Greetings to all!
Pope Francis recently issued an encyclical concerning the environment
titled Laudato Si' ("Praise be to you"). The encyclical is lengthy and
wide ranging. Among its many recommendations is one that all people
can take to heart for their own and the earth's good.
Christian spirituality proposes an alternative understanding of the quality
of life, and encourages a prophetic and contemplative lifestyle, one
capable of deep enjoyment free of the obsession with consumption. We
need to take up an ancient lesson, found in different religious traditions
and also in the Bible. It is the conviction that "less is more." A constant
flood of new consumer goods can baffle the heart and prevent us from
cherishing each thing and each moment. To be serenely present to
each reality, however small it may be, opens us to much greater
horizons of understanding and personal fulfillment. Christian spirituality
proposes a growth marked by moderation and the capacity to be happy
with little. It is a return to that simplicity which allows us to stop and
appreciate the small things, to be grateful for the opportunities which
life affords to us, to be spiritually detached from what we possess, and
not to succumb to sadness for what we lack. This implies avoiding the
dynamic of dominion and the mere accumulation of pleasures.
A Committal Service for William R. Morley, a Friend of Walnut Hill
Church, will be held on Saturday, July 11, 11am, at the Lexington
Cemetery. This service is open to the public.
The lectionary texts for Sunday, July 12…
2 Samuel 6:1-19
Ephesians 1:3-14
Mark 6:14-29
Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, July 12, 10am, in Trinity
Hall. Our topic will be "Disestablishment," a conversation following up
last Sunday's sermon of the same title. Use reply email if you would like
a copy of the sermon to review in advance of Sunday's conversation.
The Walnut Hill Cycling Ride is coming on Saturday, July 18.
Registration opens at 8am. Open road rides (15, 25, 40 miles) begin
at 8:30am. A "Fun Ride" for families and novice riders begins at 9am.
(Helmets are required for all cyclists). A complimentary brunch will be
served beginning at 10am. You can participate by inviting friends and
neighbors, riding, serving as an event day volunteer, and/or providing
food for the brunch.
In regard to volunteering, we are looking to fill the following tasks:
set up,registration, parking, food service, greeting/hosting, and clean-up.
In regard to the brunch, we are looking for any of the following food
items: fruit, breakfast casseroles, pastries/donuts, small sandwiches, side
items (e.g. various salads, baked beans, mac & cheese), and veggie trays.
Use reply email, or check the volunteer sign-up in the Sanctuary foyer, to
let us know what you might like to do and/or bring.
Sunday Hospitality, Part II - 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.
Peace to all.
Mike Ward
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