Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Greetings to all!

This Sunday, February 7, is the Sunday of the Transfiguration of the Lord, remembering 
that day when several disciples witnessed the transfiguration of Jesus.  At first hearing, it all 
seems out of this world and far removed from our experience, but maybe not.  I am reminded 
of Thomas Merton's experience on 4th Street in Louisville in which an entire crowd of ordinary 
people were transfigured in his sight.

In Louisville, at the corner of Fourth and Walnut, in the center of the shopping district, I was 
suddenly overwhelmed with the realization that I loved all these people, that they were mine 
and I theirs, that we could not be alien to one another even though we were total strangers…
And if only everybody could realize this!  But it cannot be explained.  There is no way of telling 
people that they are all walking around shining like the sun.  Then it was as if I suddenly saw 
the secret beauty of their hearts, the depths of their hearts where neither sin nor desire nor 
self-knowledge can reach, the core of their reality, the person that each one is in God's eyes.  
If only they could all see themselves as they really are.  If only we could see each other that way 
all the time.  There would be no more war, no more hatred, no more cruelty, no more greed…
(from Conjectures of a Guilty Bystander)

The scripture lessons for Sunday, February 7, the Transfiguration of the Lord…
Exodus 34:29-35
2 Corinthians 3:12 - 4:2
Luke 9:28-36

Sunday Conversations continue this Sun, Feb 7, 10am, in Trinity Hall.  We continue our 
Living the Questions video discussion series.  This week's topic: "Reclaiming the World." 
Come enjoy a cup of coffee, join the conversation, or just listen in.

"God's Book: The Bible" concludes this Sun, Feb 7, 10am, in Trinity Hall, for children 
through elementary age.  This four week series will make the Bible more accessible 
and usable for children. Parents/grandparents are welcome to sit in on the classes. 
Nursery care is available for younger siblings.

The "Souper" Bowl is coming to Walnut Hill on Sun, Feb 7, Noon.  Bring your appetite
and a donation to support hunger relief efforts in central and eastern Kentucky.  We are
also looking for soup chefs who would like to donate a pot of soup for the occasion.
The Souper Bowl is sponsored by the Walnut Hill youth.

Telling Your Life Story - David Sharrard is offering an opportunity for Walnut Hill 
members and friends to explore a life review during Lent.  A life review is a process 
through which people share their life journey and faith stories, helping them find meaning 
and affirm their lives.  Five sessions are anticipated during Lent (days/times to be 
announced).  Use reply email or talk to David for more information and/or to indicate your 
interest in participating.

The One Great Hour of Sharing offering is coming during Lent (beginning Feb 10). The
OGHS works like this:  Place a collection box on the primary dining table of your home.
At one meal each day when the members of your household are together, each person
places a coin in the collection box.  On Easter Sunday, bring your collected coins to 
Walnut Hill, and they will be sent to support disaster and hunger relief, water projects, 
and human empowerment around the world.  For more information, visit this link:  OGHS .

For Youth:  The Camp Burnamwood Bowl-a-Thon is coming on Sunday, February 21.
Watch for more details.

In the Community: The Lexington Tennis Club and the Kids Cancer Alliance are 
hosting the 7th Annual Indian Summer Camp Tennis Tournament on Fri, Feb 5, at the
Lexington Tennis Club, to support the camp program for pediatric cancer patients and 
survivors. Visit  Kids Cancer Alliance for more details. 

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

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