Greetings to all!
In a culture that celebrates, encourages, and even markets sexual
expression, the ancient practice of celibacy seems odd, even
abnormal. Yet, maybe we "normal" folks could learn a thing or two
from those who choose this path, as Kathleen Norris learned from
some Benedictine friends...
When one sister described to me what she considered a healthy
celibacy, she said, "First of all, it means not focusing on 'what I gave
up,' but on what being freed by what I gave up has allowed me to do
in terms of service to the church and other people. For me, the
discipline of celibacy means a commitment to grow, intellectually
and in my prayer life, to engage in regular prayer, both privately and
with my community, to engage in some form of meaningful ministry,
to take care of my body, to seek out solitude at regular intervals ...
and to take pleasure in beauty." Many sisters spoke to me of celibacy
as something that had encouraged them to be sensitive to the many
guises of beauty. "Celibacy," one sister said, "has given me a good
way to integrate my sexuality with my spirituality; for I have come to
realize that the goal of both is union with God and with others." One
woman put it very simply. "The fruit of celibacy is hospitality."
(from The Cloister Walk)
The scripture lessons for Sunday, June 7 ...
Genesis 2:18-25
Matthew 22:34-40
Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, June 7, 10am, in Trinity
Hall. Our topic for this Sunday is "The Sex Talk." All are welcome to
enjoy a cup of coffee, join the conversation, or just listen in.
Wednesday Evenings Together will be returning June 10, 17, and 24,
6pm - 7:30pm. All ages are invited to gather for a meal, program, and
evening prayer. This year's theme is "Abundance Orchard: Where
Faith Grows and Hungry People Are Fed." We will celebrate the
abundance of God's world and explore ways to share that abundance
with all. You may rsvp via reply email or the sign up sheet in the Sanctuary
foyer.
THE BIG BLUE BARREL will be at Walnut Hill beginning this Sunday,
June 7. Feel free to bring your non-perishable food items to support
God's Pantry in sharing the abundance of God's creation with neighbors
throughout central and eastern Kentucky.
SUMMER CAMPS: The summer camp season is upon us. Walnut Hill
children/youth have privilege to attend either of two church camp programs:
Camp Burnamwood or Cathedral Domain . Visit their websites for program
schedules and registration information. Remember that Walnut Hill will
pay 1/2 the cost of any Walnut Hill youth attending a Burnamwood or
Domain program.
Hope Center Items: If you are traveling this summer and happen to pick
up some of those motel soaps, shampoos, etc, feel free to bring them
to Walnut Hill and place them in the Hope Center box located in the
Sanctuary foyer. Your donated items will be taken to the Hope Center
for distribution to some of our neighbors who can use them.
In the Community: Dr. Larry Kant, former professor at Lexington
Theological Seminary, will be offering a workshop titled, "Reading the
Bible Mystically," on Sunday, June 14. Visit Mystic Scholar or contact
Dr. Kant ( dblk2@qx.net ) for more information.
Peace to all.
Mike Ward
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