Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, September 30, at Walnut Hill Church…

The 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time

It "Is" Good, 10am, Trinity Hall

The Heavens

It "Is" Good, an exploration of the universe around and within 

us continues as we lift our gaze toward "The Heavens" as

they were viewed in biblical times and as they are viewed

today.

(nursery care available for young children)

What Time Is It, 10am, Trinity Hall

Older children are invited to gather for conversation about

the seasons of the church year (Advent, Lent, etc) including

"Ordinary Time."

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - Esther: What Is She Doing in the Bible?

Texts - Psalm 124 and Esther 4:9-17**

Worship Leader/Preacher - Mr. William "Bill" Reed 

Faith Formation, 11am, Trinity Hall

*Nursery Care (birth through preschool)

*Children of the Way (younger elementary)

*Hearers of the Word (older elementary)

-"Who is the Greatest?" - James 3 and Mark 9

*Youth (middle/high school)

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for fellowship and refreshments.

CROP Walk, 3pm, Second Presbyterian Church

All ages are invited to walk with the Walnut Hill Team in 

the Greater Lexington CROP Walk to raise awareness

and dollars to alleviate hunger locally and around the

world.  All Walnut Hill walkers will be sponsored by the

church ($35/walker).  Upon arrival at the walk, be sure

to check in with our Team Leader, Nell Horman.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

Greetings to all!

We are now three weeks into our exploration of the universe around us and 

within us titled, It "Is" Good (see below). So far our journey has included a visit 

to the beginning of time, as we know it, in the "Big Bang," a glimpse into the 

chemical elements of all matter, and a reminder that below our feet is a maze 

of pools, streams, and springs providing the water that we drink each day. We 

still have long way to travel including a trip into the heavens, a dip into the 

primordial soup before life began on earth, and an introduction to the wonder

of biological evolution. It is a remarkable journey. Come and join us!

The lectionary texts for September 30, the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time…

Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22

Psalm 124

James 5:13-20

Mark 9:38-50

It "Is" Good, an exploration of the universe around and within us, continues

this Sunday, September 30, 10am, in Trinity Hall, with a session titled, "The

Heavens."  Join us as we gaze into the sky above as it was seen in biblical

times and as it is seen today. 

The Lexington CROP Walk will be held this Sunday, September 30, 3pm,

at Second Presbyterian Church downtown.  You are invited to be part of the

Walnut Hill team, joining folks from various churches around the area, as we

walk to raise awareness and dollars to alleviate hunger around the world.

Persons walking with the Walnut Hill team will be sponsored by the church in 

the amount of $35/each. Visit the CROP Walk Website for more information.

Thanks to all those who made recent special gifts enabling Walnut Hill to…

…sponsor six students to participate in the Athens Chilesburg Elementary

School 5th grade trip to Washington, DC.

…reach out to our neighbors in the Carolinas via our ecumenical partners

at Church World Service.

Sunday Hosts - There are several open Sundays for our after worship

hospitality in October and November.  Visit the online sign up sheet to

volunteer.  Thanks to all our hosts!

A Community of Caring - We are looking for a few good recruits to form

a team to help extend the care of the Walnut Hill community to members

and friends who, from time to time, might be in need of some special 

attention.  Use reply email to request more information.

Vestry Nominees - The Vestry election season will soon be upon us.  With

that in mind, we are inviting suggestions for persons to serve on the Vestry,

Class of 2021.  As is our custom, we are particularly looking for two male

nominees to replace two male Vestry members who are completing their

service this year, thus retaining an equal number of men and women serving

on the Vestry.  Please share your nominee suggestions with Senior Warden

Bob Watt.

In the Community…

…St. Michael's Episcopal Church is hosting a conference on "The Gifts

and Challenges of Aging" on Sat, Oct 6.  Visit conference flyer for more

information.

…The Episcopal Diocese of Lexington is hosting a conference titled,

"Ministry for Everybody," on Sat, Oct 13, at Emmanuel Episcopal Church

in Winchester.  Visit event flyer for more information.

…The Presbytery of Transylvania is hosting a fall mission conference,

Oct 19 - 20, at First Presbyterian Church, Winchester, reflecting on the

"have to's'" of mission.

…The Kentucky Council of Churches will hold its Annual Assembly, 

Oct 25-26, at Jeffersontown Christian Church (Louisville).  The theme

of this year's assembly is "A House Divided."  Visit assembly flyer for

more information.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

This Weekend at Walnut Hill Church

This weekend, September 22-23, at Walnut Hill Church…

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22

Walnut Hill Chimes, 1:30pm - 2:30pm, Sanctuary

All ages (adults, youth, older children) are invited to gather for learning, 

practice and fun using hand chimes .  No prior music (or chimes) 

experience required.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 23

The 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time

It "Is" Good, 10am, Trinity Hall

The Dry Land and the Sea

It "Is" Good, an exploration of the universe around and within us, 

continues Sunday with a session titled, "The Dry Land and the Sea," 

focusing on the interplay of land and water on earth.  Our guest 

presenter for the morning will be Dr. Alan Fryar  from the University 

of Kentucky. 

(Nursery care available for young children)

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - Welcoming All God's Children

Text - Mark 9:30-37

(children's song presentation - children are asked to gather at 

10:55am)

Faith Formation, 11am, Trinity Hall

*Nursery Care (birth through preschool)

*Children of the Way (younger elementary)

-"Servant Leadership" - Mark 9

*Hearers of the Word (older elementary)

-"Taming the Tongue" - James 2

*Youth (mid/high school)

-"True Greatness" - Mark 9

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for fellowship and refreshments.

*****

Hurricane Florence Relief - Persons attending Walnut Hill this

Sunday are invited to make special contributions to support relief 

and recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricane Florence. Checks 

payable to Walnut Hill Church (memo: Florence) and cash are 

welcome.  Walnut Hill's contributions will go to the affected area 

via our ecumenical partner, Church World Service .

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, September 19, 2018

Greetings to all!

Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement on the Jewish calendar, began Tuesday

at sundown and continues till sundown this evening, a day-long fast of

introspection and repentance culminating in a celebratory meal as a sign

of God's forgiveness.  Some of our Jewish neighbors might be engaged in

individual and group observances today.  Below is a prayer for the day…

Cry no more for the sins of the past.

Rejoice in your repentance and return.

For this is the day that God made

To lift you up from your sorrow and shame,

To deliver you to the gates of righteousness.

Remember this:

Love is the crown of your life

And wisdom the rock on which you stand.

Charity is your staff

And justice your shield.

Your deeds declare your kindness

And your works declare your devotion.

Cry no more for your fears and your dread.

Rejoice in your blessings and your healing.

For this is the day that God made

To raise your countenance and hope,

To deliver you to the gates of holiness.

(from This Grateful Heart: Psalms and Prayers for a New Day, Alden Solovy)

The lectionary texts for September 23, the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time…

Proverbs 31:10-31

Psalm 1

James 3:13 - 4:8

Mark 9:30-37

It "Is" Good, an exploration of the universe around and within us, continues

this Sun, Sep 23, with a session titled, "The Dry Land and the Sea," focusing on

the interplay of land and water on earth.  Our guest presenter for the morning 

will be Dr. Alan Fryar  from the University of Kentucky.  Nursery care will be 

available for young children.

Walnut Hill Chimes - Older children, youth and adults are invited to gather

at Walnut Hill on Saturday, September 22, 1:30pm - 2:30pm, for fun and

learning how to use hand chimes to make a joyful and beautiful sound. 

No previous music experience required.

HURRICANE FLORENCE - Persons attending Walnut Hill this Sun, Sep 23,

will have opportunity to contribute to relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane

Florence.  Walnut Hill donations will go the affected area via our ecumenical

partner, Church World Service.  Cash and checks payable to "Walnut Hill

Church" are welcome.

CROP Walk - You are invited to join the Walnut Hill team as we walk in the

Lexington CROP Walk on Sun, Sep 30, 3pm, at 2nd Presbyterian Church, 

to raise dollars and awareness for hunger relief and community development 

around the world.  Each Walnut Hill team member will be sponsored ($35) by 

the Church.  Youth are invited to a CROP Walk poster-party this Sun, Sep 23,

4:30pm, at Crestwood Christian Church.

After Worship Hosts are needed for several fall Sundays beginning in late

September.  Visit the online sign up sheet for available Sundays.  Thanks to

all our Sunday hosts!

Vestry Nominees - The Vestry election season will soon be upon us.  With

that in mind, we are inviting suggestions for persons to serve on the Vestry,

Class of 2021.  As is our custom, we are particularly looking for two male

nominees to replace two male Vestry members who are completing their

service this year, thus retaining an equal number of men and women serving

on the Vestry.  Please share your nominee suggestions with Senior Warden

Bob Watt.

THANKS TO ALL who made last Sunday's Fall Potluck a delicious success

including our Potluck Team, the many chefs responsible for an abundance 

of salads, side dishes and desserts, and 70 or so hungry and happy diners!

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, September 16, at Walnut Hill Church…

FALL POTLUCK

It "Is" Good, 10am, Trinity Hall

Separating the Waters

It "Is" Good, an exploration of the wonders of the universe around 

and within us, continues this Sunday with a conversation titled 

"Separating the Waters."  We will explore the chemical elements 

of matter, including us.  Join us.

(nursery care available for young children)

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - The Question

Text - Mark 8:27-38

Faith Formation, 11am, Trinity Hall

*Nursery Care (birth through preschool)

*Children of the Way (younger elementary) - "Who Do You

Say I Am?" - Mark 8

*Hearers of the Word (older elementary) - "Faith and Works"

-James 2

*Youth (mid/high school) - "Who Do You Think I Am?" - Mark 8

FALL POTLUCK, NOON, TRINITY HALL

Bring a salad, side dish, or dessert and join us for this delicious 

Walnut Hill Tradition.  Meat and beverage provided.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, September 12, 2018

Greetings to all!

All eyes are on Hurricane Florence, which is predicted to make landfall along

the Caroliina coast later this week.  As residents, first responders, government

officials and relief/recovery agencies prepare for the storm's arrival, we do well

to keep all those affected in our prayers.  Consider the following…

God of heaven and earth:

We stand in awe of nature's power on the display in wind and water.

Be with our neighbors who prepare for the coming storm.

Grant them clarity of mind, peace of spirit, and strength of body.

May they sense your presence with them in these stormy hours,

and may we make your presence known by our words and actions,

to help them through the days and weeks ahead.

All this we pray through Christ our Lord, who experienced the storm 

with his disciples. Amen.

After the storm has passed and recovery needs become known, we will share

suggestions for how you can respond through ecumenical partners and relief

agencies.

The lectionary texts for September 16, the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time…

Proverbs 1:20-33

Psalm 19

James 3:1-2

Mark 8:27-38

It "Is" Good, an exploration of the wonders of the universe around and within

us, continues this Sun, Sep 16, 10am, with a conversation titled "The Elements 

of Matter," focusing on the chemical building blocks of the universe, including us. 

Faith Formation for children and youth continues each Sunday during the

11am hour.  Watch the Friday update for information regarding each Sunday's

lesson focus.  Thanks to all of the children, youth, and adults who helped us

get the year off to a great start last Sunday.

THE FALL POTLUCK is this Sun, Sep 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.

Outreach Opportunities…

*ACE Trip - Walnut Hill is sponsoring 4 students to participate in the Athens 

Chilesburg Elementary School 5th Grade Class Trip to Washington, DC.

The cost per student is $500.  Your contribution in any amount is welcome

to help us fulfill this sponsorship.  Make your check payable to Walnut 

Hill Church, designated "ACE Trip."

*CROP Walk - You are invited to join the Walnut Hill team as we walk in the

Lexington CROP Walk on Sun, Sep 30, 3pm, at 2nd Presbyterian Church, to

raise dollars and awareness for hunger relief and community development 

around the world.  Each Walnut Hill team member will be sponsored ($35) by 

the Church.

Hearing Assistance is available in the Sanctuary for those who might have

difficulty hearing the preacher and/or other worship leaders.  Use reply email

for more information.

Vestry Nominees - The Vestry election season will soon be upon us.  With

that in mind, we are inviting suggestions for persons to serve on the Vestry,

Class of 2021.  As is our custom, we are particularly looking for two male

nominees to replace two male Vestry members who are completing their

service this year, thus retaining an equal number of men and women serving

on the Vestry.  Please share your nominee suggestions with Senior Warden

Bob Watt.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, September 9, at Walnut Hill Church…

It "Is" Good!, 10am, Trinity Hall

Let There Be Light

Join us as we begin our exploration of the universe around

and within us through scientific discovery, this week focusing 

on cosmology, the study of the origins of  the universe, 

particularly the so-called "Big Bang."

(nursery care available for young children)

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - Of Sanctuary and Laboratory

Text - Psalm 8

Faith Formation for Children/Youth, 11am, Trinity Hall

Birth - Preschool - in the church Nursery

Grades K - 4  - in the first floor classroom

Grades 5 - 8 - in the basement classroom 

*"Hearers and Doers of the Word" (James 1 & Mark 7)

Youth - in the upstairs office 

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for fellowship and refreshments.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, September 5, 2018

Greetings to all!

This Sunday, September 9, we begin a new program year of faith exploration,

development and formation (a.k.a. Sunday School/Christian Education), with 

some new opportunities for children, youth and adultts.  You will see some of

these new opportunities described below, as well as some ongoing ones. From 

our first hearing of Bible stories as children, to our youthful questions, to our 

shared conversations as adults, our faith grows and changes to meet the 

demands of the times, both the times of our world and the times of our lives.  

Come and grow with us.

Faith Formation for Children and Youth, 11am, Sunday mornings…

-Birth through Preschool children will find a warm welcome and a weekly 

story in the church nursery.

-Younger Elementary children will experience music, prayer, Bible study,

and play each Sunday.

-5th-8th Graders "Tweens" will practice being "hearers of the word" ("HOW")

with particular attention to our calling to love God and love neighbors.

-Youth will ask questions and share experiences as they "Feast on the Word"

along with a Team of conversation leaders.

(More detailed class descriptions are available in the Sanctuary foyer and

by reply email request.)

Faith Formation for Adults, 10am, Sunday mornings… It "IS" Good!  

Adults (and older youth) are invited to gather at 10am on Sunday mornings

for a seven-session series of conversations titled It "Is" Good!" …an

exploration of the universe around and within us.  Using Genesis 1 as a

thematic outline, each Sunday will include an evocative presentation from

a scientific discipline (e.g. cosmology, chemistry, astronomy, biology…) and 

reflection on how each presentation affects our awareness of the universe, 

God, and self.  The nursery will be staffed for young children.

The lectionary lessons for Sep 9, the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time…

Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23

Psalm 125

James 2:1-10, 14-17

Mark 7:24-37

The Fall Potluck is coming on Sun, Sep 16, immediately after morning

worship.  Bring a salad, side dish, or dessert and join us for this delicious

Walnut Hill tradition.  Meat and beverages will be provided.

Outreach Opportunities…

*ACE Trip - Walnut Hill is sponsoring 4 students to participate in the Athens 

Chilesburg Elementary School 5th Grade Class Trip to Washington, DC.

The cost per student is $500.  Your contribution in any amount is welcome

to help us fulfill this sponsorship.  Make your check payable to Walnut 

Hill Church, designated "ACE Trip."

*CROP Walk - You are invited to join the Walnut Hill team as we walk in the

Lexington CROP Walk on Sun, Sep 30, 3pm, at 2nd Presbyterian Church, to

raise dollars and awareness for hunger relief and community development 

around the world.  Each Walnut Hill team member will be sponsored ($35) by 

the Church.

Hospitality Opportunities…Visit the online sign up sheet for opportunities 

to host our after worship gathering.  Remember that refreshments need not be

elaborate, just something simple to gather around as we visit after worship.

Thanks to all our Sunday hosts!

Hearing Assistance is available in the Sanctuary for those who might have

difficulty hearing the preacher and/or other worship leaders.  Use reply email

for more information.

In the Community - The Nathaniel Mission will host an Open House/Silent 

Auction and Concert (featuring the bluegrass group Zoe Speaks) this Saturday, 

September 8, 2pm (open house) and 3pm (concert) at the Mission.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward