Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, December 30, at Walnut Hill Church...

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - "Let Your Servant Depart in Peace"

Text - Luke 2:22-40

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for refreshments and fellowship.

(Bring a plate of cookies or other leftover Christmas treats.)_

*****

Sunday Conversations will resume on January 6.

Walnut HIll Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Greetings to all!

We continue our reflection on the event of Jesus' birth with thoughts 

from Frederick Buechner.

   For better or worse, it is a truth that, for twenty centuries, there have

been untold numbers of men and women who, in untold numbers of

ways, have been so grasped by the child who was born, so caught up

in the message he taught and the life he lived, that they have found 

themselves profoundly changed by their relationship with him.  And

they have gone on proclaiming, as the writers of the Gospels 

proclaimed before them, that through the birth of Jesus a life-giving

power was released into the world which to their minds could have

been no less than the power of God himself.  This is the central truth

that Matthew and Luke are trying to convey in their accounts of the

Nativity.  And it was a truth which no language or legend seemed too

extravagant to convey.  What the birth meant - meant to them, to the

world - was the truth that mattered to them most and, when all is said

and done, perhaps the only truth that matters to anyone.

(from Listening to Your Life)

The scripture lessons, for Sunday, December 30...

1 Samuel 2:18- 20, 26

Colossians 3:12-17

Luke 2:25 - 40

Men's Coffee - Walnut HIll men are invited to gather for coffee on 

Saturday mornings, 8am, at Paneras on Richmond Rd.  Feel free to stop

by for as long or short a time as your schedule allows.  No rsvp required.

Sunday Conversations will be on holiday break this Sunday.  Look 

for Sunday Conversations to resume on Sunday, January 6.

Morning Worship will be held at its usual 11am time this Sunday,

December 30.  Nursery care and Sunday School will be available for

children.

Sunday Refreshments this Sunday, December 30, will be an opportunity 

to share your leftover holiday goodies.  Bring a plate of whatever holiday treat

you have available and would like to share with the church community.

Christmas Eve brought a full Sanctuary of Walnut Hill members, friends,

and visitors.  Thanks to all who attended and to many who contributed

toward the Innkeeper's Offering, a total of $821, to support the provision of

shelter and other services for homeless children, women, and families.

Thank you to all those who by words, cards, and gifts shared the good

spirit of this season with the Ward family.  We are grateful for all these 

expressions of holiday cheer, and we are grateful for the Walnut Hill 

community.

Merry Christmas!

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, December 23, at Walnut Hill Church...

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Christmas...According to Luke

We will explore Luke's perspective on the Christmas story and 

discover the particular messages contained therein.  To read

Luke's story in advance of our conversation, see Luke 1 - 2.

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

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon:  Like Mother, Like Son

Text:  Luke 1:39-56

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children

(a "birthday party" for Jesus)

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for refreshments and fellowship.

*****

And on Monday, December 24, Christmas Eve...

Carols and Candlelight, 5pm, Sanctuary

All ages are invited to a service of readings, carols, and

candlelight.  Younger children will be invited to assemble

the Christmas creche.  The "Innkeeper's Offering" will be

received to support the Salvation Army's ministry of shelter

to homeless children, women, and families. 

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Greetings to all!

   When the angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would be the mother

of one who would lead the people, her response was understandable, 

"How can this be...?"  To which the angel replied, "The power of the Most High 

will overshadow you; therefore the child will be called Son of God." Kathleen 

Norris reflects on the word "therefore."

   The angel's "therefore" seems alarmingly significant, the seed of what

Christian theologians have for well over a thousand years termed the

scandal of the Incarnation.  It also resonates with my own life.  When a 

place or time seems touched by God, it is an overshadowing, a sudden

eclipsing of my priorities and plans.  But even in terrible circumstances and

calamities, in matters of life and death, if I sense that I am in the shadow of

God, I find light, so much light that my vision improves dramatically.  I know

that holiness is near.

   And it is not robed in majesty.  It does not assert itself with the raw power

of empire (not even the little empire of the self in which I all too often reside),

but it waits in puzzlement, it hesitates.  Coming from Galilee, as it were, from

a place of little hope, it reveals the ordinary circumstances of my life to be

full of mystery, and gospel, which means "good news."

(from the essay "Incarnation" as found in Amazing Grace)

 

The scripture lessons for Sunday, Dec 23, the 4th Sunday of Advent...

Micah 5:2-5

Hebrews 10:5-10

Luke 1:39-55

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, Dec 23, 10am, with our topic 

being "Christmas...according to Luke."   We will explore Luke's perspective 

on the Christmas story.  Come enjoy a cup of coffee, join the conversation, 

or just listen in.

"A Birthday Party" for Jesus will be held during the 11am hour Sunday 

School this Sunday, December 23, at Walnut Hill.  All Sunday School 

children are invited.  As presents, the children are invited to bring warm

hats/gloves that will be donated to neighbors needing them.  Walnut Hill Youth 

(middle and high school) are welcome to help with these festivities.

Christmas Eve at Walnut Hill - All ages are invited to gather at 5:00pm on 

Monday, December 24, for a service of lessons, carols, and candlelight.

Walnut Hill Cookbooks are available for your last minute Christmas gift giving. 

 Look for copies in the Sanctuary foyer and in Trinity Hall.

Thanks...

...to all who contributed toward our Christmas Giving Tree program.

A "sleigh" full of gifts have been delivered to two Lexington families (4 adults 

and 9 children).

...to all who sponsored poinsettias, provided plant cuttings, and helped in 

decorating the Sanctuary for Christmas.  

...to all who attended the annual Walnut Hill Christmas Party, with special 

thanks to our hosts, Mary Ann & J.W. Davis.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, December 16, at Walnut Hill Church...

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Christmas ... According to Matthew

This Sunday and next we will explore the Christmas narratives

as found in Matthew and Luke, discovering their points of 

agreement and difference as well as the messages they were

trying to convey to their first readers and to us.  To read 

Matthew's story ahead of our conversation, see Matthew 1 - 2.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - The Perfect Choice

Text - Matthew 1:18-25

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children

Walnut Hill Christmas Party, 3pm, 993 Turkey Foot Rd

Bring an hors-d'oeuvre item and join us for this festive 

Walnut Hill tradition.

*****

"Giving Tree" ornaments and gifts are due back at Walnut Hill

this Sunday, December 16.

Walnut Hill Cookbooks are available for your holiday season

purchase.  Look for copies in the Sanctuary foyer.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Greetings to all!

We are drawing ever closer to Christmas and our attention turns toward 

the stories of Jesus' birth as found in Matthew and Luke.  New Testament 

theologian, Marcus Borg, offers a contemporary interpretation of those 

ancient stories.

With their stories of Jesus' conception by the Spirit, both Matthew and

Luke affirm that what happened in Jesus was not simply "of the flesh,"

but also "of God"- that is, "of the Spirit."  Both powerfully express the

ancient theme of light coming into darkness, Matthew with the star

shining as a beacon to the wise men, Luke with the glory of God 

appearing in the night sky as the angels sing to the shepherds.  The

decision of the Christian church in the fourth century to celebrate

Jesus' birth at the time of the winter solstice expresses this symbolism

perfectly (at least in the Northern Hemisphere):  he is born at the time

of deepest darkness, and his birth is the coming of the light.  Or, to put

it even more compactly, Jesus is the light in our darkness.

