Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Greetings to all!

This week's storms in the southern states remind us of the fragile

nature of our lives and livelihoods.  Life can change in a moment

of time.  Consider the following prayer.

God of the wind and rain, sun and calm:

We pray for neighbors whose lives have been changed,

in some cases forever, by the storms of recent days.

Grant them strength of body and spirit,

to gather themselves, their loved ones and belongings,

as they begin the work of rebuilding their lives.

Grant us compassion to be with them,

through our prayers, our thoughts, and our gifts,

to know that they, and we, are never alone,

not even in the midst of the storm,

through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

The One Great Hour of Sharing Offering received this past

Easter Sunday focuses in large measure on disaster relief, so

it is likely that some OGHS funds are already on their way to the

area affected by this week's storms. Nonetheless, those who would 

like to make a special gift to assist our neighbors to the south may 

do so this Sunday at Walnut Hill.  Look for the special offering 

baskets in the Sanctuary foyer. 

*****

The scripture lessons for Sunday, May 4, the 3rd Sunday of Easter

Acts 2:14, 36-41

1 Peter 1:17-23

Luke 24:13-35

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, May 4, 10am in

Trinity Hall.  Sunday Conversations include a wide range of topics

from week to week.  Watch the Friday update for information 

regarding this Sunday's conversation focus.

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

Sunday, May 4.  Remember that our Sunday refreshments need

not be elaborate,  just something simple to gather around as we

visit after worship.  Use reply email to volunteer to host this Sunday,

or check the sign up sheet in the Sanctuary foyer to host a Sunday

later in the spring.  By the way, watch for an "online sign up sheet"

to be unveiled soon!

The Spring Potluck is coming on Sunday, May 18, after worship.

Bring a salad, side dish, or dessert, and join us for this delicious

Walnut Hill tradition.  We could use a few volunteers to help with

some of the potluck details.  Use reply email to inquire.

The Sanctuary will be receiving a much needed makeover this

summer.  Check out the display in the Sanctuary foyer for more 

details.

Summer Camp:  It's time to be thinking about summer camp for

children and youth.  Walnut Hill children and youth are invited to

attend camp programs at either Cathedral Domain or Camp

Burnamwood.  Visit their websites at these links,  Domain and 

Burnamwood, for summer schedules and other information.  

Remember that Walnut Hill will sponsor 1/2 the cost of any 

Walnut Hill child or youth attending a Domain or Burnamwood 

program.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward 

www.walnuthillchurchky.org

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, April 27, at Walnut Hill Church...

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Noah

Given the renewed interest in the old story of Noah, we will 

revisit the story, exploring the questions (and some problems)

it raises about God, the world, Noah, and the Bible itself.  To 

reacquaint yourself with the story ahead of time, read 

Genesis chapters 6 - 9.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - Room for Doubt

Text -  John 20:19 - 31

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children

After Worship Gathering,  Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for refreshments and fellowship.

Sanctuary Project Meeting, Noon, Sanctuary

An informal meeting will be held after worship to provide 

information, answer questions, receive suggestions/concerns 

regarding the upcoming Sanctuary refurbishing project.

EOS Celebration, 5pm, Jacobson Park (shelter #3)

All Walnut Hill members and friends, and all ages, are

invited to a picnic/cookout at Jacobson Park (shelter #3),

5pm - 7:30pm, to celebrate the recently completed

EOS season.  Bring a picnic style salad, side dish,

or dessert, as well as a lawn chair and any games

(e.g. cornhole, frizbee, kites, etc) you might like.  If you plan

to attend, an RSVP is requested so that we might plan 

appropriately.  Use reply email or call the church office to rsvp.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Greetings to all!

The days following Easter provide opportunity to reflect on this "event" 

lately witnessed and remembered.  The late theologian, John MacQuarrie, 

offers three assertions arising from the Easter story...

First, Christ lives on.  As the one who has fulfilled the potentialities

of human existence and has indeed raised that existence to a new

level, Christ has revealed its potentiality for an eternal life in God; he has

"abolished death and brought life and immortality to light."

Second, the disciples experienced a new life in themselves ... and

they came to call this "eternal life" for they believed that even death

could not terminate their relationship with God.

Third, all this tells us something about God ... that God can bring

forth the new.  God's working never comes to a dead end, for God can

always open up a new possibility.  The cross speaks of God standing

with God's creatures in the flux of events; the resurrection speaks of

God always being ahead of events.

(edited from Principles of Christian Theology)

The scripture lessons for Sunday, April 27, the 2nd Sunday of Easter...

Acts 2:14, 22-32

1 Peter 1:3-9

John 20:19-31

Sunday Conversations continue this Sun, Apr 27, 10am, in Trinity

Hall.  The focus of this Sunday's conversation will be the story of "Noah,"

as found in Genesis 6 - 9.

A Host(s) is needed for our after worship refreshments for the next two

Sundays, April 27 and May 4.  Use reply email if you would like to host

either of these two Sundays.

Sanctuary Refurbishing - The Sanctuary will be receiving a

"makeover" this summer.  Visit the link ( Sanctuary ) for information

regarding this project.  An information meeting regarding the project

will be offered this Sunday, April 27, immediately after morning worship.

Feel free to attend and offer your questions, responses, and suggestions 

regarding the plan.

An EOS end of season picnic/cookout is scheduled for Sun, Apr 27,

5pm - 7:30pm at Jacobson Park (shelter #3).  All Walnut Hill members 

and friends (and all ages) 

are invited.

 

Main dish will be provided; bring

a picnic side dish, salad item, or dessert.  Rsvps are requested.

 Use reply 

email or call 

the church 

office 

(263-5304) to rsvp or for more information.  

Easter Follow Up:  Thanks to all for a joyous Easter celebration at

Walnut Hill!  Just a couple items to follow up.  

*Lilly Sponsors are welcome to pick up their plants this Sunday and

enjoy them at home with our thanks for the beauty they brought to the

Sanctuary on Easter morning.

*One Great Hour of Sharing coin collection boxes may be brought

to Walnut Hill through this Sun, Apr 27, after which the OGHS offering will 

be sent on its way to support disaster relief and refugee resettlement 

around the world.  Thanks to all who have supported this important work!

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, April 20, at Walnut Hill Church ...

EASTER SUNDAY

THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD

Easter Sunrise Service, 7am, Cemetery

All ages are invited to gather in the Walnut Hill Cemetery

for an informal service of morning prayer in celebration

of the Resurrection of the Lord.  Be sure to dress warmly.

In the case of rain or extreme cold, the service will be 

held in the Sanctuary.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - An Easter Smile

Text - Matthew 28:1-10

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.

Bring one (1) item for the refreshment table.

*****

The One Great Hour of Sharing offering will be 

received on Easter Sunday morning to support 

disaster relief and refugee resettlement.  You may

bring OGHS coin collection boxes to Walnut Hill on 

Sunday. Cash and checks (payable to Walnut Hill Church) 

will also be welcome.

*****

Sunday Conversations will not be held on Easter Sunday,

but will resume on Sun, April 27, 10am.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Greetings to all!

*****

In memory:  Mr. W. Richard "Dick" Young, a member of Walnut Hill

Church, departed this life on Tuesday, April 15.  Milward Funeral Home

is in charge of arrangements, which are pending at this time.

*****

Easter is this Sunday, April 20, but between now and then are several

momentous days and nights including what came to be known as

"Maundy Thursday."  Huston Smith recalls the origin of this traditional

title for Thursday of Holy Week.

On the day before the Passover, Jesus and his disciples had their

last meal together.  Before eating, Jesus wrapped a towel around

his waist, took a basin, and against his disciples' protests washed

their feet and gave them a new commandment, that they love one

another.  If his injunction had stopped there, it would not have been

new, but when he added "as I have loved you" - totally, completely,

unreservedly - it was new, and the day entered the church 

calendar as Maundy Thursday, from the Latin mondeo, "I command."

(from  The Soul of Christianity)

Maundy Thursday, 7pm, Sanctuary:  We will share the "Lord's Supper" 

and then follow the events of Thursday evening in this simple service 

of evening prayer.  Nursery care/activities available for children.

The service will conclude by 8pm.

The Scriptures lessons for Sunday, April 20, Easter Sunday...

Acts 10:34-43

Colossians 3:1-4

Matthew 28:1-10

Easter Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

*7am - Easter Sunrise Service in the Walnut Hill Church

Cemetery.  In case of inclement weather, the service will be held

in the Sanctuary.

*11am- Morning Worship and Holy Communion.  Nursery 

care and Sunday school for children.

*Noon- After worship gathering.  Please bring one (1) item

for the refreshment table.

Calling All Choir Members!  We need your voices this Sunday,

April 20, for our Easter Sunday Communion service.  This is a good

opportunity to return to the choir if you have not sung for a while, or

even to sing with the choir for the first time.  Simply arrive at 10am

on Easter morning for practice.

Easter Lilies: As is our custom, the Sanctuary will be decorated with

lilies on Easter morning.  You may sponsor a lily at $20/plant.  Make

your check payable to Walnut Hill Church, designated "lily."  Lily 

sponsors are welcome to take their plants home after the Easter

service.

The One Great Hour of Sharing offering will be received on Easter

Sunday.  You may bring your OGHS collection boxes on Easter 

Sunday.  Cash and checks (payable to Walnut Hill Church) are also 

welcome.  The OGHS offering supports disaster relief and refugee 

resettlement around the world.  For more information regarding the 

OGHS, visit  One Great Hour . 

An EOS end of season picnic/cookout is scheduled for Sun, Apr 27,

5pm - 7:30pm at Jacobson Park (shelter #3).  All Walnut Hill members 

and friends 

are invited.  Rsvps are requested.  Use reply email or call 

the church 

office 

(263-5304) to rsvp or for more information. 

Sanctuary Refurbishing - The Sanctuary will be receiving a

"makeover" this summer.  Visit the link ( Sanctuary ) for information

regarding this project.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, April 13, at Walnut Hill Church....

PALM SUNDAY

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Holy Week Revisited

We will survey the events of Holy Week, seven days in the life

of Jesus to which the Gospel writers devote one third of their entire 

narratives, and without which Jesus of Nazareth might simply have 

been remembered as one more among many wise teachers, and 

perhaps a footnote in human history.

Children's Choir, 10am, Trinity Hall

Children through elementary age are invited to gather for music

and singing in final preparation for their presentation during the

worship hour this Sunday.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon:  Street Theater

Text:  Matthew 21:1-11

Children's music presentation.

Procession of the Palms

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for refreshments and fellowship.

EGG HUNT, Noon, Church Grounds

All children through 4th grade are invited to hunt for Easter Eggs

around the church grounds.  Households with participating egg

hunters are asked to bring 1 doz plastic eggs stuffed with candy 

or other prizes.  Also, don't forget to bring a basket for your egg 

hunter.  Even if you do not have an egg hunter in your household,

feel free to bring some eggs to add to the hunt!

Youth Activity, 3:45pm, Regal Theater (Hamburg)

Youth (middle & high school) are invited to attend a showing of

the movie, "Noah."  Meet at Regal Theater (Hamburg) at 3:45pm.

RSVP requested.

 

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Greetings to all!

After much waiting, Holy Week is upon us and with it the opportunity

to share with Jesus and his disciples the heights and depths of their

experience from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday.   Dorothy Bass 

reflects on the fulness of the week ahead.

   For one whole week, we relive in present time a devastating 

sequence of events that took place in a minor city of the Roman

Empire twenty centuries ago.  We enter the story through dramatic

liturgies that trace their roots to the fourth century, when they were

developed for the throngs of pilgrims who celebrated Pascha (passion)

at the holy places.  As if we were in Jerusalem ourselves, we wave 

palms and shout Hosanna! on the day that is both Palm Sunday and

Passion Sunday.  The shouts soon ring hollow, however, for we know

that by week's end the crowd will abandon the one we now acclaim.

On Thursday, he will host us at a table of love and forgiveness, even

though he knows it too.  With this meal, we enter the heart of the 

paschal mystery for the three days known as Triduum.  After Thursday's

arrest come Friday's crucifixion, Saturday's silence, and Sunday's

glory.  At last, Christ is risen, and so are we.

(from Receiving the Day)

The scripture lessons for Sun, April 13, Palm/Passion Sunday...

Isaiah 50:4-9

Philippians 2:5-11

Matthew 21:1-11

Sunday Conversations continue this Sun, Apr 13, 10am, in Trinity

Hall.  Our focus for this Sunday will be "Holy Week" as we survey,

explore, and question the traditional events of this most significant

week on the Christian calendar.

Children's Choir: All children through elementary age are invited

to gather at 10am, Sun, Apr 13, in Trinity Hall for music and singing in 

final preparation for their presentation during the 11am hour.

Children's Egg Hunt:  All children through grade 4 are invited to

hunt for eggs immediately after worship this Sun, Apr 13.  "Hunters"

should bring a basket to use for the hunt.  Participating households

and others are invited asked to bring 1 doz plastic eggs stuffed

with a candy treat or prize.  

Youth Gathering:  Youth (middle & high school) are invited to gather 

for activities this Sunday, Apr 13.  Watch for details.  

Maundy Thursday, Apr 17, 7pm:  All ages are invited to gather for 

worship and reflection around the occasion of Jesus' last evening

with his disciples.  Adults will share in a service of evening prayer in

the Sanctuary while the children enjoy activities appropriate to the

occasion.

Easter Lilies: As is our custom, the Sanctuary will be decorated with

lilies on Easter morning.  You may sponsor a lily at $20/plant.  Make

your check payable to Walnut Hill Church, designated "lily."  Lily 

sponsors are welcome to take their plants home after the Easter

service.

Easter Sunday, Apr 20:

*Sunrise Service, 7am-We will gather in the Walnut HIll Cemetery

for an informal service of morning prayer in celebration of the Resurrection 

of the Lord.  In the case of inclement weather, the service will be held in 

the Sanctuary.

*Morning Worship & Holy Communion, 11am: This service includes 

a traditional liturgy and sacrament in celebration of the Risen Christ.

*After Worship Gathering: All are invited to gather for refreshments

and fellowship.  Please bring one (1) item for the refreshment table.

An EOS end of season picnic/cookout will be held on Sun, Apr 27,

5pm - 7:30pm at Jacobson Park.  All Walnut Hill members and friends

are invited.  Rsvps are requested.  Use reply email or call the church office 

(263-5304) to rsvp or for more information. 

Hope Center:  If you are traveling this spring or summer, and you pick

up some of those travel size toiletry items that you don't end up using, 

feel free to bring them to Walnut Hill and place them in the box labeled

"Hope Center."  From time to time throughout the season we will deliver

them to the Hope Center for use by their guests.  For more information 

regarding the Hope Center, visit  Hope Center .

Kentucky Gives Day, a 24-hour online charitable campaign, is ongoing

today, April 9.  Over 400 KY nonprofit organizations are participating.  

Visit KY Gives to find the campaign homepage and navigate to a charity

of your choice.  Visit KCC Gives Day  to support our ecumenical partner

the Kentucky Council of Churches.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, April 6, at Walnut Hill Church ....

EXPLORING OUR SPIRITUALITY, SPRING 2014

TRAVELING YOUR ROAD TO JOY

Week Six - "God's Joyful Cosmic Dance"

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

The General Dance

We will review and explore Thomas Merton's essay, 

"The General Dance," which expresses his belief that 

at the core of all life and reality is an ongoing cosmic,

and divine, dance.  

Children's Choir, 10am, Trinity Hall

Children (through elementary age) are invited to gather

for music and singing in preparation for their presentation

on Palm Sunday (Apr 13).

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon:  Music and Dancing

Text:  Luke 15:25-32

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 on Sunday, April 6, 9:30am,

in the upstairs office of Trinity Hall.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Greetings to all!

This Sunday concludes our spring 2014 EOS season, Traveling Your 

Road to Joy, as we explore "God's Joyful Cosmic Dance."  Consider 

these thoughts from our EOS guide, Thomas Merton:

What is serious to us is often trivial in the sight of God.  What in God

might appear to us as "play," is perhaps what God takes most seriously.

At any rate the Lord plays ... in the Garden of God's creation, and if we

could let go of our own obsession with what we think is the meaning

of it all, we might be able to hear God's call and follow in God's

mysterious, cosmic dance.  We do not have to go very far to catch

echoes of that game and of that dancing.  When we are alone on a

starlit night; when by chance we see the migrating birds of autumn 

descending on a grove of junipers to rest and eat; when we see

children in a moment when they are really children; we know love in

our own hearts; or when - like the Japanese poet Basho - we hear

an old frog land in a quiet pond with a solitary splash - at such times

the awakening, the turning inside out of all values, the "newness,"

the emptiness and the purity of vision that make themselves evident,

provide a glimpse of the cosmic dance."

(adapted from New Seeds of Contemplation)

The scripture lesson for Sunday, April 6:

Luke 15:25-32

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

Saturday morning, 8am, at Paneras on Richmond Rd.  Feel free to

stop in for as long or short a time as your schedule allows.  No rsvp

required.

Sunday Conversations continue this Sun, Apr 6, 10am, in Trinity

Hall.  The focus for our conversation this Sunday will be Thomas 

Merton's essay, "The General Dance."

The Children's Choir will meet this Sun, April 6, 10am. in Trinity Hall.

All children through elementary age are invited to gather for music and

singing.  

A Host(s) is needed for our after worship refreshments this Sun, Apr 6.

Use reply email to host this Sunday, or check the sign up sheet in the

Sanctuary foyer to host a Sunday later in the spring.

Holy Week Schedule:  Holy Week will be upon us before we know it.

Keep these opportunities in mind.

*Sun, Apr 13, Palm Sunday

-Sunday Conversations, 10am

-Children's Choir, 10am

-Morning Worship, 11am, children's music presentation and

procession of the palms

-Easter Egg Hunt, after worship (bring 1 doz. stuffed eggs for

the hunt)

*Thu, Apr 17, Maundy Thursday

-Evening Prayer and Sacrament, 7pm  (nursery care and

activities for children)

*Sun, Apr 20, Easter Sunday

-Easter Sunrise Service, 7am (an outdoor service)

-Morning Worship and Holy Communion, 11am

-After Worship Refreshments (bring a plate of cookies)

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 online via these links:

Nursery Caregiver and  Youth Activity Leader. Feel free to recommend 

candidates, or invite candidates to contact the church office (263-5304).

Hope Center:  If you are traveling this spring or summer, and you pick

up some of those travel size toiletry items that you don't end up using, 

feel free to bring them to Walnut Hill and place them in the box labeled

"Hope Center."  From time to time throughout the season we will deliver

them for use by Hope Center guests.  For more information regarding

the Hope Center, visit  Hope Center .

In the Community:  

*The Kid's Cancer Alliance is planning its annual "Indian Summer 

Camp" for children/youth with cancer.  Each summer's camp has a theme.  

This year's theme recalls the fun that kids of all ages have playing board 

games.  Toward that end, the camp planners are seeking board games of 

all sorts to be used for decorating and playing.  If you have a board game 

(in good condition) in your closet that you would like to donate, simply bring 

it to Walnut Hill over the next few weeks, and it will be put to good (fun) use. 

Peace to all.

Mike Ward