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
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