Greetings to all!
The current dry spell, in some places drought, reminds me of an essay
by Kathleen Norris reflecting on her life in South Dakota, particularly
the fellowship at Hope Church, located in the town of Hope, SD.
One former minister of Hope who had come from the urban East
told me that her strongest memory of Hope Church was of an evening
service in July. Standing in the pulpit she could see down the length
of the church and out the open door to a large round bale of hay
catching the last rays of the sunlight. "It was dark on one side and
pure gold on the other," she said, "and I thought, that's a measure of
wealth here, that will help make things come out right this year."
She also told me that she couldn't imagine what was happening
at the first funeral service she conducted for a member of Hope Church
when, as people gathered at the graveside service, the men, some
kneeling, began studying the open grave. It was nearly November,
and someone explained that they were checking the frost and moisture
levels in the ground. They were farmers and ranchers worried about a
drought. They were mourners giving a good friend back to the earth.
They were people of earth, looking for a sign of hope.
(as found in Listening for God)
The Scripture lessons for Sunday, July 1:
Deuteronomy 28:1-9
Romans 13:1-8
Mark 10:35-45
Sunday Conversations resume this Sunday, July 1. In the spirit of
the July 4th holiday, our conversation will focus on "Paul's Letter to
American Christians." Come enjoy a cup of coffee, join the conversation,
or just listen in.
A host(s) is needed for our after worship refreshments this Sunday, July 1.
Use reply email to volunteer for this Sunday, or check the sign up sheet in
the Sanctuary foyer to host a Sunday later in the summer.
Mid-Summer Evenings Together - Join us three Wednesday evenings
in July (11, 18, and 25), 6pm - 7:30pm for a meal, Bible study, and
fellowship. For all ages! The theme for our gatherings, "What Does
the Lord Require?". Our first meal (July 11) will be of the potluck variety.
Bring your favorite dish to share.
Walnut Hill "Pancake Ride" - Walnut Hill is cooperating with the Bluegrass
Cycling Club to host the "Walnut Hill Pancake Ride" on Saturday, July 14.
A pancake breakfast will be served at 9am. The Ride (15, 25, 40 mile options)
begins at 10am. Feel free to share this information with cycling enthusiasts
of your acquaintance. Volunteers for cooking, serving, and hospitality are
still welcome and needed. Use reply email for more information or to
volunteer.
"Take Me Out to the Ballgame!" - Join your fellow Walnut Hill friends
for an evening of baseball on Friday, July 27, as the Lexington Legends
take on the Hagerstown Suns. First pitch is 7:05pm. Tickets are $7. Use
reply email to place your ticket order.
Walnut Hill Hospitality: A Cookbook - Plans are in the works for a
Walnut Hill cookbook featuring dishes that we have shared together on
occasions such as seasonal potlucks, Souper Bowl Sunday, and our
regular after worship gatherings. Bring your recipe (including title, your
name, ingredients, and directions) to Walnut Hill any Sunday over the
next several weeks, and place your recipe in the collection envelope
posted on the bulletin board in the Sanctuary. You may also send your
recipe by reply email.
Men's Coffee - Walnut Hill men are invited to gather for coffee each
Saturday morning, 8am, at Paneras on Richmond Road. Feel free to
drop by for as long or short a time as your schedule allows. No rsvp
required.
Thanks to all who served in various capacities over the last three Sundays
to make it very easy for the Ward family to enjoy some vacation time
away!
Peace to all.
Mike Ward
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