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
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