Greetings to all!
Recent demonstrations in the great cities of the mid-east have created some
uncertainty for persons in the West who wonder what the outcome will be.
There are no guarantees; yet, we do well not to be pessimistic about the
possibilities for those involved, and for the world. The late, and to many
controversial, former prime minister of Pakistan, Benazir Bhutto, offered her
assessment of the possibilities for Islamic culture.
Despite the protestations and assertions of some, and despite skepticism
outside our own community, the vast majority of the billion Muslims in the
world embrace a peaceful, tolerant, open, rational, and loving religion that
codifies democratic values. It is a religion that sanctifies the traditions of the
past while embracing the hope for progress in the future...This is the true Islam, in
contrast to the perversion that has been espoused by extremists and militants and
the caricature that is too often accepted in the West. The greatest and purest source
is the words of the Prophet himself. And when the Prophet speaks of "Allah," he is
speaking of God, the same monolithic God of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
"God" is a translation of the Arabic word "Allah," not just the God of Islam but rather
the God of monotheism, the God of all who believe in Him and believe that He is the
Creator of the Universe, of this world and the hereafter.
(from Reconciliation)
In Memory: Mary Turner Anderson departed this life on February 10, at the
age of 93. Mary and her late husband, Dick, were long time and beloved members
of Walnut Hill Church. Services and burial for Mary were held at Walnut Hill Church
and Cemetery on Monday, February 14.
The Scripture lessons for Sunday, February 20:
Isaiah 19:18-25
Acts 2:1-12
Matthew 16:1-3
Men's Coffee: Walnut Hill men are invited to gather for coffee this Saturday,
February 19, 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 20, 10am, in Trinity
Hall. Sunday Conversations include a wide variety of topics from week to
week. Feel free to enjoy a cup of coffee, join the conversation, or just listen in.
Youth Sunday: We continue this month in designating the 3rd Sunday as
"Youth Sunday," an opportunity for young people (middle and high school) to
assist and lead in worship. Use reply email if there is a "youth" in your home who
would like to be part of this Sunday's leadership. Both speaking and non-
speaking roles are available.
Thanks, news, etc...
*Thanks to...scouts and their leaders, both members of Walnut Hill and
visitors, for their participation in our "Scout Sunday" observance; Julia and
Charles Snow for providing our refreshments last Sunday.
*You might have noticed the wonderful increase in the number of children
present on recent Sunday mornings. Their presence is a great gift, and an
opportunity for you to serve by assisting in the Sunday School. Contact Lauren
Fouts for more information on how you might help. You may volunteer for one
Sunday or more as your schedule allows. Thanks to numerous parents, grandparents,
and other adults who have been helping Walnut Hill "welcome the children."
*"The Souper Bowl" results are in: Over $250 was raised for God's Pantry
to help support hunger relief in central and eastern Kentucky. Thanks to all
those who participated.
Peace to all.
Mike Ward
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