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
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