Greetings to all!
Memorial Day is upcoming, for many the unofficial beginning of summer, for others
a day for remembrance and reflection. The Yale historian, Sydney Ahlstrom, describes
the day's early significance in the "American calendar."
Memorial Day took its place in the American calendar not as an occasion for waving
the bloody shirt but as a day of reconciliation. It joined Independence Day and
Thanksgiving as a time when the American's love for country was blended with the
solemnities of religion. In villages and cities it became a day for invocations,
benedictions and hymns...a "Decoration Day" in the nation's cemeteries. A unique
American way of remembering a civil war emerged. Sentiment celebrated its conquest
of logic as the country traveled the "road to reunion." Battle flags were returned; joint
observances were held at great battlefields; and in 1874 Senator L. Q. C. Lamar of Alabama
delivered his famous memorial oration in honor of Charles Sumner. In his words the
illustrious Senator from Massachusetts speaks from the grave: "My countrymen! Know one
another, and you will love one another."
(from A Religious History of the American People)
Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, May 29, 10am, in Trinity Hall, regarding recently
discovered ancient "gospels" beyond those found in the New Testament. Might they offer new
insights regarding the person of Jesus? Come enjoy a cup of coffee, join the conversation,
or just listen in. Nursery care is provided.
2011 Community Fund Grants - An open meeting will be held on Sunday, June 5, 10am,
in Trinity Hall to determine the recipients (and amounts) of 2011 Community Fund Grants.
All Walnut Hill members and friends are encouraged to attend this meeting, learn about this
year's nominees, and help decide the 2011 grant recipients.
Men's Coffee - Walnut Hill men are invited to gather for coffee each Saturday morning,
8am, at Paneras on Richmond Road. Feel free to stop in for as long or short a time as
your schedule permits. No rsvp required.
Making a Difference in the Real World is the title of three Wednesday evening gatherings,
June 8, 15, and 22, 6pm. Each evening will include a fellowship meal and a "hands on"
service project. For all ages! Rsvp via reply email, the sign up sheet in the Sanctuary foyer,
or telephone to the church office (263-5304).
Violent storms continue in the midwest. There are many agencies through which you
might help including Church World Service. Check out the C.W.S. website
(www.churchworldservice.org) for information and online donating. Persons attending
Walnut Hill on Sunday will have opportunity to donate via cash or check.
Peace to all.
Mike Ward
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