Friday, November 30, 2012

This Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, December 2, at Walnut Hill Church ....

CHRISTMAS SEASON POTLUCK
(see details below)

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Outside In vs. Inside Out

We will engage a "sermon talkback" exploring the ideas raised in last 
Sunday's sermon about authority, external and internal.  If you would 
like to review the sermon, visit www.walnuthill.posterous.com
(scroll down to the sermon recording), or request a written copy by
reply email.

Children's Choir, 10am, Trinity Hall

Children through elementary age are invited to gather for music and
singing in preparation for a Sunday morning presentation on Dec 9.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon:   Endings and Beginnings
Text:  Luke 21:25-36

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children

Christmas Potluck, Noon, Trinity Hall

Bring a salad, side dish, or dessert, and your appetite.  Don't miss
this delicious Walnut Hill tradition!

Youth Gathering, 5;30pm, Walnut Hill

Youth (middle and high school) will be receiving and practicing their 
parts for the Dec 9 Christmas presentation.

******

THE NEW WALNUT HILL COOKBOOK is in and ready for purchase!  
Buy several for your family and friends.  Proceeds support the ministry of 
Walnut Hill Church.  These will be great stocking stuffers, and a delicious 
way to spread the good news about Walnut Hill Church.

The Giving Tree:  Four (4) ornaments remain on The Giving Tree.  Pick 
up an ornament.  Purchase the suggested gift.  Return the ornament and
gift by December 16.

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Greetings to all!

This Sunday, December 2, is the First Sunday of Advent, the season
of waiting, anticipation, and preparation for the coming (advent) of
Christ into the world at Bethlehem, and into our hearts wherever we
are.  Ann Weems captures a sense of the season in her poem,
"In December Darkness."

The whole world waits in December darkness
for a glimpse of the Light of God.
Even those who snarl "Humbug!"
and chase away the carolers
have been seen looking toward the skies.
The one who declared he never would forgive
has forgiven,
   and those who left home
have returned,
   and even wars are halted,
if briefly,
   as the whole world looks starward.
In the December darkness
we peer from our windows
   watching for an angel with rainbow wings
to announce the Hope of the World.

(as found in Kneeling in Bethlehem)

The scripture lessons for Sunday, December 2, the 1st Sunday of 
Advent:
Jeremiah 33:14-16
1 Thessalonians 3:9-13
Luke 21:25-36

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, December 2, 10am,
in the upstairs office in Trinity Hall. This Sunday's conversation will
be a "Sermon Talkback,"  an opportunity to explore further the ideas
raised in last Sunday's sermon, Outside In vs. Inside Out, based on
John 18:33-38.  To hear the sermon, visit www.walnuthill.posterous.com
(scroll down to the sermon recording), or you may request a written
copy by reply email.

CHRISTMAS SEASON POTLUCK, this Sunday, December 2, after
morning worship.  Bring a salad, side dish, or dessert, and your
appetite!

Youth (middle and high school) are invited to gather on Sunday, 
December 2, 5:30pm, at Walnut Hill, to practice their parts for the 
upcoming Christmas Pageant.   

Thanks to the Walnut Hill Youth who prepared 100 sandwiches for
guests at the Lexington Community Inn.  The sandwiches were 
delivered on Sunday evening to an inn full of guests.

The Giving Tree has 4 ornaments remaining, each representing a
gift suggestion for a child/adult.  Thanks to those who picked up 
ornaments last Sunday.  Please return ornaments and gifts by 
Sunday, December 16.

Poinsettias;  Poinsettias may be sponsored for a $20 contribution.
Poinsettia sponsorship helps underwrite the cost of decorating the
Sanctuary for the holiday.  Sponsors are welcome to take their
poinsettias home at the end of the holiday season.  Make your check 
payable to Walnut Hill Church, designated "poinsettia."

Peace to all!

Mike Ward





Friday, November 23, 2012

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, November 25, at Walnut Hill Church...

The Sunday of Christ the King

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Christ and Culture

On this Sunday of Christ the King, we'll talk about the various
ways in which Christ relates to culture, guided by H. Richard
Niebuhr's classic text, Christ and Culture.  Is Christ against,
of, above, in paradox with, or transforming the culture in which
we live.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - Outside In vs. Inside Out
Text -  John 18:33-38

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for refreshments and fellowship.

Youth Gathering, 5:30pm, Trinity Hall

Youth (middle and high school) are invited to gather for a
meal and activities, including preparation of sandwiches for
guests at the Lexington Community Inn.

******

The Giving Tree will be up in Trinity Hall beginning this Sunday.
The Giving Tree is decorated with ornaments.  Each ornament 
offers the opportunity to purchase a gift for a child or an adult.
You may select an ornament from the tree, purchase the suggested
gift, and return the gift and ornament by December 16.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

November 20, 2012

Greetings to all!

Since our nation's early years, Presidents have issued "Thanksgiving
Proclamations" encouraging Americans to observe Thanksgiving Day.  
Below is a portion of President Obama's 2011 Thanksgiving Day
Proclamation.

In times of adversity and times of plenty, we have lifted our hearts by
giving humble thanks for the blessings we have received and for 
those who bring meaning to our lives.  Today, let us offer gratitude
to our men and women in uniform for their many sacrifices, and keep
in our thoughts the families who save an empty seat at the table for
a loved stationed in harm's way.  And as members of our American
family make do with less, let us rededicate ourselves to our friends
and fellow citizens in need of a helping hand.

As we gather in our communities and in our homes, around the table
or near the hearth, we give thanks to each other and to God for the
many kindnesses and comforts that grace our lives.  Let us pause to
recount the simple gifts that sustain us, and resolve to pay them 
forward in the year to come.

The scripture lessons for Sunday, November 25, Christ the King..
2 Samuel 23:1-7
Revelation 1:4-8
John 18:33-37

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, November 25, 10am,
in Trinity Hall.  As this Sunday is the Sunday of Christ the King, we 
will discuss what this affirmation might mean in a religiously diverse
and even "post-Christian" society.  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,
November 25.  Use reply email to inquire about hosting this Sunday,
or check the new sign up sheet in the Sanctuary foyer to host a
Sunday later in the winter.

Walnut Hill Youth (middle and high school) are invited to gather this
Sunday, November 25, 5:30pm.  In addition to their meal and other
activities, the youth will be making sandwiches for guests at the 
Lexington Community Inn.

The Christmas Season Potluck is coming on Sunday, December 2,
immediately  after morning worship.  Bring a salad, side dish, or 
dessert.  For all ages.

The Annual Christmas Party is coming on Sunday, December 16,
3 - 5pm, at 993 Turkeyfoot Road, Lexington.  Bring an hors-d'oeuvres
item.  This gathering is intended for adults.

Thanks to all those who helped us fully sponsor the stuffing/dressing
needed for the Nathaniel Mission Community Thanksgiving Dinner. 
More than 400 guests are expected to attend and enjoy, among other
items, 125 pounds of stuffing/dressing provided by Walnut Hill Church!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Mike Ward


Friday, November 16, 2012

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, November 18, at Walnut Hill Church...

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Tracking Our Spiritual Journey

In some traditions, the spiritual life has been described in terms of 
a journey. This Sunday, we will take a look at our various "spiritual 
journeys," discovering where have come from, where we are, and 
where we might be going.  

Children's Choir, 10am, Trinity Hall

Children through elementary age are invited to gather for music
and singing as they prepare for a Sunday morning presentation during
the holiday season.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon:  One More Spiritual Practice
Text:  John 15:1-8

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for refreshments and fellowship.

Ecumenical Worship, 7pm, Gethsemane Lutheran Church

All are invited to an ecumenical worship service in observance of 
the Thanksgiving holiday, 7pm, at Gethsemane Lutheran Church
(2185 Garden Springs Drive).   Bring a non-perishable food item to
be donated to God's Pantry.

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Greetings to all!

This week brings our Exploring Our Spirituality (EOS) season to a close.  
The season's final week reminds us that the spiritual journey is an ongoing, 
indeed lifelong, process.  I am reminded of the story of Brother Lawrence, 
the 17th century monk who, after years of formal practices, discovered that 
the spiritual life is really quite simple, namely practicing a sense of God's 
presence in all areas of life, including the monastery kitchen, Lawrence's 
regular work assignment.  Brother Lawrence wrote...

I have quit all forms of devotions and set prayers except those to which 
my state obliges me. And I make it my business only to persevere in God's 
holy presence, wherein I keep myself by a simple attention and a general 
fond regard for God, which I may call an actual presence of God; or, to 
speak better, an habitual, silent, and secret conversation of the soul with 
God, which often causes in me joys and raptures inwardly, and sometimes 
also outwardly so great that I am forced to use means to moderate them, 
and prevent their appearance to others.
(from Practicing the Presence of God, Second Letter)

The Scripture lesson for Sunday, November 18...
John 15:1-8

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, November 18, 10am, in 
Trinity Hall.  Our conversation focus for the morning will be "Tracking Our
Spiritual Journey."  Come enjoy a cup of coffee, join the conversation, or
just listen in.

Children's Choir: Children through elementary age are invited to gather
for music and singing this Sunday, 10am, in Trinity Hall.  The children are
working toward a Sunday morning presentation during the holiday season.

Ecumenical Thanksgiving Worship, Sunday, November 18, 7:00 pm, 
Gethsemane Lutheran Church (2185 Garden Springs Drive).  Walnut Hill 
members and friends are invited to an ecumenical gathering in observance 
of Thanksgiving.  An offering (cash and non-perishable food items) will be 
received to benefit God's Pantry. 

Thanksgiving Stuffing - Walnut Hill is providing the stuffiing (a.k.a. "dressing")
for the Nathaniel Mission Community Thanksgiving Dinner.  About 400 
people will be served, requiring about 125 pounds of stuffing.  You can
sponsor a pan of stuffing for $20.  Also, we need a few volunteers to help
with delivering the stuffing on Tuesday (11/20).  Use reply email to 
inquire about sponsoring a pan of stuffing or helping with the delivery.

Thanks to all who contributed toward Walnut Hill Church's response to 
Hurricane Sandy, a total of $1,107.  Visit www.cwsglobal.org/sandy  for links to 
videos and other information describing how Walnut Hill's gifts are being used.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward


Friday, November 9, 2012

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, November 11, at Walnut Hill Church...

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Blindness & Vision

We will view and talk about the story of the "man born blind" 
as told in John 9 and discover how John transforms a standard 
miracle story into a reflection on spiritual, as well as physical,
blindness and vision.

Children's Choir, 10am, Trinity Hall

Children through elementary age are invited to gather for 
music and singing in preparation for a Sunday morning 
presentation during the holiday season.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon: Now You Are Light
Text:  Ephesians 5:8 - 14

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children.

Congregation and Cemetery Meetings, Noon, Sanctuary

The annual meetings of the Congregation and Cemetery
Association will be held immediately after worship. 

Youth Gathering, 5:30pm, Trinity Hall

Walnut Hill Youth (middle and high school) are invited to 
gather for a meal and activities.

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Greetings to all!

As the election dust settles, perhaps this is a good day to offer prayer for
government leaders, both those newly elected and those continuing their
service.

O Lord, our governor,
your glory shines throughout the world.
We commend our nation to your merciful care,
that we may live securely in peace
and may be guided by your providence.
Give all in leadership the wisdom and strength
to know your will and to do it.
Help them remember that they are called to serve the people
as lovers of truth and justice;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

(adapted from the Book of Common Worship)

The scripture lesson for Sunday, November 11...
Ephesians 5:8-14

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, November 11, 10am, in
Trinity Hall.  Our focus will be the story of the healing of the man born
blind as told in John 9.  Come enjoy a cup of coffee, join the conversation,
or just listen in.

Children's Choir: Children through elementary age are invited to gather
for music and singing in Trinity Hall at 10am this Sunday morning.  The
children are preparing for a music presentation during the holiday season.

The Annual Meeting of the Congregation of Walnut Hill Church will be
held this Sunday, November 11, Noon, immediately after morning worship.  
The business of the annual meeting includes the election of Vestry members
and officers, the presentation of the 2013 budget, and the approval of the
pastor's terms of call for 2013.  All Members and Friends of Walnut Hill 
Church have privilege of voice and vote at the annual meeting.

The Annual Meeting of the Walnut Hill Church Cemetery Association will
be held this Sunday, November 11, immediately after the congregational
meeting.  The business of the annual meeting includes the election of
cemetery association officers and review of the past year's finances and
activities.

Opportunities to Give:
*Donation baskets will be available this Sunday in the Sanctuary foyer 
to receive monetary contributions to support relief efforts in the wake of 
Hurricane Sandy. Walnut Hill's donations will be sent to the affected area 
via Church World Service.  Visit www.churchworldservice.org for information 
regarding  how our gifts will be used.
*Once again Walnut Hill will provide the stuffing (aka "dressing") for
the Nathaniel Mission Community Thanksgiving Dinner.  A $20 donation
sponsors a pan of stuffing for the meal.  

Peace to all.

Mike Ward


Friday, November 2, 2012

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, November 4, at Walnut Hill Church...

ALL SAINTS' SUNDAY

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Talking About the Saints

A Dictionary of Christian Theology describes saints as
"those in whom the power of the Spirit is outstandingly
manifest."  Join us as we talk together about the saints.

Children's Choir, 10am, Trinity Hall

Children through elementary age are invited to gather for
music and singing in preparation for a Sunday morning 
presentation during the holiday season.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon: Saint Stories

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for refreshments and fellowship.

*****

Responding to Hurricane Sandy

Persons attending Walnut Hill this Sunday, Nov 4, will have 
opportunity to support immediate and long term relief efforts in 
the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.   Baskets will be available to 
receive your monetary contributions to Church World Service, 
including cash and checks payable to Walnut Hill Church.  For 
more information regarding the Church World Service relief 

*****
The Vestry will meet at 9:30am in the upstairs office of 
Trinity Hall