Greetings to all!
Today, Dec 10, is "Human Rights Day," first proclaimed in 1950
following the adoption (1948) of the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights.* In their best moments, the world's great religions have given
voice to the "inherent dignity ... and equal and inalienable rights of all
members of the human family." In their less than best moments, the
world's great religions, including Christianity, have failed to recognize
that dignity. Among the biblical themes related to human rights are
freedom, justice, and peace..
Biblical history is freedom history. To be created in the image of
God is to be given the gift of freedom and the awesome responsibility
that goes with that gift. Our true identity and full potential can only
be realized in freedom. Authentic and mutual acceptance in human
relations is made possible in the context of freedom.
Justice is required in human relations and in the ordering of social
structures, not because we thereby prove ourselves worthy by acts of
justice, but because we are responding gratefully to our oneness in
creation and our oneness in Christ. Justice in the Bible is both an
ethical term and a salvation term.
As justice is possible only in the context of freedom, so peace is
possible only in the context of justice. Peace involves reconciliation,
trust and wholeness. Wholeness, i.e., life lived in integrity, security
and realization of human potential, is possible only in a loving, forgiving,
accepting community of persons, where the value of personhood has
priority over that of property, race or social status.
(Robert F. Smylie as found in Life in All Its Fulness)
*The United States was one of 48 nations voting to approve the
Declaration. To read the text visit UDHR . Article 5 would seem to be
of particular relevance this week.
The scripture lessons for Sun, Dec 14, the Third Sunday of Advent...
Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11
1 Thessalonians 5:16 - 24
Luke 1:46-55
Pageant Practice, Sat, Dec 13, 10am - Children and youth participating
in this Sunday's (Dec 14) presentation and pageant are invited to gather
at Walnut Hill this Saturday morning for practice. Pageant participants
are asked to arrive at 10am, on Sun, Dec 14, for costumes and final
rehearsals.
Sunday Conversations continue this Sun, Dec 14, 10am, in the upstairs
office of Trinity Hall. We continue our Advent series of conversations titled,
"Isaiah: The Voice of Advent." This Sunday's focus will be Isaiah 61:1-11.
Youth Christmas Party - Youth (middle and high school) are invited to
a Christmas Party this Sun, Dec 14, 5:30pm, at the Wards' residence.
Use reply email for more information or to rsvp.
The Giving Tree - Persons who picked up ornaments from the Giving
Tree are asked to return their ornaments with the accompanying gift
by Sunday, December 21. Thanks to all those helping to make Christmas
brighter for 15 Lexington area children and youth.
Poinsettias - We will soon be decorating the Sanctuary for our Christmas
services. You can help by "sponsoring" a poinsettia at $20/plant. Your
sponsorship helps underwrite the cost of the poinsettias and other Christmas
decorations. Poinsettia sponsors are welcome to take their plants on the
Sunday after Christmas to enjoy them at home.
Walnut Hill Church Holiday Season Calendar:
*Sun, Dec 14, 11am - Children's Christmas Pageant
5:30pm - Youth Christmas Party
*Sun, Dec 21, 11am - Christmas Communion
3pm - Christmas Party
*Wed, Dec 24, 5pm - Family Christmas Service
9pm - Evening Prayer
In the Community:
*Walnut Hill Church was the subject of a recent article in an online
publication, The Lexington Examiner. Visit this link ( Walnut Hill ) to view
the article.
*The Good Giving Challenge, an online charitable giving campaign hosted
by the Bluegrass Community Foundation, concludes this Fri, Dec 12. Visit
Challenge to view the giving portal for our ecumenical partner, the
Kentucky Council of Churches. From there you can navigate to see other
non-profits that you might like to support.
*The Catholic Action Center is sponsoring its annual "Christmas Store,"
Dec 17 - 19. Donations (toys, etc) and volunteers are needed. Visit
www.godsnet.info for more information.
Thanks to all who helped to make last Sunday's Christmas Potluck a
delicious and festive beginning to Walnut Hill's Christmas season.
Peace to all.
Mike Ward
No comments:
Post a Comment