Friday, January 30, 2015

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, February 1, at Walnut Hill Church ...

SOUP-ER BOWL SUNDAY

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Questions

We begin a series of conversations around important questions.
This Sunday's question:  What is the nature and purpose of 
human life?  We will review some traditional answers as well as
talk about our own responses to this important question.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - As One With Authority
Text - Mark 1:21 - 28

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children

SOUP-ER BOWL, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for a bowl(s) of delicious soup from
several Walnut Hill soup chefs, and to make a contribution
to support hunger relief work in central and eastern Kentucky.
Proceeds will benefit God's Pantry Food Bank (make checks
payable to Walnut Hill Church, designated "Soup-er Bowl.")
Bring your appetite, and feel free to invite a friend to this
delicious Walnut Hill tradition.

Youth Service Opportunity at the Catholic Action Center

Youth (middle and high school) are invited to help prepare
and serve the evening meal at the Catholic Action Center.
Use reply email or call the church office (263-5304) for more 
information.

*****

The Vestry will meet at 9:30am in the upstairs office of 
Trinity Hall.

*****

In case of inclement weather on Sunday mornings during the
winter an email message will sent by 9am (and posted on the 
church website) advising of any weather related changes to the 
church's service/activity schedule.  Also, a voice message update 
will be available via the church phone number (859-263-5304). 
Feel free to check any of these information sources if winter weather 
causes you to wonder about the status of  Sunday services and
activities.

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Greetings to all!

This Sunday, February 1, we begin a series of Sunday Conversations (10am)
simply titled, "Questions."  Thinking about these conversations reminded me
of some thoughts by Frederick Buechner...

We are much involved, all of us, with questions about things that matter a
good deal today but will be forgotten by this time tomorrow - the immediate
wheres and whens and hows that face us daily at home and at work - but at
the same time we tend to lose track of the questions about things that matter
always, life-and-death questions about meaning, purpose, and value.  To 
lose track of such deep questions as these is to risk losing track of who we
really are in our own depths and where we are really going.
(as found in Listening To Your Life)

The lectionary lessons for Sunday, February 1 ...
Deuteronomy 18:15-20
1 Corinthians 8:1-13
Mark 1:21-28

Men's Coffee - Walnut Hill men are invited to gather each Saturday morning,
8am, at Paneras (Richmond Rd) for coffee and conversation.  Feel free to
stop by for as long or short a time as your schedule might allow.  No rsvp
required.

Sunday Conversations continue this Sun, Feb 1, 10am, in Trinity Hall, as we
begin a series of conversations simply titled, "Questions."  Our first question
for conversation:  What is the nature and purpose of human life?  We will
review some traditional answers as well as talk about our own responses to
this important question.

Soup-er Bowl Sunday is this Sun, Feb 1, immediately after morning worship.
Join us in Trinity Hall for a bowl of soup and make a contribution to support
hunger relief in Lexington and beyond.  Use reply email or contact the church
office if you would like to provide a pot of soup for this event.

Youth Service Opportunity - Youth (middle and high school) are invited to help 
prepare and serve the evening meal at the Catholic Action Center this Sunday, 
Feb 1. Use reply email or contact the church office (263-5304) for more 
information and/or to volunteer.

The Vestry will meet this Sunday, February 1, 9:30am, in the upstairs office
of Trinity Hall.

Thanks to all who helped us welcome Bishop Douglas Hahn to Walnut Hill
last Sunday. Among his other thoughts, Bishop Hahn asked us to consider how
we might encourage constructive conversation regarding "race" and how we 
might minister with and to individuals and families wrestling with "addiction."
As always, the Bishop's visit was an affirmation of Walnut Hill's ecumenical
relationship with the Episcopal Diocese of Lexington .

In the community: Pisgah Presbyterian Church (Woodford County) is 
hosting a program focusing on Thomas Merton and featuring Dr. Paul Pearson,
Director of the Thomas Merton Center at Bellarmine University.  The
program will be Sun, Feb 15, 2pm - 6pm.  Program cost is $20, which 
includes dinner and a copy of the book, Thomas Merton: Essential Writings.
For more information and registration, visit Pisgah Academy Day .

In case of inclement weather on Sunday mornings during the winter an 
email message will sent by 9am (and posted on the church website) advising 
of any weather related changes to the church's service/activity schedule.  
Also, a voice message update will be available via the church phone number 
(859-263-5304). Feel free to check any of these information sources if winter 
weather causes you to wonder about the status of  Sunday services and
activities.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Friday, January 23, 2015

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, January 25, at Walnut Hill Church ...

WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY
VISIT BY BISHOP DOUGLAS HAHN

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

A Conversation with Bishop Hahn

Join us for a conversation with the Rt. Rev. Douglas Hahn,
Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Lexington.  For 
information regarding Bishop Hahn, visit Bishop's Bio .

(Nursery care will be available for infants and young
children.)

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Preacher - The Rt. Rev. Douglas Hahn
Liturgist - The Rev. Michael Ward

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.

Youth Meeting, 5:30pm, Trinity Hall

Youth (middle and high school) are invited to gather
for a meal and activities.

Ecumenical Worship, 7pm, Pax Christi Catholic Church

All are invited to an ecumenical worship service in celebration 
of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. The service is sponsored 
by the south Lexington ecumenical cooperative, of which Walnut 
Hill is a participating congregation, and will be held at Pax Christi 
Catholic Church (corner of Victoria Way and Man-O-War Blvd).

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Greetings to all!

   January 18 - 25 is the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, an annual
observance inviting Christians to celebrate and explore their unity
across the often difficult divides of ethnicity, nationality, and theological 
tradition.  Each year a theme is chosen by Christians from a different part 
of the world.  This year's theme, Jesus said to her: "Give Me to Drink," 
is chosen by Christians in Brazil and inspired by the encounter between 
Jesus and the Samaritan woman (John 4)...

   The encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman invites us to 
try water from a different well and also to offer a little of our own. In diversity 
we enrich each other.  "Whoever drinks of this water keeps coming back," 
says a Brazilian proverb always used when a visitor leaves.  A refreshing 
glass of water, chimarrĂ£o, coffee, tererĂ© are trademarks of acceptance, 
dialogue and coexistence.  The biblical gesture of offering water to 
whomever arrives, as a way of welcoming and sharing, is something that is 
repeated in all regions of Brazil.

   The text affirms the importance of a person knowing and understanding 
her/his own identity, so that the identity of the other is not seen as a threat.  
If we do not feel threatened, we will be able to experience the complementarity 
of the other: alone, a person or culture is not enough!
(from the website of the World Council of Churches)

The Rt. Rev. Douglas Hahn, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Lexington, 
will visit Walnut Hill this Sunday, January 25.  We will talk informally with 
Bishop Hahn during the 10am Sunday Conversation hour.  Bishop Hahn 
will also preach during Morning Worship (11am).  The sacrament of Holy
Communion will be celebrated.

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity will be celebrated during an 
ecumenical worship service and reception on Sun, Jan 25, 7pm,  at Pax 
Christi Catholic Church (corner of Victoria Way and Man-O-War Blvd).  This 
celebration is sponsored by the south Lexington ecumenical cooperative, 
of which Walnut Hill is a participating congregation.

Youth (middle and high school) are invited to gather at Walnut Hill this 
Sunday, January 25, 5:30pm - 7pm, for a meal and activities.

CALLING ALL SOUP CHEFS! The "Soup-er Bowl" is coming on Sun, Feb 1,
immediately after morning worship.  Let us know by reply email if you would 
like to provide a pot of soup for the occasion.  This delicious occasion 
benefits God's Pantry Food Bank.

Confirmation Class:  A Confirmation Class will be offered this spring in eight 
Sunday morning sessions (March - May).  Youth (high school age) are 
encouraged to take this class as an opportunity to explore their faith.  Use 
reply email or call the church office (263-5304) to request more information.

Kroger Community Rewards - Fifteen Walnut Hill households have enrolled
in the Kroger Community Rewards program to benefit Walnut Hill Church.
The first (partial) month of participation yielded a $77 contribution to Walnut Hill
from the Kroger Company.  Visit www.krogercommunityrewards.com, pick
up a flyer in the Sanctuary, or contact the church office for more information
about how to participate.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward






Friday, January 16, 2015

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, January 18, at Walnut Hill Church...

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Making Our Voice Heard

We conclude our series of conversations titled "Making 
Our Voice Heard" as we overhear Martin Luther King, 
Jr's struggle with the decision to speak in regard to the
Vietnam War, a particularly controversial action on King's
part.  To hear some of that struggle in advance of our
conversation, visit ...  "A Time to Break the Silence."

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - Waking Up
Text - 1 Samuel 3:1-10

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for refreshments and fellowship.


Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Greetings to all!

This Monday, January 19, is the Martin Luther King, Jr, Holiday.
It seems appropriate to spend some time reflecting on Dr. King's 
life and legacy, as well as the opportunities and challenges before 
us today.  Consider this recollection from Dr. King.

   A child of no more than eight walked with her mother one day
in a demonstration.  An amused policeman leaned down to her
and said with mock gruffness, "What do you want?"
   The child looked into his eyes, unafraid, and gave her answer.
"F'eedom," she said.
   She could not even pronounce the word, but no Gabriel 
trumpet could have sounded a truer note.
(as found in The Words of Martin Luther King, Jr)

The lectionary texts for Sunday, January 18...
   1 Samuel 3:1-10
   1 Corinthians 6:12-20
   John 1:43-51

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, Jan 18, 10am,
in Trinity Hall.  This Sunday we continue our conversation titled,
"Making Our Voice Heard," focusing on issues regarding which
we would like to make our voices heard, and how we might do 
that.  Come, enjoy a cup of coffee, join the conversation, or just 
listen in.

Upcoming Events at Walnut Hill and in the community:
*Mon, Jan 19, Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday march and 
program, downtown, 10am.  Visit MLK Holiday for more details.
*Sun, Jan 25 - The Rt. Rev. Douglas Hahn, Bishop of the
Episcopal Diocese of Lexington, makes his annual visit to 
Walnut Hill.  Bishop Hahn will visit with us for our Sunday 
Conversation (10am) and preach during morning worship (11am).
*Sun, Jan 25, 7pm - Ecumenical worship observing the "Week
of Prayer for Christian Unity" at Pax Christi Catholic Church.
*Sun, Feb 1, Noon - "Soup-er Bowl" Sunday.  Come, enjoy a 
bowl of delicious soup and make a contribution to support 
hunger relief in central and eastern Kentucky.

In case of inclement weather on Sunday mornings during the
winter an email message will sent by 9am (and posted on the
church website) advising of any weather related changes to the 
church's service/activity schedule.  Also, a voice message update 
will be available via the church phone number (859-263-5304). Feel 
free to check any of these information sources if winter weather
causes you to wonder about the status of  Sunday services and
activities.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward



Friday, January 9, 2015

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, January 11, at Walnut Hill Church...

THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Making Our Voice Heard

During his visit in October, the Rev. John McCullough
advised Walnut Hill to "make your voice heard." We will 
explore the "why, how, and what" of that advice. 

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - A Watershed Moment
Text -  Mark 1:1-11

Reaffirmation of Baptism

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 a meal and activities.


*****

In case of inclement weather on Sunday mornings during the
winter an email message will sent by 9am (and posted on the
church website) advising of any weather related changes to the 
church's service/activity schedule.  Also, a voice message update 
will be available via the church phone number (859-263-5304). Feel 
free to check any of these information sources if winter weather
causes you to wonder about the status of  Sunday services and
activities.

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Greetings to all!

This week marks the opening of the 2015 regular session of the
Kentucky General Assembly, as well as the opening of the 114th
Session of the United States Congress.  It is appropriate to 
support our legislators in prayer.  Consider the following...

Most gracious God, we humbly beseech Thee, as for the people
of our nation, so especially for the Senators and Representatives
assembled; that Thou wouldst be pleased to direct and prosper
all their deliberations, to the advancement of the justice, safety,
honor, and welfare of the people; that all things may be so ordered
and settled by their endeavors, upon the best and surest
foundations, that peace and happiness, truth and justice, virtue
and goodness, may be established among us.  These and all
other necessities for them, for us, and for the whole people, we
humbly pray in the name of Jesus Christ, our most blessed
Savior and Lord.  Amen.
(adapted from the Book of Common Worship)

The scripture lessons for Sun, Jan 11, the Baptism of the Lord...
Genesis 1:1-5
Acts 19:1-7
Mark 1:4-11

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

Sunday Conversations continue this Sun, Jan 11, 10am, in
Trinity Hall.  This Sunday we continue our conversation titled,
"Making Our Voice Heard," focusing on "how" we might make our
voice heard regarding matters of public concern.  Come enjoy a 
cup of coffee, join the conversation, or just listen in.

A Host(s) is needed for our after worship refreshments this Sun,
Jan 11.  Use reply email to volunteer for this Sunday, or visit the
online signup to host a Sunday later in the winter.

Youth (middle and high school) are invited to gather at Walnut
Hill this Sun, Jan 11, 5:30pm - 7pm, for a meal and activities.  Watch 
for more details.

Upcoming Events:
*Sun, Jan 11, 11am - "The Baptism of the Lord," renewal of 
baptism ceremony during morning worship.
*Mon, Jan 19, Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday march and 
program, downtown, 10am.  Visit MLK Holiday for more details.
*Sun, Jan 25 - The Rt. Rev. Douglas Hahn, Bishop of the
Episcopal Diocese of Lexington, makes his annual visit to 
Walnut Hill.  Bishop Hahn will visit with us for our Sunday 
Conversation (10am) and preach during morning worship (11am).
*Sun, Jan 25, 7pm - Ecumenical worship observing the "Week
of Prayer for Christian Unity" at Pax Christi Catholic Church.

In case of inclement weather on Sunday mornings during the
winter an email message will sent by 9am (and posted on the
church website) advising of any weather related changes to the 
church's service/activity schedule.  Also, a voice message update 
will be available via the church phone number (859-263-5304). Feel 
free to check any of these information sources if winter weather
causes you to wonder about the status of  Sunday services and
activities.

Sermon recordings and other information regarding Walnut Hill
are available on the church website, www.walnuthillchurchky.org .

Peace to all.

Mike Ward



Friday, January 2, 2015

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, January 4, at Walnut Hill Church...

THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Making Our Voice Heard

During his visit in October, the Rev. John McCullough
advised Walnut Hill to "make your voice heard." We will 
explore the "why, how, and what" of that advice. 

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - A Tale of Two Kings
Text - Matthew 2:1-12

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for fellowship and refreshments.