Greetings to all!
Barbara Pierce Bush, former First Lady of the United States, presidential
wife and mother, literacy advocate, and forceful voice for various persons
and causes, departed this life on April 17, 2018. As tributes abound in
celebration of Mrs. Bush's life and legacy, I am reminded of a scripture
passage, Proverbs 31, the spirit of which seems applicable to Mrs. Bush.
Peace be with her and her family.
This Sunday, April 22, is Earth Day, an occasion to reflect upon the Earth
and our relationship to it. To put it simply, we are "part" of the Earth, as are
our fellow creatures, along with the Earth's systems and elements, one
life giving and life sustaining whole. To be aware of our part in the whole
is to live with gratitude and care. To be unaware is to put ourselves and
other creatures at risk. Consider the following prayer for the day…
We give you thanks, most gracious God,
for the beauty of earth and sky and sea;
for the richness of mountains, plains, and rivers;
for the song of birds
and the loveliness of flowers.
We praise you for these good gifts,
and pray that we might safeguard them for posterity.
Grant that we may continue to grow
in our grateful enjoyment of the earth,
to the honor and glory of your name,
now and forever. Amen.
(from The Book of Common Worship)
The lectionary scriptures for April 22, the Fourth Sunday of Easter…
Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, April 22, 10am, as we hear
a Report from Costa Rica. Ben Horman will be sharing with us his recent
experience as part of a mission team to Costa Rica.
Opioid Crisis and the Church - Several Walnut Hill members shared
conversation last Sunday regarding how individuals and the church might
respond to the opioid crisis. Numerous suggestions were offered including:
reducing the stigma attached to addiction, dispelling stereotypes, learning
more about addiction, supporting organizations that provide housing and
employment opportunities for persons in recovery … to name a few. Use
reply email to share your ideas as we explore possible Walnut Hill
responses.
In the Community - The Theater Department of Bryan Station High
School will be presenting Once Upon a Mattress (an adaptation of the
classic story, The Princess and the Pea) this Thu - Sat (7pm) and
Sun (3pm) at the school. Our own Ruby Sharrard is a member of the
cast.
One Great Hour of Sharing - The results are in and the total for this
season's One Great Hour of Sharing offering is $353, which we will
round up to $400 and send on its way to provide hunger relief, disaster
assistance and community development around the world. Thanks to
all who contributed through collection boxes and special gifts.
Peace to all.
Mike Ward
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