Greetings to all!
In her book, Amazing Grace, Kathleen Norris reflects on the person
of Mary, particularly the way Mary is presented in the church's theology
and art …
No small part of Mary's emotional weight for many women is the way
in which the church has so often used her as an ideal of passive,
submissive femininity. But others claim her as a model of strength.
I treasure Mary as a biblical interpreter, one who heard and believed
what God told her, and who pondered God's promise in her heart,
even when, as the Gospel of Luke describes it, it pierced her soul
like a sword. This is hardly passivity, but the kind of faith that sustains
Christian discipleship. Mary's life is as powerful an evocation of what
it means to be God's chosen as the life of Moses or Paul. In a recent
talk on Mary, Ruth Fox … reclaims Mary as a strong peasant woman
and asks why, in art and statuary, she is almost always presented
"as a teenage beauty queen, forever eighteen years old and perfectly
manicured"…I wonder if, as Christians, both Protestant and Catholic,
seek to reclaim Mary of scripture, we may well require more depictions
of her as a robust, and even muscular, woman, in both youth and old age.
The scripture lesson for Sun, Dec 13, the 3rd Sunday of Advent…
Luke 1:39-56
The Children's Christmas Pageant will be held this Sun, Dec 13,
during morning worship (11am). To prepare for their presentation,
children/youth are asked to attend a rehearsal: 2pm, Sat, Dec 12,
at Walnut Hill. There are parts for all Walnut Hill children and youth!
Sunday Conversations continue this Sun, Dec 13, 10am, in the
upstairs office of Trinity Hall. We continue our Living the Questions
series with this Sunday's focus, "Restoring Relationships." Come,
enjoy a cup of coffee, join the conversation, or just listen in.
Giving Tree - Persons who picked up Giving Tree "ornaments" are
asked to return the ornaments, along with the suggested gifts, by
this Sun, Dec 13. Thanks!
Youth Christmas Party - Youth (middle & high school) are invited
to gather this Sun, Dec 13, 5:30pm, at the Ward residence
(341 Albany Rd) for their annual Christmas Party. Bring a winter
warmth item (sock hat, gloves, etc) for our neighbors at the
Catholic Action Center and a "fun gift" ($5 value or less) for a
random gift exchange. Use reply email to rsvp.
The Walnut Hill Christmas Party will be held on Sun, Dec 20,
3pm - 5pm, at the Davis residence. Bring an hors-d'oeuvre item and
join us for this festive holiday tradition. This gathering is intended
for adults.
Christmas Poinsettias - You may "sponsor" a poinsettia for this
season's Sanctuary decorations. Sponsorships ($20/plant) help us
underwrite the cost of our traditional Sanctuary decorations. Make
your check payable to Walnut Hill designated, "Poinsettia." Let us
know if your sponsorship is in memory/honor of someone, and we
will be happy to acknowledge it. Sponsors are welcome to take their
plants home after worship on Dec 27.
Holiday Season Schedule:
Sat, Dec 12, 2pm - Christmas Pageant Rehearsal
Sun, Dec 13, 11am - Christmas Pageant
Sun, Dec 13, 5:30pm - Youth Christmas Party
Sun, Dec 20, 11am - Christmas Communion
Sun, Dec 20, 3pm - Christmas Party for adults
Thu, Dec 24, 5pm - Christmas Eve Family Service
Thu, Dec 24, 9pm - Christmas Eve Evening Prayer
Thanks to all who attended the Christmas potluck this past Sunday
including our hosts, chefs, and diners. Approximately 70 persons
attended this festive gathering!
Lost and Found - A piece of jewelry was recently found in the church
parking area. If you are missing a piece of jewelry, please contact the
church office.
Peace to all.
Mike Ward
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