Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Greetings to all!

This week's EOS reflection focuses around the story of the man blind

from birth (John 9).  Among the details of the story, my imagination was

sparked by the inability of the neighbors to recognize the formerly blind,

but now sighted, man. I wondered how they could not recognize a man

who had been in their midst all his life. Perhaps it was that during all

those years of his begging they simply had not paid attention to him, not

looked at, or interacted with, him directly enough to be able to recognize

him when he was no longer in his regular location by the side of the road.

I wondered how often I see and engage those whom I pass by along the

road of my living.  Do I recognize them as human beings like me?  Would

I recognize them if the circumstances of their lives, and mine, were

different?

The scripture lesson for Sunday, April 2, the Fifth Sunday in Lent, and the

fifth Sunday of the Exploring Our Spirituality season:

     John 11:1-45

"Praying With Scripture," Thur, Mar 30, 7pm, at Walnut Hill: Join us as

we complete our reflection on the story of the man blind from birth by

"praying with" its words, images and symbols.  

EOS small groups continue to meet on Sunday morning, 10am, in Trinity

Hall and Monday evening, 6:30pm, at the Miller/Olszewski residence.  Small

groups provide an opportunity to explore the EOS stories in company with

others.  

A Host(s) is needed for our after worship refreshments this Sunday, April 2.

Use reply email or visit www.walnuthillchurchky.org/foodres/  to volunteer

for this Sunday or a Sunday later in the spring.  Thanks to all our hosts!

Easter Lilies for the holiday decoration of the Walnut Hill sanctuary may

be sponsored for $20/plant.  Make your check payable to Walnut Hill Church,

designated "Lily."  Be sure to let us know if your sponsorship is in memory or

honor of someone special to you.

Speaking of Easter, here is an advance look at our Holy Week schedule:

     *Sun, Apr 9 - Palm Sunday

          -10am - EOS Small Group, Children's Choir

          -11am - Morning Worship, Children's Presentation

          -Noon - Easter Egg Hunt (bring a basket and a dozen treat eggs for the

hunt)

     *Thu, Apr 13 - Maundy Thursday

          -7pm - Evening Prayer and Communion

     *Sun, Apr 16 - Easter Sunday

          -7am - Easter Sunrise Service

          -11am - Morning Worship and Holy Communion

Lenten Music - (from our Music Director) The season of Lent encourages

     Christians to be reflective and meditative; therefore, church musicians change

the selections played during Lent, away from the brightness of the Epiphany

season to the seriousness of the preparation for the crucifixion of Christ.  The

music changes with each liturgical season, but it shifts especially during Lent.  

Lenten music should be lovingly reflective and somber, encouraging parishioners

to think about the Love that is God and that was brought to earth through Jesus.  

Church music should always enhance worship: it is a part of the experience and

not a performance.  As such, it is an offering that expands or enriches the words

of the Bible, the beauty of the prayers, and the message of the clergy.  The music

will transform to the joy of Easter after this somber period of Lenten reflection.  

     I appreciate the many kind remarks and encouragement that you, the Walnut

Hill congregation, give to me.  It is my pleasure to be part of the community.

Thank you.  Angela

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

--

  Mike Ward

  mward@walnuthillchurchky.org