Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Greetings to all!

A "call to prayer" was issued this past Sunday morning, inviting Walnut
Hill members and friends to pray for our congregation, households,
and our selves in anticipation of the Walnut Hill RENEW program 
coming in Lent.  The "call to prayer" is an invitation to focus our hearts and 
minds daily around this opportunity for renewal within and among us.   
The "Renew Prayer" is a good starting place.

   We praise and bless you, Almighty God.  In your wisdom you have 
given us creation and all life so we might come to know and love you.
We thank you for the gift of Jesus who promises us eternal life and reveals
you to us as a loving and forgiving Father.
   We acknowledge, Father, the times when we do not respond to your
grace; times when we care little for your creation; times when we act in 
unloving ways toward our neighbors and ourselves.  We pray for the 
weak and those who suffer from evil or injustice.  We pray for the strong
and for the special responsibilities that are theirs.
   The earth and all persons are filled with your creative power, Father.
Teach us to walk in your presence; to pray as we are united in you.  
Open us to the renewing presence of your Holy Spirit, so we might 
accept our own strengths and use them to build your kingdom on earth.
We ask this through your Son, Jesus, and by the power of the Holy 
Spirit.  Amen.

The scripture lessons for Sunday, January 29...
Deuteronomy 18:15-20
1 Corinthians 8:1-13
Mark 1:21-28

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, January 29, 10am,
in Trinity Hall.  Our conversation topic will be "Renew" as experience, 
practice, and program.  Come enjoy a cup of coffee, join the conversation, 
or just listen in.

*The Vestry will meet this Sunday, January 29, 9:30am, in Trinity Hall.

"Souper" Bowl Sunday is coming on February 5 and with it our annual after 
worship soup feast to benefit God's Pantry.  Several soup chefs have already 
volunteered their culinary creations.  Use reply email if you would like to add 
your special soup to this delicious event for a good cause.

*Thanks to all who helped make Bishop Chilton Knudsen "kindly welcome" 
during her visit to Walnut Hill last Sunday.  Thanks also to all who gave so 
generously (over $480) to support the "Bishop's Discretionary Fund," which 
is used to meet emergency needs throughout the Diocese of Lexington.

RENEW NEWS!!
*RENEW "Call to Prayer" - Set aside a few minutes daily to pray for
the congregation and your self.  Your prayers might include the "Renew
Prayer" (see above), your own prayers, reflection on Sunday's Scripture 
lessons (see above), silence, etc... Use your imagination!
*The Renew "Tree" has been "planted" in the Sanctuary foyer.  Add
your "leaf" to the Renew Tree as a symbol of your commitment to pray for 
the program's success.  See the tree for more details.
*Renew Small Group registration begins this Sunday, January 29 and
continues through mid-February.  Registration cards are available in 
the Sanctuary, or you may request one by reply email.
*Renew officially begins on Sunday, February 19. Be part of it, and
experience the "renewal!"

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

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