Greetings to all!
Our EOS* series concludes this Sunday as we focus on the notion of
"compassion." Thomas Merton included compassion among a short list of
practices for what he then perceived to be a critical moment in human history,
namely the "cold war" threat of nuclear destruction. Might Merton's short
list of practices still have application today?
1. Preeminence of meditation and prayer, of self-emptying, cleaning out,
getting rid of the self that blocks the view of the truth. The self that says
it will be here and then that it will not be here.
2. Preeminence of compassion for every living thing, for life, for the
defenseless and simple beings, for the human race in its blindness..
3. Weariness of words, except in friendship, in the simplest and most
direct kind of communication, by word of mouth or letter.
4. Preeminence of the silent and conclusive action - if any presents
itself - of meaningful suffering, accepted in complete silence, without
justification.
(from The Intimate Merton)
The scripture lesson for Sunday, November 17...
John 1:1-18
Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, Nov 17, with discussion
of the "Charter for Compassion" as proposed by the well-known author
Karen Armstrong.
Children's Choir: Walnut Hill children (through elementary age) are
invited to gather each Sunday morning, 10am, in Trinity Hall for music
and singing as they prepare for their Christmas presentation on Dec. 8.
As an EOS* practice for this week consider the practice of "deep listening."
Moving beyond hearing to listening requires that a person let go of "usual
assumptions and listen with respect for precisely what is being said."
Visit "Deep Listening" for ideas on how to cultivate one's capacity to listen.
Philippine Relief: At its meeting last Sunday, the Walnut Hill Vestry
approved a $250 gift from the Community Fund in support of relief
efforts in the wake of Typhoon Hayian. Walnut Hill's gift will be sent via
Church World Service. Persons attending worship this coming Sunday,
Nov 17, may add to this gift through donations of cash or checks (payable
to Walnut Hill Church). For information related to Church World Service's
efforts, visit Church World Service .
Thanksgiving Stuffing - 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.
Giving Thanks...Walnut Hill members and friends are invited to an
ecumenical service of Thanksgiving on Sunday evening, Nov 24, 7pm,
at Phillips Memorial C.M.E. Church (421 Corral St). This service is
sponsored by the Lexington ecumenical cooperative of which Walnut Hill
is a participating congregation.
The Christmas Season Potluck is coming on Sunday, December 1,
after morning worship. Bring a salad, side dish, or dessert, and join
us as we begin the Advent/Christmas season with this delicious
Walnut Hill tradition.
Thanks to...
*...all those who attended the congregational meeting this past
Sunday. Please contact the church office if you were unable to attend
and would like a copy of the meeting packet, which includes the proposed
budget for 2014.
*...the Walnut Hill youth and parents who prepared and served the
evening meal for guests at the Catholic Action Center this past Sunday.
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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