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
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