Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, October 2, at Walnut Hill Church...

ECUMENICAL SUNDAY 

   -an opportunity to celebrate and explore our ecumenical identity

   -special guest, Dr. Greg Earwood, president, Baptist Seminary of Kentucky

Sunday Conversation, 10am, Trinity Hall

A Conversation with Dr. Earwood

We will dispel some "myths" about Baptists and talk about what it means to be

"ecumenical", not only in our life together at Walnut Hill, but also in our lives

dispersed around Lexington, central Kentucky, and the world.

Nursery care will be provided.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon -  Dr. Earwood preaching

Text - John 14:15-27

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

Greetings from Ecumenical Partners and Friends

Offering received to benefit the Kentucky Council of Churches

Nursery care and Sunday School for children

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for refreshments and fellowship. 

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Greetings to all!

This Sunday, October 2, is Ecumenical Sunday at Walnut Hill, an opportunity

to celebrate and explore our identity as an ecumenical congregation.  The 

Preamble to the Walnut Hill Church Constitution and By-Laws provides a 

starting place for our reflection:

We, the members of Walnut Hill Church, an ecumenical church, of Lexington,

Kentucky, do hereby organize for the purpose of providing public worship,

the apostolic ministry of word and sacrament, religious instruction, pastoral

care and counseling, and in general a witness to the community of the need

for life and work in the name of Jesus.

We accept for membership with us all those who profess the Lord Jesus and

who share with us an appreciation for the historic creeds, sacraments, the

historic canon of scripture of the Old and New Testaments, and the historic

apostolic ministry.  We also include in our fellowship those who, while seeking

truth, may not be prepared to accept as yet the fullness of the above stated

standards.  We, as a church, are a fellowship of believers who wish to bring

together all men and women as children of God and do not wish to make an 

obstacle in creed and dogma to fellowship with God's people.  We believe that 

the true basis of Christian fellowship is love, which is greater than all our 

differences, and without this love we have no claim to Christian fellowship.

******

Our special guest for Ecumenical Sunday is Dr. Greg Earwood, president

of the Baptist Seminary of Kentucky.  Dr. Earwood has earned degrees from

Mississippi College and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.  Prior to his 

service at BSK, Dr. Earwood spent 27 years pastoring congregations in Kentucky.

Ecumenical Sunday Schedule

10:00am - Sunday Conversation -  An informal time of conversation with

Dr. Earwood.  Childcare will be provided.

11:00am - Morning Worship and Holy Communion - Dr. Earwood will 

present the sermon for the day.  An offering will be received to benefit the

Kentucky Council of Churches.  Childcare and Sunday School will be 

provided.  

Noon - Refreshments and Fellowship

Other News

Thanks to all those who supported Walnut Hill's participation in last Sunday's

Lexington Area CROP Walk.  Nineteen persons walked with the Walnut Hill

team and several others sponsored our team with special donations.  Over $800 

was raised by Walnut Hill walkers and sponsors!  These funds will be distributed

to God's Pantry and Church World Service.

Host Needed - A host (s) is needed for this Sunday's (October 2) refreshments.

Use reply email to volunteer for this Sunday, and/or check the sign up sheet in 

the Sanctuary foyer to host a Sunday later in the year.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

This Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, September 25, at Walnut Hill Church...

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Reflections by Parker Palmer

We will explore the work and thought of Parker Palmer, Quaker author and

thinker.  Through a series of brief videos including "The Myth of the 

Individual", "The Wisdom of the Heart", "Inner Authority", "The Soul", 

"The Tragic Gap", and "Worst Enemies", Palmer will challenge our ideas

and open us to a conversation about what really matters in life.

(Nursery care is available by request.  Use reply email or call the church

office, 263-5304, to request nursery care.)

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - The Kenosis Seminar

Text -  Philippians 2:1-13

Community Fund Grant presentation to Pyramid Professional Resources.

Nursery care and Sunday School for children.

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for refreshments and fellowship.

2011 Greater Lexington Crop Walk, 3pm, Second Presbyterian Church

All ages are invited to join the Walnut Hill Team as we walk (3 miles) to raise 

awareness and money in response to poverty locally and globally.  

Participants are invited to bring a can of food for God's Pantry.  For more

information about the CROP Walk, see www.lexingtoncropwalk.blogspot.com/ .

*****

The Vestry will meet at 9:30am in the upstairs office of Trinity Hall.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Greetings to all!

Last Sunday's "potluck" was great fun!  Observing the fellowship around the

tables reminded me of the importance of sharing meals together, certainly

in the church, but even more in our homes, and particularly for our children.  

Consider these reflections offered by Stephanie Paulsell.

I'm not going to give up on family meals, shared together, seasoned with

good conversation...I believe that all people need to be undergirded by...

"table life," particularly young growing people.  They need a table life in 

which good food is obviously enjoyed in order to withstand the pressures

of a culture that tells them that dangerously thin bodies are more beautiful

than other bodies.  They need a table life in which delight is taken in food

in all its variety to resist those who tell them that they would excel in the 

sport they love if they would only lose weight or gain weight or bulk up on

protein alone.  They need a table life in which everyone's voice is of equal

importance, and they need to be fed not only on healthful food but also on

what it means to offer hospitality, to keep a space open at the table for the

unexpected guest.  They need the experience that a lively table life can offer,

of seeing others as they really are and of being known, really known, in

their own right.

(from Honoring the Body)

The Scriptures lessons for Sunday, September 25...

Exodus 17:1-7

Philippians 2:1-13

Matthew 21:23-32

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, 10am, in Trinity Hall.

Sunday Conversations include a wide range of topics from week to week.

Come enjoy a cup of coffee, join the conversation, or just listen in.

The 2011 Greater Lexington CROP Walk is this Sunday, September 25,

3pm, at Second Presbyterian Church.  The CROP Walk is an ecumenical and 

intergenerational event to raise awareness and money to address poverty

locally and globally.  You can support this effort by walking with the

Walnut Hill Team and/or by sponsoring the Walnut HIll Team.  Sponsorship

can be in any amount via check payable to Walnut Hill Church.  Use reply 

email to request more information.

Ecumenical Sunday is coming on Sunday, October 2, on which we will

celebrate and explore Walnut Hill's identity as an "ecumenical congregation."

Our guest for the morning will be Dr. Greg Earwood, president of the 

Baptist Seminary of Kentucky.  Activities will include informal conversation 

with Dr. Earwood at 10am, and Morning Worship with Holy Communion at

11am.  Dr. Earwood will present the sermon for the day.

The Vestry will meet this Sunday, September 25, 9:30am, in the pastor's 

office in Trinity Hall.

Sunday Hospitality - A new sign up sheet has been posted in the Sanctuary

foyer with plenty of opportunities to host our Sunday refreshments.  Check the 

sign up sheet and sign up for a Sunday soon.

Thinking More About It...A Georgia inmate is scheduled to be executed 

today (7pm) despite serious questions about the process that led to his 

conviction and sentencing.  Capital punishment is one of those issues that

causes much debate and argument.  Some years ago the Kentucky 

Council of Churches drafted a reflection paper and resolution regarding 

the death penalty.  You can read that paper by going to 

www.kycouncilofchurches.org.  Once there, go to the "Advocacy" tab, then

"Council Statements", then "view policy statements", then "death penalty."

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, September 18, at Walnut Hill Church...

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Theosis

This Sunday we will discuss the Greek Orthodox concept of "theosis," 

the notion that humans can have union with God and become so

Godlike as to participate in the divine nature.  As St. Athanasius said,

"God became human so that humans might become gods," and as

St. Paul said, "It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me."

Some consider theosis to be the ultimate reason and purpose for 

living the Christian life.

*****

We are happy to provide nursery care by request.  Use reply email

or call the church office (263-5304) to request nursery care.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon: A Theology of the Potluck

Text:  Matthew 9:9-13

Community Fund Grant Presentation to the Hope Center

Nursery care and Sunday School for children.

FALL POTLUCK, NOON, TRINITY HALL

Bring a salad, side dish, or dessert, and join in this delicious 

Walnut Hill tradition.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Greetings to all!

This Sunday, September 18, is our fall potluck, a wonderfully delicious 

tradition at Walnut Hill.  The spontaneous abundance of the potluck table 

reminds me of a story told by Mother Teresa.

   In Calcutta, we cook for nine thousand people every day.  One day a 

sister came and said, "Mother, there's nothing to eat, nothing to give the

people."  I had no answer.  And then by nine o'clock that morning a truck

full of bread came to our house.  The government gives a slice of bread

and milk each day to the children at school.  But that day - no one in the

city knew why - all the schools were closed suddenly.  And all the bread

came to Mother Teresa.

   See, God closed the schools.  He would not let our people go without

food.  And this was the first time in their lives, I think, that these people 

had such good bread and so much of it.  This way you can see the 

tenderness of God.

(from In the Heart of the World)

The Scripture lessons for September 18, the 14th Sunday after Pentecost:

Exodus 16:2-15

Philippians 1:21-30 

Matthew 9:9-13

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, September 18, 10 am, in

Trinity Hall.  "Sunday Conversations" include a wide variety of topics 

from week to week.  Come, enjoy a cup of coffee, join the conversation,

or just listen in.

THE FALL POTLUCK will be held this Sunday, September 18, immediately

after morning worship.  Bring a salad, side dish, or dessert.  Don't miss

this delicious Walnut Hill tradition.

The 2011 CROP Walk to raise awareness and funds to address poverty,

locally and around the world, will be held on Sunday, September 25, 3pm,

at Second Presbyterian Church.  You can support this event by walking

with the Walnut Hill Team (3 mile course through downtown), or by 

sponsoring a Walnut Hill walker.  Use reply email to request more 

information.

Walnut Hill Men are invited to gather each Saturday morning, 8am, at 

Paneras on Richmond Road, for coffee and conversation.  This is an informal 

gathering, no formal program, and no rsvp required.  Feel free to drop by for 

as long or short a time as your schedule permits.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, September 11, at Walnut Hill Church...

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

9/11 - The Conversation We Never Had

We will view and discuss several brief videos offering theological and

personal reflections on the 9/11 events.

Nursery care available by request.  Use reply email or call the church

office (263-5304) to request nursery care.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - What Will We Tell Them?

Text -  Exodus 12:1-14, 26-27

The Sacrament of Baptism

Nursery care and Sunday School for children

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for refreshments and fellowship.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Greetings to all!

In her poem, "The Next Day: 9/12/01", Ann-Marie Madden Irwin reflects on

how the ordinary, and sometimes ambiguous, details of urban life take on a 

new appearance after an event like 9/11.

Bless the black Mercedes cutting me off

bless the cell phone and the ear

pressed against it.  Bless the sneakers

running between shadows to the park,

the workers trying to save the diseased elm.

Bless the elm,

the suit jacket draped over an arm,

the bent arm, the shoulder covered

in oxford cloth, the neck and tie.

Bless the pulse in the neck.

Bless the high-heels rushing, the wheels

on the stroller, the cursing mouth.

the hand tossing the coffee cup...

the singing in the car.

the breath visible in the cold air.

Bless how we forgot.

(as found in Woman Prayers, edited)

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, September 11:

Exodus 12:1-14, 26-27

Romans 14:1-12

Matthew 18:21-35

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, September 11, 10am, 

in Trinity Hall, with a video and discussion titled "9/11 - A Conversation

We Never Had."  

The Fall Potluck is coming on Sunday, September 18, immediately 

after morning worship.  Bring a salad, side dish, or dessert, and your

appetite.  Volunteer help is needed with a few details of the meal.  

Use reply email to inquire about volunteering.

The 2011 CROP Walk, to raise funds and awareness regarding poverty,

will be held on Sunday afternoon, September 25.  You can be part of 

the CROP Walk by walking or by sponsoring a walker.  Use reply email

to inquire about joining the 2011 Walnut Hill CROP Walk team. For more 

information regarding the CROP Walk, and to see a photo of recent

Walnut Hill walkers, go to  www.lexingtoncropwalk.blogspot.com. 

In the community:  Numerous 9/11 observances will be held in 

Lexington this weekend including:

*7:00pm  an ecumenical vespers service at Pax Christi Catholic

Church (corner of Man-O-War and Victoria Way).  Open to the public

with special invitation to members of the six church ecumenical 

cooperative, which includes Walnut Hill.

*7:00pm - "Ten Years After: A Call to Unity" - an interfaith community

gathering at the Robert F. Stephens Courthouse (downtown Lexington), 

sponsored by The Interfaith Alliance and the Central Kentucky Council for 

Peace and Justice. Open to the public.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

 

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, September 4, at Walnut Hill Church

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

"The Work We Do"

How many of us think theologically about our work?  Is work simply a means 

to live, or does it have a deeper meaning?  What are our responsibilities to

each other in regard to our work?  We will explore some of the biblical and 

theological traditions that can help us construct a "theology of work."

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - A Labor Day Fantasy

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

Nursery care and Sunday School for children.

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for refreshments and fellowship.

*****

The Big Blue Barrel will be available one last Sunday, September 4,

to receive your donations of non-perishable food items.  Look for the

barrel just inside the double doors entering Trinity Hall.

Hurricane Irene - Baskets will be available in the foyer of the Sanctuary

to receive your gifts to support relief efforts via Church World Service

in the wake of Hurricane Irene.  Checks may be payable to Walnut Hill

Church designated "Hurricane Irene."  Visit www.churchworldservice.org

to see details of the CWS response to this disaster.