Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Greetings to all!

This Sunday, August 19, we will focus on our ministry with and to persons
experiencing the challenges and opportunities of aging.  Among the 
challenges is that of isolation, often occasioned by declining health or 
limited mobility.  This challenge presents an opportunity for the community
to offer the ministry of presence.  Consider this story told by Mother 
Teresa about an old man she met during a visit to Australia. In the midst
of helping a local community of sisters clean the man's house...

...I discovered a beautiful lamp covered with dust.  Only God knows how 
many years had passed since he last lit it.  I said to him, "Don't you light
your lamp?  Don't you ever use it.?"  He answered, "No.  No one comes
to see me.  I have no need to light it.  Who would I light it for?"  I asked,
"Would you light it every night if the sisters came?" He replied, "Of course."

From that day forward the sisters committed themselves to visiting him
every evening.  We cleaned the lamp, and the sisters would light it every
evening.  Two years passed.  I had completely forgotten that man.  He 
sent this message: "Tell my friend that the light she lit in my life continues
to shine still."  I thought it was a very small thing.  We often neglect small
things.
(from In The Heart of The World)

*****

In Memory:  Wilma Nelson Friesen, a member of Walnut Hill Church,
departed this life on August 9, 2012.  Services and burial were held at 
Walnut Hill Church and Cemetery on August 13, 2012.  For the complete
obituary, see www.milwardfuneral.com.  

*****

SUNDAY, AUGUST 19 - "AN AGING MINISTRY"

This Sunday, August 19, promises to be an enlightening, challenging, 
and inspiring day as we explore the challenges and opportunities of ministry 
in the context of "aging."  Graham Rowles (UK Sanders Brown Center 
on Aging) and Allison Marcum (Faith in Action: Elder Outreach) will be our
special guests.  Our schedule for the day includes:
*10am - Sunday Conversations - Prof. Rowles will be our resource 
person as we discuss ways in which Walnut Hill might support and 
encourage persons experiencing the challenges and opportunities of aging.
*11am - Morning Worship - Our worship will offer theological reflection on
ministry in the context of aging, including celebration of such ministry.  We
will receive a brief introduction to "Faith In Action: Elder Care."
*Noon - After Worship Gathering - Prof. Rowles will be available for 
individual conversation as we enjoy our traditional after worship hospitality.
*12:30pm - Faith In Action Orientation - Ms. Marcum will lead a one-hour
orientation to Faith In Action for persons interested in exploring this 
opportunity for ministry.
Join us for all or part of the day's activities!

*****

A host(s) is needed for our after worship refreshments this Sunday, August 19.  
Use reply email to volunteer for this Sunday's hospitality, or check the sign up 
sheet in the foyer to host a Sunday later in the summer or fall.

*****

Thanks to all those whose service and leadership made it possible for the 
Ward family to be away over these last two Sundays!

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

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