Friday, August 31, 2018

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, September 2, at Walnut Hill Church…

Sunday Conversation, 10am, Trinity Hall

Early Christian Voices

We continue exploring the various "voices" present in the early 
Christian community as they sought to present the good news 
of Jesus to the world of their time. Our resource for this 
conversation will be a segment of a presentation by Ron Miller.  
To view the full presentation, visit  "A Different Christian Story" .

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - Tradition
Text - Mark 7:1-23

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

Nursery Care and Faith Formation for Children

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for fellowship and refreshments.

*****

Hope Center - This Sunday concludes our summer gathering
of travel size toiletry items (shampoo, soap, toothpaste, etc) for 
guests at the Hope Center.  Place your donated items in the 
collection box in the Sanctuary foyer.

Wednesday, August 29, 2018

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, August 29, 2018

Greetings to all!

With Labor Day upcoming I am reminded of the life and work of Dorothy Day, 
20th century journalist, activist, and Catholic convert who ministered to and 
advocated for workers, particularly the working poor. Dorothy was inspired in her 
efforts by the example of Jesus, as she wrote…

Christ lived among human beings…that he was born in a stable, that He did not 
come to be a temporal King, that He worked with His hands, spent the first years 
of His life in exile, and the rest of his early adulthood in a crude carpenter shop 
in Nazareth…He trod the roads in His public life and the first men he called were 
fishermen, small owners of boats and nets.  He was familiar with the migrant 
worker and the proletariat, and some of his parables dealt with them.  He spoke 
of the living wage in the parable of those who came at the first and the eleventh 
hour…He had set us an example, and the poor and destitute were the ones we
wished to reach…

(from Dorothy Day - Selected Writings)

The lectionary texts for September 2, the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time….

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, September 2, 10am, in Trinity
Hall exploring the various "voices" present in the early Christian community as 
they sought to present the good news of Jesus to the world of their time. Our 
resource for this conversation is a presentation by Ron Miller.  To view the full 
presentation, visit  "A Different Christian Story" .

It "Is" Good is the title of a seven Sunday series of conversations celebrating
the wonders of the universe around and within us.  Join us at 10am Sunday
mornings beginning September 9.

The Fall Potluck is coming on Sunday, September 16, immediately after
morning worship.  Bring a salad, side dish, or dessert, and join us for this 
delicious Walnut Hill tradition.  Meat and beverage will be provided.

ACE Trip - Once again this year Walnut Hill will be sponsoring students (4)
to participate in the Athens Chilesburg Elementary School Fifth Grade Class 
Trip to Washington, DC.  The cost per student is $500.  Your gift in any amount 
is welcome.  Make your check payable to Walnut Hill Church with the memo 
"ACE Trip".

Hope Center - September 2 is the final Sunday of our summer collection of
travel size toiletry items (soap, shampoo, toothpaste, etc) for guests at the
Hope Center.  Place your items in the collection box located in the Sanctuary
foyer.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Friday, August 24, 2018

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, August 26, at Walnut Hill Church…

Sunday Conversation, 10am, Trinity Hall

Early Christian Voices

We will explore the various "voices" present in the early 
Christian community as they sought to present the good 
news of Jesus to the world of their time. Our resource for 
this conversation will be a segment of a presentation 
by Ron Miller.  To view the full presentation, visit

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - The Real Battle

Nursery Care and Faith Formation for Children/Youth

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for refreshments and fellowship.

*****

Hope Center - We continue our collection of travel
size toiletry items (soap, shampoo, toothpaste, etc) for
guests at the Hope Center . Look for the collection box
in the Sanctuary foyer.

*****

The Vestry will meet at 9:30am in the upstairs office
of Trinity Hall.

Wednesday, August 22, 2018

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, August 22, 2018

Greetings to all!

Thy Kingdom Come is a 9-day season of prayer, Aug 24 - Sep 1, involving the 
parishes of the Episcopal Diocese of Lexington.  As an ecumenical partner with the 
diocese, we are invited to join with our sisters and brothers throughout central and 
eastern Kentucky in discerning God's call upon our lives together and individually.  
Visit Thy Kingdom Come for a video introduction to the program as it is being used
around the world, and visit Prayer Guide for material to help you participate. This
is an excellent opportunity to engage a short term practice of intentional prayer and 
reflection.

The lectionary texts for August 26, the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time…

Sunday Conversations continue this Sun, Aug 26, 10am, in Trinity Hall. Watch 
the Friday update for details regarding this Sunday's conversation. As we like to 
say, come enjoy a cup of coffee, join the conversation, or just listen in.

Coming In September - And It "Is" Good - a celebration of the universe around 
and within us through the eyes of modern science, 10am, Sundays. Watch for more 
details.

Fall Potluck - The Fall Potluck is coming on Sun, Sep 16.  Mark your calendar and 
plan to join us for this delicious Walnut Hill tradition.  Bring a salad, side dish, or 
dessert.  Meat and beverage will be provided.

The Hope Center - Two more Sundays remain for our summer collection of travel
size toiletry items (soap, shampoo, toothpaste, etc) for guests at the Hope Center.
Look for the collection box in the Sanctuary foyer.

The Nathaniel Mission  is soon to begin an after-school mentoring program for 
students in the Cardinal Valley neighborhood and Versailles Road corridor.  Volunteer 
opportunities are available on Monday - Thursday afternoons.  Contact Sierra Bonham 
(859-255-0062) for volunteer information.

Today and Everyday is the title of a c.d. of music written and performed by Julia
Eastin Dubowy.  We have a number of copies available for purchase through the
church office at $10/copy.  Half the cost of each c.d. will be donated to Church World
Service to support its ministry on behalf of immigrants and asylum seekers.  Our
thanks to Julia for sharing her music with us during worship last Sunday.

For the first half of this week, I have been in Montreat, NC, attending a program titled 
"Well-Being Retreat 2018."  It has been a good experience. This program is one of 
several hosted by the Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church to promote the 
well being (physical, emotional, spiritual, etc) of clergy and other church leaders. I am 
grateful for this opportunity to be refreshed in body, mind, and spirit.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Friday, August 17, 2018

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, August 19, 2018, at Walnut Hill Church…

Sunday Conversation, 10am, Trinity Hall

Thy Kingdom Come

We will explore the current initiative within the Episcopal Church 
seeking to discern the form and shape of its mission through a
season of prayer. You might wish to view the introductory video,
Thy Kingdom Come, in advance of our conversation.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - It Was A Dream

Nursery Care and Faith Formation for Children/Youth

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for fellowship and refreshments.

*****

Hope Center - A few more Sundays remain during which we are 
inviting the donation of travel size toiletry items (soap, shampoo, 
toothpaste, etc) for guests at the Hope Center. Place your donated 
items in the collection box in the Sanctuary foyer.

Wednesday, August 15, 2018

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, August 15, 2018

Greetings to All!

School begins to today in Fayette County and soon in other communities
around Kentucky and the nation.  It is a good occasion to offer our best
thoughts and prayers for students and their families, as well as for teachers
and support staff.  Whether or not we have children in school, we all have
a stake in the education of children, youth, and adults. Consider the 
following prayer for your use…

Amighty God, we beseech Thee with Thy gracious favor to behold our
universities, colleges, and schools, that knowledge might be increased
among us, and all good learning flourish and abound.  Bless all who
teach and all who learn, and grant that in humility of heart they may ever
look unto Thee, who art the Fountain of all wisdom; through Jesus
Christ our Lord.  Amen.
(from The Walnut Hill Church Worshipbook)

The lectionary texts for August 19, the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time…

Sunday Conversations continue Sunday, August 19, 10am, in Trinity Hall 
as we consider Thy Kingdom Come, a season of prayer for discernment
being engaged by Episcopalians and others around the world and in central 
Kentucky.  Perhaps we might participate as well.

Walking Through Scripture, a new walking guide for mid-August through 
mid-November is available in the Sanctuary foyer. Walking Through Scripture 
is an informal program encouraging persons to read and reflect on each 
Sunday's lectionary texts in advance of Sunday morning.  Participants may 
also subscribe to Mike's weekly walking guide offering a brief introduction 
and commentary on the weekly readings. Use reply email to subscribe.

Sandwich Ministry - One of Walnut Hill's long-time partnerships has been
with the Lexington Community Inn (Catholic Action Center), particularly
providing sandwiches for the Inn's overnight guests.  Our next occasion to
do so will be on Sunday, August 26.  Use reply email if you would like to
volunteer for this service outreach and/or would simply like more information
about being a "sandwich minister."

The Nathaniel Mission  is soon to begin an after-school mentoring program
for students in the Cardinal Valley neighborhood and Versailles Road corridor. 
Volunteer opportunities are available on Monday - Thursday afternoons. 
Contact Sierra Bonham (859-255-0062) for volunteer information.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Friday, August 10, 2018

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, August 12, at Walnut Hill Church…

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

When David Heard…

We will explore the troubling, and fascinating, story of
Absalom and his father David.  What echoes does it
offer of our own experience of personal and public life?
In advance of our conversation, you might want to read
the lectionary text for the day, 2 Samuel 18:5-33, or if you 
are more adventurous, the entirety of 2 Samuel 13 - 19.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - Life Together

Nursery Care and Sunday School for children/youth.

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for fellowship and refreshments.

****

Hope Center - A few more Sundays remain of gathering
travel-size toiletry items (soap, shampoo, toothpaste, etc)
for guests at the Hope Center. Place you donated items in 
the collection box in the foyer of the Sanctuary.

Wednesday, August 8, 2018

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, August 8, 2018

Greetings to all!

Our family is just back from our annual summer vacation, which this year
included a weeklong "family reunion" as well as some less formal family
visiting.  I am aware how fortunate we are to be able to take time away
from ordinary routines and responsibilities to refresh bodies, minds, spirits,
and relationships. Thanks to all those at Walnut Hill who, each year and
this year, make it possible for our family to enjoy such special times.  From 
worship leadership, to hospitality, to behind the scenes attention to regular 
duties and unexpected emergencies, I am reminded that the Church's life 
and vitality are revealed in and through its people.  Thanks to all!

The lectionary texts for August 12, the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time…

Sunday Conversations resume this Sun, Aug 12, 10am, with a Walking
Through Scripture conversation focusing on Sunday's lectionary texts
(see above).  Come enjoy a cup of coffee, join the conversation, or just
listen in.

Speaking of Walking Through Scripture, a new walking guide for mid-
August through mid-November is available in the Sanctuary foyer. Walking
Through Scripture is an informal program encouraging persons to read
and reflect on each Sunday's lectionary texts in advance of Sunday
morning.  Participants may also subscribe to Mike's weekly walking
guide offering an introduction and commentary on the weekly readings.
Use reply email to subscribe.

The Nathaniel Mission recently completed its five-week summer camp
program.  Sixty-five children participated in the Cardinal Valley, Coolavin, 
and Speigle Hts neighborhoods.  Walnut Hill Church was recognized for its 
sponsorship of this year's summer camp program through our donations of 
camp supplies and cash.  Thanks to all who supported this effort.  With 
summer coming to a close, the Mission turns its attention toward its after 
school mentoring program.  Contact Sierra Bonham (859-255-0062) for 
volunteer information.

Ecumenical News:
The Presbytery of Transylvania will hold a regular stated meeting this 
Sat, Aug 11, at First Church, Prestonsburg.  Visit Presbytery meeting for 
a glimpse into the business of the day.
The Episcopal Diocese of Lexington will be engaging a Week of Prayer 
(Aug 24 - Sep 1) for discernment regarding the Diocese mission in the 
days/years ahead.  Visit Thy Kingdom Come for more information and 
prayer resources.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward