Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Greetings to all!

October 31 is Reformation Day, which commemorates Martin Luther's 
publication and posting of his "95 Theses" in Wittenberg, Germany, in 1517, 
and the traditional beginning of the Reformation. The Reformation was a 
religious, cultural and political event with profound effects upon the history of 
western Europe and beyond.  In his three-volume work, A History of Christian 
Thought, Justo Gonzales describes the cultural situation on the eve of the 
Reformation.  While the details are different, might there be some thematic 
similarities to our time?

There are moments in the history of humankind that seem to be pregnant 
with future possibilities - although not so much by virtue of the clear 
promise that they offer, as because the old ways have run their course, 
and it is necessary to venture in new directions.  Such was the case at 
the end of the 15th century and the beginning of the 16th. In a way, the 
epic of Columbus is symbolic of the period, for when the traditional trade 
routes to the East were closed, he set out in search of new pathways, 
and discovered instead a new land.  In similar fashion, the great religious 
upheavals of the 16th century, and the new theological lands discovered 
through them, resulted from the need to search for new routes as it became 
increasingly evident that the medieval synthesis was no longer tenable or 
capable of resurrection.

The lectionary texts for Sunday, October 30, Reformation Sunday…
Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4
2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12
Luke 19:1-10

Sunday Conversations continue this Sun, Oct 30, 10am, in Trinity Hall
with a focus on encountering the God who dwells within us, including a
brief video featuring Father Joseph Mitchell.  Come enjoy a cup of
coffee, join the conversation, or just listen in.

Children's Music - Children are invited to gather for music and singing
this Sun, Oct 30, 10am, in Trinity Hall as they prepare for their Christmas
music presentation on Dec 11.

The Children's Focus during the 11am hour will be Zacchaeus (Lk 19)
and his discovery of "grace," much to the surprise of his neighbors, 
another example of the surprising effects of the Kingdom of God.

A Host is needed for our after worship refreshments this Sun, Oct 30.
Use reply email to volunteer or check the online sign up sheet for 
opportunities to host between now and the end of the year.

2017 Mission Trip? On Sun, Nov 6, 10am, in Trinity Hall, there will be 
a conversation regarding the possibility of a "Mission Trip" during the
summer of 2017.  Robby Lear, Executive Director of the Burnamwood
Camp and Conference Center, will be our guest to talk about the
possibilities.

The Annual Meeting of the Congregation of Walnut Hill Church will be
held on Sunday, November 13, immediately after morning worship. The
business of the annual meeting includes the election of Vestry members
and officers, presentation of the 2017 budget, and approval of the
Pastor's terms of call.  Please contact the Senior Warden if you have
other business that you would like to have considered at the meeting.

Thanks to all who had a part in our wonderful afternoon at the Vaughan
cabin last Sunday.  It was a great day to be out in the woods and a
great day to be part of the Walnut Hill family.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

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