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
No comments:
Post a Comment