Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Greetings to all!

Jesus was remembered as proclaiming the "Kingdom of God," or God's reign, 
which if fully experienced would be something like "heaven on earth."  It is 
what we pray for each Sunday, and other times, when we speak the Lord's Prayer.  
It is what we demonstrate, if only in passing, any time we live with love for our 
neighbors and ourselves.  It is part of our tradition to believe that while we occasionally 
glimpse the Kingdom of God, those who have gone before us know it fully.  With 
Christ's proclamation of the Kingdom in mind, and with All Saints' Day in mind, 
consider these words from St. Augustine.

Let us sing alleluia here on earth, while we still live in anxiety, so that we may 
sing it one day in heaven in full security…We shall have no enemies in heaven, 
we shall never lose a friend.  God's praises are sung both there and here, but 
here they are sung in anxiety, there in security; here they are sung by those 
destined to die, there, by those destined to live forever; here they are sung in 
hope, there in hope's fulfillment; here, they are sung by wayfarers, there, by those 
living in their own country.  So then … let us sing now, not in order to enjoy a
life of leisure, but in order to lighten our labors.  You should sing as wayfarers do - 
sing, but continue your journey … Sing then, but keep going.

The scripture lessons for Sunday, November 1, All Saints' Day…
John 17:1-26
Luke 17:20-21

Sunday Conversations continue this Sun, Nov 1, 10am, in Trinity Hall. Our 
conversation is guided by the current EOS theme, Following Jesus: A New Look
with particular attention to the topic "Jesus Taught: The Kingdom of God."  Come 
enjoy a cup of coffee, join the conversation, or just listen in.

Children's Choir: Children (through elementary age) are invited to gather this Sun, 
Nov 1, 10am, in Trinity Hall for music and singing in anticipation of the children's 
Christmas presentation on Dec 13.

EOS FALL 2015 Exploring Our Spirituality, "Following Jesus - A New Look,"
including Sunday Conversations, morning worship, individual study, and small 
group fellowship is ongoing. To view an online version of this fall's workbook, visit
 EOS Fall 2015 Workbook .  EOS season sermon recordings are available via the 
Walnut Hill website, Audio Recordings .

The Annual Meeting of the Congregation of Walnut Hill Church will be held on
Sunday, November 8, immediately after morning worship.   The primary items
of business include the election of Vestry members and officers, the presentation
of the 2016 budget, and action on the Pastor's terms of call.  All Walnut Hill
Members and Friends are encouraged to attend.

A Community Conversation will be held on Sunday, Nov 15, 3:30 - 5:00pm 
to receive and discuss goals, objectives, and ideas that have been gathered
over the last several months by the Long Range Planning Committee.  The
Nov 15 conversation will focus on the areas of Worship, Education, and Fellowship.
Future conversations will focus on areas of Leadership, Governance, Buildings,
and Grounds.  All Walnut Hill Members and Friends are encouraged to attend.
Your ideas and thoughts are needed.  Nursery care will be provided.

Thanksgiving Dressing - The holiday season is upon us, and once again 
Walnut Hill has been asked to provide the stuffing/dressing for the Nathaniel
Mission Community Thanksgiving Meal.  We have agreed to provide 80 pounds
of dressing for the 300 or so persons who will be attending.  We are seeking
16 sponsors ($20/each) to underwrite the cost.  Make checks payable to 
Walnut Hill Church (designated "dressing").

Peace to all.

Mike Ward








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