Sunday at Walnut Hill

This Sunday, February 28, at Walnut Hill Church..

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

The Bible, Jesus, and Political Consciousness

This Sunday's conversation will feature video 

presentations by the noted Jesus scholar 

Marcus Borg in which he presents his views on

the role of the Bible in the church and his views

on "Mysticism and Resistance, Empowerment

and Advocacy."  Borg's presentations challenge

traditional views, raise political consciousness, 

and explore moral responsibility.

Marcus Borg is Professor of Religion and Culture

at Oregon State University and the author of 

numerous books.

Children's Choir, 10am, Trinity Hall

The Children's Choir will begin practicing for their

Easter season presentation.  All children through

elementary age are encouraged to attend.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon: The Waiting Room

Text: John 5:1-18

Nursery care and Sunday School for children.

Youth Discussion, 11am, Trinity Hall

Youth are invited to gather for discussion

of the "Nooma" video series.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

February 24, 2010

Greetings to all!

Joyce Rupp reflects on "life changing" events.

Why is it so difficult to believe that God can do marvelous things
through the most ordinary circumstances? Why does it often take a big
catastrophic event before we are finally convinced of what we need for
our spiritual transformation? I recently read the story of survivors
of a plane crash some years ago. A flight attendant and a nurse both
elaborated on how they had changed and are now firmly established in a
relationship with God. I wondered how many people reading that
newspaper would be even further convinced that it takes something big
before we turn our lives around. Lent is a good time to find our
spiritual transformation through the ordinary, humdrum of everyday
life, for there most spiritual changes happen. Most of us won't
experience something like a plane crash or major accident. If we
expect that the "little stuff" is of no importance or value, then we
may miss the very opportunities where God is calling us and inviting
us to change our hearts. Be aware today of little things.
(from "Inviting God In")

The scripture lesson for Sunday, February 28, the Second Sunday in Lent:
John 5:1-18
(We continue our lenten series of Sunday readings from the Gospel of
John. Check the Sanctuary foyer for a complete list of our lenten
Sunday readings and ideas for "living with" the Gospel of John during
the week.)

MEN'S COFFEE - Walnut Hill men are invited to gather for coffee this
Saturday, February 27, 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, February 28, 10am, in
Trinity Hall, with a video presentation and discussion featuring noted
Jesus scholar Marcus Borg. You are invited to enjoy a cup of coffee,
join the conversation, or just listen in.

YOUTH are invited to gather for discussion this Sunday, February 28,
during the worship hour, in the upstairs office of Trinity Hall. The
discussion will focus on the "Nooma" video series.

THE APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY TEAM will be reporting to the congregation
this Sunday, February 28, inviting our participation in a
congregational survey. This survey is the first step in a process
designed to help us discover our congregation's strengths and build
upon those strengths for the future. All Walnut Hill members and
friends are encouraged to participate in the inquiry process.

THE 114TH ANNUAL CONVENTION of the Episcopal Diocese of Lexington will
be held February 25 - 27 in Lexington. The theme of the convention is
"Respecting the Dignity of Every Human Being." Special guest to the
convention will be the Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, Presiding
Bishop of the Episcopal Church (USA). Public opportunities to see and
hear Bishop Schori include a service of Evensong at the Church of the
Good Shepherd, Feb 25, 7pm, and Holy Eucharist at Christ Church
Cathedral, Feb 28, 11am. Visit the Diocese website (www.diolex.org)
for more information regarding the annual convention.

THANKS to Graham D. Rowles, professor in the Graduate Center for
Gerontology at the University of Kentucky, for his presentation
regarding the "Kentucky Elder Readiness Initiative" at this week's
men's dinner. Copies of Dr. Rowles' presentation are available in the
foyer of the Sanctuary. Thanks also to Gene Brockopp for coordinating
the arrangements of our men's gatherings.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill

This Sunday, February 21, at Walnut Hill Church

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

A Conversation with Huston Smith

(video and discussion)

Huston Smith responds to questions on a variety of

topics including the "religious demand of globalization."

In Smith's words, "Be faithful to one's own tradition...

without shutting out others."  Smith also offers his favorite

native american story and his thoughts about what 

happens after death.

Huston Smith is one of the foremost authors and 

teachers in the area of comparative religions, many

of which he has not only studied, but also practiced.

