Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Greetings to all!

Among the various politicians, lawyers, planters and civic leaders who signed
the Declaration of Independence was a clergyman, the Rev. John Witherspoon, 
who at the time was serving as President of the College of New Jersey (later known
as Princeton University).  Regarding matters of freedom, liberty, the nation and 
faith, the following are a few of the Rev. Witherspoon's thoughts:

"There is not a single instance in history in which liberty was lost and religious
liberty preserved entire.  If therefore we yield up our temporal property, we at the
same time deliver the conscience into bondage."

"The knowledge of God and his truths have from the beginning of the world been
chiefly, if not entirely, confined to those parts of the earth where some degree of
liberty and political justice were to be seen, and great were the difficulties with
which they had to struggle, from the imperfection of human society, and the
unjust decisions of usurped authority."

"You are all my witnesses, that this is the first time of my introducing any political
subject into the pulpit.  At this season, however, it is not only lawful but necessary,
and I willingly embrace the opportunity of declaring my opinion, without any
hesitation, that the cause in which America is now in arms, is the cause of justice,
of liberty, and of human nature."
(as found on the website, "foundingfatherquotes")

The scripture lessons for Sunday, July 3, 2016, Independence Day weekend…
Micah 6:1-8
Romans 13:1-7
Mark 12:13-17

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, July 3, 10am, in Trinity Hall. We will 
continue our conversation titled "Memories, Conversions and Convictions…"  Come 
enjoy a cup of coffee, join the conversation, or just listen in.

Friday Prayers - Following up from our Sunday message a couple weeks ago,
Mike Ward will be visiting the Bilal Mosque in Lexington for their Friday Prayers
this Friday, July 1.  Contact Mike if you would like to join him for this visit or for
information about visiting on your own some other time.

The Walnut Hill Bike Ride is coming on Saturday, July 16.  This is an annual 
event offering hospitality for cyclists of all ages and skill levels while raising money 
to provide commuter bikes to refugee families.  Rides of various lengths, as well 
as a "family fun ride" on Walnut Hill Rd, will be available.  Helmets are required
for all cyclists.  Come and enjoy the ride and/or serve as a hospitality volunteer.
Watch for more details.

West Virginia Flood Relief - Persons attending Walnut Hill this Sun, July 3, will
have opportunity to donate toward flood relief for our neighbors in West Virginia.
All funds donated this Sunday will go to the affected area via Presbyterian 
Disaster Assistance.  PDA teams are on the ground now assessing immediate
and longer term needs.

Hope Center - As you prepare for summer travel, keep in mind that Walnut Hill
is collecting "travel size" toiletry items for our neighbors at the Hope Center.
Look for the collection box in the Sanctuary foyer.

Vestry News:  At its meeting on June 26, the Vestry acted to retain the services
of Mark Yanik (landscape architect) and Gail Moses (Regency Interiors) to assist 
Walnut Hill in exploring landscape needs (e.g. parking/driveway improvement and 
tree planting) and implementing dual usage (with the Day School) of Trinity Hall 
classrooms. Ideas and recommendations will be shared with the congregation at an 
upcoming congregational forum.  In meantime, feel free to contact any member of 
the Vestry if you have questions regarding the work ongoing.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward


Friday, June 24, 2016

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, June 26, at Walnut Hill Church…

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Memories, Conversions, Convictions…  (part 1)

We will view the first part of a video by Marcus Borg in 
which he reviewed the changes in faith and belief he had 
experienced in his life.  The video and conversation will 
invite similar reflection regarding our own lives.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - Breaking the Cycle
Text - Luke 9:51-56

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for fellowship and refreshments.

*****

The Vestry will meet at 10am in the upstairs office
of Trinity Hall.

*****

Hope Center - During these summer Sundays you
are welcome to bring travel size toiletry items for our
neighbors at the Hope Center .  Look for the collection
box in the Sanctuary Foyer.

 

Wednesday, June 22, 2016

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, June 22, 2016

Greetings to all!

Perhaps you have heard about the drama unfolding at an Antarctic research 
station as pilots attempt a daring evacuation of one, maybe two, researchers
who are seriously ill.  It is the stuff movies are made of.  It is also the "stuff"
human beings are made of at our best.  In a time when so much attention is
given to the worst of human behavior, it is good to be reminded of the lengths
people will go to help others.  The truth is that such acts of kindness are ongoing
all the time, often in our own lives, and often without being known to anyone 
beyond those immediately involved.  I give thanks for those who, at this moment, 
are offering, even risking, themselves to help others, whether it be at some remote 
location or in a neighborhood nearby.  May we all be inspired to act in kind, whether 
in ordinary or extraordinary situations.

The scripture lessons for Sunday, June 26…
2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14
Galatians 5:1, 13-25
Luke 9:51-62

A Summer Evening Together is on for Wednesday, June 22, 6:00pm - 7:45pm,
rain or shine.  We'll provide the hamburgers, hot dogs, and beverages.  Bring a 
cookout side dish or dessert.  After dinner we'll have some "fun" activities and 
close our gathering with evening prayer.  All ages are invited. Use reply email
to let us know if you plan to attend.

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, June 26, as we view and
discuss a video presentation by Marcus Borg titled, "Memories, Conversions,
and Convictions: Thinking About Our Journey."  Come enjoy a cup of coffee,
join the conversation, or just listen in.

The Walnut Hill Bike Ride is coming on Saturday, July 16.  This is an annual 
event offering hospitality for cyclists of all ages and skill levels while raising money 
to provide commuter bikes to refugee families.  Rides of various lengths, as well 
as a "family fun ride" on Walnut Hill Rd, will be available.  Helmets are required
for all cyclists.  Come and enjoy the ride and/or serve as a hospitality volunteer.
Watch for more details.

Hope Center - As you prepare for summer travel, keep in mind that Walnut Hill
is collecting "travel size" toiletry items for our neighbors at the Hope Center.
Look for the collection box in the Sanctuary foyer.

Kroger Community Rewards - Thanks to the participation of 29 households,
Walnut Hill is receiving $345 through the Kroger Rewards Program for the 3-months
just ended.  Visit community rewards or call the church office for information
on how you can participate.

Don't forget Walnut Hill during the Summer - While summer schedules often 
include special activities and trips, don't forget …
…that Sunday School is ongoing for children during the summer months.
…that our worship is strengthened by your presence.
…that the church's operating expenses are ongoing even when you can
not be with us.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward




Friday, June 17, 2016

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, June 19, at Walnut Hill Church…

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

The Gospel of John

We will view and discuss a portion of John Spong's lecture on 
the Gospel of John, focusing on Jesus's life and crucifixion as 
a metaphor for how we can become fully human (loving) persons. 
In Spong's view, the cross is not about Jesus dying for our sins, 
but rather a sign that Jesus came to offer us  "abundant life."

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - Living In This Age
Text - Romans 12:1-2, 9-21
(in response to Orlando)

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for fellowship and refreshments.

****

Over these summer Sundays you are welcome to bring
"travel size" toiletry items for persons served by the
Hope Center .  Look for the collection box in the Sanctuary
foyer.

 

Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Greetings to all!

I have been thinking about the relationship between violence, hatred and fear.  I find 
myself agreeing with Thomas Merton that fear is a root cause of hatred, which often 
leads to violence of one sort or another.  Perhaps those who act out in violence are 
fearful of someone, or some group, or even some idea.  They come to hate the one(s) 
they fear, and in some cases seek to destroy the object(s) of their fear.  No wonder the 
scriptures so often counsel us not to be afraid, for the fruit of fear is hate, and the fruit 
of hate is violence.  Therefore, even in the wake of indescribable violence, let us not be 
afraid, lest we also find ourselves thinking and acting in ways that we can hardly imagine, 
individually and as a people.

The scripture lesson for Sunday, June 19, 2016
Romans 12:1-2, 9-21
(in response to the events in Orlando)

A Memorial Service for Dr. John Cole will be held at Walnut Hill Church on Saturday,
June 18, 11am.  Visitation will follow the service.  See John R. Cole for his obituary.

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, June 19, 10am, in Trinity Hall.  We 
continue our exploration of the "Gospel of John" as guided by Bishop John Spong.
Come enjoy a cup of coffee, join the conversation, or just listen in.

A SUMMER EVENING TOGETHER - Wednesday, June 22, 6pm - All ages are invited 
to gather for an evening of food and fellowship on June 22.  We'll fire up the grill for 
hamburgers and hot dogs.  Bring a "cookout" side dish or dessert. We will share some 
"fun activities" together and close the gathering with evening prayer (around 7:45pm).  
We look forward to seeing you there.  Use reply email or call the church office
(859-263-5304) to let us know of your plans to attend.

Resettlement Update - It is hard to believe that the Al-Nawasra family has now been
in Lexington for six weeks.  With the help of several Walnut Hill folks and Kentucky
Refugee Ministries, they continue to work on language and other skills needed to
function well in American society.  Continue to keep the family in your good thoughts
and prayers.  Use reply email if you would like information on how you might help
in their settling in.

The Walnut Hill Bike Ride is coming on Saturday, July 16.  This is an annual event
offering hospitality for cyclists of all ages and skill levels while raising money to provide
commuter bikes to refugee families.  Watch for more information on how you can 
participate as a cyclist and/or a volunteer.

The Hope Center - As you travel, or prepare for travel, this summer, remember that
we are gathering "travel size" toiletry items for our homeless neighbors who are served
by the Hope Center.  Place your donations in the collection box located in the 
Sanctuary foyer.  Visit The Hope Center for more information regarding its ministry.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward




Monday, June 13, 2016

A Prayer for These Days

June 13, 2016

Dear Walnut Hill Members and Friends,

Once again our nation is reeling from an event of mass violence 
combining themes of terror and hate, this one in Orlando, Florida.  
The investigation continues; the analysis and pronouncements begin.

In the midst of it all, I invite us to prayer for the grieving, the injured,
those traumatized, as well as those who, for whatever reason, act
out in violence toward others.

As a father has compassion upon his children,
and as a mother comforts her children,
so I will comfort you, says the Lord.
Gracious God, we pray comfort for the grieving,
healing for those injured in body or spirit,
hope for those whose lives have been shattered.
We pray a new heart for those consumed by hatred.
Be with our nation, to respond with wisdom and courage.
Be with your people, to offer words and deeds 
of peace, compassion and understanding.
In the name and spirit of Christ we pray.  Amen.

We will certainly be reflecting on these events next Sunday.
Between now and then, please feel free to contact me if some
individual pastoral conversation would be helpful for you.

Peace be with you.

Mike Ward
859-263-5304

Friday, June 10, 2016

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, June 12, at Walnut Hill Church…

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

The Gospel of John

We will explore the Gospel of John beginning with a video
by Bishop John Spong focusing on this gospel's unique
narrative style and theology.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - Genuine Hospitality
Text - Luke 7:36-50

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for fellowship and refreshments.

****

This is the final Sunday to bring leftover fabric, yarn,
thread, etc for donation to Project Linus .  Your donations
will be used to make blankets, etc, for children in shelters,
hospitals and the like.  Look for the donation box in the
Sanctuary foyer.

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Greetings to all!

Louisville, the US and the world are celebrating and reflecting upon the life of 
Muhammad Ali, "The Greatest."  Beyond his prowess in the boxing ring, his larger 
than life personality and noteworthy acts of charity, Ali also managed  to land a few 
punches in regard to the matter of racism in the United States.  Among the memorable 
moments for me were his story of being denied service in a Louisville restaurant after 
he won an Olympic gold medal and his humorous, but also powerful, reflections on 
how Jesus seems to always be portrayed as "white."  These moments make me smile, 
even laugh, and think at the same time.  If nothing else, Ali was certainly quotable, 
including this quote attributed to him: "I am an ordinary man who worked hard to develop 
the talent I was given. I believed in myself, and I believe in the goodness of others."

The scripture lessons for Sunday, June 12…
1 Kings 21:1-14
Galatians 2:15-21
Luke 7:36-8:3

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, June 12, 10am, in Trinity Hall.  
Watch the Friday update for a description of this Sunday's conversation.

A SUMMER EVENING TOGETHER - Wednesday, June 22, 6pm - All ages are
 invited to gather for an evening of food and fellowship on June 22.  We'll fire up 
the grill for hamburgers and hot dogs.  Bring a "cookout" side dish or dessert. We 
will share some "fun activities" together and close the gathering with evening prayer 
(around 7:45pm).  We look forward to seeing you there.

Resettlement Update - The resettlement team gathered last Sunday to "compare 
notes" regarding the Al-Nawasra family.  It was agreed that an important need these 
days is for persons to simply "drop by" for informal visits as the family continues the 
work of learning English. Use reply email to inquire about how you might help.

Project Linus - This Sunday, June 12, will be the final Sunday to bring your leftover 
fabric, yarn, thread, etc for donation to Project Linus  Your donations will be used to 
make blankets, etc, for children in hospitals, shelters, and the like.  Look for the 
collection box in the Sanctuary foyer.

The Walnut Hill Bike Ride is coming on Saturday, July 16.  This is an annual event
offering hospitality for cyclists of all ages and skill levels while raising money to provide
commuter bikes to refugee families.  Watch for more information on how you can 
participate as a cyclist and/or a volunteer.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward






Friday, June 3, 2016

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, June 5, at Walnut Hill Church …


Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

A Trinity of Relationship

We will view and discuss a video featuring Richard Rohr
presenting the notion of the Trinity as an image suggesting
the importance of "relationship" rather than a rigid doctrine
intended to describe who (what) God is.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - Elijah's Drought
Text - 1 Kings 17:1-16

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for refreshments and fellowship.

****

Resettlement 2016 - Persons who would like to learn more
about our work with the Al-Nawasra family are invited to
gather for a few minutes after worship this Sunday.

****

The Vestry will meet at 9:30am in the upstairs office of
Trinity Hall.


Wednesday, June 1, 2016

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, June 1, 2016

Greetings to all!

Memorial Day and Labor Day "bookend" the traditional summer vacation
season.  Some of us will travel during these months, others will take day 
trips to local parks and sites, still others will simply enjoy the long days and
pleasant evenings at home.  Whatever form your "summer vacation" might
take, consider the following…

For many Americans, a prominent recurrent difference within a year is the
difference between vacation and not-vacation, between not-work and work.
A week or two away compensates workers for the labors of the year past
and renews them for the year ahead, or so they hope.  Certain forces seem
to be threatening even this respite, however.  "The summer vacation, once
a near-sacred ritual, is under electronic siege," announced the New York
Times…Now that technology has made it possible to work almost anywhere,
people are taking their laptop computers, tablets, smart phones, etc, along on
those precious days of not-work.  Little thought has been given to limiting
the use of such devices so as to enhance not only productivity but also the
quality of life.  Thus the demands of the business world and the personal
compulsions of many high-tech workers are robbing them of even the
fleeting days of a real vacation.
(adapted from Receiving the Day, by Dorothy C. Bass)

The scripture lessons for Sunday, June 5 …
1 Kings 17:8-16
Galatians 1:11-24
Luke 17:11-17

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, June 5, 10am, in Trinity
Hall.  Sunday Conversations include a wide range of topics from Sunday
to Sunday.  Come enjoy a cup of coffee, join the conversation, or just
listen in.

Resettlement Update -  The Al-Nawasras continue their entry into life
in the U.S. with the accompaniment and help of numerous Walnut Hill
members and friends and the staff at Kentucky Refugee Ministries. The 
month of June is an important one for the Al-Nawasra family, and for other 
Muslims, as it is the month of Ramadan (June 6 - July 5).  Ramadan is a 
month of religious observances, including fasting, in remembrance of the 
revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad. 

Summer Hospitality:  We are recruiting refreshment hosts for our summer 
after worship gatherings.  Please visit the online sign up or check the sign up 
sheet in the Sanctuary foyer to volunteer for a Sunday this summer.  Thanks 
to all our after worship hosts.

Project Linus: If you have leftover fabric, thread, yarn, etc. from previous 
projects, feel free to bring them to Walnut Hill over the next couple Sundays.  
Your items will be donated to Project Linus , Lexington chapter, to make 
blankets, etc, for children in various situations of need such as in hospitals 
and shelters.

The Vestry will meet this Sunday, June 5, 9:30am, in the upstairs office
in Trinity Hall.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward