Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, January 31, 2018

Greetings to all!

Health care, immigration, taxes, the environment … The list of issues before 

legislators at the local, state, and national levels are endless, not to mention 

being of great importance to our lives individually and together. We do well to 

keep our elected leaders and others who serve in government in our prayers, 

as well as encouraging them always to act for the common good, with particular 

attention to the poor and powerless. Consider the following prayer for your use…

O Lord, our governor,

your glory shines throughout the world.

We commend our nation, our state, our city,

to your merciful care,

that we might live securely in peace

and might be guided by your providence.

Give to all in authority the wisdom and strength

to know your will and to do it.

Help them to remember that they are called

to serve the people with truth and justice;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

(adapted from The Book of Common Worship)

The lectionary texts for February 4, the Fifth Sunday after Epiphany…

Isaiah 40:21-31

Psalm 147:1-11

1 Corinthians 9:16-23

Mark 1:29-39 

From Sanctuary to State House is the topic of this Sunday's 10am

conversation in Trinity Hall as we explore the intersection between

religion and public life, with particular attention to issues currently under

consideration by the Kentucky General Assembly.

"SOUP"ER BOWL SUNDAY -  This Sun, Feb 4, is "Soup"er Bowl Sunday

at Walnut Hill.  Join us after worship for a bowl of delicious soup and make

a donation to support the work of God's Pantry .  Use reply email to let

us know if you would like to provide a pot of soup for the occasion.

Gnosticism Goes to the Movies is the title of a series of conversations

beginning Sunday, February 11, as we explore some ancient ideas to be

found in contemporary films.  In anticipation of our Feb 11 conversation,

you might want to view The Truman Show and/or The Matrix.

Directory Update - We are currently in the process of updating the 

recently published Walnut Hill Church directory.  Please use reply email

to share any new or corrected address/contact information for your

household.  An updated address/contact information section of the

directory will soon be made available.

Mission Experience 2018 (?) - We are currently exploring the possibility 

of a Walnut Hill Mission Experience later this year to follow-up our 2017

Mission Experience.  We are again exploring the possibility of a Fri -Sun 

experience for youth and adults.  Use reply email to indicate your interest.

Prayer in Action Days, a public advocacy program sponsored by the 

Kentucky Council of Churches, continues on Tue, Feb 6, 9:30am, at the 

Capitol Annex Building (Rm#129) in Frankfort. This Tuesday's program 

will focus on worker's rights/wages. Visit Prayer in Action Days for 

information regarding upcoming Prayer in Action gatherings and check

out the bulletin board in Trinity Hall for information from previous gatherings.

In the Community - The 9th Annual Charity Tennis Tournament to benefit

Indian Summer Camp (for children/youth with cancer) will be held on Fri,

Feb 23, 6:30pm at the Lexington Tennis Club.  Visit Barb's story to read 

about a Walnut Hill connection to Indian Summer Camp.  Walnut Hill will

be a sponsor of this year's event in the amount of $500.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, January 28, at Walnut Hill Church…

Being Christian, 10am, Trinity Hall

Prayer

We continue our conversations regarding Christian

experience and practice, this Sunday focusing on the 

Christian practice of prayer.

Nursery care available for young children.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - Showdown at Capernaum

Text - Mark 1:21-28

Nursery Care and Faith Formation for Children/Youth

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for fellowship and refreshments.

Youth Gathering, 5:30pm, Trinity Hall

Youth (middle & high school) are invited to gather as

they prepare sandwiches for the Lexington Community

Inn and begin assembling Church World Service school

and hygiene kits.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, January 24, 2018

Greetings to all!

Tuesday morning I was at a prayer gathering in Frankfort when news was

received regarding the shooting at Marshall County High School.  During

our gathering we used the following hymn, which seemed appropriate not

only to what we were doing, but also to our thoughts about the tragic news

we had received, its victims, and those seeking to help amid the pain.

Wounded world that cries for healing -

here we hold each other's pain…

Honor those whose loving spirit

nurses hope, restores and heals,

towel and basin used in service

like the Christ who comes and kneels;

in the tending, in the mending

may we see the right and fair,

in our common quest for wholeness

heal each other by our care.

(from "Wounded World That Cries for Healing", by Shirley Erena Murray,

Hope Publishing Co., 1996)

The lectionary texts for January 28, the 4th Sunday after Epiphany…

Deuteronomy 18:15-20

Psalm 111

1 Corinthians 8:1-13

Mark 1:21-28

Being Christian, a conversation series about Christian experience and

practice, continues this Sun, Jan 28, 10am.  Our focus for this Sunday's

conversation will be "prayer".

Youth are invited to gather this Sun, Jan 28, 5:30pm, at Walnut Hill to

begin the process of assembling Church World Service hygiene and

school kits as well as to make sandwiches for guests at the Lexington

Community Inn.  It should be a full evening!

Directory Update - We are currently in the process of updating the 

recently published Walnut Hill Church directory.  Please use reply email

to share any new or corrected address/contact information for your

household.  An updated address/contact information section of the

directory will soon be made available.

Mission Experience 2018 (?) - We are currently exploring the possibility 

of a Walnut Hill Mission Experience later this year to follow-up our 2017

Mission Experience.  We are again exploring the possibility of a Fri -Sun 

experience for youth and adults.  Use reply email to indicate your interest 

in exploring this possibility.

What do the films The Matrix, The Truman Show, Man of Steel, Dogma,

Dark City, Altered States, Star Trek V, Avatar, Pi, Pleasantville and

Out on a Limb have in common?  They are all part of a Sunday (10am) 

conversation series starting Feb 11 titled, "Gnosticism Goes to the Movies".

Sound mysterious?  Come and see!

Prayer in Action Days, a public advocacy program sponsored by the 

Kentucky Council of Churches, continues on Tue, Jan 30, 9:30am, at the 

Capitol Annex Building (Rm#131) in Frankfort. This Tuesday's program 

will focus on legislation related to health care/disabilities. For more details, 

visit Prayer in Action Days .

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, January 21, at Walnut Hill Church…

WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY

Being Christian, 10am, Trinity Hall

Eucharist

We continue our conversation series regarding Christian 

experience and practice with a conversation about Eucharist, 

the traditional act of "thanksgiving" through the sharing of 

bread and wine.

(Nursery care available for young children.)

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - Jonah: A Study in Contradictions

Text - Jonah 3:1-5, 10

Nursery Care and Faith Formation for Children and Youth

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for fellowship and refreshments.

Ecumenical Worship, 7pm, Pax Christi Catholic Church

We will celebrate the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity with

an ecumenical worship service at 7pm, at Pax Christi

Catholic Church (4001 Victoria Way).  All are invited to attend.

Youth are invited to share in the worship leadership.  Use

reply email for more information.

*****

The Vestry will meet at 9:30am in the upstairs office

of Trinity Hall.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Greetings to all!

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (January 18 - 25) begins tomorrow,

continuing a century-long tradition of calling the Church of Jesus Christ to 

reflect on its unity and shared mission.  A different "neighborhood" of the

church guides the week's reflection each year.  This year leadership fell

to the churches of the Caribbean to work with the theme "Your Right Hand,

O Lord, Glorious in Power" (Exodus 15:1-21).

Like the Israelites, the people of the Caribbean have a song of victory and

freedom to sing, and it is a song which unites them. However, contemporary

challenges again threaten to enslave and again threaten the dignity of the

human persons created in the image and likeness of God…Many of the

contemporary challenges are themselves the legacy of a colonial past and

slave trade…The right hand of God that brought the people out of slavery

gave continued hope and courage to the Israelites, and it continues to bring

hope to the Christians of the Caribbean. They are not victims of circumstance.

In witnessing to this common hope the churches are working together to

minister to all peoples of the region, but particularly the most vulnerable

and neglected.  In the words of the hymn, "the right hand of God is planting

in our land, planting seeds of freedom, hope and love."

(from the website of the Graymoor Ecumenical & Interreligious Institute )

An Ecumenical Worship Service in celebration of the Week of Prayer

for Christian Unity will be held this Sun, Jan 21, 7pm, at the Pax Christi

Catholic Church in Lexington.  Members, clergy and bishops from several

congregations (including Walnut Hill) and denominations will share in the

service leadership.  All are invited.

The lectionary texts for January 21, the 3rd Sunday after Epiphany…

Jonah 3:1-5, 10

Psalm 62:5-12

1 Corinthians 7:29-31

Mark 1:14-20

Being Christian, a conversation series on Christian experience and

practice, continues this Sunday, January 21, 10am, in Trinity Hall, as we

discuss "Eucharist", the Christian practice of giving thanks to God through

the sharing of bread and wine.  Sunday's conversation springs from

chapter 3 of Rowan Williams' book, Being Christian.

A Host(s) is needed for our after worship gathering this Sun, Jan 21. Use

reply email to volunteer for this Sunday or visit the online sign up sheet to 

host this Sunday or another Sunday later in the winter.  Thanks to all our

Sunday hosts!

Prayer in Action Days, a public advocacy program sponsored by the 

Kentucky Council of Churches, continues on Tue, Jan 23, 9:30am, at the 

Capitol Annex Building (Rm#129) in Frankfort. This Tuesday's program 

will focus on legislation related to tax reform. For more details, visit 

Prayer in Action Days .

Directory Update - We are currently in the process of updating the 

recently published Walnut Hill Church directory.  Please use reply email

to share any new or corrected address/contact information  for your

household.  An updated address/contact information section of the

directory will soon be made available.

Kroger Community Rewards - Walnut Hill lately received a check in the

amount of $288 from the Kroger Company, proceeds of participation by

31 Walnut Hill households in the Kroger Community Rewards program.

Walnut Hill received over $1,000 in Community Rewards proceeds in

2017.  Thanks to all!

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday Services as Scheduled

Sunday, January 14, 2018

Services and activities are proceeding as regularly scheduled at

Walnut Hill Church today, January 14, including…

Sunday Conversations, 10am

Morning Worship, 11am

After Worship Gathering, Noon

The main roads approaching the church are generally clear,

as are the church driveway and sidewalks.  There are some

icy patches, so please use caution walking in the parking area

around the church.

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, January 14, at Walnut Hill Church…

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR, HOLIDAY 

Being Christian, 10am, Trinity Hall

Bible

Join us as we talk about the Christian experience of the Bible.  

What might it mean to hear rather than just read the Bible?  

What might it mean to approach the Bible as a parable? What 

might it mean to say that the Bible is meant to be read together?

What is your experience of the Bible? We will talk about these 

and other questions.

Nursery care available for young children.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - An Experience of Call

Text - 1 Samuel 3:1-20

Nursery Care and Faith Formation for Children/Youth

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for fellowship and refreshments.

****

IN CASE OF INCLEMENT WEATHER this weekend, an email will 

be sent by 9am Sunday morning indicating any changes to the

Sunday schedule and activities.  Also, a message will be posted 

on the church voicemail by 9am.  If in doubt on Sunday morning,

check your email, or feel free to call (859-263-5304).

****

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/or School Kits for a list of eligible items.  Bring 

items to Walnut Hill by Sun, Jan 14. The kits will be assembled 

and shipped in late January.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, January 10, 2018

Greetings to all!

This Monday, January 15, is the Martin Luther King, Jr, holiday.  With that

occasion in mind, consider this excerpt from his speech titled "The Drum

Major Instinct" delivered in Atlanta on Feb 4, 1968 (two months prior to his

assassination on Apr 4, 1968), including reflections on what he might hope 

would be said about him on the occasion of his death…

I'd like somebody to mention that day that Martin Luther King, Jr., tried to

give his life serving others.  I'd like for somebody to say that day that Martin

Luther King, Jr., tried to love somebody.  I want you to say that day that I

tried to be right on the war question.  I want you to be able to say that day

that I did try to feed the hungry.  And I want you to be able to say that day

that I did try in my life to clothe those who were naked.  I want you to say

on that day that I did try in my life to visit those who were in prison.  I want

you to say that I tried to love and serve humanity.  Yes, if you want to say

that I was a drum major, say that I was a drum major for justice.  Say that

I was a drum major for peace.  I was a drum major for righteousness.  And

all of the other shallow things will not matter.

The lectionary texts for January 14, the 2nd Sunday after Epiphany…

1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20)

Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18

1 Corinthians 6:12-20

John 1:43-51

Being Christian, a series of conversations around Christian experience

and practice continues this Sun, Jan 14, 10am, in Trinity Hall as we talk

about the "Bible", a traditional source of guidance and inspiration for 

Christian individuals and communities. This month's conversation series

is inspired by the book, Being Christian, by Rowan Williams.

Sunday Hospitality - Hosts are needed for our after worship gatherings

for numerous Sundays in the new year.  Visit the online sign-up sheet to

view and reserve an upcoming Sunday. Thanks to all our Sunday hosts!

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/or 

School Kits for a list of eligible items.  Bring items to Walnut Hill by Sunday,

January 14.  The kits will be assembled and shipped in late January.

King Holiday Events in the community include:

-Sat, Jan 13, 1pm, East 2nd St Christian Church -  Community

Forum on Race Relations

-Sun, Jan 14, 6pm, Central Christian Church - Community Worship

featuring the Rev. Dr. William Lee

-Mon, Jan 15, 10am, Heritage Hall - MLK Day Commemorative

March;  11am, Heritage Hall - MLK Day Program featuring Mr. Tim Wise;

2:30pm, Kentucky Theater - free showing of the film "Hidden Figures".

Prayer in Action - "Prayer in Action Days", a public advocacy program 

sponsored by the Kentucky Council of Churches, continues on Tue, Jan 16, 

9:30am, at the Capitol Annex Building (Rm#129) in Frankfort. This Tuesday's 

program will focus on legislation related to criminal justice. For more details,

visit Prayer in Action Days .

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, January 7, at Walnut Hill Church…

THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD

Being Christian, 10am, Trinity Hall

Baptism

This Sunday we begin a four part conversation series,

Being Christian, guided by the book of the same name

by Rowan Williams.  This Sunday's conversation

focuses on the Christian experience of baptism.

Nursery care available for young children.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - In Jordan's Waters

Texts - Genesis 1:1-5  and  Mark 1:4-11

Reaffirmation of Baptism

Sacrament of Holy Communion

Nursery Care and Faith Formation for Children/Youth

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for fellowship and refreshments.

*****

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 and human caused disasters.  Visit

Hygiene Kits and/or School Kits for a list of eligible items.  

Bring items to Walnut Hill by Sunday, January 14.  The 

kits will be assembled and shipped in late January.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

Greetings to all!

This Sunday, January 7, we will observe "The Baptism of the Lord" as

we reflect upon the story of Jesus' baptism.  It is a good occasion to

remember one's own baptism.  In the selection below Thomas Merton

recalls the day when he presided at the baptism of a colleague's mother:

On Our Lady's day I baptized Fr. Cyprian's mother in the parish church

of New Haven…With a little cockle-shell made out of metal and kept on

a chain - dipped three times into the water and three times made the

sign of the cross, more or less, on her forehead…When I anointed her

with chrism (oil) she was very joyful.  When with cotton I wiped away the

chrism and somewhat dried the water on her brow, she closed her eyes

like a very joyful child, this mother from Texas who several times had

been very ill. Later we walked to the sanctuary and she knelt at the rail

and prayed aloud and I was as happy as if I had been baptized myself

and remembered the day of my baptism and the depths that opened in 

my soul.  Let her be faithful, O Lord, to her baptismal vows and love You 

with all her heart and open to You her whole soul and may the nourishment 

you promised be given to her in abundance and may she enter into eternal 

life praising you and glorifying your mercy forever.  Amen.

(from A Search for Solitude, the journals of Thomas Merton)

The lectionary texts for Sunday, January 7, the Baptism of the Lord…

Genesis 1:1-5

Psalm 29

Acts 19:1-7

Mark 1:4-11

Being Christian, a conversation about what it means to be Christian, 

individually and together, begins this Sun, Jan 7, 10am, in Trinity Hall, as 

we talk about "baptism."  This conversation series is guided by the book, 

Being Christian, by Rowan Williams. A few copies are available by request 

from the church office.  You may also purchase the book (in both paper and 

e-reader formats) through various booksellers.

Walking Through Scripture - Even though our Sunday conversations

have moved on to other topics, you are invited to continue walking through

scripture by reading and reflecting upon the Sunday lectionary texts

(see above) each week.  Your reading will enhance not only your Sunday

worship experience but also your appreciation of the Bible as a spiritual 

resource.  Use reply email to subscribe to Mike's weekly "walking guide". 

Sunday Hospitality - Hosts are needed for our after worship gatherings

for numerous Sundays in the new year.  Use reply email to volunteer, or 

visit the online sign-up sheet to reserve an upcoming Sunday. Thanks to all 

our Sunday hosts!

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/or 

School Kits for a list of eligible items.  Bring items to Walnut Hill by Sunday,

January 14.  The kits will be assembled and shipped in late January.

Innkeeper's Offering - Thanks to the generosity of folks worshipping with

us on Christmas Eve, Walnut Hill will be sending over $800 to support

the Salvation Army in its efforts to provide shelter and services to homeless 

women, children, and families.

Prayer in Action - "Prayer in Action Days", a public advocacy program 

sponsored by the Kentucky Council of Churches, begins Tue, Jan 9, 11am, 

at the Capitol building in Frankfort.  Visit Prayer in Action Days for more 

details.

Giving in 2018 - As you think about your support of Walnut Hill in 2018,

don't forget that in addition to placing cash/checks in the Sunday offering

box, you can also arrange for Walnut Hill to receive your regular offering

via your bank's bill payment service and even by electronic transfer.  Call

the church office or contact your bank for more details.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward