Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Greetings to all!

While we are still within the echoes of the New Year's holiday, consider these
thoughts on "time," past, present, and future as offered by one of Wendell Berry's 
literary characters, Andy Catlett, as he reflects on the people who had come and
gone in his life.

We measure time by its deaths, yes, and by its births.  For time is told also by
life.  As some depart, others come.  The hand opened in farewell remains open
in welcome.  I, who once had grandparents and parents, now have children and
grandchildren.  Like the flowing river that is yet always present, time that is 
always going is always coming.  And time that is told by death and birth is held
and redeemed by love, which is always present.  Time, then, is told by love's
losses, and by the coming of love, and by love continuing in gratitude for what
is lost.  It is folded and enfolded and unfolded forever and ever, the love by 
which the dead are alive and the unborn welcomed into the womb.  The great
question for the old and the dying, I think, is not if they have loved and been
loved enough, but if they have been grateful enough for love received and 
given, however much.  No one who has gratitude is the onliest one.  Let us
pray to be grateful to the last.
(from Andy Catlett: Early Travels)

The scripture lessons for Sunday, January 8, the Baptism of the Lord:
Genesis 1:1-5
Acts 19:1-7
Mark 1:1-7

Sunday Conversations resume on January 8, 10am, in Trinity Hall.  Our 
focus for the day will be, "The Baptism of the Lord," asking what baptism
meant for Jesus and what it means for us.

Sunday Hospitality - Thanks to all who so generously provided hospitality
during the holiday season.  A new hospitality sign up sheet has been posted
in the Sanctuary with open dates beginning January 22.  Check your 
calendar and sign up to host our after worship refreshments for a Sunday 
upcoming.

ACE Trip - We continue to welcome contributions toward our sponsorship of
the Athens Chilesburg Elementary School 5th Grade class trip to Washington,
DC.  Walnut Hill is sponsoring 10 students at $530/child.  Your gift in any 
amount is appreciated.  Make your check payable to Walnut Hill Church,
designated "ACE Trip."

Men's Coffee - Walnut Hill men are invited to gather for coffee each Saturday
morning, 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.

In the Community:  Pax Christi Catholic Church (corner of Man-O-War Blvd and
Victoria Way) is currently hosting a series of Tuesday evening gatherings (7pm) 
at which pastors from the south Lexington ecumenical cooperative (including 
Walnut Hill) will share reflections on scripture from their various denominational 
traditions around the theme of Christian Unity.  Check the flier posted on the 
Sanctuary bulletin board or online at www.kycouncilofchurches.org  (click on 
the headline "New Series Explores Christian Unity") for a complete schedule
of dates, speakers, and topics.

Peace to all!

Mike Ward

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