Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Greetings to all!

Today I find myself wondering what our EOS/Eastertide theme, 
"Experiencing the Risen Christ," might have to say in the wake
 of one young man's death, an earthquake, a burning inner city.  
Perhaps we might imagine the Risen Christ ...
...among mourners calling the name "Freddy."
...digging in the rubble of a ruined city with his own wounded 
hands.
...glimpsed in the faces of police officers and youth as they stare
into each others' eyes.

However he might appear, whether recognized or not, the Risen 
One ...
...comforts those who mourn.
...strengthens those who are overwhelmed.
...invites combatants to break the cycle of violence and injustice.

Christ is risen.  God's love has prevailed.  All things are possible.

The scripture lesson for Sunday, May 3, the 5th Sunday of Easter
Luke 24:13-35

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, May 3, 10am, in
Trinity Hall.  Our conversations continue to be guided by our EOS
theme, "Experiencing the Risen Christ."  Come, enjoy a cup of
coffee, join the conversation, or just listen in.

A Host(s) is needed for our after worship refreshments this
Sunday, May 3.  Use reply email to volunteer for this Sunday
and/or visit the online sign-up sheet to host a Sunday later in
the spring/summer.

CWS Hygiene Kits:  Thanks to a generous congregation and
a hard working youth team, over 50 hygiene kits will soon be 
on their way to places like Nepal to assist persons recovering 
from disaster.  At the conclusion of their assembling work, each 
youth, with a kit in hand, offered a prayer to accompany the kits
to their various destinations.

Exploring Our Spirituality (EOS) began on Easter Sunday. Our 
theme for this EOS season is "Experiencing the Risen Christ," 
focusing on the resurrection stories found in the New Testament.  
You may participate in EOS in any/all of the following ways:
*Sunday Conversations, 10am, Sunday mornings
*Morning Worship, 11am, Sunday mornings (visit 
Sunday sermons to hear recordings of EOS season sermons)
*EOS small groups, meeting on Sunday evenings,Tuesday 
evenings, and Thursday mornings (contact the church office, 
263-5304, for information about joining a small group)
*Individual study and reflection
A workbook is available for individual and small group use. 
Contact the church office (263-5304) for a paper copy, or visit
 EOS Workbook for the online version.

NEPAL APPEAL:  Persons attending Walnut Hill this Sunday,
May 3, will have opportunity to make special contributions to
support relief to the earthquake ravaged nation of Nepal.
Cash and checks payable to Walnut Hill Church (designated
"Nepal") will be accepted.  Walnut Hill's contributions will be
sent to Nepal via Church World Service.

The Spring Potluck is coming on Sunday, May 17.  Mark the
date on your calendar and plan to join us for this delicious
event.

Calling All High School Graduates:  If you have a student in
your household graduating from high school this spring, please 
contact the church office by reply email or by phone, so that we 
might recognize his/her accomplishment on May 17.  Please 
do not assume we know.  Thanks!

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Friday, April 24, 2015

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, April 26, at Walnut Hill Church...

THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
EXPLORING OUR SPIRITUALITY
"Experiencing the Risen Christ"

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Resurrection and Personal Transformation

We continue our EOS inspired conversations.  In
preparation for this Sunday's conversation, you 
might wish to read 1 Corinthians 15.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon: He Appeared Also to Me
Text: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

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 program titled, "Disaster: 
What if you were there?"  The youth will be 
assembling CWS Hygiene Kits for distribution 
to disaster stricken areas around the world.

*****

CWS Hygiene Kits:  As noted above, the youth 
will be assembling hygiene kits this Sunday 
evening. If you would like to donate something 
to help, the following items are still needed:
*handtowels (16"X28")
*toothbrushes (individual in original packaging)
*wide tooth combs
*finger nail clippers
Bring any of the above items, in any amount, to Walnut
Hill this Sunday morning.

*****

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

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Greetings to all!

In observance of Earth Day and our ongoing EOS season, allow me to 
share an "environmental resurrection story."  

I was growing up in northeast Ohio when, in 1969, the Cuyahoga River 
"caught fire."  That fire, the last of several, was symptomatic of a body of 
water killed by pollution.  The stretch from Akron (my home) to Cleveland 
was essentially devoid of aquatic animal life.  Publicity surrounding the 
fire helped spur the environmental movement, passage of the Clean 
Water Act, and creation of the Environmental Protection Agency.  Today, 
while still facing serious challenges, the same stretch of river supports 
numerous species of fish, some relatively sensitive to water quality.  Even 
in this world, it is possible for the dead to live again, and we can have a
hand in raising the dead. On this Earth Day, let us look for opportunities 
to be agents of resurrection in regard to the environment.

The scripture lesson for Sunday, April 26, the 4th Sunday of Easter...
1 Corinthians 15:1-11

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, April 26, 10am, in Trinity
Hall.  Our conversation topics continue to be suggested by the EOS
season.  Come enjoy a cup of coffee, join the conversation, or just 
listen in.

Youth (middle and high school) are invited to gather for a meal and
activities this Sunday, April 26, 5:30 - 7:00pm.  Our theme for this Sunday, 
Disaster:What If You Were There?  We will also be assembling 
CWS Hygiene Kits (see below) for distribution in disaster affected areas.

CWS HYGIENE KITS:  Thanks to all who have brought items for the
CWS Hygiene Kits to be assembled by Walnut Hill youth this Sunday 
evening.  If you would like to donate items, here is a list of what we still 
need to reach our ambitious goal of 50 kits.
*hand towels (16" X 28") - 40 needed
*nail clippers - 43 neeeded
*toothbrushes (single, in original packaging) - 17 needed
*wide tooth combs - 25 needed
*washcloths - 4 needed
Hygiene Kits, and other disaster kits, are distributed by Church World 
Service.  Visit "kit report" to see where CWS Kits were sent in 2014.

Exploring Our Spirituality (EOS) began on Easter Sunday. Our theme 
for this EOS season is "Experiencing the Risen Christ," focusing on 
the resurrection stories found in the New Testament.  You may participate 
in EOS in any/all of the following ways:
*Sunday Conversations, 10am, Sunday mornings
*Morning Worship, 11am, Sunday mornings (visit 
Sunday sermons to hear recordings of EOS season sermons)
*EOS small groups, meeting on Sunday evenings,Tuesday 
evenings, and Thursday mornings (contact the church office, 263-5304, 
for information about joining a small group)
*Individual study and reflection
A workbook is available for individual and small group use. Contact the 
church office (263-5304) for a paper copy, or visit EOS Workbook for the 
online version.

Thanks to all whose service and leadership made it possible for me to be 
away this past weekend attending Ecumenical Advocacy Days, focusing 
on the issues of criminal sentencing reform and immigrant detention.  For 
more information regarding this program, visit  "Breaking the Chains."  .

Peace to all.

Mike Ward



Friday, April 17, 2015

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, April 19, at Walnut Hill Church...

THE THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER
"EXPLORING OUR SPIRITUALITY"
EXPERIENCING THE RISEN CHRIST

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Experiencing the Risen Christ

Our Exploring Our Spirituality (EOS) conversations
continue as we explore what it means to experience
the Risen Christ.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Text:  John 21:1-19
Preaching: The Rev. Dr. Eric Mount
     Professor Emeritus of Religion
     Centre College

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.

*******

CWS Hygiene Kits:  On Sunday evening, April 26, Walnut Hill 
youth will be assembling Church World Service Hygiene Kits, which 
are distributed to persons around the world in the wake of natural 
disasters and other emergencies.  You can help the youth in this 
effort by donating any of the following items:  hand towels (16"X28"), 
washcloths, wide-tooth combs, finger nail clippers, bar soap 
(bath size in wrapper), toothbrushes (in original wrapper),
band aids (standard size).  Bring your donations by Sun, Apr 26.

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Greetings to all!

We continue our journey through Eastertide and the stories of Jesus' 
resurrection appearances, including the well-known encounter 
between the Risen Christ and Peter (John 21).  This encounter strikes 
me as a wonderful example of Jesus' readiness to accept people 
where they were (are), as Jesus and Peter talk  about "love."  To put it 
simply, Jesus asks for sacrificial love from Peter, while Peter 
acknowledges, based on his recent experience, the limits of what he 
can promise.  In the end, Jesus accepts Peter "where he is," thus setting 
Peter free to become more than he could possibly have imagined. 
Perhaps if we could accept each other "where we and they are," we 
might be surprised at what we all could become.

In Memory:  Elizabeth "Betty" Kinnaird, a member of Walnut Hill 
Church, departed this life on Thursday, April 9. A memorial service 
will be held at Walnut Hill Church on Wednesday, April 15, 1:30pm.

The scripture lesson for Sunday, April 19, the Third Sunday of Easter..
John 21:1-19
Leading worship and preaching this Sunday, April 19, 11am, will be 
the Rev. Dr. Eric Mount, Professor Emeritus of Religion, Centre 
College.

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

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, April 19, 10am, in 
Trinity Hall.  Our conversation will be guided by our current EOS 
theme, "Experiencing the Risen Christ."

Youth (middle and high school) are invited to gather at Walnut Hill 
this Sunday, April 19, at 5:30pm for a meal and activities.  Sunday's 
gathering will focus on preparation for assembling CWS Hygiene 
Kits (see below).

CWS Hygiene Kits:  On Sunday evening, April 26, Walnut Hill 
youth will be assembling Church World Service Hygiene Kits, which 
are distributed to persons around the world in the wake of natural 
disasters and other emergencies.  You can help the youth in this 
effort by donating any of the following items:  hand towels (16"X28"), 
washcloths, wide-tooth combs, finger nail clippers, bar soap 
(bath size in wrapper), toothbrushes (in original wrapper),
band aids (standard size).  Bring your donations by Sun, Apr 26.

Exploring Our Spirituality (EOS) began on Easter Sunday. Our theme 
for this EOS season is "Experiencing the Risen Christ," focusing on 
the resurrection stories found in the New Testament gospels.  You may 
participate in EOS in any/all of the following ways:
*Sunday Conversations, 10am, Sunday mornings
*Morning Worship, 11am, Sunday mornings (visit 
Sunday sermons to hear recordings of EOS season sermons)
*EOS small groups, meeting on Sunday evenings,Tuesday 
evenings, and Thursday mornings (contact the church office, 263-5304, 
for information about joining a small group)
*Individual study and reflection
A workbook is available for individual and small group use. Contact the 
church office (263-5304) for a paper copy, or visit EOS Workbook for the 
online version.

Hospitality Opportunities - A new sign up sheet has been posted with 
plenty of opportunities for providing our after worship refreshments.  
Check the online sign-up sheet , or the one posted in the Sanctuary 
foyer, for available dates, and consider hosting a Sunday soon.

Thanks to 21 households for their participation in the Kroger Community 
Rewards program on behalf of Walnut Hill Church. Walnut Hill recently 
received a donation from Kroger in the amount of $236.00.  Check the 
flyer in the Sanctuary foyer or contact the church office by reply email for 
more information regarding how to participate.

Mike Ward will be attending Ecumenical Advocacy Days, April 17-20.
EAD is an annual event sponsored by Church World Service.  This
year's program is titled "Breaking the Chains."

Peace to all.

Mike Ward






Friday, April 10, 2015

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, April 12, at Walnut Hill Church ...

EXPLORING OUR SPIRITUALITY
"EXPERIENCING THE RISEN CHRIST"
Week 2 - Jesus Appears to the Disciples
and Thomas

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Resurrection of the Body

The Gospels tell stories of Jesus' resurrection body,
even including the marks of his recent suffering. 
What might the Gospel writers be trying to say about
"the body" through such stories? 

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - Believe It or Not
Text - John 20:19-31

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children

Cemetery Association Meeting, Noon, Sanctuary

The Walnut Hill Church Cemetery Association will
hold its annual meeting immediately after worship
in Trinity Hall.  All Members/Friends of Walnut Hill
Church are Members of the Cemetery Association
and are encouraged to attend.


Wednesday, April 8, 2015

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, April 8, 2015

Greetings to all!

   Last Sunday we entered into Eastertide and EOS (see below),
a season to study, reflect upon, and practice the good news of the 
Risen Christ.  Practicing the Risen Christ means, among other 
things, opening our hearts and minds to the possibilities for new 
life within and around us, and when seeing that new life, nurturing 
it.  Perhaps it is a new spark in a seemingly dead relationship, a 
new sense of call to an old vocation, a new rush of wonder into a
tired imagination ... the list goes on.  Practicing the Risen Christ
means first opening the door to something new, no matter what 
our age or situation might be. Practicing these "smaller" 
resurrections can open our minds and hearts to the possibility
of God bringing life wherever death seems to rule the day.  

The scripture lesson for Sunday, April 12...
John 20:19-31

Sunday Conversations continue this Sun, Apr 12, 10am, in 
Trinity Hall.  We will explore the connection between spirit and
body as seen in both extraordinary and ordinary circumstances.

CEMETERY ASSOCIATION MEETING - The Walnut Hill Church
Cemetery Association will hold its annual meeting this Sunday,
April 12, immediately after morning worship, in the Sanctuary.
The business of the annual meeting includes the President's
report on cemetery activity, the Secretary-Treasurer's report,
consideration of proposed changes to the cemetery guidelines,
and the election of Board officers.  All Members/Friends of
Walnut Hill Church are members of the cemetery association
and are encouraged to attend.

Exploring Our Spirituality (EOS) began this past Sunday. Our 
theme for this EOS season is "Experiencing the Risen Christ," 
focusing on the resurrection stories found in the New Testament 
gospels.  You may participate in EOS in any/all of the following 
ways:
*Sunday Conversations, 10am, Sunday mornings
*Morning Worship, 11am, Sunday mornings (visit 
Sunday sermons to hear recordings of EOS season sermons)
*EOS small groups, meeting on Sunday evenings,
Tuesday evenings, and Thursday mornings (contact the 
church office, 263-5304, for information about joining a small
group)
*Individual study and reflection
A workbook is available for individual and small group use.
Contact the church office (263-5304) for a paper copy or visit
EOS Workbook for the online version.

OGHS Final Call - The One Great Hour of Sharing "fish" 
(coin collection boxes) began swimming back to Walnut Hill
last Sunday.  If you still have an OGHS fish at home, please
bring it to Walnut Hill and we will add it to others in support
of the OGHS offering.   Even if you have not been using a 
fish, but have some coins you would like to donate, feel free
to bring them.  The OGHS offering supports disaster and
hunger relief, water projects, and human development 
around the world.

Hospitality Opportunities - A new sign up sheet has been
posted with plenty of opportunities for providing our after
worship refreshments.  Check the online sign-up sheet , 
or the one posted in the Sanctuary foyer, for available dates,
and consider hosting a Sunday soon.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward


Friday, April 3, 2015

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, April 5, at Walnut Hill Church....

EASTER SUNDAY 
THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD

Easter Sunrise Service, 7am, Walnut Hill Church Cemetery

Join us for this informal gathering to celebrate the good news 
of the Risen Christ.  Dress for the outdoors.  In case of inclement 
weather, the service will be held in the Sanctuary.  After the 
service, join us for fellowship in Trinity Hall.

Sunday Conversations, 10am,  Trinity Hall

The Resurrection of Jesus: Physical or Spiritual

We will view and discuss a brief video presentation by the late 
Marcus Borg concerning the historical roots and theological
affirmations of the resurrection stories.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - Letting Go
Text - John 20:1-18

The Sacrament of Baptism
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.
Bring one item for the refreshment tables.

*****

The One Great Hour of Sharing offering will be received on
Easter Sunday.  If you have been collecting coins during the
Lenten season, bring them this Sunday.  You may also donate
by cash or check payable to Walnut Hill Church designated
"OGHS."  The OGHS supports hunger and disaster relief,
water projects, and human empowerment around the 
world.  Visit  OGHS  for more information.  

*****

Exploring Our Spirituality (EOS) begins this Sunday,
April 5.  This season's theme, "Experiencing the Risen Christ."
You may pick up an EOS workbook this Sunday.




Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Greetings to all!

The best way, perhaps the only way, to navigate through Holy Week
is with prayer, not so much a prayer read from a book, or recited from
memory, but rather the prayer of a heart and mind open and listening...
for the mercy of God.
for the grace of God.
for the love of God.
Listen for these and other gifts in the echoes of an old story first told
centuries ago, and listen also in the echoes of your own experience, 
in the trials, in the fellowship with others, in the suffering, in the moments 
of new life, and myriad other ways that God's mercy, grace, and love are
made known to you this Holy Week, and always.

MAUNDY THURSDAY, APRIL 2

Simple Meal and Evening Prayer - Join us Thursday, April 2, 6:30pm
as we gather for a simple meal and evening prayer to remember and 
reflect upon the passion of Christ.  Bring a simple meal item 
(e.g.  a plate of sandwiches, fruit, cheese, etc) to share.  After our meal 
together, adults will share a service of evening prayer and the sacrament
of the Lord's Supper.  Nursery care and activities will be provided for 
children.  

EASTER SUNDAY, APRIL 5

Easter Sunrise Service, 7am, Walnut Hill Cemetery - Join us for this 
informal gathering to hear the good news of the Risen Christ.  Dress for 
the outdoors.  In case of inclement weather, the service will be held in 
the Sanctuary.

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall - In the spirit of Easter Day
and our spring EOS season (see below), our topic for this Sunday's
conversation will be "The Resurrection of Jesus: Physical or Spiritual,"
based on an essay by Marcus Borg.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary - This service will include a 
traditional liturgy and the sacrament of Holy Communion to celebrate
the good news of Easter.  Nursery care and Sunday School will be
available for children.

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall - All are invited to gather
for refreshments and fellowship.  Bring a plate of Easter treats to share
for our gathering time.

One Great Hour of Sharing - The OGHS offering will be received on
Easter morning.  If you have been collecting coins during the Lenten
season, bring them on Easter morning.  You may also donate by
cash or checks payable to Walnut Hill Church.  The OGHS supports
disaster and hunger relief,  water projects, and human empowerment
around the world. 


EXPLORING OUR SPIRITUALITY 

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.  
Small group 
registration is 
ongoing now for groups to meet on Sunday 
evening, Tuesday 
evening, and Thursday morning.
  Use reply email for 
more information and/or 
to register for a small group.

CEMETERY ASSOCIATION MEETING, APRIL 12, NOON

The Walnut Hill Cemetery Association will hold its annual meeting on
Sunday, April 12, immediately after Morning Worship, in the Walnut Hill 
Sanctuary.  Business will include the President's report on 2014 cemetery 
activity, the Secretary-Treasurer's report, election of officers, and proposed 
changes to the Cemetery Rules and Regulations.  All Members/Friends of 
Walnut Hill Church are members of the Cemetery Association and are 
encouraged to attend.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward