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
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