Greetings to all!
This past weekend Barbara and I had opportunity to visit our son, William, who now
resides in Atlanta. Every time we visit him there, I find myself impressed, awed, and
sometimes overwhelmed by the size, pace, diversity, and extremes of that large city.
Returning to Lexington finds me relieved to be back in quieter surroundings, but also
appreciative of the energy of large urban environments.
I am reminded that one vision of God's hope/intention for humankind is cast in the
metaphor of a great city (Rev 21), the dimensions of which would dwarf even the
greatest cities of our time, which suggests God's delight in human beings gathered
together, their energy, creativity, and relationships with one another. Large cities
certainly have their problems, often very big problems, but cities also contain within
them an abundant potential for God's glory to be found in the myriad human beings
who populate them.
Perhaps this is what Thomas Merton glimpsed in his so called "Fourth Street Vision,"
which he experienced in the downtown shopping district of Kentucky's largest city.
In the midst of the downtown crowd, Merton realized...
"...It is a glorious destiny to be a member of the human race, though it is a race
dedicated to many absurdities and one which makes many terrible mistakes: yet,
with all that, God Himself gloried in becoming a member of the human race. A member
of the human race! To think that such a commonplace realization should suddenly
seem like news that one holds the winning ticket in a cosmic sweepstake."
(from Conjectures of a Guilty Bystander)
The lectionary texts for Sunday, September 7...
Exodus 12:1-14
Romans 13:8-14
Matthew 18:15-20
Sunday Conversations return this Sunday, Sept 7, 10am, in Trinity Hall. Our topic
for this Sunday: "The Doubt Essential to Faith." Come enjoy a cup of coffee (a new
brew by the way), join the conversation, or just listen in.
A Host(s) is needed for our after worship refreshments this Sun, Sept 7. Use reply
email or visit our online sign up sheet to volunteer for this Sunday or another Sunday
later in the fall.
Nursery Volunteers Needed - While we are seeking to employ a regular nursery care
giver (see below), we are in need of volunteers willing to staff the Sunday morning
nursery, an important ministry to Walnut Hill's youngest members and their families.
Use reply email to inquire about volunteering for this coming Sunday, or see the sign
up sheet posted on the Trinity Hall bulletin board for a Sunday on which you might
help Walnut Hill "welcome the children!"
NURSERY CAREGIVER POSITION OPEN
Walnut Hill is currently seeking a caregiver to staff the church
nursery on
Sunday
mornings from 10:30am - 12:30pm. Visit the
link ( Nursery Caregiver )
for a complete
job description and
contact information. Direct inquiries and
referrals are welcome.
YOUTH ACTIVITY LEADER POSITION OPEN
Walnut Hill is currently seeking an activity leader to staff the church's
ministry
with and
to middle and high school youth. Visit the
link ( youth leader ) for a
complete job
description and
contact
information. Direct inquiries and referrals
are welcome.
ACE Trip - Each year the 5th grade class of Athens Chilesburg Elementary School
takes a "field trip" to Washington, DC. For the last several years, Walnut Hill has
supported this trip by providing sponsorships for students whose families would
otherwise be unable to afford it. Walnut Hill has agreed to sponsor up to six students
($560/student) this year. If you would like to help in this sponsorship, make your check
payable to Walnut Hill Church, designated "ACE Trip." Gifts in any amount are welcome.
Upcoming Events:
*Sun, Sept 21, after worship - Fall Potluck, bring a salad, side dish, or dessert
*Sun, Sept 28, 3pm - CROP Walk to raise awareness and money for hunger relief
*Sun, Oct 5, 10am - Noon - Ecumenical Sunday, guest the Rev. John McCullough,
CEO and President of Church World Service
Thanks to all those who by their service last Sunday opening the buildings and gates,
welcoming the people, leading/participating in worship by word and music, teaching
children, staffing the nursery, providing hospitality, and securing the buildings and
grounds at the end of the morning demonstrated the strength and spirit of the
Walnut Hill community.
Peace,
Mike Ward
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