Sunday at Walnut Hill

This Sunday, April 2, at Walnut Hill Church…

THE FIFTH SUNDAY IN LENT

Exploring Our Spirituality

Week 5 - "The Raising of Lazarus"

EOS Small Group, 10am, Trinity Hall

You are invited to gather for small group conversation

and sharing around this week's EOS story of the

raising of Lazarus ( John 11) .  

Nursery care is available for children.

Children's Choir, 10am, Trinity Hall

Children through elementary age are invited to

gather for music and singing in anticipation of

their Palm Sunday (Apr 9) presentation.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - A Sign of Life

Text - John 11

The sacrament of Holy Communion

Nursery care and faith development for children.

Children/Youth Focus, 11am, Trinity Hall

The children/youth will engage their own

exploration of the story of the raising of Lazarus

( John 11 )

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for fellowship and refreshments.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Greetings to all!

This week's EOS reflection focuses around the story of the man blind

from birth (John 9).  Among the details of the story, my imagination was

sparked by the inability of the neighbors to recognize the formerly blind,

but now sighted, man. I wondered how they could not recognize a man

who had been in their midst all his life. Perhaps it was that during all

those years of his begging they simply had not paid attention to him, not

looked at, or interacted with, him directly enough to be able to recognize

him when he was no longer in his regular location by the side of the road.

I wondered how often I see and engage those whom I pass by along the

road of my living.  Do I recognize them as human beings like me?  Would

I recognize them if the circumstances of their lives, and mine, were

different?

The scripture lesson for Sunday, April 2, the Fifth Sunday in Lent, and the

fifth Sunday of the Exploring Our Spirituality season:

     John 11:1-45

"Praying With Scripture," Thur, Mar 30, 7pm, at Walnut Hill: Join us as

we complete our reflection on the story of the man blind from birth by

"praying with" its words, images and symbols.  

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

Hall and Monday evening, 6:30pm, at the Miller/Olszewski residence.  Small

groups provide an opportunity to explore the EOS stories in company with

others.  

A Host(s) is needed for our after worship refreshments this Sunday, April 2.

Use reply email or visit www.walnuthillchurchky.org/foodres/  to volunteer

for this Sunday or a Sunday later in the spring.  Thanks to all our hosts!

Easter Lilies for the holiday 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 an advance 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)

     *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

Lenten Music - (from our Music Director) The season of Lent encourages

     Christians to be reflective and meditative; therefore, church musicians change

the selections played during Lent, away from the brightness of the Epiphany

season to the seriousness of the preparation for the crucifixion of Christ.  The

music changes with each liturgical season, but it shifts especially during Lent.  

Lenten music should be lovingly reflective and somber, encouraging parishioners

to think about the Love that is God and that was brought to earth through Jesus.  

Church music should always enhance worship: it is a part of the experience and

not a performance.  As such, it is an offering that expands or enriches the words

of the Bible, the beauty of the prayers, and the message of the clergy.  The music

will transform to the joy of Easter after this somber period of Lenten reflection.  

     I appreciate the many kind remarks and encouragement that you, the Walnut

Hill congregation, give to me.  It is my pleasure to be part of the community.

Thank you.  Angela

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

--

  Mike Ward

  mward@walnuthillchurchky.org

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, March 26, at Walnut Hill Church …

THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT

Exploring Our Spirituality

Week 4 - "The Man Blind from Birth"

EOS Small Group, 10am, Trinity Hall

Join us for small group reflection and sharing around

this week's EOS story, "The Man Blind from Birth"

( John 9 ).  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 preparation for their Palm

Sunday (Apr 9) music presentation.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - Who Sinned?

Text - John 9

Nursery care and faith development for children.

Children/Youth Focus, 11am, Trinity Hall

The children/youth will have their own conversation

and exploration of the story of "The Man Blind from

Birth"  ( John 9 ).

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for fellowship and refreshments.

Mission Experience Planning, Noon, Sanctuary

We begin planning for our Mission Experience (June 9 - 11).

Join us in the Sanctuary to learn more about this service

opportunity for youth and adults.

Youth Gathering, 5:30pm, Walnut Hill

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

a meal and activities, including conversation about a

possible drama project.  Pizza will be provided for dinner.

Bring a side or beverage to add to the meal.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, March 22, 2017

Greetings to all!

For this third week of the EOS season our reflection focuses on the story of the 

"Woman at the Well" (John 4).  While unnamed in John's narrative, the Orthodox 

Christian tradition remembered the woman as Photini, "the enlightened one."  As 

the tradition has it, Photini became an evangelist for the good news of Christ, not 

only among her family and neighbors, but also as far as the great African city of 

Carthage.  Along with several of her family members, she was martyred during the 

persecution of Christians by Emperor Nero. St. Photini, as she came to be known, 

was reckoned to be the first evangelist and an equal to the apostles. Her feast day is 

February 26.

Whatever the historical facts surrounding the woman at the well, the story has lived 

beyond its own time as a testimony to the Spirit's ability to transform the human heart 

and to use human witness, such as our own, to introduce others to the good news

of Jesus Christ. 

Exploring Our Spirituality (EOS) Week 3 continues this Thursday, Mar 23, 7pm, 

at Walnut Hill as we gather to pray with scripture.  After having read, studied and 

proclaimed the story of the woman at the well, we will gather to pray with the words 

and images of that story.  Join us for this informal worship gathering.

The scripture lesson for Sunday, March 26, the 4th Sunday in Lent, and the beginning 

of the fourth week of EOS, the story of a man born blind who gains the ability to see…

John 9:1-41

EOS small groups continue to meet on Sunday mornings, 10am, at Walnut Hill and 

Monday Evenings, 6:30pm, at the Hilliard residence. Small group participation 

provides opportunity to share with others around the EOS scriptures as well as our 

faith journeys.  Use reply email to inquire about participating in an EOS small group.

Personal study and reflection is an important part of the EOS experience. Use the 

online EOS Booklet or pick up a printed copy at Walnut Hill for your personal use.

Children's Choir - Children (through elementary age) are invited to gather for music 

and singing this Sun, Mar 26, 10am, in Trinity Hall. The children are working on music 

to be presented as part of our Palm Sunday worship on Apr 9.

Mission Experience 2017 - Join us on Sunday, March 26, immediately after worship, 

as we begin planning for our upcoming mission experience (June 9 - 11). It is not too late 

the join the mission team.  Use reply email for more information regarding Mission 

Experience 2017 and/or your participation in it.

After Church Refreshments - Check the new and improved after church refreshments

online sign up sheet . It's an easy way to volunteer to host our after worship gathering.  

Contact the church office if you have any questions about how to sign up.  Thanks to all 

our after worship hosts!

Easter Lilies - Easter is coming (Apr 16) and with it the opportunity to sponsor a lily for

the decoration of the Walnut Hill sanctuary.  Sponsorships are $20/plant and may be

made in memory/honor of someone special to you.  Make your check payable to Walnut 

Hill Church designated "Easter Lily" and be sure to let us know if your sponsorship is a 

memorial/honorary one.

Reading Camp, a ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Lexington, is seeking volunteers

to serve as camp counselors at its various summer camp locations (day and overnight) 

around the diocese.  Reading camp combines traditional camp activities with special

reading skill activities.  Volunteers of all ages (minimum 15 years old) are needed.

Visit www.readingcamprocks.org for more information.  Walnut Hill will reimburse the

expenses of any Walnut Hill reading camp volunteer.

In the Community:  The Christian-Muslim Dialogue will host a "Trialogue of Faith" on

Sun, Mar 26, 4pm - 6pm, at the Ohavay Zion Synagogue (2048 Edgewater Dr). Panelists 

will include Rabbi Moshe Smolkin (Ohavay Zion), Prof Aiyub Palmer (UK) and Bishop 

Bruce Caldwell (Episcopal Diocese of Lexington). For more information visit

www.cmdlex.org .

 

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, March 19, at Walnut Hill Church …

THE THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT

Exploring Our Spirituality

Week 3 - "The Woman at the Well"

EOS Small Group, 10am, Trinity Hall

Join us for small group reflection and sharing around

this week's EOS story, "The Woman at the Well"

(John 4).  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 preparation for their Palm

Sunday (Apr 9) music presentation.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Preaching - The Rev. Dr. James Stillwell

Text - John 4

Nursery care and faith development for children.

Children/Youth Focus, 11am, Trinity Hall

The children/youth will have their own conversation

and exploration of the story of "The Woman at the

Well"  (John 4).

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for fellowship and refreshments.

Youth

Youth (middle and high school) are invited to contact 

Lauren for details regarding youth activities.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, March 15, 2017

Greetings to all!

   This past Sunday began the second week of our EOS season focusing on the 

encounter between Jesus and Nicodemus (John 3), in the midst of which Jesus 

describes the Spirit of God like a breeze (sometimes perhaps a strong wind) that 

we can feel but cannot discern where it begins or ends, and which certainly cannot 

be grasped and held.

   We are often inclined to think of God as a list of attributes or a "being" who acts in 

predictable, even mechanical, ways.  But perhaps, as Jesus suggests, God is more 

like the breeze we sometimes feel blowing around us, like the air we breathe. Often 

the breeze refreshes us.  Sometimes the wind frightens us.  Sometimes we long for 

relief from the dead calm.  In all conditions we live (physically and spiritually) by 

breathing in the breath of God's Spirit.  It is a mystery.  Who could blame Nicodemus 

for being a bit confused?

  

Exploring Our Spirituality (EOS) Week 2 continues this Thursday, Mar 16, 7pm, 

at Walnut Hill as we gather to pray with scripture.  After having read, studied and 

proclaimed the story of Jesus and Nicodemus, we will gather to pray with the words 

and images of that story.  Join us for this informal worship gathering.

The scripture lesson for Sunday, March 19, the 3rd Sunday in Lent, and the 

beginning of the third week of EOS.

John 4:5-42

EOS small groups continue to meet on Sunday mornings, 10am, at Walnut 

Hill and Monday Evenings, 6:30pm, at the Hilliard residence. Small group 

participation provides opportunity to share with others around the EOS scriptures 

as well as our faith journeys.  Use reply email to inquire about participating in 

an EOS small group.

Personal study and reflection is an important part of the EOS experience. Use 

the online EOS Booklet or pick up a printed copy at Walnut Hill for your personal

use.

Children's Choir - Children (through elementary age) are invited to gather for 

music and singing this Sun, Mar 19, 10am, in Trinity Hall. The children are 

working on music to be presented as part of our Palm Sunday worship on Apr 9.

After Church Refreshments - Check out the new and improved after church

refreshments  online sign up sheet . It's an easy way to volunteer to host our

after worship gathering.  Contact the church office if you have any questions

about how to sign up.  Thanks to all our after worship hosts!

Mission Experience 2017 - Join us on Sunday, March 26, immediately after

worship, as we begin planning for our upcoming mission weekend (June 9 - 11).  

Jesus and Justice: Christian Responses to Crime and Punishment is the 

title of a program sponsored by the Kentucky Council of Churches to be held on

Tuesday, March 21, 6:30pm at Quinn Chapel AME Church (744 Charles Ave,

Lexington).  Specific topics will include the phenomenon of mass incarceration

as well as the problematic practice of treating drug addiction as a criminal matter.

In the Community:  The following are some opportunities to reach out to others 

in our neighborhood and beyond…

*"Luggage for Foster Kids" - The Fayette County Extension Homemakers

is collecting luggage, backpacks, duffle bags, etc for adoptive/foster children and 

youth.  Contact the Fayette County Extension Office (859-257-5582) for more

information.

*Operation S.E.N.D. - Military Missions, a public non-profit organization, is 

collecting gift, snack and personal items for military personnel.  Visit their website

www.military-missions.org for more information.

*The Kentucky Wildlife Center is hosting the 2nd Annual Baby Shower

for Wildlife on Sunday, March 26.  Email info@kywildlife.org for more information.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, March 12, at Walnut Hill Church …

THE SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT

Exploring Our Spirituality - Week 2

"Nicodemus Visits Jesus"

EOS Small Group, 10am, Trinity Hall

You are invited to gather for small group reflection around

this Sunday's EOS story, "Nicodemus Visits Jesus" ( John 3 ).

Nursery care available for children.

Children's Choir, 10am, Trinity Hall

Children (through elementary age) are invited to gather for 

music and singing as they prepare for their Palm Sunday,

April 9, presentation.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - A Good Question

Text -John 3:1-17

Nursery care and faith development for children/youth.

Children/Youth Focus, 11am, Trinity Hall

The children/youth explore the story of Jesus and

Nicodemus ( John 3 ) , raising their own questions and

making their own discoveries.

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for fellowship and refreshments.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Greetings to all!

We entered the EOS season last Sunday with reflection on the story of the 

"Wedding at Cana" and its sign, the turning of water into wine.  Part of the 

EOS experience is conversation around scripture and the new awarenesses 

that can arise from such conversation.  During the Monday evening small 

group, I picked up a new awareness from a fellow participant that I would 

like to share with you…

In the story of the Wedding at Cana, "the mother of Jesus" (Mary) appeals to 

Jesus when the wine begins to run low.  After her words with Jesus, Mary 

speaks to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you," and the rest of the story 

we know, the water became wine.  "Do whatever he (Jesus) tells you." These 

words echo words spoken from heaven at Jesus' transfiguration, "Listen to him."  

In our story Mary speaks not only as a mother confident in her son's abilities, but 

also as a divine voice calling on "servants" (us?) everywhere to simply do 

whatever Jesus tells us: love our neighbors, pray for our enemies, trust in God's 

abundance … The rest of the story (including our story) will take care of itself.  

What a wonderfully simple way of being and doing in the world, perhaps even 

setting the stage for wondrous signs of God's presence in our midst.

Exploring Our Spirituality (EOS) Week 1 continues this Thursday, Mar 9,

7pm, at Walnut Hill as we gather to pray with scripture.  After having read,

studied and proclaimed the story of the Wedding at Cana, we will gather to

pray with the words and images of that story.  Join us for this informal 

worship gathering.

The scripture lesson for Sunday, March 12, the 2nd Sunday in Lent, and

the beginning of the second week of EOS.

John 3:1-21

EOS small groups continue to meet on Sunday mornings, 10am, at 

Walnut Hill and Monday Evenings, 6:30pm, at the Hilliard residence.

Small group participation provides opportunity to talk with others about 

the EOS scriptures as well as our faith journeys.  Use reply email to 

inquire about participating in an EOS small group.

Personal study and reflection is an important part of the EOS experience.

Use the online EOS Booklet or pick up a printed copy at Walnut Hill for your

individual use.

Children's Choir Begins - Children (through elementary age) are invited to 

gather for music and singing this Sun, Mar 12, 10am, in Trinity Hall. The 

children will be working on music to be presented as part of our Palm Sunday 

worship on April 9.

The Jewel on Walnut Hill - Reprinted copies of The Jewel on Walnut Hill, a

history of Walnut Hill Church, are available for pickup by those who pre-ordered 

them.  A number of extra copies are also available while they last.  Contact the 

church office for more information.

In the Community: The Drama Department of Tates Creek High School

is presenting performances of "The Three Musketeers" this week Thursday -

Saturday, 7pm, and Sunday, 2pm, at Tates Creek High School.  The cast

includes Walnut Hill members and friends.

Prayer in Action Days - The Kentucky Council of Churches has been

hosting "Prayer in Action Days" each Tuesday morning, 9:30am at the 

Capitol Annex in Frankfort.  The final Prayer in Action Day will be Tuesday,

March 14, and will focus on issues related to immigrants and refugees.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

This Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, March 5, at Walnut Hill Church…

THE FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT

Exploring our Spirituality - Week 1

"The Wedding at Cana"

EOS Small Group, 10am, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for reflection and sharing around 

this Sunday's EOS focus, "The Wedding at Cana."  You 

can prepare for this Sunday's small group gathering using 

the EOS Spring Booklet . Childcare available.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - 120 Gallons!

Text -  John 2:1-11

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

Nursery Care and Faith Development for Children/Youth

Children/Youth Focus, 11am, Trinity Hall

Children/Youth will explore and discuss the "Wedding at 

Cana" ( John 2 ), joining the EOS community reflection.

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for fellowship and refreshments.

EOS Begins Sunday, March 5

Dear Walnut Hill Friends:

This email extra is just to make sure you are aware that Exploring Our Spirituality (EOS), "Praying With Scripture: The Gospel of John,"  begins this Sunday, March 5!

EOS Small Groups begin this Sunday morning (10am at Walnut Hill) and Monday evening (6:30pm at the Phelps' residence).  You can still register to participate in either of these two small groups.  Use reply email to register for a small group.  Your registration helps our hosts and facilitators know how many persons to plan for.  Childcare will be available for persons participating in the Sunday morning small group.

Whether or not you participate in an EOS small group, you can still be part of the EOS experience by your attendance at morning worship (11am) and/or your use of the EOS workbook . Visit this link ( EOS 2017 Workbook ) for the online edition.  Printed copies are available in the Sanctuary foyer and/or by request from the church office.

Don't forget, this EOS season there will also be Thursday evening (7pm at Walnut Hill) worship opportunities, beginning March 9, at which we will practice "praying with" the symbols and words of John's gospel.

By the way, children and youth will be joining the EOS experience this spring as their lessons and conversations (11am Sunday mornings) will focus on the EOS texts from the Gospel of John.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about the EOS program and/or your participation in it.

Beginning this Sunday, March 5, through the lenten season, we will truly be a community of shared worship, reflection, and spiritual practice. I look forward to it, and I hope you do as well.

Peace,

Mike Ward

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, March 1, 2017

Greetings to all!

Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent.  Consider these thoughts from 

Richard Rohr as he reflects on Ash Wednesday as a day for new beginnings and 

new desires…

You are the desiring of God.  God desires through you and longs for Life and Love 

through you and in you.  Allow it, speak it, and you will find your place in the 

universe of things.  Now let me tell you something: You can not begin to desire 

something if you have not already slightly tasted it. Now make that deep and hidden 

desire conscious, deliberate, and wholehearted.  Make your desires good and far-

reaching on this Ash Wednesday of new beginnings.  You could not have such 

desires if God had not already desired them first - in you and for you and as you!

Remember finally, that the ashes on your forehead are created from the burnt palms 

of last Palm Sunday.  New beginnings invariably come from old false things that are 

allowed to die.

(from Wondrous Encounters: Scripture for Lent)

Ash Wednesday services are available around Lexington including…

*Second Presbyterian Church, 7pm

*Christ Church Cathedral - Noon and 7pm

The scripture lesson for Sunday, March 5, the first Sunday in Lent and the first 

Sunday of our Exploring Our Spirituality season:

*John 2:1-11

Exploring Our Spirituality begins this Sunday, March 5.  Our theme for this EOS 

season is "Praying With Scripture: The Gospel of John." You can participate in any/all 

of the following ways…

*Sunday Worship, 11am, based on the EOS theme.

*Small Groups are available Sunday mornings (10am at Walnut Hill) and 

Monday evenings (6:30pm at the Phelps residence). Use reply email to register for 

a small group.  Childcare will be available during the Sunday morning small group.

*Praying With Scripture worship gatherings, Thursdays, 7pm, at Walnut Hill.

*Individual Reflection using the EOS Workbook . Printed copies of the EOS

workbook are available at Walnut Hill and by request from the church office (263-5304).

Children/Youth Focus: For the next six weeks, the children/youth classes (11am)

will be guided by the EOS schedule of stories from the Gospel of John, thus adding 

their questions, thoughts and imaginations to our EOS community of reflection. 

"Happening" at the Cathedral Domain is scheduled for March 17 - 19.  This event

is for youth (grades 10 - 12).  Walnut Hill's own Ben Horman is part of the leadership

team, so this would be a great opportunity for Walnut Hill youth to take part.  And

remember that Walnut Hill will sponsor half the cost for any participating Walnut 

Hill youth.  Visit  Happening  for more information.

One Great Hour of Sharing - For many households the OGHS is a regular lenten

tradition, and it is really quite simple.  Place a collection box or bowl on your primary 

dining table.  At one meal each day when your household is gathered, each person 

puts a coin in the OGHS box/bowl.  Bring your OGHS coins to Walnut Hill on Easter 

Sunday, and we will send them on their way to do good around the world.  Visit 

One Great Hour for information regarding how the OGHS offering is used.

Thanks to an energetic group of youth and adults who made 100 sandwiches last 

Sunday evening for guests at the Lexington Community Inn.  In addition to sandwich 

making the group shared activities related to homelessness and enjoyed some of the 

sandwiches they made, a sort of "Sandwich Ministry Communion."

The Kentucky Council of Churches is sponsoring "Prayer in Action Days" during 

the current session of the KY General Assembly.  The gatherings are held each 

Tuesday, 9:30am, in the Capitol Annex building and focus on different issues before 

the G.A. during this session. For a complete schedule and other details, visit 

Prayer in Action Days .

Peace to all.

Mike Ward