Friday, January 31, 2014

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, February 2,  at Walnut Hill Church...

SOUP-ER BOWL SUNDAY

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

A Community of Conversation

We will explore what it means to describe the church as
"a community of conversation" open to new insights from
within and beyond the Christian household.  Is this an image
of the church that is, or might be, descriptive of Walnut Hill?

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon:  Blessed are you...
Text:  Matthew 5:1- 12

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children

SOUP-ER BOWL OF CARING, Noon, Trinity Hall

Join us for what has become one of Walnut Hill's most
delicious traditions.  Enjoy a bowl, or two, or three, of 
homemade soup, and make a donation to benefit God's
Pantry.  Visit www.souperbowl.org for more information 
regarding the nationwide "Souper Bowl of Caring" 
campaign.

Book Discussion, 4pm, Brockopp Residence

Join us as we discuss the book, The Church's Seven
Deadly Secrets, by Dr. Paul Jones.  This Sunday's
discussion will focus on chapters 5 & 6 of Dr. Jones'
book.  



Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Greetings to all!

In a recent book, Under the Oak Tree, Ronald Allen, offers a new image 
of the church as a "community of conversation."  The image itself might 
be worthy of some conversation.   Consider Mr. Allen's description...

Churches as communities of conversation...conscientiously seek
to consider how others - including others outside the Bible and
the Christian house - might prompt the church to think afresh about
elements of its theology and practice.  Instead of simply receiving
and applying past conversation, this community desires to participate
in conversation that may lead to reinforcement, enlargement, 
reconsideration, or even rejection of the authority of aspects of the
Bible or tradition.  A conversational church respects the Bible and
tradition, and listens carefully to their voices, adopting those 
perspectives that are life-giving while having the freedom to critique
and even turn away from aspects of the Bible and tradition that 
work against God's purposes.  The conversation includes the
Scripture and tradition while going beyond these two voices.
(from "The Church as Community of Conversation")

The scripture lessons for Sunday, February 2 ...
Micah 6:1-8
1 Corinthians 1:18 - 31
Matthew 5:1-12

Men's Coffee -  Walnut Hill men are invited to gather for coffee each
Saturday morning, 8am, at Paneras on Richmond Road.  Feel free
to stop by for as long or short a time as your schedule allows.  No
rsvp required.

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, Feb 2, 10am, in
Trinity Hall.  Our topic for this Sunday will be, "The Church as
Community of Conversation."  Come enjoy a cup of coffee, join
the conversation, or just listen in.

"SOUP-ER BOWL SUNDAY" is this Sunday, Feb 2, immediately
after worship in Trinity Hall.  Come enjoy a bowl of soup, and make
a donation to benefit God's Pantry.  Let us know by reply email
if you would like to provide a pot of soup for this delicious annual
tradition.  For more information about the nationwide campaign of 
which our Souper Bowl Sunday" is a part, visit www.souperbowl.org .

The Church's 7 Deadly Secrets book discussion will be held on Sun, 
Feb 2, 4:00pm - 5:30pm, at the Brockopp residence.  This Sunday's 
discussion will focus on chapters 5 & 6.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward




Sunday, January 26, 2014

January 26 update - services on as scheduled

Dear Friends:

This note is just to advise you that services and activities at Walnut Hill Church are proceeding as scheduled for Sunday, January 26, including:

10:00 am - Sunday Conversations

11:00 am -  Morning Worship

Old Richmond and Walnut Hill Roads have been cleared and treated.

The church driveway and sidewalks have been plowed and cleared.  Some drifts and slick spots remain on the driveway, so park and step carefully, but it is very passable.

Conditions may be different at your home, so please use your own discretion about traveling to Walnut Hill this morning.

As of now, afternoon and evening activities are also ongoing as planned including:

4pm - book discussion (at the Brockopp residence)

7pm - Ecumenical Worship (at Pax Christi Catholic Church)

Peace,

Mike Ward

Friday, January 24, 2014

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, January 26, at Walnut Hill Church...

WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Has Christ Been Divided?

We will reflect on this year's theme for the Week of Prayer
for Christian Unity, Has Christ Been Divided, with conversation
around the text (1 Corinthians 1:10-17) and some comments
by Pope Francis.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - Embracing Our Differences
Text -  1 Corinthians 1:10-17

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for refreshments and fellowship.

Book Discussion, 4pm, Brockopp Residence

Join us as we discuss the book, The Church's Seven
Deadly Secrets, by Dr. Paul Jones.  This Sunday's
discussion will focus on chapters 3 & 4 of Dr. Jones'
book.  Your rsvp by reply email will help us plan for
your presence.

Ecumenical Worship, 7pm, Pax Christi Catholic Church

All are invited to worship in observance of the Week of Prayer
for Christian Unity, 7pm, at Pax Christi Catholic Church.  
This service is sponsored by the Lexington ecumenical 
cooperative of which Walnut Hill Church is a member congregation.  
Persons who would like to participate in a mass choir for the service 
are asked to arrive at 6pm for rehearsal.

*****

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, January 22, 2014

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Greetings to all!

We are in the middle of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (Jan 18 -25),
a century-old observance celebrating, exploring, and encouraging the unity
of Christians across denominational, national, and ethnic boundaries.  Each
year's observance focuses on a theme suggested by a branch of the global 
church.  This year's theme, Has Christ Been Divided, is chosen by the churches 
of Canada, and invites reflection around the text of 1 Corinthians 1:13.  
Consider these thoughts from the introduction to this year's theme and text.

Canadians live in a country that is marked by diversity in language, 
culture, and even climate, and we also embody diversity in our expressions
of Christian faith...Paul's letter addresses us within our diversity and invites
us to recognize that as the church in our particular places we are not to be
isolated or to act over against each other, but rather to recognize our inter-
connectedness with all who call upon the name of the Lord.

 When we consider the many blessings and gifts of God made manifest 
in our country and peoples, we begin to recognize that we must treat one 
another, and the very land from which we derive our living, with dignity and 
respect.  This recognition has called us to confession and repentance, and to 
the seeking of new and sustainable ways of living on the earth.  It has raised 
our consciousness about how God has blessed us all, and that no one group 
can decide how to use these resources without hearing and including the 
voices of our fellow Christians in seeking the ultimate goal of Christian unity.

(as found on the website of the Graymoor Ecumenical and Interrelgious
Institute,  www.geii.org)

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity will be observed with an ecumenical 
worship service on Sun, Jan 26, 7pm, at Pax Christi Catholic Church.  This 
service is sponsored by the Lexington ecumenical cooperative of which 
Walnut Hill Church is a member congregation.  All members and friends of
Walnut Hill Church, and the public, are invited to attend.

The scripture lessons for Sunday, January 26...
Isaiah 9:1-4
1 Corinthians 1:10-17
Matthew 4:12-23

Men's Coffee - Walnut Hill men are invited to gather for coffee each Saturday 
morning, 8am, at Paneras on Richmond Road. Feel free to stop by for as long 
or short a time as your schedule allows.  No rsvp required.

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, January 26, 10am, in Trinity
Hall.  In keeping with the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, our conversation
will focus on church unity, its possibilities and prospects, and what (if any)
difference such unity makes for us.

The Church's 7 Deadly Secrets book discussion will be held on Sun, Jan 26, 
4:00pm - 5:30pm, at the Brockopp residence.  This Sunday's discussion will 
focus on chapters 3 & 4.

Sermon Recordings, weekly email letters, the church calendar, and other 
information can be found on the Walnut Hill website:  www.walnuthillchurchky.org .

Peace to all.

Mike Ward









Friday, January 17, 2014

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, January 19, at Walnut Hill Church...

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

The March on Frankfort - 1964

We will explore this sometimes overlooked, nonetheless
significant, moment in the civil rights movement, contributing
to the passage of the KY Civil Rights Act of 1966.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - The Servant of the Lord
Text -  Isaiah 49:1-7

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for refreshments and fellowship.

Book Discussion, 4pm, Brockopp Residence

Join us as we discuss the book, The Church's Seven
Deadly Secrets, by Dr. Paul Jones.  This Sunday's
discussion will focus on chapters 1 & 2 of Dr. Jones'
book.  Your rsvp by reply email will help us plan for
your presence.

*****

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, January 15, 2014

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Greetings to all!

With the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Holiday upcoming, consider
these thoughts from Dr. King regarding nonviolence as a strategy 
for social change.

I've decided that I'm going to do battle for my philosophy.  You
ought to believe something in life, believe that thing so fervently
that you will stand up with it till the end of your days.  I can't make
myself believe that God wants me to hate.  I'm tired of violence.
And I'm not going to let my oppressor dictate to me what method
I must use.  We have a power, power that can't be found in Molotov 
cocktails, but we do have a power.  Power that cannot be found in 
bullets and guns, but we have a power.  It is a power as old as the 
insights of Jesus of Nazareth and as modern as the techniques of 
Mahatma Gandhi.
(from The Words of Martin Luther King, Jr.)

The lectionary texts for Sunday, January 19 ...
Isaiah 49:1-7
1 Corinthians 1:1-9
John 1:29-42

Men's Coffee - Walnut Hill men are invited to gather for coffee
each Saturday morning, 8am, at Paneras on Richmond Road.
Feel free to stop by for as long or short a time as your schedule
allows.  No rsvp required.

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, Jan 19, 10am, in
Trinity Hall.  Our focus for this Sunday's conversation will be the
1964 "March on Frankfort," a lesser known but nonetheless 
significant moment in the civil rights movement.

The Church's 7 Deadly Secrets book discussion will be held on
Sun, Jan 19, 4:00pm - 5:30pm, at the Brockopp residence.  This
Sunday's discussion will focus on chapters 1 & 2.

Youth (middle & high school) are invited to walk in the 
"Freedom March" being held in downtown Lexington on Mon, 
Jan 20, to commemorate the MLK, Jr. Holiday.  Use reply
email for more information regarding participating in the march
with other Walnut Hill youth.

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity will be observed with
an ecumenical worship service on Sun, Jan 26, 7pm, at Pax
Christi Catholic Church.  This service is sponsored by the
Lexington ecumenical cooperative of which Walnut Hill Church
is a member congregation.

Kentucky General Assembly - The first step to participating
in the legislative process is being informed.  You can stay 
informed by subscribing to the KY Council of Churches' "capwiz" 
program, which provides legislative alerts regarding issues
being followed by the KCC.  Visit "capwiz sign-up" to register
for legislative alerts and other resources.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Friday, January 10, 2014

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, January 12, at Walnut Hill Church...

THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

A Case Study

The baptism of Jesus provides an opportunity to observe the process 
by which traditions about Jesus evolved in the decades after his life.
We will review various traditions about Jesus' baptism and explore
what they reveal about Jesus, the early Christian community, and
our understandings of Jesus' life and person.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon:  An Ordinary Baptism
Text:  Matthew 3:13 - 17

Reaffirmation of Baptism

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for refreshments and fellowship.

Youth Gathering, 5:30pm, Trinity Hall

Youth (middle and high school) are invited to gather for a meal
and activities.

Dinner & Conversation, 6:00pm, Bronte Bistro

You are invited to dinner and conversation with Dr. Paul Jones,
author of the book, The Church's Seven Deadly Secrets. Cost
for dinner is $15.50/person.  Rsvp using reply email.




Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Greetings to all!

   This Sunday, Jan 12, is the Sunday of the Baptism of the Lord,
remembering the "baptism" of Jesus by the prophet John.  As one 
scholar (John Crossan) observed, "That Jesus was baptized by 
John is one of the surest things we know about them both."  The
more challenging question concerns what the event meant then
and means now.  Some have described the event of his baptism
as a moment of "vocation" in which Jesus heard and answered
the particular call of God upon his life. 
   Such moments are not uncommon to us, whether or not we
describe them using religious language, when we "hear" a 
particular call upon our lives, and respond to it saying, "Here
I am. Send Me."  Such callings might last a lifetime, or some time
less; some are mysterious in nature, while others are more
ordinary experiences.  Whatever the details, looking back upon
them, we know that such moments have been turning points
for us, after which our lives were never quite the same.

The lectionary texts for Sun, Jan 12, the Baptism of the Lord...
Isaiah 42:1-9
Acts 10:34-43
Matthew 3:13-17

Sunday Conversations continue this Sun, Jan 12, 10am, in
Trinity Hall.  Sunday Conversation topics vary from week to week 
including Bible study, theology, spirituality, and current events.  
Watch the Friday update for information regarding this Sunday's 
conversation topic.

Youth (middle and high school) are invited to gather for dinner and
activities at Walnut Hill this Sunday afternoon, 5:30 - 7:00pm.

DINNER & CONVERSATION - You are invited to dinner and
conversation with Dr. Paul Jones, author of The Church's Seven 
Deadly Secrets, this Sunday, Jan 12, 6pm, at the Bronte Bistro 
at Joe-Beth Booksellers.  Use reply email to reserve your place at 
the table.  (See below regarding an opportunity to read and discuss
Dr. Jones' book.)

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.
*A few copies of the book are still 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 (see above).  
*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.

Mission Ministry - The "Mission Ministry" of Transylvania Presbytery
will be meeting at Walnut Hill Church this Sat, Jan 11, 10am - Noon.
Mike Ward has been asked to chair the Mission Ministry for 2014, and
this Saturday's meeting is an opportunity to gather persons who have
interest in the Ministry's work of direct outreach, social witness, and
church development/redevelopment. 

Peace to all.

Mike Ward



Friday, January 3, 2014

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, January 5, at Walnut Hill Church ...

Epiphany Sunday

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

The Intersection of Religion and Politics

On the eve of the opening (Jan 7) of the Kentucky General Assembly
we will discuss the intersection of religion and politics.  What (if any)
is the appropriate intersection between religious teaching/beliefs and 
political debate/decisions?

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon:  A Royal Birth
Text:  Matthew 2:1-12

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.

******

WEATHER ADVISORY:
In case of inclement weather this Sunday (or any Sunday) affecting 
church activities, a special advisory message will be available 
by calling the church phone (859-263-5304) at 9am or later.  Also,
a special email message will be sent by 9am to all those who receive 
Walnut Hill's regular emails.  The email message will also be
posted on the church website.  No special message on Sunday
morning means that activities are ongoing according to regular
schedule.