Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, November 2, at Walnut Hill Church...

ALL SAINTS' SUNDAY

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Working Out Our Own Salvation

Beginning with these words from the apostle Paul, we'll talk

about what it might mean to "work out our own salvation,"

mindful that, as Paul reminds us, God is at work in and

through the process.

Children's Choir, 10am, Trinity Hall

Children through elementary school age are invited to

gather for music and singing as they prepare for their

Christmas season presentation.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon -  to the Saints at ...

Text -  Philippians 2:12-30

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.

*****

The Vestry will meet at 9:30am in the upstairs office

of Trinity Hall.

*****

This Sunday continues the Fall 2014 Exploring Our 

Spirituality (EOS) season.  Sunday Conversations and 

Morning Worship topics are prompted by EOS themes 

and our exploration of the New Testament Letter to the 

Philippians.  An online workbook is available for those 

who would like to explore more deeply.  Our focus this 

Sunday is prompted by the Week 4 workbook section.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

October 29, 2014

Grace to you and peace!

This Saturday, November 1, is All Saints' Day, an occasion to not only

remember persons of the past, but also to be encouraged and inspired

for our living today.  The Catholic spiritual teacher, Henri Nouwen, 

describes the Church as a "garden" in which saints bloom.

The Church is a very human organization but also a garden of God's

grace.  It is a place where great sanctity keeps blooming.  Saints are

people who make the living Christ visible to us in a special way.  Some

saints have given their lives in the service of Christ and his Church;

others have spoken or written words that keep nurturing us; some have

lived heroically in difficult situations; others have remained hidden in

quiet lives of prayer and meditation; some were prophetic voices

calling for renewal; others were spiritual strategists setting up large

organizations or networks of people;  some were healthy and strong;

others were quite sick, and often anxious and insecure.  But all of

them in their own ways lived in the Church as in a garden where 

they heard the voice calling them the Beloved and where they found

the courage to make Jesus the center of their lives.

(as found in Bread for the Journey)

The scripture lesson for Sunday, November 2...

Philippians 2:12-30

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, Nov 2, 10am, in Trinity Hall.  

During the EOS season our conversations are prompted by EOS texts 

and themes.  Watch the Friday update for details regarding this Sunday's 

conversation.

Children's Choir continues this Sun, Nov 2, 10am, in Trinity Hall. All 

children through elementary age are invited to participate as they 

prepare for their Christmas season presentation.

Exploring Our Spirituality (EOS) continues this Sunday with the 

beginning of our Week 4 focus, "Emissaries of Grace," (Phil 2:12-30).  

You can participate in EOS in a variety of ways including...

-attendance at Sunday Conversations (10am) and Morning Worship (11am).

-participating in an EOS Small Group.  Small Groups are meeting on 

Sunday evenings, Tuesday evenings, and Thursday mornings. 

-individual exploration using the EOS workbook.  Use reply email or 

contact the church office to request a workbook, or check out the online 

version at  Fall 2014 Workbook .

The Annual Meeting of the Congregation of Walnut Hill Church will

be held on Sunday, November 9, immediately after morning worship,

in the Sanctuary.  The business of the annual meeting includes the

election of Vestry members, presentation of the church budget, and 

action on the Pastor's terms of call.  Other business may be raised

by Walnut Hill Members and Friends.  In order that we might plan the

meeting, please contact Dorothy Brockopp or the church office if you

are aware of other business that needs to be considered at this

annual meeting.

Thanksgiving Dressing - Once again Walnut Hill has been asked to

provide the stuffing/dressing for the Nathaniel Mission Community 

Thanksgiving Dinner.  This annual event provides an abundant meal

for several hundred Mission neighbors.  You can sponsor a tray of

dressing for $20.  Use reply email to offer your sponsorship.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, October 26, at Walnut Hill Church...

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Kenosis

This strange word, kenosis, invites reflection and

conversation regarding the spiritual path.  Kenosis

means to "let go" or "to empty oneself."  In an age 

when self-fulfillment is promoted as the key to 

happiness, what wisdom might be found in the

notion of self-emptying.  As a starting place for

our conversation, we will view a brief video by

Richard Rohr.  You can view the video in advance

at  A Process of Self Emptying .

Children's Choir, 10am, Trinity Hall

Children (through elementary age) are invited to

gather for music and singing in preparation for

the children's Christmas presentation in December.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Preacher -  The Rev. Dr. John Cavendish

     Walnut Hill Church Pastor Emeritus

Text - Philippians 2:1-11

The Sacrament of Baptism

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for refreshments and fellowship.

Youth Gathering, 5:30pm, Trinity Hall

Youth (middle and high school) are invited to gather

for a meal and activities.  This Sunday's gathering is

focused on service as the youth will be preparing 

sandwiches for the Lexington Community Inn.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Grace to you and peace!

   Last Sunday we mentioned the act of "making one's voice heard"

regarding matters of justice, mercy, and compassion as a public, and 

sometimes risky, expression of the spiritual practice of "bearing witness."

"Bearing witness," whatever its public expression, begins as a simple 

openness to life as it is.  Consider the following...

  Life is filled with opportunities for bearing witness to the positive and 

negative experiences in our world.  When we do not turn away from 

what brings pain or what brings happiness, we acknowledge that both 

always exist - even in the same instant. When we can fully open ourselves 

to all the delights and challenges to which we and others are heir, without 

picking and choosing which ones we will attend, we can be part of the 

tapestry of life around us.  Open to both painful and joyful events, we see 

our interconnection to everything around us even as we recognize that 

sometimes the only role we can play is to bear witness.

   With an open heart, may I bear witness to all of life's joy and suffering, 

that I may share the gift of sympathetic joy for others' happiness and 

compassion for their sorrow.

(by Jean Smith as found at spiritualityandpractice.com)

The scripture lesson for Sunday, October 26...

Philippians 2:1-11

Sunday Conversations continue this Sun, Oct 26, 10am, in Trinity Hall.  

Our conversation this Sunday will focus on the notion of "kenosis," the

pouring out of self, as part of taking on the mind of Christ.  What does it

look and feel like to "pour oneself out" in this way?

Children's Choir begins this Sun, Oct 26, 10am, in Trinity Hall as practice

begins toward the children's Christmas presentation on Sun, Dec 14.  All

children through elementary age are invited to participate.

Youth (middle and high school) are invited to gather at Walnut Hill this

Sun, Oct 26, 5:30pm, for a meal and activities.  This Sunday is a service

gathering as the youth will be preparing sandwiches for the Community

Inn.

Exploring Our Spirituality (EOS) continues this Sunday with the beginning

of our Week 3 focus, "The Mind of Christ," (Phil 2:1-11).  You can participate 

in EOS in a variety of ways including...

-attendance at Sunday Conversations (10am) and Morning Worship (11am).

-participating in an EOS Small Group.  Small Groups are meeting on Sunday 

evenings, Tuesday evenings, and Thursday mornings. Use reply email or 

call the church office (263-5304) to inquire about being part of an EOS 

Small Group.

-individual exploration using the EOS workbook.  Use reply email or contact 

the church office to request a workbook, or check out the online version 

at  Fall 2014 Workbook .

-listening to the recordings of sermons during the EOS season as found 

at Walnut Hill sermons .

Walnut Hill Church Directory updates are available in the foyer of the 

Sanctuary.  Pick one up this Sunday, or contact the church office to request 

a copy.

In the community:

The Kentucky Council of Churches will hold its Annual Assembly on

Friday - Saturday, Oct 24-25, in northern Kentucky.  The theme of this

year's Assembly is "restorative justice," seeking creative ways to heal the

injuries of both victims and offenders, looking beyond conventional notions 

of revenge and punishment.  Visit www.kycouncilofchurches.org for more 

information.

The Presbytery of Transylvania will hold its semi-annual stated meeting

this Saturday - Sunday, Oct 25 - 26, in Lexington.  The Presbytery will be

considering a long range plan to re-shape and re-direct the Presbytery's 

resources and ministry.

Mike Ward will be attending these two gatherings.

Looking Ahead:  The Annual Meeting of the congregation of Walnut

Hill Church will be held on Sunday, Nov 9, immediately after morning

worship.  Primary business items include the election of Vestry members,

presentation of the 2015 budget, and approval of the Pastor's terms

of call for 2015.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

 

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, October 19, at Walnut Hill Church...

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

A Matter of Life and Death

How does one affirm life in the face of one's own death?

Paul does so in his Letter to the Philippians (1:19-26).

Some have heard an affirmation of life in a very different

way in the recent video posted by Brittany Maynard . 

We will talk about how faith helps us affirm life in the

face of death. To view the video in advance, visit

Brittany Maynard video . 

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon:  Going to Jail

Text:   Philippians 1:12-30

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for refreshments and fellowship.

*****

This Sunday continues the Fall 2014 Exploring Our 

Spirituality (EOS) season.  Sunday Conversations and 

Morning Worship topics are prompted by EOS themes 

and our exploration of the New Testament Letter to the 

Philippians.  An online workbook is available for those 

who would like to explore more deeply.  Our focus this 

Sunday is prompted by the Week 2 workbook section.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Grace to you and peace:

The absence/presence of God is a traditional topic in spiritual writings.  

In his recent book, My Bright Abyss, Christian Wiman challenges the

sense that many people have of God's absence from them.

It is among the most difficult spiritual ailments to heal, because it is

usually wholly illusory.  There are definitely times when we must 

suffer God's absence, when we are called to enter the dark night of

the soul in order to pass into some new understanding of God, some

deeper communion with God and with all creation.  But this is very

rare ... God is not absent.  God is everywhere in the world we are too

dispirited to love.  To feel God - to find God - does not usually require 

that we renounce all worldly possessions and enter a monastery, or 

give our lives over to some cause of social justice, or create some sort 

of sacred art, or begin spontaneously speaking in tongues.  All too 

often the task to which we are called is simply to show a kindness to 

the irritating person in the cubicle next to us, say, or touch the face of 

a spouse from whom we ourselves have been long absent, letting 

grace wake love from our intense, self-enclosed sleep.

The scripture lesson for Sunday, October 19...

Philippians 1:12 - 30

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, Oct 19, 10am, in Trinity

Hall.  Prompted by our EOS text for this Sunday, our conversation

topic will be "A Matter of Life and Death."

Exploring Our Spirituality (EOS) continues this Sunday with 

our Week 2 focus, "Joy In All Circumstances," (Phil 1:12-30).  You

can participate in EOS in a variety of ways including...

-attendance at Sunday Conversations (10am) and Morning 

Worship (11am).

-participating in an EOS Small Group.  Small Groups are meeting

on Sunday evenings, Tuesday evenings, and Thursday mornings.

Use reply email or call the church office (263-5304) to inquire 

about being part of an EOS Small Group.

-individual exploration using the EOS workbook.  Use reply email

or contact the church office to request a workbook, or check out

the online version at  Fall 2014 Workbook .

-listening to the recordings of sermons during the EOS season as

found at Walnut Hill sermons .

Walnut Hill Church Directory updates are available in the foyer

of the Sanctuary.  Pick one up this Sunday, or contact the church

office to request a copy.

In the community:

The Interfaith Alliance of the Bluegrass will hold its annual 

meeting and dinner on Tues, Oct 21, 6pm, at Central Christian

Church.  The theme of this year's meeting is "Helping Youth 

Push Back Against Violence."  For more information, visit

TIA Bluegrass Annual Meeting .

Looking Ahead:  The date of the annual Walnut Hill Church 

Christmas Party has been set for Sunday, December 21, 3pm.  

Put it on your calendar today.  Watch for more details.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, October 12, at Walnut Hill Church...

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Scripture as Conversation

How might our approach, understanding, and appreciation

of scripture be different if we viewed scripture as a "conversation

partner" rather than as "ideology?"  Might the scripture come

alive for us in new ways?  We will talk about it.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - I Am Praying for You

Text - Philippians 1:1-11

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for refreshments and fellowship.

Youth Boone Creek Safari, afternoon, Vaughan Cabin

Youth (middle & high school) and their families are invited

to an afternoon of hiking, pumpkin carving, and a cookout.

Use reply email or call the church office (263-5304) for

more information and/or to rsvp.

******

This Sunday begins the Fall 2014 Exploring Our Spirituality (EOS)

season.  Sunday Conversations and Morning Worship

topics are prompted by EOS themes and our exploration

of the New Testament Letter to the Philippians.  An 

online workbook is available for those who would like to

explore more deeply.  Our focus this Sunday is guided by 

the Week 1 workbook section.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Greetings to all!

Exploring Our Spirituality (EOS) begins this Sunday, October 12.

Our theme for the season will be "Rejoice in the Lord, Always," and

the springboard for our reflection will be the Letter to the Philippians 

as found in the New Testament.  In a sense, to explore our spirituality

is simply another way of exploring our lives, with particular attention

to that which connects us to each other, to this world, and to that

which animates all reality, including ourselves.  Sometimes we 

notice that connection spontaneously, without effort or intention.

For others, that sense of connection is deepened by simple practices 

that help them slow down and open their ears, eyes, and hearts.  

The EOS season is no more,  no less, than an opportunity for us as 

individuals and as a community to slow down, look, and listen.

Blessings to all as we begin this season of exploration.

The scripture lesson for Sunday, October 12...

Philippians 1:1-11

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, Oct 12, 10am, in

Trinity Hall.  Our topic for this Sunday is guided by our Week 1

EOS theme, "Grace to You and Peace."  Come enjoy a cup of 

coffee, join the conversation, or just listen in.

A Host(s) is needed for our after worship refreshments this

Sun, Oct 12.  Use reply email or visit the online sign up sheet to 

volunteer for this Sunday or another Sunday later in the fall.

Youth (middle and high school) are invited to an afternoon of

hiking, pumpkin carving, and a cookout at the Vaughan cabin on

Boone's Creek this Sun, Oct 12.  This annual outing is not to be 

missed.  Watch for more details.

EOS small groups begin next week.  Groups are in place for

Sunday and Tuesday evenings.  Additional groups are possible

depending on demand.  Use reply email to inquire about

participating in an EOS small group.

EOS workbooks are available in paper copy and online format.

While workbooks are a must for small group participation, they

are also beneficial for individual use.  Check out Fall 2014 Workbook

for the online version.  Contact the church office by reply email

or phone (263-5304) to request a paper copy.

ECUMENICAL SUNDAY WRAP-UP!

Thanks to the Rev. John McCullough, President and CEO of

Church World Service, for his inspiring visit with us last weekend.

Thanks also to numerous Walnut Hill folks who, in various ways,

helped to welcome him.  Use reply email to let us know what 

you thought about Rev. McCullough's visit and how we might

follow up on it.  For more information regarding Church World

Service, visit www.cwsglobal.org .

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

ECUMENICAL SUNDAY WEEKEND AT WALNUT HILL CHURCH

ECUMENICAL SUNDAY WEEKEND

FEATURING JOHN MCCULLOUGH

October 4 - 5, 2014

Walnut Hill Church

Join us for the following events as we welcome the Rev. John McCullough,

President and CEO of Church World Service.  

Saturday, October 4

10am, Ecumenical Mission: Present and Future

We will talk with Rev. McCullough, and with each other, about the challenges

and possibilities of meeting human needs in the 21st century, with particular

attention to how people of faith and good will might cooperate in that effort.

Sunday, October 5

10am, Sunday Conversations

We will take this opportunity to hear from Rev. McCullough regarding 

Church World Service and his personal experiences leading this global, 

ecumenical, mission organization.

(nursery care available for children)

11am, Morning Worship and Holy Communion

Preaching - The Rev. John McCullough

Sermon - Facing the Crowd: The Authority of Our Faith

Text - Philippians 2:1-13;  Matthew 21:23-32

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children

Noon, After Worship Gathering

All are invited to gather for refreshments and fellowship. 

*****

JOIN US AND INVITE OTHERS!

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Greetings to all!

This Sunday, Oct 5, is "Ecumenical Sunday" at Walnut Hill Church,

and with it the opportunity to celebrate and explore our ecumenical

identity and mission.  We are pleased to welcome as our guest the 

Rev. John McCullough, President and CEO of Church World Service, 

a global ecumenical mission organization.  Allow me to share a portion 

of Rev. McCullough's letter accepting our invitation to visit Walnut Hill.

Thank you for your letter and for the gracious invitation to join you 

... on "Ecumenical Sunday," October 5.  I am delighted to accept and

look forward to sharing with your congregation both the word of

God, and the work of Church World Service.  The reputation of

your church is strong.  Recently, I shared with John Dolon, CWS

Regional Director for IN and KY, that I had received your letter.

It must be what we call Providence because he had intended to

suggest I visit Walnut Hill Church this year and was enthusiastic

about my acceptance ... Please know that we deeply appreciate

the wonderful commitment Walnut Hill Church has made to our

common mission to eradicate hunger and poverty, and to promote

peace and justice.  May God bless you and all those whom you

have been called to love and serve.

We look forward to welcoming Rev. McCullough this weekend!

(For more information regarding Rev. McCullough, visit

CWS President and CEO .)

ECUMENICAL SUNDAY "WEEKEND"

Sat, Oct 4, 10am - Ecumenical Mission: Present and Future

Join us as we visit informally with Rev. McCullough regarding

the present and future prospects and possibilities of our shared 

efforts to meet human needs around the world.

Sun, Oct 5, 10am - Sunday Conversations

We will visit with Rev. McCullough regarding his experiences

with Church World Service and his personal call to a ministry

of meeting human needs.

Sun, Oct 5, 11am - Morning Worship & Holy Communion

Rev. McCullough will be preaching, the sermon title, 

Facing the Crowd: The Authority of Our Faith.

How can you be part of Ecumenical Sunday Weekend?

*Attend any or all of our Ecumenical Sunday Weekend activities

and invite others to do so.  What a great occasion to introduce

someone to the work of Church World Service and to Walnut

Hill Church.

*Volunteer to help us welcome our guests.  Use reply email

to inquire about volunteer opportunities.

Exploring Our Spirituality

Exploring Our Spirituality (EOS) is soon to begin, October 12.

Our theme for this season is "Rejoice in the Lord Always,"

based on the Letter of Paul to the Philippians.  

You can participate in EOS by...

Sunday morning attendance as Sunday Conversations and

Morning Worship will be guided by the EOS themes.

Individual reflection using an EOS study guide that will be

available online and in paper copy.

Small group participation to share your faith and life journey

with others.  Use reply email for more information regarding

small groups.

CROP Hunger Walk Results

Thanks to a strong team (15 walkers) and several sponsors, 

Walnut Hill raised over $700 to support hunger relief locally

and around the world.  For more information regarding how

CROP dollars are used, visit CROP Hunger Walk .

Peace to all.

Mike Ward