Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Greetings to all!

This Sunday, May 27, is Trinity Sunday, a day for reflection on that most 
distinctive, and sometimes baffling, doctrine of the Christian tradition.  In her 
book, Amazing Grace, Kathleen Norris recalls a conversation with a friend who 
had "given up" belief in the Trinity. Norris recalls…

A few days later I happened across a metaphor for the Trinity [from the early
church theologian, Tertullian]. It's an image of the Trinity as a plant, with the 
Father as a deep root, the Son as the shoot that breaks forth into the world,
the Spirit as that which spreads beauty and fragrance, "fructifying the earth 
with flower and fruit." I sent it to my friend, as she appreciates a good metaphor, 
and knows, deep down, that mystery is as real as the air we breathe, as 
everything that grows from the ground under our feet.

The lectionary texts for May 27, Trinity Sunday…

The Gospel of Thomas, an exploration into the wisdom sayings of Jesus,
continues on Sun, May 27, 10am, in Trinity Hall.  Sunday's session is titled 
What Is a Mature Believer, featuring saying 13 .  You might want to visit 
this video presentation by Ron Miller, of which brief segments are being used 
each Sunday.

Walking Through Scripture: Several Walnut Hill members and friends have 
been walking through scripture in recent months, reading and reflecting upon 
the Sunday lectionary texts.  A new "walking guide" for the next quarter of the 
year is available in the Sanctuary foyer. You may also subscribe to Mike's 
weekly introduction and commentary on the readings.  Use reply email to 
subscribe.

The Nathaniel Mission is preparing for its summer program including 5 weeks 
of day camp in various locations during the months of June/July.  Check out their
volunteer sign up for information regarding camp dates and locations.  Walnut 
Hill is gathering craft supplies to be used at the camp including construction 
paper, tape, scissors, glue, paint, crayons, and other items such as those. Bring 
your items to Walnut Hill over the next few Sundays, and we will forward them to 
the mission.  If you prefer, make a check payable to Walnut Hill Church (memo - 
"Nathaniel Mission"), and we will purchase the items for you.  The Mission is also 
receiving new and nearly new books for preschool children through "young 
readers".  You may bring books to Walnut Hill as well.

Sandwich Ministry - A new sign up sheet for the Sandwich Ministry has been
posted in the Sanctuary foyer, with opportunities to provide sandwiches to guests
at the Catholic Action Center on 4th Sundays  throughout the summer, including 
this Sunday, May 27.  Use reply email to volunteer for this Sunday, May 27, or visit 
the sign up sheet for a 4th Sunday later in the summer.

The "royal wedding" homily offered by the Most Rev. Michael Curry, Presiding 
Bishop of the Episcopal Church (USA), is available at this link: Wedding Homily.  
Bishop Curry's homily has received wonderful reviews from various quarters.

Thanks to all those who made last Sunday's Confirmation, graduate celebration,
and Spring Potluck a most festive occasion!

Peace to all.

Mike Ward
   



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