Greetings to all!
The Independence Day holiday presents an opportunity to reflect on the founding
principles of our nation, such as our "freedom of religion" as declared in the First
Amendment to the Constitution. As with other Constitutional principles, we continue
to debate the meaning of the First Amendment. Thomas Jefferson offered his opinion
on the First Amendment in his 1802 letter to the Danbury (CT) Baptist Association.
Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between Man & his God,
that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship, that the legitimate
powers of government reach actions only, & not opinions, I contemplate with sovereign
reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature
should "make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free
exercise thereof," thus building a wall of separation between Church & State.
Adhering to this expression of the supreme will of the nation in behalf of the rights of
conscience, I shall see with sincere satisfaction the progress of those sentiments
which tend to restore to man all his natural rights, convinced he has no natural right
in opposition to his social duties.
The Scripture lessons for Sunday, July 3, the Sacrament of Holy Communion:
Genesis 24:34-67
Romans 7:15-25
Matthew 11:16-30
Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, July 3, 10am, in Trinity Hall. Our topic
for this Sunday, The Resurrection Experience. Come and enjoy a cup of coffee, join
the conversation, or just listen in.
Host Needed: A host (s) is needed for our after worship refreshments this Sunday,
July 3. Remember that refreshments need not be elaborate, just something simple to
gather around as we visit after worship. Use reply email to volunteer for this Sunday,
or check the sign up sheet in the Sanctuary foyer to volunteer for a Sunday later in the
summer.
The Big Blue Barrel has been placed in Trinity Hall to receive your contributions of
non-perishable food items. When
the barrel is full, the folks from God's Pantry will
distribute the contents throughout central and eastern
Kentucky. You
might want to
bring an item from your pantry each Sunday, or bring a bag full all at once!
Don't forget
to let the children participate by bringing an item (s) during the summer.
Summer Sunday School - With folks traveling during the summer, our Sunday School
is a
little less formal than during
the school year. Nonetheless, Lauren can often use an
extra
set of hands to help on those Sundays when we have a
large number of children
present.
You can help by being "on call" for a Sunday, by which you make yourself
available
to help if needed. Check the sign up sheet in Trinity Hall for a Sunday or two
on which you
might be "on call" for our
children.
School Kits On Their Way: Thirty-seven church world service school kits are on their way
around the world thanks to the donations and time of many Walnut Hill members and
friends. The kits were the particular project for the final gathering of our Making a Difference
in the Real World series. Each kit contains a variety of
basic school supplies helpful for a
student to continue her/his education in the midst of
poverty, displacement, or natural disaster.
The total contribution value of 37 kits is $555.
Thanks to all who made a difference in this way.
Peace to all.
Mike Ward
