Friday, May 30, 2014

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, June 1, at Walnut Hill Church ...

THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

"...He Ascended into Heaven..."

Perhaps these words echo from your Sunday School days or
from some ancient creed, but what, if anything, do they mean
today?  We will talk about this ancient affirmation as it is arises
from Acts 1:1-11.  As a conversation starter, we will view brief
remarks by a Roman Catholic theologian, Father Robert 
Barron.  You may view those remarks in advance at the link, 

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon:  The Blue Balloon
Text:  Acts 1:1-11 and Luke 24:44-53

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, May 28, 2014

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Greetings to all!

Forty days after Easter comes the Ascension of the Lord, the final scene
in the Gospel narrative of Jesus.  Whatever might have been its historical 
details, the meaning of the Ascension is worthy of reflection.  Consider 
these thoughts from Father Thomas Keating.

The grace of the ascension enables us to perceive the irresistible power 
of the Spirit transforming everything into Christ despite any and all 
appearances to the contrary.  In the misery of the ghetto, the battlefield, 
the concentration camp;  in the family torn by dissension; in the loneliness 
of the orphanage, old-age home, or hospital ward ... the light of the ascension 
is burning with irresistible power.  This is one of the greatest intuitions of faith.
(from Active Meditations for Contemplative Prayer)

The scriptures lessons for Sun, June 1, The Ascension of the Lord ...
Acts 1:1-11
Ephesians 1:15-23
Luke 24:44 - 53

Sunday Conversations continue this Sun, June 1, 10am, in Trinity Hall.  Our 
focus for this Sunday's conversation, "...he ascended into heaven...," is an
opportunity to ask what relevance this and other traditional affirmations have 
for us today.

"Three Evenings Together" is a series of Wednesday evening gatherings 
(June 11, 18, 25), 6pm - 8pm, including a meal, activities for all ages, and 
worship.  This year's gatherings will focus on the theme, "Living Water: for the 
soul, for Kentucky, and for the World."  The program and guest schedule 
includes:
*June 11 - "Living Water for the Soul"  (guest:  Prof Margaret Ralph)
*June 18 - "Living Water for Kentucky"  (guest:   Mr. Hank Graddy)
*June 25 - "Living Water for the World"  (guest:  Rev. Jan Cottrell)
Mark your calendar, and plan to join us. 

Photo Directory - If you missed your opportunity to have your photo taken
for our church directory update, but would still like to do so, use reply email
to request a photo sitting on a Sunday upcoming.

Sanctuary Refurbishing - The Sanctuary will be receiving a "makeover" this 
summer.  Visit the link ( Sanctuary ) for information regarding this project.   
Thanks to those who have already donated toward this effort. We have so far 
received over $11,000 toward our $20,000 goal.  Your donations continue to be 
needed and appreciated.

After Worship Refreshments - An online sign-up sheet is now available for 
hosting our after worship refreshments.  Visit the sign up sheet via this link 
After Church Refreshments ) to view our hospitality schedule for the next 
3 months, and to sign up.

Hope Center Items:  While you are traveling or shopping this summer, 
remember that we are gathering "travel size" toiletry items (e.g. shampoo,
toothpaste, soap, etc) for donation to the Hope Center.  Simply bring your
items to Walnut Hill and place them in the "Hope Center" container found in
the Sanctuary Foyer.

Walnut Hill Cycling Ride - The 3rd Annual Walnut Hill Cycling Ride will be 
held on Saturday, July 19.  This year we are pleased to partner with both
the Bluegrass Cycling Club and KY Refugee Ministries to provide bicycles
for refugee families.  Watch for more details.

Summer Camp:  It's time to be thinking about summer camp for children and 
youth.  Walnut Hill children and youth are invited to attend camp programs at 
either Cathedral Domain or Camp Burnamwood.  Visit their websites at these 
links,  Domain and Burnamwood, for summer schedules and other information.  
Remember that Walnut Hill will sponsor 1/2 the cost of any Walnut Hill child or 
youth attending a Domain or Burnamwood program.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward



Friday, May 23, 2014

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, May 25, at Walnut Hill Church...

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Blessed Are the Peacemakers

We will take a "realistic" look at what it means to do peacemaking,
beginning with a challenging presentation by Nobel Peace
Laureate Jody Williams, followed by a look at the "Just
Peacemaking Initiative."  To view the video presentation
ahead of time, visit Jody Williams. To learn about the 
peacemaking initiative, visit www.justpeacemaking.org.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - Things That Make for Peace
Text -  Luke 19:41-44

Memorial Day Observance

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for refreshments and fellowship

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Greetings to all!

Next Monday, May 26, is Memorial Day.  In his classic text, Religious History 
of the American People, Sydney Ahlstrom describes the unique tone of this civil 
holiday.

Memorial Day took its place in the American calendar not as an occasion 
for waving the bloody shirt but as a day of reconciliation.  It joined Independence 
Day and Thanksgiving as a time when the American's love for country was blended 
with the solemnities of religion ... A unique way or remembering a civil war emerged.  
Sentiment celebrated its conquest of logic as the country traveled the "road to reunion."  
Battle flags were returned; joint observances were held at great battlefields; and in 
1874 Senator L. Q. C. Lamar of Alabama delivered his famous memorial oration in 
honor of Charles Sumner.  In his words the illustrious Senator from Massachusetts 
speaks from the grave:  "My countrymen!  know one another, and you will love one 
another."

The scripture lessons for Sunday, May 25...
2 Samuel 1:17-27
Revelation 6:1-8
Luke 19:41-44

Sunday Conversations continue this Sun, May 25, 10am, in Trinity Hall.  Our 
conversation for the morning will focus on what it means to be a "peacemaker" 
as prompted by thoughts from Nobel Peace Laureate, Jody Williams.

"Three Evenings Together" is a series of Wednesday evening gatherings 
(June 11, 18, 25), 6pm - 8pm, including a meal, activities for all ages, and worship.  
This year's gatherings will focus on the theme, "Living Water: for the spirit, for 
Kentucky, and for the World."  The program and guest schedule includes:
*June 11 - "Living Water for the Soul"  (guest:  Prof Margaret Ralph)
*June 18 - "Living Water for Kentucky"  (guest:   Mr. Hank Graddy)
*June 25 - "Living Water for the World"  (guest:  Rev. Jan Cottrell)
Mark your calendar, and plan to join us. 

Walnut Hill Photo Directory - We are currently updating the church photo directory.  
Photos are being taken after worship each Sunday in May.  We are also receiving 
address, phone, and email updates.  Stop by the courtyard after worship if you would 
like to have your photo taken.  You may send address/contact updates via reply email.
You need not be a Member of Walnut Hill Church to be part of the photo directory.

Sanctuary Refurbishing - The Sanctuary will be receiving a "makeover" this summer.  
Visit the link ( Sanctuary ) for information regarding this project.   Thanks to those who 
have already donated toward this effort. We have so far received over $8,000 toward 
our $20,000 goal.  Your donations continue to be needed and appreciated.

After Worship Refreshments - An online sign-up sheet is now available for hosting
our after worship refreshments.  Visit the sign up sheet via this link 
After Church Refreshments ) to view our hospitality schedule for the next 3 months, 
and to sign up.

Summer Camp:  It's time to be thinking about summer camp for children and youth.  
Walnut Hill children and youth are invited to attend camp programs at either Cathedral 
Domain or Camp Burnamwood.  Visit their websites at these links,  Domain and 
Burnamwood, for summer schedules and other information.  Remember that Walnut Hill 
will sponsor 1/2 the cost of any Walnut Hill child or youth attending a Domain or 
Burnamwood program.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Friday, May 16, 2014

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, May 18, at Walnut Hill Church...

SPRING POTLUCK

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

I and the Father are One...

What might this enigmatic saying of Jesus mean for him,
and for us, in relationship to God?  We will explore the notion
of "nonduality" as Jesus, and other spiritual teachers, have
taught it over the years, and what makes it so challenging
for us to understand and embrace.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon:  The Way, The Truth, and the Life
Text:  John 14:1-14

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children

SPRING POTLUCK, Noon, Trinity Hall

Bring a salad, side dish, or dessert and join in this
delicious Walnut Hill tradition.

*****

Photo Directory Update - Persons who would like to
have a photo taken or provide updated address/contact
information for the upcoming church directory update
may do so after worship.  

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Greetings to all!

I recently attended a presentation by Paul Prather, Pentecostal 
preacher and Herald Leader columnist.  I was impressed by Paul's 
generous spirit and down-to-earth approach to issues, including his 
observations about the "labels" we use to describe others. Consider 
a few excerpts from Paul's essay titled, "No Label Fits All."

As a culture, we tend to label people and dump them into broad
categories.  We call them liberals, fundamentalists, Catholics, Jews,
gays, rednecks, blacks, whites, Muslims, skinheads, Goths, the 
media - and having done so, we feel comfortable in dismissing them,
assuming we know all their habits, tastes and opinions....
You could easily classify me according to any one of a slew of
labels.  I'm male. I'm middle-aged. I'm straight. I'm a small-town
Kentuckian.  I'm a Pentecostal preacher.  Those descriptions probably
conjure up for some folks a whole wheelbarrow load of assumptions
about me.  Many of those assumptions would be mistaken....
We can't always avoid using labels.  But we should always
keep in mind that they are, by their nature, inaccurate.  And they're
terribly easy to abuse.
(as found in A Memory of Firelight)

SPRING POTLUCK!! Join us for the annual Walnut Hill Church spring 
potluck this Sunday, May 18, immediately after morning worship. Bring 
a salad, side dish, or dessert.  Meat and beverage will be provided.
Don't miss this delicious Walnut Hill tradition!

The scripture lessons for Sunday, May 18...
Acts 7:55-60
1 Peter 2:2-10
John 14:1-14

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, May 18, 10am in
Trinity Hall.  Sunday Conversation topics vary widely from week
to week.  Watch the Friday update for details regarding this Sunday's 
conversation topic.

"Three Evenings Together" is a series of Wednesday evening
gatherings (June 11, 18, 25), 6pm - 8pm, including a meal, activities 
for all ages, and worship.  This year's gatherings will focus on the theme, 
"Living Water: for the spirit, for Kentucky, and for the World."  Mark your 
calendar, and plan to join us.  Watch for more details.

High School Youth are invited to a program titled, "From Belief 
to Action," a youth dialogue on "how belief systems can contribute 
to meeting environmental challenges."  The program is sponsored 
by The Interfaith Alliance of the Bluegrass and will be held on 
Thurs, May 22, 6pm - 8pm, at Pax Christi  Catholic Church.  Use 
reply email if a youth from your household might be interested in 
representing Walnut Hill at this event.

Walnut Hill Photo Directory - We are currently updating the church 
photo directory.  Photos are being taken after worship each Sunday 
in May.  We are also receiving address, phone, and email updates.  
Stop by the courtyard after worship if you would like to have your 
photo taken.  You may send address/contact updates via reply email.

Sanctuary Refurbishing - The Sanctuary will be receiving a
"makeover" this summer.  Visit the link ( Sanctuary ) for information
regarding this project.   Thanks to those who have already donated
toward this effort. We have so far received $7,500 toward our $20,000 
goal.  Your donations continue to be needed and appreciated.

"Shards of Grace" is a new ecumenical movement to acknowledge 
acts of kindness we receive with simple notes of thanks.  Visit the
Shards of Grace link for more information about how you might
participate.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward



Friday, May 9, 2014

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, May 11, at Walnut Hill Church...

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

The Motherhood of God

In honor of Mother's Day, we talk about the notion of motherhood
as applied to God.  For a conversation starter, we will use some
selections from Julian of Norwich.  To read the selections ahead
of time, visit   The Motherhood of God .

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon:  The Jerusalem Movement
Text:  Acts 2:42-47

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for refreshments and fellowship.

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Greetings to all:

As we approach Mother's Day, consider a portion of a poem by
Maya Angelou in which she writes from the perspective of a
mother thinking about her daughter.

I have so much I can teach her
And pull out of her.
I would say you might encounter defeats
But you must never be defeated.
I would teach her to love a lot.
Laugh a lot at the silliest things
and be very serious.
I would teach her to love life,
I could do that.

(as found in Woman Prayers)

The scriptures lessons for Sunday, May 11 ...
Acts 2:42-47
1 Peter 2:19-25
John 10:1-10
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 Sun, May 11, 10am, in
Trinity Hall.  The focus for this Sunday's conversation is  
"The Motherhood of God."

THE SPRING POTLUCK is coming on Sun, May 18, immediately
after morning worship.  Bring a salad, side dish, or dessert.  We
need a few volunteers to help with details of the meal. Use reply 
email to inquire about how you might help.

An online sign-up sheet is now available for our after worship
refreshments.  Visit the sign up sheet via this link 
After Church Refreshments ) to view our hospitality schedule
for the next 3 months, and to sign up.

Sanctuary Refurbishing - The Sanctuary will be receiving a
"makeover" this summer.  Visit the link ( Sanctuary ) for information
regarding this project. 

Three Evenings Together are coming June 11, 18, 25, 6pm - 8pm.
Each evening will include a meal, activities for all ages, and
evening prayer around the theme, "Living Water."  Mark your 
calendar now, and watch for more details.    

Ecumenical News:
*The revered icon "Our Lady of Czestochowa" (also known
as "The Black Madonna") will be at Pax Christi Catholic Church
May 7 - 8.  Visit Pax Christi  for a description of services and
activities observing the icon's visit.
*The Presbytery of Transylvania will hold its spring meeting
May 9 - 10.  Mike Ward will be attending this meeting.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward


Friday, May 2, 2014

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, May 4, at Walnut Hill Church...

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

The Meaning of Mary Magdalene

We will view and discuss a video featuring Cynthia Bourgeault, 
spiritual writer and teacher, as she introduces her book about
the mysterious and often misunderstood character, Mary Magdalene.
If you would like to view the video in advance, visit this link,


Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon:  Incident on the Emmaus Road
Text:  Luke 24:13-35

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.

*****

U. S. Spring Storms - Persons wanting to donate in response
to recent storms affecting the southern states will have opportunity 
to do so this Sunday at Walnut Hill.  Look for baskets in the Sanctuary 
foyer. Cash and checks payable to Walnut Hill Church are welcome.
Money received will be sent to the affected area via Church
World Service.  Visit this link ( CWS ) for information regarding
the Church World Service response.