Greetings to all!
One of the primary, but often overlooked, purposes of worship is the nurturing of
gratitude, the encouragement of praise and thanksgiving in our hearts, minds, words,
and actions. There are a variety of practices, formal and informal, to nurture gratitude.
Consider these thoughts from Joyce Rupp.
It is amazing, isn't it, how we can miss so much of life? The key to gratitude is
surprise. When we lose our sensitivity to wonder and awe, when we simply trudge
or zoom through the days, we can so easily miss the daily gifts of life. When we
awaken to what is within us and around us, when we savor, relish, and taste life fresh
each day, our heart holds much more gratitude.
One practice that has helped to reawaken my gratitude when my thankfulness
has grown lean is to take one of my five senses each day and be attentive to it. One
day I notice all the sounds that I hear; another day I pay close attention to everything
I see, etc. Doing this helps me to move out of my tired approach to life. I restore my
alertness to my daily gifts and begin again to see the universe as one vast blessing.
(from The Cup of Our Life by Joyce Rupp).
Cycling Ride Wrap Up: The 4th Annual Walnut Hill Cycling Ride was held on Saturday,
July 18. One hundred cyclists participated, not to mention a large group of Walnut Hill
volunteers and other guests. Walnut Hill's beauty and hospitality were on full display,
and over $5,000 was received to purchase bicycles for refugee families. Thanks to…
… all the Walnut Hill folks who supported this effort by their planning, time, effort,
and contributions of food and dollars.
…the many cyclists who supported the event by their participation and donations.
…our partner organizations the Bluegrass Cycling Club and KY Refugee Ministries.
…our neighborhood and business sponsors including: Columbia Gas of Kentucky,
Kerr Brothers Funeral Home, Chesapeake Farm, DeCamp Talbott Seif psc, Community
Trust Bank, Pedal the Planet, Suter Mechanical, and an anonymous sponsor.
…the Lexington Police Department for the officers who helped ensure the safety of
the cyclists.
…Team One Promotions for their help in producing this year's event t-shirt.
Sunday Conversations will be on summer break for the next three Sundays. Watch for
Sunday Conversations to return on Sunday, August 16, 10am.
Morning Worship, along with nursery care and Sunday School for children, continues
at its usual time, 11am, this Sunday, July 26, and each Sunday.
Sermon Copies - Copies of the sermon, "The Word of the Lord?", from Sun, July 19,
are available (both print and e-copy) by request. Use reply email to request a copy.
Sunday Hospitality - Opportunities abound for hosting our Sunday after worship
gatherings for the second of half the summer. Check the online sign up or the traditional
sign up sheet in the Sanctuary foyer to host a Sunday upcoming.
Hope Center Items - Remember as you are traveling or shopping this summer that
Walnut Hill is receiving travel size toiletry items (soap, toothpaste, etc) for our neighbors
who might need them. Place items in the collection box in the Sanctuary foyer.
The Weekly Letter will be on summer break for the next two weeks. Watch for your
next Weekly Letter on Wednesday, August 12.
Peace to all.
Mike Ward
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