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…
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
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