Friday, September 30, 2016

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, October 2, at Walnut Hill Church …


ECUMENICAL SUNDAY*


Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

The Church Today and Tomorrow

We will enjoy some informal conversation about the
"church" with our Ecumenical Sunday guest, the 
Rev. Philip Lotspeich, General Presbyter of the 
Presbytery of Transylvania.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Preaching - The Rev. Philip Lotspeich

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

Nursery Care and Faith Formation for Children

Children's Focus, 11am, Trinity Hall

The children will hear the "Parable of the Mustard 
Seed" (Luke 17:5-10). They will explore what it 
means to have faith and the difference that a little
bit of faith can make in their lives and in the world.

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for fellowship and refreshments.

*****

*Ecumenical Sunday, the first Sunday in October, is
an occasion to celebrate and explore Walnut Hill's 
ecumenical identity.

Thursday, September 29, 2016

AN INVITATION

You are invited…

EXPLORING OUR SPIRITUALITY THROUGH PRAYER
A DAY FOR LEARNING AND PRACTICE

Saturday, October 15, 8:30am - Noon

Walnut Hill Church, 575 Walnut Hill Road, Lexington

Leaders:
-Sharon Grant - retreat leader and spiritual director
-George Aboud - mindfulness/meditation facilitator

The day will include presentations, discussion, practice,
and time for quiet reflection.

Breakfast refreshments and box lunch provided.

Suggested contribution - $20/person

Advance Registration Requested - Use reply email or call the 
church office (859-263-5304) to register or to request more 
information.

Please share this invitation with others.



Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Greetings to all!

This Sunday, October 2, is Ecumenical Sunday at Walnut Hill Church, an 
opportunity for us to celebrate and explore our ecumenical identity. We might 
begin that celebration and exploration a little early by reflecting on the 
Preamble to Walnut Hill's Constitution and By-Laws:

We, the members of Walnut Hill Church, an Ecumenical Church, of Lexington, 
Kentucky, do hereby organize for the purpose of providing public worship, the 
apostolic ministry of word and sacrament, religious instruction, pastoral care 
and counseling, and in general a witness to the community of the need for life 
and work in the name of Jesus … We, as a church, are a fellowship of believers 
who wish to bring together all men and women as children of God and do not 
wish to make an obstacle in creed and dogma to fellowship with God's people.  
We believe that the true basis of Christian fellowship is love, which is greater 
than all our differences, and without this love we have no claim to Christian 
fellowship.

In Memory: William K. Elwood, a Friend of Walnut Hill Church, departed this 
life on September 24.  A service of remembrance and thanksgiving will be held 
at Walnut Hill Church on Thursday, September 29, 10am. For the full obituary, 

The Rev. Philip Lotspeich, General Presbyter of the Presbytery of 
Transylvania, will be our special guest for Ecumenical Sunday.  Philip will visit 
with us informally during the 10am hour and present the sermon during the 
11am worship hour. For more information regarding the Presbytery of 
Transylvania, visit www.transypby.org .

Sunday Conversations continue this Sun, Oct 2, 10am, in Trinity Hall.  
Philip Lotspeich will be our guest for conversation about the church locally and 
globally  Come enjoy a cup of coffee, join the conversation, or just listen in.

Opportunities to host our after worship refreshments, including this
Sunday, October 2, are available for sign up via the Walnut Hill website  
Visit the online sign up sheet and consider hosting a Sunday between 
now and the end of the year.Thanks to all our Sunday refreshment hosts.

Exploring Our Spirituality Through Prayer is the title of a day retreat 
to be held at Walnut Hill on Sat, Oct 15 , 8:30am - 3pm.  Sharon Grant 
and George Aboud will be our guides for this day of learning and practice.  
Registration is $20/person, which includes lunch.  Use reply email or call 
the church office (263-5304) to register or request more information.

ACE D.C. Trip - Once again Walnut Hill has been asked to help sponsor
students to participate in the Athens Chilesburg Elementary School 5th 
Grade Class Trip to Washington, DC.  Twenty-eight children will be needing
sponsorship to participate.  Walnut Hill has committed to sponsor five
children ($559/child).  If you would like to contribute (any amount) toward 
this cause, make your check payable to Walnut Hill Church designated "ACE".

CROP Walk Report:   Twenty-one "Walnuts" (all ages) participated in the 
Lexington area CROP Walk last Sun, Sep 25.  Their dedication combined 
with the congregation's generosity to yield a $1,250 contribution from Walnut 
Hill Church to alleviate hunger locally and globally.  Thanks to all who were 
part of the Walnut Hill team.

Vestry Nominations: We will soon be nominating and electing two persons
to serve on the Vestry, Class of 2019.  Your recommendations are welcome.
Please contact the Senior Warden or the church office with your Vestry
nominee suggestions.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Friday, September 23, 2016

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, September 25, at Walnut Hill Church…

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Masters of Religion

We will view and discuss a video focusing on the lives and 
influence of Karen Armstrong, Thomas Merton, and His 
Holiness the 16th Karmapa (Tibetan Buddhism).

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - Rich People in Church
Text - 1 Timothy 6:6-19

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children

Children's Focus, 11am, Trinity Hall

The children will hear the parable of the "Rich Man and 
Lazarus" (Luke 16:19-31), reminding us that the Kingdom 
of God is for the poor and the outcast.  

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for fellowship and refreshments.

Lexington CROP Walk, 3pm, 2nd Presbyterian Church

All ages are invited as we walk to raise awareness and
dollars to alleviate hunger in central Kentucky and around
the world.  If you can not join us for the walk, your donations
are welcome, cash or checks payable to Walnut Hill Church,
designated "CROP".

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Greetings to all!

Tomorrow (Sep 22) is the autumnal equinox, one of two days each year when
the hours of light and dark are roughly equal around the earth.  It also marks
the official beginning of Autumn.  In the midst of all the events happening
around us and to us, the regularity of the seasons is like the faithful presence 
of God, often unnoticed, anchoring our days and our lives. I am reminded of 
an old hymn…

All beautiful the march of days, As seasons come and go;
The hand that shaped the rose hath wrought The crystal of the snow;
Hath sent the hoary frost of heaven, The flowing waters sealed,
And laid a silent loveliness On hill and wood and field.

(Frances Whitmarsh Wile, 1911)

The lectionary texts for Sunday, September 25…
Jeremiah 32:1-3, 6-15
1 Timothy 6:6-19
Luke 16:19-31

Sunday Conversations continue this Sun, Sep 25, 10am, in Trinity Hall.
Our conversation will include a video, "Modern Masters of Religion," focusing 
on the lives of Karen Armstrong, Thomas Merton and Rangjung Rigpe Dorge 
(His Holiness the 16th Karmapa of Tibetan Buddhism).

The Children's Focus for this Sunday, 11am, will be story of the "Rich
Man and Lazarus" (Lk 16), reminding us that the Kingdom of God is for the
poor and the outcast.

The Lexington CROP Walk is coming on Sun, Sep 25, 3pm, at Second 
Presbyterian Church.  All ages are invited to join us as we walk (3 miles) 
through downtown to raise dollars and awareness to alleviate hunger locally 
and globally.

Exploring Our Spirituality Through Prayer is the title of a day retreat to be 
held at Walnut Hill on Sat, Oct 15 , 8:30am - 3pm.  Sharon Grant and George 
Aboud will be our guides for this day of learning and practice.  Registration is
$20/person, which includes lunch.  Use reply email or call the church office
(263-5304) to register or request more information.

ACE D.C. Trip - Once again Walnut Hill has been asked to help sponsor
students to participate in the Athens Chilesburg Elementary School 5th 
Grade Class Trip to Washington, DC.  Twenty-eight children will be needing
sponsorship to participate.  Walnut Hill has committed to sponsor five
children ($559/child).  If you would like to contribute (any amount) toward this 
cause, make your check payable to Walnut Hill Church designated "ACE".

Kroger Rewards: Walnut Hill lately received a check in the amount of $366, 
proceeds of participation by 31 Walnut Hill households in the Kroger Community
Rewards program during the quarter just ended.  Thanks to all households
supporting Walnut Hill in this way.  Use reply email or call the church office
for information on how you can participate.

Vestry Nominations: We will soon be nominating and electing two persons
to serve on the Vestry, Class of 2019.  Your recommendations are welcome.
Please contact the Senior Warden or the church office with your Vestry
nominee suggestions.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Friday, September 16, 2016

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, September 18, at Walnut Hill Church…

FALL POTLUCK

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Taking a Close Look

We will practice some "close reading" of our gospel 
text for the morning, Luke 16:1-9, one of Jesus' most
perplexing parables.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - Backdoor Mercy
Text - Luke 16:1-9

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children

CHILDREN'S FOCUS, 11am, Trinity Hall
 
The children will learn about the "Parable of the Lost Son" 
(LK 15:11-32), highlighting the theme of the lost being found. 
This parable might better be titled "The Father's Love," as
the exclusiveness of the religious leaders is contrasted 
to God's joy when the lost are found a theme repeated in the 
children's song, "Jesus Loves Me.…"

FALL POTLUCK, NOON, TRINITY HALL

Bring a salad, side dish, or dessert, and join us for this
delicious Walnut Hill tradition.  Meat and beverage will
be provided.

David Morton

Dear Walnut Hill Members and Friends:

In my weekly email letter I noted the death of David Morton, a long time Member of Walnut Hill Church. 

Services for David are as follows:

*Visitation on Friday, September 16, 3pm - 8pm, at Kerr Brothers Funeral Home (Harrodsburg Road)

*Funeral Service on Saturday, September 17, 10:30am, at Kerr Brothers Funeral Home (Harrodsburg Road)

*Burial in Calvary Cemetery

For the complete obituary, visit David Morton .

Keep the Morton family in your prayers.

Peace,

Mike Ward

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Walnut Hill Weekly Letter

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Greetings to all!

As part of my daily practice I have been reading a 15th century spiritual 
classic, The Imitation of Christ, by Thomas À Kempis.  I often find Thomas' 
words of advice to his monastic brothers to have broader application. Today's 
portion concerned the challenge of bearing with the faults of others in the
community.

Until God ordains otherwise, a person ought to bear patiently whatever he
cannot correct in himself and others.  Consider it better thus - perhaps to
try your patience and to test you, for without such patience and trial your
merits are of little account.  Nevertheless, under such difficulties you should
pray that God will consent to help you bear them calmly.

If all were perfect, what should we have to suffer from others for God's sake?
But God has so ordained, that we may learn to bear with one another's
burdens, for there is no one without fault, no one without burden, no one
sufficient to himself or wise enough.  Hence we must support one another,
console one another, mutually help, counsel, and advise, for the measure of
every person's virtue is best revealed in time of adversity - adversity that
does not weaken a person but rather shows what he is.

In Memory:
*Mary Germond, a Friend of Walnut Hill Church, departed this life on
September 10.  See Mary Germond for the obituary and service details.
*David Morton, a Member of Walnut Hill Church, departed this life on
September 13.  Arrangements are pending at Kerr Brothers Funeral Home.
Please keep the Germond and Morton families in your prayers.

The lectionary texts for Sunday, September 18…
Jeremiah 8:18 - 9:1
1 Timothy 2:1-7
Luke 16:1-13

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, September 18, 10am, in
Trinity Hall.  Sunday Conversations include a wide variety of topics from
week to week.  Come enjoy a cup of coffee, join the conversation, or just
listen in.

CHILDREN'S FOCUS - This Sun, Sep 18, during the 11am hour, the children 
will hear the "Parable of the Lost Son" (LK 15:11-32) highlighting the theme of 
the lost being found. This parable might better be titled "The Father's Love." 
The exclusiveness of the religious leaders is contrasted to the joy of God at the 
repentance of sinners. The theme is repeated in the children's song, "Jesus 
Loves Me This I Know."

FALL POTLUCK - THIS SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, NOON, TRINITY HALL -
Bring a salad, side dish, or dessert and join us for this delicious Walnut Hill
tradition.  Meat and beverage will be provided.

The Lexington CROP Walk is coming on Sun, Sep 25, 3pm, at Second 
Presbyterian Church.  All ages are invited to join us as walk (3 miles) 
through downtown to raise dollars and awareness to alleviate hunger locally 
and globally.

Exploring Our Spirituality Through Prayer is the title of a day retreat to be 
held at Walnut Hill on Sat, Oct 15 , 9am - 3pm.  Sharon Grant and George 
Aboud will be our guides for this day of learning and practice.  Registration is
$20/person, which includes lunch.  Use reply email or call the church office
(263-5304) to register or request more information.

ACE D.C. Trip - Once again Walnut Hill has been asked to help sponsor
students to participate in the Athens Chilesburg Elementary School 5th 
Grade Class Trip to Washington, DC.  Twenty-eight children will be needing
sponsorship to participate.  Walnut Hill has committed to sponsor five
children ($559/child).  If you would like to contribute (any amount) toward this 
cause, make your check payable to Walnut Hill Church designated "ACE".

Peace to all.

Mike Ward





Friday, September 9, 2016

Glenna Graves

Dear Walnut Hill Members and Friends:

Glenna Graves, a member of Walnut Hill Church, 
departed this life on Thursday, September 8, 2016.
Glenna is survived by her husband (Jake), her sister, 
her eight children and their spouses, and numerous 
grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews 
and cousins.

Services will be on Monday, September 12, 11am, 
at Milward Funeral Home Man-O-War location
(1509 Trent Blvd).

Visitation will be on Sunday, September 11, 4pm - 7pm, 
at the same location.

For the complete obituary, visit  Glenna Graves .

Please keep the Graves family in your prayers.

Peace,

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, September 11, at Walnut Hill Church …

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Resettlement Review

We will "debrief" our recent experience resettling the 
Al-Nawasra family.  What worked well, or not so well?  
What was our experience overall? and other questions.  
Our conversation and responses will help Kentucky 
Refugee Ministries in their future resettlement efforts.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - Lost and Found
Text - Luke 15:1-32

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children

CHILDREN'S FOCUS: "GOD'S LOVE FOR ALL"

During the 11am hour, the children will learn that Jesus 
is the "Good Shepherd" who searches for the lost sheep 
(see Luke 15:1-10). 

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for fellowship and refreshments.

 

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Greetings to all!

As you might be aware, Mother Teresa is now St. Teresa of Calcutta after 
her canonization by Pope Francis this past Sunday.  Perhaps it is fitting to
reflect on a few words from St. Teresa, in this case a story about giving
freely…

At a seminary in Bangalore, a nun once said to me, "Mother Teresa, you
are spoiling the poor people by giving them things free.  They are losing
their human dignity."  When everyone was quiet, I said calmly, "No one
spoils as much as God himself.  See the wonderful gifts God has given
us freely.  All of you here have no glasses, yet you all can see.  If God
were to take money for your sight, what would happen?  Continually we
are breathing and living on oxygen that we do not pay for.  What would
happen if God were to say, 'If you work four hours, you will get sunshine
for two hours?' How many of us would survive then?" Then I also told
them, "There are many congregations that spoil the rich; it is good to have 
one congregation in the name of the poor, to spoil the poor." There was 
profound silence; nobody said a word after that.
(from In The Heart of the World)

The lectionary texts for Sunday, September 11…
*Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28
*1 Timothy 1:12-17
*Luke 15:1-10

Sunday Conversations continue this Sun, Sep 11, 10am, in Trinity Hall.  
We will "debrief" our recent experience resettling the Al-Nawasra family.  
What went well, or not so well?  How was the experience overall?  Our 
comments will help Kentucky Refugee Ministries in future resettlement 
efforts. 

CHILDREN'S FOCUS: "GOD'S LOVE FOR ALL" - The Sunday Gospel
readings this Fall come from Luke.  During the 11am hour, the children will
use these and other readings from Luke to learn about Jesus and his teachings.
This Sun, Sep 11, the children will learn that Jesus is the "Good Shepherd"
who searches for the lost sheep (see Luke 15:1-10).  Make Walnut Hill a
destination for you and your children this Sunday!

The Fall Potluck is coming on Sun, Sep 18, immediately after worship.  
Bring a salad, side dish, or dessert, and join us for this delicious Walnut Hill 
tradition. Meat and beverage will be provided.

The Lexington CROP Walk is coming on Sun, Sep 25, 3pm at Second 
Presbyterian Church.  All ages are invited to join us as walk (3 miles) 
through downtown to raise dollars and awareness to alleviate hunger locally 
and globally.

Exploring Our Spirituality Through Prayer is the title of a day retreat to be 
held at Walnut Hill on Sat, Oct 15 , 9am - 3pm.  Sharon Grant and George 
Aboud will be our guides for this day of learning and practice.  Mark your 
calendars and plan to join us.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

 

Friday, September 2, 2016

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, September 4, at Walnut Hill Church…

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

The Dancing God

We will view and discuss a video presentation by
Richard Rohr.  Come enjoy a cup of coffee, join the
conversation, or just listen in.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - In Christ
Text - Philemon 1 - 25

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.