Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Greetings to all!

I recently participated in a conversation regarding discerning the "will of 
God" for one's life.  It was a great conversation, and many thoughtful ideas
were shared.  Perhaps that recent conversation caused the following
paragraph from Thomas Merton to catch my attention.

If you want to know what is meant by "God's will" in [human] life, this
is one way to get a good idea of it.  "God's will" is certainly found in
anything that is required of us in order that we may be united with 
one another in love.  You can call this, if you like, the basic tenet of
the Natural Law, which is that we should treat others as we would 
like them to treat us, that we should not do to another what we would
not want another to do to us.  In other words, the natural law is 
simply that we should recognize in every other human being the 
same destiny as in ourselves.  The plainest summary of all the 
natural law is: to treat other [human beings] as if they were [human
beings].  Not to act as if I alone were a [human being], and every
other human were an animal or a piece of furniture.
(from New Seeds of Contemplation)

The scripture lessons for Sunday, February 3...
Jeremiah 1:4-10
1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Luke 4:21-30

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, February 3, 10am, in
Trinity Hall.  Our focus for this Sunday will be "Proof of Heaven," the
first of three conversations prompted by the book of the same title.

SOUP-ER BOWL SUNDAY is this Sunday, February 3, at Walnut
Hill.  Come prepared to enjoy some delicious soups by Walnut Hill
soup chefs and make a donation to benefit God's Pantry.   Serving
space is still open for some more Walnut Hill chefs.  Use reply email
if you would like to offer your soup for a good cause.

EOS LENT 2013, "Discipleship," begins in just a few weeks. Among 
the EOS opportunities is participation in a small, faith sharing group.  
Use reply email if you would like more information about participating 
in an EOS small group.

Youth Activities Leader:  Walnut Hill Church is currently seeking a
Youth Activities Leader to enhance its ministry with and to youth
(middle and high school).  This is a part-time, compensated, position.  
A job description is available by request from the church office.  Please
share this information with persons of your acquaintance that you
think might fit this ministry opportunity at Walnut Hill.

The Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Lexington will
be held, February 21 - 23, in Lexington.  Walnut Hill is invited to send 
observer delegates to attend this festive and informative event. Use 
reply email to inquire about serving as a Walnut Hill delegate to all, 
or part, of this year's convention.

Thanks to all who helped Walnut Hill respond in a big way to the call 
to sponsor students for the upcoming Athens Chilesburg Elementary 
School 5th Grade Class Trip to Washington, DC. Thanks to your generosity, 
Walnut HIll was able to sponsor 10 students!

Peace to all.

Mike Ward


Friday, January 25, 2013

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, January 27, at Walnut Hill Church...

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

"Living Simply, So Others May Simply Live"

We will talk about how our attitudes and practices regarding
"earth stewardship" have changed (or not) over the years,
and what has contributed to that change.  We will consider
the notion of earth stewardship as a spiritual practice.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - "Sunday Sermon"
Text - Nehemiah 8:1-10

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for refreshments and fellowship.

Three Short Stories, 4pm, 341 Albany Road

All are invited to gather for this informal scripture study at
the home of Mike Ward (341 Albany Road).  Our focus for
this Sunday will be, "Mary Magdalene - A Story In Fragments."

Youth Gathering, 5:30pm, Walnut Hill Church

Youth (middle and high school) are invited to gather for a
meal and activities.  The focus for this gathering will include
preparation for the upcoming "Soup-er Bowl Sunday" (Feb 3)
as well as conversation about the issues of hunger and the 
stereotypes we carry regarding others.

******

Exploring Our Spirituality (EOS) small group registration
begins this Sunday, Jan 27 and continues through Feb 10.
Small group meetings are scheduled to begin the week of 
Feb 17.

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Greetings to all!

We are currently in the midst of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, a 
time for reflecting upon and affirming the unity of the Church, the Body of 
Christ.  It is good time to pray for the Church, perhaps using this year's 
WPCU prayer.

Open our hearts, O Jesus Christ, to share more perfectly in your prayer to 
the Father that we may be one, so that as we journey together we may 
draw closer to each other.  Send your Spirit to empower and challenge us 
to answer your call to unity.  Show us what your Father, the God of Life, 
requires of us, and lead us to justice, peace and oneness in your name, 
our Lord, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and forever.  Amen!

(from the Graymoor Ecumenical & Interreligious Institute, www.geii.org )

The scripture lessons for Sunday, January 27:
Nehemiah 8:1-10
1 Corinthians 12:12-31
Luke 4:14-21

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, January 27, 10am,
in Trinity Hall.  Our conversation this Sunday, "Living Simply, That Others
May Simply Live," will focus on our perceptions and use of the Earth and
its resources. Come enjoy a cup of coffee, join the conversation, or just 
listen in.

Three Short Stories, an informal scripture study, continues this Sunday,
January 27, 4pm, at the home of Mike Ward (341 Albany Rd).  Our "story"
for this Sunday will be "Mary Magdalene - A Story In Fragments."

EOS (Exploring Our Spirituality), Lent 2013, "Discipleship," will focus
on how we might follow Jesus as authentically as possible.  The scripture
focus will be the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles.  EOS 
opportunities will include Sunday Conversations and Worship, home 
activity flyers, service events, and EOS faith sharing groups.  Sign up for
faith sharing groups will begin this Sunday, Jan 27, with group meetings to 
begin the week of February 17.

ACE Sponsorship - As in past years, Walnut Hill is sponsoring students
to participate in the Athens Chilesburg Elementary School 5th Grade Class
Trip to Washington, DC.  To date, Walnut Hill has received and committed 
funds sufficient to sponsor 8 students at $534/each.  We understand that 
there are still a few students remaining who need sponsorship.  If you would
like to make a donation in any amount, please do so by this Sunday,
January 27.  Make your check payable to Walnut Hill Church, designated
"ACE." Thanks to all who make this outreach possible!

Sermon Recordings - The last two Sundays' sermons (Jan 13 & 20) have
been posted to the church blog ( www.walnuthill.posterous.com ).  Feel
free to visit or invite others to do so.

In the community:  The Christian-Muslim Dialogue meets this Saturday,
Jan 26, 10am - Noon, at Hunter Presbyterian Church.  This month's 
program, "Welcoming the Stranger," will focus on immigration issues.
A potluck lunch will follow the program.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Friday, January 18, 2013

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, January 20, at Walnut Hill Church...

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

"The Same, But Different"

We will explore how our perceptions and attitudes regarding race 
have changed (or not) over the years, and what has contributed to
(or prevented) those changes.


Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - Timing Is Everything
Text - John 2:1-12

Martin Luther King, Jr., Holiday Observance

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children


After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for refreshments and fellowship.


"Three Short Stories", 4pm, 341 Albany Rd

All are invited to this informal scripture study at the home of Mike Ward
(341 Albany Rd).  Our focus for the day will be the story of Jonah, a 
prophet who knew too much.  To read the story of Jonah ahead of time, 
consult your Old Testament or various online scripture sites.


Ecumenical Worship Service, 7pm, Pax Christi Catholic Church

All are invited to an ecumenical worship service in observance
of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.  The service will be
held at Pax Christi Catholic Church (corner of Man-O-War Blvd
and Victoria Way).   Leadership will include regional church leaders
as well as clergy and members of the participating congregations,
including Walnut Hill.

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, January 16, 2013


Greetings to all!

Monday, January 21, is the Martin Luther King, Jr., Holiday. There will 
be numerous opportunities available for all to reflect on the day and its 
themes.  Check out  www.uky.edu/MLK/schedule.html   for a description 
of activities related to the annual commemorative march and program 
in downtown Lexington.   In the meantime, consider these words from 
Dr. King.

Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable.  Even a  superficial 
look at history reveals that no social advance rolls in on the wheels of 
inevitability.  Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, 
suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of 
dedicated individuals.  Without persistent effort, time itself becomes an 
ally of the insurgent and primitive forces of irrational emotionalism and 
social destruction.  This is no time for apathy or complacency.  This is a 
time for vigorous and positive action.
(as found in The Words of Martin Luther King, Jr.)

The scripture readings for Sunday, January 20...
Isaiah 62:1-5
1 Corinthians 12:1-11
John 2:1-11

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, January 20, 10am, in
Trinity Hall.  Our focus for the day will be "The Same, But Different," 
a conversation about how our perceptions and attitudes regarding 
race have changed, or not, over the years. Come enjoy a cup of coffee,
join the conversation, or just listen in.

Three Short Stories, an informal scripture study, continues this 
Sunday, Jan 20, 4pm, at the home of Mike Ward (341 Albany Rd). 
Our focus for the day will be the story of Jonah, a prophet who knew
too much.   

Youth Activities Leader:  Walnut Hill Church is currently seeking a
Youth Activities Leader to enhance its ministry with and to youth
(middle and high school).  This is a part-time, compensated, position.  
A job description is available by request from the church office.  Please
share this information with persons of your acquaintance that you
think might fit this ministry opportunity at Walnut Hill.

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, January 18 - 25:  Begun in
1908, the WPCU provides opportunity to affirm the unity of the Body
of Christ, and invites the Church, east and west, north and south,
Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant to reflect together around a 
common theme.  These year's theme is "What Does the Lord Require
of Us?" arising from the question raised by the prophet Micah.  
Walnut Hill members and friends are invited to a local observance 
of the WPCU on Sun, Jan 20, 7pm, at Pax Christi Catholic Church.

The Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Lexington will
be held, February 21 - 23, in Lexington.  Walnut Hill is invited to send 
observer delegates to attend this festive and informative event. Use 
reply email to inquire about serving as a Walnut Hill delegate to all, 
or part, of this year's convention.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Friday, January 11, 2013

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, January 13, at Walnut Hill Church...
The Baptism of the Lord

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Am I My Brother's (Sister's) Keeper?

We will explore our connection, and sense of connection,
to our neighbors, and ask what that connection might suggest
regarding our response to neighbors in need.  Jesus'
parable of the Good Samaritan (Lk 10:25-37) will be part
of our conversation.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - When Did He Know? When Will We Know?
Text -  Luke 3:15-22

Reaffirmation of Baptism

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for refreshments and fellowship.

Three Short Stories, 4pm - 5:30pm, 341 Albany Road

All are invited to an informal scripture study at the home of 
Mike Ward (341 Albany Rd).  This week's focus is the short story
of "Ruth." The text can be found in your Bible's Old Testament,
or on various internet sites.  Take a few minutes to read this
story about two women who overcome adversity to their own 
and their nation's good.

Youth Gathering, 5:30pm, at Walnut Hill

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


Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Greetings to all!

Perhaps we are still close enough to the New Year holiday to consider
our habits, old and new.  

     The study of happy habits has something very important to teach us. 
It is a reminder that good habits we already have - and new habits we
choose to break in - can easily become forgotten parts of our routines.
Things we used to take pleasure from, like making a cup of tea or 
walking around the block, with time, can become bland and emotion-
less.  As automaticity increases, our experience of being in the moment
recedes; we feel less alive, fail to notice the world around us, and
become disconnected from our experience.  Our minds travel off else-
where, away from what we're doing and towards ruminating about the
past and worrying about the future...
     Automatic, unconscious habits only set us off in the right direction; it
is up to our conscious, willed, creative selves to decide where we are
going and how we will get there.  Habits can be a force for personal
conservatism: if they take complete control, they can lock us into the 
same boring grooves.  Habits can also set us free from routine aspects
of everyday life and allow us to realize our full potential.  The challenge
is to work out which habits keep leading to dead ends and which habits
lead to interesting new experiences, happiness, and a sense of 
personal satisfaction.
     Where will you start?
(from Making Habits, Breaking Habits by Jeremy Dean)

The scriptures for Sunday, January 13, The Baptism of the Lord...
Isaiah 43:1-7
Acts 8:14-17
Luke 3:15-22
An opportunity for the "reaffirmation of baptism" will be included in the
worship service.

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, January 13, 10am, in
Trinity Hall.  The focus for this Sunday's conversation: "Am I My Brother's
Keeper," with attention to our relationship to neighbors in need.

Three Short Stories, an informal scripture study, begins this Sunday,
Jan 13, 4pm - 5:30pm, at the home of Mike Ward (341 Albany Rd).  This 
Sunday's short story will be the story of "Ruth" as found in the Old 
Testament.  Take a few minutes and read the story ahead of time.  If 
you don't have a Bible handy, the text can be found online.

A Host(s) is needed for our after worship refreshments this Sunday,
January 13.  Use reply email to volunteer for this Sunday, or check the
sign up sheet in the foyer for hosting opportunities later in the winter 
or spring.

From the Treasurer:  Did you know that current law allows taxpayers 
(age 70yrs-6mos and older) to make donations of IRA assets directly to charity 
through the end of 2013?  In addition, taxpayers can make 2012 IRA 
donations through Jan 31, 2013. Consult your financial/tax advisor for more 
details.

Sermon recordings are available online at www.walnuthill.posterous.com.
Go to the site and scroll down to the recording you would like to hear.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward







Friday, January 4, 2013

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, January 6, at Walnut Hill Church...

The Epiphany of the Lord

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Practicing Peace in a Violent World

We will talk about Christ's calling to be "peacemakers" in the 
midst of what often seems to be a violent world.  The focus of 
our conversation will be on personal practices that cultivate 
peace within ourselves and with others.

Nursery care is available upon request.  Use reply email
or contact the church office (263-5304) to request nursery care.
We are happy to provide it.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - Light That Cannot Be Extinguished
Text - Matthew 2:1-23

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.


Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Greetings to all!

As the holiday season draws to a close, we return to our more ordinary
schedules, activities, and (often) attitudes.  Ann Weems offers a poetic
reflection on the shepherds of Luke's gospel who went away from the
Christmas stable "glorifying and praising God."

Later
   after the angels,
after the stable,
   after the Child,
   they went back . . .
    as we always must,
   back to the world that doesn't understand
our talk of angels and stars
   and especially not the Child.
We go back complaining that it doesn't last.
They went back singing praises to God!
We do have to go back,
   but we can still sing alleluias!

("Later" as found in Kneeling in Bethlehem)

The scriptures for Sunday, January 6, the Epiphany of the Lord.
Isaiah 60:1-6
Ephesians 3:1-12
Matthew 2:1-12

Sunday Conversations resume this Sunday, Jan 6, 10am, in Trinity
Hall.  Our conversation topic for this Sunday, "Practicing Peace in a
Violent World." 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, 
January 6.  Use reply email to volunteer for this Sunday, or check the 
sign up sheet in the Sanctuary foyer to host a Sunday later in January 
or beyond.  Remember that Sunday refreshments need not be elaborate,
just something simple to gather around as we fellowship after worship.
Thanks to all our recent hosts who helped make the holiday season a 
festive one at Walnut Hill.

"Three Short Stories" is the title of an informal scripture study to be
held on Sunday afternoons (Jan 13, 20, 27), 4pm, at the home of 
Mike Ward.  The study will focus on the short stories of Ruth, Jonah,
and Mary Magdalene.

Youth Activities Leader:  Walnut Hill Church is currently seeking a
Youth Activities Leader to enhance its ministry with and to youth
(middle and high school).  This is a part-time, compensated, position.  
A job description is available by request from the church office.  Please
share this information with persons of your acquaintance that you
think might fit this ministry opportunity at Walnut Hill.

Walnut Hill Cookbook:  Did you miss someone in your holiday gift
giving?  Consider a Walnut Hill Cookbook .  Copies are available in the
Sanctuary foyer.

In the Community:  A memorial service/vigil will be held this 
Saturday, January 5, 12:30 pm, at Triangle Park to remember those
who died in the recent violence in Newtown, CT, as well to bear 
witness for peace.  Local religious leaders will light candles for those 
who perished and offer brief prayers/reflections.

Peace to all!

Mike Ward