Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Greetings to all!

We will observe "All Saints' Day" this Sunday, November 3.  In one of his journal 

entries, Thomas Merton describes those "saints" who particularly move him, 

and in the process offers a description of what makes for a saint in any time.

The saints of the 15th century are among those who most move me.  In the 

collapse of medieval society, corruption of the clergy, decadence of conventual 

life, there emerge men and women of the laity supremely obedient to God ... 

Complete and simple signs of contradiction to worldliness and system and 

convention and prejudiced interest.  Not rebels at all, but completely meek and 

submissive instruments of God.  In them you see clearly and movingly revealed 

what it is not to be a mere rebel but to be obedient to God as a sign to men, 

a sign of mercy, a revelation of truth and of power.  I am drawn to these "signs" 

of God with all the love of my heart, trusting above all in their love and their 

intercession, for they live in the glory of God.

(from The Intimate Merton)

The scripture lesson for Sunday, November 3...

Luke 10:25-37

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, Nov 3, with a conversation 

bringing together our EOS* season and All Saints' Day, as we find among the 

saints some examples of contemplative living.

As an EOS* practice this week, explore how your work (paid or volunteer, 

at home or in public) can be spiritual practice by doing work "carefully and well, 

with love and respect for the nature of the task and with due attention to its 

purpose." (Merton)  This week, offer your work as worship.  For more 

information regarding this and other spiritual practices, visit The Tree . 

The Annual Meeting of the Congregation of Walnut Hill Church will be held on 

Sunday, November 10, immediately after morning worship.  Business for the 

annual meeting includes election of Vestry members and officers, presentation 

of the 2014 budget, and approval of the Pastor's terms of call for 2014.  All 

Walnut Hill members and friends are encouraged to attend.

The Zealot - Persons who have read The Zealot might be interested in a two part 

book discussion scheduled for Wednesday evenings, November 6 and 13. 

Use reply email to request more information regarding time, place, etc.  

Thanksgiving Stuffing - Once again, Walnut Hill has been asked to provide 

the stuffing/dressing for the Nathaniel Mission's Community Thanksgiving Dinner.  

You can sponsor a pan of stuffing/dressing for $20.  Use reply email to sponsor 

a pan.

Thanks to all those who donated items for CWS Hygiene Kits and to the young 

people who assembled them last Sunday, enough for 29 complete kits, plus a 

variety of leftover items. With an estimated value of $10/kit, the contributions and 

work totaled approximately $290.  Leftover items will be donated locally via the 

Catholic Action Center and/or saved for future kit assembly. For more information 

regarding CWS kits, visit Kits .

In the community:  An Interfaith Vigil in Support of Immigration Reform will be held 

on Wednesday, October 30, 6:30pm, at Courthouse Plaza (Main & Limestone) in 

Lexington.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

www.walnuthillchurchky.org

*EOS  is short for Exploring Our Spirituality, a season of reflection ongoing at

Walnut Hill through Sunday, November 17. 

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

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

"ENTERING THE SCHOOL OF YOUR EXPERIENCE"

EOS - FALL, 2013

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Praying Through Your Changing Image of God

This Sunday's conversation is suggested by this week's

EOS topic, "Praying Through Your Changing Image of

God."

Children's Choir, 10am, Trinity Hall

Children through elementary age are invited to gather 

for music and singing.  The children will be learning

music in anticipation of their Christmas season 

presentation on Sunday, December 8.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - Now I See You

Text -  Job 42:1-6

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children.

After Worship Gathering

All are invited to gather for refreshments and fellowship.

Youth Gathering, 5:30pm, Trinity Hall

Youth (middle and high school) are invited to gather to

assemble Church World Service Hygiene Kits. 

*****

CWS Hygiene Kits:  This Sunday, Oct 27, Walnut Hill Youth 

will be assembling Church World Service Hygiene Kits, which 

are distributed around the world in the aftermath of disasters.  

Hygiene Kits provide some essential items that we take for 

granted in ordinary times.  You may donate hygiene kit items 

at Walnut Hill this Sunday. Needed items include: 

hand towels (16"x28"), washcloths, wide tooth combs, 

nail clippers, bar soap (bath size), toothbrushes (in single

package), standard size adhesive bandage strips.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, October 22, 2013

Greetings to all!

As we move through the EOS* season, we are invited to consider the difference 

between "knowing about God" and "knowing God." In the one, God is the object 

of our inquiry; in the other, God is the ground of our being.  Thomas Merton 

distinguishes between these two types of "knowing."

The knowledge of which we are capable is simply knowledge about God.  It points 

to God in analogies, which we must transcend in order to reach him.  But we must 

transcend ourselves as well as our analogies, and in seeking to know God we must 

forget the familiar subject-object relationship that characterizes our ordinary acts of 

knowing...

[The aim]...is not arrive at an objective and apparently "scientific" knowledge about 

God, but to come to know God through the realization that our very being is penetrated 

with God's knowledge and love for us.

(adapted from Contemplative Prayer)

The scripture lesson for Sunday, October 27...

Job 42:1-6

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, Oct 27, 10am, in Trinity Hall.  Our 

conversation for this Sunday is suggested by this week's EOS theme, "Praying 

Through Your Changing Image of God."

Children's Choir -Children through elementary age are invited to gather for music 

and singing this Sunday, Oct 27, 10am, in Trinity Hall.  The children will be working 

on music in preparation for their Christmas season presentation.

Youth (middle and high school) are invited to gather this Sunday, Oct 27, 5:30pm, 

at Walnut Hill.  The evening's main activity will be assembling Church World Service 

Hygiene Kits (see below).  

CWS Hygiene Kits:  This Sunday, Oct 27, Walnut Hill Youth will be assembling 

Church World Service Hygiene Kits, which are distributed around the world in 

the aftermath of disasters.  Hygiene Kits provide some essential items that we 

take for granted in ordinary times. You may donate hygiene kit items at Walnut 

Hill this Sunday. Needed items include: hand towels (16"x28"),  washcloths, 

wide tooth combs, nail clippers, bar soap (bath size), toothbrushes (in single package), 

and standard size adhesive bandage strips.

As an EOS practice this week consider some "centering" exercises.  Centering,

as a practice, involves cultivating a relaxed, yet focused, state of mind.  For some

common centering exercises, visit Centering .

The Annual Meeting of the Congregation of Walnut Hill Church will be held on 

Sunday, November 10, immediately after morning worship.  Business for the annual

meeting includes election of Vestry members and officers, presentation of the 2014

budget, and approval of the Pastor's terms of call for 2014.  All Walnut Hill members

and friends are encouraged to attend.

The Zealot - Persons who have read The Zealot might be interested in a two part

book discussion scheduled for Wednesday evenings, November 6 and 13. Use reply

email to request more information regarding time, place, etc.  

In the Community...

*Christ Church Cathedral welcomes Ms. Glennon Doyle Melton for an 

evening presentation and book signing titled "Carry On Warrior," on Oct 25, 7pm.  

For more information visit, www.ccclex.org .

*The Christian-Muslim Dialogue meets this Saturday, Oct 26, 10am, at Hunter

Presbyterian Church.  This month's program is titled "Centre Faith - Living Among

Many Faith Traditions," featuring Dr. Rick Axtell and students from Centre College.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

*EOS (Exploring Our Spirituality) is a 6-week series of activity and reflection around

the theme, "Entering the School of Your Experience."

 

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

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

Sunday Conversation, 10am, Trinity Hall

Life Questions

We will talk about some of those life questions that trouble us, 

amuse us, or cause us to wonder.  From where do those questions 

arise, what do they reveal about us, and where might answers be 

found?  

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - In The Wilderness

Text - Matthew 4:1- 11

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for refreshments and fellowship.

*****

CWS Hygiene Kits:  At the end of October, Walnut Hill Youth 

will be assembling Church World Service Hygiene Kits, which 

are distributed around the world in the aftermath of disasters.  

Hygiene Kits provide some essential items that we take for 

granted in ordinary times.  You may donate hygiene kit items 

at Walnut Hill for the next several Sundays. Needed items 

include: hand towels (16"x28"), washcloths, wide tooth combs, 

nail clippers, bar soap (bath size), toothbrushes (in single

package), standard size adhesive bandage strips.

*****

The Vestry will meet at 9:30am in the upstairs office

of Trinity Hall.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Greetings to all!

This week's EOS* reflection invites us to consider life's questions and 

answers.  The questions, which often concern matters of life purpose, 

meaning, and destiny, occur to us at various times.  The answers can be 

elusive, and we sometimes settle for solutions that are popular or

well-packaged. Consider these thoughts regarding the solutions to life's 

questions.

The true solutions are not those that we force upon life in accordance 

with our theories, but those which life itself provides for those who dispose 

themselves to receive the truth.  Consequently, our task is to dissociate 

ourselves from all who have theories which promise clear and infallible

solutions, and to mistrust all such theories, not in a spirit of negativism 

and defeat, but rather trusting life itself, and nature, and if you will permit me, 

God above all.  For since man has decided to occupy the place of God he 

has shown himself to be by far the blindest, and cruelest, and pettiest,

and most ridiculous of all the false gods.

(Thomas Merton from Raids on the Unspeakable)

As an EOS practice this week try a "Loving-Kindness Meditation," a practice 

intended to nurture compassion toward one's self and others.  A description of 

this practice can be found at "Loving Kindness Meditation"  .  Feel free to

adapt the practice to your own situation. 

The scripture lesson for Sunday, October 20...

*Matthew 4:1-11

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, Oct 20, 10am, in Trinity Hall as 

we consider "Life's Questions and Answers."  What are some of the "life 

questions" that occur to you, and where do you look for answers?

Audio Recordings of sermons during the EOS season can be found on the

church website, www.walnuthillchurchky.org .

The Vestry will meet this Sunday, Oct 20, 9:30am, in Trinity Hall.

CWS Hygiene Kits:  At the end of October, Walnut Hill Youth will be assembling 

Church World Service Hygiene Kits, which are distributed around the world in 

the aftermath of disasters.  Hygiene Kits provide some essential items that we 

take for granted in ordinary times. You may donate hygiene kit items at Walnut 

Hill for the next two Sundays. Needed items include: hand towels (16"x28"), 

washcloths, wide tooth combs, nail clippers, bar soap (bath size), toothbrushes 

(in single package), and standard size adhesive bandage strips.

There is something old, yet new, on the church grounds that you might have

noticed coming and going on recent Sunday's.  Do you know what it is? The

mystery will be revealed this Sunday at 11am.

In the Community:

*Christ Church Cathedral welcomes Ms. Glennon Doyle Melton for an 

evening presentation and book signing titled "Carry On Warrior," on Oct 25, 7pm.  

For more information visit, www.ccclex.org .

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

*EOS  is short for Exploring Our Spirituality, a season of reflection ongoing at

Walnut Hill through Sunday, November 17. 

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, October 13, at Walnut Hill Church...

"ENTERING THE SCHOOL OF YOUR EXPERIENCE"

EOS, FALL 2013

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

The Tree of Contemplative Practices

We will explore the Tree of Contemplative Practices,

considering which branches look promising for climbing.

If you would like to do a little "tree climbing" ahead of

time, visit "The Tree" .

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon:  Seeds of Contemplation*

Text:  Mark 4:1-10

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children.

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for refreshments and fellowship.

*****

CWS Hygiene Kits:  At the end of October, Walnut Hill Youth 

will be assembling Church World Service Hygiene Kits, which 

are distributed around the world in the aftermath of disasters.  

Hygiene Kits provide some essential items that we take for 

granted in ordinary times.  You may donate hygiene kit items 

at Walnut Hill for the next several Sundays. Needed items 

include: hand towels (16"x28"), washcloths, wide tooth combs, 

nail clippers, bar soap (bath size), toothbrushes (in single

package), standard size adhesive bandage strips.

*****

*This week's sermon title is borrowed from the books

by Thomas Merton, Seeds of Contemplation (1949) and

New Seeds of Contemplation (1962).

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Greetings to all!

This week we enter a season of Exploring Our Spirituality (EOS). 

Small group gatherings began earlier this week, and our Sunday 

morning conversations and worship will provide opportunity to reflect 

on this fall's EOS theme, "Entering the School of Your Experience."  

You are invited to engage this season in whatever way makes sense 

for you including small group participation, Sunday morning attendance, 

personal reading and reflection, or simply living with eyes, ears, and 

heart open.  We begin our exploration with a description of  

"contemplative living."

Contemplative living is a journey through experience in response to

a "word" heard within our inmost hearts to come out of the spiritual

immaturity of self-centeredness into the fulness of being alive in

community.  Contemplative living is a way of praying through our

life's experiences in a way that manifests our appreciation of the

adventure and gift of being alive.  To live contemplatively is to

commit ourselves to a lifelong extension course in wisdom whereby

we learn the heights and the depths of what it means to become

more joy-filled, courageous, and compassionate human beings.

The scripture lessons for Sunday, October 13...

Mark 1:16-39

Mark 4:1-9

Sunday Conversations pick up the EOS theme this week as we

explore the "Tree of Contemplative Practices."  If you would like

to do a little tree climbing ahead of time, visit "The Tree" .  Join us

this Sunday, 10am, in Trinity Hall.

EOS Sharing Groups:  It is not too late to join an EOS sharing group.

Groups will be meeting for the next five weeks on Sunday evening, 

Monday morning, and Monday evening.  Use reply email to inquire 

about joining an EOS sharing group.

As an EOS practice this week take a walk(s) in your neighborhood

or a nearby park, or simply sit outside for a while.  Your walk can be 

on your own or with someone. Rather than talking, listening to an I-pod, 

etc, simply be aware of the sights, sounds, etc, along the way.  At the 

end of your walk, reflect and/or talk about what you saw, heard, 

experienced, etc.

CWS Hygiene Kits:  At the end of October, Walnut Hill Youth will

be assembling Church World Service Hygiene Kits, which are 

distributed around the world in the aftermath of disasters.  Hygiene Kits 

provide some essential items that we take for granted in ordinary times.  

You may donate hygiene kit items at Walnut Hill for the next several 

Sundays. Needed items include: hand towels (16"x28"), washcloths, wide 

tooth combs, nail clippers, bar soap (bath size), toothbrushes (in single

package), standard size adhesive bandage strips.

In the Community:  The Interfaith Alliance of the Bluegrass will

hold its annual meeting and dinner on Thursday, October 17, 6pm,

at Central Baptist Church.  Speaking will be Dr. Joan Brown 

Campbell, who will discuss the "Compassionate Cities Movement."

Cost per person is $20.  RSVP by October 10 to tiabg.info@gmail.com.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

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

ECUMENICAL SUNDAY

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

A Visit With Bishop Hahn

The Rt. Rev. Douglas Hahn, Bishop of the Episcopal

Diocese of Lexington, will be our guest.  We will talk

informally with Bishop Hahn regarding ecumenism,

the Episcopal Church, Walnut Hill, and other topics

as might arise.  Come enjoy a cup of coffee, join the 

conversation, or just listen in.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Preacher:  The Rt. Rev. Douglas Hahn

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.

*****

An Afternoon At The Cabin

 

Youth (middle & high school) and their families are

invited to an afternoon at Derek Vaughan's cabin 

including hiking, pumpkin carving, a cookout, and more.

We will leave from Walnut Hill immediately after worship.

Activities will conclude no later than 4pm. RSVP via reply 

email if you are planning to attend.

*****

EOS small groups begin this week, including Sunday

evening, Monday morning, and Monday evening.  Use

reply email for more information.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Greetings to all!

This Sunday, October 6, is "Ecumenical Sunday" at Walnut Hill Church, 

an opportunity to explore and celebrate Walnut Hill's ecumenical identity.  

The Preamble of Walnut Hill's Constitution and By-Laws provides a 

starting point for our "Ecumenical Sunday" observance:

   We, the members of Walnut Hill Church, an Ecumenical Church...

do hereby organize for the purpose of providing public worship, 

the apostolic ministry of word and sacrament, religious instruction, 

pastoral care and counseling and in general a witness to the 

community of the need for life and work in the name of Jesus...

   We, as a church, are a fellowship of believers who wish to bring 

together all men and women as children of God and do not wish 

to make an obstacle in creed and dogma to fellowship with God's 

people. We believe that the true basis of Christian fellowship is love, 

which is greater than all our differences and without this love we 

have no claim to Christian fellowship.

The Rt. Rev. Douglas Hahn, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese

of Lexington, will be our special guest for Ecumenical Sunday.

Bishop Hahn will visit informally with us for our 10am Sunday

Conversation.  He will present the sermon during the 11am

worship hour and preside at the Sacrament of Holy Communion.

Youth (middle and high school) and their families are invited to

a fall afternoon At The Cabin (hosted by Derek Vaughan) this 

Sunday (Oct 6) including hiking, pumpkin carving, a cookout and 

more.  We will leave from Walnut Hill after morning worship.  Activities 

will conclude by 4pm.  Use reply email or call the church office to 

rsvp or for more information.

EXPLORING OUR SPIRITUALITY (EOS), season four, begins soon. 

This season's theme, Entering the School of Your Experience, 

invites exploration and practice of contemplative living.  Small groups 

(beginning Oct 6) are planned for Sunday evening, Monday evening, 

and Thursday morning.  Use reply email for more information.   

CROP Walk Harvest - This year's CROP Walk will be remembered

as a bountiful one for hunger relief locally and around the world.  

Fourteen Walnut Hill walkers plus a number of generous sponsors 

combined for a total Walnut Hill contribution of $943! Thanks to all!!

ACE Trip Sponsorship:  Once again Walnut Hill is sponsoring students 

to participate in the Athens Chilesburg Elementary School 5th Grade trip 

to Washington, DC.  Walnut Hill has committed to sponsor 5 students 

($534/each) who otherwise would not have the financial means to do so.  

Contributions toward this sponsorship are welcome.  Make checks 

payable to Walnut Hill Church, designated "ACE Trip."

In the community:

*The Interfaith Alliance of the Bluegrass will hold its annual

dinner and meeting on Oct 17 at Central Baptist Church.  The 

keynote speaker will be the Rev. Joan Brown Campbell.  For more 

information, contact tiabg.info@gmail.com.

*The KY Council of Churches will hold its Annual Assembly

on Oct 24 - 25, at KY Dam Village State Park.  Speakers include

Ms. Renee Shaw (KET).  For more information, visit

www.kycouncilofchurches.org.

*Christ Church Cathedral welcomes Ms. Glennon Doyle Melton 

for an evening presentation and book signing on Oct 25, 7pm.  For more 

information visit, www.ccclex.org .

Peace to all.

Mike Ward