Wednesday, September 16, 2015

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

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