Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Greetings to all!

We have entered the season of Advent.  Dorothy Bass offers a reflection
on the spirit of this special season of the church year.

The Christian year begins as the calendar year sputters into its final
month.  Its first season is quiet but expectant, leaning, as if heavy with
child, into the future.  During the four weeks of Advent, the season whose
name means "coming," we carry our yearning in full view, like a protruding
belly.  Borrowing the words of the prophet Isaiah, we declare our own 
longing for the eyes of the blind to be opened and the ears of the deaf
unstopped, and for streams of water in the desert.  We dare to hope that
God will indeed send good news to the oppressed and bind up the 
brokenhearted and repair the ruined cities (Isaiah 35 & 61).  Then John
the Baptist, crying Isaiah's words in the wilderness, announces that
God's promises are close to fulfillment.  "Stir up your power and come,"
we pray, yearning out of the depths of history and into the promises
beyond history, and out of the depths of our own lives toward the 
fulfillment of our deepest longings.
(from Receiving the Day)

The scripture lessons for Sunday, December 4, the 2nd Sunday of Advent.
Isaiah 40:1-11
2 Peter 3:8-15
Mark 1:1-8

THE CHRISTMAS SEASON POTLUCK will be held this Sunday, 
December 4, immediately after morning worship.  Bring a salad, side
dish, or dessert.   

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, December 4, 10am, in
Trinity Hall.  Our focus will be "compassion" and the one obstacle that
stands in the way of compassion.  Our conversation will be begin with 
a video presentation by Muslim imam Faisal Abdul Rauf.

The Children's Choir resumes its practice at 10am this Sunday, 
December 4, in Trinity Hall.  All children through elementary age are
invited to participate.

The Children's Christmas Pageant will be held on Sunday, December 11,
during morning worship.  A practice will be held this Sunday, December 4,
during the Sunday School hour (11am).  All children are invited to 
participate.

The annual Walnut Hill Christmas Party will be held on Sunday, 
December 11, 3pm, at 1202 Delong Place.  Bring an hors-d'oeuvre item.
This gathering is intended for adults.

The Giving Tree: Only two ornaments remain on this year's "Giving Tree," 
each representing a gift for an adult member of a Fayette County household.
Look for these ornaments on the bulletin board in the Sanctuary foyer.

ACE Trip - We are currently receiving donations in support of Walnut
Hill's sponsorship of the Athens Chilesburg Elementary School 5th grade
class trip to Washington, DC.  Walnut Hill has committed to sponsor 10
children at $530/each.  Your gift in any amount is appreciated.  Make 
your check payable to Walnut Hill Church, designated "ACE Trip."

CHRISTMAS EVE/DAY SERVICES at Walnut Hill Church:
*Christmas Eve, 5pm, Lessons, Carols, and Candlelight for all 
ages.
*Christmas Day, 11am, Morning Worship & Holy Communion
nursery care and Sunday School for children.  

Peace to all.

Mike Ward


Friday, November 25, 2011

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, November 27, at Walnut Hill Church

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

The Problem of Evil

One of the most perplexing questions about God is:  "If God is all-
powerful, why does God allow evil to exist in the world?"  We will
view some videos exploring aspects of "free will," and explore the
possibility that God "must" allow evil to exist in the world.  We will
also discuss our responsibility to respond to the evil that does 
exist in the world.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

The First Sunday of Advent
Sermon:  Those Were The Days
Text:  Isaiah 64:1-12

Nursery care and Sunday School for children.

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for refreshments and fellowship.

*****
Please note that Children's Choir practice is cancelled for this
Sunday, November 27.  Children's Choir practice will resume
on Sunday, December 4, 10am.

*****

The Giving Tree, Trinity Hall

The Giving Tree will be up and decorated this Sunday in 
Trinity Hall.  Each ornament represents a gift for a child or adult
in Fayette County.  Take an ornament, purchase the suggested
gift, and return the gift and ornament by Sunday, December 18.

CAC Book and Media Drive

This is the final Sunday to bring used books, cds, dvds, and 
vhs tapes to support the Catholic Action Center.  The CAC
will sell the donated items and use the proceeds to support its
various ministries.


Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Greetings to all!

A few thoughts as we prepare to sit down at the Thanksgiving table:

  There is nothing like a special meal to mark a day as important. Certain
times -Thanksgiving, Christmas, Mom's birthday - call for certain foods,
and those who are in the know know which and when.  Food and time
can be so bound together in our memories and affections that the scent
of a certain spice carries us instantly back to a certain day.  Moreover,
some times call not just for special food but for lots of it.  When his grown
children come home, a friend who is the cook in his family makes too
much of everything: here are all their favorites, not one vegetable dish
but three, not one bread basket but two, each overflowing with more 
than the family can eat.  It is his love of them, not merely the food, that
is running over, of course.  Such occasions, whether they are on a 
public calendar or on days known only within a small circle, are not
just meals.  They are feasts.  Food abounds, and so does mercy.
(from Receiving the Day, by Dorothy C. Bass)

In Memory:  Helen L. Watt, a Friend of Walnut Hill Church, departed
this life on November 17, 2011.  Services were held for Helen on 
November 21.  Burial was in the Lexington Cemetery.  Helen's 
survivors include Walnut Hill Church members/friends Rada Jeffers 
and Bob and Natalie Watt.

The scripture lessons for Sunday, November 27, 1st Sunday of Advent:
Isaiah 64:1-9
1 Corinthians 1:3-9
Mark 13:24-37

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, November 27, 10am, in
Trinity Hall.  The morning's topic, "The Problem of Evil," focuses on 
that age-old question, "If God is all-powerful, why does God allow 
evil to exist in the world?"

Children's Choir practice is cancelled for this Sunday, November 27.
Children's Choir practice will resume on Sunday, December 4, 10am.

The Giving Tree will be up this Sunday, November 27, in Trinity Hall.
The Giving Tree is decorated with ornaments, with each ornament 
representing a gift for a child or an adult.  This year's ornaments include
children and adults from three Fayette County families.  Feel free to take 
an ornament, purchase the suggested gift, and return the gift and ornament 
to Walnut Hill by Sunday, December 18.  

Book/Media Drive:  Bring your used books, cds, dvds, and vhs tapes to
Walnut Hill any Sunday in November to benefit the Catholic Action Center.
The CAC will sell the donated items and use the proceeds to support its
various ministries.

The Christmas Season Potluck is coming on Sunday, December 4,
immediately after morning worship.  Bring a salad, side dish, or dessert, 
and your appetite, to this delicious Walnut Hill tradition.

Thanks to all who participated in Walnut Hill's support of the Nathaniel
Mission Community Thanksgiving Dinner, including 16 stuffing sponsors
and 3 delivery persons.  With your help Walnut Hill provided 125 pounds
of stuffing for Tuesday's community Thanksgiving feast.

In case you missed Sunday's Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service (perhaps
due to certain mis-information regarding its location), you might want to try 
the Interfaith Thanksgiving Service to be held Wednesday, November 23, 
7pm, at Temple Adath Israel (124 N. Ashland Ave.).  Persons attending are
invited to bring a non-perishable food item to benefit God's Pantry.
(This information has been double-checked for accuracy!)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Mike Ward

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Thanksgiving Service - CORRECTION

Dear Friends,

The Ecumenical Thanksgiving Worship Service 
to be held on Sunday, November 20, 7pm will be held at

PROVIDENCE CHRISTIAN CHURCH
101 PROVIDENCE WAY
Nicholasville, KY
(behind the Brannon Crossing Shopping Center)


not at the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection as previously
announced.

If you are able to attend, please join us at

Providence Christian Church.

This mistake is all mine, and I regret any inconvenience
it may have created.

Peace,

Mike Ward


Friday, November 18, 2011

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, November 20, at Walnut Hill Church...

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

"Lost Christianities"

The decades after the life of Jesus witnessed a wide variety of Christian
beliefs and practices, many of which faded away, or were pushed aside, in
favor of what became catholic Christianity.  We will explore some of these
"lost Christianities."

Children's Choir, 10am, Trinity Hall

Children through elementary age are invited to gather for music and
singing as the choir prepares for its December 11 Christmas presentation.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon:  Christ the King?
Text:  Matthew 25:31-46
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.

Ecumenical Thanksgiving Worship, 7pm, Church of the Resurrection

All are invited to an Ecumenical Thanksgiving Worship, 7pm, at the 
Episcopal Church of the Resurrection, 3220 Lexington Rd (a.k.a 
Nicholasville Road), just south of Brannon Crossing.  The service is
sponsored by a six church ecumenical cooperative, of which Walnut 
Hill is a member.

*****

CAC Book and Media Drive

Bring your used books, cds, dvds, and vhs tapes to Walnut Hill any 
Sunday of November as part of our book and media drive to benefit
the Catholic Action Center.  The CAC will sell the donated items and
use the proceeds to support its various ministries.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Greetings to all!

This Sunday, November 20, is the Sunday of Christ the King.  What might
it mean in today's world for persons to acknowledge Christ as King? 
Gary Wills offers some thoughts on the subject.

If Jesus did not come to establish a church, why did he come?  He 
said it over and over, from the outset.  He brought us heaven's reign...
The word for "reign" is normally translated "kingdom," but that is a 
misleading term.  It suggests a place or political structure.  The Christian
reign is the personal presence of Jesus...

How does one enter into heaven's reign?...One enters the heavenly 
reign by only one avenue - love.  That avenue not only leads to Jesus.  
It is Jesus.  "I am the path" (John 14:6). Augustine's words on this verse say 
it all: "Where should we go but to him? And how should we go but by way 
of him?  So he goes to himself through himself, and we go to him by way of 
him, and both of us - he and we - arrive at the Father.
(from What Jesus Meant)

The scripture lessons for Sunday, November 20, Christ the King:
Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24
Ephesians 1:15-23
Matthew 25:31-46

Men's Coffee:  Men are invited to gather for coffee each Saturday morning,
8am, at Paneras on Richmond Road.  No program, just conversation.  Stay 
for as long or short a time as your schedule allows.  No rsvp required.

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, November 20, 10am, in 
Trinity Hall.  This Sunday's conversation focuses on "Lost Christianities",
revealing the many approaches to Christian belief active in the years 
following the life of Jesus.

The Children's Choir continues practicing each Sunday morning at 10am,
in Trinity Hall.  All children through elementary age are invited to participate.

An Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service will be held on Sunday, November 20,
7pm, at The Episcopal Church of the Resurrection, 3220 Lexington Road
(a.k.a. Nicholasville Road), just south of Brannon Crossing.  The service is
sponsored by a six-church ecumenical cooperative, of which Walnut Hill
is a member.

Support the Catholic Action Center by bringing your used books, CDs,
DVDs, and VHS tapes to Walnut Hill any Sunday during November.  
The CAC will sell the donated items and use the proceeds to support its
various ministries.

Congregational Meeting:  Copies of the materials distributed at last 
Sunday's congregational meeting are available in the Sanctuary foyer or 
by request from the church office.  Materials include the 2012 budget summary,
2012 detail budget, and statement of church assets, 

In the Community:  On Friday, November 18, 5pm - 8pm, at the Lexington
Opera House will be a showing of artwork by "homeless" veterans for whom
Lexington is "home."  The showing is titled, "Please Don't Leave Me Homeless."
At 8pm, also at the Opera House, will be a presentation of "Please Don't Call
Me Homeless.  I Don't Call You Homed," which is written and performed by
persons who have lived on the streets of Lexington.  Both events are free and
open to the public.  Donations to benefit the Catholic Action Center will be 
accepted.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Friday, November 11, 2011

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, November 13, at Walnut Hill Church...

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

The Gospel of Mary

We will discuss the The Gospel of Mary (Magdalene), one of several early
Christian writings not included in our New Testament.  Though only a 
fragment of The Gospel of Mary remains, it presents a unique view of
Jesus, Mary Magdalene, and the other disciples.

Children's Choir, 10am, Trinity Hall

Children through elementary age are invited to gather for music and singing 
as they prepare for a presentation on Sunday morning, December 11.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon:  Business as Usual?
Text:  Matthew 25:14-30

Nursery care and Sunday School for children.

Congregational Meeting, after worship, Sanctuary

The Annual Meeting of the Congregation includes the election of Vestry
persons, approving the Pastor's terms of call, and presentation of the 2012 
budget.

Cemetery Association Meeting, after worship, Sanctuary

The Annual Meeting of the Cemetery Association includes the election of
Cemetery Association officers as well as review of the Cemetery Association's
activities and finances for the past year.

The Greatest Prayer study, 4:30pm, at the Wards' home

We conclude our study of the Lord's Prayer focusing on the petitions, 
"Forgive us our debts...Lead us not into temptation."  All are welcome!

*****

An Easy Way to Give:  Bring your used (but good condition) books, CDs,
DVDs, and VHS tapes to Walnut Hill any Sunday in November.  The 
Catholic Action Center will sell these donated items and use the proceeds
to support its various ministries.  A donation box is located just inside the
double doors leading into Trinity Hall.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Greetings to all!

Friday is Veterans Day.  Recent reports concerning Iraq and Afghanistan 
veterans remind us that the "war" does not end for many of these men
and women when they return to the United States.  Many carry with them
visible and invisible wounds requiring months, years, maybe a lifetime of
care.  The challenge of caring for wounded veterans recalls the well-known
words of Abraham Lincoln spoken with the end of the Civil War in sight.
May we, as a nation, meet Lincoln's challenge in all respects.

With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right,
as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are
in; to bind up the nation's wounds; to care for him who shall have borne
the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan - to do all which may achieve
and cherish a just, and a lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all
nations.
(from The Second Inaugural Address)

In memory:  We have received news of the death of George Cannon.
George and his late wife Lil were longtime members and faithful 
supporters of Walnut Hill.  More recently George had been living near
his family in Arizona.  Service arrangements are incomplete at this time.

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, November 13, 10am, in 
Trinity Hall with a discussion of the Gospel of Mary (Magdalene), one
of a collection of early Christian writings that did not become part of
our New Testament.  Come enjoy a cup of coffee, join the conversation,
or just listen in.

The Children's Choir continues its practice sessions this Sunday, 
November 13, 10am, in Trinity Hall.  All children through elementary
age are invited to participate.

The Vestry will meet this Sunday, November 13, 9:30am, in the upstairs
office of Trinity Hall.

The Annual Meetings of the Congregation and Cemetery Association
of Walnut Hill Church will be held on Sunday, November 13, immediately
after morning worship, in the Sanctuary.

The Greatest Prayer study of the Lord's Prayer concludes this Sunday,
November 13, 4:30pm, at the home of Mike Ward.  Our focus for this
Sunday will be the petitions, "Forgive us our debts...Lead us not into
temptation..."  All are welcome.

Two Ways to Give:
*Bring your used books, DVDs, CDs, and VHS tapes any Sunday
in November to benefit the Catholic Action Center and its various 
ministries.  The CAC will sell the donated items to support its work.
*Sponsor a tray of stuffing (a.k.a. dressing) for the Nathaniel
Mission Community Thanksgiving Dinner.  Up to 500 diners are 
anticipated.  You can sponsor a tray of stuffing for $20 (cash, or check
payable to Walnut Hill Church, designated "stuffing").

Peace to all.

Mike Ward




 

Friday, November 4, 2011

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, November 6, at Walnut Hill Church...

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Blest Be The Tie...

We will explore ways in which Walnut Hill might stay connected with
our members who find themselves homebound.  Sharing in our conversation 
will be Dr. Gary Stewart who was instrumental in founding Lexington's 
Faith In Action Elder Outreach Program. FIA's mission is to help to older adults 
live independently in their own homes.

Children's Choir, 10am, Trinity Hall

Children through elementary age are invited to gather for music and
singing in anticipation of their upcoming Christmas season presentation.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary, All Saints' Sunday

Sermon:  What Are They Doing Now?
Text:  Revelation 7:9-17

The Sacrament of Holy Communion
Community Fund Grant presentation to Faith In Action

Nursery care and Sunday School for children.

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for refreshments and fellowship.

The Greatest Prayer study, 4:30pm, the Wards' home

We continue our study of the Lord's Prayer focusing on the petitions,
"Thy will be done....Give us this day our daily bread."  All are welcome.

*****

Two Ways to Give
*Bring your used (in good condition) books, CDs, DVDs, and VHS tapes
to Walnut Hill any Sunday in November.  Donated items will be sold by
the Catholic Action Center to support its various ministries.
*You may sponsor a $20 tray of stuffing (a.k.a. dressing) for the Nathaniel
Mission Community Thanksgiving Dinner.  Approximately 20 trays will
be needed.  Make your check payable to Walnut Hill Church, designated
"stuffing".


Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Greetings to all!

November 1 was All Saints' Day, which we will observe this Sunday, November 6.
We often think of "saints", past or present, as being somehow separate from 
the ordinary world and its experiences.  Thomas Merton offers a different 
view of saints.

It is not true that the saints and the great contemplatives never loved created
things, and had no understanding or appreciation of the world, with its sights
and sounds and the people living in it.  They loved everything and everyone.
Do you think that their love of God was compatible with a hatred for things
that reflected Him and spoke of Him on every side?
You will say that they were supposed to be absorbed in God and they
had no eyes to see anything but Him.  Do you think they walked around with
faces like stones and did not listen to the voices of men speaking to them or
understanding the joys and sorrows of those who were around them?
It was because the saints were absorbed in God that they were truly 
capable of seeing and appreciating created things, and it was because they
loved God alone that they alone loved everybody.
(from New Seeds of Contemplation)

The scripture lessons for Sunday, November 6, All Saints' Sunday:
Revelation 7:9-17
1 John 3:1-3
Matthew 5:1-12

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, November 6, 10am, in 
Trinity Hall.  Our topic will be Blest Be the Ties..., focusing on ways in
which Walnut Hill might stay connected with our homebound members and 
friends.  Our guest for the morning will be Dr. Gary Stewart.

The Children's Choir continues its Christmas season practice this Sunday, 
November 6, 10am, in Trinity Hall.  All children through elementary age are 
invited to particitipate.

"The Greatest Prayer" study of the Lord's Prayer continues this Sunday,
November 6, 4:30pm, at the home of Mike and Barb Ward.  Our focus will be
the phrases "...Thy will be done...Give us today our daily bread."  All are 
invited. 

Two Ways to Give:
-Bring your used books, CDs, DVDs, and VHS tapes to Walnut Hill 
any Sunday in November to benefit the Catholic Action Center and its 
various ministries.  The CAC will sell the donated items to support its work.
-Sponsor a tray of stuffing (a.k.a. - dressing) for the Nathaniel 
Mission Community Thanksgiving Dinner.  Up to 500 diners are anticipated.
You can sponsor a tray of stuffing for $20 (cash or check payable to 
Walnut Hill Church, designated "stuffing").

The Annual Meetings of the Walnut Hill Church Congregation and 
Cemetery Association will be held Sunday, November 13, immediately 
following morning worship.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward