Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Greetings to all!

"Conversion" is one of those words in our religious vocabulary with
which we are not as comfortable today as in past generations; yet,
conversion might still have a role in our spiritual journey.  Consider
these thoughts from Orthodox theologian Paul Evdokimov.

With rare exceptions, the spiritual life comes into being in an event
that is called "conversion" ....Something we have read, an encounter,
a reflection, causes a light to break forth suddenly, brilliantly.  In its
brightness, all is seen in its true order as in an inspired poem that 
gives everything a new and inestimable value, as in the music of
Mozart.  It is a religious springtime, full of joy and enthusiasm. Like
the buds filled with sap, the human being feels uplifted in a 
surprising joy and a spontaneous sympathy for everything and
everyone.  This is an unforgettable time.  Like a feast illumined by
a thousand lights, it makes one see God, the smiling countenance
of the Father, coming to meet his child.  
(from The Ages of the Spiritual Life)

The scripture lesson for Sunday, November 10 ...
Exodus 3:1-6

Sunday Conversations continue on Sunday, Nov 10, 10am, in
Trinity Hall.  This Sunday's conversation is prompted by the EOS*
theme, ""Praying Out of the Roots of Your Own Life."  Come enjoy
a cup of coffee, join the conversation, or just listen in.

Children's Choir - Children are invited to gather this Sunday, 
Nov 10, 10am, in Trinity Hall for music and singing in anticipation
of their Christmas season presentation on Dec 8.

The Annual Meeting of the Congregation of Walnut Hill Church
will be held on Sunday, November 10, immediately after worship.
Business of the Annual Meeting includes the election of Vestry
members and officers, presentation of the 2014 church budget,
and approval of the pastor's terms of call for 2014.  All members
and friends of Walnut Hill Church are encouraged to attend.

Youth - Youth (middle and high school) are invited to participate
in a service opportunity this Sunday, November 10, as they
prepare and serve the evening meal at the Catholic Action Center.
Use reply email or call the church office (263-5304) for more
information regarding this service opportunity.

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.

As an EOS* practice this week consider the importance of "sacred
spaces" in your life,  places you can go in your home, neighborhood, 
and world where you can find peace and a sense of connection
to God.  Once found/established, visit those places regularly for
prayer, reflection, or solitude.  For more ideas regarding contemplative
practices, visit The Tree . 

In the Community: Amy-Jill Levine, of Vanderbilt University and
Divinity School, will be the featured speaker at this year's 
Transylvania University Moosnick Lecture.  Prof Levine will speak
at 7pm, Tues, Nov 12, at Transylvania's Carrick Theater.  She will also
speak at 7pm, Wed, Nov 13, at Temple Adath Israel.  For more
information, visit Moosnick Lecture .

Peace to all.

Mike Ward


*EOS  is short for Exploring Our Spirituality, a season of reflection ongoing 
at Walnut Hill through Sunday, November 17. 

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