Friday, November 30, 2018

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, December 2, at Walnut Hill Church…

THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
CHRISTMAS POTLUCK

The Messiah, 10am, Trinity Hall

Wonderful Counselor

We are exploring the four titles ascribed to the Messiah
as found in Isaiah 9:6 and featured in the well-known
portion of Handel's Messiah"For Unto Us … " 

Children's Choir, 10am, Trinity Hall

Children through elementary age are invited to gather
for music and singing in anticipation of their Dec 9
presentation.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - Advent Anxiety

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

Faith Formation, 11am, Trinity Hall

All age groups will gather to prepare for the Dec 9
Christmas pageant/program.

Nursery care for infants/toddlers.

CHRISTMAS POTLUCK, Noon, Trinity Hall

Bring a salad, side dish, or dessert, and join us for this
delicious Walnut Hill tradition.  Meat and beverage
provided.

*****

THE GIVING TREE is up in Trinity Hall decorated
with ornaments suggesting gifts for children. Pick
up an ornament, purchase the suggested gift, and
return the wrapped gift and ornament by Dec. 9

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Greetings to all!

This Sunday, December 2, is the First Sunday of Advent, the four-week
season anticipating and preparing for the Advent (coming) of Christ at
Bethlehem as well as his return to fulfill the divine work of redemption. 
It is a season of looking back at a moment when divinity acted in the world 
in a particular way, looking ahead to new activity that might be on the 
horizon, while at the same time taking stock of where we are now.  It can 
cause one's head to spin, but also fill us with wonder for what has been, 
what is, and what might/will be.  Let us take advantage of the season to 
discover what new thing God might be birthing into the world, into the 
church, and into our lives today.

The lectionary texts for December 2, the First Sunday of Advent…

The Messiah is the title of a four-week Advent conversation beginning
this Sun, Dec 2, 10am, in Trinity Hall.  We will be using a study authored
by Walter Brueggemann exploring the four royal titles often applied to
Jesus from Isaiah 9:6 (For unto us a child is born…).  This week's title
for consideration is "Wonderful Counselor."  Use reply email to request
a copy of the study guide for this Sunday's conversation.

THE CHRISTMAS POTLUCK is this Sunday, December 2, immediately
after morning worship.  Bring a salad, side dish, or dessert and join us
for this delicious beginning to the holiday season.  Meat and beverage
will be provided.

The Giving Tree is up in Trinity Hall with several remaining "ornaments"
offering gift suggestions for children referred to us by the Nathaniel Mission   
Pick up an ornament, purchase the suggested gift, and return the gift (and 
ornament) by Sun, Dec 9.  For those who have picked up ornaments
we have received more detailed information regarding the age/gender of 
gift recipients.  Use reply email to request more detailed information about
your gift recipient.

Poinsettias- As is our custom, we will be decorating the Sanctuary for
Christmas with traditional poinsettias and wreaths.  You can help by
"sponsoring" a poinsettia for $20/plant.  Make your check payable to
Walnut Hill Church (memo: poinsettia).  Let us know if your sponsorship
is memory/honor of someone special to you.

Looking Ahead:
Sun, Dec 9, 11am - Children's Pageant during morning worship.
     5:30pm - Youth Christmas Party at the Ward residence
Sun, Dec 16, 3pm - 5pm - Christmas Party at the Hilliard residence
Sun, Dec 23, 11am - Christmas Communion
Mon, Dec 24, 5pm - Lessons and Carols for all ages
       9pm  - Evening Prayer Fireside

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Friday, November 23, 2018

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, November 25, at Walnut Hill Church…

CHRIST THE KING

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

A Classic Confrontation

We will explore the classic confrontation between Jesus of 
Nazareth and the Roman governor Pilate to discover what 
it might reveal about these two individuals and the nature 
of power in the world. You might want to review John 18/19 
to prepare for this conversation.

Chlldren's Choir, 10am, Trinity Hall

Children through elementary age are invited to gather for 
music and singing in anticipation of  their presentation on 
December 9.

Morning Worship, 11am, Trinity Hall

Sermon - The Truth

Faith Formation, 11am, Trinity Hall

*Nursery Care (birth through preschool)

*Children of the Way  (younger elementary)

*Lessons of Jesus  (older elementary/middle school)
-"Jesus Teaches Thankfulness" - Matthew 14:13-21
*Youth (high school)
-"Wonderful Revelation" - Revelation 1:4-8

*****

The Giving Tree is up in Trinity Hall decorated with
ornaments offering gifts suggestions for elementary age
children. Visit the tree, pick up an ornament, purchase
the suggested gift, and return the gift (and ornament)
by Dec 9.

*****

California Wildflowers - Persons wishing to contribute
toward the relief and support of persons affected by the
recent fires in California are invited to do so this Sunday,
Nov 25.  Cash and checks payable to Walnut Hill Church
(memo: Wildfires) are welcome.  Look for collection boxes
in the Sanctuary foyer.  Walnut Hill contributions will be 
sent to the affected area via our Episcopal and Presbyterian
relief partners.




Wednesday, November 21, 2018

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, November 21, 2018

Greetings to all!

As you gather with family, friends, and neighbors this week to celebrate 
the Thanksgiving holiday, consider the following prayer…

Almighty and gracious God, we give you thanks for the fruits of the
earth in their season and for the labors of those who harvest them.
Make us, we pray, faithful stewards of your great bounty, for the
provision of our necessities and the relief of all who are in need, to
the glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives
and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
(from The Book of Common Prayer)

The lectionary texts for November 25, the Sunday of Christ the King…

Sunday Conversations continue this Sun, Nov 25, 10am, in Trinity Hall
with a conversation inspired by our gospel lesson (see above) for the 
Sunday of Christ the King.  The conversation is titled "Jesus and Pilate:
A Classic Confrontation." 

"The Giving Tree" will be up this coming Sunday, Nov 25, in Trinity Hall
decorated with "ornaments" suggesting gifts for children recommended
to us by the Nathaniel Mission.  You are invited to select an ornament,
purchase the suggested gift, and return the gift (with the ornament) by
Sunday, December 9.  This season's gift recipients are all participants in 
the Mission's after school tutoring program at Cardinal Valley Elementary 
School.

The Christmas Potluck will be held on Sun, Dec 2, immediately after
worship.  Bring a salad, side dish, or dessert, and join us for this delicious
start to the Advent/Christmas season.

Thanks…
*to all our Thanksgiving Stuffing/Dressing sponsors, preparers,
and deliverers who helped Walnut Hill provide the stuffing/dressing for
the Nathaniel Mission Community Thanksgiving Dinner on Nov 20.
*to all those who made special gifts enabling Walnut Hill to send
over $300 to support relief efforts on behalf of those affected by the
recent California wildfires.  Our support is going to the affected area
via our ecumenical partners Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and
Episcopal Relief & Development.  In light of the severity of this crisis,
collection boxes will again be available for your contributions this
Sun, Nov 25.

The Advent Season - One special tradition of the Advent season is the
lighting of the Advent wreath during morning worship.  Individuals and
families are welcome and needed to lead this wonderful tradition.  Let us
know by reply email if you would like to "light the Advent candles" this
season (Dec 2, 9, 16, or 23).

Sanctuary Poinsettias - As is our custom, we will be decorating the 
Sanctuary with poinsettias and wreaths for the Christmas holiday. You
may "sponsor" a poinsettia for $20/plant.  Make your check payable
to Walnut Hill Church (memo: poinsettia), and be sure to let us know
if your sponsorship is in memory/honor of someone special to you.  

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Mike Ward





Friday, November 16, 2018

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, November 18, at Walnut Hill Church…

33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time
Thanksgiving

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Stop, Look, Go (Do)

We will view and discuss a video presentation by Benedictine
monk and spiritual teacher David Steindl-Rast focusing on
gratitude as a way of life.  To view the video in advance, visit

Children's Choir, 10am, Trinity Hall

Children through elementary age are invited to gather for
music and singing in anticipation of their presentation on
December 9.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - Hannah's Prayer of Thanksgiving
(for the backstory, read 1 Samuel 1)

Faith Formation, 11am, Trinity Hall

*Nursery Care (birth through preschool)

*Children of the Way  (younger elementary)

*Lessons of Jesus  (older elementary/middle school)
-Forgiveness - Matthew 18:21-35
*Youth (high school)
-God's Blessing - Mark 13:1-8

*****

California Wildflowers - Persons wishing to contribute
toward the relief and support of persons affected by the
recent fires in California are invited to do so this Sunday,
Nov 18.  Cash and checks payable to Walnut Hill Church
(memo: Wildfires) are welcome.  Look for collection boxes
in the Sanctuary foyer.  Walnut Hill contributions will be sent 
to the affected area via our Episcopal and Presbyterian
relief partners.


Wednesday, November 14, 2018

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

Greetings to all!

The recent, and current, fires in California are amazing to behold and
horrific in their destruction.  Whatever they might say to us (and we do
well to listen) in regard to climate change, urban development, and forest 
management, right now the focus must be on support of the communities 
and individuals in their path and those persons working to mitigate loss of 
life and property. Our thoughts and prayers are with them:
 
God of Mercy and Compassion: We are humbled by the power of nature,
so forcefully on display in California. Be present with those who have lost 
loved ones, homes, livelihoods, and communities.Strengthen those who 
work to protect people and property, shelter those who have fled their homes, 
and help households and communities rebuild. May we be generous in our 
response to neighbors in need, and may we listen to what the Earth might 
be saying to us in these days. Amen.

Responding to California Fires: Persons attending Walnut Hill this Sun, 
Nov 18, will have opportunity to offer special gifts in response to the
California wildfires.  Watch the Friday update for more details.

The lectionary texts for Nov 18, the 33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time…

Sunday Conversations continue this Sun, Nov 18, 10am in Trinity Hall 
as we consider Gratitude as Spiritual Practice.  

Climate Change follow-up - Last week's Sunday Conversation focused
on climate change, particularly what people of faith might do in response.
With that in mind, we would like to invite interested persons to participate
in a Walnut Hill exploratory/working group to research possible responses
for Walnut Hill folks (together and individually).  Let us know by reply email 
if you would like to participate. You might want to review this Ted Talk video
about the climate change tipping point, which the conversation group viewed 
last Sunday.

Walking Through Scripture is a schedule of readings from the Sunday
lectionary (see above) for individual use. Participants are invited to walk
through scripture by taking a few minutes each week to read and reflect
on the Sunday lessons, enabling the walker to be more prepared for
Sunday worship and (over the course of three years) to read many, if not 
most, of the most important passages of scripture. Pick up a walking guide 
in the Sanctuary foyer or request one by reply email. Walkers may also 
subscribe to Mike's weekly commentary on the Sunday lessons. Use reply
email to subscribe.

Sunday Hospitality - A few open Sundays (Nov 25, Dec 9, and Dec 23)
remain available as hosting opportunities during 2018.  Use reply email,
or visit the online sign up sheet to volunteer.  Thanks to all our Sunday
hosts!

The Advent Season - One special tradition of the Advent season is the
lighting of the Advent wreath during morning worship.  Individuals and
families are welcome and needed to lead this wonderful tradition.  Let us
know by reply email if you would like to "light the Advent candles" this
season (Dec 2, 9, 16, or 23).

The Christmas Season Potluck is coming on Sun, Dec 2, immediately
after morning worship.  Bring a salad, side dish, or dessert and join us
for this delicious start to the Advent/Christmas season.

The Annual Congregational Meeting was held this past Sun, Nov 11.  
If you missed it, let us know by reply email, and we will be happy to send 
you a copy (electronically of by post) of the meeting packet including the
proposed 2019 budget as well as Vestry persons and officers elected for 
2019.

The State of the Church - If you missed last Sunday, Walnut Hill Church
Members and Friends are invited to visit the Walnut Hill website and listen 
to Mike Ward's State of the Church report outlining several priorities for the 
year(s) ahead.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Friday, November 9, 2018

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, November 11, at Walnut Hill Church…

The 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Climate Change: Our Response

We continue our recent conversation about climate change
considering our response as individuals and as people
of faith.  You might want to watch either or both of these
videos focusing on climate change and the Bible and

(nursery care available for young children)

Children's Choir, 10am, Trinity Hall

Children through elementary age are invited to gather for 
music and singing in anticipation of their Christmas season 
presentation on December 9.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - The State of the Church 2018
Text - Luke 4:16-20

Faith Formation, 11am, Trinity Hall

*Nursery Care (birth through preschool)

*Children of the Way  (younger elementary)

*Lessons of Jesus  (older elementary/middle school)
-Jesus Teaches How to Pray - Matthew 6:5-14
*Youth (high school)

Congregational Meeting, Noon, Sanctuary

The Annual Meeting of the Congregation of Walnut Hill
Church will be held immediately after worship in the
Sanctuary.  Business of the Annual Meeting includes
the election of Vestry members and officers, presentation
of the 2019 Budget, and action on the Pastor's terms of
call for 2019.  Other business may be brought before the
congregation by Members/Friends.  

*****

The Vestry will meet at 10am in the upstairs office of
Trinity Hall.

Wednesday, November 7, 2018

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, November 7, 2018

Greetings to all!

With the election behind us, or nearly so where the counting continues,
it is time for us to gather ourselves as a people to live and work together
for the common good.  The following prayer might be useful for reflection
as we consider how to contribute toward that common good.

O Lord, our governor,
your glory shines throughout the world.
We commend our nation to your merciful care,
that we might live in peace with one another,
and be guided by your steadfast love.
Grant to all in authority, both continuing and newly elected,
wisdom and strength to pursue compassion, mercy, and justice.
Help them remember that they are called to serve the people
with courage and humility;
through Jesus Christ our Lord, we pray.  Amen.
(adapted from the Book of Common Worship)

The lectionary texts for Nov 11, the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time…

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, Nov 11, 10am, in Trinity
Hall, as we continue our consideration of the faith community's response 
to climate change.

Children's Choir- Children are invited to gather at 10am each Sunday
morning for music and singing in preparation for their Christmas
season presentation on December 9.

THE ANNUAL MEETING of the Congregation of Walnut Hill Church will
be held on Sunday, November 11, Noon (immediately after worship), in
the Sanctuary.  Business of the annual meeting includes the election of
Vestry members and officers, presentation of the 2019 budget, and
action on the pastor's terms of call for 2019.  Additional business may
be brought forward by Walnut Hill Church Members and Friends.  If
you are aware of business that you plan to bring forward at Sunday's
meeting, please contact Sr. 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.

"Best Gift" Catalog - Looking for a different type of gift giving this 
Christmas season?  Visit the Church World Service  Best Gift Catalog  
to learn how you might honor your family and friends and improve the 
world at the same time.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward



Friday, November 2, 2018

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, November 4, at Walnut Hill Church…

The 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time
ALL SAINTS' SUNDAY

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Religious Diversity: Challenges and Possibilities

In light of recent events and rhetoric, we will explore the
challenges and possibilities posed by the religious
diversity in American society.  In anticipation of our
conversation, you might want to review a 2003 policy
statement on Religious Diversity authored by the
Kentucky Council of Churches

(nursery care available for young children)

Children's Choir, 10am, Trinity Hall

Children through elementary age are invited to gather
for music and singing in anticipation of their Christmas
season presentation on December 9.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - Close to the Kingdom of God
The Sacrament of Holy Communion

Faith Formation, 11am, Trinity Hall

*Nursery Care (birth through preschool)

*Children of the Way  (younger elementary)
-"The story of Ruth" - Ruth 1:1-18

*Lessons of Jesus  (older elementary/middle school)
-"The Great Commandment" -Matthew 22:34-40
*Youth (high school)
-"Crossing Boundaries" - Ruth 1:1-18

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for fellowship and refreshments.