Friday, October 27, 2017

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, October 29, at Walnut Hill Church…

REFORMATION SUNDAY

Walking Through Scripture, 10am, Trinity Hall

Looking Over

This week's walk through scripture takes us past the
death of Moses and a Psalm in his honor, Paul's
recollection of his ministry among the Thessalonians,
and Jesus' response to a question about the greatest
commandment.  Come and share your comments and
questions.

Nursery care will be available for young children.

Children's Choir, 10am, Trinity Hall

Children through elementary age are invited to gather
for music and singing in preparation for their Christmas
season presentation on December 10.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - Be Re-Formed!
Text - Romans 1:16-173:24-2512:2

Nursery Care and Faith Development for Children/Youth

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for fellowship and refreshments


Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Greetings to all!

Tuesday, Oct 31, is the 500th anniversary of the day on which Martin Luther 
posted his "95 Theses" on the door of All Saints Church in Wittenberg (Ger), 
the traditional beginning of the Protestant Reformation.  In honor of this 
occasion, consider these thoughts from Martin Luther regarding the Christian 
life…

From faith flow forth love and joy in the Lord, and from love a joyful, willing and 
free mind that serves one's neighbor willingly and takes no account of gratitude 
or ingratitude, of praise or blame, of gain or loss.  For a man does not serve that 
he may put men under obligations, he does not distinguish between friends and 
enemies, nor does he anticipate their thankfulness or unthankfulness; but most 
freely and most willingly he spends himself and all that he has, whether he waste 
all on the thankless or whether he gain a reward.  For as his Father does, 
distributing all things to all men richly and freely, causing His sun to rise upon the 
good and upon the evil, so also the son does all things and suffers all things with 
that freely bestowing joy which is his delight when through Christ he sees it in 
God, the dispenser of such great benefits.
(from A Treatise on Christian Liberty)

The lectionary texts for October 29, the 21st Sunday after Pentecost…

Walking Through Scripture conversation continues this Sunday, 10am, in 
Trinity Hall.  This week's walk includes the death of Moses, a psalm ascribed
to Moses reflecting on a long life, an apostle's recollection of his work with a 
congregation, and Jesus' answer to a question about the most important 
commandment (see texts above).  Come and join the conversation.

Children's Choir - Children through elementary age are invited to gather
at 10am on Sunday mornings for music and singing in anticipation of their
Christmas presentation on Dec 10.  

Thanksgiving Stuffing/Dressing - Once again we have been asked to
provide stuffing/dressing for the Nathaniel Mission Community Thanksgiving
Dinner.  You can "sponsor" a pan for $20.  Make your check payable to
Walnut Hill Church (memo "stuffing").

The Annual Meeting of the congregation of Walnut Hill Church will be held 
on Sunday, November 19, immediately after morning worship.  As usual, the 
meeting business will include election of Vestry members, presentation of the 
annual budget, and action on the Pastor's terms of call.  This year's meeting 
will also include consideration of a revised Constitution and By-laws, which 
you may view in advance at the following link: Revised By-Laws.

Best Gifts - Looking for an alternative gift this holiday season?  Consider 
adding a "best gift" to your Christmas shopping list.  "Best gifts" via Church 
World Service provide a way of sharing Christmas joy with persons who might
not ordinarily be on our gift list. Visit www.cwsbestgift.org for more information.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward







Friday, October 20, 2017

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, October 22, at Walnut Hill Church…

Walking Through Scripture, 10am, Trinity Hall

Grace and Peace

This week's walk through scripture takes us by God's
self-revelation to Moses, Paul's greeting to the church
at Thessalonica, and Jesus' response to a question
about taxes.  Join us as we share our comments,
insights and questions.

Nursery care available for young children.

Children's Choir, 10am, Trinity Hall

Children through elementary age are invited to gather
for music and singing in anticipation of their Christmas
season presentation on December 10.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - Gotcha!

Nursery Care and Faith Development for Children/Youth

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for fellowship and refreshments.

Boone Creek Safari, afternoon, Vaughan Cabin

Children/Youth and their families are invited to gather
at the Vaughan cabin for an afternoon of hiking,
pumpkin carving, and a cookout.  Use reply email to
rsvp.  (Creek walk participants might want to bring
an extra pair of socks/shoes.)

*****

California Wildfires - Persons attending Walnut Hill
this Sunday will have opportunity to contribute in
support of relief efforts for those affected by recent
wildfires.  Look for collection baskets in the Sanctuary
foyer.   Cash and checks payable to Walnut Hill
Church (memo "wildfires") are welcome.  Contributions
will be sent to the area via Episcopal Relief & Development.

Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Greetings to all!

At a recent work session, the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council 
voted unanimously to "sign" the Charter for Compassion, becoming the 
401st city worldwide to do so.  Like any resolution, so too this one will 
need to be followed by appropriate actions. Nonetheless, there is value 
in going on record as a signatory city. An excerpt from the Charter follows:

The principle of compassion lies at the heart of all religious, ethical and
spiritual traditions, calling us always to treat all others as we wish to be
treated ourselves…We therefore call upon all men and women to restore
compassion to the centre of morality and religion, to return to the ancient
principle that any interpretation of scripture that breeds violence, hatred
or disdain is illegitimate, to ensure that youth are given accurate and
respectful information about other traditions, religions and cultures, to
encourage a positive appreciation of cultural and religious diversity, to
cultivate an informed empathy with the suffering of all human beings,
even those regarded as enemies.

(Visit www.charterforcompassion.org for more information.)

The lectionary texts for October 22, the 20th Sunday after Pentecost…

Walking Through Scripture conversation continues on Sun, Oct 22,
10am, in Trinity Hall. This week's "walk" includes God's self revelation
to Moses, an introduction to the church at Thessalonica, and Jesus'
response to a question about paying taxes (see texts above).  Join 
us!

Boone Creek Safari - The annual Boone Creek Safari is this Sun,
Oct 22, after worship, at the Vaughan cabin.  This annual event is
for children/youth and their families.  Use reply email for more info 
and/or to rsvp. (Those taking the creek hike might want to bring an
extra pair of socks/shoes!)

California Wildfires - We are all aware of the destruction and trauma
caused by recent wildfires in California.  Persons attending Walnut
Hill this Sun, Oct 22, will have opportunity to support relief efforts
to affected communities and individuals.  Our support will be sent
via one of our ecumenical partners, Episcopal Relief and Development.
Visit "California fires" for information regarding the ERD response.

Host Opportunities - Opportunities are available to host our after
worship gathering for several Sundays upcoming including Oct 29, 
Nov 19, and Nov 26.  Check out the online sign up or the traditional 
sign up sheet in the Sanctuary foyer to volunteer.  Thanks to all our 
Sunday hosts!

The Annual Assembly of the Kentucky Council of Churches will be
held Oct 19 - 20 in Jeffersontown, KY.  This year's Assembly theme
is "Unpacking Power and Privilege."  Mike Ward will be attending as
a delegate from Transylvania Presbytery.  Visit KCC Assembly for
more information.

In the Community:  2nd Presbyterian Church is hosting a "Ladies
Day Out" luncheon and program on Sat, Nov 18, 11am - 1pm, at the
Lexington Country Club to benefit Buckhorn Children and Family Services . 
The program includes a silent auction, lunch and "mimosas." Cost is 
$25/person.  Email sue.mcintosh@buckhorn.org for more information 
and/or to rsvp.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward








Friday, October 13, 2017

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, October 15, at Walnut Hill Church…

Walking Through Scripture, 10am, Trinity Hall

Many are called…Few are chosen

We will explore this week's scripture readings including
Jesus' parable of "The Wedding Banquet" .

Nursery care available for young children.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - Think About These Things

Nursery Care and Faith Development for Children/Youth

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for fellowship and refreshments.

*****

Supporting Our Scouts - Look for a scout "popcorn
stand" after worship and consider purchasing an item
for your enjoyment and in support of scouting.


Wednesday, October 11, 2017

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, October 11, 2017

Greetings to all!

In his brief book, Life Together, the renowned German pastor, theologian 
and Nazi resister, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, offered a pattern for life in community,
including what he called our "first service" to our brothers and sisters.

The first service that one owes to others in the fellowship consists in
listening to them.  Just as love to God begins with listening to His Word,
so the beginning of love for the brethren is learning to listen to them. It is 
God's love for us that He not only gives us His Word but also lends us His 
ear.  So it is His work that we do for our brothers and sisters when we learn 
to listen to them.  Christians, especially ministers, so often think they must 
always contribute something when they are in the company of others, that 
this is the one service they have to render. They forget that listening can 
be a greater service than speaking.

The scripture lessons for October 15, the 19th Sunday after Pentecost…
(Click on the links above for easy access to the Sunday lessons.)

Walking Through Scripture conversation continues this Sun, Oct 15,
10am, in Trinity Hall.  This week's readings (see above) include the story 
of the "Golden Calf," Paul's appeal for reconciliation between two women, 
and Jesus' "Parable of the Wedding Banquet."  

Seeking Nominees - The Vestry is seeking recommendations of persons 
to serve on the Vestry, Class of 2020, particularly two female nominees.  
Give your suggestions to Senior Warden Barbara Bohmer no later than
Sunday, October 15.

Supporting Our Scouts - Several Walnut Hill children/youth participate in
scouting programs.  One way that we can support these young people is
by supporting their fundraising efforts (e.g. popcorn & cookie sales).  In 
that spirit, watch for a scout popcorn table this Sunday and purchase an
item for your enjoyment.
 
The Boone Creek Safari (a.k.a. an afternoon at the Vaughan cabin) is coming 
on Sunday afternoon, October 22. This is an annual event for Walnut Hill 
children/youth and their families.  Activities include hiking, pumpkin carving, 
and a cookout.  Watch for more details.

AED & CPR - An automated external defibrillator (AED) has recently been 
placed in the Trinity Hall kitchen for use in the event of cardiac emergency.
Several persons have received basic training in the AED's operation. The 
question has been raised regarding the possibility of more complete CPR 
training for interested persons.  Use reply email if you might have interest 
in receiving such training.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward



Friday, October 6, 2017

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, October 8, at Walnut Hill Church…

Walking Through Scripture, 10am, Trinity Hall

The Ten Words

We will discuss the sights from this week's walk through
scripture including the 10 Commandments, Paul's
assessment of what is important (or not) in life, and
Jesus' so-called "Parable of the Wicked Tenants."
Join us!

Nursery care available for young children.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - Thou Shalt Not Kill
Text - Exodus 20:13

A Moment of Reflection for Las Vegas

Nursery Care and Faith Development for Children/Youth

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for fellowship and refreshments.


Wednesday, October 4, 2017

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, October 4, 2017

Greetings to all!

"News" of the sort that came out of Las Vegas this week can sometimes 
feel overwhelming.  In The Book of Joy, the Dalai Lama counsels us to
remember that such news is actually the exception rather than the rule of
human experience…

When bad things happen they become news, and it is easy to feel like
our basic human nature is to kill or to rape or to be corrupt.  Then we can
feel that there is not much hope for our future. All these things happen,
but they are unusual, which is why they become news.  [For example],
there are millions and millions of children who are loved by their parents
every day.  Then in school their teachers care for them.  Okay, maybe
there are some bad teachers, but most of them are really kind and caring.
Then in the hospital, every day millions of people receive immense caring.
But this is so common that none of it becomes news.  We take it for
granted.  When we look at the news, we must keep this more holistic
view. Yes, this or that terrible thing has happened.  No doubt, there are
very negative things, but at the same time there are many more positive
things happening in our world.  We must have a sense of proportion and
a wider perspective.  Then we will not feel despair when we see these
sad things.

The scripture lessons for October 8, the 17th Sunday after Pentecost…
Exodus 20:1-20
Psalm 19
Philippians 3:4-14
Matthew 21:33-46

Walking Through Scripture - Join us this Sun, Oct 8, 10am, in Trinity Hall 
as we discuss the sights in this week's scripture texts (see above) including 
the Ten Commandments, Paul's thoughts on what is important (or not) in life, 
and a rather troubling parable of Jesus.

Host Opportunities - Check the online sign up sheet for opportunities to
host our after worship gathering on a Sunday this fall.  Thanks to all our
Sunday hosts.

Vestry Nominees - The Vestry is seeking suggestions of persons to
serve on the Vestry, Class of 2020.  This year we are particularly looking
for two female Vestry nominees.  Please give your Vestry suggestions
to Senior Warden Barbara Bohmer.

Thanks to the Rev. Nancy Jo Kemper who was our guest for Ecumenical
Sunday.  Walnut Hill is sending a contribution ($1,000) to the Kentucky
Council of Churches in honor of Ecumenical Sunday and in support of the 
KCC's ministry.  Visit KCC Vision for a brief video regarding the KCC's
ecumenical ministry.

The Kentucky Council of Churches Annual Assembly will be held on
October 19 - 20 in Louisville.  This year's Assembly theme is "Unpacking
Power and Privilege."  Visit KCC Assembly for program and registration
information.

Kroger Community Rewards - Walnut Hill has received a contribution
in the amount of $314 from the Kroger Company, proceeds of the last
quarter's participation in the Kroger Community Rewards program by 30 
Walnut Hill households.  Thanks to all!

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Monday, October 2, 2017

Prayers

Dear Friends:

As we awake this morning to horrific images from Las Vegas,
consider the following prayer:

Gracious God:
In this moment when our world seems full of violence,
fill us and others with your peace.

We pray for the victims of last night's shooting,
for their families, for their community and for our nation.
Be with those who grieve, and with those who now must
recover from injury of body, mind or spirit.

In these times when senseless violence fills the headlines,
remind us of the bountiful love that is shared between people
day by day, in moments ordinary and extraordinary.

May our hearts and minds not be shaped by fear,
but by our commitment to be your agents of love in this world,
through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Peace be with us all.

Mike Ward