Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Greetings to all!

Sunday morning worship (an "hour" of words, music, and silence) is Walnut Hill's 
central activity, but what is the purpose of that activity, for us as individuals, for our 
congregation, and/or for the world?  In her book, Amazing Grace, Kathleen Norris 
reflects on the community's gathering for worship.

The worshipping body is not a gathering of like-minded people, or those with a 
high degree of faith or knowledge concerning spiritual matters; I like to think that it 
resembles Christ's ragged band of disciples in this manner, a diverse group with 
remarkable variance in personalities and attitudes toward Jesus ... In worship, 
disparate people seek a unity far greater than the sum of themselves but don't 
have much control over how, or if, this happens.  Recklessly, we let loose with music, 
and the words of hymns, the psalms, canticles, and prayers.  We cast the Word of 
God out into the world, into each human heart, where, to paraphrase the prophet 
Isaiah, it needs to go to fulfill God's purpose.  Isaiah uses the metaphor of rain to 
convey this - rain that disappears into the ground for a time, so that we can't see it 
working.  And then, it bears abundantly.

Marion Gregory "Shug" Graves: A service of remembrance and celebration for
the life of "Shug" Graves will be held this Saturday, March 21, 3:30pm, at Walnut
Hill Church.  A reception will follow at 5:00pm at the Lexington Club.  Shug's family
invites all Walnut Hill members and friends to attend.

The lectionary texts for Sunday, March 22, the 5th Sunday of Lent...
Jeremiah 31:31-34
Hebrews 5:5-10
John 12:20-33

Men's Coffee - Walnut Hill men are invited to gather each Saturday morning, 8am, 
at Paneras on 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, Mar 22, 10am, in Trinity Hall.  Our focus 
for this Sunday:  "Worship - What and Why?"  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, Mar 22.  Use reply 
email to volunteer for this Sunday, or visit the online sign-up sheet  to host a Sunday 
later in the spring.

HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE:
*Sun, Mar 29 - Palm Sunday
-Sunday Conversations, 10am
-Morning Worship, 11am (procession of the palms, children's presentation)
-Easter Egg Hunt, Noon (bring a dozen treat-filled eggs for the hunt)
*Thu, Apr 2 - Maundy Thursday
-Simple Meal, 6:30pm (bring a simple item to share for the meal)
-Evening Prayer, 7:00pm (activities for children)
*Sun, Apr 5 - Easter Sunday
-Easter Sunrise Service, 7am (dress for the outdoors)
-Sunday Conversations, 10am
-Morning Worship & Holy Communiion, 11am
-After worship refreshments, Noon (bring a plate of cookies to share)

EXPLORING OUR SPIRITUALITY - 2015 is coming, beginning April 5.  This spring's 
theme, Experiencing the Risen Christ, uses the New Testament resurrection 
narratives as the starting point for our reflection.  Watch for more information, and 
plan to participate.

OGHS FISH!  After some delay, the One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) fish collection 
boxes have arrived.  If your household is collecting the OGHS offering, or would like to 
do so, pick up a fish in the foyer of the Sanctuary.  Visit  OGHS  for more information 
regarding the One Great Hour of Sharing.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward



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