday School for children.

Refreshments, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for refreshments and fellowship

after worship.

Giving Tree

For those participating in this outreach program, "Giving

Tree" gifts may be placed around the "Giving Tree" in 

Trinity Hall.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Greetings to all!

As we continue our Advent journey toward Bethlehem, consider

this poem by Ann Weems titled, "In December Darkness."

The whole world waits in December darkness

for a glimpse of the Light of God.

Even those who snarl "Humbug!"

and chase away the carolers

have been looking toward the skies.

The one who declared he never would forgive

has forgiven,

   and those who left home

have returned,

   and even wars are halted,

if briefly,

   as the whole world looks starward.

In the December darkness

we peer from our windows

   watching for an angel with rainbow wings

      to announce the Hope of the World.

(as found in Kneeling in Bethlehem)

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, December 19, the 4th Sunday of Advent:

Isaiah 7:10-16

Romans 1:1-7

Matthew 1:18-25

Sanctuary Decorating:  Many hands make light work when it comes to

decorating the Sanctuary for Christmas.  Feel free to join us for this 

joyful work on Saturday morning, December 18, between 9:30am and 

11:00am.

Sunday Conversations continue on Sunday, December 19, 10am, as 

we complete our conversations around the topic, Isaiah: The Prophet of 

Advent. Feel free to come and enjoy a cup of coffee, join the 

conversation, or just listen in.  Childcare can be provided upon 

request.  Use reply email to request childcare.

Christmas Eve:  Plan to join us on Christmas Eve for a service of 

"Carols and Candlelight" at 5pm.  This informal service is for all ages.

The Giving Tree:  Thanks to all who have taken ornaments from the 

Giving Tree.  You may return your gifts and ornaments on Sunday,

December 19.  They will be delivered before Christmas.

ACE Trip:  We are currently receiving special gifts in support of 

Walnut Hill's sponsorship of the Athens Chilesburg Elementary School

5th Grade Class Trip to Washington, DC.  Walnut Hill is sponsoring the

participation of 7 students ($559/student).  Your gift in any amount is

welcome.  Make your check payable to Walnut Hill Church, designated

"ACE Trip."

Construction Update:  Our current sidewalk/access ramp construction 

has been stalled of late due to the weather.  Recent conversation with our 

contractor indicates readiness to proceed as soon as the weather allows.  

Thanks to all for your patience.

Thanks to...Natalie Watt for her work in coordinating last week's Women's

Christmas luncheon; all the children, youth, and adults who had a part in last 

Sunday's children's Christmas presentation, which was a delightful 

reminder of what the season is all about; Irene and Alan Bloomfield for 

their gracious hospitality in hosting last Sunday's Christmas party.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, December 12, at Walnut Hill Church...

CHRISTMAS PARTY, 3PM, 1202 DELONG PLACE

Join us for this traditional Walnut Hill holiday gathering.

Bring an hors d'oeuvre item.

With special thanks to our hosts Irene and Alan Bloomfield.

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall (upstairs office)

Isaiah: The Prophet of Advent

Join us as we continue our conversations around Isaiah's 

Advent oracles.  This week we consider Isaiah 35:1-10, a 

vision of flowers blooming in the wilderness.  Come and 

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

Children's Choir and Pageant Practice, 10am, Trinity Hall

Children's choir members, youth, and pageant participants will

gather to prepare for their Christmas presentation during morning

worship.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Children's Christmas Presentation

Sermon:  Christmas Questions

Text: Matthew 11:2-11

Nursery Care for children.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Greetings to all!

Ms. Garland Sims departed this life on Sunday, December 5.  Ms. Sims' death

is particularly poignant for Walnut Hill in that Ms. Sims was the director of the 

Maxwell Street Presbyterian Church youth group that was instrumental in the

restoration of Walnut Hill Church's grounds and buildings.  Excerpts from 

The Jewel on Walnut Hill (by Dick Bean) describe the importance of the 

involvement by the Maxwell Street youth under Ms. Sims' leadership.

"Trash was everywhere - inside the church and around the 10 acre church 

grounds, especially the cemetery.  Participants say that it was an unbelievable

dump in the middle of the Bluegrass.  Here the Senior High youth group of the

Maxwell Street Presbyterian Church under the direction of their youth leader,

Ms. Garland Sims, took a leadership role.  The young people with the help of

neighbors, farmers with dump trucks, and farm equipment, joined in and ended

up with dump trucks of trash being hauled away.  It is a prime example of how

young adults can and do successfully help good causes."

"Mr. (Samuel) Cassidy said in a July 1975 letter:  This group, with Miss Garland

Sims as counselor - sort of 'adopted' Walnut Hill.  In addition to much labor on the

grounds,...they raised nearly $3,000 for the rehabilitating of the building.  I can

safely say that this group, with its labor, money-raising, picnics and services,

furnished the real spur for the rest of us.  The final accomplishment might not

have been possible without their inspiration."

A memorial service for Garland Sims will be held at Maxwell Street Presbyterian

Church on Saturday, December 11, 11am.

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, December 12, the 3rd Sunday of Advent:

Isaiah 35:1-10

James 5:7-10

Matthew 11:2-11

Women's Luncheon:  The Women's Christmas luncheon will be held on 

Thursday, December 9, Noon, at the Idle Hour Country Club.  Cost is $24/person.

Reservations required.  Contact the church office or Natalie Watt for more 

information.

Men's Coffee: Walnut Hill men are invited to gather for coffee this Saturday,

December 11, 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.

Pageant Preparation:  This Sunday, December 12, the children will present 

their annual Christmas program (music and pageant) during the morning 

worship service.  In preparation, children's choir and youth group members are 

invited to a practice on Saturday, December 11, 11am, and all participants 

(children's choir, youth, and pageant characters) are invited to practice on 

Sunday, December 12, 10am, in Trinity Hall.  For more information, contact 

Lauren Fouts. 

CHRISTMAS PARTY, Sunday December 12, 3pm, at 1202 Delong Place.

Bring an hors d'oeuvre item.  This gathering is for adults.  No rsvp required.

Don't miss this traditional holiday event!

The Giving Tree - Seven ornaments remain on this season's Giving Tree.

Each ornament contains a gift suggestion for a child or adult.  This season 

Walnut Hill is providing gifts for two families, a total of seven children and

three adults.  Take an ornament. Purchase the gift. Return the gift and ornament 

by December 19.  Use reply email to reserve your ornament or check the Giving

Tree on Sunday.

Poinsettias - It's almost time to decorate the Sanctuary for Christmas.  

Poinsettias are available for adoption at $15/plant.  You may use reply email

or talk to Lee Tucker on Sunday to adopt a plant, which you will then be welcome

to take home and enjoy after the Christmas holiday.

Christmas Eve Worship is scheduled for 5pm on December 24, a service of 

lessons, carols, and candlelight for all ages.

Thanks to...all the children, youth, and adults working hard in preparation for

this season's Christmas Pageant; Stephen Trail, Ben Horman, Maggy & Bill 

Patterson, Phil Bloomfield, Cory and Aaron Sharrard, and the Choir for their 

leadership during morning worship; Barbara and Chris Bohmer, Beth and Oggie 

Hilliard, Brook and Scott Steede for coordinating our Christmas Season potluck.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, December 5, at Walnut Hill Church...

Christmas Season Potluck, after worship, Trinity Hall

Bring a salad, side dish, or dessert.

For all ages!

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

The Peaceful Kingdom

We continue our conversations focusing on the oracles of the

prophet Isaiah, this week Isaiah 11:1-10.  What did Isaiah mean

when he spoke them?  What do they mean for us today?

Children's Choir, 10:15am, Trinity Hall

Children through elementary age are invited to gather for singing in

anticipation of their Sunday morning music presentation on December 12.  

(For parents attending Sunday Conversations, the nursery will be 

staffed beginning at 10am.  Children will be escorted to Children's

Choir at 10:15am).

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon:  Our Annual Appointment

Text:  Matthew 3:1-12

Nursery care and Sunday School for Children. Children and youth will 

be rehearsing for next Sunday's Christmas program

The Giving Tree, Trinity Hall

The Giving Tree is up Trinity Hall and full of "ornaments," each containing a gift 

suggestion for a child or adult.  This season Walnut Hill will be providing gifts for 

two families, a total of seven children and three adults.  Take an ornament (or two). 

Purchase the gift. Return the gift and ornament by December 19.  Thanks to the

Talbott family for preparing this year's "Giving Tree" ornaments. 

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Greetings to all!

Last Sunday we entered the season of Advent, anticipating the "advent" of 

the Christ.   Kathleen Norris recalls a First Sunday of Advent at a trappist

monastery where she was invited to read the scripture for the morning 

service.

My text that morning was from Isaiah and, as always, when I am granted the

great privilege of reading him aloud in worship, I am grateful.  Grateful that

such poetry exists, that it tastes so good in the mouth, grateful that my messy,

stormy life has led to this calm sea.  Being a lector is a unique experience;

it feels nothing like reading poems, my own or anyone else's, to an audience.

And it's certainly not a performance; no emoting, or the monks would have my

hide.  The Liturgy of the Word is prayer.  You pray the scriptures with, and for,

the people assembled, and the words go out to them, touching them in ways

only God can imagine.  The words are all that matter, and you send them out

as prayer, hoping to become invisible behind them.

The words on that first Sunday of Advent were from Isaiah 63: "Why do you

let us wander, O God, from your ways, and harden our hearts so that we fear

you not?"  The passage is an honest rendering of the human condition, a

desperate prayer for God's presence, a recognition that we fall apart, and our

world falls apart, when God is absent from our hearts.  Why are our hearts so

hard?  Can God rend them, like the heavens, and change us for the good?

(from The Cloister Walk)

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, December 5, the 2nd Sunday of Advent:

Isaiah 11:1-10

Romans 15:4-13

Matthew 3:1-12

The Sacrament of Holy Communion.

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, December 5, 10am, in Trinity 

Hall.  We will continue our four Sunday series, Isaiah: The Prophet of Advent.

The text for the day, Isaiah 11:1-10.  Feel free to enjoy a cup of coffee, join the 

conversation, or just listen in.

Children's Choir practice continues this Sunday, December 5, 10:15am, 

as the children prepare for their Christmas season presentation.  All children 

through elementary age are invited to participate.  Look for the choir in Trinity Hall. 

(For adults attending Sunday Conversations, supervision for children will be 

available in the Nursery beginning at 10am.  They will be escorted to Children's Choir 

at 10:15.)

Pageant Rehearsal - Children and youth are requested to be present on Sunday,

December 5, during the 11am (Sunday School) hour for a pageant rehearsal.  

The Women's Christmas Luncheon will be held on Thursday, December 9,

Noon, at the Idle Hour Country Club. Cost is $24/person.  Reservations are 

required.  Reservation deadline is today, December 1.  Use reply email or

contact the church office (263-5304) to make your reservation.

Two Holiday Season Traditions:

*Sunday, December 5 - Christmas Potluck, after worship, 

Trinity Hall, for all ages.  Bring a salad, side dish, or dessert.

*Sunday, December 12 - Christmas Party, 3pm, at 1202

Delong Place, for adults.  Bring an hors d'oeuvre item.  

The Giving Tree is up in Trinity Hall and full of "ornaments," each containing a gift 

suggestion for a child or adult.  This season Walnut Hill will be providing gifts for 

two families, a total of seven children and three adults.  Take an ornament. 

Purchase the gift. Return the gift and ornament by December 19.  Thanks to the

Talbott family for preparing this year's "Giving Tree" ornaments.

Poinsettias - It's almost time to decorate the Sanctuary for Christmas.  

Poinsettias are available for adoption at $15/plant.  You may use reply email

or talk to Lee Tucker on Sunday to adopt a plant, which you will then be welcome

to take home and enjoy after the Christmas holiday.

Thanks, news...

*Thanks to...Monta Rae Cook, Heather Hale, Stephanie Prewitt, and Derek

Vaughan for their work with the children and youth this past Sunday; Stephen 

Trail, the Cornett Family, Chris and Barbara Bohmer, and Brian and Susan

Gillispie for their leadership and assistance during worship; Charlie and Julia 

Snow for providing our after worship refreshments.

*Walnut Hill will be the site for a regional Alcoholics Anonymous event this 

Friday and Saturday, December 3 and 4. 

Peace to all.

Mike Ward