Greetings to all!
This Sunday, June 3, is Trinity Sunday, a day for reflection on that
most profound, or perhaps most confounding, notion of a triune God.
To get us in the spirit of that reflection, consider these thoughts
regarding the origin and intent of the doctrine of the Trinity.
The Christian community believed that God, who had created
heaven and earth, had become incarnate in a particular person and
that furthermore God still dwelt with the community and guided it.
This, we may say, was the narrative or mythological expression of
their faith, and like us, they looked for an alternative interpretative
language that would express the same faith in a different way. They
came up with the trinitarian formula.
Thus we may say that the doctrine of the Trinity tries to elucidate
the picture of God appearing in the biblical narrative and in the
history of the Christian community...a God who embraces diversity
in unity, who is both transcendent and immanent; who is dynamic
and yet has stability. These insights the trinitarian formula is meant
to safeguard, though let us again remember that the success of a
formula of this kind is to be judged not only in terms of what it affirms -
for this will always fall short of the mystery to which it points - but
also in terms of the errors and distortions which it excludes.
(adapted from Principles of Christian Theology, by John Macquarrie)
The scripture lessons for Sunday, June 3, Trinity Sunday:
Isaiah 6:1-8
Romans 8:12-17
John 3:1-17
Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, June 3, with
contemplation and conversation around the painting,Trinity, an icon
believed to have been painted ("written") by the 15th century Russian
artist Andrei Rublev. Trinity is often included among the finest
expressions of Russian art.
Sunday School for children continues over the Sundays of summer
during the 11am worship hour.
Walnut Hill Youth (middle school and older) are invited to gather
for a meeting and activities at Walnut Hill on Sunday, June 10, 4pm.
Watch for more details.
"To each one is given a manifestation of the Spirit for the common
good." We are using the summer months as a season to invite Walnut
Hill members and friends to share their gifts through service and
leadership at Walnut Hill. We are particularly seeking persons to serve
and lead in the areas of worship, children/youth ministry, adult ministry,
hospitality, invitation, outreach, finance, buildings and grounds.
-In the area of children/youth ministry, we are seeking volunteers
to assist in Sunday School and youth gatherings.
-In the area of hospitality, we are seeking hosts for Sunday
refreshments on June 10, 17, and 24.
Use reply email to inquire about any of the specific opportunities or
general areas listed above.
Walnut Hill "Pancake Ride" - Walnut Hill is cooperating with the
Bluegrass Cycling Club to host the "Walnut Hill Pancake Ride" on
Saturday, July 14. We will need several volunteers to prepare a pancake
breakfast and provide hospitality to our cycling guests. Use reply email if
you would like information on how you might help.
Last call for CAMP: It is not too late to register your child/youth for
a program at Camp Burnamwood ( www.burnamwood.net ) or
Cathedral Domain ( www.cathedraldomain.org ). Check out the camp
websites for complete program information. Remember that Walnut Hill
will sponsor one-half of the camp fee for any Walnut Hill child/youth
participating in a Burnamwood or Cathedral Domain program.
Peace to all.
Mike Ward
