Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Greetings to all!

Whether it be a new year or a new day, the future always arrives
with surprises. 

Each day (year) holds a surprise.  But only if we expect it can we
see, hear, or feel it when it comes to us.  Let's not be afraid to
receive each day's surprise, whether it comes to us as sorrow
or as joy.  It will open a new place in our hearts, a place where
we can welcome new friends and celebrate more fully our 
shared humanity.
(Henri Nouwen as found in Bread for the Journey)

The scripture lessons for January 5, Epiphany Sunday ...
Isaiah 60:1-6
Ephesians 3:1-12
Matthew 2:1-12

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, Jan 5, 10am, in
Trinity Hall.  This Sunday's conversation will focus on the 2014
session of the KY General Assembly as an intersection of faith
and politics.]

Sunday Hospitality - A fresh sign up sheet has been posted
in the Sanctuary foyer with opportunities to host our after 
worship refreshments throughout the winter and early spring.  
Check your calendars for Sundays you might host including this
Sunday, January 5.  Use reply email to volunteer for this 
Sunday.

The Church's Seven Deadly Secrets is the title of a new book
by Prof Paul Jones, of Transylvania University, in which Prof Jones
explores seven "secrets" that have contributed to a case of "identity
theft" of the church's nature and purpose.  Join us in Jan/Feb as
we read and discuss Dr. Jones' book.
*Copies of the book are available through Walnut Hill Church
for a discount price of $18.75/copy.   A kindle version is available 
through Amazon.com.
*Join us for Dinner and Conversation with Prof Jones on 
Sun, Jan 12, 6pm, at the Bronte Bistro at Joseph-Beth.  
*Join us for a series of four book discussion sessions beginning
Sun, Jan 19, 4pm - 5:30pm.
Use reply email to reserve a copy of the book, rsvp for dinner on
Jan 12, and/or for more information regarding the discussion series.

Sandwich Ministry - A fresh sign up sheet has been posted in 
the Sanctuary foyer with opportunities to serve as Sandwich 
Ministers at the Lexington Community Inn on the 4th Sunday
of each month.  Check the sign up sheet for more information about
Sandwich Ministry.

Thanks to all those who attended Christmas Eve services 
(approximately 170 persons) and who gave generously in support
of the Innkeeper's Offering.  Over $700 was received to support
the Salvation Army in its work of providing shelter and other 
services to homeless women, children, and families.

Happy New Year!

Mike Ward


Friday, December 27, 2013

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, December 29, at Walnut Hill Church...

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Light in the Darkness

The Gospel of John offers no Christmas story but rather
a poetic reflection on the Word made flesh and light in the
darkness.  We will explore what John might have been 
trying to say about Jesus, and how John's understanding
of Jesus compares to our own.  

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon:  Holy Innocents
Text:  Matthew 2:13-23

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for refreshments and fellowship.
Bring a plate of your "leftover" holiday treats to share.

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Greetings to all!

Well Christmas is upon us once again. Consider the following
reading for your Christmas Eve use and reflection.

This, tonight,
is the meeting place 
of heaven and earth.

For this, tonight,
is the stable
in which God keeps his appointment
to meet his people.

Not many high are here ,
not many holy;
not many innocent children,
not many worldly wise;
not all familiar faces,
not all frequent visitors.

But if tonight 
only strangers met
that would be enough.

For Bethlehem was not the hub of the universe,
nor was the stable a platform for famous folk.

In an out-of-the-way place
which folk never thought to visit -
there God kept and keeps his promise;
there God sends the Beloved One.

(adapted from Cloth for the Cradle)

Christmas Eve Schedule:
*5pm, Lessons and Carols: All ages invited to attend this family
celebration of the birth of Jesus.  We will read the Christmas story,
sing traditional carols, assemble the manger scene, and finish with
candle light. Flameless candles will be used at this service, so that
all ages might participate with concern for fire safety.
*9pm, Evening Prayer Fireside: We will gather around the 
fireplace in Trinity Hall for a quieter time of reflection and prayer to
open our hearts and lives to the love of God.  Arrive a bit early to
enjoy some hot cider and cookies.

The Innkeeper's Offering will be received on Christmas Eve to 
support the work of the Salvation Army in providing shelter to homeless
women, children, and families in Lexington.  Cash and checks payable 
to Walnut Hill Church are welcome.

*****

The schedule for Sunday, December 29...
*Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall:  This Sunday's 
conversation focus will be the Gospel of John's reflection on the 
Incarnation.
*Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary.  Nursery care and Sunday
School for children will be available during the worship hour.
*After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall.  Bring a plate
of your leftover holiday treats to share.

*****

The Church's Seven Deadly Secrets is the title of a new book
by Prof Paul Jones, of Transylvania University, in which Prof Jones
explores seven "secrets" that have contributed to a case of "identity
theft" of the church's nature and purpose.  Join us in Jan/Feb as
we read, reflect on, and discuss Dr. Jones' book.
*Copies of the book are available through Walnut Hill Church
for a discount price of $18.75/copy.  Use reply email to reserve a
copy, or pick one up on Sunday morning.  A kindle version is 
available through Amazon.com.
*Join us for Dinner and Conversation with Prof Jones on 
Sun, Jan 12, 6pm, at the Bronte Bistro at Joseph-Beth.
*Join us for a series of four book discussion sessions beginning
Sun, Jan 19, 4pm - 5:30pm.

*****

End of Year Giving
Don't forget Walnut Hill in your "end-of-year"giving.  Special 
gifts can be placed in the Sunday offering on Sun, December 29.  
Special gifts can also be mailed to the church office, and must be 
postmarked by Dec 31 to count for 2013.
Also, you might want to consult your tax advisor regarding gifts
of stock or charitable IRA distributions.
Thanks to all who have supported Walnut Hill Church during
2013!

Merry Christmas!

Mike Ward


Friday, December 20, 2013

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, December 22, at Walnut Hill Church...

THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

A Savior for All People

This Sunday we will explore the story of Jesus' birth according
to Luke.  What unique interests does Luke display in his story,
and what does this old story have to offer us today?  You might
want to read in advance Luke's story of Jesus birth and childhood
as found in Luke 1 & 2.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon: Two Stories, One Gospel
Text:  Matthew 1:18-25

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.

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Greetings to all!

The time draws near to celebrate the birth of Jesus, an event as well 
known as any, yet shrouded in mystery.  Consider the following thoughts 
by Frederick Buechner.

Who knows what the facts of Jesus' birth actually were?  As for myself,
the longer I live, the more inclined I am to believe in miracle, the more
I suspect that if we had been there at the birth, we might well have 
seen and heard things that would be hard to reconcile with modern
science.  But of course that is not the point, because the Gospel
writers are not really interested primarily in the facts of the birth but
in the significance, the meaning for them of that birth just as the 
people who love us are not really interested primarily in the facts of
our birth but in what it meant to them when we were born and how
for them the world was never the same again, how their whole lives
were charged with new significance.  Whether there were ten million
angels there or just the woman herself and her husband, when that
child was born the whole course of history was changed.  That is a
fact as hard and blunt as any fact.  Art, music, literature, our culture
itself, our political institutions, our whole understanding of ourselves
and our world - it is impossible to conceive of how differently the
world would have developed if that child had not been born.  And
in terms of faith, much more must be said because for faith, the birth
of the child into the darkness of the world made possible not just a
new way of understanding life but a new way of living life.
(from The Hungering Dark as found in Listening to Your Life)

The scripture lessons for Sun, Dec 22, the 4th Sunday of Advent...
Isaiah 7:10-16
Romans 1:1-7
Matthew 1:18-25

Christmas Communion - Morning Worship (11am) on Sun, Dec 22, 
provides the occasion for our Christmas season observance of the 
Sacrament of Holy Communion.  All members and friends of Walnut
Hill, as well as guests and visitors, are encouraged to be present.

Sunday Conversations, continue this Sun, Dec 22, 10am, in 
Trinity Hall.  Our conversation focus for this Sunday will be the story
Jesus' birth according to Luke.  Come enjoy a cup of coffee, join the 
conversation, or just listen in.

A Host(s) is needed for our after worship refreshments this Sunday,
December 22.  Use reply email to volunteer for this Sunday, or 
check the sign up sheet in Trinity Hall to host a Sunday later in the
winter.

Christmas Eve Schedule:
*5pm, Lessons and Carols: All ages invited to attend this family
celebration of the birth of Jesus.  We will read the Christmas story,
sing traditional carols, assemble the manger scene, and finish with
candle light.
*9pm, Evening Prayer Fireside: We will gather around the 
fireplace in Trinity Hall for a quieter time of reflection and prayer to
open our hearts and lives to the love of God.  Arrive a bit early to
enjoy some hot cider and cookies.

The Church's Seven Deadly Secrets is the title of a new book
by Prof Paul Jones, of Transylvania University, in which Prof Jones
explores seven "secrets" that have contributed to a case of "identity
theft" of the church's nature and purpose.  Join us in Jan/Feb as
we read, reflect on, and discuss Dr. Jones' book.
*Copies of the book are available through Walnut Hill Church
for a discount price of $18.75/copy.  Use reply email to reserve a
copy, or pick one up on Sunday morning.  A kindle version is 
available through Amazon.com.
*Join us for Dinner and Conversation with Prof Jones on 
Sun, Jan 12, 6pm, at the Bronte Bistro at Joseph-Beth.
*Join us for a series of four book discussion sessions beginning
Sun, Jan 19, 4pm - 5:30pm.

End of Year Giving
Don't forget Walnut Hill in your "end-of-year"giving.  Special 
gifts can be placed in the Sunday offering on either of the next two 
Sundays (12/22 & 29).  Special gifts can be mailed to the church office, 
and must be postmarked by Dec 31 to count for 2013.
Also, you might want to consult your tax advisor regarding gifts
of stock or charitable IRA distributions.
Thanks to all who have supported Walnut Hill Church during
2013!

Thanks to...
*the leaders, parents, and most of all the children and youth for
last Sunday's wonderful presentation of the Christmas story through
words, music, and costumes.
*our gracious hosts as well as to all those who attended last
Sunday's Christmas party for the generous hospitality, delicious food,
 and good fellowship.
*all those who donated gifts for this season's Giving Tree.
The gifts are being delivered this week.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward


Friday, December 13, 2013

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, December 15, at Walnut HIll Church...

THE THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT


Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

A New Moses

We will explore Matthew's telling of the birth of Jesus as
one who comes into the world like Moses.  You might
want to read Matthew 1 & 2 in advance of our conversation.

Christmas Pageant Practice, 10am, Trinity Hall

All children and youth participating in Sunday's 
Christmas Pageant are invited to gather in Trinity Hall
for instructions, costumes, and last minute rehearsal.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon:    Child's Play
Text :   Isaiah 11:1-10

Children's Christmas Pageant

Nursery Care and Sunday School


Walnut Hill Christmas Party, 3 - 5 pm, at the Davis Residence

Walnut Hill members and friends are invited to the Davis
residence for the annual Walnut HIll Christmas Party.  Bring
an hors-d'oeuvre item.  This gathering is intended for adults.
Use reply email or call the church office (263-5304) for 
directions to the Davis residence.

*****

The Giving Tree:  Gifts for the Giving Tree should be brought
to Trinity Hall this Sunday (12/15).  Gifts may be wrapped (or not) 
at the donor's option.  Be sure to attach the Giving Tree ornament 
to your gift.

*****

WEATHER ADVISORY:
In case of inclement weather this Sunday (or any Sunday) affecting 
church activities, a weather advisory message will be available 
by calling the church phone (859-263-5304) at 9am.  Also,
an email message will be sent by 9am to all those who receive 
Walnut Hill's regular emails.

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Greetings to all!

In theological language, Christmas is about Incarnation, God in the flesh dwelling 
among us.  Kathleen Norris reflects on the notion of Incarnation as expressed in 
the conversation between the angel Gabriel and the young woman Mary announcing 
the birth to come, particularly the explanation of the event:  "The power of the Most 
High will overshadow you; therefore the child will be called Son of God."

The angel's "therefore" seems alarmingly significant, the seed of what Christian 
theologians have for well over a thousand years termed the scandal of the 
Incarnation.  It also resonates with my own life.  When a place or time seems 
touched by God, it is an overshadowing , a sudden eclipsing of my priorities and 
plans. But even in terrible circumstances and calamities, in matters of life and 
death, if I sense that I am in the shadow of God, I find light , so much light that my 
vision improves dramatically.  I know that holiness is near.
(from Amazing Grace)

The scripture lessons for Sunday, Dec 15, the 3rd Sunday of Advent:
Isaiah 11:1-10
James 5:7-10
Matthew 11:-11

THE CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS PAGEANT will be held this Sunday, Dec 15,
during the 11am worship service.  Children and youth participating in the
pageant should report to Trinity Hall at 10am for final rehearsal, instructions,
and costumes.  

THE ANNUAL WALNUT HILL CHRISTMAS PARTY will be held this Sunday,
Dec 15, 3pm - 5pm, at the Davis residence.  Please bring an hors-d'oeuvre item
to share.  This gathering is intended for adults.

Sunday Conversations continue this Sun, Dec 15, 10am, in Trinity Hall.  This 
Sunday's conversation focuses around the Christmas narrative as offered by the 
Gospel of Matthew (chapters 1 & 2).

The Giving Tree: All those who picked up ornaments off the Giving Tree are 
asked to return the suggested gift (with the ornament attached) by Sun, Dec 15.  

Poinsettias: Walnut Hill members and friends are invited to sponsor poinsettias 
for the Sanctuary at $20/plant.  Poinsettia sponsors are welcome to take their 
plant(s) home after Christmas.  Make your check payable to Walnut Hill Church, 
designated "poinsettia."

Holiday Season Calendar:
Sun, Dec 15 - Children/Youth Christmas Presentation, 11am
(practice at 10am)
                       - Christmas Party, 3pm
Sun, Dec 22 - Christmas Communion, 11am
Tue, Dec 24 - Lessons and Carols for all ages, 5pm
-Evening Prayer Fireside, 9pm
Sun, Dec 29 - Morning Worship, 11am
(bring a plate of cookies for the refreshment table)

Peace to all.

Mike Ward




Sunday, December 8, 2013

Walnut Hill Church, Dec 8, Weather Update

Sunday, December 8

Due to the inclement weather conditions today, Dec 8, the
Children's Christmas Presentation will be postponed till
Sunday, December 15.

A simple service of Morning Prayer will be held this
morning, 11am, for those who wish to get out, but only 
do so if weather conditions and your comfort level allow.

Nursery and Sunday School are cancelled this morning.

Sunday Conversation (10am) is cancelled this morning.

The Youth Christmas Party, 5:30pm, at the Wards' 
residence will be held as planned.

Warmth and peace to all.

Mike Ward



Friday, December 6, 2013

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

(SEE WEATHER ADVISORY MESSAGE BELOW)

This Sunday, December 8, at Walnut Hill Church


THE SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT


Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

A New Moses

We will explore Matthew's telling of the birth of Jesus as
one who comes into the world like Moses.  You might
want to read Matthew 1 & 2 in advance of our conversation.

Christmas Pageant Practice, 10am, Trinity Hall

All children and youth participating in Sunday's 
Christmas Pageant are invited to gather in Trinity Hall
for instructions, costumes, and last minute rehearsal.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon:    Child's Play
Text :   Isaiah 11:1-10

Children's Christmas Pageant

Nursery Care and Sunday School

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for refreshments and fellowship.

Youth Christmas Party, 5:30pm, at the Wards'

Youth (middle and high school) are invited to gather for a 
Christmas party at the Ward residence (341 Albany Rd).
Bring a "fun" gift ($5 or less) for a random gift exchange
and a warm item (cap, scarf, glove, etc) for donation to
the Catholic Action Center.  Use reply email to rsvp.

*****

The Giving Tree:  Gifts for the Giving Tree may be brought
to Trinity Hall this Sunday (12/8) and next (12/15).  Gifts
may be wrapped (or not) at the donors' option.  Be sure
to attach the Giving Tree ornament to your gift.

*****

WEATHER ADVISORY:
In case of inclement weather this Sunday (or any Sunday) affecting 
church activities, a weather advisory message will be available 
by calling the church phone (859-263-5304) at 9am.  Also,
an email message will be sent by 9am to all those who receive 
Walnut Hill's regular emails.

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Greetings to all!

This past Sunday we entered into the season of Advent, four weeks
of reflection, preparation, and waiting for the advent (coming) of God
into the world, into our lives.  Among the traditional Advent themes
is the admonition to watch and be alert.  Ann Weems picks up this
theme in her poem, "To Listen, To Look."

Is it all sewn up - my life?
Is it at this point so predictable,
so orderly,
so neat,
so arranged,
so right,
that I don't have time or space
for listening for the rustle of angels' wings
or running to stables to see a baby?
Could this be what he meant when he said
Listen, those who have ears to hear...
Look, those who have eyes to see?
O God, give me the humbleness of those shepherds
who saw in the cold December darkness
the Coming of Light
the Advent of Love!

(from Kneeling In Bethlehem)

The scriptures for Sun, Dec 8, the 2nd Sunday of Advent ...
Isaiah 11:1-10
Romans 15:4-13
Matthew 3:1-12

Sunday Conversations continue this Sun, Dec 8, 10am, in Trinity
Hall.  This Sunday's conversation focuses around the Christmas
narrative as offered by the Gospel of Matthew (chapters 1 & 2).

Christmas Pageant - The annual children/youth Christmas 
Pageant will be presented this Sun, Dec 8, 11am, during morning
worship.  Children and youth are asked to be in Trinity Hall at 10am
for music and pageant rehearsal.

A Host(s) is needed for our after worship refreshments this Sun, 
Dec 8. Use reply email to volunteer for this Sunday, or check the
sign up sheet in the Sanctuary foyer for opportunities later in the
winter.

Youth (middle and high school) are invited to a Christmas Party
this Sun, Dec 8, 5:30 - 7:00pm, at the Ward residence.  Youth are
asked to bring a fun gift ($5 or less) for a random gift exchange and
a warm item (cap, scarf, gloves, etc) for donation to the Catholic
Action Center.  Use reply email to rsvp.

The Giving Tree is bare!  We are happy to report that all the 
Giving Tree ornaments were removed from the tree last Sunday.
All those who picked up ornaments are asked to return the suggested
gift (with the ornament attached) by Sun, Dec 15.  

Poinsettias: Walnut Hill members and friends are invited to sponsor
poinsettias for the Sanctuary at $20/plant.  Poinsettia sponsors are
welcome to take their plant(s) home after Christmas.  Make your
check payable to Walnut Hill Church, designated "poinsettia."

Holiday Season Calendar:
Sun, Dec 8 - Children/Youth Christmas Presentation, 11am
(practice at 10am)
      - Youth Christmas Party, 5:30pm
Sun, Dec 15- Christmas Party, 3pm
Sun, Dec 22 - Christmas Communion, 11am
Tue, Dec 24 - Lessons and Carols for all ages, 5pm
-Evening Prayer Fireside, 9pm
Sun, Dec 29 - Morning Worship, 11am
(bring a plate of cookies for the refreshment
table)

Peace to all.

Mike Ward