Greetings to all!
In her book, The Irrational Season, Madeleine L'Engle reflects on her
experience of love in the context of her marriage to actor Hugh Franklin.
L'Engle's thoughts might be a beginning point for some Valentine's Day
reflection.
No long-term [relationship] is made easily, and there have been times
when I've been so angry or so hurt that I thought my love would never
recover. And then, in the midst of near despair, something has
happened beneath the surface. A bright little flashing fish of hope has
flicked silver fins and the water is bright and suddenly I am returned to
a state of love again - till next time. I've learned that there will always be
a next time, and that I will submerge in darkness and misery, but that I
won't stay submerged. And each time something has been learned
under the waters; something has been gained; and a new kind of love
has grown. The best I can ask for is that this love, which has been
built on countless failures, will continue to grow. I can say no more
than that this is mystery, and gift, and that somehow or other, through
grace, our failures can be redeemed and blessed.
The scripture lessons for Sunday, February 12...
2 Kings 5:1-14
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Mark 1:40-45
Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, February 12, 10am, in
Trinity Hall. Our topic for the morning will be the life, times, and thought
of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Come enjoy a cup of coffee, join the conversation,
or just listen in.
WALNUT HILL RENEW begins on Sunday, February 19. Small groups
are currently being formed and group leaders prepared for their work.
Home activity booklets will be distributed on Sunday, February 19. What
can you do?
*Pray for the Walnut Hill RENEW program and for your own experience
of renewal in these days. Place a leaf on the "Renew Tree" in the
Sanctuary foyer as a symbol of your prayers.
*Register to be part of a small group. Registration forms are available
in the Sanctuary foyer, or you may request one by reply email.
*Be present at Walnut Hill for the Sundays February 19 through March 25
as we explore the Lord's call upon our lives individually and as a
congregation.
SOUPER BOWL THANKS - Thanks to all the soup chefs and other food
providers as well as those who enjoyed the soup and made donations in
support of last Sunday's Souper Bowl, which raised $347 for God's Pantry.
In the Community:
*An Ecumenical Worship Service celebrating the Week of Prayer for
Christian Unity will be held at Pax Christi Catholic Church this Sunday,
February 12, 7pm. Leadership will include participants from eight local
congregations, including Walnut Hill, as well as regional leaders from
eight different denominations.
*J. Philip Newell, poet, scholar, teacher, and former leader of the Iona
community in Scotland, will be at Christ Church Cathedral, March 16 - 18,
presenting on the topic, "A New Harmony: The Spirit, the Earth, and the
Human Soul." Visit www.ccclex.org for more program and registration
information.
Peace to all.
Mike Ward
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