Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, April 30, at Walnut Hill Church…

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

A Life for a Life?

We'll talk about the "death penalty" and how our biblical and 

theological traditions inform (or not) our thinking about it.  

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - The Road to Emmaus 

Text -  Luke 24:13-35

Nursery Care and Faith Development for Children

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for fellowship and refreshments.

****

The Vestry will meet this Sunday, 9:30am, in the upstairs

office of Trinity Hall.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, April 26, 2017

Greetings to all!

The State of Arkansas is in the midst of an effort to execute eight capital

offenders before the end of April, thus far succeeding in carrying out three 

executions.  Few issues evoke more emotion than the "death penalty," in 

the midst of which we continue to debate its morality, purposes, methods 

and effectiveness.  Twenty years ago the member communions of the 

Kentucky Council of Churches engaged such debate and determined that 

the death penalty was/is morally, legally and technically flawed and thus 

should be ended. The following is a brief excerpt from the Council's 1997

Resolution Opposing the Death Penalty .

In considering the whole of Christian witness in all its complexity, we are

drawn to hold before us the vision of Amos, for a time when "justice rolls

down like waters and righteousness like an ever flowing stream."  In the

meantime, as Christians we are committed to seek both the redemption

and reconciliation of the wrongdoer and healing for victims, because we

affirm the value of every human being as a child of God.  Rather than

responding to considerations of revenge or assumed efficiency, we seek

justice that is productive of love, one which will honor the capacity of

individuals to change, repent and grow as human beings, made in the

image of God for healed relations with one another and our Creator.

The lectionary texts for Sunday, April 30, the 3rd Sunday of Easter…

Acts 2:14, 36-41

1 Peter 1:17-23

Luke 24:13-35

Sunday Conversations continue this Sun, Apr 30, 10am, in Trinity Hall.

Sunday Conversations include a wide range of topics from week to week.

Check the Friday update regarding the focus of this Sunday's conversation.

Grounds Work Day, Saturday, May 13, 9am - Noon - Plan now to join us

at Walnut Hill as we spruce up the grounds for the spring and summer 

seasons. Plenty of tasks (skilled and unskilled) will be available. Watch for 

more details.

The Spring Potluck is coming on Sunday, May 21, immediately after

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

delicious Walnut Hill tradition.

The Walnut Hill Mission Experience is coming June 9 - 11.  We will 

spend the weekend at Camp Burnamwood (Estill County) and engage 

in service in the surrounding communities.  All ages (12 yrs and older) 

are welcome and needed.  Use reply email for more information.

Sunday Hospitality - Be sure to visit the online sign up sheet for

opportunities to host an after worship gathering on a Sunday upcoming 

this spring or summer.  You may also volunteer via the traditional sign up 

sheet in the Sanctuary foyer.  Thanks to all our Sunday hosts!

One Great Hour of Sharing - Thanks to many who contributed so 

generously via coin, cash and check, $655 is on its way to support

disaster and hunger relief, water projects and human empowerment 

around the world via the OGHS .

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, April 23, at Walnut Hill Church…

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Back to the Garden

In observance of Earth Day, we will go "back to the garden," 

Eden that is, to see if there might be some ancient wisdom to 

help us with our very modern environmental challenges. You 

might want to refresh your memory regarding those ancient 

stories in anticipation of our conversation. See Genesis 1 - 3 .

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - All Of Us Are Witnesses

Text -  Acts 2:14, 22-32

Nursery Care and Faith Development for Children

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for fellowship and refreshments.

****

This Sunday is the last call for One Great Hour of Sharing

home collection boxes for inclusion in this year's OGHS

offering to support disaster relief, hunger relief, water projects 

and human empowerment around the world. Place your 

collection box in the Sanctuary foyer.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, April 19, 2017

Greetings to all!

The good news of Easter is more to be experienced than reasoned, more felt 

than understood, more "right brain" than "left brain," more poetry than prose.  

With all that in mind, consider this poem for your post-Easter reflection…

The silence breaks into morning.

That One Star lights the world.

The lily springs to life and

not even Solomon…

Let it begin with singing

and never end!

Oh, angels, quit your lamenting!

Oh, pilgrims,

upon your knees in tearful prayer,

rise up

and take your hearts

and run!

We who were no people

are named anew

God's people,

for he who was no more

is forevermore.

("And the Glory" by Ann Weems, as found in Kneeling In Jerusalem)

The scriptures for Sunday, April 23, the 2nd Sunday of Easter…

Acts 2:14, 22-32

1 Peter 1:3-9

John 20:19-31

Sunday Conversations return this Sunday, April 23, 10am, in Trinity Hall.  

Our conversation focus for this Sunday will be "Earth Day" (Apr 22). Watch

for more details in the Friday update.

A Host(s) is needed for our after worship refreshments this Sun, Apr 23.

Use reply email to volunteer or visit the online sign-up sheet to volunteer

for this Sunday or a Sunday later in the spring.

One Great Hour of Sharing - Thanks to all who gave so generously on

Easter Sunday to the OGHS offering, which supports disaster and hunger 

relief, water projects and human empowerment around the world. The initial 

offering totaled $475, and the collection box coins are yet to be counted!  By 

the way, you can still return your OGHS collection boxes next Sunday for 

inclusion in this year's OGHS offering.  For more information about the global

impact of this traditional Lent/Easter season offering, visit  OGHS .

The Catholic Action Center, with its ministries including meals, clothing,

overnight shelter (The Community Inn) and various social services, is 

moving to a new home at 1055 Industry Road.  You are invited to an open

house to see their new facilities this Sunday, April 23, 1-4pm.  You may

bring a "housewarming gift" such as a blanket or fitted sheet (twin size),

pillow case, towel or washcloth.  No rsvp required.  For more information,

about the work of the CAC, visit www.godsnet.info .

In the Community: The Theater Dept of the Bryan Station High School

is presenting the musical, "The Wizard of Oz."  Performances are scheduled 

for Thu/Fri (Apr 20/21) at 6:30pm, and Sat (Apr 22) at 2pm and 6pm at Bryan 

Station High School.  Our own Ruby Sharrard is among the  cast members.

Looking Ahead:

*Sat, May 13 - Grounds Work Day, 9am - Noon.

*Sun, May 21 - Spring Potluck

*Fri-Sun, June 9-11- Walnut Hill Mission Experience in Estill County

(Watch for more details regarding these upcoming events, or use reply

email to inquire.)

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, April 16, at Walnut Hill Church …

THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD

Sunrise Service, 7am, Walnut Hill Cemetery

We will gather in the cemetery for this informal service

to celebrate the Risen Christ.  

In case of rain, the service will be held in the Sanctuary.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - Like Christ, Like Us

Text - John 20:1-23

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

Nursery Care and Faith Development for Children

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for fellowship and refreshments.

Bring one plate of cookies for the refreshment tables.

*****

The One Great Hour of Sharing offering will be received 

on Easter morning.  The OGHS supports disaster relief, 

hunger relief, water projects and human empowerment 

around the world.  Households that have been using OGHS 

collection boxes at home are invited to bring them on Easter 

morning.  For more information regarding this traditional 

Easter offering, visit  OGHS .

Maundy Thursday Evening Prayer

Friends:

We are invited to gather this evening, Thursday, April 13, 7pm, for a service of Evening Prayer in reflection upon Jesus' Last Supper with his disciples, the beginning of the so-called "Triduum," or "three days" of observing Jesus' passion, death and resurrection. This evening's service will be quiet, including the sacrament (in an alternative form), a few simple songs, and a narrative of the events as provided by the Gospel of John.

Nursery care/activities will be available for children.

No reply is necessary, simply feel free to join us as your schedule might allow.

Peace,

Mike Ward

P.S. - A  prayer for your use today is provided by Richard Rohr:  "On this holy night of prayer, I would like to 'spend one hour with you,' so you can teach me how I am to let go and how I am to live.  Let me see your loveliness in bread and wine and song and even in the servant's towel.  Amen."

(as found in Wondrous Encounters)

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, April 12, 2017

Greetings to all!

"My hour has come."  So Jesus (in John's Gospel) describes the events of 

this week, namely the passion, crucifixion and resurrection, what John calls 

Jesus' "glory."   According to John, these events are key to understanding

Jesus' life and teachings as a whole.  We all are invited, individually and

together, to experience this week, to understand what Jesus was (and is)

offering to us, and to believe (trust) him with our lives.  Blessings to all this

Holy Week.

Holy Week at Walnut Hill Church

*Thursday, April 13, Maundy Thursday

-7pm - Evening Prayer and Communion - We will gather for

a quiet service of sacrament, scripture and reflection around the words and

events of Jesus' last supper, arrest and trial as told in the Gospel of John.

Activities will be available for children.

*Sunday, April 16, Easter Sunday

-7am - Easter Sunrise Service - We will gather in the cemetery

for a celebration of the Risen Christ.  In the case of inclement weather,

the service will be held in the Sanctuary.

-11am - Morning Worship & Holy Communion - We will

celebrate the Resurrection with a traditional liturgy and Holy Communion.

Nursery care and Sunday School will be available for children.

-Noon - After Worship Gathering - All are invited to gather

for refreshments and fellowship. Bring one plate of cookies to add to the

refreshment table.

Walking With Jesus: We are all invited to walk with Jesus through this Holy 

Week by reading and reflecting on the Gospel of John, which has been our 

recent EOS focus.  The portion of John's gospel in view this week includes 

chapters 12 - 21. This portion of John's gospel will also guide our several 

Holy Week/Easter services at Walnut Hill.

The One Great Hour of Sharing offering will be received on Easter Sunday. 

Households that have been using OGHS collection boxes at home are invited 

to bring them to Walnut Hill on Easter Sunday. The OGHS offering supports 

disaster relief, hunger relief, water projects and human empowerment around 

the world.  Visit OGHS for more information regarding this traditional Easter 

season offering.

THANKS to all those who were part of a wonderful Palm Sunday at Walnut 

Hill including the Children's Choir and their leaders, the children who shared

palm branches with us during the closing hymn, parents and others who

brought eggs for the Egg Hunt and the youth who "hid" them, the eager egg 

hunters, our refreshment hosts, and all those who gathered to welcome the 

Christ into Jerusalem and into our lives!

EOS Wrap-up -  The spring, 2017, Exploring Our Spirituality season concluded 

this week. Thanks to all who participated in small groups, prayer gatherings,

morning worship and individual reflection.  Use reply email to share any 

observations, reflections and/or suggestions you might have regarding this or 

future EOS programs.

A new signup sheet has been posted in the Sanctuary to host our after

worship refreshments during the spring and early summer.  Check out the

sign up sheet this Sunday or visit the online sign up sheet any time. Thanks

to all our refreshment hosts.

Grounds Work Day, May 13 - Mark your calendar and plan to join us for a

morning of work around the Walnut Hill grounds on Saturday, May 13.  All 

ages and skill levels will be welcome!  More details to come.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, April 9, at Walnut Hill Church…

PALM SUNDAY

Exploring our Spirituality

Week Six - "Jesus Enters Jerusalem"

EOS Small Group, 10am, Trinity Hall

We will gather for small group conversation and sharing 

around this week's EOS story, "Jesus Enters Jerusalem" 

(John 12).

Nursery care available.

Children's Choir, 10am, Trinity Hall

Children through elementary age are invited to gather for 

music and singing in preparation for their Palm Sunday music 

presentation.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - A Big Misunderstanding

Text - John 12:12-19

Children's Music Presentation

Procession of the Palms

Nursery Care and Faith Development for Children/Youth

Children/Youth Focus, 11am, Trinity Hall

The children/youth engage their own exploration of this week's 

EOS story, "Jesus Enters Jerusalem" (John 12).

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for fellowship and refreshments.

EASTER EGG HUNT, NOON, CHURCH GROUNDS

Children through elementary age are invited to hunt for treat

filled eggs.  Hunters should bring a basket for the hunt.

Parents/Grandparents and others are invited to bring 1 doz

treat filled eggs to add to the hunt.

Youth Gathering, 5:30pm, Trinity Hall

Youth (middle/high school) are invited to gather for a meal and 

activities.  Use reply email or contact Lauren to rsvp.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Greetings to all!

In this week's EOS story, "The Raising of Lazarus" (Jn 11), we catch a glimpse of 

Jesus' relationship with sisters Mary and Martha, who are described as Jesus' 

friends.  Perhaps their friendship also provides a glimpse of what friendship with 

Jesus might look like in any age. Roberta Bondi comments…

It is important that in John 11 Jesus gives no sign that he expects Mary and Martha 

to relate to him as passive, obedient, little children.  Martha and Mary are Jesus' 

adult friends. Because they love him, they are not submissive or subservient. They 

are not in the least afraid of him.  They are not sullenly, silently angry with him. They 

do not accept what has happened as the will of God.  They tell him they are angry 

with him, and why.  As for Jesus, Jesus does not simply tolerate these [strong] 

women. He values them.  He chooses them for his closest friends.  He trusts them 

in their anger with him, and he trusts them with his life.

(as found in Encounters with Jesus, by Frances Taylor Gench)

The scripture lesson for Sunday, April 9, Palm Sunday, and the sixth Sunday of 

the Exploring Our Spirituality season:

     John 12:12-19

"Praying With Scripture," Thursday, April 6, 7pm, at Walnut Hill: Join us as 

we complete our reflection on the story of the raising of Lazarus by "praying with" 

its words, images and symbols.

The Children's Choir will offer their music presentation during worship this

Sun, Apr 9.  Children should arrive at 10am for final practice through the music

for the day.  

The Annual Easter Egg Hunt is this Sun, Apr 9, immediately after morning

worship.  Children through elementary age are invited to hunt.  Hunters should

bring a basket for collecting eggs.  Parents/Grandparents are invited to bring 1 doz

treat filled eggs to add to the hunt.  Others are also welcome to bring eggs for

the hunt.  

Youth (middle/high school) are invited to gather this Sun, Apr 9, 5:30pm, at

Walnut Hill for a meal and activities.  Use reply email or contact Lauren to rsvp.

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

and Monday evening, 6:30pm, at the Hilliard residence.  Small groups provide 

opportunity to explore the EOS stories in company with others.  

Easter Lilies for the 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 a quick 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)

  -5:30pm - Youth Gathering at Walnut Hill

     *Mon, Apr 10 - EOS small group at the Hilliard residence

     *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

In the Community: "Horse Sense" is the title of an art exhibit featuring the

work of Lee Sturtevant.  The exhibit will be on display April 7 - 28 at the John

G. Irvin Gallery in the Central Bank building downtown.

Kroger Community Rewards:  Walnut Hill lately received a donation in the

amount of $324 from the Kroger Co, the quarterly proceeds of participation in

the Kroger Community Rewards Program by 27 Walnut Hill households.  Thanks

to all those who made this contribution possible.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward