Wednesday, February 28, 2018

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, February 28, 2018

Greetings to all!

The body of the Rev. Billy Graham is currently lying in honor in the U.S. Capitol, an 
honor reserved to a relatively few persons.  In his book,The Good Life, the Rev. Peter 
Gomes reflects on the second of two visits (this one in 1999) the Rev. Graham made to 
Harvard University. The Rev. Gomes, who had invited the Rev. Graham on both occasions, 
recalled that the Memorial Church was filled to capacity, many students having camped 
overnight outside the chapel in order to get a seat.

He looked tired, his body did not seem entirely under his control, the lion's mane of golden 
hair was now white, and in repose he showed the scars and wounds of fifty years on the 
front lines for Christ.  When he began to speak, however, the years seemed to roll away, 
that liquid magic in his voice began to flow, and his eyes sparkled as of old. His opening 
words were, "I know I am going to die soon, but that doesn't scare me.  Does it scare you?"  
Then he preached the confident gospel he has shared with the world for half a century.  
What made him confident was his confidence in the promises of God: that was his sure 
conviction, and on such foundation was based the only hope worth having, as 
unreasonable as it was indispensable.  We had come to hear and to see something of his 
hope, and our hope was that we might acquire a little of that hope for ourselves…It is this 
hope that causes people to give their lives. It is this hope that makes people sleep outdoors 
all night so that they can be invited by hope to hope in the morning.

The lectionary texts for March 4, the Third Sunday in Lent…

Gnosticism Goes to the Movies, an exploration of ancient spirituality in modern cinema, 
continues this Sun, Mar 4, 10am, in Trinity Hall. This Sunday's conversation focuses on 
gnosticism as echoed in the letters of Paul. This Sunday's film is Dark City.  

The annual meeting of the Walnut Hill Church Cemetery Association will be held on Sun, 
Mar 4, immediately after morning worship. This year's meeting includes the consideration 
of revised by-laws. Visit Cemetery By-Laws to view the document in advance.

Useful Information - Visit the "small table" in the Sanctuary foyer to find the following 
items…
…Directory Update - An update to the contact information section of the Walnut Hill 
Church Directory is available to replace the previous contact information section of the Fall, 
2018, church directory.
…2017 Financial Summary - A summary report of Walnut Hill's finances for 2017 is 
available for your information and review.
…Cemetery Rules & Regulations - Copies of the Walnut Hill Church Cemetery Rules and 
Regulations are available for your information.  The "rules and regulations" include fee 
schedules, guidelines regarding grave markers, etc. 
You may also request the items above by reply email.

Thanks…
to scouts, their leaders and parents for making "Scout Sunday" (Feb 18) a festive 
occasion!
…to youth and parents (17 strong) who formed the Walnut Hill team at last Sunday's 
Burnamwood Bowl-a-Thon.  Their participation yielded an $850 donation to support the 
ministry of Camp Burnamwood.

Prayer in Action Days, a public advocacy program sponsored by the Kentucky Council 
of Churches, continues on Tue, Mar 6, 9:30am, at the Capitol Annex Building in Frankfort. 
This Tuesday's program will focus on the death penalty. 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 Theatre and Music Department of Eastern Kentucky University 
is presenting the musical, The Secret Garden, Feb 28 - Mar 4.  Walnut Hill member,
Spencer Horman, is among the cast.  Visit The Secret Garden for show times, venue and 
ticket information.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Friday, February 23, 2018

This Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, February 25, at Walnut Hill Church…

THE SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT

Gnosticism Goes to the Movies, 10am, Trinity Hall

Gnostic Mythology: Gods, Angels and Demons

Join us as we continue an exploration of ancient
spirituality in modern cinema. This week's film is
City of Angels. While not a prerequisite, you might
want to view the movie in advance of our conversation.

Nursery care available for young children.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - The Sign of the Cross
Text - Mark 8:31-38

Scout Sunday Observance 
(Scouts are invited to attend in uniform.)

Nursery Care and Faith Formation for Children/Youth

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for fellowship and refreshments.

Burnamwood Bowl-a-Thon, 3pm, Southland Lanes

Youth (middle/high school) are invited to join youth from
around the area for an afternoon of bowling to support
Camp Burnamwood.  Use reply email to rsvp.

Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, February 20, 2018

Greetings to all!

As tragic as were the events last week in Parkland, Florida, encouraging are the youth 
in Florida and around the nation who, in response to those events, are issuing a call to 
action to legislators in particular and to our nation in general. Hopefully they will find much 
support and encouragement to make a difference for their (and our) generation. I am 
reminded of a hymn used at a recent "Prayer in Action Days" (see below) gathering in 
Frankfort…

If we just talk of thoughts and prayers
And don't live out a faith that dares,
And don't take on the ways of death,
Our thoughts and prayers are fleeting breath…

God, may our prayers and dreams and songs
Lead to a faith that takes on wrongs-
That works for peace and justice, too.
Then will our prayers bring joy to you.

(from the hymn "If We Just Talk…"© by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette)

In memory…
     Bill Prewitt, a Friend of Walnut Hill Church, departed this life on Wed, Feb 14.  
A memorial service was held on Mon, Feb 19, at 2nd Presbyterian Church.
     Becky Cassidy, a Friend of Walnut Hill Church, departed this life on Sun, Feb 
18.  A memorial service is planned for Wed, Feb 28, 10am, at Walnut Hill Church.

The lectionary texts for February 25, the Second Sunday in Lent…

Scout Sunday will be observed at Walnut Hill Church this Sunday, February 25.
All scouts are encouraged to wear uniforms that day and be acknowledged during 
worship.

Gnosticism Goes to the Movies, an exploration of ancient spirituality in modern 
cinema, continues this Sun, Feb 25, 10am, in Trinity Hall. This Sunday's film is 
City of Angels .  Though not a prerequisite, you might want to watch the film in 
advance of Sunday's conversation.

Burnamwood Bowl-a-Thon, Sun, Feb 25, 3pm - 6pm, at Southland Lanes
is a fun fund-raising event for youth to support the work of Camp Burnamwood.
Youth (middle & high school) are invited to be part of the Walnut Hill team, and
their presence will be sponsored ($50/each) by the Walnut Hill Community Fund.
Rsvps are a must.  If you have not already advised Lauren of your attendance,
use reply email to join the Walnut Hill team.  

The annual meeting of the Walnut Hill Church Cemetery Association will be held 
on Sunday, March 4, immediately after morning worship. This year's meeting 
includes the consideration of revised by-laws. Visit Cemetery By-Laws to view the 
document in advance.

Prayer in Action Days, a public advocacy program sponsored by the Kentucky 
Council of Churches, continues on Tue, Feb 27, 9:30am, at the Capitol Annex 
Building in Frankfort. This Tuesday's program will focus on the goal of a "smoke free 
tomorrow". 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, most particularly three bills currently before the Kentucky 
General Assembly affecting the prevention of gun violence.

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



Friday, February 16, 2018

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, February 18, at Walnut Hill Church…

THE FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT

Gnosticism Goes to the Movies, 10am, Trinity Hall

Responding to the Cracks in Our Reality

How do we respond when our way of thinking, believing
and being begins to crack/change? Do we resist the change,
even if it might make our believing and our being more
"colorful", more complete?  We will explore questions like
these.  Though not a prerequisite, you might want to view 
the movie, Pleasantville , in preparation for Sunday's
conversation.

Nursery care will be provided for young children.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - Filling In the Blanks
Text - Mark 1:9-15

Nursery Care and Faith Formation for Children/Youth

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for fellowship and refreshments.

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

A Prayer for These Days

February 14, 2018

Dear Walnut Hill Members and Friends:

In light of today's violence at Marjory Stoneman
Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, consider
the following prayer for your use…

Gracious God, Father and Mother of us all:
Once again we are stunned by news of violence
affecting young people in a "safe place".
Once again parents grieve for children lost, and
for those whose innocence has been taken away.
Once again we wonder why a person acts out
in violence toward others.
Heal wounded bodies this night.
Mend broken hearts, and ease fearful minds.

May we, your people, resolve this night,
to reject the notion that nothing can be done.
May we reach out to persons affected by violence
in homes, schools, work places, neighborhoods,
and nations.
May we work to move this nation toward a path
of non-violence in all walks of life.
May the despair of "once again" be replaced
with the calling of "never again",
and may we not rest until that calling is fulfilled.
In the name and spirit of Christ we pray. Amen.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Greetings to all!

Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent.  Among other meanings, Ash 
Wednesday provides an opportunity to consider our mortality, not with the intent 
of eliciting fear or sadness, but rather to remind us that our lives have their limits, 
and we are to live our lives with intentionality and purpose.  Lately I became aware 
of the death (and life) of Asma Jahangir, a Pakistani woman who spent her adult life 
championing human rights in a country where such rights are not always upheld, 
and doing so at great cost and risk to herself. Of particular interest was her advocacy 
for the rights of women and persons of minority religions and her legal defense of a 
Christian youth charged with blasphemy. On this Ash Wednesday, as I consider my 
own mortality, I am inspired by fellow mortals like Asma Jahangir to live a life of 
intention, meaning and purpose.  Thanks be to God!

Ash Wednesday services around Lexington include…
*Christ Church Cathedral - 12:05pm and 7:00pm
*1st Presbyterian Church - 12:10pm and 7:00pm

The lectionary texts for February 18, the first Sunday in Lent…

Gnosticism Goes to the Movies, an exploration of ancient spirituality as found 
in modern cinema, continues this Sun, Feb 18, 10am, in Trinity Hall, with the 
session Responding to Cracks in Our Reality.  This week's film is Pleasantville.  
Though not a prerequisite, you might want to view the film in advance of the 
session.  Nursery care will be available.

A Host(s) is needed for our after worship gathering this Sun, Feb 18. Use reply 
email to volunteer for this Sunday, or visit our online sign-up to view this and other 
Sundays available for your hospitality. Thanks to all our hosts! 

One Great Hour of Sharing - The One Great Hour of Sharing, an ecumenical
offering supporting hunger relief, disaster relief, water projects, and community
empowerment, is ongoing during Lent.  Place a collection box on your home
dining table.  During your primary meal each day, place a coin in the collection
box and remember some part of the world in your table prayer/conversation.  
Bring your collection box to Walnut Hill on Easter Sunday (Apr 1).

Walking Through Scripture, a program of reading and reflection on the Sunday
lectionary texts (see above), continues during the season of Lent.  Take a few
minutes during the week to read and reflect on the texts for the coming Sunday.  
Use reply email to subscribe to Mike's weekly introduction and commentary on 
the lessons. 

The annual meeting of the Walnut Hill Church Cemetery Association will be 
held on Sunday, March 4, immediately after morning worship. This year's meeting 
includes the consideration of revised by-laws. Visit Cemetery By-Laws to view the 
document in advance.

Prayer in Action Days, a public advocacy program sponsored by the Kentucky 
Council of Churches, continues on Tue, Feb 20, 9:30am, at the Capitol Annex 
Building (Rm#129) in Frankfort. This Tuesday's program will focus on the issue
of gun violence. 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.

2017 Financial Report - The financial books are now complete for 2017, and a 
report is available showing a summary of Walnut Hill's financial experience for 
the year.  Copies of the report are available in the Sanctuary foyer or by request 
from the church office.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Friday, February 9, 2018

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, February 11, at Walnut Hill Church…

THE TRANSFIGURATION OF THE LORD

Gnosticism Goes to the Movies, 10am, Trinity Hall

A Crack in Our Reality

Join us as we begin an exploration into an ancient spiritual
path and its modern expressions in contemporary cinema.
Though not required, you might want to watch The Truman
Show or The Matrix in preparation for this Sunday's
conversation as we consider our response to "cracks" in
our reality.

Nursery care will be available for young children.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - Speechless
Text - Mark 9:2-9

Nursery care and faith formation for children/youth.

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for fellowship and refreshments.

Wednesday, February 7, 2018

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, February 7, 2018

Greetings to all!

This Sunday, February 11, is the Sunday of the Transfiguration of the Lord, 
traditionally observed on the Sunday before Ash Wednesday, the beginning 
of Lent.  It is a remarkable story (see texts below) evoking plenty of questions 
and possible insights.  So what did the disciples "see" on the mountain when 
Jesus' appearance became radiant? Was it a one-time supernatural event, or
the product of a myth-making culture? Consider these thoughts by Frederick 
Buechner…

Even with us something like that happens once in a while. The face of a man 
walking with his child in the park, of a woman picking peas in the garden, of 
sometimes even the unlikeliest person listening to a concert, say, or standing 
barefoot in the sand watching the waves roll in, or just having a beer at a Saturday 
baseball game in July. Every once and so often, something so touching, so 
incandescent, so alive, transfigures the human face that it's almost beyond 
bearing.
(as found in Listening to Your Life)

The lectionary texts for February 11, the Transfiguration of the Lord…

Gnosticism Goes to the Movies, an exploration of ancient spirituality as it 
is found in modern cinema, begins this Sunday, February 11, 10am, in Trinity 
Hall.  This Sunday's session is titled "A Crack in Our Reality".  You might want 
to view either or both "The Truman Show" and "The Matrix" in preparation for
our conversation. Pre-viewing of films is not a pre-requisite for participation.
Nursery care will be available.

The annual meeting of the Walnut Hill Church Cemetery Association will be 
held on Sunday, March 4, immediately after morning worship. This year's 
meeting includes the consideration of a revised Constitution and By-Laws. Visit
Cemetery By-Laws to view the document in advance.

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 13, 9:30am, at the Capitol Annex 
Building (Rm#131) in Frankfort. This Tuesday's program will focus on issues
related to environment/energy. 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 - 2020 Housing Vision, an initiative by Kentucky Habitat
for Humanity in collaboration with other affordable housing advocates and
providers, was publicly launched this past Monday at a news conference at the
Capitol.  Two Walnut Hill Church members are providing leadership for this effort.
Visit 2020 Housing Vision for more information and to discover Walnut Hill's
leadership connection.

"Souper Bowl" Wrap-up - Thanks to all the soup chefs, soup tasters, and
generous donors who made last Sunday's Souper Bowl a delicious, fun, and
successful event.  Over $300 was raised in support of God's Pantry   

Peace to all.

Mike Ward
 

Sunday, February 4, 2018

Sunday, February 4

Dear Friends:

Things here at Walnut Hill are slushy but passible this morning, February 4, so we will be open for services for those who would like to venture out.

Please use your good judgment and caution regarding your attendance.  Do not venture out if you are uncomfortable doing so.

We will improvise and share fellowship with whomever we see.

Peace to all!

Mike

Friday, February 2, 2018

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, February 4, at Walnut Hill Church…

"SOUP"ER BOWL SUNDAY

From Sanctuary to Statehouse, 10am, Trinity Hall

A Case Study: The Minimum Wage in Kentucky

Join us as we explore the "intersection" of our faith and our
involvement in public life using "the minimum wage" as
a case study.  You might want to review SB 17 , the KCC 
policy statement (2005) on the Living & Minimum Wage , 
and a 2015 report regarding the minimum wage in KY  to 
prepare for our conversation.

Nursery care available for young children.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - She Began to Serve Them
Text - Mark 1:29-39

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

Nursery Care and Faith Formation for Children/Youth

SOUPER BOWL SUNDAY, Noon, Trinity Hall

Enjoy a bowl(s) of soup and make a donation to support 
God's Pantry.  (Cash and checks payable to Walnut Hill 
Church)