Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Greetings to all!

As our nation's leaders consider and debate the U.S. response to
the latest mid-east crisis, a particular calling of the faith community
is to "pray for peace."  But what does it mean to pray for peace?  
Thomas Merton, writing decades ago on the occasion of a different 
crisis, offered some challenging thoughts about what it means to 
pray for peace.

When I pray for peace I pray to pacify not only [our enemies] but
above all my own nation and myself.  When I pray for peace, I
pray to be protected not only from [others] but also from the folly
and blindness of my own country.  When I pray for peace, I pray
not only that the enemies of my own country may cease to want
war, but above all that my own country will cease to do the things
that make war inevitable.  In other words, when I pray for peace
I am not just praying that [our enemies] will give up without a
struggle and let us have our own way.  I am praying that both
we and [they] may somehow be restored to sanity and learn how
to work out our problems, as best we can, together instead of
preparing for global suicide.
(adapted from Passion for Peace)

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, September 8...
2 Kings 6:8-23
1 Timothy 2:1-4
Matthew 26:47-56

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, September 8,
10am, in Trinity Hall.  Our conversation for this Sunday is titled
"Remembering 9-11."  We will ask what our faith brings to such
remembering.

A Host(s) is needed for our after worship refreshments this Sunday,
September 8.  Remember that refreshments need not be elaborate,
just something to gather around as we enjoy fellowship after
worship.  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
fall.

Walnut Hill Youth (middle and high school) are invited to join in 
this Sunday, Sept 8, as we participate in The Walk 3.4, a community 
initiative of the Imani Baptist Church.  The Walk 3.4, is a series of 
walks along Georgetown Road to "pray for" safe neighborhoods for 
all residents of Lexington.  Use reply email to request more information.

The Fall Potluck is coming on Sunday, Sept 15.  Bring a salad, 
side dish, or dessert.  Meat and beverage will be provided.  We 
are currently seeking a volunteer(s) to help coordinate various 
aspects of the meal.  Use reply email for more information.

Celebrating Service!  Many Walnut Hill folks serve others
through volunteer organizations in Lexington and beyond. We 
would like to celebrate such service.  Persons currently serving in 
this way are invited to prepare a simple poster board describing their
service.  Poster boards will be displayed in Trinity Hall during our 
Fall Potluck (Sept 15), and the information from them will be gathered 
into a "service directory."  This is an excellent opportunity to publicize 
service organizations and invite others to support them.

The Lexington CROP Walk is scheduled for Sunday, Sept 29, 3pm,
at 2nd Presbyterian Church in Lexington.  The CROP Walk is an
ecumenical and intergenerational event intended to raise awareness
and money in support of hunger relief efforts locally and globally.  
Watch for more information.

Peace,

Mike Ward



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