Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Greetings to all!

The recent string of "natural calamities" continues these days with another
hurricane in the Caribbean and a severe earthquake in Mexico.  These
natural occurrences combine with human-made political/military tensions 
to create a veritable tsunami of events.  I am reminded of Psalm 46 in
which the psalmist declares his trust in God in the midst of all that life
sometimes sends our way…

God is our refuge and our strength, a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,
though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble with its tumult…
The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; God speaks, the earth melts.
The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.
(Psalm 46, Revised Standard Version, edited)

In memory: Helen "Penny" Chenery, a Member of Walnut Hill Church,
departed this life on Saturday, September 16.  Memorial plans are pending.
Visit www.secretariat.com for more information regarding Penny's life and
legacy.

The lectionary texts for September 24, the 16th Sunday after Pentecost…
Exodus 16:2-15
Psalm 105
Philippians 1:21-30
Matthew 20:1-16

Walking Through Scripture - This week's walk through scripture takes
us past the well-known story of "the manna in the wilderness" (Ex 16) as
well as one of Jesus' most challenging parables, "the laborers in the
vineyard" (Mt 20).  Might there be an "echo" between these two scripture
texts?  Join us to talk about it this Sun, Sep 24, 10am, Trinity Hall.

Hurricane Relief - As of last Sunday, over $2,000 has been received in
special gifts to support relief efforts in the wake of hurricanes Harvey and
Irma.  Those gifts are on their way to the affected areas via Church World
Service.  Visit CWS appeals/updates for information on how our gifts are
being used.  Thanks to all!

CROP Walk -The Lexington CROP Walk steps off Sun, Sep 24, 3pm, at 
2nd Presbyterian Church.  All ages are invited to be part of the Walnut Hill 
team walking (3 miles) through downtown Lexington to raise awareness 
and dollars to alleviate hunger in central/eastern KY and beyond. The Walnut 
Hill Community Fund will sponsor any Walnut Hill walker in the amount of 
$35/walker.

Sunday Hospitality - Visit the online sign-up sheet to view opportunities to 
host our after worship refreshments for Sundays during the fall. Openings
include Sunday, September 24, and following Sundays through October.  
You may also visit the traditional sign up sheet in the Sanctuary foyer. Thanks 
to all our Sunday hosts!

Ecumenical Sunday is coming Oct 1, the annual celebration and exploration 
of Walnut Hill's identity as an "ecumenical church."  Our guest for the day 
will be the Rev. Nancy Jo Kemper, former Executive Director of the Kentucky
Council of Churches.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward





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