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, chimarrão, coffee, tereré 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
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