This Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, January 1, at Walnut Hill Church…

EPIPHANY SUNDAY

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

A Look Back at 2016

We will review the "top 10 religion news stories" of 2016

according to the Religion News Association.  You might be

surprised at what made the list and what didn't.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - An Eye for Stars

Text - Matthew 2:1-12

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

Nursery Care and Faith Formation for Children

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for fellowship and refreshments.

Bring one (1) plate of your leftover holiday treats to share.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, December 28, 2016

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

 

This Weekend at Walnut Hill Church

This Weekend, December 24 - 25, at Walnut Hill Church…

CHRISTMAS EVE/DAY

DECEMBER 24, CHRISTMAS EVE

5pm - Family Service - All ages are invited to gather as

we celebrate the birth of Jesus with readings, carols and

candlelight (flameless candles will be used).

9pm - Evening Prayer Fireside - We will gather around

the fireplace in Trinity Hall for this quiet service of readings,

carols and candlelight.  Arrive a little early to enjoy some

hot cider and Christmas cookies.

DECEMBER 25, CHRISTMAS DAY

11am - Worship and Holy Communion

Sermon - The Gift that Keeps On Giving

Text - John 1:1-14

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

Nursery care available for children 

(Sunday Conversations and the after worship gathering 

are suspended for Christmas Day.)

*****

The Innkeeper's Offering will be received on Christmas

weekend in support of the Salvation Army's efforts to provide

shelter and services for homeless women, children and

families.  Place your special gifts in the baskets in the

Sanctuary foyer.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Greetings to all!

Christmas is just a few days away. So are you feeling the Christmas 

spirit? What is the Christmas spirit?  Ann Weems offers a few poetic 

thoughts on that subject.

The Christmas spirit

is that hope

which tenaciously clings

to the hearts of the faithful

and announces

in the face

of any Herod the world can produce

and all the inn doors slammed in our faces

and all the dark nights of our souls

that with God

all things still are possible,

that even now

unto us

a Child is born!

(as found in Kneeling in Bethlehem)

Christmas Weekend at Walnut Hill…

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

ages are invited to celebrate the birth of Jesus through scriptures,

carols and candlelight.  (Flameless candles will be used.)

Sat, Dec 24, 9pm - Evening Prayer Fireside - We will gather

around the fireplace in Trinity Hall for this quiet service to welcome

Christ into the world and into our lives.

Sun, Dec 25, 11am - Worship and Holy Communion - We

will read, sing and reflect on the Christmas story and celebrate the

Sacrament of Holy Communion.

The Innkeeper's Offering will be received on Christmas Eve. This

offering supports the Salvation Army's efforts to provide shelter for

homeless women, children and families.

Christmas Party Thanks go out to our host, Mary Ann, and to all

who attended and brought delicious holiday treats to enjoy.  It was

a most festive occasion.  Thanks to all!

Sanctuary Decorations - Thanks to all who contributed toward this

year's Sanctuary decorations, which are beautiful.  Poinsettia

sponsors are welcome to take their plants home after worship on

Christmas Day.

Year End Giving - Don't forget that all regular offerings and special 

fund contributions to Walnut Hill Church must be received in hand 

(or postmarked) by December 31 to be counted as 2016 charitable 

gifts.  This Sunday, Dec 25, is the last Sunday of the calendar year.  

Thanks to all those who support Walnut Hill's life and ministry!

Planning Team Report - Thanks to all who attended the recent 

planning team presentation.  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 will be displayed for your review 

in Trinity Hall for the next several Sundays. 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.

Merry Christmas!

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, December 18, at Walnut Hill Church…

The Fourth Sunday of Advent

Christmas Party

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

The Conversation Continues

Join us for our final conversation of 2016 as we consider

and discuss questions about our life and faith past,

present and future.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - The Human Element

Texts - Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-38

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children

Christmas Party, 3pm - 5pm, Davis Residence

Adults are invited to the Davis residence for this

traditional holiday gathering.  Please bring an

hors d'oeuvre or dessert item to share.  Use reply

email if you need directions to the Davis residence.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Greetings to all!

I have heard it said that "Christmas is for children," which I suppose is

true in regard to Santa Clause, gifts under the tree, etc.  Yet, I think it

is equally true that Christmas is for adults in regard to the Christmas

stories themselves.  Matthew and Luke, our two Christmas storytellers,

intended their stories for adults who were struggling to keep their faith

alive in the face of difficult circumstances. There are many adults who

need to hear Matthew's good news of "Emmanuel, God with us,"

and Luke's "Peace on earth, good will to all."   So let the children have

their Christmas fun, but never forget that the Christmas message is

for all of us, young and old alike, in this very real world in which we

live.

The scripture lessons for Sun, Dec 18, the 4th Sunday of Advent…

Isaiah 7:10-16

Romans 1:1-7

Matthew 1:18-25

Sunday Conversations continue this Sun, Dec 18, 10am, in Trinity

Hall.  Come, enjoy a cup of coffee, join the conversation, or just

listen in.

The Walnut Hill Christmas Party will be held this Sun, Dec 18,

3pm - 5pm, at the Davis residence.  Bring an hors d'oeuvre or

dessert item to share.

Christmas Weekend at Walnut Hill…

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

ages are invited to celebrate the birth of Jesus through scriptures,

carols and candlelight.  (Flameless candles will be used.)

Sat, Dec 24, 9pm - Evening Prayer Fireside - We will gather

around the fireplace in Trinity Hall for this quiet service to welcome

Christ into the world and into our lives.

Sun, Dec 25, 11am - Worship and Holy Communion - We

will read, sing and reflect on the Christmas story and celebrate the

Sacrament of Holy Communion.

The Innkeeper's Offering will be received on Christmas Eve. This

offering supports the Salvation Army's efforts to provide shelter for

homeless women, children and families.

Planning Team Report - Thanks to all who attended the planning

team presentation this past Sunday afternoon.  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 website, and the landscape drawings will be

displayed for your review in Trinity Hall for the next several Sundays.

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.

THANKS…

…to the children, youth and those who guided them for their

wonderful presentation and pageant last Sunday.

…to the 14 youth who attended last Sunday evening's youth

Christmas party and for all the winter warmth items they donated

to our friends at the Catholic Action Center.

…to all those who participated in our Giving Tree program this

year. A trunk full of Christmas basket items, gift cards and bus passes 

have been delivered to our neighbors at the Nathaniel Mission.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, December 11, at Walnut Hill Church…

The Third Sunday of Advent

The Walnut Hill Christmas Pageant

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Advent Conversations

Join us in the upstairs office of Trinity Hall as we continue our 

informal conversations during this Advent season.

Pageant Rehearsal, 10am, Trinity Hall

Children and youth participating in this Sunday's Christmas 

Pageant will gather for costumes and dress rehearsal.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

The Walnut Hill Christmas Pageant

Sermon - A Perfect Christmas?

Text - Matthew 11:2-6

Nursery Care for Children

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for fellowship and refreshments.

Congregational Forum, 3pm - 5pm, Trinity Hall

Walnut Hill members and friends are invited to gather

for conversation regarding Walnut Hill's life, ministry,

buildings and grounds.  Nursery care will be available.

Youth Christmas Party, 6pm - 7:30pm, Ward Residence

Youth (middle and high school) are invited to the Ward

residence (341 Albany Rd) for a celebration of the season.

Bring a "fun gift" ($5 value or less) for a random gift

exchange and a winter warmth item (hat, scarf, or

mittens/gloves) for our neighbors at the Catholic Action

Center.  Use reply email to rsvp.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Greetings to All!

December 7, 1941, a date that would "live in infamy" according to President

Roosevelt.  Seventy-five years later, precious few "survivors" remain to visit the 

site.  Nonetheless, the name "Pearl Harbor" remains evocative of tragedy and is 

used to measure other events like 9/11.  At the same time, the two nations drawn 

into war seventy-five years ago are now allies, even friends, an example, perhaps, 

that swords can be beaten into plowshares, spears into pruning hooks. As America 

pauses today to remember, consider the following prayer…

God of all peoples:  The wounds of war are slow to heal within and between us,

and your children bear the scars of their conflicts with each other.  On this day we

remember an event in which many lost their lives, followed by many more across

the ocean and around the world.  Be with those who still bear grief and pain from

that day many years ago, and may we, their children and grandchildren, be

inspired by their courage and sacrifice to live toward a day when all war shall

cease, forever.  Amen. 

A Memorial Service for Mr. Elliot Clark, son of Mrs. Lauren Fouts (David) and

the Rev. C. Pat Clark, will be held at Walnut Hill Church on Saturday, December

10, 2:00pm.

The lectionary texts for Sunday, December 11, the Third Sunday of Advent…

Isaiah 35:1-10

James 5:7-10

Matthew 11:2-11

Sunday Conversations continue this Sun, Dec 11, 10am, in Trinity Hall.  Come,

enjoy a cup of coffee, join the conversation, or just listen in.

Christmas Pageant:  The annual Christmas Pageant will be held this Sun,

Dec 11, 11am, in the Sanctuary.  Children and Youth will lead us in music,

word, and costume.  Children and youth participating in the pageant are asked

to gather in Trinity Hall at 10am, Sunday, for dress rehearsal.  

Pageant Preparation, Sat, Dec 10, 10am:  Children/youth/adults are invited

to gather for music and script practice, costume sorting, etc for Sunday's

Christmas pageant.  Attendance at this gathering is optional.  

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.  Use reply email or call

the church office (263-5304) to rsvp.

The Giving Tree:  Persons who have picked up "ornaments" from this year's

"Giving Tree" are asked to return their gift items to Walnut Hill by this Sunday,

Dec 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.

Christmas Party, Sun, Dec 18, 3pm - 5pm, at the Davis Residence - Adults

are invited to gather at the Davis residence for this traditional Walnut Hill holiday

celebration.  Bring an hors-d'œuvre or dessert item.  Use reply email or call

the church office for more information.

Christmas Poinsettias - As is our custom, we will soon be decorating the

Sanctuary for Christmas, including festive poinsettias.  If you would like to 

sponsor a poinsettia ($20), please make your check payable to Walnut Hill

Church designated "poinsettia."  You sponsorship may be in honor/memory

of someone(s) special to you.  Sponsors are welcome to enjoy their plants at

home after our Christmas season services. 

Holiday Season Schedule:

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, December 4, at Walnut Hill Church…

THE SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT

THE CHRISTMAS POTLUCK

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

The Conversation Continues

Come, enjoy a cup of coffee, join the conversation, or just

listen in.

Children's Choir, 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 - A Visit With Old John

Text - Matthew 3:1-12

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children

PAGEANT PREPARATION, 11am, Trinity Hall

The children/youth will be doing pageant preparation 

including the assigning of roles and conversation 

regarding why we "do this" every year.

CHRISTMAS POTLUCK, NOON, TRINITY HALL

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

delicious holiday tradition. Meat and beverages provided.