Greetings to all!
The recent events in Arizona have raised all sorts of discussion
and debate around the country regarding political rhetoric,
pervasive violence, gun control, and mental illness to name a few.
At the least, the violence in Arizona and other events like it make
us yearn for a different way of living together. One such alternative
is embodied in Martin Luther King Jr.'s vision of the "Beloved
Community."
But the end is reconciliation; the end is redemption; the end is the
creation of the beloved community. It is this type of spirit and this
type of love that can transform opposers into friends. The type of
love that I stress here is not eros, a sort of aesthetic or romantic
love; not philia, a sort of reciprocal love between friends; but it is
agape, which is understanding good will for all men. It is an
overflowing love which seeks nothing in return. It is the love of
God working in the lives of men. This is the love that may well be
the salvation of our civilization.
(from The Role of the Church in Facing the Nation's Chief Moral
Dilemma, 1957)
The Scripture lessons for Sunday, January 16:
Zechariah 8:1-8
Acts 2:42-47
Luke 23:32-43
Let the Children Come to Me is the title of a six Sunday series of
lessons for children introducing them to worship and the Bible
continuing this Sunday, January 16, 10am, in Trinity Hall. Take note
these lessons are different from those being presented during the
11am Sunday School class.
Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, January 16, 10am, in
Trinity Hall. Our conversation focus for these Sundays in January will
be, From a Woman's Perspective, highlighting the stories and witness
of women from biblical tradition and church history. Come and
enjoy a cup of coffee, join the conversation, or just listen in.
Sunday Hospitality: Thanks to Natalie and Bob Watt, Mary Ann Davis,
and Vicky Walker for providing our refreshments last Sunday. A
new sign up sheet has been posted offering opportunities to host for
Sundays through May. Check the sign up sheet or contact the church
office to inquire about hosting a particular Sunday.
Youth Leadership: Beginning this Sunday, January 16, the third
Sunday of each month will serve as an opportunity for youth (middle and
high school) to assist in worship leadership. Speaking and non-
speaking roles are available. Use reply email to inquire about
worship leadership opportunities for a youth in your household.
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity will be observed by an
ecumenical worship service on Sunday, January 16, 7pm, at Pax
Christi Catholic Church in Lexington. Mike Ward and Spencer
Horman from Walnut Hill will be among the worship leaders, as well
as other clergy, youth, lay persons, and executives from six different
congregations and denominations. You are invited to attend.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday observances will include the
traditional "Freedom March" on Monday, January 17, at 10am, downtown
Lexington. The march will begin and end at Heritage Hall. For more information
regarding MLK Day activities, see www.uky.edu/MLK/participate.html.
Peace to all.
Mike Ward
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