(from Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time)

The scripture lesson for Sunday, Dec. 16, the 3rd Sunday of Advent.

Matthew 1:18-25

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, December 16, 10am, in

Trinity Hall.  Our topic will be "Christmas...According to Matthew," the

first of two Sundays talking about the Christmas narratives in Matthew

and Luke.  Come enjoy a cup of coffee, join the conversation, or just

listen in.

THE WALNUT HILL CHURCH CHRISTMAS PARTY will be held this

Sunday, December 16, 3pm - 5pm, at 993 Turkey Foot Road.  Bring an

hors-d'oeuvres item.  This gathering is intended for adults.  Watch for

more information via an email on Thursday. Don't miss this festive Walnut 

Hill tradition!

"Giving Tree" gifts and ornaments are due back at Walnut Hill Church 

this Sunday, December 16, so that they can be distributed in time for 

Christmas.  Thanks to all who are participating in this local outreach.

We will be decorating the Sanctuary for Christmas and doing other 

holiday preparations at Walnut Hill this Saturday morning, December 15.  

If you would like to help, use reply email or call the church office (263-5304) 

for more information.

"Carols and Candlelight," a worship service for all ages, will be held

on Monday, December 24, 5pm, at Walnut Hill Church.

A Service of Ordination and Consecration installing the Very Rev.

Douglas Hahn as Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Lexington will

be held this Saturday, December 15, 11am, at Christ Church Cathedral.

Visit www.diolex.org for more details.

Walnut Hill Cookbooks are still available for your Christmas season

giving.  Copies are $10/each.  Look for cookbooks in the Sanctuary foyer

and in Trinity Hall.

 

Thanks to all the children, youth, and adults who worked together to 

present a delightful pageant at Walnut Hill this past Sunday morning.  

Thanks also to the youth who brought caps, gloves, and scarves to their

Sunday evening Christmas party.  These items will be donated to the 

Catholic Action Center for distribution to their guests.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, December 9, at Walnut Hill Church....

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Every Person's Rights

On the eve of Human Rights Day (Dec 10), we will explore the

"Universal Declaration of Human Rights," the adoption of which

on December 10, 1948, established Human Rights Day.  Have

we made progress toward the ideals expressed therein?  To 

review the declaration ahead of time, visit...

www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/index.shtml

Pageant Practice, 10am, Trinity Hall

All children and youth are requested to gather in Trinity Hall to

don their costumes and/or practice their parts for the children's

Christmas presentation.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - In Real Time

Text - Luke 3:1-6

Walnut Hill Christmas Pageant

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for refreshments and fellowship.

Youth Christmas Party, 5:30pm, 341 Albany Road

Youth (middle and high school) are invited to the Wards' for

a celebration of the season.  Use reply email or call 263-5304

for more information or to rsvp.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Greetings to all!

I was recently reminded of some thoughts regarding Christmas offered by 

Charles Dickens as spoken by the character "Fred," Scrooge's nephew, in

the novel, A Christmas Carol.  Fred is defending his appreciation for 

Christmas in response to Scrooge's charge that Christmas offers no "profit."

"There are many things from which I might have derived good, by which I

have not profited, I dare say ... Christmas among the rest.  But I am sure I

have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come around - apart

from the veneration due to its sacred name and origin, if anything belonging

to it can be apart from that - as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable,

pleasant time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when

men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely,

and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow-passengers

to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys.  

And therefore, uncle, though it has never put a scrap of gold or silver in my

pocket, I believe that it has done me good, and will do me good; and I say,

God bless it!"

IN MEMORY - SHIRLEY N. RILEY

Walnut Hill Church member Shirley Riley departed this life on Monday,

December 3.  Services for Shirley will be held at Walnut Hill Church on

Friday, December 7, 10:00 am.  Visitation will be held at Kerr Brothers

(Harrodsburg Rd) on Thursday, December 6, 5:00 - 8:00 pm.

The scripture lessons for Sunday, December 9, the 2nd Sunday of Advent:

Malachi 3:1-4

Philippians 1:3-11

Luke 3:1-6

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, December 9, 10am, in the

upstairs office of Trinity Hall.  Our focus for the morning will be "Human

Rights Day," which happens to fall on December 10. 

Pageant Practice -  All children and youth participating in the Walnut 

Hill Christmas Pageant are asked to gather at 10am, December 9,

in Trinity Hall.  The children will don their costumes and practice their

parts in anticipation of their presentation during the worship hour.

Youth (middle and high school) are invited to a Walnut Hill Church Youth

Christmas Party on Sunday, December 9, 5:30pm, at 341 Albany Road.

Use reply email or call the church office for more information.

The Walnut Hill Christmas Party (for adults) will be held on Sunday,

December 16, 3pm, at 993 Turkey Foot Road.  Bring an hors-d'oeuvres

item.  

Poinsettias - We are currently welcoming sponsors for Walnut Hill's

Christmas poinsettias, which will be used to decorate the Sanctuary.

Plants are $20/each.  Poinsettia sponsors are welcome to take their

plants home after the season is complete.

The Walnut Hill Church Cookbook is available for purchase at $10/copy.

The cookbook contains recipes from current members and friends as 

well as some from Walnut Hill's "saints."  Cookbooks are available in the

foyer of the Sanctuary and Trinity Hall.

Thanks to all who picked up ornaments from the "The Giving Tree."  

Please return your ornaments, with the suggested gift, by Sunday, 

December 16.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

This Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

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

CHRISTMAS SEASON POTLUCK

(see details below)

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Outside In vs. Inside Out

We will engage a "sermon talkback" exploring the ideas raised in last 

Sunday's sermon about authority, external and internal.  If you would 

like to review the sermon, visit www.walnuthill.posterous.com

(scroll down to the sermon recording), or request a written copy by

reply email.

Children's Choir, 10am, Trinity Hall

Children through elementary age are invited to gather for music and

singing in preparation for a Sunday morning presentation on Dec 9.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon:   Endings and Beginnings

Text:  Luke 21:25-36

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children

Christmas Potluck, Noon, Trinity Hall

Bring a salad, side dish, or dessert, and your appetite.  Don't miss

this delicious Walnut Hill tradition!

Youth Gathering, 5;30pm, Walnut Hill

Youth (middle and high school) will be receiving and practicing their 

parts for the Dec 9 Christmas presentation.

******

THE NEW WALNUT HILL COOKBOOK is in and ready for purchase!  

Buy several for your family and friends.  Proceeds support the ministry of 

Walnut Hill Church.  These will be great stocking stuffers, and a delicious 

way to spread the good news about Walnut Hill Church.

The Giving Tree:  Four (4) ornaments remain on The Giving Tree.  Pick 

up an ornament.  Purchase the suggested gift.  Return the ornament and

gift by December 16.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Greetings to all!

This Sunday, December 2, is the First Sunday of Advent, the season

of waiting, anticipation, and preparation for the coming (advent) of

Christ into the world at Bethlehem, and into our hearts wherever we

are.  Ann Weems captures a sense of the season in her poem,

"In December Darkness."

The whole world waits in December darkness

for a glimpse of the Light of God.

Even those who snarl "Humbug!"

and chase away the carolers

have been seen looking toward the skies.

The one who declared he never would forgive

has forgiven,

   and those who left home

have returned,

   and even wars are halted,

if briefly,

   as the whole world looks starward.

In the December darkness

we peer from our windows

   watching for an angel with rainbow wings

to announce the Hope of the World.

(as found in Kneeling in Bethlehem)

The scripture lessons for Sunday, December 2, the 1st Sunday of 

Advent:

Jeremiah 33:14-16

1 Thessalonians 3:9-13

Luke 21:25-36

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, December 2, 10am,

in the upstairs office in Trinity Hall. This Sunday's conversation will

be a "Sermon Talkback,"  an opportunity to explore further the ideas

raised in last Sunday's sermon, Outside In vs. Inside Out, based on

John 18:33-38.  To hear the sermon, visit www.walnuthill.posterous.com

(scroll down to the sermon recording), or you may request a written

copy by reply email.

CHRISTMAS SEASON POTLUCK, this Sunday, December 2, after

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

appetite!

Youth (middle and high school) are invited to gather on Sunday, 

December 2, 5:30pm, at Walnut Hill, to practice their parts for the 

upcoming Christmas Pageant.   

Thanks to the Walnut Hill Youth who prepared 100 sandwiches for

guests at the Lexington Community Inn.  The sandwiches were 

delivered on Sunday evening to an inn full of guests.

The Giving Tree has 4 ornaments remaining, each representing a

gift suggestion for a child/adult.  Thanks to those who picked up 

ornaments last Sunday.  Please return ornaments and gifts by 

Sunday, December 16.

Poinsettias;  Poinsettias may be sponsored for a $20 contribution.

Poinsettia sponsorship helps underwrite the cost of decorating the

Sanctuary for the holiday.  Sponsors are welcome to take their

poinsettias home at the end of the holiday season.  Make your check 

payable to Walnut Hill Church, designated "poinsettia."

Peace to all!

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

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

The Sunday of Christ the King

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Christ and Culture

On this Sunday of Christ the King, we'll talk about the various

ways in which Christ relates to culture, guided by H. Richard

Niebuhr's classic text, Christ and Culture.  Is Christ against,

of, above, in paradox with, or transforming the culture in which

we live.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - Outside In vs. Inside Out

Text -  John 18:33-38

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for refreshments and fellowship.

Youth Gathering, 5:30pm, Trinity Hall

Youth (middle and high school) are invited to gather for a

meal and activities, including preparation of sandwiches for

guests at the Lexington Community Inn.

******

The Giving Tree will be up in Trinity Hall beginning this Sunday.

The Giving Tree is decorated with ornaments.  Each ornament 

offers the opportunity to purchase a gift for a child or an adult.

You may select an ornament from the tree, purchase the suggested

gift, and return the gift and ornament by December 16.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

November 20, 2012

Greetings to all!

Since our nation's early years, Presidents have issued "Thanksgiving

Proclamations" encouraging Americans to observe Thanksgiving Day.  

Below is a portion of President Obama's 2011 Thanksgiving Day

Proclamation.

In times of adversity and times of plenty, we have lifted our hearts by

giving humble thanks for the blessings we have received and for 

those who bring meaning to our lives.  Today, let us offer gratitude

to our men and women in uniform for their many sacrifices, and keep

in our thoughts the families who save an empty seat at the table for

a loved stationed in harm's way.  And as members of our American

family make do with less, let us rededicate ourselves to our friends

and fellow citizens in need of a helping hand.

As we gather in our communities and in our homes, around the table

or near the hearth, we give thanks to each other and to God for the

many kindnesses and comforts that grace our lives.  Let us pause to

recount the simple gifts that sustain us, and resolve to pay them 

forward in the year to come.

The scripture lessons for Sunday, November 25, Christ the King..

2 Samuel 23:1-7

Revelation 1:4-8

John 18:33-37

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, November 25, 10am,

in Trinity Hall.  As this Sunday is the Sunday of Christ the King, we 

will discuss what this affirmation might mean in a religiously diverse

and even "post-Christian" society.  Come enjoy a cup of coffee, join

the conversation, or just listen in.

A Host(s) is needed for our after worship refreshments this Sunday,

November 25.  Use reply email to inquire about hosting this Sunday,

or check the new sign up sheet in the Sanctuary foyer to host a

Sunday later in the winter.

Walnut Hill Youth (middle and high school) are invited to gather this

Sunday, November 25, 5:30pm.  In addition to their meal and other

activities, the youth will be making sandwiches for guests at the 

Lexington Community Inn.

The Christmas Season Potluck is coming on Sunday, December 2,

immediately  after morning worship.  Bring a salad, side dish, or 

dessert.  For all ages.

The Annual Christmas Party is coming on Sunday, December 16,

3 - 5pm, at 993 Turkeyfoot Road, Lexington.  Bring an hors-d'oeuvres

item.  This gathering is intended for adults.

Thanks to all those who helped us fully sponsor the stuffing/dressing

needed for the Nathaniel Mission Community Thanksgiving Dinner. 

More than 400 guests are expected to attend and enjoy, among other

items, 125 pounds of stuffing/dressing provided by Walnut Hill Church!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

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

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Tracking Our Spiritual Journey

In some traditions, the spiritual life has been described in terms of 

a journey. This Sunday, we will take a look at our various "spiritual 

journeys," discovering where have come from, where we are, and 

where we might be going.  

Children's Choir, 10am, Trinity Hall

Children through elementary age are invited to gather for music

and singing as they prepare for a Sunday morning presentation during

the holiday season.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon:  One More Spiritual Practice

Text:  John 15:1-8

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for refreshments and fellowship.

Ecumenical Worship, 7pm, Gethsemane Lutheran Church

All are invited to an ecumenical worship service in observance of 

the Thanksgiving holiday, 7pm, at Gethsemane Lutheran Church

(2185 Garden Springs Drive).   Bring a non-perishable food item to

be donated to God's Pantry.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Greetings to all!

This week brings our Exploring Our Spirituality (EOS) season to a close.  

The season's final week reminds us that the spiritual journey is an ongoing, 

indeed lifelong, process.  I am reminded of the story of Brother Lawrence, 

the 17th century monk who, after years of formal practices, discovered that 

the spiritual life is really quite simple, namely practicing a sense of God's 

presence in all areas of life, including the monastery kitchen, Lawrence's 

regular work assignment.  Brother Lawrence wrote...

I have quit all forms of devotions and set prayers except those to which 

my state obliges me. And I make it my business only to persevere in God's 

holy presence, wherein I keep myself by a simple attention and a general 

fond regard for God, which I may call an actual presence of God; or, to 

speak better, an habitual, silent, and secret conversation of the soul with 

God, which often causes in me joys and raptures inwardly, and sometimes 

also outwardly so great that I am forced to use means to moderate them, 

and prevent their appearance to others.

(from Practicing the Presence of God, Second Letter)

The Scripture lesson for Sunday, November 18...

John 15:1-8

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

Trinity Hall.  Our conversation focus for the morning will be "Tracking Our

Spiritual Journey."  Come enjoy a cup of coffee, join the conversation, or

just listen in.

Children's Choir: Children through elementary age are invited to gather

for music and singing this Sunday, 10am, in Trinity Hall.  The children are

working toward a Sunday morning presentation during the holiday season.

Ecumenical Thanksgiving Worship, Sunday, November 18, 7:00 pm, 

Gethsemane Lutheran Church (2185 Garden Springs Drive).  Walnut Hill 

members and friends are invited to an ecumenical gathering in observance 

of Thanksgiving.  An offering (cash and non-perishable food items) will be 

received to benefit God's Pantry. 

Thanksgiving Stuffing - Walnut Hill is providing the stuffiing (a.k.a. "dressing")

for the Nathaniel Mission Community Thanksgiving Dinner.  About 400 

people will be served, requiring about 125 pounds of stuffing.  You can

sponsor a pan of stuffing for $20.  Also, we need a few volunteers to help

with delivering the stuffing on Tuesday (11/20).  Use reply email to 

inquire about sponsoring a pan of stuffing or helping with the delivery.

Thanks to all who contributed toward Walnut Hill Church's response to 

Hurricane Sandy, a total of $1,107.  Visit www.cwsglobal.org/sandy  for links to 

videos and other information describing how Walnut Hill's gifts are being used.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

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

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Blindness & Vision

We will view and talk about the story of the "man born blind" 

as told in John 9 and discover how John transforms a standard 

miracle story into a reflection on spiritual, as well as physical,

blindness and vision.

Children's Choir, 10am, Trinity Hall

Children through elementary age are invited to gather for 

music and singing in preparation for a Sunday morning 

presentation during the holiday season.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon: Now You Are Light

Text:  Ephesians 5:8 - 14

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children.

Congregation and Cemetery Meetings, Noon, Sanctuary

The annual meetings of the Congregation and Cemetery

Association will be held immediately after worship. 

Youth Gathering, 5:30pm, Trinity Hall

Walnut Hill Youth (middle and high school) are invited to 

gather for a meal and activities.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Greetings to all!

As the election dust settles, perhaps this is a good day to offer prayer for

government leaders, both those newly elected and those continuing their

service.

O Lord, our governor,

your glory shines throughout the world.

We commend our nation to your merciful care,

that we may live securely in peace

and may be guided by your providence.

Give all in leadership the wisdom and strength

to know your will and to do it.

Help them remember that they are called to serve the people

as lovers of truth and justice;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

(adapted from the Book of Common Worship)

The scripture lesson for Sunday, November 11...

Ephesians 5:8-14

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, November 11, 10am, in

Trinity Hall.  Our focus will be the story of the healing of the man born

blind as told in John 9.  Come enjoy a cup of coffee, join the conversation,

or just listen in.

Children's Choir: Children through elementary age are invited to gather

for music and singing in Trinity Hall at 10am this Sunday morning.  The

children are preparing for a music presentation during the holiday season.

The Annual Meeting of the Congregation of Walnut Hill Church will be

held this Sunday, November 11, Noon, immediately after morning worship.  

The business of the annual meeting includes the election of Vestry members

and officers, the presentation of the 2013 budget, and the approval of the

pastor's terms of call for 2013.  All Members and Friends of Walnut Hill 

Church have privilege of voice and vote at the annual meeting.

The Annual Meeting of the Walnut Hill Church Cemetery Association will

be held this Sunday, November 11, immediately after the congregational

meeting.  The business of the annual meeting includes the election of

cemetery association officers and review of the past year's finances and

activities.

Opportunities to Give:

*Donation baskets will be available this Sunday in the Sanctuary foyer 

to receive monetary contributions to support relief efforts in the wake of 

Hurricane Sandy. Walnut Hill's donations will be sent to the affected area 

via Church World Service.  Visit www.churchworldservice.org for information 

regarding  how our gifts will be used.

*Once again Walnut Hill will provide the stuffing (aka "dressing") for

the Nathaniel Mission Community Thanksgiving Dinner.  A $20 donation

sponsors a pan of stuffing for the meal.  

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, November 4, at Walnut Hill Church...

ALL SAINTS' SUNDAY

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Talking About the Saints

A Dictionary of Christian Theology describes saints as

"those in whom the power of the Spirit is outstandingly

manifest."  Join us as we talk together about the saints.

Children's Choir, 10am, Trinity Hall

Children through elementary age are invited to gather for

music and singing in preparation for a Sunday morning 

presentation during the holiday season.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon: Saint Stories

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.

*****

Responding to Hurricane Sandy

Persons attending Walnut Hill this Sunday, Nov 4, will have 

opportunity to support immediate and long term relief efforts in 

the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.   Baskets will be available to 

receive your monetary contributions to Church World Service, 

including cash and checks payable to Walnut Hill Church.  For 

more information regarding the Church World Service relief 

efforts, visit www.churchworldservice.org.

*****

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

Trinity Hall

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Greetings to all.

*****

A Prayer for Those Affected by Hurricane Sandy:  

Almighty and Everlasting God, you are the comfort of the sad and strength to those 

who suffer.  Let the prayers of your children who are in any trouble rise to you.  To 

everyone in distress grant mercy, grant relief, and grant refreshment; through Jesus 

Christ our Lord. Amen.

(from the Book of Common Worship - Daily Prayer)

Responding to Hurricane Sandy: Church World Service, our ecumenical outreach 

partner, has already begun responding to needs occasioned by Hurricane Sandy.  

Persons attending Walnut Hill this Sunday will have opportunity to contribute toward

this response.  To learn more, or to donate, visit www.churchworldservice.org.

*****

November 1 is All Saints' Day, which we will observe on Sunday, November 4.  

Frederick Buechner offers a reflection regarding "saints".

Many people think of saints as plaster figures or moral exemplars, men and women 

of such paralyzing virtue that they never thought a nasty thought or did an evil deed their 

whole lives long.  As far as I know, real saints never even come close to characterizing 

themselves that way...In other words, the feet of saints are as much of clay as everybody 

else's, and their sainthood consists less of what they have done than of what God has for 

some reason chosen to do through them.  When you consider that Saint Mary Magdalene 

was possessed by seven devils, that Saint Augustine prayed, "Give me chastity..., but not 

now," that Saint Francis started out as a high-living young dude in downtown Assisi, and 

that Saint Simeon Stylites spent years on top of a sixty-foot pillar, you figure that maybe 

there's nobody God can't use as a means of grace including ourselves.  The Holy Spirit 

has been called "the Lord, the giver of life," and drawing their power from that source, 

saints are essentially life-givers.  To be with them is to become more alive.

(adapted from Wishful Thinking)

*****

Dinner & Program - Friday, November 2, 6:30pm, Bronte Bistro at  Joseph Beth:  

Walnut Hill men and women, and guests, are invited to a dinner and program focusing 

on the campaign/political season. Mrs. K. C. Crosbie, a member of KY Republican Party 

Executive Committee, will be our program guest.  Rsvp by reply email or by calling the

church office (263-5304).

*****

The Annual Meeting of the Congregation of Walnut Hill Church will be held on Sunday, 

November 11, immediately after morning worship.  The congregational meeting will be

followed by the annual meeting of the Walnut Hill Church Cemetery Association.  All 

Walnut HIll Church Members and Friends have the privilege of voice and vote at both 

meetings.

*****

Exploring Our Spirituality (EOS) - We are currently in the midst of the EOS season, 

an opportunity for the community and its members to reflect on various aspects of 

the spiritual life.  EOS opportunities include:

*Sunday Conversations and morning worship exploring weekly EOS themes.

*Weekly Home Flyers with suggestions for individual and family reflection and 

action.  Look for the weekly flyers in the Sanctuary foyer.

*EOS Small Groups, evening and daytime, providing opportunity for fellowship 

and further exploration of the EOS themes. Use reply email or call the church office

(263-5304) for small group meeting times and locations.

Feel free to participate in whatever EOS activities are meaningful for you.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Church Driveway Alert!

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Dear Walnut Hill Church members, friends, and visitors:

Due to circumstances that we will be happy to explain at a later time, the church driveway (near the old gate) is blocked by a fallen tree.

For Sunday, October 28, please use the new gate (furthest from Old Richmond Road) to enter and exit the church drive.

Sorry about any inconvenience this might create.

We look forward to seeing you on Sunday morning!

Peace,

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, October 28, at Walnut Hill Church...

Sunday Conversation, 10am, Trinity Hall

Return of the Prodigal Son

We will use the famous Rembrandt painting as an entry

point to some conversation regarding one of the most 

well known of Jesus' parables.  

Children's Choir, 10am, Trinity Hall

Children through elementary age are invited to gather

for music and singing in preparation for a Sunday 

morning presentation during the holiday season.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon:  You Are My Friends...

Text:  John 15:9-15

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children.

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for refreshments and fellowship.

Youth Gathering, 5:30pm, Walnut Hill Church

Youth (middle and high school) are invited to gather for

dinner and activities.  Parents are also invited for some 

conversation regarding Walnut Hill's ministry with and to youth.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Greetings to all!

"God is love," to quote a scripture.  But what might that affirmation mean for us?  

Philip Gulley offers an idea...

...I do not dispute that there is but one way to follow God - the way of compassion, 

mercy, and love.  Wherever those virtues are practiced, God is present, with no respect 

or regard for the religious boundaries we humans have devised.  This is the sole test of 

godly religion: does this religion increase our capacity and ability to love?  Whether God 

is called Elohim or Allah, whether the worship of God is centered in mosque, temple, 

shrine, or  church, whether Jesus is honored as savior, prophet, or teacher, whether none 

or all of the religious dogma we value are met, if love is present, God is there.

(from The Evolution of Faith)

The scripture lesson for Sunday, October 28...

John 15:9-15

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, October 28, 10am in Trinity Hall.  

Our focus for this Sunday will be "The Return of the Prodigal Son." We will use 

Rembrandt's painting as an entry point for some conversation regarding the love 

of God portrayed in the beloved Parable of the Prodigal Son.  Come enjoy a cup of 

coffee, join the conversation, or just listen in.

Children's Choir - Children through elementary age are invited to gather for music 

and singing this Sunday, October 28, 10am, in Trinity Hall, as they prepare for a 

Sunday morning music presentation during the holiday season. 

Youth (middle and high school) are invited to gather this Sunday, October 28, 5:30pm, 

for dinner and activities.  Parents are also invited this Sunday. After dinner together, 

the youth will enjoy their meeting activities while parents will share some conversation 

together regarding the church's ministry with and to young people.  

Dinner & Program - Friday, November 2, 6:30pm, Bronte Bistro at Joseph Beth:  

We will follow up our previous campaign season gathering with this second dinner and 

program focusing on the campaign/political season. Mrs. K. C. Crosbie, a member of KY

Republican Party Executive Committee, will be our program guest.  Rsvp by reply email 

or by the sign up sheet in the Sanctuary foyer.

Exploring Our Spirituality (EOS) - We are currently in the midst of the EOS season, 

an opportunity for the community and its members to reflect on various aspects of 

the spiritual life.  EOS opportunities include:

*Sunday Conversations and morning worship exploring weekly EOS themes.

*Weekly Home Flyers with suggestions for individual and family reflection and 

action.  Look for the weekly flyers in the Sanctuary foyer.

*EOS Small Groups, evening and daytime, providing opportunity for fellowship 

and further exploration of the EOS themes. Use reply email or call the church office

(263-5304) for small group meeting times and locations.

Feel free to participate in whatever EOS activities are meaningful for you.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, October 21, at Walnut Hill Church...

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Whatever Happened to Sin?

Has the notion of "sin" outlived its usefulness as a religious concept?

If so (or if not), what are the implications for our self understanding

as well as our spiritual lives? We will talk about these questions 

"in conversation" with writers and theologians of various opinions.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon:  The Ultimate Town Hall Debate

Text:  Matthew 22:34-40

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, October 17, 2012

Greetings to all!

How do our imperfections relate to the spiritual life? Joyce Rupp, spiritual

writer and teacher, offers some thoughts.

   I used to think, "If I can just get rid of those things that I don't like about

myself, then life will run smoothly.  I'll feel a lot better about myself.

Others will like me more."  While there is a certain truth in some of this,

there is also an underlying falseness: no matter how "good" I am, life

will not always run smoothly, and I will always have some flaws.  I won't

always feel wonderful, and certainly not all people are going to like me

no matter how "perfect" I am.

   I now think differently about my flaws.  I see how being fully human is

a paradox.  Growing and becoming more of a person whose life resembles

the values of Jesus is important.  At the same time, my flaws are some of

my greatest treasures, like grains of sand in oyster shells that must grate

and irritate to become pearls.  My imperfections keep my ego in check.

They remind me daily of how much I need the grace of God.  They help

me to be more understanding and compassionate with the inadequacies

of others.  They also give me the opportunity to grow and change.  Many

times my inadequacies are what give the real flavor to my life.

   Accepting our less-than-perfect selves is one of those big hurdles that

needs to be faced in order to mature on the spiritual path.  While it is

important for us to continually grow into more loving persons, it is equally 

important for us to value and accept who we are.

(from The Cup of Our Life)

The scripture lessons for Sunday, October 21...

*Matthew 22:34-40

Walnut Hill men are invited to gather for coffee each Saturday morning,

8am, at Paneras on Richmond Road.  Feel free to stop by for as long or

short a time as your schedule allows.  No rsvp required.

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, October 21, 10am, in Trinity

Hall as we answer the question, "Whatever happened to sin?"  Has this 

traditional religious concept outlived its usefulness, or does it still have

something valuable to offer for our self-understanding and spiritual life?  

We will talk about this.

Children's Choir begins on Sunday, October 28, 10am, in Trinity Hall.

Children through elementary age are invited to gather for singing in 

preparation for a Sunday morning presentation during the holiday season.

Also, children (and youth) who play musical instruments are invited to let

us know about them, so that they might be included in our holiday season

observance.

Dinner & Program, Part 2 - Friday, November 2, 6:30pm, Bronte Bistro

at Joseph Beth:  We will follow up our earlier dinner gathering with this 

second dinner and program focusing on the campaign/political season.  

LFUCG Council person, K. C. Crosbie, will be our program guest.  Rsvp 

by reply email or by the sign up sheet in the Sanctuary foyer.

Newsletter:  Our Nov/Dec printed newsletter is soon to be published.  

Please contact the church office if you have an item for inclusion in this

newsletter edition.

Exploring Our Spirituality (EOS) - We are currently in the midst of the 

EOS season, an opportunity for the community and its members to reflect 

on various aspects of the spiritual life.  EOS opportunities include:

*Sunday Conversations and morning worship exploring weekly

EOS themes.

*Weekly Home Flyers with suggestions for individual and family

reflection and action.  Look for the weekly flyers in the Sanctuary foyer.

*EOS Small Groups, evening and daytime, providing opportunity

for fellowship and further exploration of the EOS themes. Use reply email 

or call the church office (263-5304) for small group meeting times

and locations.

Feel free to participate in whatever EOS activities are meaningful for you.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, October 14, at Walnut Hill Church...

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Risk and the Spiritual Life

"Without risk there is no faith, and the greater the risk the

greater the faith..." (Soren Kierkegaard) We will talk about

the experience of "risk" in one's personal and spiritual journey.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon:  What Is Your Risk Tolerance?

Text:  Matthew 8:18-27

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for refreshments and fellowship.

Youth "Outdoor Adventure"

Youth (middle & high school), along with their parents and

siblings, are invited to a Sunday afternoon outdoor adventure

to include hiking, a cookout, and pumpkin carving.  Noon - 4pm.

Friends are welcome.  RSVP required, by reply email or by

phone (263-5304).

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Greetings to all!

This week we entered the EOS, Exploring Our Spirituality, season

(for EOS details, see below).  Each week offers a different theme for 

reflection in response to God's call upon our lives, beginning with 

the risk involved in responding to such a call.  The German theologian, 

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, is among those most associated with reflection on 

the cost (risk) of discipleship.

The call goes out...The disciple's answer is not a spoken confession

of faith in Jesus.  Instead, it is an obedient deed...What is said about 

the content of discipleship?  Follow me, walk behind me! That is all.

Going after him is something without specific content.  It is truly not a

program for one's life which would be sensible to implement.  It is 

neither a goal nor an ideal to be sought.  It is not even a matter for

which, according to human inclination, it would be worth investing

anything at all, much less oneself.  And what happens?  Those called 

leave everything they have, not in order to do something valuable.  

Instead, they do it simply for the sake of the call itself, because otherwise 

they could not walk behind Jesus...The bridges are torn down, and life 

goes on.  One is called away and is supposed to "step out" of one's 

previous existence, one is supposed to "exist" in the strict sense of the word.  

Former things are left behind; they are completely given up.

(from The Cost of Discipleship as found in The Wisdom and Witness of 

Dietrich Bonhoeffer)

The scripture lesson for Sunday, October 14...

*Matthew 8:18-27

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, October 14.  We will talk 

together about the experience of "risk" in life.  Come, enjoy a cup of coffee, 

join the conversation, or just listen in.

Exploring Our Spirituality (EOS) - As mentioned above, we have entered 

the EOS season, an opportunity for the community and its members to reflect 

on various aspects of the spiritual journey.  EOS opportunities include:

*Sunday Conversations and morning worship exploring weekly

EOS themes.

*Weekly Home Flyers with suggestions for individual and family

reflection and action.  Look for the weekly flyers in the Sanctuary foyer.

*EOS Small Groups, evening and daytime, providing opportunity

for fellowship and further exploration of the EOS themes. Use reply email 

or call the church office (263-5304) for small group meeting times

and locations.

Feel free to participate in whatever EOS activities are meaningful for you.

Dinner & Program, Part 2 - Friday, November 2, 6:30pm, Bronte Bistro

at Joseph Beth.  We will follow up our earlier gathering with this second

dinner and program focusing on the campaign/political season.  LFUCG

Council person, K. C. Crosbie, will be our program guest.  Rsvp by 

reply email or by the sign up sheet in the Sanctuary foyer.

The Kentucky Council of Churches will hold its 65th Annual Assembly

on October 25 - 26 in Morehead, Kentucky.  The theme of this year's 

assembly is "Creating and Restoring Health," focusing on issues related

to health and health care.  For program details, go to

http://www.kycouncilofchurches.org/storage/KCC Assembly flier 2012.pdf

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, October 7, at Walnut Hill Church...

ECUMENICAL SUNDAY:

an opportunity to celebrate and explore 

Walnut Hill's "ecumenical" identity!

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

"A Conversation About Ecumenism"

Our Ecumenical Sunday guest, Dr. Jean Hawxhurst,

will visit with us about the possibilities and prospects of

ecumenism in the 21st century, and how Walnut Hill

might be part of it.

(nursery care provided for children.)

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - Family Treasure 

-Dr. Jean Hawxhurst preaching

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

Offering 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.

*****

Exploring Our Spirituality  (EOS)

EOS small groups begin this week with groups meeting 

on Sunday evening, Monday evening, and Thursday 

morning.  Look for fliers in the Sanctuary foyer or call the 

church office (263-5304) for information regarding

meeting places and times.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Greetings to all!

This Sunday, October 7, we will observe the 5th annual  "Ecumenical Sunday" 

at Walnut Hill, an opportunity to celebrate and explore our ecumenical identity. 

This is a good opportunity to be reminded of Walnut Hill's mission statement

as found in the Preamble of the Walnut Hill Church Constitution and By-Laws.

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 the

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

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

Our special guest for "Ecumenical Sunday" will be Dr. Jean Hawxhurst.

Dr. Hawxhurst serves as Superintendent of the Frankfort District of the Kentucky

United Methodist Conference.  Jean is a graduate of the University of 

Richmond (BA), Lexington Seminary (MDiv), and Louisville Seminary (DMin).

Prior to her work as District Superintendent, Jean served congregations in

Bowling Green and Louisville.  Jean serves on the boards of several 

organizations including the Kentucky Council of Churches and Churches

Uniting in Christ.  She is married to the Rev. Jerry Cappel, Assisting Rector

of Ascension Episcopal Church in Frankfort.

Our schedule for Ecumenical Sunday:

*10am - Sunday Conversation with Dr. Hawxhurst

*11am - Morning Worship and Holy Communion

*Noon - Refreshments and Fellowship

*****

A host(s) is needed for our refreshments this Sunday, October 7.  Remember

that Sunday refreshments need not be elaborate, just something simple to 

gather around as we visit after worship.  Use reply email to volunteer for this

Sunday or check the sign up sheet in the sanctuary foyer to host a Sunday

later in the fall.

CROP Walk Wrap Up:  A dozen Walnut Hill men, women, and children 

composed the Walnut Hill team for this year's Lexington CROP Walk, to raise

awareness and money for hunger relief locally and globally.  The Walnut Hill 

team raised $1,000 through sponsorship donations.  Thanks to all those who 

supported the Walnut Hill team with their feet, their sponsorship contributions,

and their prayers!  

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, September 30, at Walnut Hill Church...

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

An Epistle of Straw...

So the reformer, Martin Luther, described, in rather derogatory

terms, the Epistle of James, that little book of wisdom hidden 

toward the end of the New Testament.  What was Luther's 

problem with this letter, and why might the early church have

exhibited much wisdom by including it among the Christian

scriptures?  We will survey this often overlooked writing.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon: It's Not About Us

Text:  Mark 9:38-41

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for refreshments and fellowship.

CROP Walk, 3pm, Second Presbyterian Church

All ages are invited to participate in the 3-mile CROP Walk

through downtown Lexington to raise awareness and funds

for hunger relief locally and around the world.  You may

participate by walking with the Walnut Hill team or by 

sponsoring a walker.  Meet at Second Presbyterian Church.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Greetings to all!

We crossed the autumnal equinox this past weekend as the earth makes 

its regular journey around the sun, tilting back and forth as it goes.  We are

mostly unaware of all this movement except as the days grow shorter or 

longer and as the weather changes from season to season.  Dorothy Bass 

reflects on the human response to the turning of the seasons.

Our home is a planet where the days begin to grow longer in the northern 

hemisphere just as Christmas arrives.  Six months later, they start growing 

shorter again.  Spring comes to every clime, however different it may appear  

in Norway, New Zealand, and Ecuador, and so does autumn.  Human beings 

respond by elaborating on nature's turnings: in every age and place, we 

develop seasonal rhythms of planting and reaping, of fasting and feasting, 

of letting go and starting afresh.  These rhythms run through the days and the 

weeks, stitching them together until they come full circle over the course of the year.

(from Receiving the Day)

Dinner & Program - Walnut HIll men and women, and guests, are invited 

to gather for dinner on Thursday, September 27, 6:30pm, at the Bronte Bistro 

at Joseph-Beth Booksellers.  Our special guest for the evening will be 

State Rep. Kelly Flood (75th District) who will talk with us about her experiences 

in state government as well as engage in conversation with us about this political 

season. RSVP via reply email.  Walk ins welcome. 

A Host(s) is needed for our after-worship refreshments this Sunday, 

September 30.  Use reply email to inquire about hosting this Sunday, or

check the sign up sheet in the Sanctuary foyer to host a Sunday later in the

fall.  Thanks to all our after worship hosts!

The CROP Walk is coming on Sunday, September 30, 3:00pm, at Second 

Presbyterian Church.  The CROP Walk is an ecumenical event to raise funds 

for hunger relief locally and around the world. You may join the Walnut Hill 

effort by walking (3 miles) with the WHC team or by sponsoring a walker.

All ages are welcome!  For more information about the Greater Lexington

CROP Walk, go to   http://lexcropwalk.blogspot.com/ .

EXPLORING OUR SPIRITUALITY  (EOS) will begin soon.  EOS is a program of 

small group meetings, Sunday morning conversations, and individual activities 

intended to deepen one's spiritual experience. Small group registration is now 

open.  Use reply email to inquire about participating in a small group this fall.

Thanks to the Walnut Hill youth for preparing over 100 sandwiches that were

distributed at the Lexington Community Inn last Sunday evening.  The youths'

service as "Sandwich Ministers" was part of their Sunday evening experience at 

the "WHC Evening Shelter."  Ask them about their experience. For more information 

about homelessness in Lexington, go to www.thefaceofhomelessness.info .   

Ecumenical Sunday will be observed at Walnut Hill Church on Sunday, October 7.

Our guest for the day will be Dr. Jean Hawxhurst, Superintendent of the Frankfort

District of the KY United Methodist Conference, and a leader in ecumenism at 

the local, regional, and national level, including service as Secretary of "Churches

Uniting In Christ"  ( http://churchesunitinginchrist.org/ ).  Ecumenical Sunday 

activities will include conversation with Dr. Hawxhurst (10am), morning worship and 

Holy Communion (11am), and our traditional after worship refreshments (Noon).  

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, September 23, at Walnut Hill Church...

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Stages of Faith

We will talk about stages of faith/spiritual development as 

proposed by James Fowler and Scott Peck.  Where do we 

find ourselves along the continuum, and how might faith 

stages theory help us in our own faith/spiritual development?

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon:  A Marvelous Photo-op!

Text:  Mark 9:33-37

Child Care and Sunday School for Children

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for refreshments and fellowship.

Youth Meeting, 5:30pm, Trinity Hall

Youth (middle and high school) are invited to gather for

a meal and activities.  Sunday's program will focus on 

"homelessness" including a movie clip, role playing,

service project, and a "special" meal.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Greetings to all!

The human mind can, in one moment, be the source of our most 

inspiring imaginations and dreams, and in the next moment be the

source of our most burdensome worries and doubts.  Henri Nouwen

reflects on the always active mind.

Our minds are always active.  We analyze, reflect, daydream, or 

dream.  There is not a moment during the day or night when we are

not thinking.  You might say our thinking is "unceasing."  Sometimes

we wish that we could stop thinking for a while; that would save us

from many worries, guilt feelings, and fears.  Our ability to think is a

great gift, but it is also a source of great pain.  Do we have to be

victims of our unceasing thoughts?  No, we can convert our 

unceasing thinking into unceasing prayer by making our inner 

monologue into a continuing dialogue with our God, who is the

source of all love...Let us break out of our isolation and realize that

Someone who dwells in the center of our beings wants to listen

with love to all that occupies and preoccupies our minds.

(adapted from Bread for the Journey)

In the Community:  In observance of the International Day of Peace,

The Interfaith Alliance of the Bluegrass invites all people to gather

and pray for one day of "ceasefire" in our world.  This prayer gathering 

will be held on Thursday, September 20, 7pm - 8:15pm, at Woodland 

Christian Church (530 East High Street).

The lectionary lessons for Sunday, September 23:

Proverbs 31:10-31

James 3:13 - 4:8

Mark 9:30-37

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, September 23, 10am,

as we explore "stages of faith."  Come enjoy a cup of coffee, join the

conversation, or just listen in.

Youth (middle and high school) are invited to gather at Walnut Hill

this Sunday afternoon, September 23, at 5:30pm.  

Dinner & Program - Walnut HIll men and women, and guests, are

invited to gather for dinner on Thursday, September 27, 6:30pm, 

at the Bronte Bistro at Joseph-Beth Booksellers.  Our special guest

for the evening will be State Rep. Kelly Flood (75th District) who 

will talk with us about her experiences in state government as well

as engage in conversation with us about this political season.

RSVP via reply email, the sign up sheet in the Sanctuary foyer, or

by phone to church office (263-5304).

Exploring Our Spirituality (EOS) will begin in late September.  EOS is

a program of small group meetings, Sunday morning conversations, 

and individual activities intended to deepen one's spiritual experience.

Small group registration is now open.  Use reply email to inquire about

participating in a small group this fall.

The CROP Walk is coming on Sunday, September 30, 3:00pm, at

Second Presbyterian Church.  The CROP Walk is an ecumenical 

event to raise funds for hunger relief locally and around the world.

You may join the Walnut Hill effort by walking with the WHC team

or by sponsoring a walker.

Firewood - Walnut Hill has lately taken down a couple trees on the

church property along the driveway.  You might have seen the cut 

wood stacked there.  This wood is free for the taking.  Help yourself!

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

 

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, September 16, at Walnut Hill Church...

FALL POTLUCK!!

Bring a salad, side dish, or dessert.

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Thoughts in the Presence of Fear

Shortly after 9-11, 2001, Wendell Berry composed twenty-seven

"Thoughts in the Presence of Fear."  We will talk about these

"Thoughts" in light of the 9-11 anniversary and other recent 

events.  To read Berry's "Thoughts" ahead of time, check out

http://www.orionmagazine.org/index.php/articles/article/214 .

You can hear/see Berry's twenty-seven "Thoughts" on the KETKY 

channel Friday evening, Sept 14, at 7pm.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon: Breakthrough to Peace

Text:  Matthew 5:9

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.

*****

The Vestry will meet at 10am in Trinity Hall, upstairs office.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Greetings to all!

Education has been in the news lately, from university enrollments to

big city teacher strikes.  Meanwhile, the work of teaching and learning 

goes on, formally and informally, around the country and around the 

world.  From a child in the classroom to an older adult in her own study, 

the opportunity to learn is ever present.  Parker Palmer reminds us that

one of the prerequisites of learning in any setting is to create internal 

"space" for receiving new information and truth.  

If we are to open a space for knowing, we must be alert to our fear

of not knowing and to our fearful tendency to fill the learning space.

First, we must see that not knowing is simply the first step toward 

truth, that the anxiety created by our ignorance calls not for instant

answers but for an adventure into the unknown.  If we can affirm the

search for truth as a continually uncertain journey, we may find the 

courage to keep the space open rather than packing it with pretense.

Second, we must remember that we not only seek truth but that truth

seeks us as well.  When we become obsessed with our own seeking,

we fill the space with methods and hypotheses and reports that may

be mere diversions.  But when we understand that truth is constantly

seeking us, we have reason to open a space in which truth might

find us out.

(from To Know As We Are Known)

The lectionary scriptures for Sunday, September 16...

Proverbs 1:20-33

James 3:1-12

Mark 8:27-38

FALL POTLUCK - Join us this Sunday, September 16, immediately

after worship, for our traditional Fall Potluck.  Bring a salad, side

dish, or dessert, and your appetite.  Meat and beverage will be 

provided.

Dinner & Program - Walnut HIll men and women, and guests, are

invited to gather for dinner on Thursday, September 27, 6:30pm, 

at the Bronte Bistro at Joseph-Beth Booksellers.  Our special guest

for the evening will be State Rep. Kelly Flood (75th District) who 

will talk with us about her experiences in state government as well

as engage in conversation with us about this campaign season.

RSVP via reply email, the sign up sheet in the Sanctuary foyer, or

by phone to church office (263-5304).

Exploring Our Spirituality (EOS) will begin in late September.  EOS is

a program of small group meetings, Sunday morning conversations, 

and individual activities intended to deepen one's spiritual experience.  

Watch for more details.

Last Call for Recipes - This is the final call for recipes to be included

in our upcoming Walnut Hill cookbook, which will feature dishes that

we have enjoyed together at potlucks, holiday gatherings, and our 

our regular after worship fellowship.  Use reply email to submit your

recipe.

The CROP Walk is coming on Sunday, September 30, 3:00pm, at

Second Presbyterian Church.  The CROP Walk is an ecumenical 

event to raise funds for hunger relief locally and around the world.

You may join the Walnut Hill effort by walking with the WHC team

or by sponsoring a walker.

Firewood - Walnut Hill has lately taken down a couple trees on the

church property along the driveway.  You might have seen the cut 

wood stacked there.  This wood is free for the taking.  Help yourself!

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, September 9, at Walnut Hill Church

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

The Gospel in Seven Words

Editors of the Christian Century magazine recently asked

several of its regular writers and contributors to summarize

the Christian message in seven words or less.  We will talk

about some of their responses, and maybe even offer a few of

our own.  To view some of the responses in advance, go to

www.christiancentury.org/7words .

Welcome to the Table, 10am, Trinity Hall

This introduction to the Sacrament of Holy Communion is

offered for middle-school age and older youth who are not

quite ready for Confirmation but are ready to begin sharing

the Sacrament of Holy Communion with their families and 

the congregation.  Meet in the upstairs office of Trinity Hall.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon:  Changing Our Minds

Text:  Mark 7:24-30

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for refreshments and fellowship.

Youth Gathering, 5:30pm, Trinity Hall

Youth (middle and high school) are invited to gather for a

meal and activities.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Greetings to all!

With the Labor Day holiday and the national political conventions (soon)

behind us, the campaign season is now fully upon us.  Several years 

ago the Kentucky Council of Churches issued a "Statement on Campaign

Ethics" including a variety of recommendations for ordinary citizens, 

such as...

*help each other understand the unique value of each vote...

*be as informed as possible prior to voting in any election...

*avoid political decisions based on single issues...

*seek out a variety of sources of information about the issues and the

candidates...

*seek a larger view of what actions will benefit the common good...

*broaden one's understanding of "self-interest" to include the welfare of 

neighbors...

*be aware of the affiliations of contributors to political campaigns and

their particular aims... 

For the full text of the KCC's "Statement on Campaign Ethics" including 

recommendations for citizens, candidates, media, and religious 

organizations, see www.kycouncilofchurches.org , click on "Advocacy," 

then "Council Statements," then "Campaign Ethics."

The lectionary scriptures for Sunday, September 9...

Proverbs 22:1-23

James 2:1-17

Mark 7:24-37

"Welcome to the Table", an introduction to the Sacrament of Holy

Communion, will be offered this Sunday, September 9, 10am, in Trinity

Hall (upstairs office).  This program is intended for middle school (and above)

age children/youth who are not quite ready for Confirmation but are ready to 

share in the Sacrament with their families and the congregation.

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, September 9, 10am, in 

Trinity Hall.  This Sunday's conversation is titled, "The Gospel in Seven

Words," from a recent article in The Christian Century.  Come enjoy a 

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

Youth (middle and high school) are invited to gather at Walnut Hill this 

Sunday, September 9, 5:30pm, for a meal and activities.

THE FALL POTLUCK is coming on Sunday, September 16, immediately

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

appetite!).  Meat and beverage will be provided.

Dinner and Program - We are currently finalizing plans for a Men's &

Women's Dinner and Program for Thursday evening, September 27.  

Mark the date on your calendar, and watch for more details.

Exploring Our Spirituality (EOS) will begin in late September.  EOS is

a program of small group meetings, Sunday morning conversations, and

individual activities intended to deepen one's spiritual experience.  Small

group sign up begins this Sunday, September 9.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward