Greetings to all!
The headline events of this week have some people wondering if they
bring us closer to or farther from peace in the world. It is a good question
even as peace is a good goal, beginning with our prayers for peace. I
remember Thomas Merton's reflections on praying for peace during the
"Cold War." The "enemies" were different then, but the challenges of
praying for genuine peace then were (and are) similar to now, and not
particularly popular. Consider Merton's thoughts as they relate to our
"enemies" then and now.
When I pray for peace I pray God to pacify not only the Russians and
Chinese but above all my own nation and myself. When I pray for
peace I pray to be protected not only from the Reds but also from the
folly and blindness of my own country. When I pray for peace, I pray
not only that the enemies of my country will cease to want war, but
above all that my own country will cease to do the things that make
war inevitable. In other words, when I pray for peace I am not just
praying that the Russians will give up without a struggle and let us
have our own way. I am praying that both we and the Russians may
somehow be restored to sanity and learn how to work out our problems,
as best we can, together, instead of preparing for global suicide.
(from "On Praying for Peace" as found in A Thomas Merton Reader)
The lectionary readings for Sunday, May 8, 3rd Sunday of Easter:
Acts 2:14, 36-41
1 Peter 1:17-23
Luke 24:13-35
Sunday Conversations continue on Sunday, May 8, 10am, in Trinity Hall.
This Sunday concludes our video lecture series focusing on Jesus as
presented in the gospels. Come enjoy a cup of coffee, join the conversation,
or just listen in.
The Vestry will meet this Sunday, May 8, 9:30am, in the upstairs office of
Trinity Hall.
Sunday School for children and youth continue this Sunday, May 8,
during the 11am worship hour. Children and youth begin the hour in
the Sanctuary and then are dismissed to their classes and discussions.
Spring Potluck - Our Spring Potluck will be held on Sunday, May 15,
immediately after morning worship. Bring a salad or side dish. Main course
(fried chicken) and dessert (cake) will be provided. Don't miss this delicious
Walnut Hill tradition.
Tornado Relief - Persons wishing to make a contribution in support of
tornado relief efforts in the southern U.S. are welcome to place cash or
checks (payable to Walnut Hill Church) in the collection baskets in the
Sanctuary foyer. All donations will be sent to the affected area via Church
World Service. For more information regarding Church World Service,
Camp Season is upon us! Walnut Hill children and youth have opportunity
to enjoy either of two quality summer church camp programs, Cathedral
Domain and Burnamwood. For camp schedules, applications, and other
information, check out the websites www.cathedraldomain.org and
www.burnamwood.net . Walnut Hill provides 50% scholarship for any
Walnut Hill child who attends a camp program at the Domain or Burnamwood.
Peace to all.
Mike Ward
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