Wednesday, February 8, 2017

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, February 8, 2017

Greetings to all!

How do we start our day?  In addition to breakfast, is the beginning of our day filled
with anxiety about the world and/or our own lives, as well as less than pleasant 
exchanges with others in our home who are equally anxious about, or preoccupied
by, the day ahead? In his classic book on Christian community (including the Christian 
home), Dietrich Bonhoeffer offered a different thought about starting our day.  How
might we transform our daily beginnings for ourselves and those with whom we live?

For Christians the beginning of the day should not be burdened and oppressed with 
besetting concerns for the day's work.  At the threshold of the new day stands the 
Lord who made it. All the darkness and distraction of the dreams of night retreat before 
the clear light of Jesus Christ and his wakening Word.  All unrest, all impurity, all care 
and anxiety flee before him. Therefore, at the beginning of the day let all distraction 
and empty talk be silenced and let the first thought and the first word belong to him to 
whom our life belongs.  "Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ 
shall give thee light" (Eph 5:14).
(from Life Together)

The scripture lessons for Sunday, February 12…
*Deuteronomy 30:15-20
*1 Corinthians 3:1-9
*Matthew 5:21-27

Sunday Conversations continue this Sun, Feb 12, 10am, in Trinity Hall. The focus 
for this Sunday's conversation will be "The Gospel of Mary," a video presentation by
Renita Weems who explores how things might have been different in the church, and
in the world, if Mary and other marginalized voices had been "heard" in the early days
of Christianity, and how things might still change today.

Children/Youth Focus - During the 11am hour the children/youth are exploring the 
faith stories found in the book of Genesis.  This Sunday we continue our exploration
of the Eden stories, with particular attention to the story of Cain and Abel.

Scout Sunday - All scouts are invited to attend in uniform this Sunday, February 12, 
as we will be observing "Scout Sunday" at Walnut Hill. The service will include a 
recognition of scouting led by various scouts.

Youth Bowling - The youth will meet this Sunday (2/12) at Southland Lanes from 
5:30 - 7pm.  Guests are welcome.  Please rsvp to Lauren before Sunday, so that we 
might know how many lanes are needed.  Cost is $5/game, including shoe rental.  We 
may have time for two games!  The church will provide pizza.

SOUPER BOWL WRAPUP - Not only did the Super Bowl turn out well for the
Patriots, the Souper Bowl turned out well for Walnut Hill and our neighbors.  It was 
a fun and delicious time.  The great soup was matched only by the abundant 
generosity of those present as over $300 was raised to support the work of God's
Pantry.  Thanks to all!

Mission Experience 2017 - We have focused in on the long weekend, June 9 -11, 
for our eastern Kentucky mission experience.  The cost per person will be $75, with 
scholarships available.  This opportunity is open to all persons, age 12 and above.  
Let us know by reply email if you would like to be part of this mission experience 
and/or if you have questions about your possible participation.

The Kentucky Council of Churches is sponsoring "Prayer in Action Days" during 
the current session of the KY General Assembly.  The gatherings are held each 
Tuesday, 9:30am, in the Capitol Annex building and focus on different issues before 
the G.A. during this session. For a complete schedule and other details, visit 

The 8th Annual Charity Tennis Event to benefit Indian Summer Camp (ISC) 
will be held on Feb 17 at the Lexington Tennis Club.  ISC provides camping
experiences for children who have (or have had) cancer.  You can support the 
Tennis Event in a number of ways including being a player participant, donating a
silent auction item, bidding on silent auction items, or making a sponsorship 
donation.  For more information, visit ISC Tennis Event .

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

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