Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Greetings to all!

Tomorrow is the 9-11 anniversary, and after thirteen years of military engagement many of 
the same hostilities, conflicts, and fears remain today as then.  Might there have been, might 
there be, another way?  Karen Armstrong offers a radical, perhaps even scandalous, 
alternative.

Retaliation is likely only to exacerbate hatred and violence ..... On September 11, 2001, 
for example, there were demonstrations and expressions of sympathy for the United States 
in countries all over the world, including Palestine and Iran.  If there had been a nonviolent 
and openhanded response to the attacks on the Twin Towers instead of a military offensive, 
might the outcome have been different?  Remember Confucius's words:  if you seek to establish 
yourself, then seek to establish others.  Humiliating the enemy can be dangerous.  The harsh 
conditions inflicted on Germany by the Treaty of Versailles after the First World War gave birth 
to the conditions that helped to bring Adolph Hitler to power.  We need to find a way to ensure
that all peoples enjoy the treatment we wish for ourselves.
(from Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life)

The scripture lessons for Sunday, September 14...
Exodus 14:19-31
Romans 14:1-12
Matthew 18:21-35

Sunday Conversations continue this Sun, Sept 14, 10am, in Trinity Hall.  The topic for this 
Sunday is  "Forgiveness." Come enjoy a cup of coffee (a new brew by the way), join the 
conversation, or just listen in.

Youth (middle and high school) are invited to gather this Sun, Sep 14, 5:30pm, at Walnut 
Hill for a meal and activities, including planning group programs and service projects for 
the fall.

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 
for a complete 
job description and 
contact information.  Direct inquiries and 
referrals are welcome.

Nursery Volunteers Needed - While we are seeking to employ a regular nursery care 
giver (see above), 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 on a Sunday upcoming, or check the sign 
up sheet posted on the Trinity Hall bulletin board for a Sunday on which you might 
help Walnut Hill "welcome the children!"  Openings are available for Sept 21 and beyond.

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.
*Sun, Oct 12 -  Exploring Our Spirituality season begins with Sunday and small
group opportunities

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

 

No comments: