Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Greetings to all!

Kentucky and Midwest Tornadoes

First on our minds and hearts this week are those affected by last week's
storms.  Thanks to all those who gave generously last Sunday toward the
relief efforts.  Your contributions will be sent to those affected via Church
World Service.  In addition to your gifts, you may wish to offer the 
following prayer:

God of compassion:  you weave out of terrible happenings wonders of
goodness and grace.  Surround those who have been shaken by tragedy
with a sense of your present love, and hold them in faith.  Though they 
are filled with grief, may they find the comfort and strength needed for 
these days; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.
(adapted from The Worshipbook)

Observing RENEW, Week 3, March 4 - 11

We are in the midst of RENEW, Week 3, with our focus being:  "God calls 
us as family members."  I recently happened upon an article in The
Christian Century magazine in which a youth ministry specialist, Rich
Melheim, was asked about the role of family in the process of faith formation.  
Melheim described a simple approach to faith formation he calls "Faith 5."

I am asking parents and kids to commit themselves to five minutes a 
night of simple faith encounters.  Families are asked to drop what they're
doing as soon as the first kid is ready for bed and walk through these 
five steps: 1) share your highs and lows of the day; 2) read a verse of 
scripture from Sunday's preaching or teaching text; 3) talk about how the
highs and lows of the day relate to the scripture (Is God actually saying
something to you?); 4) pray for one another's highs and lows; and 
5) bless one another before turning out the lights on the day.

(from "Family Affair" as found in The Christian Century, Feb 22, 2012)

SUNDAY HOST NEEDED 

A host(s) is needed for our after worship refreshments this Sunday, March 11.  
Remember that refreshments need not be elaborate, just something simple 
to gather around as we fellowship after worship.  Use reply email or contact
the church office (263-5304) to volunteer for this Sunday, or check the 
sign up sheet in the Sanctuary foyer for a hospitality opportunity later in the
spring.

Looking ahead to RENEW, Week 4, March 11- 18

Focus: God Calls Us as Walnut Hill Church.
Scripture Lessons:  Acts 2:42-47; 1 Corinthians 13; John 17:2-26

This Sunday, March 11, we will explore the Week 4 focus in our Sunday 
Conversation (10am), Morning Worship (11am), and Sunday School (11am).

Small Groups are meeting throughout the RENEW season on Sunday
evenings (co-ed), Monday evenings (co-ed), and Thursday mornings
(women).  Call the church office (263-5304) for more information regarding 
RENEW small groups.

RENEW Home Activity Booklets are available in the Sanctuary foyer.  The
Home Activity Booklet offers activity suggestions for all ages.

A RENEW "lending library" of books related to the RENEW themes is 
available and found in Trinity Hall.  Check out the lending library and "check out"
a book for yourself or a child in your household.

Sermon Recordings during the RENEW season are available on the internet
at  www.walnuthill.posterous.com  .  Go to the site and scroll down to the 
recording of your choice.

In the Community - "The Bluegrass Local Food Summit" will be held  
March 22 - 24, at Crestwood Christian Church in Lexington.  The Summit is a
program of the Sustainable Communities Network.  For more information, see

Peace to all.

Mike Ward




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