Greetings to all!
Today, December 6, is the feast day of St. Nicholas of Myra who lived in the
fourth century. Like many ancient saints, stories abound regarding Nicholas.
Some of those stories seem strangely relevant to today.
The original "Old St. Nick" who inspired the tradition of Santa Claus, Nicholas
was bishop of Myra in fourth-century Turkey. Little is known about his life
except that he entrusted himself to Jesus at an early age and, when his parents
died, gave all of their possessions to the poor. While serving as bishop, Nicholas
learned of three girls who were going to be sold into slavery by their father.
Moved to use the church's wealth to ransom the lives of these little ones, he
tossed three bags of gold through the family's window. We recall this ancient
Christmas gift, even as we remember that 1.2 million children are trafficked
each year in the global sex trade today.
(from Common Prayer: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals)
The lectionary texts for December 10, the Second Sunday of Advent …
What Are We Waiting For? a series of conversations around "advent virtues"
continues this Sun, Dec 10, 10am, in Trinity Hall. This Sunday's conversation
will focus on "joy". Use reply email to request an advance copy of Sunday's
conversations starters.
Children's Christmas Presentation, Sun, Dec 10, 11am, in the Sanctuary.
The children/youth will share the Christmas story in word, song, costume and
pageantry. Children/youth are asked to arrive at 10am on Sunday to prepare
for their presentation. Also, children/youth are invited to gather on Sat,10am,
to sort out costumes and practice songs and scripts.
Youth Christmas Party - Youth (middle/high school) are invited to gather at
the Ward residence on Sunday, Dec 10, 5:30pm - 7:00pm, for their annual
Christmas gathering. Bring a winter warmth item (cap, gloves, scarf) to share
with our neighbors at the Catholic Action Center and a "fun gift" ($5 value or
less) for a random gift exchange. Use reply email to rsvp.
The Giving Tree - Thanks to all those who picked up ornaments from the
Giving Tree. Please return the suggested gifts (wrapped), with the ornament
attached, by Sunday, December 17.
Christmas Poinsettias - We will be decorating the Sanctuary for Christmas
this season, including Christmas poinsettias. You may "sponsor" a poinsettia
for $20. Make your check payable to Walnut Hill Church (memo: poinsettia).
Please indicate if your sponsorship is in memory/honor of someone.
Christmas Season Calendar…
Sun, Dec 10 - Children's Christmas Presentation - 11am
-Youth Christmas Party - 5:30pm
Sun, Dec 17 - Christmas Party (for adults) - 3pm
Sun, Dec 24 -Morning Worship and Holy Communion - 11am
- Lessons, Carols and Candlelight - 5pm
Kits - The Walnut Hill Sunday School is gathering supplies for Church
World Service Hygiene Kits and School Kits. These kits are distributed
in communities affected by natural disasters. Visit Hygiene Kits and
School Kits for a list of eligible items. Bring items to Walnut Hill over the
next several weeks. The kits will be assembled and shipped in January.
News to Use - The Walnut Hill Church "printed" newsletter is now available
online via the Walnut Hill Church website ( www.walnuthillchurchky.org ).
Click on the "Walnut Hill Newsletter" tab. Or visit this link: News to Use .
Did you know that you can now support Walnut Hill even when you are
not with us on Sunday by automatic check payment and electronic funds
transfer? Use reply email for more information.
THANKS to all those who helped to make the Christmas Potluck a
delicious success, including our meal coordinators, talented cooks, and
festive potluck-goers! It was a great start to the holiday season.
Peace to all.
Mike Ward
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