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
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