Friday, February 25, 2011

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, February 27, at Walnut Hill Church...

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Jesus in the Memory of the Church
-a video lecture by Luke Timothy Johnson

For the first 30 years of the Christian movement, there were no
Gospels to tell the story of the life of Jesus as early Christians 
were spread out in small communities around the Mediterranean
world.  During these years, memories of Jesus were selected and 
shaped by the experiences and convictions of believers.  The 
settings and problems of these early communities and the process
of oral transmission provide the context in which the life of Jesus 
was remembered and then written as the Gospels.
 
(Nursery care will be available for children.)

Morning Worship, 11am. Sanctuary

Sermon:  A Divine Tattoo
Text:  Isaiah 49:8-16

(The Sacrament of Baptism)

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children.

After Worship Fellowship, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for refreshments and conversation.

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Greetings to all!

Events in North Africa, particularly Libya, have taken a tragic turn in recent
days, a sign of what happens when rulers value their power more than 
their people.  These and other recent events in the world make us aware 
of how small the global neighborhood really is, prompting a new asking of
old questions such as the one put to Jesus, "Who is my neighbor?"  (Luke 10)
Dr. Olav Fykse Tveit, General Secretary of the World Council of Churches, 
reflected on that question last month when he addressed the World Islamic
Call Society in Tripoli, Libya.

Who is my neighbor?  The theme I have chosen for my presentation here 
today is a question that might sound as though it is coming from somebody
who has just moved somewhere or somebody who is living next door to 
strangers.  The question is, however, a very real one for many people in the
world today.  People move and change their context and country; the great
movements of migration are significant features of our time...As we more 
and more realize that we live in a global village, we need to ask the same 
question in a new way.  Who is my neighbor?  We are living in a time when
we all need to realize that we do not live alone on our street; we are not
independent, we are interdependent.  In this new enlarged reality of 
neighborhood and neighborliness, we all need one another.  In this way
the question is also transformed into a different question: What kind of
neighbor am I?
(from the WCC web site)

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, February 27:
Isaiah 49:8-16
1 Corinthians 4:1-5
Matthew 6:24-34

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, February 27, 10am in 
Trinity Hall.  This Sunday's conversation focuses on a video presentation by
Dr. Luke Timothy Johnson titled, "Jesus in the Memory of the Church."  Come
enjoy a cup of coffee, join the conversation, or just listen in.  Nursery care
is available for children.

Thinking about the Garden:  - Last year's Walnut Hill gardeners have already
received a note from Glenna Fay asking their thoughts about the 2011 
Walnut Hill Garden.  If you have not been among the Walnut Hill gardeners
in past seasons, this is your invitation to get in on the conversation and 
consider having a plot for your household's enjoyment.  Use reply email to
let us know of your interest, and we will put you in contact with Glenna.

Thanks, news, etc...
*Thanks to...Megan Smith, Spencer Horman, Stephen Trail, Ben Horman,
Grant and Whitty Rea for their service and leadership during worship last Sunday;
Lynn and Bob Rushing, Nell and Mark Horman for providing our after worship
refreshments.
 *It was another banner day in the Sunday School last Sunday with 25 children
participating.  Thanks to Stephanie Prewitt, Monta Rae Cook, and Derek Vaughan
for their work with the children and youth.  Contact Lauren Fouts for information
on how you can help "welcome the children" on Sunday mornings.
*Mike Ward will be attending the Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese
of Lexington meeting this week in Morehead, Kentucky.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward 

Friday, February 18, 2011

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

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

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Bible Study: The New Testament and Bible Characters

For the next several Sundays we will experiment with a new discussion
format, a series of video presentations by biblical scholars Amy Jill
Levine and Luke Timothy Johnson.  These in-depth scholarly presentations 
offer new insights regarding the New Testament writings and the 
characters who fill the pages of both Old and New Testaments. 
Come enjoy a cup of coffee, join the conversation, or just listen in.

Nursery care will be available for children.

Morning Worship, 11am. Sanctuary

Sermon:  Signs of the Times: Reflections on Egypt
Text:  Matthew 16:1-4

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children.

After Worship Fellowship, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for refreshments and conversation.


Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Greetings to all!

Recent demonstrations in the great cities of the mid-east have created some 
uncertainty for persons in the West who wonder what the outcome will be.  
There are no guarantees; yet, we do well not to be pessimistic about the 
possibilities for those involved, and for the world. The late, and to many 
controversial, former prime minister of Pakistan, Benazir Bhutto, offered her 
assessment of the possibilities for Islamic culture.

Despite the protestations and assertions of some, and despite skepticism
outside our own community, the vast majority of the billion Muslims in the
world embrace a peaceful, tolerant, open, rational, and loving religion that
codifies democratic values.  It is a religion that sanctifies the traditions of the
past while embracing the hope for progress in the future...This is the true Islam, in
contrast to the perversion that has been espoused by extremists and militants and
the caricature that is too often accepted in the West. The greatest and purest source 
is the words of the Prophet himself.  And when the Prophet speaks of "Allah," he is 
speaking of God, the same monolithic God of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. 
"God" is a translation of the Arabic word "Allah," not just the God of Islam but rather 
the God of monotheism, the God of all who believe in Him and believe that He is the 
Creator of the Universe, of this world and the hereafter.
(from Reconciliation)

In Memory:  Mary Turner Anderson departed this life on February 10, at the 
age of 93.  Mary and her late husband, Dick, were long time and beloved members 
of Walnut Hill Church.  Services and burial for Mary were held at Walnut Hill Church 
and Cemetery on Monday, February 14.

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, February 20:
Isaiah 19:18-25
Acts 2:1-12
Matthew 16:1-3

Men's Coffee:  Walnut Hill men are invited to gather for coffee this Saturday,
February 19, 8am, at Paneras on Richmond Road.  Feel free to stop in for as
long or short a time as your schedule allows.  No rsvp required.

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, February 20, 10am, in Trinity
Hall.  Sunday Conversations include a wide variety of topics from week to
week.  Feel free to enjoy a cup of coffee, join the conversation, or just listen in. 

Youth Sunday: We continue this month in designating the 3rd Sunday as 
"Youth Sunday," an opportunity for young people (middle and high school) to
assist and lead in worship.  Use reply email if there is a "youth" in your home who
would like to be part of this Sunday's leadership.  Both speaking and non-
speaking roles are available.

Thanks, news, etc...
*Thanks to...scouts and their leaders, both members of Walnut Hill and
visitors, for their participation in our "Scout Sunday" observance; Julia and 
Charles Snow for providing our refreshments last Sunday.
*You might have noticed the wonderful increase in the number of children
present on recent Sunday mornings.  Their presence is a great gift, and an 
opportunity for you to serve by assisting in the Sunday School.  Contact Lauren
Fouts for more information on how you might help.  You may volunteer for one
Sunday or more as your schedule allows.  Thanks to numerous parents, grandparents, 
and other adults who have been helping Walnut Hill "welcome the children."
*"The Souper Bowl" results are in:  Over $250 was raised for God's Pantry
to help support hunger relief in central and eastern Kentucky.  Thanks to all
those who participated.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward 





Friday, February 11, 2011

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

Sunday, February 13, at Walnut Hill Church...

"Let The Children Come to Me", 10am, Trinity Hall

Children through elementary age are invited to explore
and learn about the elements of worship and the Bible, 
which are foundational for religious education.  

"Sunday Conversations", 10am, Trinity Hall

From a Woman's Perspective: Phyllis Trible

This Sunday continues a series of six conversations focusing
on women in biblical and church tradition.  This week we 
focus on a "feminist approach" to the Scriptures as offered by
theologian Phyllis Trible.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon -  From the Letter to the Spirit
Text - Matthew 5:21-48

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to enjoy refreshments and fellowship.




Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Greetings to all!

I happened upon an interesting reflection by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Lutheran
theologian and churchman, who was imprisoned and then executed by the
Nazi regime during World War 2.  Bonhoeffer's imprisonment provided occasion 
for him to think about what it means to "trust" God with our lives.

I believe that we ought to so love and trust God in our lives, and in all good
things that he sends us, that when the time comes (but not before!) we may
go to him with love, trust, and joy.  But, to put it plainly, for a man in his wife's
arms to be hankering after the other world is, in mild terms, a piece of bad
taste, and not God's will.  We ought to find and love God in what he actually
gives us; if it pleases God to allow us to enjoy some overwhelming earthly
happiness, we mustn't try to be more pious than God himself and allow our
happiness to be corrupted by presumption and arrogance, and by unbridled
religious fantasy which is never satisfied with what God gives.  God will see
to it that the one who finds him in earthly happiness and thanks him for it 
does not lack reminder that earthly things are transient, that it is good to 
attune one's heart to what is eternal, and that sooner or later there will be 
times when one can say in all sincerity, "I wish I were home."  But
everything has its time, and the main thing is that we keep step with God, 
and do not keep pressing on a few steps ahead - nor keep dawdling a
step behind.
(from Letters and Papers from Prison)

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, February 13:
Deuteronomy 30:15-20
1 Corinthians 3:1-9
Matthew 5:21-37

Attention Scouts:  This Sunday, February 13, we would like to recognize girls
and boys involved in scouting programs.  "Scouts" are encouraged to wear
their uniforms, and a simple ceremony of recognition will be observed early
in the worship hour before the children are dismissed for Sunday School. 
Contact Mike by reply email if a "scout" in your family would like to have an
active part in this Sunday's recognition.

Let the Children Come to Me is  the title of a six Sunday series of lessons  for 
children introducing them to worship and the Bible concluding this Sunday, 
February 13, 10am, in Trinity Hall.  Take note these lessons are different from 
those being presented during the 11am Sunday School class.

Sunday Conversations continue  this Sunday, February 13, 10am, in Trinity Hall, 
completing our series, From a Woman's Perspectivehighlighting the stories and 
witness of women from biblical tradition and church history.  This Sunday we focus 
on theologian Phyllis Trible and her approach to a feminist interpretation of Scripture.

The Episcopal Diocese of Lexington Annual Convention will be held Thursday
through Friday, February 24 -26, at Morehead, KY.  Mike Ward will be attending 
on Friday and invites interested persons to join him as part of a Walnut Hill delegation.
Feel free to contact Mike for more information.

Thanks to...the Choir, Barbara & Chris Bohmer, Phil Bloomfield, Cory and Aaron
Sharrard, Stephen Trail and Ben Horman for their service during worship;  Ruth
Sharrard and Ellen Cornett for their leadership during our Sunday Conversation; 
the Vestry for their service and meeting; Stephanie Prewitt and Bob Rushing for 
their assistance during the Sunday School hour; Soup chefs, youth helpers, and all
those who participated in the Souper Bowl last Sunday.   It was a full and good 
morning!

Peace to all!

Mike Ward 
 

Friday, February 4, 2011

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

Sunday, February 6, at Walnut Hill Church...

"Let The Children Come to Me", 10am, Trinity Hall

Children through elementary age are invited to explore
and learn about the elements of worship and the Bible, 
which are foundational for religious education.  

"Sunday Conversations", 10am, Trinity Hall

From a Woman's Perspective: Dorothy Day

This Sunday continues a series of six conversations focusing
on women in biblical and church tradition.  In the spirit of the
life and words of Dorothy Day, Ellen Cornett will share some 
of her recent experience serving at the Catholic Action Center.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon -  Here I Am!
Text - Isaiah 58:1 - 9

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children

Souper Bowl Sunday, Noon, Trinity Hall

Enjoy a bowl of delicious soup, and make a donation to support
hunger relief efforts in Lexington.

****
Remember that in case of inclement weather on Sunday, you
can call the church office (263-5304) after 9am on Sunday 
morning to hear a recorded message regarding the status of 
that day's worship and other activities.



Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Greetings to all!

Recent events in Egypt have drawn attention to a part of the world rich in history,
including Christian history.  The Christian church in Egypt (the Coptic Church) is 
among the oldest of all Christian traditions, boasting many early monks, teachers, 
and church leaders, including St. Macarius of Egypt, among the greatest of the 4th 
century "desert fathers."  Particularly in these days, as a simple act of solidarity with 
the Egyptian people, you might consider using St. Macarius' prayer of "Morning Praise" 
as part of your spiritual practice.

To thee, O Master that lovest all people, I hasten on rising from sleep;  by thy mercy I 
go forth to do thy work, and I pray thee: help me at all times, in everything; deliver me 
from every evil thing in this world and from every attack of the devil; save me and bring 
me to thine eternal kingdom.  For thou art my Creator, the Giver and Provider of everything 
good; in thee is all my hope, and to thee I ascribe glory, now and ever, and to the ages of 
ages.  Amen.

(from An African Prayer Book)

In Memory:  Walnut Hill member Dr. Charles Eastin departed this life on Friday, January 28.  
Services for Charles will be held at Walnut Hill Church on Saturday, February 5, 10am, with 
burial to follow in Lexington Cemetery.

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, February 6, Holy Communion:
Isaiah 58:1-9
1 Corinthians 2:1-12
Matthew 5:13-20

Men's Coffee:  Men are invited to gather for coffee this Saturday, February 5, 8am, 
at Paneras on Richmond Road.  Feel free to stop in for as long or short a time as your 
schedule allows.  No rsvp required.

Let the Children Come to Me is  the title of a six Sunday series of lessons  for children 
introducing them to worship and the Bible continuing this Sunday, February 6, 10am, 
in Trinity Hall.  Take note these lessons are different from those being presented during 
the 11am Sunday School class.

Sunday Conversations continue  this Sunday, February 6, 10am, in Trinity Hall.  Our 
conversation focus for these Sundays isFrom a Woman's Perspectivehighlighting the 
stories and witness of women from biblical tradition and church history.  This Sunday we
focus on life and witness of Dorothy Day, Catholic social activist, with particular attention
to the local work of the Catholic Action Center, as shared with us by Ellen Cornett.

Souper Bowl Sunday: This Sunday, February 6, is "Souper Bowl Sunday" at Walnut Hill.  
Come and enjoy a bowl of soup and make a donation to support hunger relief efforts locally
and around the world.  A few soup chefs are still needed.  Use reply email to volunteer a pot 
of soup for this great occasion and cause.

Sunday School News:  Twenty-three children were in attendance for Sunday School (11am hour) 
last Sunday!  Special thanks to Stephanie Prewitt and Monta Rae Cook for their work with these 
children. This Sunday, February 6, the children will be working on a Sunday School craft involving 
empty egg cartons.  If you have a spare egg carton around your house, bring it on Sunday and 
drop it off in Trinity Hall on your way in to worship.

The Vestry will meet this Sunday, February 6, 9:30am, in the upstairs office in Trinity Hall.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward