Greetings to all!
I happened upon an interesting reflection by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Lutheran
theologian and churchman, who was imprisoned and then executed by the
Nazi regime during World War 2. Bonhoeffer's imprisonment provided occasion
for him to think about what it means to "trust" God with our lives.
I believe that we ought to so love and trust God in our lives, and in all good
things that he sends us, that when the time comes (but not before!) we may
go to him with love, trust, and joy. But, to put it plainly, for a man in his wife's
arms to be hankering after the other world is, in mild terms, a piece of bad
taste, and not God's will. We ought to find and love God in what he actually
gives us; if it pleases God to allow us to enjoy some overwhelming earthly
happiness, we mustn't try to be more pious than God himself and allow our
happiness to be corrupted by presumption and arrogance, and by unbridled
religious fantasy which is never satisfied with what God gives. God will see
to it that the one who finds him in earthly happiness and thanks him for it
does not lack reminder that earthly things are transient, that it is good to
attune one's heart to what is eternal, and that sooner or later there will be
times when one can say in all sincerity, "I wish I were home." But
everything has its time, and the main thing is that we keep step with God,
and do not keep pressing on a few steps ahead - nor keep dawdling a
step behind.
(from Letters and Papers from Prison)
The Scripture lessons for Sunday, February 13:
Deuteronomy 30:15-20
1 Corinthians 3:1-9
Matthew 5:21-37
Attention Scouts: This Sunday, February 13, we would like to recognize girls
and boys involved in scouting programs. "Scouts" are encouraged to wear
their uniforms, and a simple ceremony of recognition will be observed early
in the worship hour before the children are dismissed for Sunday School.
Contact Mike by reply email if a "scout" in your family would like to have an
active part in this Sunday's recognition.
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 concluding this Sunday,
February 13, 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, February 13, 10am, in Trinity Hall,
completing our series, From a Woman's Perspective, highlighting the stories and
witness of women from biblical tradition and church history. This Sunday we focus
on theologian Phyllis Trible and her approach to a feminist interpretation of Scripture.
The Episcopal Diocese of Lexington Annual Convention will be held Thursday
through Friday, February 24 -26, at Morehead, KY. Mike Ward will be attending
on Friday and invites interested persons to join him as part of a Walnut Hill delegation.
Feel free to contact Mike for more information.
Thanks to...the Choir, Barbara & Chris Bohmer, Phil Bloomfield, Cory and Aaron
Sharrard, Stephen Trail and Ben Horman for their service during worship; Ruth
Sharrard and Ellen Cornett for their leadership during our Sunday Conversation;
the Vestry for their service and meeting; Stephanie Prewitt and Bob Rushing for
their assistance during the Sunday School hour; Soup chefs, youth helpers, and all
those who participated in the Souper Bowl last Sunday. It was a full and good
morning!
Peace to all!
Mike Ward
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