Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, November 29, at Walnut Hill Church …

THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Evil, Suffering and a God of Love

We continue the "Living the Questions" video discussion

series exploring the age-old question of "theodicy."  How 

can God be good, while at the same time evil and suffering 

exist in the world, and in our lives?

Children's Choir, 10am, Trinity Hall

Children (thru elementary age) are invited to gather for

music and singing in anticipation of their Christmas 

presentation on December 13.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - The End of the World

Text - Luke 21:25-36

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for refreshments and fellowship.

*****

The Giving Tree is up in Trinity Hall decorated with

ornaments inviting gifts to support the Nathaniel Mission's

ministry this holiday season.  Pick up an ornament(s),

purchase the suggested items, and return them to the

church by Dec 13.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Greetings to all!

In light of the holiday, this week's letter is being sent a day early.  It is

easy to overlook Thanksgiving on the way to Christmas and New Year's

Day.  Yet, thanksgiving, or gratitude, is an important quality to nurture

and practice.  In her book, The Cup of Our Life, Joyce Rupp observes…

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 more gratitude for our blessings.

Andrew Harvey writes…that if we were really looking at this world,

we would be moved a hundred times a day by the flowers at the side

of the road, the people we meet, by all that brings us messages of our

own goodness and the goodness of all things.  To be grateful is to

affirm goodness wherever we find it.  The problem with being grateful

is not the lack of countless blessings, the problem is with being

inattentive and unaware of these blessings.

One practice that has helped to reawaken my gratitude when my

thankfulness has grown lean is to take one of my five external 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 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.

The scripture lessons for Sun, Nov 29, the First Sunday of Advent…

Jeremiah 33:14-16

Psalm 25:1-10

1 Thessalonians 3:9-13

Luke 21:25-36

Sunday Conversations continue this Sun, Nov 29, 10am, in Trinity

Hall.  We continue the "Living the Questions" video discussion series.

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

Children's Choir - Children (thru elementary age) are invited to gather

this Sun, Nov 29, 10am, in Trinity Hall.  The children are preparing for

their Christmas presentation on Dec 13.

Holiday Giving -Take note of the following special giving opportunities 

available this holiday season as part of Walnut Hill's partnership with the 

Nathaniel Mission.

*The Giving Tree will be up in Trinity Hall beginning Nov 29 with 

"ornaments" inviting gifts of socks, caps, gloves, etc.  Stop by, pick up an 

ornament, purchase the suggested items, and return them by Dec 13.

*Christmas Backpacks - Walnut Hill is sponsoring 20 backpacks 

($25/each) for homeless individuals around Lexington.  The Nathaniel 

Mission will use our sponsorship donations to purchase the backpacks and 

their contents.  Make your check payable to Walnut Hill Church, designated 

"Christmas Backpacks."

Walnut Hill "Cookie Swap" - Thanks to all of our cookie makers and

tasters who contributed to last Sunday's "cookie swap."  The cookie

recipes are being collected into a Walnut Hill "Cookie Book."  You may still 

submit cookie recipes by placing them in the basket in the Sanctuary foyer.

The Christmas Potluck is coming on Sun, Dec 6, immediately after morning 

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

Walnut Hill tradition.

Advent/Christmas Dates to remember:

Sun, Dec 6, Noon - Christmas season potluck

Sun, Dec 13, 11am - Children's Christmas presentation

Sun, Dec 13, 5:30pm - Youth Christmas party

Sun, Dec 20, 11am - Christmas Communion

Sun, Dec 20, 3pm - Christmas Party

Thu, Dec 24, 5pm - Family Christmas Eve Worship

Thu, Dec 24, 9pm - Chistmas Eve Evening Prayer

Happy Thanksgiving!

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, November 22, at Walnut Hill Church …

THE SUNDAY OF CHRIST THE KING

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Living the Questions

We return to the video discussion series, Living the Questions,

which invites participants to reflect upon and discuss questions 

of faith in our 21st century context. 

Children's Choir, 10am, Trinity Hall

Children (thru elementary age) are invited to gather for music

and singing in preparation for their Christmas presentation on

Sunday, December 13.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - What Is Truth?

Text - John 18:33-38a

Nursery Care and Sunday School for children and youth.

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for refreshments and fellowship.

"Walnut Hill Cookie Swap" during the after worship gathering.

Cookie bakers are invited to bring 1 dozen of their favorite 

cookies, along with the recipe. The recipes will be gathered 

and compiled into a "Cookie Cook Book" for Walnut Hill members 

and friends.  If you are not a cookie baker, simply come and 

enjoy the cookies!

Thanksgiving Worship, 6pm, Quinn Chapel AME

The Southside Ecumenical Cooperative (including Walnut Hill) is 

sponsoring Thanksgiving worship at Quinn Chapel AME Church

(744 Charles Ave). An offering will be received to benefit the

Catholic Action Center.  Non-perishable food items (to benefit

God's Pantry) are also welcome.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Greetings to all!

This Sunday, November 22, is the Sunday of Christ the King, an opportunity to

consider what our lives and the world might be like if (when) the Way of Christ 

is given full expression within and among us.  Jesus never claimed such "kingship" 

for himself, but we ascribe it to him as a declaration of our allegiance to the Way of 

Love for God and neighbor.  In these days of competing allegiances, including 

potentially destructive ones, the Way of Love seems a worthwhile focus for our 

heart, mind, soul, and strength.   

The scripture lessons for Sunday, November 22, Christ the King…

2 Samuel 23:1-7

Revelation 1:4-8

John 18:33-38a

Sunday Conversations continue this Sun, Nov 22, 10am, in Trinity Hall.  This 

Sunday we return to the "Living the Questions" video discussion series.  Come 

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

Children's Choir - Children (thru elementary age) are invited to gather for music 

and singing this Sun, Nov 22, 10am, in Trinity Hall as they prepare for the Children's 

Christmas Pageant on December 13.

"Walnut Hill Cookie Swap" during the after worship gathering this Sun, Nov 22.  

Cookie bakers are invited to bring 1 dozen of their favorite cookies, along with the 

recipe. The recipes will be gathered and compiled into a "Cookie Cook Book" for 

Walnut Hill members and friends.  If you are not a cookie baker, simply come and 

enjoy the cookies!

Ecumenical Thanksgiving Worship - The Southside Ecumenical Cooperative

(including Walnut Hill) is sponsoring Thanksgiving worship on Sun, Nov 22, 6pm,

 at Quinn Chapel AME Church (744 Charles Ave).  An offering will be received to 

benefit the Catholic Action Center.  Non-perishable food items (to benefit God's Pantry) 

are also welcome.

Holiday Giving -Take note of the following special giving opportunities available

this holiday season as part of Walnut Hill's partnership with the Nathaniel Mission.

*Thanksgiving Stuffing/Dressing - Fully funded, Thank you!

*The Giving Tree will be up in Trinity Hall beginning Nov 29 with "ornaments"

inviting gifts of socks, caps, gloves, etc.  Stop by, pick up an ornament, purchase the

suggested items, and return them by Dec 13.

*Christmas Backpacks - Walnut Hill is sponsoring 20 backpacks ($25/each) for 

homeless individuals around Lexington.  The Nathaniel Mission will use our sponsorship

donations to purchase the backpacks and their contents.  Make your check payable to 

Walnut Hill Church, designated "Christmas Backpacks."

A Community Conversation was held this past Sunday, Nov 15, to receive and

discuss ideas gathered by the Long Range Planning Committee.  Thanks to the 30

persons who participated.  Copies of the meeting presentation are available in 

the Sanctuary foyer and by request from the church office.

Exploring Our Spirituality, season 8, concluded this week.  Thanks to all who

participated through attendance on Sunday morning, leadership/hosting/participation 

in an EOS small group, and/or individual study and reflection.  Watch for EOS to return 

next spring!

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, November 15, at Walnut Hill Church …

EXPLORING OUR SPIRITUALITY

"FOLLOWING JESUS: A NEW LOOK"

Week 6 - "Following Jesus Today"

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall 

Christianity as a Spiritual Path

What is the essence of the Christian tradition, a set of

beliefs or a way of practice?  We will explore this question

beginning with a brief video featuring the late theologian,

Marcus Borg. 

Children's Choir, 10am, Trinity Hall

Children through elementary age are invited to gather

for music and singing in preparation for their Christmas

presentation on December 13.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - I Call Myself a Christian

Text - Mark 1:16-20

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for refreshments and fellowship.

A Community Conversation, 3:30pm - 5:00pm, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for conversation about worship,

education, and fellowship at Walnut Hill.  The long range

planning team will share goals, ideas, and recommendations

gathered over the last several months.  Your responses,

questions, and additional ideas are welcome.

A Community Conversation

Dear Walnut Hill Members and Friends:

You are invited to a community conversation this 

Sunday, November 15, 3:30pm - 5:00pm, at Walnut 

Hill Church. Nursery care for young children will 

be provided.

The topic of Sunday's conversation will be worship,

education, and fellowship at Walnut Hill Church.

The Long Range Planning Team will present ideas, 

recommendations, and goals gathered and developed 

over the last several months. You are invited to share 

your responses, questions, and ideas.

Future conversations (dates to be announced) will 

include areas of community, leadership, governance, 

buildings, and grounds.

We hope to see you Sunday afternoon!

Peace,

Mike Ward

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Greetings to all!

Today is Veterans Day, an occasion to remember and thank men and women who have 

served our country in various times and places.  It is also an occasion to consider our 

responsibility to those whose service has left them injured in body or spirit.  Thinking 

about that responsibility I am reminded of the words of Abraham Lincoln from his Second 

Inaugural Address.

With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to 

see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation's wounds; 

to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan - to do 

all which may achieve and cherish a just, and a lasting peace, among ourselves, and with 

all nations.

The scripture lessons for Sunday, November 15…

Mark 1:16-20; 2:13-14

John 1:35-51; 4:1-42

Sunday Conversations continue this Sun, Nov 15, 10am, in Trinity Hall as we conclude 

our discussions prompted by the EOS season theme, "Following Jesus:  A New Look."  

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

Children's Choir - Children (thru elementary age) are invited to gather for music and 

singing this Sun, Nov 15, 10am, in Trinity Hall as they prepare for the Children's 

Christmas Pageant on December 13.

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.

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 Congregational Meeting was held last Sunday, November 8, including the

election of Vestry members and officers and the approval of the 2016 budget and pastor's

terms of call.  If you happened to miss the meeting, you may pick up a meeting packet

in the foyer of the Sanctuary or request one by reply email.

Looking Ahead:

*Sun, Nov 22 -  "Walnut Hill Cookie Swap" during the after worship gathering.  You

are invited to bring 1 dozen of your favorite cookies, along with the recipe.  Our host for the day,

Ginger Martin, will gather the recipes and compile a "Cookie Cook Book" for Walnut Hill

members and friends.

*Sun, Nov 22, 6pm - Ecumenical Thanksgiving Worship at Quinn Chapel AME

Church (744 Charles Ave).

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, November 8, at Walnut Hill Church…

EXPLORING OUR SPIRITUALITY

"FOLLOWING JESUS: A NEW LOOK"

Week 5 - Jesus Taught: The Great Commandments

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Response Ability

We will explore the notion of "compassion" beginning

with a brief video presentation by the Scottish poet and

scholar John Philip Newell.

Children's Choir, 10am, Trinity Hall

Children (thru elementary age) are invited to gather

for music and singing in preparation for their Christmas

presentation on Sunday, December 13.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - Loving Our Enemies

Text - Matthew 5:43-48

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children

Congregational Meeting, Noon, Sanctuary

The annual meeting of the congregation of Walnut Hill

Church will be held immediately after morning worship.

Business items include the election of Vestry members

and officers, as well as presentation of the 2016 budget 

and pastor's terms of call.  All Walnut Hill Church Members 

and Friends are encouraged to attend.

Youth Gathering, 5:30pm, Trinity Hall

Youth (middle and high school) are invited to gather

for a meal and activities.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Greetings to all!

   In her memoir, The Spiral Staircase, scholar and author Karen Armstrong shares 

her discovery of "compassion" as a potential unifying theme across religious traditions.

   My life changed after the publication of A History of God.  The book was a success … 

and I began to travel widely.  But my work continued to revolve around the centrality of 

compassion. When I wrote an essay about Genesis in In the Beginning, I found that the 

struggle to achieve harmonious relations with our fellows brings human beings into God's 

presence; that when Abraham entertained three strangers, making room for them in his 

home and giving them all the refreshment he could on their journey, this act of practical

compassion led directly to a divine encounter…I learned that the practice of compassion 

and social justice had been central to the cult of [Jerusalem] from the earliest times, and 

was especially evident in Judaism and Islam. I discovered that in all three of the religions 

of Abraham, fundamentalist movements distort the tradition they are trying to defend by 

emphasizing the belligerent elements in their tradition and overlooking the insistent and

crucial demand for compassion.

(Armstrong followed up her discovery by promoting the "Charter for Compassion" , which 

has been adopted by numerous communities around the world.)

The scripture lessons for Sunday, November 8 …

-Luke 10:25-37

-Matthew 5:43-48

Sunday Conversations continue this Sun, Nov 8, 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 Great Commandments."  

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 8, 10am, in Trinity Hall for music and singing in anticipation of the children's 

Christmas presentation on Dec 13.

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 Church

Members and Friends are encouraged to attend.

Youth (middle and high school) are invited to gather for a meal and activities this 

Sunday, November 8, 5:30 - 7:00pm, at Walnut Hill.

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.

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 .

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

.