Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Greetings to all!

This Sunday, October 4, is Ecumenical Sunday at Walnut Hill Church, 

an opportunity for us to celebrate and explore our ecumenical identity.  

We might begin that celebration and exploration by reflecting on the 

Preamble to Walnut Hill's Constitution and By-Laws:

We, the members of Walnut Hill Church, an Ecumenical Church, of

Lexington, Kentucky, do hereby organize for the purpose of providing

public worship, the apostolic ministry of word and sacrament, 

religious instruction, pastoral care and counseling, and in general

a witness to the community of the need for life and work in the name

of Jesus … We, as a church, are a fellowship of believers who wish

to bring together all men and women as children of God and do not

wish to make an obstacle in creed and dogma to fellowship with God's

people.  We believe that the true basis of Christian fellowship is love,

which is greater than all our differences, and without this love we have

no claim to Christian fellowship.

The Rev. Dr. Barbara Blodgett, Professor of Pastoral Leadership

at Lexington Theological Seminary, will be our special guest for

Ecumenical Sunday.  Barbara will visit with us informally during the

10am hour and present the sermon during the 11am worship hour.

For more information regarding Dr. Blodgett, visit the LTS Website .

Sunday Conversations continue this Sun, Oct 4, 10am, in Trinity

Hall.  Barbara Blodgett will be our guest for conversation around the 

topic, "The Agile Church," from a recent book authored by Dwight 

Zscheile.  Come enjoy a cup of coffee, join the conversation, or just 

listen in.

Worship … God, Can We Talk?, 10am, in Trinity Hall - Children are 

invited to explore the experience of "worship."  Over the next several 

Sundays, we will explore the words, music, symbols, and sacraments

that help us connect with God, each other, and ourselves.

EOS FALL 2015 - Exploring Our Spirituality (EOS) returns for its

eighth season with a study titled, "Following Jesus - A New Look."

Six weeks of EOS themed Sunday Conversations, morning worship, 

and small group fellowship are scheduled to begin on Sunday, Oct 11. 

Small group registration is open now.  Use reply email to inquire

about participating in an EOS small group on Sunday evening, 

weekday evening, or weekday daytime.

Opportunities to host our after worship refreshments are available

for sign up via the Walnut Hill website.  Visit the online sign up sheet 

and consider hosting a Sunday between now and the end of the year.

Thanks to all our Sunday refreshment hosts.

CROP Walk Report:  Fifteen "Walnuts" (all ages) participated in

the Lexington area CROP Walk last Sun, Sep 27.  Their dedication

combined with the congregation's generosity to yield a $765 

contribution from Walnut Hill Church to alleviate hunger locally

and globally.  Thanks to all who were part of the Walnut Hill team.

Visit the Herald-Leader for a newspaper report regarding the CROP

Walk.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

EOS Fall 2015

Dear Walnut Hill Members and Friends:

Grace to you and peace!  This email is being sent to inform you and invite your participation in the Fall 2015 EOS season, which will open on Sunday, October 11.

Exploring Our Spirituality (EOS) enters its eighth season of spiritual exploration and sharing with a series titled, Following Jesus: A New Look.  As with previous seasons, this fall's program will include six weeks of small group sharing, Sunday discussions, and worship services focused around the EOS theme.

This season's theme, Following Jesus: A New Look, invites you to six weeks of study, reflection, conversation, and sharing as we take a fresh look at who Jesus was and is, and what it might mean to follow Jesus today.  Weekly topics include...

*Transitions in Christianity

*Prepare the Way of the Lord

*Jesus, the Person

*Jesus Taught - The Kingdom of God

*Jesus Taught - The Great Commandments

*Following Jesus Today

It is our hope that by reflection, conversation, and spiritual practice, we will find our minds and hearts open to a new way of thinking about Jesus and what it might mean to follow him.  We are currently preparing a workbook to facilitate your individual and group reflection.  The workbook will be accessible and open-ended, inviting participants to linger over, explore, and reflect upon scripture texts and other readings.  We will approach the scripture texts and readings not as a "final word ending conversation" but rather as an "opening word inviting conversation" with the texts, their authors, each other, and ourselves.   The workbook will be available in both print and electronic formats. 

As with past EOS seasons, you can participate in a variety of ways including: 

*Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall - EOS Sunday Conversations will begin on Sunday, Oct 11.

*Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary - EOS themed worship will begin Sunday, Oct 11.

*Small Group Participation - Small groups are planned for Sunday evening, a weekday evening, and another weekday (daytime) to be announced.  We hope to begin small group meetings the week of Oct 11 and continue weekly for a total of 6 meetings for each group.

SMALL GROUP REGISTRATION IS ONGOING NOW!  You may register by reply email.

*Let us know if you are interested in being part of a small group, and if so, which day/time might work best for you.   

*Also, let us know if you would be willing for a small group to meet at your home.

To rsvp for a small group or for more information, contact...

*Kathy Steinmetz or John Bauer

-421-3805

-  kathy1055408@gmail.com  

-  johnbauer87@gmail.com

*Mike Ward

-263-5304

-  mward@walnuthillchurchky.org

For my part, I look forward to this EOS season and the opportunities it will offer for spiritual growth and fellowship. 

Peace,

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, September 27, at Walnut Hill Church…

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Embracing Mystery

Is the essence of faith an experience of "certainty" or

rather "mystery"?  Is Jesus the "answer" for us or 

rather a "question" posed to us?  Join us as we explore

these and other ideas through a video presentation

and conversation.

Worship: God, Can We Talk?, 10am, Trinity Hall

Children (through elementary age) are invited to explore

the experience of "worship."  Over the next several Sundays, 

we will explore the words, music, symbols, and sacraments

that help us connect with God, each other, and ourselves.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - A Rare Occurrence

Text - Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for refreshments and fellowship.

CROP Walk, 3pm, Second Presbyterian Church

All ages are invited to participate in the Lexington area

CROP Walk to raise awareness and dollars for hunger

relief locally and globally.  Youth (middle and high school)

are invited to a meal after the Walk.  Persons who would

like to make a donation toward the CROP Walk may

do so on Sunday morning via cash or checks payable

to Walnut Hill Church (designated "CROP").

*****

The Vestry will meet at 9:30am in the upstairs office

of Trinity Hall.

 

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Greetings to all!

Pope Francis' visit to the U.S. has cast a spotlight upon both

the office and the individual.  Regarding the office, the Papacy,

Huston Smith observed …

"Papa" is a loving appellation given to fathers; in the case of

the "Papa" of Rome this title has stuck: the mantle which fell

upon [the disciple] Peter has been passed on to his successors 

for two millennia.  To be the "Vicar of Christ" and "Servant of the 

Servants of God" has not always been easy.  The Papacy has

taken on many characteristics through the centuries, various

styles of leadership in many ways reflecting the styles of

princely leadership of the time.  The office itself is seen as

having the final responsibility for preserving the "deposit of

faith" - for seeing to it that the "mystery hidden for ages and

generations but now manifest to the saints" be kept whole and

pure throughout time.  The office is always bigger than the

man, and sometimes vastly so.  Some popes have been

scandalous sinners; many have been saints.  Peter was both

in his own time.

(from The Soul of Christianity)

The lectionary texts for Sunday, September 27…

Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22

James 5:13-20

Mark 9:38-50

Sunday Conversations continue this Sun, Sept 27, 10am,

in Trinity Hall.  Our "Living the Questions" video/discussion

series concludes with the topic:  Embracing Mystery.  Come

enjoy a cup of coffee, join the conversation, or just listen in.

The Lexington Area CROP Walk will be held this Sun,

Sept 27, at 2nd Presbyterian Church.  Registration opens at 

3pm; the Walk begins at 3:30pm. The CROP Walk  is an 

ecumenical event for all ages intended to raise awareness and 

dollars for hunger relief locally and globally. Walnut Hill will 

sponsor all Walnut Hill walkers in the amount of $35/person.  

Youth (middle and high school) are invited to participate in

the Lexington CROP Walk (see above) this Sun, Sept 27.

We will meet at 3pm at Second Presbyterian Church.  After

the walk we will enjoy a meal together.  Use reply email to rsvp.

Ecumenical Sunday is coming on Sun, Oct 4.  We welcome

Dr. Barbara Blodgett to be our guest for the day as we celebrate 

and explore Walnut Hill's "ecumenical" identity. Activities will 

include a Sunday Conversation with Dr. Blodgett at 10am, with 

Morning Worship (Dr. Blodgett preaching) and Holy Communion 

at 11am.

Thanks…

…to all those who helped to make last Sunday's Fall Potluck

a great success!

…to your generosity, $1,378 is on its way to support those

providing relief to migrants entering Europe.  Our support

is going to the area via Church World Service.  Check out the

CWS Situation Report for more information regarding how

our contributions will used.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, September 20, at Walnut Hill Church…

FALL POTLUCK!!

Sunday Conversation, 10am, Trinity Hall

Compassion: The Heart of Jesus' Ministry

If compassion, healing, and humanity were at the heart

of Jesus' ministry, how does that affect our thoughts

about Jesus and what it might mean to follow him.  We

will view a video conversation on this topic to which we 

will add our own questions, thoughts, and ideas.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - The Greatest

Text - Mark 9:30-37

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children

Fall Potluck, Noon, Trinity Hall

Bring a salad, side dish, or dessert, and join us for this

delicious Walnut Hill tradition.  Meat and beverage will

be provided.

******

European Refugee Crisis - Baskets are available in the 

foyer of the Sanctuary for donations in support of relief 

efforts on behalf of refugees streaming into Europe.  All 

donations received will be sent to the area via Church 

World Service.  For information regarding Church World 

Service efforts, visit CWS Situation Report. Cash and 

checks payable to "Walnut Hill Church" are welcome.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Greetings to all!

The migrant crisis in Europe continues to be on the "front page" of global media, 

The flood of immigrants poses various challenges to nations, institutions, and individuals, 

as the world struggles to respond in a humane manner.  In the Christian tradition …

To welcome the stranger is to acknowledge him as a human being made in God's 

image; it is to treat her as one of equal worth with ourselves - indeed as one who 

may teach us something out of the richness of experiences different from our own.  

The stranger's gifts may come to a family circle or to a society.  Yet the undocumented 

foreigner - the alien who crosses over the borders of narrow and provincial worlds - is 

too often not greeted with hospitality or even acknowledged as a human being in

God's image.

(Ana Maria Paneda as found in Practicing Our Faith)

The scripture lessons for Sunday, September 20…

Proverbs 31:10-31

James 3:13 - 4:8

Mark 9:30-37

Sunday Conversations continue this Sun, Sept 20, 10am, in Trinity Hall.  We 

continue our "Living the Questions" video discussion series with the topic 

"Compassion: The Heart of Jesus' Ministry."

THE FALL POTLUCK is this Sun, Sept 20, immediately after morning worship.  

Bring a salad, side dish, or dessert.  Meat and beverage will be provided.

Church World Service is responding to the European immigrant crisis with 

particular focus on those immigrants currently in Serbia.  Walnut Hill is sending an 

initial $518 to support CWS in its efforts.  More details are available through this

CWS Situation Update . Baskets are available in the foyer of the Sanctuary for 

persons who would like to make a contribution.

ACE Partnership - The Walnut Hill Vestry recently reaffirmed our partnership 

with the Athens Chilesburg Elementary School.  One aspect of that partnership is

our support of the 5th Grade Class Trip to Washington, DC.  Walnut Hill has 

committed to provide support for at least 5 students (cost approx $500/student)

who otherwise would be unable to participate.  Contributions in any amount are

welcome.  Make your check payable to Walnut Hill Church, designated "DC Trip."

The Lexington CROP Walk will be held on Sun, Sept 27, 3pm, beginning at 

2nd Presbyterian Church.  The CROP Walk raises funds and awareness for hunger 

relief locally and globally.  Walnut Hill walkers (any age) will be sponsored in the 

amount of $35/each.  Make plans now to join us.

Ecumenical Sunday is coming on October 4 on which we will celebrate and

explore Walnut Hill's ecumenical identity.  Our special guest for the day will be

Dr. Barbara Blodgett, Professor of Pastoral Leadership at Lexington Theological

Seminary.  Watch for more details.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, September 13, at Walnut Hill Church …

Sunday Conversation, 10am, Trinity Hall

A Passion for Christ: Paul

Our "Living the Questions" video/discussion series continues this

Sunday as we focus on the apostle Paul, whose passion and work

helped spread the Gospel throughout the Mediterranean word and

transformed the message of Jesus into a religion about the Christ.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Preaching - The Rev. Rollin Tarter

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children

Faith Conversation for Youth

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.

*****

European Refugee Crisis - Baskets are available in the foyer of

the Sanctuary for donations in support of relief efforts on behalf

of refugees streaming into Europe.  All donations received will be

sent to the area via Church World Service.  For information 

regarding Church World Service efforts, visit CWS Situation Report.

Cash and checks payable to "Walnut Hill Church" are welcome.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Greetings to all!

The human wave sweeping across Europe is at once tragic, amazing, 

and awe-inspiring, revealing both the worst and the best of the human

spirit, and plenty of in between.  In his "Angelus Prayer" on Sept 6, Pope

Francis gave voice to both the hope and challenge of the Gospel in

response to these events as he called upon Catholic parishes throughout

Europe to provide shelter for immigrant individuals and families.

"Faced with the tragedy of tens of thousands of refugees who flee death 

from war and hunger, and who have begun a journey moved by vital hope, 

the Gospel calls us to be 'neighbors' of the weakest and the abandoned. 

To give them concrete hope. It's not enough to say, "Take heart. Be patient." 

Christian hope has a fighting spirit, with the tenacity of one who goes 

toward a sure goal."

Men's Coffee - Walnut Hill men are invited to gather for coffee and

conversation each Saturday morning, 8 am, at Paneras on Richmond

Rd.  Feel free to stop by for as long or short a time as your schedule

allows.  No rsvp required.

Sunday Conversations continue this Sun, Sept 13, 10am, in Trinity

Hall.  Our "Living the Questions" video/discussion series is ongoing with

this Sunday's topic, "A Passion for Christ: Paul."  Come, enjoy a cup of

coffee, join the conversation, or just listen in.

Youth (middle and high school) are invited to gather at Walnut Hill this

Sun, Sept 13, 5:30 - 7:00pm, for a meal and activities.

Church World Service is responding to the European immigrant crisis

with particular focus on those immigrants currently in Serbia.  Walnut Hill

is sending an initial $418 to support CWS in its efforts.  More details

are available through this CWS Situation Report .  Baskets are available

in the foyer of the Sanctuary for persons who would like to make a

contribution.

The Fall Potluck is coming on Sun, Sept 20, immediately after worship.

Bring a salad, side dish, or dessert, and join us for this delicious Walnut

Hill tradition.  Meat and beverage will be provided.

ACE Partnership - The Walnut Hill Vestry recently reaffirmed our partnership 

with the Athens Chilesburg Elementary School.  One aspect of that partnership 

is participation on the ACE Family Resource Center Advisory Council.  We 

are currently seeking a volunteer to attend the Council's meetings, which

occur every other month during the school year.  You do not need to be a 

parent to serve.  Use reply email for more information.

The Lexington CROP Walk will be held on Sun, Sept 27, 3pm, 

beginning at 2nd Presbyterian Church.  The CROP Walk raises funds

and awareness for hunger relief locally and globally.  Walnut Hill 

walkers (any age) will be sponsored in the amount of $35/each.  Make

plans now to join us.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, September 6, at Walnut Hill Church…

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

The Lives of Jesus

We might be surprised to learn that the Bible presents

several different portraits of Jesus, each with its own

characteristics and emphases.  We'll talk about what 

difference this might make in our understanding and

following of Jesus.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon -  Generosity

Text - Matthew 20:1-16

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.

*****

Refugee Crisis - Persons attending worship this Sunday 

will have opportunity to donate in support of relief efforts 

on behalf of refugees streaming into eastern Europe.  Make

checks payable to Walnut Hill Church,  designated "refugees."

Rowan County - Persons interested in talking about the 

recent events involving the Rowan County Clerk are

invited to gather informally after worship in the Sanctuary.

There is no agenda or formal presentation, just an 

opportunity to share thoughts, questions, etc.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Greetings to all!

The late Dorothy Day, founder of the Catholic Worker movement, spent her

life working to improve conditions for the working poor, including coal miners

of the 1940s.  Regarding their situation, Day wrote (beginning with a quote 

from then Pope Pius XII)…

"All the way to heaven is heaven, because Christ said, 'I am the Way.'" And

work should be part of heaven, not part of hell.  In the black underground

caverns where the miners lose all light of day - month after month, from

early fall till late spring - there is a glimpse of "everlasting night where no

order is and everlasting horror dwelleth."  We want to change man's work;

we want to make people question their work; is it on the way to heaven or

hell?

Man gains bread by his work.  It is his bread and wine.  It is his life.  We 

cannot emphasize the importance of work enough.  We must emphasize

the holiness of work…

(as found in Dorothy Day - Selected Writings)

The scripture lessons for Sunday, September 6…

Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23

James 2:1-10, 14-17

Matthew 20:1-16

Sunday Conversations continue this Sun, Sept 6, 10am, in Trinity Hall.  

We continue our "Living the Questions" series with conversation regarding 

"The Lives of Jesus."  Come enjoy a cup of coffee, join the conversation, 

or just listen in.

The Bluegrass Trust DeTour program will make a stop at Walnut Hill

Church on Wed, Sept 2, 5:30pm, after which participants are invited to

Jean Farris Winery.  This event is open to the public.

THE FALL POTLUCK is coming on Sun, Sept 20, Noon. Bring a salad,

side dish, or dessert, and plan to join us for this delicious Walnut Hill

tradition.

The Lexington CROP Walk will be held on Sun, Sept 27, 3pm, at Second

Presbyterian Church to raise awareness and dollars for hunger relief 

locally and around the world.

The Annual Assembly of the Kentucky Council of Churches will be held

Oct 22 & 23 at the Nazareth Retreat Center in Bardstown.  The theme of

this year's Assembly is "Religious Diversity and Interfaith Relations."  

For more information, visit the KCC website or pick up an assembly 

brochure in the Sanctuary foyer. 

A New Link has recently been added to the Walnut Hill Church website

providing access to the book, A History of Walnut Hill Presbyterian Church

(1785 - 1956).  This resource will be valuable for genealogists and 

historians.  Visit www.walnuthillchurchky.org (click on "links") to view

this resource.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward