Friday, October 28, 2016

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, October 30, at Walnut Hill Church…

REFORMATION SUNDAY

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Encountering the God Within

We will explore what it means and how to encounter the 
God (Christ) within us.  Our conversation will include a
brief video featuring Father Joe Mitchell of the Earth
and Spirit Center in Louisville.

Children's Music, 10am, Trinity Hall

Children through elementary age are invited to gather
for music and singing in preparation for their Christmas
presentation on December 11.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - The Just Shall Live By Faith
Text - Habakkuk 1:1 - 2:4

Nursery Care and Faith Formation for Children

Children's Focus, 11am, Trinity Hall

The children will learn the story of Zacchaeus (Luke 19)
and his experience of the grace of God, a surprise both
to him and his neighbors.

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for fellowship and refreshments.

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

Friday, October 21, 2016

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, October 23, at Walnut Hill Church…

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Prayer: Continuing the Conversation

Our conversation regarding prayer will spring from last
Sunday's sermon, "Relentless and Purposeful," which
was prompted by Jesus' "Parable of the Persistent
Widow' (Luke 18:1-8).  To hear the sermon in advance
of the conversation, visit WHC Sermons.  Sunday's 
conversation will also include a brief exercise in 
"contemplative prayer."

Children's Choir, 10am, Trinity Hall

Children through elementary age are invited to gather
for music and singing looking forward to their Christmas
presentation in December.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - A Member of the Human Race
Text - Luke 18:9-14

Nursery Care and Faith Formation for children.

Children's Focus, 11am, Trinity Hall

The children will explore (via role playing) the "Parable
of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector" (Lk 18:9-14),
including its lesson about humility in the Kingdom of
God.

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for fellowship and refreshments.

Boone Creek Safari, afternoon, Vaughan Cabin

Youth and their families are invited to gather for an
afternoon of fellowship.  Use reply email or call the
church office for more information or to rsvp.

Wednesday, October 19, 2016

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, October 19, 2016

Greetings to all!

As a postscript to this past weekend's Exploring Our Spirituality Through
Prayer retreat, consider these thoughts about prayer as found in a youth 
resource, Way to Live

Throughout Christian history people have tried to understand prayer not
as something you do but as something you be…One such person was
Brother Lawrence, a 17th century monk…Brother Lawrence believed that 
all of life should be prayer.  Instead of reserving prayer for chapel or other 
set times, he tried to live with the awareness that he was  always in the 
presence of God.  He tried to notice and acknowledge God's presence in 
all places and all activities.  He believed washing dishes or cleaning floors 
was just a prayerful as kneeling in the sanctuary…This state of being is 
the final hope of prayer - that we might become prayer.  Whether we are 
with our friends, playing sports, mowing the lawn, studying, or riding in the 
car, we are aware of God's loving us.  As we practice noticing God's love, 
we begin to engage in all our relationships and activities with an open 
heart, bringing loving attention to all we meet and all we do.

The lectionary texts for Sunday, October 23…
Joel 2:23-32
2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18
Luke 18:9-14

Sunday Conversations continue this Sun, Oct 23, 10am, in Trinity Hall 
as we discuss the sermon from last Sunday, "Relentless and Purposeful."  
Visit WHC Sermons if you missed the sermon or want to listen again in 
advance of our conversation.

Children's Choir - Children through elementary age are invited to gather 
for music and singing this Sun, Oct 23, 10am, in Trinity Hall, as they 
prepare for their Christmas music presentation in December.

The Children's Focus for this Sun, Oct 23, 11am, will be the parable
of the "Pharisee and the Tax Collector." The children will act out the story 
and learn about the value of humility in God's kingdom.

The Boone Creek Safari annual youth outing to the Vaughan cabin is
scheduled for Sun, Oct 23.  All youth and their families are invited to 
attend.  Use reply email or call the church office (263-5304) for more 
information or to rsvp.

Opportunities to host our after worship gathering are available for 
several Sundays through the end of the year.  Check out the
online sign up sheet for available Sundays.  Thanks to all our hosts!

Thanks…
*to all those who participated in our Exploring Our Spirituality
Through Prayer retreat last Saturday.  Twenty-two persons formed
a community of prayer and reflection for the day.
*to all those who contributed toward relief for those affected
by Hurricane Matthew.  Thanks to your generosity, Walnut Hill is
able to send over $500 to the affected areas.

The Annual Assembly of the Kentucky Council of Churches will be 
held this week (Oct 20-21) in Bardstown.  The theme of this year's 
assembly is "Living Justly."  

Peace to all.

Mike Ward


Friday, October 14, 2016

Sunday At Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, October 16, at Walnut Hill Church…


EXPLORING OUR SPIRITUALITY
THROUGH PRAYER


Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Talking Together about Prayer

Continuing the conversation begun on Saturday, we will 
talk about experiences of prayer.  Saturday participation 
is not a prerequisite for Sunday's conversation.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - Relentless and Purposeful
Text - Luke 18:1-8

Nursery Care and Faith Formation for Children

Children's Focus, 11am, Trinity Hall

The children will work with the "Parable of the Persistent
Widow," exploring its lessons about faith and prayer.

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for fellowship and refreshments.

*****

Hurricane Matthew - Persons attending Walnut Hill
this Sunday will have opportunity to contribute in
support of relief efforts for those affected by Hurricane
Matthew.  Cash and checks payable to Walnut Hill Church
are welcome. Our support will go to the affected areas
via Church World Service.  For more information, visit 

Wednesday, October 12, 2016

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, October 12, 2016

Greetings to all!

Exploring Our Spirituality Through Prayer is our focus for this weekend, October 
15 - 16, at Walnut Hill Church (see details below).  Perhaps we can do some 
advance work by considering the question, "What do we mean by prayer?"  Each 
of us would likely offer a different response to that question.  Consider one 
response from the spiritual teacher, Evelyn Underhill.

In the first place, what do we mean by prayer?  Surely just this:  that part of our 
conscious life which is deliberately oriented towards, and exclusively responds to, 
spiritual reality.  God is that spiritual reality, and we believe God to be immanent 
in all things. "[God] is not far from each one of us: for in [God] we live and move 
and have our being." … [Prayer] entails, then, a going up or out from our ordinary 
circle of earthly interests.  Prayer stretches out the tentacles of our consciousness 
not so much towards that Divine Life which is felt to be enshrined within the striving, 
changeful world of things; but rather to that "Eternal truth, true love, and loved
Eternity" wherein the world is felt to be enshrined.

EXPLORING OUR SPIRITUALITY THROUGH PRAYER
Sat, Oct 15, 8:30am - 3:00pm - Day retreat featuring presentations, discussion, 
practice, and quiet reflection.  Leadership provided by Dr. Sharon Grant and 
Mr. George Aboud.  Box lunch included. Suggested donation $20. Use reply email
or call the church office (263-5304) to register.
Sun, Oct 16 , 10am - Sunday Conversation - continuing the exploration sharing 
our Saturday experience and asking new questions.
Sun, Oct 16, 11am - Morning Worship - celebrating prayer as a path to nurture
and express our faith.

The Children's Focus for this Sunday, October 16, will be the "Parable of the
Persistent Widow" (Luke 18:1-8) as we continue to celebrate Jesus' message,
as found in the Gospel of Luke, that the Kingdom of God is for all.

The "Boone Creek Safari" annual youth and family outing to the Vaughan cabin
is scheduled for Sun, Oct 23.  This is always a special occasion for youth and
their families.  Watch for more details.

The Children's Choir for children through elementary age resumes on Sunday,
October 23, 10am, in Trinity Hall as they prepare for a presentation during the
Christmas season.

Hurricane Matthew Relief - Persons wanting to support relief efforts in the wake 
of Hurricane Matthew will have opportunity to do so this Sunday, October 16
Cash and checks payable to Walnut Hill Church (designated "Hurricane") are
welcome.  We will be dividing our support between Haiti and the southeast U.S.

Opportunities to host our after worship refreshments are available for Sundays
in later October through December.  Visit the  online sign-up sheet  or check out
the traditional sign up sheet in the Sanctuary foyer to host a Sunday upcoming.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward




Tuesday, October 11, 2016

An Invitation

Dear Walnut Hill Members and Friends,

We are looking forward to a good day this Sat, Oct 15, and 
as we finalize our planning, we wanted to make sure you 
know that….

…You are invited…

EXPLORING OUR SPIRITUALITY THROUGH PRAYER
A DAY FOR LEARNING AND PRACTICE

Saturday, October 15, 8:30am - 3pm

Walnut Hill Church, 575 Walnut Hill Road, Lexington

Leaders:
-Sharon Grant - retreat leader and spiritual director
-George Aboud - mindfulness/meditation facilitator

The day will include presentations, discussion, practice,
and time for quiet reflection.

Breakfast refreshments and box lunch provided.

Suggested contribution - $20/person

Advance Registration Requested - Use reply email or 
call the church office (859-263-5304) to register or to 
request more information.

Friday, October 7, 2016

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, October 9, at Walnut Hill Church…

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Kabbalah

We will view and discuss a video featuring Rabbi Harold Kushner
in which he introduces the ancient Jewish mystical tradition known 
as Kabbalah.  

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - Unpack Your Bags
Text - Jeremiah 29:1 - 14

Nursery Care and Faith Formation for Children

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for fellowship and refreshments.

Youth Gathering, 5:30pm, Cheddar's (Man-O-War/Todd's Rd)

Youth (middle and high school) are invited to gather for dinner
at Cheddar's (Man-O-War/Todd's Rd) at 5:30pm.  Youth should 
bring money sufficient for their order.  Use reply email or contact
Lauren to let us know if you plan to attend.

*****

Hurricane Matthew - Persons attending Walnut Hill this Sunday
will have opportunity to donate in support of relief efforts following
Hurricane Matthew.  Cash and checks designated "hurricane" are
welcome.  Walnut Hill's support will go to the affected area via
Church World Service.  For more information regarding CWS relief
efforts, visit CWS Hurricane Response .

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


Thursday, October 6, 2016

An Invitation

You are invited…

EXPLORING OUR SPIRITUALITY THROUGH PRAYER
A DAY FOR LEARNING AND PRACTICE

Saturday, October 15, 8:30am - Noon

Walnut Hill Church, 575 Walnut Hill Road, Lexington

Leaders:
-Sharon Grant - retreat leader and spiritual director
-George Aboud - mindfulness/meditation facilitator

The day will include presentations, discussion, practice,
and time for quiet reflection.

Breakfast refreshments and box lunch provided.

Suggested contribution - $20/person

Advance Registration Requested - Use reply email or call the 
church office (859-263-5304) to register or to request more 
information.

Please share this invitation with others.

Come and enjoy a relaxing and refreshing day!

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Greetings to all!

Joseph Engelberg, a member of Temple Adath Israel and a friend of Walnut
Hill Church, departed this life on Sunday, October 2.  Joe was a person of high 
intellect and gentle spirit, a wonderful combination.  One of Joe's gifts was 
seeing the connection between the physical and the spiritual, between science 
and religion, as expressed in this excerpt from his writing, The Nature of 
Integrated Systems

Every biological organism - whether it is a tree, or a mouse, or a protozoon - 
either is a single cell, or is an aggregation of cells derived from a single cell.  
Each cell is the product of a preexisting cell. The thousands of different kinds 
of cells in the human organism all derive from a single ancestral organism, the 
fertilized egg. With each aggregation, a higher form of life is created. An
aggregating of cells results in a multicelled organism: the human organism is
a colony of cells….Two human beings can form a friendship, a family, thereby
enriching our world by creating a higher form of life.  Other aggregations
yield communities, nations, civilizations, etc.  When a friendship is formed,
life is added to the universe; conversely, the breaking-up of a friendship is
the death of part of the universe.  The very highest form of life is the "mystical."  
We perceive it only vaguely, only dimly conceive what it might be.  It is to all 
higher forms of life, such as this, that we are restlessly drawn.

The scripture lessons for Sunday, October 9 …
Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
2 Timothy 2:8-15
Luke 17:11-19

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, October 9, 10am, in Trinity
Hall.  Our topic for Sunday will be "Kabbalah," a Jewish mystical tradition.
Come enjoy a cup of coffee, join the conversation, or just listen in.

Youth (middle and high school) are invited to gather this Sunday, October 9,
5:30pm, at Cheddars Restaurant for dinner.  Each youth should bring dollars
sufficient for his/her meal.  Use reply email or contact Lauren to rsvp or to 
request more information.

EXPLORING OUR SPIRITUALITY THROUGH PRAYER is the title of a day 
retreat to be held at Walnut Hill Church on Sat, Oct 15 , 8:30am - 3pm.  
Sharon Grant and George Aboud will be our guides for this day of learning 
and practice.  Registration is $20/person, which includes lunch.  Use reply 
email or call the church office (263-5304) to register or to request more 
information. Please share this special opportunity with others who might be 
interested in attending.

Vestry Nominations: We will soon be nominating and electing two persons
to serve on the Vestry, Class of 2019.  Your recommendations are welcome.
Please contact the Senior Warden or the church office with your Vestry
nominee suggestions.

The Vestry will meet this Sunday, October 9, 9:30am, in the upstairs office
of Trinity Hall.

The Kentucky Council of Churches will hold its 69th Annual Assembly,
October 20-21, at the Nazareth Retreat Center, Bardstown, Kentucky.  The 
theme of this year's Assembly is "Living Justly."  Visit KCC Assembly for
more information.

Don't Forget that even when you can not be present on Sunday morning,
Walnut Hill's operating and ministry expenses continue nonetheless.  We
are grateful for those members and friends who remember Walnut Hill with
their gifts even when they cannot be with us.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward