Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Greetings to all!

Advent began this past Sunday, a season of waiting, watching, and preparing

for the coming (advent) of Christ into the world and into our lives. Dorothy Bass 

describes the mood of the Advent season:

The Christian year begins as the calendar year sputters into its final month.  Its 

first season is quiet but expectant, leaning, as if heavy with child, into the future.  

During the four weeks of Advent, the season whose very name means "coming," 

we carry our yearning in full view, like a protruding belly.  Borrowing the words of 

the prophet Isaiah, we declare our own longing for the eyes of the blind to be

opened and the ears of the deaf to be unstopped, and for streams of water in

the desert.  We dare to hope that God will indeed send good news to ruined cities.  

Then John the Baptist, crying Isaiah's words in the wilderness, announces that

God's promises are close to fulfillment. "Stir up your power and come," we pray,

yearning out of the depths of history and into the promises beyond history, and

out of the depths of our own lives toward the fulfillment of our deepest longings.

(from Receiving the Day)

The scripture lessons for Sunday, December 4, the 2nd Sunday of Advent…

Isaiah 11:1-10

Romans 15:4-13

Matthew 3:1-12

Sunday Conversations continue this Sun, Dec 4, 10am, in Trinity Hall. Watch

the Friday update for details regarding this Sunday's conversation.

Children's Choir: Children through elementary age are invited to gather this

Sun, Dec 4, 10am in Trinity Hall for music and singing in anticipation of their 

Christmas presentation on Dec 11.

CHRISTMAS POTLUCK this Sun, Dec 4, immediately after worship in Trinity

Hall.  Bring a salad, side dish, or dessert and join us for this delicious holiday

tradition. Meat and beverages provided.

Youth Christmas Party - Youth (middle & high school) are invited to gather at 

the Ward residence on Sun, Dec 11, 6pm - 7:30pm. Bring a fun gift ($5 value 

or less) for a random gift exchange and a winter warmth item (scarf, mittens/gloves, 

or hat) for our neighbors at the Catholic Action Center.  

The Giving Tree is up in Trinity Hall with "ornaments" suggesting items requested 

by the Nathaniel Mission for their community Christmas baskets. Feel free to 

pick up an ornament, purchase the suggested items, and return them to Walnut Hill 

by December 11.

A Congregational Forum is scheduled for Sun, Dec 11, 3pm - 5pm, to discuss

ideas and recommendations arising from the recent planning process.  The text

of the Planning Team Report and the Recommendations from that report are

available for your advance review on the Walnut Hill website via the following

links:  Planning Team Report  and  Planning Team Recommendations .  Printed

copies are also available by request from the church office.  

In the Community:

*The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe" is being presented by the Bryan

Station High School Theater Department on 12/1 (6:30pm), 12/2 (6:30pm), and

12/3 (2pm & 5:30pm).  Our own Ruby Sharrard is among the cast members.

*The 8th Annual Indian Summer Camp Charity Tennis Tournament to

support Kids Cancer Alliance programs for children with cancer will be held on 

Feb 17, 2017. Visit ISC Tournament for more information about the event and how 

you might support it with a sponsorship contribution or silent auction gift. To learn 

more about about the Kids Cancer Alliance visit KCA Video , or contact

Barb Waldmann-Ward.  

Walnut Hill Items!  Walnut Hill currently has several items available for your

Christmas and/or general enjoyment…

*Christmas Cards featuring the "Holy Family" stained glass window and

the greeting "Peace on Earth, Good Will to All."  ($10/pack of 10)

*A Tradition of Hospitality cookbook (2012) featuring recipes from Walnut 

Hill folks past and present ($5/copy).

*The Jewel on Walnut Hill history of Walnut Hill Church, 1784-1994, with

particular attention to Walnut Hill's restoration/reopening in the 1970s and 

following.  This book, long out of print, has recently been made available for 

reprinting.  Copies may be ordered ($5/copy).

Check out the display in the Sanctuary foyer and/or use reply email to purchase

or order these items. 

Holiday Season Schedule:

Sun, Dec 4, Noon - Christmas Potluck

Sat, Dec 10, 10am - Christmas Pageant Practice

Sun, Dec 11, 11am - Christmas Pageant.

Sun, Dec 11, 6pm -Youth Christmas Party

Sun, Dec 18, 3pm - Christmas Party

Sat, Dec 24, 5pm - Christmas Eve Family Service

Sat, Dec 24, 9pm - Evening Prayer Fireside

Sun, Dec 25, 11am - Worship & Holy Communion

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, November 27, at Walnut Hill Church…

THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Divine Dance: The Trinity and Your Transformation

We continue our conversation regarding the Trinity as a

source of transformation for our lives.  We will view and

discuss a video featuring Fr. Richard Rohr.

Children's Music, 10am, Trinity Hall

Children through elementary age are invited to gather

for music and singing in anticipation of their Christmas

presentation on December 11.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - Swords Into Plowshares

Text - Isaiah 2:1-5

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for fellowship and refreshments.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Greetings to all!

Since "Thanksgiving Day" is established each year by presidential proclamation, 

consider these thanksgiving thoughts by President Harry S. Truman. 

It should make us truly thankful, as we look back to the beginnings of this country, 

that we have come so far along the road to a better life for all. It should make us 

humble to think, as we look ahead, how much farther we have to go to accomplish, 

at home and abroad, the objectives that were set out for us at the founding of this 

great Nation. As we approach the halfway mark of the 20th century, we should ask

for continued strength and guidance from that Almighty Power who has placed before 

us such great opportunities for the good of mankind in the years to come.

(as found in A Call to America)

The lectionary texts for Sunday, November 27, the First Sunday of Advent …

Isaiah 2:1-5

Romans 13:11-14

Matthew 24:36-44

Sunday Conversations continue this Sun, Nov 27, 10am, in Trinity Hall. We will 

continue our discussion of a video featuring Fr. Richard Rohr, "Divine Dance: The 

Trinity and Your Transformation."

Children's Music - Children are invited to gather each Sunday at 10am in Trinity Hall 

for music and singing in preparation for the Christmas Pageant on December 11.

The Christmas Potluck is coming on Sun, Dec 4, after morning worship.  Bring a 

salad, side dish, or dessert, and join us for this delicious Walnut Hill tradition.

Youth Christmas Party - Youth (middle & high school) are invited to gather at the 

Ward residence on Sun, Dec 11, 6pm - 7:30pm. Bring a fun gift ($5 value or less) 

for a random gift exchange and a winter warmth item (scarf, mittens/gloves, or hat) 

for our neighbors at the Catholic Action Center.  

The Giving Tree is up in Trinity Hall with "ornaments" suggesting items requested 

by the Nathaniel Mission for their community Christmas baskets. Feel free to pick up 

an ornament, purchase the suggested items, and return them to Walnut Hill by 

December 11.

A Congregational Forum is scheduled for Sun, Dec 11, 3pm - 5pm, to discuss

ideas and recommendations arising from the recent planning process.  The text

of the Planning Team Report and the Recommendations from that report are

available for your advance review on the Walnut Hill website via the following

links:  Planning Team Report  and  Planning Team Recommendations .  Printed

copies are also available by request from the church office.   

Walnut Hill Items!  Walnut Hill currently has several items available for your

Christmas and/or general enjoyment…

*Christmas Cards featuring the "Holy Family" stained glass window and

the greeting "Peace on Earth, Good Will to All."  ($10/pack of 10)

*A Tradition of Hospitality cookbook (2012) featuring recipes from Walnut 

Hill folks past and present ($5/copy).

*The Jewel on Walnut Hill history of Walnut Hill Church, 1784-1994, with

particular attention to Walnut Hill's restoration/reopening in the 1970s and 

following.  This book, long out of print, has recently been made available for 

reprinting.  Copies may be ordered ($5/copy).

Check out the display in the Sanctuary foyer and/or use reply email to purchase

or order these items. 

Holiday Season Schedule:

Sun, Dec 4, Noon - Christmas Potluck

Sun, Dec 11, 11am - Christmas Pageant.

Sun, Dec 11, 6pm -Youth Christmas Party

Sun, Dec 18, 3pm - Christmas Party

Sat, Dec 24, 5pm - Christmas Eve Family Service

Sat, Dec 24, 9pm - Evening Prayer Fireside

Sun, Dec 25, 11am - Worship & Holy Communion

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, November 20, at Walnut Hill Church …

CHRIST THE KING

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Divine Dance: The Trinity and Your Transformation

We will view and discuss a video by Richard Rohr highlighting

his ideas on how to have a relationship with God in the modern

day and the place of a "mystic worldview" in a scientific era.

Children's Music, 10am, Trinity Hall

Children through elementary age are invited to gather for

music and singing as they prepare for their Christmas

presentation on December 11.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon: Do You See A King?

Text:  Luke 23:33-43

Nursery Care and Faith Formation for Children

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for fellowship and refreshments.

Thanksgiving Worship, 6pm, Providence Christian Church

All are invited to an ecumenical service of thanksgiving at

Providence Christian Church (at Brannon Crossing).  This

service is sponsored by the Southside Ecumenical Cooperative.

*****

Mission Trip? Persons interested in exploring a possible

Walnut Hill mission trip in 2017 are invited to gather briefly 

after morning worship.  See Mike Ward for more details.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Greetings to all!

This Sunday, November 20, is the Sunday of Christ the King, the completion of the 

church year. The Sunday of Christ the King is the church's affirmation that, though

appearances sometimes to the contrary, the life and teaching of Christ, the way of 

love for God and neighbor, is the deepest and surest reality in the world, and that 

love will eventually prevail over false paths of hatred and violence.  This is not to 

be understood as a religious victory of Christianity over other traditions, but rather 

a victory of divine love transcending all religious traditions. Until that day, the church 

affirms its allegiance to the way of Christ, to the way of love, no matter what lesser 

powers or persons might declare or seek to require of us.  For our part, we will love 

God, and we will love our neighbors as ourselves, for this is what Christ, our King, 

requires of us.

The scripture lessons for Sunday, November 20, Christ the King…

Jeremiah 23:1-6

Colossians 1:11-20

Luke 23:33-43

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, November 20, 10am, in Trinity 

Hall.  Check the Friday update for conversation details.

Children's Music:  Children through elementary age are invited to gather each 

Sunday, 10am, in Trinity Hall for music and singing in anticipation of their 

Christmas season presentation on December 11.

Thanksgiving Worship - Walnut Hill members and friends are invited to an

ecumenical worship program on Sun, Nov 20, 6pm, at Providence Christian

Church (Brannon Crossing). Persons attending are invited to bring canned

food items and/or cash for the offering, which will support Providence's food

pantry and ministry with hospice families. The service is sponsored by the South 

Lexington Ecumenical Cooperative.

Mission Trip? Persons (youth and adult) interested in exploring the possibility

of a mission trip to eastern Kentucky are invited gather for a few moments after

worship this Sunday, November 20.  

The Giving Tree will be up this Sun, Nov 20, with "ornaments" suggesting items 

requested by the Nathaniel Mission for their community Christmas baskets. Feel 

free to pick up an ornament(s), purchase the suggested items, and return them to 

Walnut Hill by December 11.

Walnut Hill Items!  Walnut Hill currently has several items available for your

Christmas and/or general enjoyment…

*Christmas Cards featuring the "Holy Family" stained glass window and

the greeting "Peace on Earth, Good Will to All."  ($10/pack of 10)

*A Tradition of Hospitality cookbook (2012) featuring recipes from Walnut 

Hill folks past and present ($5/copy).

*The Jewel on Walnut Hill history of Walnut Hill Church, 1784-1994, with

particular attention to Walnut Hill's restoration/reopening in the 1970s and 

following.  This book, long out of print, has recently been made available for 

reprinting.  Copies may be ordered ($5/copy).

Check out the display in the Sanctuary foyer and/or use reply email to purchase

or order these items.

The Christmas Potluck is coming on Sun, Dec 4, immediately after morning

worship.  Bring a salad, side dish, or dessert and join us for this delicious 

Walnut Hill tradition.  Meat and beverages will be provided.

State of the Church:  Mike Ward's recent "State of the Church Address" is

available in audio recording or in print.  Visit Walnut Hill sermons to hear the

audio, or use reply email to request a printed copy.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, November 13, at Walnut Hill Church…

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Divine Dance

We will view and discuss several brief videos featuring

Richard Rohr as he presents ideas from his book,

Divine Dance: The Trinity and Your Transformation, 

through which one discovers God as Community, 

Friendship, and Dance.

Children's Music, 10am, Trinity Hall

Children through elementary age are invited to gather

for music and singing as they prepare for a Christmas

presentation on December 11.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon:  The State of the Church

Nursery Care and Faith Formation for Children

Congregational Meeting, Noon, Sanctuary

All Walnut Hill members and friends are encouraged

to attend the annual congregational meeting to be

held immediately after worship in the Sanctuary.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, November 7, 2016

Greetings to all!

With the election now behind us, a prayer for the days ahead might be in order.  

Eternal God: The people of our nation have elected a new President, Donald J.

Trump, an occasion of celebration for some, disappointment for others.  May 

generosity of spirit and a commitment to the common good prevail among us 

in the weeks ahead.  May our new President-elect and other officials elected 

this week prepare for their offices with a mind to serve all the people and to 

guide our country toward justice and peace within and beyond our borders.  

May we, the citizens of this nation, support them toward that end.  In the spirit 

of Christ we pray.  Amen.

The lectionary texts for Sunday, November 13…

Isaiah 65:17-25

2 Thessalonians 3:6-13

Luke 21:5-19

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, November 13, 10am, in Trinity 

Hall.  Our topic for Sunday, "The Divine Dance," exploring Richard Rohr's ideas 

regarding the Trinity.

Children's Music:  Children through elementary age are invited to gather each 

Sunday, 10am, in Trinity Hall for music and singing in anticipation of their 

Christmas season presentation on December 11.

"State of the Church" - In conjunction with the congregational meeting, Mike

Ward will offer a "State of the Church" message during the 11am worship hour,

reflecting on Walnut Hill's past, present, and future.

The Annual Meeting of the Congregation of Walnut Hill Church will be held on 

Sunday, November 13, Noon, in the Sanctuary.  The business of the annual 

meeting includes the election of Vestry members and officers, presentation of 

the 2017 budget, and action on the Pastor's Terms of Call. Please contact the 

Senior Warden or call the church office if you have other business that needs 

attention at the congregational meeting.

Stuffing/Dressing - The stuffing/dressing for the Nathaniel Mission Community 

Thanksgiving Dinner has been fully subscribed.  Thanks to all our sponsors!

Walnut Hill Christmas Cards - Walnut Hill Church Christmas cards are

available for your purchase.  The cards feature a photo of the "Holy Family" 

stained glass window with the inside greeting "Peace on Earth, Good Will to All."  

Packs of 10 cards (with envelopes) are available for $10. Check out the display 

in the Sanctuary foyer.

Thanksgiving Worship - Walnut Hill members and friends are invited to an

ecumenical worship service on Sun, Nov 20, 6pm, at Providence Christian

Church (Brannon Crossing). The service is sponsored by the South Lexington 

Ecumenical Cooperative.

In the Community: The Catholic Action Center is hosting a Mentor Training 

on Sat, Nov 12, 10am - Noon, at the Community Inn (824 Winchester Rd). 

"Mentors" are volunteers who offer an hour per week to encourage men, 

women, veterans and families who are transitioning from homelessness to 

permanent residence. For more information about the Mentor training or 

about being a Mentor,  call 859-514-7210 or email caclex2000@gmail.com .

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, November 6, at Walnut Hill Church…

ALL SAINTS' SUNDAY

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

BAM!!

Mr. Robby Lear, Executive Director of the Burnamwood

Camp and Conference Center, will be our guest to talk

with us about Burnamwood Appalachian Ministry (BAM!),

with particular attention to a possible BAM! experience

for Walnut Hill.

Children's Music, 10am, Trinity Hall

Children through elementary age are invited to gather

for music and singing in preparation for their Christmas

music presentation on Sun, Dec 11.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - Saints of the Third Kind

Text - Matthew 5:1-12

Remembering Walnut Hill's Saints

Nursery care and Faith Formation for children.

Children's Focus, 11am, Trinity Hall

The younger children will learn about Joseph and his 

multicolored robe including lessons about choices and

God's presence in our lives. The older children will learn

about how even the youngest and most ordinary persons

can spread the good news of God's love and "move

mountains" in the process.

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for fellowship and refreshments.

Youth "Footloose", 1:30pm, Tates Creek High School

Youth (middle and high school) are invited to gather at

Takes Creek High School for a performance of Footloose.

Meet in the Tates Creek High School parking lot at 1:30pm.

Use reply email or contact Lauren to rsvp.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, November 2, 2016

Greetings to all!

This Sunday, November 6, we will be observing "All Saints' Sunday," a 

celebration of the "communion of saints" past, present and future.  

Frederick Buechner offers some thoughts on what the "saints" might be 

up to these days…

They (the saints) have their own business to get on with now, I assume -

"increasing in knowledge and love of Thee," says the Book of Common

Prayer, and moving "from strength to strength," which sounds like 

business enough for anybody - and one imagines all of us on this shore

fading for them as they journey ahead toward whatever new shore may

await them; but it is as if they carry something of us on their way as we

assuredly carry something of them on ours.  That is perhaps why to

think of them is a matter not only of remembering them as they used

to be but of seeing and hearing them as in some sense they are now. If

they had things to say to us then, they have things to say to us now too,

nor are they by any means always the things we expect or the same

things.

(as found in Listening to Your Life)

The scripture lessons for Sunday, November 6, All Saints' Sunday…

Revelation 7:9-17

Romans 1:1-7

Matthew 5:1-12

Sunday Conversations continue this Sun, Nov 6, 10am, in Trinity Hall,

as we welcome Mr. Robby Lear, Executive Director of the Burnamwood

Camp and Conference Center.  Robby will be with us to talk about

Burnamwood Appalachian Ministry and the possibility of a Walnut 

Hill mission trip in the summer of 2017.

Children's Music:  Children through elementary age are invited to

gather each Sunday, 10am, in Trinity Hall for music and singing in 

anticipation of their Christmas season presentation on December 11.

The Annual Meeting of the Congregation of Walnut Hill Church will

be held on Sunday, November 13, Noon, in the Sanctuary.  The

business of the annual meeting includes the election of Vestry members

and officers, presentation of the 2017 budget, and action on the

Pastor's Terms of Call. Please contact the Senior Warden or call the

church office if you have other business that needs attention at the

congregational meeting.

Stuffing/Dressing - Once again Walnut Hill will be providing stuffing/

dressing for the Nathaniel Mission Community Thanksgiving Dinner.

We have been asked to provide 80 pounds (16 pans) of dressing for

the meal.  Let us know if you would like to sponsor a pan of dressing

($20) for this event.

In the Community: The Catholic Action Center is hosting a Mentor

Training workshop on Sat, Nov 12, 10am - Noon, at the Community

Inn (824 Winchester Rd).  "Mentors" are volunteers who offer an hour

per week to encourage men, women, veterans and families who are

transitioning from homelessness to permanent residence.  For more

information about the Mentor training or about being a Mentor, 

call 859-514-7210 or email caclex2000@gmail.com .

Peace to all.

Mike Ward