Friday, February 27, 2015

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

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

A JOURNEY OF HOPE
MR. BOL AWENG

Mr. Bol Aweng, one of the "lost boys of South Sudan,"
now an artist residing in Columbus, Ohio, will be our
guest for the day.

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

A Conversation with Bol

We will enjoy an informal conversation with Bol and his 
wife, Ajiel, regarding their life and faith.

(nursery care available)

Children's Choir, 10am, Trinity Hall

Children through elementary age are invited to gather
for music and singing in preparation for a presentation
on Palm Sunday.

"Professing Our Faith" 10am, Trinity Hall

Older youth are invited to gather for an exploration of
what it means to "profess one's faith" in word and 
action, with special invitation to youth considering
confirmation this spring. 

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - At the Heart of it All
Text - Matthew 5:43-48

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.

A Journey of Hope, 4pm - 5:30pm, Trinity Hall
 
Through word and art, Bol shares the story of the "lost boys,"
South Sudan, and the Buckeye Health Clinic


Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Marion "Shug" Graves

February 25, 2015

Dear Walnut Hill Members and Friends:

Marion "Shug" Graves, a member of Walnut Hill Church,
departed this life today, February 25, 2015.

Service plans are incomplete at this time.

Milward Funeral Directors is handling arrangements.

Peace be with "Shug's" sons Gregory, Harrison,
and Van Meter, and family.

Mike Ward

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Greetings to all!

As you might be aware, this Sunday, March 1, we welcome Mr. Bol Aweng
to Walnut Hill.  Bol was born in Jonglei, a Dinka village, in South Sudan.
The Dinka lifestyle and culture is often described as agri-pastoral, including 
a spiritual tradition predating the arrival of abrahamic religions into their 
region.  The following prayer reflects the Dinka belief in a creator who is the 
author of all life and death.

In the time when God created all things,
God created the sun:
and the sun is born and dies and comes again.
God created the moon;
and the moon is born and dies and comes again.
God created the stars;
and the stars are born and die and come again.
God created humankind;
and a human being is born and dies ... and does not come again.

(from An African Prayer Book, edited by Desmond Tutu)

Mr. Bol Aweng, one of the "lost boys of South Sudan," now an artist 
residing in Columbus, Ohio,  will visit Walnut Hill  on Sunday, March 1.  
Activities include ...
*10am informal conversation with Bol and his wife, Ajiel
*4pm presentation at which Bol will talk about his life, his art, Sudan, 
and the Buckeye Health Clinic.  
Nursery care will be available for all activities.
An offering will be received to benefit the Buckeye Health Clinic.
To learn more about Bol and/or the Buckeye Health Clinic, visit

The Children's Choir begins practicing this Sunday, March 1, 10am in
Trinity Hall, preparing for a presentation on Palm Sunday.  All children
through elementary age are invited to gather for music and singing.

"Professing Our Faith," a confirmation study for older youth begins this
Sun, Mar 1, 10am, in Trinity Hall.  All youth are invited, with particular invitation
to youth considering readiness to make their profession of faith.  Use reply
email or call the church office (263-5304) for more information.

One Great Hour Of Sharing: Numerous Walnut Hill households participate 
in the OGHS during Lent.  The idea is simple.  Place a bowl, jar, box, etc on 
your regular dining table.  Each day during Lent, each member of the 
household places one coin in the container.  Bring your coins to Walnut Hill 
on Easter Sunday (Apr 5).  The OGHS supports disaster relief, hunger and 
water ministries, and human empowerment around the world.

In the community:  The Interfaith Alliance of the Bluegrass is organizing
a Dessert and Dialogue series for the spring focusing on the issue of violence
as it affects youth in our community.  The idea is to gather individuals from 
various faith traditions into diverse groups (5 - 8 persons) for several conversations 
through the spring, concluding with a large group gathering to share insights, 
discoveries, and ideas.  For more information contact tiabg.info@gmail.com .

Thanks to all who helped facilitate services and hospitality for the Dillon
and Woodruff families this past Saturday ... to the youth who comprised the
Walnut Hill team at Sunday's Bowl-a-Thon to benefit Burnamwood Camp 
and Conference Center.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward









Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Journey of Hope in word and art

Dear Walnut HIll Friends:

This "extra" communication this week is to make sure you are
aware of the special guest who will be visiting Walnut Hill this
Sunday, March 1.

Mr. Bol Aweng*, one of the "lost boys of South Sudan," now
an artist residing in Columbus, Ohio, will be our guest ....

*during the 10am Sunday Conversation hour to talk
informally about his life and his faith.  Also participating in
this conversation will be Ajiel Aweng, Bol's wife, who will
accompany Bol along with their young son, Aweng.

*at 4pm, Bol will make a more formal presentation
titled, "Journey of Hope," during which Bol will use 
powerpoint slides to talk about his life, his art, South
Sudan, and the Buckeye Health Clinic*.

We hope that you will join us for these special presentations.

Also, help us spread the invitation to your friends and neighbors
through your conversations, Facebook, and other social media 
networks.

Use reply email or call the church office (263-5304) for more 
information regarding this special opportunity.

Peace,

Mike Ward


*For more information regarding Bol Aweng and/or
the Buckeye Health Clinic, visit www.bolaweng.com





Sunday, February 22, 2015

Walnut Hill open today, Feb 22

Dear Walnut Hill Friends:

This message is just to advise you that all services and activities
at Walnut Hill are ongoing as planned today, Feb 22, including:

*Sunday Conversations, 10am
*Morning Worship, 11am
*After Worship Gathering, Noon
*Youth Bowl-a-Thon, 4pm

The church driveway and sidewalks have been cleared.
Nonetheless, there are some slick spots, so use your
discretion as to whether or not to venture out this morning.

Stay warm and safe.

Peace,

Mike Ward

Saturday, February 21, 2015

Dillon Memorial Service

February 21, 2015

Dear Walnut Hill Friends:

The memorial service for Jane Dillon is proceeding this morning at 10am,
at Walnut Hill Church.

Considering the weather and the generally poor road conditions, please
use your own discretion and caution in deciding whether or not to venture 
out this morning. 

Peace,

Mike Ward

Friday, February 20, 2015

This Weekend at Walnut Hill Church

This weekend at Walnut Hill Church...

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 21

*Memorial Service for Jane Dillon, 10am, at Walnut Hill
(In case of inclement weather, watch for an email at 9am,
or call the church office, 263-5304, after 9am for details
regarding any change of plans.)

*Funeral Service for Jane Woodruff, 2:30pm, Kerr Brothers
(Harrodsburg Road location)


SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22

THE FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Questions

We conclude this series with a final question: "How then
shall we live?"  What difference do the questions, and our
responses, make when it comes to the living of our lives?

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - Thirty-three Words
Text - Mark 1:9-15

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for refreshments and fellowship.

Burnamwood Bowl-a-Thon, 4pm, Southland Lanes

Youth (middle and high school) are invited to join the
Walnut Hill team as we bowl to benefit the Burnamwood
Camp and Conference Center.  Use reply email or call 
the church office (263-5304) to join the team.

*****

In case of inclement weather on Sunday morning 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, February 18, 2015

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Greetings to all!

Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent.  Ash Wednesday
is traditionally an occasion to remember our mortality, not only
in the sense of our physical life and death, but also in the sense
of our more general human limitations.  Many persons receive
the "imposition of ashes" in the sign of the cross on their foreheads
as they are reminded, "from dust you have come, and to dust
you shall return."  It all sounds a bit heavy, even gloomy, but there
is a freedom that comes from speaking the truth about ourselves
as we no longer have to pretend or convince others  that we are 
immortal, invincible, invulnerable, etc..  Consider this prayer for 
Ash Wednesday and Lent.

Relying on your grace, O God, we ask mercy and strength for
ourselves and for all people who take up Lenten practices today,
that we may know the peace of humility, the joy of service, and
the power of your Holy Spirit, in the name of Jesus Christ we
pray.  Amen.
(adapted from Daily Prayer)

Services on Saturday, February 21, for...
*Jane Dillon - 10am at Walnut Hill Church
*Jane Woodruff - 2:30pm at Kerr Bros (Harrodsburg Rd)
The scripture lessons for Sun, Feb 22, the First Sunday in Lent...
Genesis 9:8-17
1 Peter 3:18-22
Mark 1:9-15

Sunday Conversations continue this Sun, Feb 22, 10am,
in Trinity Hall, as we conclude our series, Questions.  This
Sunday's question:  "How then shall we live?"  Come enjoy a
cup of coffee, join the conversation, or just listen in.

Youth (middle and high school) are invited to participate in a 
Bowl-a-Thon to benefit Camp Burnamwood this Sunday, Feb 22, 
4pm - 6pm at Southland Lanes. Use reply email or call the church 
office to join the Walnut Hill team.

Mr. Bol Aweng, one of the "Lost Boys of South Sudan," will visit 
Walnut Hill on Sunday, March 1.  Activities include a 10am 
conversation with Bol, and a 4pm presentation at which Bol will talk 
about his life, his art, South Sudan, and the Buckeye Health Clinic.  
To learn more about Bol and/or the Buckeye Health Clinic, visit

One Great Hour Of Sharing: Numerous Walnut Hill households
participate in the OGHS during Lent.  The idea is simple.  Place
a bowl, jar, box, etc on your regular dining table.  Each day during 
Lent, each member of the household places one coin in the container.  
Bring your coins to Walnut Hill on Easter Sunday (Apr 5).  The OGHS 
supports disaster relief, hunger and water ministries, and human 
empowerment around the world.

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



Sunday, February 15, 2015

Sunday, February 15

Sunday, February 15, 2015

Dear Walnut Hill Members and Friends:

This email is simply to advise that all activities are ongoing as usual today, February 15:
*Sunday Conversations - 10am
*Morning Worship - 11am
*After Worship Gathering - Noon

It is icy in spots and very cold, so use your good judgment about getting out today.

Whether we see you this morning, or not, have a blessed day.

Peace,

Mike Ward

Friday, February 13, 2015

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, February 15, at Walnut Hill Church...

THE TRANSFIGURATION OF THE LORD

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Questions

We continue our series of conversations simply titled, Questions.
For your advance consideration, this Sunday's question is: "Why 
do you believe in God?"  Each of us creates and lives by a world 
view including a concept of God, and why we believe, or do not
believe, in God.  Do you believe because of your family heritage,
what you were taught as a child, a promise for the future, what
it adds to your life, ... or just because?  We will view a brief video
related to this question and then discuss our responses.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - The Secret
Text - Mark 9:2-9

Boy Scout Recognition
(all scouts are invited to wear their uniforms this Sunday)

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for refreshments and fellowship.

*****

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, February 11, 2015

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Greetings to all!

As it has come to be known in recent days, the story of Kayla Mueller
is both humbling and inspiring, including Kayla's willingness to put her
own life at risk to demonstrate compassion to the people of Syria. In a 
world where so much attention is given to those who take the lives of 
others to further some end, let us give thanks for people like Kayla who 
offer their lives to others to further the vision of a more compassionate 
world.  Consider this brief portion of a letter Kayla wrote to her parents 
during her captivity.

If you could say I have "suffered" at all throughout this whole experience 
it is only in knowing how much suffering I have put you all through; I will 
never ask you to forgive me as I do not deserve forgiveness.  I remember 
mom always telling me that all in all in the end the only one you really 
have is God. I have come to a place in experience where, in every sense 
of the word, I have surrendered myself to our creator b/c literally there was 
no one else ... + by God + by your prayers I have felt tenderly cradled in freefall.

(from a letter released by the Mueller family)

The lectionary texts for Sun, Feb 15, the Transfiguration of the Lord...
2 Kings 2:1-12
2 Corinthians 4:3-6
Mark 9:2-9

Sunday Conversations continue this Sun, Feb 15, 10am, in Trinity
Hall, with our February series, Questions.  Watch the Friday update for
this Sunday's "question."

Boy Scout recognition is planned for this Sun, Feb 15, during Morning
Worship.  Scouts are invited to wear their uniforms this Sunday and
be recognized.  Use reply email for more information on how your
scout might be involved in this Sunday's service.

Mr. Bol Aweng, one of the "Lost Boys of South Sudan," will be visiting
Walnut Hill on Sunday, March 1.  Activities include a 10am conversation
with Bol, and a 4pm presentation at which Bol will talk about his life,
his art, South Sudan, and the Buckeye Health Clinic.  To learn more about
Bol and/or the Buckeye Health Clinic, visit www.bolaweng.com and/or

Audio recordings of Sunday sermons are available via the Walnut
Hill Church website,  www.walnuthillchurchky.org .

In the Community:
-The Mission Ministry of Transylvania Presbytery will hold an
open gathering on Sat, Feb 14, 10am - 1pm, at First Presbyterian Church,
Winchester.  This gathering will be of interest to persons with passion for
mission service, advocacy, and/or evangelism.
-The Dance Blue dance marathon at the University of Kentucky will
be held this Sat/Sun, Feb 14/15, to benefit the Pediatric Oncology Clinic 
at UK.  Barb Waldmann-Ward will be participating, and is being sponsored 
by Walnut Hill Church.  For more information, visit www.danceblue.org .

Peace to all.

Mike Ward










Friday, February 6, 2015

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, February 8, at Walnut Hill Church...

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Questions

We continue our series of conversations around important
questions.  This week's question(s):  Does God really exist?
How do you know God exists?  If there was no God, how
would your daily life be different? We will view a brief video 
discussion regarding the existence of God, followed by our 
own conversation.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - Have You Not Heard?
Text -  Isaiah 40:21-31

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for fellowship and refreshments.

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Greetings to all!

Today, February 4, is the birthday of Rosa Louise McCauley Parks,
whose refusal to yield her seat on a city bus was the spark igniting
the "Montgomery Bus Boycott" of 1955-56.  Mrs. Parks is sometimes
referred to as the "mother of the civil rights movement."  Regarding
her arrest, Mrs. Parks recalled...

"People always say that I didn't give up my seat because I was tired,
but that isn't true.  I was not tired physically, or no more tired than I
usually was at the end of a working day.  I was not old, although
some people have an image of me as being old then.  I was forty-
two.  No, the only tired I was, was tired of giving in."
(quote from My Story)

The lectionary texts for Sunday, February 8...
Isaiah 40:21-31
1 Corinthians 9:16-23
Mark 1:29-39

Sunday Conversations continue this Sun, Feb 8, 10am, in Trinity Hall, 
with our February topic, Questions.  Watch the Friday update for this 
Sunday's focus question.

Education Chairperson - The Vestry is currently seeking a volunteer 
to serve as Walnut Hill's Education Chairperson whose task will be to 
encourage support for Walnut Hill's education program and to advocate 
for the program to the Vestry and congregation.   Use reply email or 
contact the church office (263-5304) for more information regarding this 
leadership opportunity.

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 to request more 
information.

Thanks ... to all our Souper Bowl participants (chefs, tasters, and
donors) who combined for a delicious event and a contribution of
$447 to God's Pantry... to a dedicated team of youth and adults
who prepared and served the evening meal to approximately
60 guests at the Catholic Action Center last Sunday evening.

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.

In the community:  Kentuckians for the Commonwealth is hosting its 
annual "I Love Mountains Day" on Thursday, Feb 12, in Frankfort.  
Visit  "I Love Mountains Day"  for more information.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward