Greetings to all!
We begin our reflection on the Nativity being reminded by Thomas Merton
how hard it can be to even hear the "good tidings of great joy." (Luke 2)
In the massed crowd there are always new tidings of joy and disaster.
Where each new announcement is the greatest of announcements, where
every day's disaster is beyond compare, every day's danger demands the
ultimate sacrifice, all news and all judgment is reduced to zero. News
becomes merely a new noise in the mind, briefly replacing the noise that
went before it and yielding to the noise that comes after it, so that eventually
everything blends into the same monotonous and meaningless rumor. News?
There is so much news that there is no room left for the true tidings, the
"Good News," The Great Joy … Hence The Great Joy is announced, after
all, in silence, loneliness and darkness, to shepherds "living in the fields"
or "living in the countryside" and apparently unmoved by the rumors or the
massed crowds. These are the remnant of the desert-dwellers, the
nomads, the true Israel.
(from "The Time of the End Is the Time of No Room")
The scripture lessons for Sunday, Dec 20, the 4th Sunday of Advent…
Isaiah 9:2-17
Titus 3:4-7
Luke 2:1-20
Christmas Communion will be celebrated this Sun, Dec 20, 11am, during
morning worship.
Sunday Conversations continue this Sun, Dec 20, 10am, in Trinity Hall.
We continue our Living the Questions series with the focus topic being,
"Incarnation: Divinely Human." Come enjoy a cup of coffee, join the
conversation, or just listen in.
The Walnut Hill Christmas Party will be held this Sun, Dec 20, 3pm - 5pm,
at the Davis residence. Bring an hors-oeuvre item and join us for this
festive holiday tradition. This gathering is intended for adults.
Christmas Eve (Thu, Dec 24) at Walnut Hill Church…
*5pm - Family Service - a festive gathering for all ages including
readings, carols, and candlelight. (in the Sanctuary)
*9pm - Evening Prayer - a reflective gathering for older youth and adults
including readings, carols, and candlelight. (fireside in Trinity Hall)
Poinsettias -Please use reply email If you would like to "sponsor a poinsettia"
to help underwrite the cost of our Sanctuary Christmas decorations. Your
sponsorship may be in memory or honor of someone special to you.
Sponsorship is $20. Deadline to notify us of your sponsorship is Friday,
December 18.
Thanks to …
….children, youth and adults for the wonderful Christmas music and
pageant presented last Sunday morning, Dec 13.
…fifteen youth who gathered for a festive Christmas party last Sunday
evening, Dec 13.
…all our Giving Tree participants who helped provide a car-full of items
for the Nathaniel Mission, as well as gift cards and bus passes. The Mission
will distribute these items during the holiday season.
Peace to all.
Mike Ward
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