Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Greetings to all!

While the world is already on to other things, the church lingers over the 

Christmas stories, exploring their various meanings.  Among them is

the "Visit of the Magi," traditionally associated with the Feast of Epiphany

(Jan 6).  We will observe Epiphany at Walnut Hill Church this Sun, Jan 3.  

Consider this excerpt from Ann Weems' poem, "The Church Year."

The church is Epiphany.

We are the Magi, searching,

resplendent in this world's accouterments

of knowledge and wealth and achievement.

But we search for something more.

And - of all unlikely places -

in a stable

the Deity appears.

The borning of our Lord

bursts in upon our ordinary lives

like fireworks in the snow.

Only God would send a little baby King,

and we are on our knees,

where we are within reach of our full personhood.

(as found in Kneeling in Bethlehem)

In Memory - Mrs. Jane Acree Scott, a member of Walnut Hill Church, 

departed this life on December 22, 2015.  Services and burial were held 

on December 28 in the Richmond Cemetery.

The scripture lessons for Sun, Jan 3, the observance of Epiphany…

Isaiah 60:1-6

Ephesians 3:1-12

Matthew 2:1-12

Men's Coffee - Walnut Hill men are invited to gather for coffee and

conversation each Saturday morning, 8am, at Paneras on Richmond

Road.  Feel free to stop by for as long or short a time as your schedule

allows.  No rsvp required.

Sunday Conversations continue this Sun, Jan 3, 10am, in Trinity

Hall.  Our conversation topic will be "Jesus and Paul," as we explore

the similarities and differences in their teachings.

Hospitality - 2016 -  The new year brings new opportunities to host our

after worship gatherings.  Visit the online sign up sheet to host a Sunday 

in early 2016.  You may also volunteer via the traditional sign up sheet in 

the Sanctuary foyer.  Thanks to all our 2015 hosts!

Refugee Ministry - Ms. Dabney Parker, KY Refugee Ministries, will be 

our guest on Sun, Jan 10, 10am, to visit with us regarding the current

refugee situation that is so much in the news these days.  She will also

share information regarding how Walnut Hill might help in this important

work.

Community Conversation - The second community conversation regarding

long range planning ideas and recommendations will be held on Sun, Jan 10, 

3pm - 5pm, in Trinity Hall.  All Walnut Hill members and friends are encouraged 

to attend.

Innkeepers Offering - Thanks to a generous turnout on Christmas Eve,

Walnut Hill will be sending $1,613 to support the Salvation Army (Lexington

Unit) in its ministry to homeless women, children, and families.

Kroger Community Rewards - Thanks to the support of 29 households,

Walnut Hill received $350 from the Kroger Community Rewards program

for the quarter year recently ended.  Contact the church office for 

information on how you can participate.

Happy New Year!

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, December 27, at Walnut Hill Church…

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Is That In the Bible?

We'll have some fun this Sunday considering some

well-known sayings and asking, "Is that in the Bible," 

or perhaps from "somewhere else."  You might

be surprised by the answers.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - My Eyes Have Seen…

Text - Luke 2:22-40

Nursery care and Sunday School for children

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for refreshments and fellowship.

Bring a plate of your leftover holiday treats to share.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Greetings to all!

Christmas has finally arrived and with it the opportunity to celebrate 

God's love for us and our love for each other.  So what actually 

happened that night/day in Bethlehem?  Consider these thoughts from

Frederick Buechner.

Who knows what the facts of Jesus' birth actually were?  As for

myself, the longer I live, the more inclined I am to believe in miracle,

the more I suspect that if we had been there at the birth, we might

well have seen and heard things that would be hard to reconcile with

modern science.  But of course that is not the point, because the

Gospel writers are not really interested primarily in the facts of the

birth but in the significance, the meaning for them of that birth, just as

the people who love us are not really interested primarily in the facts

of our births but in what it meant to them when we were born and

how for them the world was never the same again, how their whole

lives were charged with new significance.  Whether there were ten

million angels there or just the woman herself and her husband,

when that child was born the whole course of history was changed.

That is a fact as hard and blunt as any fact … And in terms of faith,

much more must be said because for faith, the birth of the child into

the darkness of the world made possible not just a new way of

understanding life but a new way of living life.

(as found in Listening to Your Life)

Thursday, December 24, Christmas Eve, at Walnut Hill Church…

*5pm - Lessons and Carols for All Ages - We will gather in

the Sanctuary for a celebration including scripture, carols, and

candlelight.  Flameless candles will be used for this service.

*9pm - Evening Prayer Fireside - We will gather around the

fireplace in Trinity Hall for a quiet, guided reflection on the meanings

of Christmas using scripture, prayer, familiar carols, and candlelight.

Arrive a few minutes early for some hot cider and cookies.

The Innkeeper's Offering will be received on Christmas Eve to

support the Salvation Army's ministry sheltering women, children,

and families.  Cash and checks payable to Walnut Hill Church are

welcome.

Men's Coffee - Walnut Hill men are invited to gather each Saturday

morning at 8am at Paneras on Richmond Road for coffee and

conversation.  Feel free to drop by for as long or short a time as

your schedule allows.  No rsvp required.

Sun, Dec 27, the 1st Sunday of Christmastide…

*10am, Sunday Conversations - "Is that in the Bible?" We

will visit some well-known sayings and ask, "Is that in the Bible,

or perhaps from somewhere else?"

*11am, Morning Worship - Nursery care and Sunday School

for children.

*Noon, After Worship Gathering - Bring a plate of your

"leftover" Christmas goodies.

Looking into the New Year…

*Sun, Jan 3 - The Observance of Epiphany, Holy Communion

*Sun, Jan 10 - Dabney Parker, KY Refugee Ministries, will visit 

with us (10am) regarding refugee resettlement and how Walnut Hill 

might participate.

*Sun, Jan 10 - Long Range Planning Forum (3pm - 5pm), a

community conversation regarding ideas and recommendations

arising from the Long Range Planning process.

Thanks to all who helped make last Sunday's Christmas Party

a festive occasion!  More than 40 persons attended this grand 

Walnut Hill tradition.

Due to the holiday schedule, the regular Friday update will be

sent on Saturday this week.

Merry Christmas!

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, December 20, at Walnut Hill Church…

THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

WALNUT HILL CHRISTMAS PARTY

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Incarnation: Divinely Human

On this Sunday before Christmas we will discuss the meanings

behind the Christmas "stories."  What were the Gospel writers

trying to say about the relationship between Jesus and God?

This conversation is part of our ongoing Living the Questions

video discussion series.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - Peace on Earth

Text - Luke 2:1-20

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children

Walnut Hill Christmas Party, 3pm - 5pm, Davis Residence

Bring an hors-d'oeuvre or dessert item and join us at the Davis

residence for this festive holiday tradition.  This gathering is 

intended for adults.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

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

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, December 13, at Walnut Hill Church…

THE THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

CHRISTMAS PAGEANT

Sunday Conversations 10am, Trinity Hall

Restoring Relationships

Our "Living the Questions" video discussion series continues 

with the topic, Restoring Relationships.  We will explore three

major biblical themes and the questions they pose for our lives:

What are our attachments?  In what ways are we separated 

from life?  What causes us to feel guilty?

Children's Pageant Preparation, 10am, Trinity Hall

All children and youth participating in Sunday's Christmas

Pageant are asked to arrive at 10am for final preparations,

costumes, etc.  Remember, there is a part for everyone in

the program! 

Note:  A Pageant Rehearsal will be held on Sat, Dec 12,

2pm, at Walnut Hill.  Your children's presence at the Saturday

rehearsal will help them be well prepared for Sunday's presentation.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - Two Songs

Text - Luke 1:39 - 56

Children's Christmas Pageant

Nursery Care for infants and young children

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for refreshments and fellowship.

Youth Christmas Party, 5:30pm, Ward Residence

Youth (middle and high school) are invited to the annual youth

Christmas party at the Ward residence (341 Albany Road).  

Youth should bring a warm winter item (cap, gloves, scarf, etc)

to share with our friends at the Catholic Action Center and a

"fun gift" ($5 value or less) for a random gift exchange.  Use

reply email to rsvp.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

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

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, December 6, at Walnut Hill Church …

THE SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT

CHRISTMAS POTLUCK

Sunday Conversations,10am, Trinity Hall

The Myth of Redemptive Violence

What does it mean to say that "Jesus died for us"? 

Is "violence" a necessary part of God's plan for our 

redemption? These, and other, questions will be our

focus as our "Living the Questions" video discussion

series continues.

Christmas Pageant Practice, 10am, Trinity Hall

Children and youth are invited to gather in Trinity Hall

as we practice the music, script, and choreography

for the Christmas Pageant on Dec 13.  There is a part

for your child/youth to play!

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - A Birth Announcement

Text - Luke 1:57-80

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children

Christmas Potluck, Noon, Trinity Hall

Bring a salad, side dish, or dessert and join us for

this delicious holiday tradition.  Meat and beverage

will be provided.

*****

Giving Tree - If you picked up a Giving Tree ornament(s)

last Sunday, please return the ornament(s) and gift

item(s) by Sunday, December 13.  Thank you!

Reflections for California

December 3, 2015

Dear Walnut Hill Friends:

In response to the horrific events in California, I am reminded of

a few verses of scripture* inviting me to …

"Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep."

Today I weep with those who mourn the loss of loved ones, who

recover from physical wounds, whose spirits have been traumatized

by these events.

"Let love be genuine … hold fast to what is good"

Now more than ever, it is important for me to affirm the goodness

of life, not only for myself, but for all people, and to do what I can to

help others experience that goodness. 

"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

I hope that fear will not prevent me from remaining open to the

world in which I live and those who share that world with me, even

as I seek to live in such a way that demonstrates the love of God

for all people.

I offer this prayer adapted from a prayer by Brother Roger of Taizé,

as found in the Book of Common Worship:

Lord Christ,

at times we are like strangers on this earth,

taken aback by all the violence.

Like a gentle breeze, breathe upon us your Spirit of peace.

Transfigure the deserts of our doubts and fears,

and so make us to be bearers of your love,

wherever you place us,

until the day when peace and love

prevail in our lives and in our world.

Amen.

Mike Ward

*scripture verses from the Letter of Paul to the Romans, chapter 12.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Greetings to all!

in the northern hemisphere, Advent corresponds with the beginning

of winter when gloom and darkness seem to have the upper hand.  The

response of Advent is a light, as fragile as a candle flame, that begins

to grow and spread.  Consider this poem by Ann Weems.

The whole world waits in December darkness

for a glimpse of the Light of God.

Even those who snarl "Humbug!"

and chase away the carolers

have been looking toward the skies.

The one who declared he never would forgive

has forgiven.

   and those who left home

have returned,

   and even wars are halted,

if briefly,

   as the whole world looks starward.

In the December darkness

we peer from our windows

   watching for an angel with rainbow wings

to announce the Hope of the World.

("In December Darkness" as found in Kneeling in Bethlehem)

The scripture lessons for Sun, Dec 6, the 2nd Sunday of Advent…

Malachi 3:1-4

Philippians 1:3-11

Luke 1:68-79

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, 10am, in Trinity Hall.

We continue our Living the Questions series with the topic, "The

Myth of Redemptive Violence."

Pageant Rehearsal - Children and youth are invited to gather this

Sun, Dec 6, 10am, in Trinity Hall for a first rehearsal of our upcoming

Christmas pageant (Dec 13).  There are "parts" for all children and

youth.  The children/youth will continue their pageant practice during

the 11am Sunday School hour.  Use reply email if you have any

questions regarding your child's participation.

THE CHRISTMAS POTLUCK is this Sun, Dec 6, immediately after

morning worship (Noon), in Trinity Hall.  Bring a salad, side dish, or

dessert, and join us for this delicious holiday tradition.

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.

The Giving Tree - Thanks to all who picked up Giving Tree ornaments

last Sunday.  Please remember to return your gift item(s) to the Giving

Tree by Sun, Dec 13.

Holiday Season Schedule:

Sun, Dec 6, Noon - Christmas Potluck

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

Lost and Found - A piece of jewelry was found in the church parking

area last Sunday.  If you are missing a piece of jewelry, please contact

the church office.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward