Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Greetings to all!

We entered the EOS season last Sunday with reflection on the story of the 
"Wedding at Cana" and its sign, the turning of water into wine.  Part of the 
EOS experience is conversation around scripture and the new awarenesses 
that can arise from such conversation.  During the Monday evening small 
group, I picked up a new awareness from a fellow participant that I would 
like to share with you…

In the story of the Wedding at Cana, "the mother of Jesus" (Mary) appeals to 
Jesus when the wine begins to run low.  After her words with Jesus, Mary 
speaks to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you," and the rest of the story 
we know, the water became wine.  "Do whatever he (Jesus) tells you." These 
words echo words spoken from heaven at Jesus' transfiguration, "Listen to him."  
In our story Mary speaks not only as a mother confident in her son's abilities, but 
also as a divine voice calling on "servants" (us?) everywhere to simply do 
whatever Jesus tells us: love our neighbors, pray for our enemies, trust in God's 
abundance … The rest of the story (including our story) will take care of itself.  
What a wonderfully simple way of being and doing in the world, perhaps even 
setting the stage for wondrous signs of God's presence in our midst.

Exploring Our Spirituality (EOS) Week 1 continues this Thursday, Mar 9,
7pm, at Walnut Hill as we gather to pray with scripture.  After having read,
studied and proclaimed the story of the Wedding at Cana, 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 12, the 2nd Sunday in Lent, and
the beginning of the second week of EOS.
John 3:1-21

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 talk with others about 
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
individual use.

Children's Choir Begins - Children (through elementary age) are invited to 
gather for music and singing this Sun, Mar 12, 10am, in Trinity Hall. The 
children will be working on music to be presented as part of our Palm Sunday 
worship on April 9.

The Jewel on Walnut Hill - Reprinted copies of The Jewel on Walnut Hill, a
history of Walnut Hill Church, are available for pickup by those who pre-ordered 
them.  A number of extra copies are also available while they last.  Contact the 
church office for more information.

In the Community: The Drama Department of Tates Creek High School
is presenting performances of "The Three Musketeers" this week Thursday -
Saturday, 7pm, and Sunday, 2pm, at Tates Creek High School.  The cast
includes Walnut Hill members and friends.

Prayer in Action Days - The Kentucky Council of Churches has been
hosting "Prayer in Action Days" each Tuesday morning, 9:30am at the 
Capitol Annex in Frankfort.  The final Prayer in Action Day will be Tuesday,
March 14, and will focus on issues related to immigrants and refugees.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward





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