Wednesday, October 31, 2018

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, October 31, 3018

Greetings to all!

The coincidence of All Saints' Day (Nov 1) with Saturday's horrific event
in Pittsburgh invites reflection on what it means to be a saint. While
perhaps stretching the narrow definition of the term, I am inclined toward
Thomas Merton's description of saints as a "series of magnificently 
different and splendid images of God … showing forth God's glories
and perfections in astonishing ways, and each one shining in his/her
particularly sanctity, a sanctity destined for him/her from all eternity…"
Blessings to the saints, wherever they may be found and whatever 
their particular religious tradition might be.

A Vigil: Temple Adath Israel is sponsoring a community vigil to honor
those killed and injured last Saturday in Pittsburgh. The vigil will be held 
on Wednesday, October 31, 7:30pm, at the Fayette County Public
School central office auditorium (701 East Main Street).

The lectionary texts for Sunday, November 4, All Saints' Sunday…

Sunday Conversations continue this Sun, Nov 4, as we consider
the current situation of religious tolerance/intolerance in the world
and our response as people of faith.

The Annual Meeting of the Congregation of Walnut Hill Church will
be held on Sunday, November 11, Noon, in the Walnut Hill Church
Sanctuary.  Business will include the election of Vestry members and
officers, presentation of the 2019 Budget, and approval of the Pastor's
terms of call for 2019.  Additional business may also be considered.
If you have business that needs to be considered at the Annual 
Meeting, please contact Senior Warden Bob Watt.

Thanksgiving Stuffing/Dressing: Once again Walnut Hill has been
asked to provide the stuffing/dressing for the Nathaniel Mission
Community Thanksgiving Dinner on Tue, Nov 20.  We will provide
16 pans of stuffing/dressing.  You may sponsor a pan for $20 by a
check payable to Walnut Hill Church (memo: Dressing).  Use reply
email to let us know if you would like to help in the delivery of the 
dressing on Nov 20.

All Souls' Evensong: Two Lexington congregations will present
"All Souls' Evensong" services this Sunday, November 4.
*Christ Church Cathedral at 4pm (preceded at 3:30pm by a
recital performance of the Kentucky Guitar Quartet)
"Evensong" is a traditional Anglican liturgy of evening prayer that
can be either spoken or sung.  Both of the services referenced
above are choral. Our Organist/Music Director, Angela Hurley, has
prepared an introduction to evensong, which you may request by
reply email or pick up this Sunday in the Sanctuary foyer. 

The three presbyteries in the Commonwealth of Kentucky will be
gathering for a joint meeting Nov 2 - 3, in Danville.  Mike Ward will
be attending the meeting as a Teaching Elder and member of the

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

 .  



 


Saturday, October 27, 2018

Boone Creek Safari CANCELED

Dear Walnut Hill Friends:

Due to recent rains, current damp/cold conditions, and a not too promising forecast, the Boone Creek Safari scheduled for Sunday, October 28, HAS BEEN CANCELED.

Our thanks to Derek for his willingness to host us, and we will look forward to gathering at the cabin when the calendar and conditions permit.

In the meantime, all other Walnut Hill activities for Sunday, October 28, continue as scheduled including:

*9:30am - Vestry Meeting
*10:00am - Sunday Conversation
*11:00am - Morning Worship
- Faith Formation for Children/Youth
*Noon - After Worship Gathering
*12:15pm - Chimes Practice

See you then!

Mike Ward

Friday, October 26, 2018

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, October 28, at Walnut Hill Church…

The 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Responding to Climate Change

We will explore the recent report of the Intergovernmental
Panel on Climate Change with particular attention to what
it might mean for people of faith.

(nursery care available for young children)

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - One Last Disciple

Faith Formation, 11am, Trinity Hall

*Nursery Care (birth through preschool)

*Children of the Way  (younger elementary)
-"God's Mercy and Grace" - Mark 10:46-52

*Lessons of Jesus  (older elementary/middle school)
-"The Golden Rule" - Matthew 7:1-12
*Youth (high school)
-"Blindness & Renewed Vision" - Mark 10:46-52

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for fellowship and refreshments.

Walnut Hill Chimes, 12:15pm, Sanctuary

Adults and older children/youth are invited to gather for
some practice and fun with chimes.

Boone Creek Safari, afternoon, Vaughan Cabin

All are invited to gather for hiking, relaxing, pumpkin
carving, and a picnic/cookout.  Attendees should bring
lawn chairs and a dish for the picnic.  Please rsvp by 
reply email or by contacting Nell Horman.  In case of an
inclement weather forecast, watch for an announcement 
regarding the event status.

****

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

Wednesday, October 24, 2018

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, October 24, 2018

Greetings to all!

This coming Sunday is Reformation Sunday commemorating Martin Luther's
posting of the Ninety-five Theses on the cathedral door in Wittenberg (Oct 31, 
1517), the traditional beginning of the Protestant Reformation.  Whatever we 
might think of its causes and outcomes, the Reformation was truly a pivotal 
moment in Western history, and its effects continue to ripple among us. Now 
501 years later, some (like the late Phyllis Tickle) suggest we might be on the 
cusp (or in the midst) of another pivotal moment, "a 500 year rummage sale" 
that while no doubt disruptive, will yield new and fresh forms of spirituality and 
religion. Some of the old forms will not survive while new forms will arise to take 
their place and carry forward the best of what does survive as well as new and 
fresh insights.  Perhaps it is a good time for the Church to consider what needs 
to be taken to the curb, what needs to be polished up, what needs to be added
fresh.

The lectionary texts for October 28, the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time…

Sunday Conversations continue this Sun, Oct 28, 10am, as we turn our
attention to the recent UN Intergovernmental Panel report on climate change
and what that report might mean for people of faith.  

Boone Creek Safari - Once again Walnut Hill children/youth and families are 
invited to the Vaughan cabin this Sun, Oct 28, for an afternoon of hiking, relaxing, 
pumpkin carving, and food. This year the invitation is extended to all Walnut 
Hill members and friends regardless of whether or not there are children/youth 
in your household. Attendees are asked to bring a food item to add to the picnic.  
A voluntary offering will also be received for the Catholic Action Center. If you
plan to attend, please rsvp using reply email or by contacting Nell Horman.

The Kentucky Council of Churches will hold its Annual Assembly this week 
(Oct 25-26) at Jeffersontown Christian Church (Louisville).  The theme of this 
year's assembly is "A House Divided".  Mike Ward will attend as a delegate.

For another view of the migrant "caravan" making its way through Central 
America, visit an assessment by Doctors Without Borders .

Thanks to all those (leaders and participants) who helped to make our recent 
series, It "Is" Good, a fascinating exploration of the universe around and
within us.  Audio recordings of Mike's series opening/closing sermons 
(9/9 & 10/21) are available on the Walnut Hill website, and printed copies are 
available by request.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward






Friday, October 19, 2018

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, October 21, at Walnut Hill Church…

The 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time

It "Is" Good, 10am, Trinity Hall

It "Is" VERY Good

Our journey exploring the universe around and within us
concludes this Sunday as we share with each other what we 
have discovered, our conclusions, and our new/ongoing
 questions.

(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).

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - It "Is" VERY Good: Reflections on the Journey

Faith Formation, 11am, Trinity Hall

*Nursery Care (birth through preschool)

*Children of the Way  (younger elementary)

*Lessons of Jesus  (older elementary/middle school)
-"God Cares for All Living Creatures" (Gen 1:21-26)
*Youth (high school) -in worship this Sunday

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for fellowship and refreshments.

Wednesday, October 17, 2018

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, October 17, 2018

Greetings to all!

The recent drop in daily temperature has reminded me that the season is, 
indeed, changing. I happened upon a brief reflection on this seasonal change 
from one of Thomas Merton's journals.

Brilliant, windy day - cold. It is fall.  It is the kind of day in October Pop used
to talk about. I thought about him as I came up through the hollow, with the
sun on the bare persimmon trees, and a song in my mouth. All songs are,
as it were, one's last. I have been grateful for life…Great clouds of seeds
fly in the wind from the poplar tree.

(as found in When the Trees Say Nothing)

In celebration: Charlotte Cornett and Hilary Boone IV were married on Sat,
Oct 13, at Walnut Hill Church.  Congratulations to Charlotte, Hil, and their
families. 

The lectionary texts for October 21, the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time…

It "Is" Good, an exploration of the universe around us and within us,
concludes this Sunday with a session titled It "Is" VERY Good. We will sum
up our exploration and talk about what we have discovered. 

"Boone Creek Safari", our annual afternoon at the Vaughan cabin for
children/youth and families, is scheduled for Sunday, October 28. This year 
we will be opening the event to persons of all ages, whether or not 
you have children/youth in your household.  Watch for more details.

Senior High Retreats - Senior High youth are encouraged to attend either
of two youth retreats Fri - Sun, November 9 - 11, at Cathedral Domain
Happening ) and at Camp Burnamwood ( Fall Retreat ).  As with summer
camps, the church will sponsor Walnut Hill youth for 1/2 of the registration
cost, a bargain for a great weekend. Use reply email for more information.

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.

Hurricane Michael - As you have probably heard, the damage total from
Hurricane Michael continues to grow daily.  Check out the following links
to support relief efforts by any one of our several ecumenical partners:

Peace to all.

Mike Ward


Friday, October 12, 2018

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, October 14, at Walnut Hill Church…

The 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time

It "is" Good, 10am, Trinity Hall

Let the Earth Bring Forth Life

Our exploration of the universe around and within us continues
with a conversation regarding the wonder of the evolutionary
process leading to life as we see it 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).

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - Entering the Kingdom of God

Faith Formation, 11am, Trinity Hall

*Nursery Care (birth through preschool)

*Children of the Way  (younger elementary)

*Hearers of the Word  (older elementary)
"God Cares for You and All Creation" - Matthew 6

*Youth (high school)
"God's Amazing Claim" - Mark 10

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for fellowship and refreshments.

*****

Hurricane Michael  - Persons attending Walnut Hill this Sunday
will have opportunity to contribute toward the relief of those affected 
by Hurricane Michael. Cash and checks payable to Walnut Hill 
Church (memo: Michael) are welcome. Walnut Hill contributions 
will go to the affected area via Episcopal Relief and Development .


Wednesday, October 10, 2018

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, October 10, 2018

Greetings to all!

The U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change issued a report this 
week describing the serious effects of climate change already being observed,
as well as others that might be seen as soon as 2040, well within the lifespan 
of our children, if not our own. For people of faith, stewardship of the Earth is 
part of our identity as creatures made in the image of God and placed "in the
garden to till and keep it" (Gen 2). However accurate the report's predictions 
might (or might not) be, it is our calling as God's people to care for this Earth 
as a religious expression to our Creator as well as a practical responsibility to
our children and grandchildren. Let us all look for ways to care for the Earth 
in our own living and encourage those in positions of power to do the same in
regard to the policies and practices that influence communities and nations.    

In memory: Jacob "Jake" Hughes Graves III, a member of Walnut Hill
Church, departed this life on Oct 6, 2018, at his home, "Leafland," in the 
company of his family. Services for Jake will be held on Sat, Oct 13, 11am,
at Milward's (Trent Blvd).  For the full obituary, visit J. H. Graves III .

In celebration: Emily Grace Talbott and Tanner Scott Perdue were married
on Sat, Oct 6, at Christ Church Cathedral.  Emily is a member of Walnut Hill
Church.

The lectionary texts for October 14, the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time…

It "Is" Good, an exploration of the universe around and within us, continues
this Sunday with a session titled, "Let the Earth Bring Forth Life," as we
explore the evolution of life on our planet. In case you missed last Sunday,
we explored the "pre-biotic" earth, including a glimpse at what life within
a cell might look like if it could be sufficiently magnified.  Check it out via
this video .

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-
-A House Divided is the theme of this year's Annual Assembly of the
Kentucky Council of Churches to be October 25 - 26, at Jeffersontown
Christian Church (Louisville).  Visit Annual Assembly for more information.
-Brunch and Bellinis for Buckhorn is the title of an event to be held
on Sat, Nov 10, 11am - 1pm, at the Idle Hour Country Club, to benefit
Buckhorn Children and Family Services.  Cost is $25/person.  Activities
include a brunch and silent auction.  For information and/or reservations, 

Peace to all.

Mike Ward 

 


Friday, October 5, 2018

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, October 7, at Walnut Hill Church…

THE 27th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

It "Is" Good, 10am, Trinity Hall

Let the Waters Teem With Life…or at Least What Makes for Life

Our exploration of the universe around and within us continues 
this Sunday as we take a dip in the primordial oceans looking 
for the precursors of life on our planet.

(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, this 
Sunday, the various "colors" of the church year.


Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - God and Job: A Relationship
Text - Job 1:1; 2:1-10 (see note below)

The Sacrament of Holy Communion


Faith Formation, 11am, Trinity Hall

*Nursery Care (birth through preschool)

*Children of the Way Hearers of the Word 
-(elementary and middle school)
-"In Jesus' Name" - Mark 10:2-16 -experiencing welcome
as God's children

*Youth will join the congregation in worship for the Sacrament

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for fellowship and refreshments.

Hand Chimes, after worship, Sanctuary

Grab a quick refreshment and join us in the Sanctuary for some
fun and practice with hand chimes.  No experience necessary.

*****

Indonesia Earthquake/Tsunami  - Persons attending Walnut Hill 
this Sunday will have opportunity to contribute toward the relief of
those affected by the recent earthquake and tsunami in Indonesia.
Cash and checks payable to Walnut Hill Church (memo: Indonesia)
are welcome.  Walnut Hill contributions will go to the affected area 

*****

Sunday Sermon Text - This Sunday's sermon is a reflection on
the story of Job incorporating the next four Sunday Old Testament
lectionary lessons: Job 1:1; 2:1-10  , Job 23:1-9, 16-17  , Job 38:1-7 , 
Job 42:1-6, 10-17  .  You might want to read all four texts in
advance and/or reacquaint yourself with the story of Job .




Wednesday, October 3, 2018

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, October 3, 2018

Greetings to all!

Last weekend the Waldmann family had opportunity to gather with siblings and 
spouses to memorialize a brother(in-law) who died this past summer.  It was 
not a typical church/cemetery service and burial, but it was nonetheless fitting 
for the loved one being remembered. In the midst of it all, I was made aware of 
how ordinary, even unusual, places can become "sacred spaces" where one 
can glimpse beyond the material to see that which might not be material but no 
less real. Such "thin places," as the ancient Celts used to call them, can be 
found most anywhere. It serves as a reminder to always keep one's eyes, ears, 
and heart open for those spaces and moments when there might be something 
more to be seen than immediately meets the eye.

The lectionary texts for October 7, the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time…

It "is" Good, an exploration of the universe around and within us, continues
this Sun, Oct, 7, with a session titled "Let the Waters Teem with Life… or at 
Least What Makes for Life."  We will take a dip in the primordial sea in search 
of the precursors of life on our planet.  Join us!

A Host(s) is needed for our after worship refreshments this Sun, Oct 7. Use 
reply email to volunteer for this Sunday, or visit the online sign up sheet for 
hosting opportunities later in the fall.  Thanks to all our Sunday hosts!

CROP WALK REPORT - Seventeen walkers (including one four-legged
participant) represented Walnut Hill Church at last Sunday's Lexington area 
CROP Walk.  Their active participation combined with several special
financial gifts yielded a total Walnut Hill contribution over $700 to support
hunger relief locally and around the world.  Congratulations to the Walnut
Hill Team and congregation!

Indonesia Earthquake & Tsunami - As you are likely already aware, on 
Fri, Sep 28, the Indonesian island of Sulawesi was stuck by a 7.5 magnitude 
earthquake followed by a devastating tsunami causing massive destruction 
and many casualties.  Our ecumenical partner, Church World Service, is 
responding as are many governments and relief organizations. To support 
Church World Service efforts, visit Indonesia Tsunami .

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.

Thanks to all those who, in ways obvious and behind the scenes, made
it possible for Barbara and I to gather with family this past weekend to
memorialize Barbara's brother, Jim Waldmann.  

Peace to all.

Mike Ward