Wednesday, March 22, 2017

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, March 22, 2017

Greetings to all!

For this third week of the EOS season our reflection focuses on the story of the 
"Woman at the Well" (John 4).  While unnamed in John's narrative, the Orthodox 
Christian tradition remembered the woman as Photini, "the enlightened one."  As 
the tradition has it, Photini became an evangelist for the good news of Christ, not 
only among her family and neighbors, but also as far as the great African city of 
Carthage.  Along with several of her family members, she was martyred during the 
persecution of Christians by Emperor Nero. St. Photini, as she came to be known, 
was reckoned to be the first evangelist and an equal to the apostles. Her feast day is 
February 26.

Whatever the historical facts surrounding the woman at the well, the story has lived 
beyond its own time as a testimony to the Spirit's ability to transform the human heart 
and to use human witness, such as our own, to introduce others to the good news
of Jesus Christ. 

Exploring Our Spirituality (EOS) Week 3 continues this Thursday, Mar 23, 7pm, 
at Walnut Hill as we gather to pray with scripture.  After having read, studied and 
proclaimed the story of the woman at the well, we will gather to pray with the words 
and images of that story.  Join us for this informal worship gathering.

The scripture lesson for Sunday, March 26, the 4th Sunday in Lent, and the beginning 
of the fourth week of EOS, the story of a man born blind who gains the ability to see…
John 9:1-41

EOS small groups continue to meet on Sunday mornings, 10am, at Walnut Hill and 
Monday Evenings, 6:30pm, at the Hilliard residence. Small group participation 
provides opportunity to share with others around the EOS scriptures as well as our 
faith journeys.  Use reply email to inquire about participating in an EOS small group.

Personal study and reflection is an important part of the EOS experience. Use the 
online EOS Booklet or pick up a printed copy at Walnut Hill for your personal use.

Children's Choir - Children (through elementary age) are invited to gather for music 
and singing this Sun, Mar 26, 10am, in Trinity Hall. The children are working on music 
to be presented as part of our Palm Sunday worship on Apr 9.

Mission Experience 2017 - Join us on Sunday, March 26, immediately after worship, 
as we begin planning for our upcoming mission experience (June 9 - 11). It is not too late 
the join the mission team.  Use reply email for more information regarding Mission 
Experience 2017 and/or your participation in it.

After Church Refreshments - Check the new and improved after church refreshments
online sign up sheet . It's an easy way to volunteer to host our after worship gathering.  
Contact the church office if you have any questions about how to sign up.  Thanks to all 
our after worship hosts!

Easter Lilies - Easter is coming (Apr 16) and with it the opportunity to sponsor a lily for
the decoration of the Walnut Hill sanctuary.  Sponsorships are $20/plant and may be
made in memory/honor of someone special to you.  Make your check payable to Walnut 
Hill Church designated "Easter Lily" and be sure to let us know if your sponsorship is a 
memorial/honorary one.

Reading Camp, a ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Lexington, is seeking volunteers
to serve as camp counselors at its various summer camp locations (day and overnight) 
around the diocese.  Reading camp combines traditional camp activities with special
reading skill activities.  Volunteers of all ages (minimum 15 years old) are needed.
Visit www.readingcamprocks.org for more information.  Walnut Hill will reimburse the
expenses of any Walnut Hill reading camp volunteer.

In the Community:  The Christian-Muslim Dialogue will host a "Trialogue of Faith" on
Sun, Mar 26, 4pm - 6pm, at the Ohavay Zion Synagogue (2048 Edgewater Dr). Panelists 
will include Rabbi Moshe Smolkin (Ohavay Zion), Prof Aiyub Palmer (UK) and Bishop 
Bruce Caldwell (Episcopal Diocese of Lexington). For more information visit
 
Peace to all.

Mike Ward

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