Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

September 17, 2014

Greetings to all!

There has been much conversation lately regarding  "violence," particularly 
violence in the context of relationships and families. Violence comes in many 
forms including physical, emotional, mental, even economic and social.  The 
recent public conversation provides an opportunity for all to consider the ways 
in which we have been involved in violence, as victims, as perpetrators, and
sometimes as both, as well as to seek healing and peace in all our relationships.  
Consider this prayer...

O God of Love:
We pray for victims of violence that they might find...
healing of body, mind, and spirit,
safe places to live, work, and play,
caring people to welcome and love them.
We pray for perpetrators of violence that they might find...
healing for their own injuries and scars,
new and healthy ways to live with others and themselves,
caring people to welcome and love them.
We pray for all people that they might find ...
courage to address the many forms of violence around them,
wisdom to seek healing for victims and offenders,
capacity to welcome and love their neighbors.
Amen.

The scripture lessons for Sunday, September 21...
Exodus 16:2-15
Philippians 1:21-30
Matthew 20:1-16

FALL POTLUCK!! This Sunday, Sept 21, is the annual Fall Potluck.  
Bring a salad, side dish, or dessert.  Meat and beverage will be provided.

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, Sept 21, 10am, in 
Trinity Hall (upstairs office). Our conversation this Sunday focuses around 
the topic of violence, particularly domestic violence.

Ecumenical Sunday "Weekend" is coming on Sunday, Oct 4 - 5.  
Our guest for the weekend is the Rev. John McCullough, President and 
CEO of Church World Service.  Public events include:
*Sat, Oct 4, 10am - Noon, Ecumenical Mission: Present and Future
an informal conversation with Rev. McCullough.
*Sun, Oct 5, 10am - Sunday Conversations featuring Rev. McCullough.
*Sun, Oct 5, 11am - Morning Worship and Holy Communion, with 
Rev. McCullough preaching.
Join us, and invite others to join us, for any/all of these events. We also need 
volunteers to help with various aspects of the weekend.  Use reply email to 
inquire about volunteering.

Exploring Our Spirituality (EOS) begins on Sunday, October 12.  This EOS 
season will be guided by Paul's letter to the Philippians.  Small group sign up 
begins immediately.  Watch for more information.

The Lexington CROP Hunger Walk will be held on Sun, Sept 28, 3pm at 
Second Presbyterian Church.  All ages are invited to walk to raise awareness 
and dollars for hunger relief locally and around the world. 

In the Community:  Social Justice Advocacy...and the Changing Landscape 
of Politics and the Church is both title and theme of a gathering this Sat, Sept 20, 
9am - Noon, at Maxwell St. Presbyterian Church.  Featured speaker is 
Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, Director of the Office of Public Witness, Presbyterian 
Church (USA).  Additional presenters include Dr. Marian McClure Taylor, 
Executive Director of the Kentucky Council of Churches.  The morning will 
encourage and equip persons to address emerging issues at the local, state, 
and national/international levels.  This event is free and open to the public.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

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