Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Greetings to all!

As you continue your Eastertide reflection, consider the following
poem, "And the Glory," by Ann Weems.

The silence breaks into morning.
That One Star lights the world.
The lily springs to life and
not even Solomon…

Let it begin with singing
and never end!
Oh, angels, quit your lamenting!
Oh, pilgrims,
upon your knees in tearful prayer,
rise up
and take your hearts
and run!
We who were no people
are named anew
God's people,
for he who was no more
is forevermore.

(as found in Kneeling in Jerusalem)

The scriptures for Sunday, April 3, the 2nd Sunday of Easter…
Acts 5:27-32
Revelation 1:4-8
John 20:19-31

Sunday Conversations continue this Sun, Apr 3, 10am, in
Trinity Hall.  Sunday Conversations  include a variety of topics
from week to week.  Come, enjoy a cup of coffee, join the
conversation, or just listen in.

OGHS Last Call - The One Great Hour of Sharing offering was 
received on Easter Sunday.  If you have been using an OGHS 
collection box at home, please bring it to Walnut Hill by Sunday, 
April 3, and we will add your gift to this important offering.

The Long Range Planning Forum III, focusing on buildings and 
grounds, has been rescheduled for Sunday, April 10, 3:30pm.
All Walnut Hill members and friends are invited to attend and
share their thoughts, ideas and questions.

Exploring Our Spirituality, Spring, 2016 will begin on Sunday,
April 17.  Our focus theme for this EOS season will be "The
Sermon on the Mount."  EOS includes opportunity for individual
reflection, small group fellowship, and worship focused around
the theme.  Use reply email to let us know if you would like to
be part of an EOS small group.  

Resettlement - 2016:  Thanks to all who have already 
indicated their willingness to help Walnut Hill welcome a 
refugee family later this year.  We hope to have volunteers
in place by mid-April.  Let us know if you would like more
information about how you can help.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward





Friday, March 25, 2016

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, March 27, 2016 …

EASTER SUNDAY
THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD

Easter Sunrise Service, 7am, Walnut Hill Cemetery

We will gather in the cemetery to hear the news of the
empty tomb and the risen Christ.  Dress for the outdoors.
In case of inclement weather, the service will be held in
the Sanctuary.  Breakfast refreshments after the service
in Trinity Hall.

Sunday Conversation, 10am, Trinity Hall

What Easter Means to Me

We invite your reflections on what Easter means to you
from your past, your present, and looking toward your
future.  Come, enjoy a cup of coffee, join the conversation,
or just listen in.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - Knowing Where to Look
Text - Luke 24:1-11

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.
Bring a plate (1) of cookies for the refreshment table.

*****

The One Great Hour of Sharing offering will be received
on Easter Sunday.  Bring your OGHS collection boxes.
You may also donate via cash or check payable to
Walnut Hill Church, designated "OGHS."  For more
information regarding this offering, visit  OGHS .

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Greetings to all!

Once again an act of violence has shaken the world, or at least the western world. 
Regrettably, we know that violence has been, and is, an everyday reality for much 
of the world and for many people. The remembrance of violence is even a part of the 
Holy Week journey, particularly the events of Good Friday.  May Jesus' experience 
of violence including his arrest, trial, scourging and crucifixion be a catalyst for us, 
his disciples, to reject all forms of violence against others including bullying, terror, 
torture, execution and war as acceptable means to achieve civilized ends.  People 
of faith should know that violence is never the will of God for humankind.  May we 
find the courage to declare and live that truth, and so prove ourselves to be Christ's 
disciples during this Holy Week and beyond.

HOLY WEEK AT WALNUT HILL CHURCH
*Thursday, March 24, Maundy Thursday: 
-7pm - Evening Prayer - Join us as we remember the evening of Jesus' arrest 
as told by the Gospel writer Luke. This quiet service will include the sacrament of the 
Lord's Supper, readings, prayer, silence, conversation and songs.  This gathering 
is intended for adults and older youth. The nursery will not be staffed on Maundy 
Thursday. 
*Sunday, March 27, Easter Sunday:
-7am - Sunrise Service - Join us as we gather in the Walnut Hill Cemetery 
to hear the mysterious news of the empty tomb. Dress for the outdoors.  In case of 
inclement weather, the service will be held in the Sanctuary.  The nursery will not 
be staffed for the Sunrise Service.
-10am - Sunday Conversations - You are welcome to gather for a cup of 
coffee and informal conversation regarding the meaning of Easter Day.
-11am - Morning Worship and Holy Communion - Join us for a traditional 
liturgy and the sacrament in celebration of the Risen Christ.  Nursery care and 
Sunday School will be available for children.
-Noon - After Worship Gathering - All are invited to gather for refreshments 
and fellowship.  Bring one (1) item to add to the refreshment table.

The One Great Hour of Sharing Offering will be received at Walnut Hill Church 
this Sunday, March 27.  If you have been using an OGHS collection box at home, 
please bring it to Walnut Hill this Sunday.  You may also contribute by cash or check 
payable to Walnut Hill Church, designated "OGHS."  For more information regarding 
the purpose of this offering, visit OGHS .

Easter Lilies:  As is our custom, the Walnut Hill Sanctuary will be decorated with 
lilies on Easter Sunday.  You may sponsor a lily for $20.  Sponsorships may be 
memorial or honorary.  The deadline to advise us of a memorial or honorary 
sponsorship is Friday, March 25.  Use reply email or call the church office (263-5304) 
to sponsor a lily for Easter Sunday.

The Long Range Planning Forum III, focusing on buildings and grounds, has been 
rescheduled for Sunday, April 10, 3:30pm.

Bookkeeping/Accounting - Walnut Hill Church is currently seeking the services 
of a professional to provide regular bookkeeping and accounting services.  The 
recommendations of Walnut Hill members and friends are greatly appreciated.  
Use reply email and/or call the church office with your referrals and 
recommendations.

Thanks to all who were part of a full and meaningful day last Sunday, March 20,
including the children's music presentation and Easter egg hunt, as well as the
Lee Tucker memorial service and reception.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward



Friday, March 18, 2016

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, March 20, at Walnut Hill Church…

PALM SUNDAY

Sunday Conversation, 10am, Trinity Hall

Stations of the Cross

We will explore and experience the Stations of the
Cross, an ancient tradition related to the story of
Jesus' trial and crucifixion.

Children's Choir, 10am, Trinity Hall

Children through elementary age are invited to
gather for music and singing in anticipation of their
Palm Sunday presentation.

Confirmation Class, 10am, Trinity Hall

Confirmation candidates are gathering each Sunday
to explore their faith.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - A Palm Sunday Echo
Text - Luke 19:28-40

Procession of the Palms

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children

Easter Egg Hunt, Noon, Church Grounds

Children are invited to hunt for Easter Eggs spread
around the church grounds.  "Hunters" should bring
their own baskets.  Parents (and others) are invited
to bring 1 dozen treat filled eggs to add to the hunt.

In case of inclement weather, the Easter Egg Hunt
will be rescheduled for Easter Sunday (Mar 27)

Lee Tucker Memorial Service, 1pm, Sanctuary

We will remember and give thanks for the life of
Walnut Hill member Lee Tucker.

After Worship Gathering, 1:45pm, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for refreshments and 
fellowship.

******

The Vestry will meet at 9:30am in the upstairs
office of Trinity Hall.


Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Greetings to all!

Tomorrow (Mar 17) is St. Patrick's Day.  In addition to green beer and the
luck of the Irish, you might want to revisit the story of St. Patrick who, at
the age of 16, was kidnapped and sold into slavery in Ireland. After
escaping and returning to his native Britain, Patrick devoted his life to God
and studied for the priesthood.  He returned to Ireland where he spent
several decades establishing churches and monastic communities.  When
not engaged in active ministry, he spent his time in solitude, reflection and
prayer.  Among the traditions associated with Patrick is a prayer that came
to be known as "St. Patrick's Breastplate," of which a small portion follows…

Christ be with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.

(source Common Prayer)

In memory:
*James B. Graves, a member of Walnut Hill Church, departed this
life on March 9, 2016.  Services will be scheduled at a later date.  See
James B. Graves for obituary information.
*Martha Lee Tucker, a member and former Clerk of the Vestry of
Walnut Hill Church, departed this life on March 10, 2016.  A memorial
service will be held on Sunday, March 20, 1pm, at Walnut Hill Church.
See Martha Lee Tucker for obituary information.

The lectionary texts for this Sunday, March 20, Palm Sunday…
Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29
Luke 19:28-40

Sunday Conversations continue this Sun, Mar 20, 10am, in Trinity Hall.
Our conversation focus for Sunday will be "Stations of the Cross."  Come
enjoy a cup of coffee, join the conversation, or just listen in.

Children's Choir - Children through elementary age are invited to gather
at 10am in Trinity Hall for music and singing in preparation for their Palm 
Sunday music presentation.

Easter Egg Hunt - The annual Easter Egg Hunt is scheduled for Sun,
Mar 20, immediately after morning worship.  "Hunters" should bring their
Easter Egg Baskets.  Parents (and others) are invited to bring 1 doz treat
filled eggs for the hunt.  In case of inclement weather, the hunt will be
rescheduled for Easter Sunday (Mar 27).

Holy Week:  It is not too early to start thinking about Holy Week at Walnut Hill 
including…
*Sun, Mar 20, Palm Sunday: children's music presentation, procession 
of the palms, egg hunt.
*Thu, Mar 24, Maundy Thursday: evening prayer at 7pm.
*Sun, Mar 27, Easter Sunday: sunrise service at 7am, morning 
worship and sacrament at 11am.

Easter Lilies:  As is our custom, the Walnut Hill Sanctuary will be decorated 
with lilies on Easter Sunday.  You may sponsor a lily for $20.  Sponsorships 
may be memorial or honorary.  Make your check payable to Walnut Hill Church, 
designated "Easter Lily." Be sure to indicate if your lily is in memory/honor of 
someone.

The Long Range Planning Forum, previously scheduled for this Sunday,
has been postponed to Sunday, April 3, 3:30pm.

Bookkeeping/Accounting - Walnut Hill Church is currently seeking the
services of a professional to provide regular bookkeeping and accounting
services.  The recommendations of Walnut Hill members and friends would
be greatly appreciated.  Use reply email and/or call the church office with
your referrals and recommendations.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward





Friday, March 11, 2016

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, March 13, at Walnut Hill Church …

THE FIFTH SUNDAY IN LENT

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Resettlement - 2016

Dabney Parker, Kentucky Refugee Ministries, will be our
guest as we begin organizing and planning to welcome a
refugee family later this year. This gathering is for those
interested in helping directly, as well as for those who 
would simply like to hear more about what the resettlement
process will involve for Walnut Hill.


Children's Choir, 10am, Trinity Hall

Children through elementary age are invited to gather for 
music and singing in preparation for their music
presentation on Palm Sunday (Mar 20).


Confirmation Class, 10am, Trinity Hall

Confirmation candidates are gathering each Sunday as
they explore their faith.


Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Preacher - James Stillwell*
Liturgist - Mike Ward

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children and Youth.


After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for refreshments and fellowship.

*****

*For information regarding Dr. James Stillwell, visit

Wednesday, March 9, 2016

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, March 9, 2016

Greetings to all!

I recently heard again the old saying, "Jesus is the answer" for all of 
life's questions and problems.  While I appreciate the intent of that old 
saying, it runs counter to my experience not only of life, but also of Jesus.  
It seems to me that he spent as much, if not more, time asking questions 
than giving answers.  His questions invite us to look at the world around 
us, to look within ourselves, for faithful responses to life's challenges, 
rather than "pat answers." Like any wise teacher, Jesus realized that 
answers must come from within if they are to really make a difference in 
our lives and in our world. One author* observed that Jesus asked more 
than 300 questions in the various Gospel accounts.  Jesus' example 
reminds us that faith is less about having correct answers than it is about 
asking good questions.
(*see Jesus is the Question by Martin Copenhaver)

The lectionary texts for Sunday, March 13, the 5th Sunday in Lent…
Isaiah 43:16-21
Philippians 3:4-14
John 12:1-8

Sunday Conversations continue this Sun, Mar 13, 10am, in Trinity 
Hall.  Our focus for Sunday's conversation will be "Resettlement 2016," 
as we learn about and organize ourselves to welcome a refugee family 
later this year.

Children's Choir:  Children (through elementary age) are invited to
gather at 10am in Trinity Hall for music and singing as they prepare
for a presentation on Palm Sunday, March 20.

Confirmation Class: Confirmation candidates are gathering each
Sunday, 10am, in Trinity Hall as they explore their faith.

Long Range Planning Forum III will be held on Sunday, March 20,
3:30pm - 5:00pm.  The focus of this conversation will be Walnut Hill's
grounds and buildings.  This is the third of four conversations, which 
are part of the long range planning process.  

Holy Week:  It is not too early to start thinking about Holy Week at 
Walnut Hill including…
*Sun, Mar 20, Palm Sunday: children's music presentation,
procession of the palms, egg hunt.
*Thu, Mar 24, Maundy Thursday: evening prayer at 7pm.
*Sun, Mar 27, Easter Sunday: sunrise service at 7am, morning 
worship and sacrament at 11am.

Egg Hunt - The annual Walnut Hill Easter Egg Hunt will be held on
Sun, Mar 20, Noon.  Parents of hunters (and others) are invited to
bring a dozen treat-filled eggs for the hunt.  

Easter Lilies:  As is our custom, the Walnut Hill Sanctuary will be 
decorated with lilies on Easter Sunday.  You may sponsor a lily 
for $20.  Sponsorships may be memorial or honorary.  Make your 
check payable to Walnut Hill, designated "Easter Lily." Be sure to
indicate if your lily is in memory/honor of someone.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward



Friday, March 4, 2016

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, March 6, at Walnut Hill Church…

THE FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT

Sunday Conversations,10am, Trinity Hall

A Conversation with Bishop Hahn

The Rt. Rev. Douglas Hahn, Bishop of the Episcopal
Diocese of Lexington, will visit Walnut Hill this Sunday,
including an opportunity to talk informally with Bishop
Hahn regarding the church, faith, and the world. 

Children's Choir, 10am, Trinity Hall

Children (through elementary age) are invited to 
gather for music and singing in preparation for their
music presentation on Palm Sunday (Mar 20).

Confirmation Class, 10am, Trinity Hall

Confirmation students are gathering each Sunday at
10am as they explore their faith.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Preacher - The Rt. Rev. Douglas Hahn
Liturgist - The Rev. Michael Ward

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.

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Greetings to all!

We are now about halfway through Lent, long enough perhaps to have
forgotten, or simply given up, any particular Lenten practices we might
have intended for the season.  If so, good news! This too is part of the 
Lenten experience, discovering that while "the spirit is willing, the flesh 
is often weak."  Don't be discouraged even though the journey seems 
to be long and the way not so clear, which is true whether speaking of 
Lent or life.  So whether you have stumbled, gotten lost, or simply gotten
tired, it is never too late to get back on your feet, check for directions, 
and take a step, and then another, and then another.  Such is the 
Lenten (life) journey.   

In Memory:  Anne DeHart Coulter, a member of Walnut Hill Church,
departed this life on February 24, 2016.  Services and interment were
held on February 27, 2016, at the Lexington Cemetery Mausoleum.

The lectionary texts for Sun, Mar 6, the Fourth Sunday in Lent…
Joshua 5:9-12
2 Corinthians 5:16-21
Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

The Rt. Rev. Douglas Hahn, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of
Lexington, will visit Walnut Hill this Sunday, March 6.  Bishop Hahn
will visit informally with us during the 10am Sunday Conversation
hour.  He will also preach during morning worship (11am).  Bishop 
Hahn's visit is an affirmation of Walnut Hill's ecumenical relationship 
with the Diocese of Lexington.

Children's Choir: Children through elementary age are invited to
gather for music and singing this Sun, Mar 6, 10am, in Trinity Hall.
The children are practicing music to be presented during worship on 
Palm Sunday (Mar 20).

Long Range Planning Forum III will be held on Sunday, March 20,
3:30pm - 5:00pm.  The focus of this conversation will be Walnut Hill's
grounds and buildings.  This is the third of four conversations, which 
are part of the long range planning process.  

Refreshment Hosts are needed for several Sundays upcoming, 
beginning Sun, Mar 13.  Visit the online sign up sheet for Sundays 
available for hosting, or check out the traditional sign up sheet in the 
Sanctuary foyer.  Thanks to all our Sunday refreshment hosts.   

Holy Week:  It is not too early to start thinking about Holy Week at 
Walnut Hill including…
*Sun, Mar 20, Palm Sunday: children's music presentation,
procession of the palms, egg hunt.
*Thu, Mar 24, Maundy Thursday: evening prayer at 7pm.
*Sun, Mar 27, Easter Sunday: sunrise service at 7am,
morning worship and sacrament at 11am.

Easter Lilies:  As is our custom, the Walnut Hill Sanctuary will be 
decorated with lilies on Easter Sunday.  You may sponsor a lily 
for $20.  Sponsorships may be memorial or honorary.  Make your 
check payable to Walnut Hill, designated "Easter Lily." Be sure to
indicate if your lily is in memory/honor of someone.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward