Greetings to All!
We find ourselves in what used to be called "Christmastide," those
days after Christmas (Dec 25) leading toward Epiphany (Jan 6)
during which the Church is invited to reflect on the meaning of the
nativity and incarnation. With that reflection in mind, consider these
thoughts, in the form of a prayer, by Frederick Buechner…
Thou Son of the Most High, Prince of Peace, be born again into
our world. Wherever there is war in this world, wherever there is
pain, wherever there is loneliness, wherever there is no hope, come,
thou long-expected one, with healing in thy wings.
Holy Child, whom the shepherds and the kings and the beasts
adored, be born again. Wherever there is boredom, wherever
there is fear of failure, wherever there is temptation too strong to
resist, wherever there is bitterness of heart, come, thou blessed
one, with healing in thy wings.
Savior, be born in all who raise their faces to thy face, not
knowing fully who they are or who thou art, knowing only that thy
love is beyond their knowing and that no other has the power to
make them whole. Come, Lord Jesus, to all who long for thee
even though they have forgotten thy name. Come quickly. Amen.
(as found in Listening to Your Life, adapted)
The scriptures for Sunday, January 1, Epiphany Sunday…
Isaiah 60:1-6
Ephesians 3:1-12
Matthew 2:1-12
Sunday Conversations resume this Sun, Jan 1, 10am, in Trinity
Hall. Come, enjoy a cup of coffee, join the conversation, or just
listen in.
Bring one (1) plate your leftover holiday treats for our after
worship gathering this Sunday, January 1, New Year's Day.
Thanks…
…to all who provided hospitality, decorations, treats, special
donations, and most of all your time to make this year's holiday
season a festive one at Walnut Hill Church.
…to all who contributed to the Innkeeper's Offering over this
past Christmas weekend, a total of $1,216. Your gifts are on their way
to provide shelter and services to homeless women, children and
families through the efforts of the Salvation Army.
…to 28 Walnut Hill households who support Walnut Hill by their
participation in the Kroger Community Rewards program. Walnut Hill
recently received a $346 check from Kroger for the period, Sep - Nov.
…to several individuals and charitable foundations who have made
generous end-of-year gifts to Walnut Hill helping us finish 2016 in a
strong fashion. End-of-year gifts must be postmarked by Dec 31 to
be counted as 2016 charitable donations.
Mission Trip, 2017 - With the holiday season rush now slowing
down, we can revisit a question that was raised before the season
began, namely the possibility of a "mission trip" to eastern Kentucky,
working in partnership with Burnamwood Appalachian Ministry. We
are looking at the possibility of a week (or part of a week) in June
or July. Use reply email to let us know if you might be interested
and/or would like some more information.
Planning Team Report - It is not too late to offer your responses to the
planning team recommendations and/or landscape concepts. The
program recommendations are available on the Walnut Hill Church
website, and the landscape drawings are displayed for your review in
Trinity Hall. Please offer your questions, suggestions, etc, to any Vestry
member. The Vestry will be following up on these recommendations and
concepts in the new year.
Happy New Year!
Mike Ward
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