Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

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

EXPLORING OUR SPIRITUALITY, SPRING 2014

TRAVELING YOUR ROAD TO JOY

Week One - "Living Joyfully in the Present Moment"

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

What is Joy?

Joy is perhaps better experienced than defined.  Nonetheless,

many people have attempted to define it, or at least describe it.

We will read a few such attempts and ask if the definitions and

descriptions of joy ring true with our experience.

(nursery care available for young children)

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon: A Time for Joy

Text: Ecclesiastes 3:1-15

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children

Cemetery Association Meeting, Noon, Sanctuary

The Walnut Hill Church Cemetery Association will hold its

annual meeting in the Sanctuary immediately following morning

worship.  All Members and Friends of Walnut Hill Church are

members of the Cemetery Association and are encouraged to

attend.  Among the business items will be proposed revisions

to the Cemetery Association guidelines.  To see the proposed

revisions, visit cemetery guidelines .

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Greetings to all!

This Sunday, March 2, marks the beginning of our spring 2014 season of

Exploring Our Spirituality.   This season's exploration is titled, "Traveling 

Your Road to Joy," beginning with an opportunity to discover joy in the 

present moment.  Consider this selection from Thomas Merton.

The grip the present has on me.  That is the one thing that has grown

most noticeably in my spiritual life - nothing much else has ... This time

is given to me by God that I may live in it.  It is not given to make something

out of it but given me to be stored away in eternity as my own.  For this

afternoon to be my own in eternity, it must be my own this afternoon, 

and I must possess myself in it, not be possessed by books, by ideas

not my own, by a compulsion to produce what nobody needs.  But

simply to glorify God by accepting His gift and His work.  To work for 

Him is to work that I myself may live.

(from A Search for Solitude as found in Traveling Your Road to Joy)

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, March 2 ...

Ecclesiastes 3:1-15

Matthew 17:1-9  (in observance of Transfiguration Sunday)

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, March 2, 10am, in 

Trinity Hall.  This Sunday will be our first EOS related conversation

titled, "What Is Joy?."  Come, enjoy a cup of coffee, join the conversation,

or just listen in.

The Walnut Hill Church Cemetery Association will hold its annual meeting 

on Sunday, March 2, immediately after morning worship.  Among the business 

items for this meeting are several proposed changes to the Cemetery guidelines. 

Visit cemetery guidelines to view the proposed changes.

Exploring Our Spirituality (EOS) begins this Sunday, March 2.  You

can participate by...

*attending Sunday Conversations (10am), which will focus on EOS

themes.

*attending Sunday worship (11am), which will focus on EOS themes.

*participating in an EOS small group, which are being organized for

Sunday evenings, Tuesday evenings, and a weekday yet to be announced.

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

in an EOS small group.

Help Wanted!  Walnut Hill Church is currently seeking to fill two part-time staff 

positions:

-Nursery Caregiver - 2hrs/week, Sunday mornings

-Youth Activity Leader - 5 - 10 hrs/week, Sundays

Complete position descriptions are available from the church office. Feel free 

to recommend candidates or invite candidates to contact the church office 

(263-5304).

Ecumenical News - "Ground for Hope - Bluegrass," an ecumenical and 

interfaith program regarding environmental stewardship will be held in 

Lexington at Central Christian Church, on Saturday, March 8, 9am - Noon.

Visit Ground for Hope for program and registration information.

In the Community - The 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King's march

on Frankfort will be observed with a march and rally at the Kentucky State

Capitol on Wednesday, March 5.   Visit March on Frankfort for event 

information.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, February 23, at Walnut Hill Church...

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

A Matter of Faith

We will talk about the differing views on same-sex marriage

found among people of faith, with particular attention to our

own perspectives on the subject.  As an introduction to the 

conversation, you might want to read a recent article

(Aug, 2013) published in a central Pennsylvania newspaper.

Visit "A Matter of Faith" .

Morning Worship,  11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - Beyond Conventional Wisdom

Text - Matthew 5:38-48

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

dinner, activities, and spring event planning.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, January 18, 2014

Greetings to all!

The Sunday lectionary has recently been guiding our gospel readings through 

Jesus'  Sermon on the Mount as found in the Gospel of Matthew.  In this "Sermon," 

Matthew gathered sayings and teachings of Jesus that are both inspiring and 

daunting. The Sermon describes life and relationships the way we hope they 

might be, but wonder if they can ever be.  The Sermon's ethic is often described 

as profound but impracticable.  According to some, that is exactly the point.  Consider 

these words from the 20th century Swiss theologian Emil Brunner, after which you 

might want to read the Sermon for yourself and reflect on its "practicable" or 

"impracticable" value.  You will find the Sermon in the Gospel of Matthew, chapters 5 - 7.

We are accustomed to require an ethic to be practicable.  If that is what we 

want, then we should turn to Aristotle.  The ethic of the Gospel is not 

practicable because it is serious.  To take morality seriously, or, more 

correctly, to take the Will of God seriously, leads to the despairing admission 

that it is impossible to do it...Jesus does not touble about the worldly 

categories of "possible" or "impossible"...From the point of view of modern 

civilization, it is true, the Sermon on the Mount leaves much to be desired.

In actual fact, however, it has no gaps because it gives no instructions at all.  

It gives isolated examples of the one Good, the absolute Good, the Impossible.

(from The Mediator)

The lectionary texts for Sunday, February 23...

Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18

1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23

Matthew 5:38-48

Men's Coffee - Walnut Hill men are invited to gather for coffee on Saturday

mornings, 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 Sunday, Feb 23, 10am, in Trinity Hall.

Sunday Conversations include a wide range of topics from week to week.  Come 

enjoy a cup of coffee, join the conversation, or just listen in.

Youth Gathering - Youth are invited to gather at Walnut Hill this Sun, Feb 23,

5:30 - 7:00pm, for dinner, activities, and planning for events upcoming this 

spring.

Exploring Our Spirituality (EOS) is coming this spring.  This season's theme 

is "Traveling Your Road to Joy."  EOS Sundays and small groups begin the 

week of March 2.  Use reply email or call the church office (263-5304) to 

inquire about participating in an EOS small group.

The Walnut Hill Church Cemetery Association will hold its annual meeting 

on Sunday, March 2, immediately after morning worship.  Among the business 

items for this meeting are several proposed changes to the Cemetery guidelines.

Visit cemetery guidelines to view the proposed changes.

Help Wanted!  Walnut Hill Church is currently seeking to fill two part-time staff 

positions:

-Nursery Caregiver - 2hrs/week, Sunday mornings

-Youth Activity Leader - 5 - 10 hrs/week, Sundays

Complete position descriptions are available from the church office. Feel free 

to recommend candidates or invite candidates to contact the church office 

(263-5304).

Ecumenical News - The Episcopal Diocese of Lexington will hold its 

Annual Convention on Friday - Saturday, Feb 21 - 22, in Covington, KY.

Mike Ward will be attending the Friday session of this year's Convention. For

information regarding the Diocese Convention, visit www.diolex.org .

In the Community- The 50th Anniversary of the March on Frankfort will be

observed on Wed, Mar 5, 10am - Noon, with a march and rally at the 

Kentucky State Capitol.  The 2014 march and rally will celebrate the event

50 years ago as well as draw attention to issues facing the Commonwealth

today.  For more information, visit March on Frankfort .

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

www.walnuthillchurchky.org

  

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, February 16, at Walnut Hill Church...

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

What Is God ?

We will view and discuss a video featuring Marcus

Borg as he shares his own transition from belief

in God as a "super being" to trust in God as an

"encompassing reality."  To view the video in advance

of Sunday's conversation, visit What Is God?

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - Growing Up

Text -  1 Corinthians 3:1-9

Preaching - The Rev. Mairi Renwick

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for refreshments and fellowship.

Book Discussion, 4pm, Brockopp Residence

Dr. Paul Jones will be our guest for a conversation

regarding his book, The Church's Seven Deadly Secrets.  

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Greetings to all!

Monday, Feb 17, is Presidents' Day, an occasion to reflect, with

appreciation, upon those who have served as President of the

United States from George Washington to Barak Obama.  It is

difficult to imagine what the experience must be like for those

who have so served.  Consider this "prayer" attributed to our

28th President, Woodrow Wilson.

I pray God I may be given the wisdom and prudence to do my

duty in the true spirit of this great people.  I am their servant

and can succeed only as they sustain and guide me by their

confidence and their counsel.  The thing I shall count upon,

the thing without which neither counsel nor action will avail,

is the unity of America - an America united in feeling, in

purpose and in its vision of duty, of opportunity and of service.

(as found in A Call to America)

The lectionary texts for Sunday, February 16...

*Deuteronomy 30:15-20

*1 Corinthians 3:1-9

*Matthew 5:21-37

Sunday Conversations continue this Sun, Feb 16, 10am,

in Trinity Hall.  Sunday Conversation topics vary widely from

week to week including Bible study, theology, and current

events.  Watch the Friday update for details regarding this

Sunday's conversation.

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

Sun, Feb 16.  Use reply email to inquire about hosting this

Sunday, or check the sign-up sheet in the Sanctuary foyer

to host a Sunday later in the winter or spring.

The Church's 7 Deadly Secrets book discussion concludes

this Sun, Feb 16, 4pm - 5:30pm, at the Brockopp residence.

Dr. Paul Jones will be with us for conversation around our

questions and responses to his book.

Exploring Our Spirituality (EOS) is coming this spring.  This

season's theme is "Traveling Your Road to Joy."  EOS Sundays

and small groups begin the week of March 2.  

The Walnut Hill Church Cemetery Association will hold its

annual meeting on Sunday, March 2, immediately after 

morning worship.  Among the business items for this meeting

are several proposed changes to the Cemetery guidelines.

Visit cemetery guidelines to view the proposed changes.

Help Wanted!  Walnut Hill Church is currently seeking to fill

two part-time staff positions:

-Nursery Caregiver - 2hrs/week, Sunday mornings

-Youth Activity Leader - 5 - 10 hrs/week, Sundays

Feel free to recommend candidates or invite candidates to

contact the church office (263-5304).

In the Community:  The Catholic Action Center is hosting a

volunteer training event on Sat, Feb 15, 1 - 3 pm, at the 

Community Inn (824 Winchester Rd).  Participants will learn

about ministry to the homeless and how they (individuals

and groups) can be involved.  To register, visit the website

( www.godsnet.info ) or call 514-7210.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday, Feb 9, Update

Dear Walnut Hill Members and Friends,

This note is simply to advise you that Sunday morning activities
are ongoing as usual today, February 9.

The roads around the Walnut Hill neighborhood are wet,
but clear, as are the church driveway and sidewalks.

Conditions might be different around your home, so use your
good judgment as to whether or not to be out on the roads
this morning.

Peace,

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, February 9, at Walnut Hill Church...

SCOUT SUNDAY

(We will be welcoming Boy Scouts and leaders from

within and beyond the Walnut Hill congregation.)

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Is Not This The Fast That I Choose?

We will explore the prophet Isaiah's critique of religion

(ancient or modern) that is preoccupied with what 

happens in the sanctuary while unconcerned with

what happens in the public square.  To read Isaiah's 

critique ahead of time, visit  Isaiah 58:1-12 .

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon:  Fulfilling the Law

Text:  Matthew 5:13-20

Scout Sunday Observance

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for refreshments and fellowship.

Book Discussion, 4pm, Brockopp Residence

Join us as we discuss the book, The Church's Seven

Deadly Secrets, by Dr. Paul Jones.  This Sunday's

discussion will focus on Chapter 7 and the Epilogue of 

Dr. Jones' book.  

Youth Gathering, 5:30pm, Trinity Hall

Youth (middle & high school) are invited to gather for 

activities, pizza, and planning for spring youth events.

*****

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

of Trinity Hall.

*****

WEATHER ADVISORY:

In case of inclement weather this Sunday (or any Sunday) 

affecting church activities, a weather advisory message will 

be available by calling the church phone (859-263-5304) 

at 9am on Sunday morning.  Also, an email message will be 

sent by 9am to all those who receive Walnut Hill's regular emails.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Greetings to all!

By now most have had enough of this winter's cold, ice, and snow.

Gunilla Norris acknowledges the same for her, and then she has 

another thought...

The snow comes down in heaps.  All that white mess.  It's beautiful.

But when I look at it now, I see only INCONVENIENCE.  How much

of your world do I regard in this way?  Why is it so hard to live with

the beauty of "the way things are"?

I'm always wanting my own weather.  Instead, here are six inches

of white stuff to glower at.  I bundle up and begin the task of making

navigable trails.  The shovel rises and falls.  I am getting heated.

How many things do I shovel aside?  How many ways do I have to

pile things up out of my way?  I am always arranging instead of 

appreciating.

The snow is shimmering from within itself.  It has a pale blue light...

the confidence of its own nature.  And now despite myself, I feel

You turning my complaint into begrudging praise.

I am grateful that You give me these new eyes to see Your joy,

even as it sky-rides into my backyard and forces me to come to

grips with it.

(from "Shoveling" as found in Being Home)

The scripture lessons for Sunday, February 9...

Isaiah 58:1-12

1 Corinthians 2:1-16

Matthew 5:13-20

Sunday Conversations continue this Sun, Feb 9, 10am, in 

Trinity Hall.  Sunday Conversations vary widely from week to week

including Bible study, theology, spirituality, and current events.

Come enjoy a cup of coffee, join the conversation, or just listen in.

The Church's 7 Deadly Secrets book discussion will be held on

Sun, Feb 9, 4:00pm - 5:30pm, at the Brockopp residence.  This 

Sunday's discussion will focus on Chapter 7 & the Epilogue.

Exploring Our Spirituality (EOS) is coming beginning, Sunday,

March 2.  The theme for this spring's EOS season is "Traveling

Your Road to Joy."  Watch for more details.

Scout Sunday:  Walnut Hill will be observing Boy Scout Sunday

this Sun, Feb 9.  Scouts will be leading portions of our worship

and providing our Sunday hospitality.  We look forward to this

opportunity to celebrate the ideals of scouting.

SOUPER BOWL SUNDAY wrap-up.  This year's Souper Bowl

Sunday at Walnut Hill was as abundant as the football game

was one-sided.  There was delicious soup of every description,

and $454 was raised to support God's Pantry.  Thanks to all 

the soup chefs, soup tasters, and generous donors.

In the Community:  The Catholic Action Center is hosting a

volunteer training event on Sat, Feb 15, 1 - 3 pm, at the 

Community Inn (824 Winchester Rd).  Participants will learn

about ministry to the homeless and how they (individuals

and groups) can be involved.  To register, visit the website

( www.godsnet.info ) or call 514-7210.

Peace to all!

Mike Ward