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
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