Sunday's video was recorded during Smith's 2006

appearance in Lexington.  On May 31, Huston Smith 

will celebrate his 91st birthday.

(Contact the church office, 263-5304, to request 

child care during the conversation hour.)

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon:  A Guest Becomes the Host

Text:  John 2:1-12

This Sunday begins a series of sermons based on 

stories from the Gospel of John, this week "The 

Wedding at Cana."

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

February 17, 2010 - Ash Wednesday

Greetings to all!

In his book, "Testimony," Thomas Long tells an Ash Wednesday story.

On Ash Wednesday several years ago, one of my friends, a hospital
chaplain, left the hospital shortly before noon and attended a service
at a nearby church. As part of the worship, the minister inscribed on
my friend's forehead a cross made of ashes mingled with oil. He
returned to the hospital, ashes still in place, and began to visit the
patients. One of the patients, a woman, noticed the ashes on his
forehead and, thinking it was a smudge of dirt, grabbed a tissue, spit
on it, and said, "Come here, hon, you've gotten into something." My
friend artfully avoided the tissue and said, "No, they are ashes.
They're supposed to be there." She looked at him, puzzled. He began
to talk to her about the meaning of Ash Wednesday, how the day meant
that God was with us when we were weak and vulnerable, how we are but
dust, ashes, and God was with us, taking us toward Easter even when
life was broken, tragic, and sad. The woman thought for a moment, and
then she said, "I think I want some of that." My friend reached to
his forehead, borrowed some of the ashen smudge, and with his finger
traced on her forehead the sign of the cross.

ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICES:
*Christ Church Cathedral at 12:05pm and 7:00pm.
*Maxwell Street Presbyterian Church at Noon and 7:30pm.

The Gospel lesson for Sunday, February 21, the First Sunday in Lent:
John 2:1-12
This Sunday we begin a series of Sunday reflections during Lent on
lessons from the Gospel according to St. John.

SUNDAY CONVERSATIONS continue this Sunday, February 21, 10am, in
Trinity Hall, featuring a video "Q & A with Huston Smith." Huston
Smith is an author and teacher most well known for his study of world
religions. Feel free to stop in for a cup of coffee, join the
conversation, or just listen in.

HOST(S) NEEDED - A host(s) is needed for our after worship
refreshments this Sunday, February 21. Remember that refreshments
need not be elaborate, just something simple to enjoy as we fellowship
after worship. Use reply email to inquire about hosting this Sunday
or check the sign up sheet in the sanctuary for available Sundays
later in the winter and spring. Thanks to all our Sunday hosts!

MEN'S DINNER - The next Walnut Hill Men's Dinner is scheduled for
Tuesday, February 23, 6pm, at Buddy's Bar and Grill. Our guest for
the evening will be University of Kentucky professor Dr. Graham Rowles
who will talk with us about issues related to aging in our society, a
topic of importance for all persons in terms of both social policy and
personal experience. Rsvp via the sign up sheet in the sanctuary,
reply email, or by contacting Gene Brockopp.

ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING offering boxes are available in the foyer of
the Sanctuary. Pick one up for use in your household this Lenten
season, placing a coin in the box at each family meal. Return the
offering box on Easter Sunday. The OGHS offering supports disaster
relief, refugee resettlement, and development work around the world.

WINTRY WEATHER - If wintry weather on a Sunday morning causes you to
wonder about our services or other activities, feel free to call the
church office (263-5304). A message will be available via the church
phone by 9am on wintry Sunday mornings providing the status of that
day's worship service and other activities.

THANKS TO....Cory Sharrard for her presence with the Sunday School
children during the month of February; Stephen Trail for his service
as acolyte last Sunday; John Ragland for his efforts coordinating our
snow removal during this very wintry season; Lauren Fouts for
preparation of our Lenten season booklet; Mark Horman for locking
things up after services last Sunday; the Vestry for their leadership;
the Inquiry Team for their ongoing work.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill

This Sunday, February 14, at Walnut Hill Church

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Oneness and the Heart of the World

Our conversation will feature a video presentation

by Father Thomas Keating.  With humor and wisdom,

Father Keating discusses the dynamic nature of God

and the paradox implicit in experiencing divine oneness.

In his words, "At every moment, oneness is offered to us

in a different way."

Thomas Keating is one of the foremost teachers of 

contemplative prayer in the Christian tradition.  He is the 

author of many books, and he frequently participates

in dialogues with contemplatives of various religions.

Nursery care is available upon request.  Contact the 

church office (263-5304) to request nursery care for

your little one(s) during the conversation hour.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon:  Breaking Their Silence

Text:  Luke 9:28-36

Nursery Care and Sunday School for children.

Youth Discussion, 11am, Trinity Hall

Nooma video series.

In case of wintry weather

If wintry weather on Sunday leaves you wondering

about our services, feel free to call the church

office (263-5304).  By 9am on wintry Sunday

mornings a message will be available on the 

church phone reporting the status of that day's

services and activities

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

February 10, 2010

Greetings to all!

This Sunday, February 14, is the observance of the Transfiguration of
the Lord. I appreciate Frederick Buechner's reflection on this gospel
story.

"His face shown like the sun," Matthew says, "and his garments became
white as light." Moses and Elijah were talking to him. There was a
bright cloud overshadowing him and out of it a voice saying, "This is
my beloved son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him." The
three disciples who witnessed the scene "fell on their faces and were
filled with awe."
It is as strange a scene as there is in the Gospels. Even without a
voice from the cloud to explain it, they had no doubt what they were
witnessing. It was Jesus of Nazareth all right, the man they'd
tramped many a dusty mile with, whose mother and brothers they knew,
the one they'd seen as hungry, tired, footsore as the rest of them.
But it was also the Messiah, the Christ, in his glory. It was the
holiness of the man shining through his humanness, his face so afire
with it they were almost blinded.
Even with us something like that happens once in a while. The face
of a man walking his child in the park, of a woman picking peas in the
garden, of sometimes even the unlikeliest person listening to a
concert, say, or standing barefoot in the sand watching the waves roll
in, or just having a beer at a Saturday baseball game in July. Every
once and so often, something so touching, so incandescent, so alive
transfigures the human face that it's almost beyond bearing.
(from "Listening to Your Life")

The scripture lessons for Sunday, February 14, the Transfiguration of
the Lord:
Exodus 34:29-35
2 Corinthians 3:12 - 4:2
Luke 9:28 - 36

MEN'S COFFEE - Walnut Hill men are invited to gather for coffee on
Saturday, February 13, 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, February 14, 10am, in
Trinity Hall. "Sunday Conversations" include a wide variety of topics
from Bible and theology, to spirituality and social issues. Feel free
to join the conversation, enjoy a cup of coffee, or just listen in.
Childcare during the conversation hour is available upon request.
Contact the church office (263-5304) to request childcare.

YOUTH DISCUSSION - Walnut Hill youth are invited to gather in the
upstairs office of Trinity Hall during the worship hour this Sunday,
February 14, to view and discuss one of the "Nooma" videos. Nooma
videos present issues that young people care about and want to talk
about in a format that fits their world.

HOST(S) NEEDED - A host(s) is needed for our after worship
refreshments this Sunday, February 14. Remember that refreshments
need not be elaborate. Just something simple to enjoy as we
fellowship after worship. Use reply email to inquire about hosting
this Sunday or check the sign up sheet in the sanctuary for available
Sundays later in the winter and spring. Thanks to all our Sunday hosts.

MEN'S DINNER - The next Walnut Hill Men's Dinner is scheduled for
Tuesday, February 23, 6pm, at Buddy's Bar and Grill. Our guest for
the evening will be University of Kentucky professor Dr. Graham Rowles
who will talk with us about issues related to aging in our society, a
topic of importance for all persons in terms of both social policy and
personal experience. Rsvp via the sign up sheet in the sanctuary,
reply email, or by contacting Gene Brockopp.

THE VESTRY will meet this Sunday, February 14, 9:30am, in Trinity Hall.

SOUPER BOWL REPORT - Thanks to all those who provided soup, enjoyed
the soup, and made donations on "Souper Bowl Sunday." In addition to
the good food and fellowship, $153 was received in support of the work
of God's Pantry to relieve hunger in central and eastern Kentucky.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill

This Sunday, February 7, at Walnut Hill Church...

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

The Scandalous Gospel of Jesus

Our conversation will feature a video presentation by

the Rev. Peter Gomes, longtime Harvard professor and

minister of Harvard's Memorial Church.  The "scandal,"

according to Gomes, is the lack of attention given to the

gospel, even among those who consider themselves

Christians.  Gomes argues that people tend to focus too

much on who Jesus was and what he would do when, 

according to Gomes, the question should be, "What 

would Jesus have me do?"  

Nursery care is available upon request.  Contact the

church office (263-5304) to request nursery care for

your little one during the conversation hour.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Holy Communion

Sermon:  One Impossible Thing

Text:  1 Corinthians 15:1-11

Nursery Care and Sunday School for children.

Souper Bowl Sunday, Noon, Trinity Hall

Enjoy a bowl of delicious soup and donate

$1 (or more) to support hunger relief in central and 

eastern Kentucky.  Sponsored by the children 

and youth.

In case of wintry weather

If wintry weather on Sunday leaves you wondering

about our services, feel free to call the church office 

(263-5304).  By 9am on wintry Sunday mornings a

message will be available on the church phone 

reporting the status of that day's services and activities.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

February 3, 2010

Greetings to all!

Peter Gomes, an American Baptist and minister of Harvard's Memorial
Church, offers the following thoughts regarding young people and love.

I am convinced that what this generation of young people most desires
to know is the love of God and the love of family and friends. I
believe that the young are tired of the vulgar ubiquity of the cheap
and sensational substitutes for love, and long for the real thing.
They know that this culture of "love," as a four letter word, is, as
they say in country and western music, "genuine rhinestone," and that
the real thing is capable of sustaining every shock and tribulation
known to this tired old planet, including things past, things present,
and things to come.

What do our young people want when everything they have turns to dust
and ashes? They want something that is patient and kind, not arrogant
or rude, not irritable or resentful, but that rejoices in the right.
They want something that bears all things, believes all things, hopes
all things, endures all things. Now they are growing up, even as
collectively we are all growing up, putting away the cultural toys and
foolish superficialities of their cultural adolescence, and they don't
know everything, and they can't do everything, but on them and with
them I am willing to bet the future. As was once said of the biblical
Queen Esther in a moment of grave transition and opportunity: perhaps
our young people, restless, hopeful, and able, have been called to the
nation for "just such a time as this."
(from "The Good Life")

The scripture lessons for Sunday, February 7, Holy Communion:
Isaiah 6:1-8
1 Corinthians 15:1-11
Luke 5:1-11

SUNDAY CONVERSATIONS continue this Sunday, February 7, 10am, in
Trinity Hall. Our topic for Sunday is "The Scandalous Gospel of
Jesus," as presented through a video by Peter Gomes. The "scandal,"
according to Gomes, is the lack of attention given to the gospel by
Christians. In Gomes' words, "It may be scandalous if we actually
tried to apply it in our communities...to feed the hungry, clothe the
naked, love our neighbors...those are dangerous things." Feel free to
enjoy a cup of coffee, join the conversation, or just listen in.
Contact the church office (263-5304) to request childcare during the
conversation hour.

SOUPER BOWL SUNDAY: February 7 is not only a day for great football,
but also delicious soup as the children and youth sponsor "Souper Bowl
Sunday." Stay after worship for a bowl of homemade soup, and donate a
dollar to God's Pantry for hunger relief in central and eastern
Kentucky.

INCLEMENT WEATHER: Just a reminder that in the event of wintry
weather on Sunday, you can call the church office (263-5304) after 9am
on Sunday morning for an update regarding the status of our worship
service and other activities.

CALLING ALL ARTISTS: Athens-Chilesburg Elementary School is
sponsoring an arts festival in late February and is seeking artists
willing to spend a day at school sharing their art with students.
Volunteers need not be professional artists, but simply persons who
have a passion for some art form and would be willing to share it.
Lunch will be provided. Contact Mike Ward for more information.

HOPE CENTER: As you travel this winter, don't forget that we are
collecting travel and trial size toiletry items to be distributed to
clients of the Hope Center. Donated items should be unopened. Place
your donated items in the "Hope Center" box in the Sanctuary foyer.

THANKS TO...Kathy Steinmetz and John Bauer for our refreshments last
Sunday; Natalie Watt for her work with the children; Garrett Rea for
serving as acolyte.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward