Wednesday, May 24, 2017

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

(See below for a prayer in response to Monday's violence in the U.K.)

Wednesday, May 24, 2017

Greetings to all!

This past Sunday a Walnut Hill team met at the Nathaniel Mission to help 
serve and share a meal with about 30 men, women and children. Our team 
was so hard working that I was able to simply enjoy the meal with other 
guests, including David…

David was/is a gentleman about my age, or a little older.  Before the meal 
he sat by himself in the Mission's brightly lit multipurpose room.  He was 
reading one of two paperback novels he had with him that evening. After 
going through the serving line, I sat down across the table from David. He 
was quiet, and I was not being very effective engaging him in conversation.  
Then Joanna, one of the Mission staff, sat with us, and in a very relaxed way 
the conversation opened up.  David, it turns out, lives under a bridge near 
where Versailles Road meets Oliver Lewis Way. The Mission is within easy 
walking distance for him.  The conversation continued as we finished our 
meal.  My own awkwardness aside, I was grateful to make this acquaintance 
with my neighbor.

The Nathaniel Mission serves meals on Sunday mornings and evenings, as 
well as Wednesday evenings.  They could particularly use some help on 
Sunday evenings.  Let me know if this might be a ministry you would be 
interested in sharing as part of an ongoing Walnut Hill team.

The scripture lessons for Sunday, May 28, the 7th Sunday of Easter:
Acts 1:6-14
1 Peter 4:12-14, 5:6-11
John 17:1-11

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, May 28, 10am in Trinity
Hall.  This Sunday's conversation focuses on our response to "violence"
such as experienced this week in Manchester.

SMILE! Stop by the courtyard after worship this Sunday and have your 
photo taken to be part of our new Pictorial Directory to be published later 
this summer.  Photos will be taken each Sunday through June.  You may 
also submit a photo.  Use reply email for more information.

The Walnut Hill Mission Experience is coming Fri - Sun, June 9 -11
as a Walnut Hill team travels to Estill County for a weekend of community 
and service.  Team members are invited to gather for a brief meeting after 
worship on Sunday, June 5, to receive details regarding our particular 
service, what to bring, etc.  

A Summer of Hospitality - Visit the online sign up sheet for opportunities 
to host our after worship gathering one Sunday this summer.  Hosts are 
needed for numerous Sundays.  You may also sign up via the traditional 
sign up sheet in the Sanctuary foyer.

Sermon Recordings are available on the Walnut Hill Church website.
Visit this link, sermons , and have a listen.

Thanks to all those who helped coordinate, clean-up, provide dishes
and join the fellowship for last Sunday's Spring Potluck.  As always, it
was a delicious occasion.  Our compliments to all of Walnut Hill's chefs!

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

*****

(The following prayer may be used in response to this week's violence
in the U.K. and/or other similar events.)

Loving God:
Once again violence and death have exploded upon the innocent.
We pray for persons whose lives have been lost or permanently altered 
by this event.
Bring hope to those for whom hope seems elusive.
Bring a change of mind and heart to those who view violence as the 
only way to make their case before the world.
Bring courage and steadfastness to those who work for peace between 
individuals, races, religions and nations.
Even in the presence of recurring violence, may we not lose faith in the 
power of your Spirit to make all things new, including us.
Through Christ our Lord, who overcame hatred with love. 
Amen. 



 


 


No comments: