Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Greetings to all!

After much waiting, Holy Week is upon us and with it the opportunity
to share with Jesus and his disciples the heights and depths of their
experience from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday.   Dorothy Bass 
reflects on the fulness of the week ahead.

   For one whole week, we relive in present time a devastating 
sequence of events that took place in a minor city of the Roman
Empire twenty centuries ago.  We enter the story through dramatic
liturgies that trace their roots to the fourth century, when they were
developed for the throngs of pilgrims who celebrated Pascha (passion)
at the holy places.  As if we were in Jerusalem ourselves, we wave 
palms and shout Hosanna! on the day that is both Palm Sunday and
Passion Sunday.  The shouts soon ring hollow, however, for we know
that by week's end the crowd will abandon the one we now acclaim.
On Thursday, he will host us at a table of love and forgiveness, even
though he knows it too.  With this meal, we enter the heart of the 
paschal mystery for the three days known as Triduum.  After Thursday's
arrest come Friday's crucifixion, Saturday's silence, and Sunday's
glory.  At last, Christ is risen, and so are we.
(from Receiving the Day)

The scripture lessons for Sun, April 13, Palm/Passion Sunday...
Isaiah 50:4-9
Philippians 2:5-11
Matthew 21:1-11

Sunday Conversations continue this Sun, Apr 13, 10am, in Trinity
Hall.  Our focus for this Sunday will be "Holy Week" as we survey,
explore, and question the traditional events of this most significant
week on the Christian calendar.

Children's Choir: All children through elementary age are invited
to gather at 10am, Sun, Apr 13, in Trinity Hall for music and singing in 
final preparation for their presentation during the 11am hour.

Children's Egg Hunt:  All children through grade 4 are invited to
hunt for eggs immediately after worship this Sun, Apr 13.  "Hunters"
should bring a basket to use for the hunt.  Participating households
and others are invited asked to bring 1 doz plastic eggs stuffed
with a candy treat or prize.  

Youth Gathering:  Youth (middle & high school) are invited to gather 
for activities this Sunday, Apr 13.  Watch for details.  

Maundy Thursday, Apr 17, 7pm:  All ages are invited to gather for 
worship and reflection around the occasion of Jesus' last evening
with his disciples.  Adults will share in a service of evening prayer in
the Sanctuary while the children enjoy activities appropriate to the
occasion.

Easter Lilies: As is our custom, the Sanctuary will be decorated with
lilies on Easter morning.  You may sponsor a lily at $20/plant.  Make
your check payable to Walnut Hill Church, designated "lily."  Lily 
sponsors are welcome to take their plants home after the Easter
service.

Easter Sunday, Apr 20:
*Sunrise Service, 7am-We will gather in the Walnut HIll Cemetery
for an informal service of morning prayer in celebration of the Resurrection 
of the Lord.  In the case of inclement weather, the service will be held in 
the Sanctuary.
*Morning Worship & Holy Communion, 11am: This service includes 
a traditional liturgy and sacrament in celebration of the Risen Christ.
*After Worship Gathering: All are invited to gather for refreshments
and fellowship.  Please bring one (1) item for the refreshment table.

An EOS end of season picnic/cookout will be held on Sun, Apr 27,
5pm - 7:30pm at Jacobson Park.  All Walnut Hill members and friends
are invited.  Rsvps are requested.  Use reply email or call the church office 
(263-5304) to rsvp or for more information. 

Hope Center:  If you are traveling this spring or summer, and you pick
up some of those travel size toiletry items that you don't end up using, 
feel free to bring them to Walnut Hill and place them in the box labeled
"Hope Center."  From time to time throughout the season we will deliver
them to the Hope Center for use by their guests.  For more information 
regarding the Hope Center, visit  Hope Center .

Kentucky Gives Day, a 24-hour online charitable campaign, is ongoing
today, April 9.  Over 400 KY nonprofit organizations are participating.  
Visit KY Gives to find the campaign homepage and navigate to a charity
of your choice.  Visit KCC Gives Day  to support our ecumenical partner
the Kentucky Council of Churches.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward



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