Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Walnut Hill Weekly Letter

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Greetings to all!

One of my favorite Mother Teresa stories concerns a day when 
scarcity turned into abundance.  As Mother Teresa told it...

In Calcutta, we cook for nine thousand people every day.  One
day a sister came and said, "Mother, there's nothing to eat, 
nothing to give the people."  I had no answer.  And then by nine
o'clock that morning a truck full of bread came to our house.  The
government gives a slice of bread and milk each day to the poor
children at school.  But that day - no one in the city knew why -
all the schools were closed suddenly.  And all the bread came
to Mother Teresa ... [God] would not let our people go without
food.  And this was the first time in their lives, I think, that these
people had had such good bread and so much of it.  This way
you can see the tenderness of God.
(from In the Heart of the World)

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, August 3...
   Genesis 32:22-31
   Romans 9:1-5
   Matthew 14:13-21

A Host(s) is needed for our after church refreshments this 
Sun, Aug 3.  Use reply email to volunteer, or visit the link 
After Church Refreshments ) to host this Sunday, or another 
Sunday later in the summer.

Sanctuary Refurbishing - Week 2 Report

Work is continuing on the Sanctuary this week including 
lighting installation and electrical work, wall crack filling/repair, 
and painting.  As is the case with any old building, a few 
surprises have been encountered, each of which is being
addressed.  Also, work in Trinity Hall is being completed. The 
overall project remains on schedule.

We are looking for a home for any or all of the old pew cushions.
If you know of a church, organization, or individual (including 
yourself) who might like any of the old cushions, please let us 
know.  They are free for the taking.  

We continue to welcome your gifts in support of the refurbishing
project.  Thus far we have received $17,700 in gifts and pledges
toward our $20,000 fundraising goal.  

We anticipate worship this Sunday, August 3, 11am, to be held in 
Trinity Hall.

Back to School!

All ten students have now been sponsored as part of the "Back to 
School" program in which sponsors purchase one outfit and one 
pair of shoes for children referred to us by the Nathaniel Mission.   
Sponsors are asked to bring the purchased items to Walnut Hill by 
Sunday, Aug 3, so that they might be delivered to the children 
before the first day of school.  Thanks to all our sponsors!!

Peace to all.

Mike Ward




Friday, July 25, 2014

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

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

Morning Worship, 11am, Trinity Hall

Sermon - Plant at Your Own Risk
Text -  Matthew 13:31-32

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for refreshments and fellowship.

*****

The Sanctuary refurbishing project continues.  Trinity
Hall painting is mostly complete.  The sanctuary floors
have been refinished.  Scaffolding is being moved into
the Sanctuary.

Worship will be held in Trinity Hall this Sunday.  Nursery 
care and Sunday School for children will be available as 
usual.


Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Greetings to all!

   We are right in the middle of the vacation season, a summer tradition for
many households.  Some have observed, however, that the traditional
"vacation" is under assault from numerous sides, including our attachment
to technology.  Consider the following as you prepare for, and hopefully
enjoy, your next vacation.

   For many Americans, a prominent recurrent difference within a year is
the difference between vacation and not-vacation, between not-work
and work.  A week or two away compensates workers for the labors of
the year past and renews them for the year ahead, or so they hope.  
Certain forces seem to be threatening even this respite, however. "The
summer vacation, once a near-sacred ritual, is under electronic siege,"
announced the New York Times ... Now that technology has made it
possible to work almost anywhere, people are taking their laptops, 
cell phones, [etc] along on those precious days of not-work.  Little 
thought has been given to limiting the use of such devices so as to
enhance not only the productivity but also the quality of life.  Thus the
demands of the business world and the personal compulsions of many
high-tech workers are robbing them of even the fleeting joys of a real
vacation.
(from Receiving the Day by Dorothy C. Bass)

Sanctuary Refurbishing - Week 1 Report

   Thanks to an able crew of volunteers, the Sanctuary furnishings were
removed and pews dissembled on Sunday afternoon, July 20.  Since
then, the pews and carpet have been removed, and the hardwood 
floors have been sanded.  Also, the fellowship room, hallway, and
restrooms in Trinity Hall are being painted.   

   We are looking for a home for any or all of the old pew cushions.
If you know of a church, organization, or individual (including yourself)
who might like any of the old cushions, please let us know.  They are 
free for the taking.  

   We continue to welcome your gifts in support of the refurbishing
project.  Thus far we have received $15,700 toward our $20,000 
fundraising goal.  

   We anticipate worship this Sunday, July 27, 11am, to be held in 
Trinity Hall.

Walnut Hill Cycling Ride Recap

   A misty, and sometimes rainy, Saturday morning did not dampen
the enthusiasm of cyclists, volunteers, and others who came out
to be part of the 3rd annual Walnut Hill Cycling Ride.  Walnut Hill
hospitality was on full display with abundant smiles and a
bountiful brunch.  Participants were treated to music and testimony
presented by a young man, Abraham, recently arrived from the
Democratic Republic of the Congo.  Sponsorships and individual
contributions totaled nearly $2,500 in support of Kentucky Refugee
Ministries' and the Bluegrass Cycling Club's bike program.  Thanks
to all who supported this special event.

Back to School!

   All but two (of 10) students were sponsored last Sunday as part of 
the "Back to School" program in which sponsors purchase one outfit
and one pair of shoes for children referred to us by the Nathaniel 
Mission.  Let us know by reply email if you would like to sponsor
one of the remaining children.  Sponsors are asked to bring the
purchased items to Walnut Hill by Sunday, August 3, so that they
might be delivered to the children before the first day of school.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Friday, July 18, 2014

This Weekend at Walnut Hill Church

This weekend at Walnut Hill Church....

SATURDAY, JULY 19

WALNUT HILL CYCLING RIDE

8:30am - Open Road Rides (20, 30, & 40 mile routes)
9:00am - "Fun Ride" (on Walnut Hill Rd, traffic controlled)
10am - 12:30pm - Post Ride Brunch

Additional information
-event is free of charge, donations accepted to 
   benefit KY Refugee Ministries bike program
-helmets required for all riders
-in case of rain, call the church office (263-5304)
    after 7:30am for an event update 


SUNDAY, JULY 20

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - Holy Places
Text -  Genesis 28:10-19

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for refreshments and fellowship.

Moving Party, Noon, Sanctuary

All are welcome to help move furnishings out of the
Sanctuary in preparation for the Sanctuary Refurbishing.
Feel free to dress for work when you come to worship, or
bring a change of clothes.  Also, feel free to help for as 
long or short a time as your schedule allows.

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Greetings to all!

In her book, Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life, Karen Armstrong
offers a simple three-part practice toward "The Sixth Step - Action."  

First, make a resolution to act once every day in accordance with the
positive version of the Golden Rule: "Treat others as you would wish
to be treated yourself."  This need not be a grand, dramatic gesture;
it can be a "little, nameless, unremembered" act that may seem 
insignificant to you...
Second, resolve each day to fulfill the negative version of the Golden
Rule: "Do not do to others what you would not like them to do to you."
For instance, try to catch yourself before you make that brilliantly wounding 
remark, asking yourself how you would like to be on the receiving end of 
such sarcasm - and refrain...
Third, make an effort once a day to change your thought patterns: if 
you find yourself indulging in a bout of anger or self-pity, try to channel
all that negative energy into a more kindly direction...
When these three actions have become habitual and part of your
daily routine, it is time to up your game and try for two acts...Then go
for three-and so on.  It will not be easy.  The goal is to behave in this
way "all day and every day."  By that time, of course, you will have 
become a sage...

The scripture lessons for Sunday, July 20 ...
Genesis 28:10-19
Romans 8:12-25
Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43

Men's Coffee - Walnut Hill men are invited to gather for coffee each 
Saturday morning, 8 am, at Paneras on Richmond Road.  Feel free to 
stop by for as long or short a time as your schedule allows.  No rsvp 
required.

Walnut Hill Cycling Ride - The 3rd Annual Walnut Hill Cycling Ride will 
be held on Saturday, July 19.  This year we are partnering with the 
Bluegrass Cycling Club and KY Refugee Ministries to provide bicycles
for refugee families.  You can participate by volunteering on the event
day (e.g. greeters, docents, food servers), providing food for the post ride
brunch (e.g. green and pasta salads, fruit, bagels, muffins, cookies, etc),
and/or by making a cash contribution.  Walnut Hill members and friends are
certainly also welcome to participate in the rides including traditional
rides (20 - 40 miles) beginning at 8:30am, and a one-hour fun ride 
beginning at 9am.  Bike helmets are required for all ride participants.
Use reply email for more information and/or to volunteer.  Also, a pre-event 
meeting will be held on Friday, July 18, Noon, to work out final event details, 
set up tables, etc.  This meeting is open to all who might be interested 
and available.

The Sanctuary Refurbishing Project is set to begin next week. Sunday 
morning worship (with nursery care and Sunday School) will be ongoing 
throughout the project.  Watch for details in upcoming Wednesday 
letters and Friday updates. 

Back to School! It won't be long before school bells ring throughout
Fayette County.  With that in mind, the Nathaniel Mission, has requested 
our help to make sure that children have at least one new outfit and one 
new pair of shoes as they begin the school year.  Walnut Hill has been asked 
to provide one outfit and one pair of shoes for 10 Fayette County children.  
Check the bulletin board in Trinity Hall this Sunday for details on how you 
can participate, or use reply email to inquire.

Thanks to all who in ways both obvious and behind the scenes made it 
possible for the Ward family to enjoy a couple weeks of vacation and
family gathering!

Peace to all.

Mike Ward




Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Cycling Ride Special Letter and Request! Correction!

Dear Friends:

The Cycling Ride is Saturday, July 19.  Please excuse the error on my previous message.  (My brain is still on vacation!)

Below is the original letter with the correct date!

Thanks for your patience.

Mike

*****

July 15, 2014

Dear Walnut Hill Members and Friends:

As many are already aware, this Saturday, July 19, is the third annual Walnut Hill Cycling Ride.  Always an excellent opportunity to showcase Walnut Hill's beautiful place, this year's ride includes an element of outreach as an occasion to raise funds to purchase bicycles for refugee families in Lexington.  The bikes in question are not recreational items, but rather a primary means of transportation by which our neighbors can get to work, school, grocery store, etc. Our partners in this event  are the Bluegrass Cycling Club and Kentucky Refugee Ministries.   Thanks to numerous persons who have already volunteered their time/expertise, promised food, and made financial contributions to underwrite the event costs or cause.  

Your help and participation is still welcome, and needed, in any of the following ways:

*Volunteer on the day of the event - We need persons to serve as greeters, parking attendants, docents, food servers, etc.  No experience or expertise required. Volunteers should arrive at Walnut Hill by 8am on Saturday morning, at which time you will be assigned a task and given the instructions necessary to carry it out.  Youth are welcome to volunteer as well as adults.   Feel free to let us know if their is a particular task you would like to do.

*Brunch Food - We can still use any of the following items for the post ride brunch:  green salads, pasta salads, fruit, bagels, muffins, cookies, etc.  You may deliver food to Walnut Hill on Saturday morning by 9am, or you may bring it by on Friday between 9am and 4pm.

*Table Decorations - We would welcome table decorations (simple flower arrangements will do) for the post ride brunch.  You may deliver a table decoration(s) to Walnut Hill on Saturday morning by 9am, or bring it by on Friday between 9am and 4pm.

*Attend - All Walnut Hill members and friends are certainly welcome to participate in the event including experienced riders and novices (even children).  Traditional rides begin at 8:30am.  A one-hour "fun ride" for novice riders, families, and children begins at 9:00am.  Walnut Hill Road will be closed to regular traffic for the "fun ride."

Just so we might know who/what to expect, use reply email to let us know if you can help in any of the ways above, and/or you may contact ride chairperson Linda Barnes with questions.  If you have already contacted Linda about your participation, you need not reply to this email.

Also, a final planning meeting is scheduled for Friday, July 18, Noon, at Walnut Hill to make final planning decisions, set up tables, etc.  You are welcome to attend, and your presence will make the work go more quickly.

Considering the time, energy, and resources invested in this event, it might be fair to ask "What's in it for Walnut Hill?"  The event offers us several opportunities such as...
-making Walnut Hill known to ride participants who otherwise might not know anything about Walnut Hill
-sharing with visitors the good fellowship and hospitality that we enjoy with each other from Sunday to Sunday
-helping refugee families make Lexington a home
-partnering with other organizations for a common good
-engaging a project that stretches us in unusual ways
-having fun together!

Thanks in advance for your support!

Peace,

Mike Ward



Cycling Ride Special Letter and Request!!

July 15, 2014

Dear Walnut Hill Members and Friends:

As many are already aware, this Saturday, July 20, is the third annual Walnut Hill Cycling Ride.  Always an excellent opportunity to showcase Walnut Hill's beautiful place, this year's ride includes an element of outreach as an occasion to raise funds to purchase bicycles for refugee families in Lexington.  The bikes in question are not recreational items, but rather a primary means of transportation by which our neighbors can get to work, school, grocery store, etc. Our partners in this event  are the Bluegrass Cycling Club and Kentucky Refugee Ministries.   Thanks to numerous persons who have already volunteered their time/expertise, promised food, and made financial contributions to underwrite the event costs or cause.  

Your help and participation is still welcome, and needed, in any of the following ways:

*Volunteer on the day of the event - We need persons to serve as greeters, parking attendants, docents, food servers, etc.  No experience or expertise required. Volunteers should arrive at Walnut Hill by 8am on Saturday morning, at which time you will be assigned a task and given the instructions necessary to carry it out.  Youth are welcome to volunteer as well as adults.   Feel free to let us know if their is a particular task you would like to do.

*Brunch Food - We can still use any of the following items for the post ride brunch:  green salads, pasta salads, fruit, bagels, muffins, cookies, etc.  You may deliver food to Walnut Hill on Saturday morning by 9am, or you may bring it by on Friday between 9am and 4pm.

*Table Decorations - We would welcome table decorations (simple flower arrangements will do) for the post ride brunch.  You may deliver a table decoration(s) to Walnut Hill on Saturday morning by 9am, or bring it by on Friday between 9am and 4pm.

*Attend - All Walnut Hill members and friends are certainly welcome to participate in the event including experienced riders and novices (even children).  Traditional rides begin at 8:30am.  A one-hour "fun ride" for novice riders, families, and children begins at 9:00am.  Walnut Hill Road will be closed to regular traffic for the "fun ride."

Just so we might know who/what to expect, use reply email to let us know if you can help in any of the ways above, and/or you may contact ride chairperson Linda Barnes with questions.  If you have already contacted Linda about your participation, you need not reply to this email.

Also, a final planning meeting is scheduled for Friday, July 19, Noon, at Walnut Hill to make final planning decisions, set up tables, etc.  You are welcome to attend, and your presence will make the work go more quickly.

Considering the time, energy, and resources invested in this event, it might be fair to ask "What's in it for Walnut Hill?"  The event offers us several opportunities such as...
-making Walnut Hill known to ride participants who otherwise might not know anything about Walnut Hill
-sharing with visitors the good fellowship and hospitality that we enjoy with each other from Sunday to Sunday
-helping refugee families make Lexington a home
-partnering with other organizations for a common good
-engaging a project that stretches us in unusual ways
-having fun together!

Thanks in advance for your support!

Peace,

Mike Ward