Wednesday, February 6, 2019

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, February 6, 2019

Greetings to all!

In a recent (Jan 30) issue of the Christian Century, Peter Marty writes of 
his gratitude, shared by many pastors, for all those persons who fill the 
pews on Sunday morning…

So why the gratitude?  Well, these people are part of the deep joy of the 
day. Their presence affects me personally.  Even if they're passing through 
as guests who may never return, we still get to feel the bonds of affection.  
Their eyes are honest. Their hearts are warm.  They've sung and prayed. 
They've deliberately hit the pause button on life, stopping to honor God. 
Had they not shown up, our whole congregational experience would have 
been different…On this day, they lent a particular shape to the community, 
which will never again replicate itself in identical fashion. For that I am 
grateful.

The lectionary texts for February 10, the 5th Sunday after Epiphany…

Being Disciples, an exploration of life as followers of Jesus Christ,
continues this Sun, Feb 10, 10am, as we consider the experience and
practice of "Forgiveness."  For those following along in Rowan Williams' 
book, Being Disciples, it is chapter 3.  

Walking Through Scripture, a practice of reading the Sunday lectionary 
texts (see above) in advance of Sunday morning, is ongoing.  The next 
"Walking Guide," a pamphlet listing the Sunday readings for the season 
ahead, will be available in the Sanctuary foyer this Sunday, February 10.  
Now is also an opportunity to subscribe to Mike Ward's weekly introduction 
and commentary on the Sunday readings. Use reply email to subscribe.

"SOUP"ER BOWL wrap up - The Patriots beat the Rams in Atlanta on
Sunday evening, but on Sunday morning everyone was a winner at Walnut 
Hill as delicious soup combined with a generous congregation to raise $560 
in support of hunger relief in central/eastern Kentucky via God's Pantry
Thanks to all our soup chefs, soup tasters, and donors for this wonderful 
occasion and result.

BISHOP'S VISIT - Walnut Hill was blessed last Sunday to welcome the 
Rt. Rev. Mark Van Koevering, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Lexington, 
who shared with us from the scriptures as well as his several decades of 
experience in Mozambique. A contribution ($400) in Bishop Mark's honor 
is being sent to support the work of the Diocese Reading Camp.  Thanks 
also to several young people who shared in worship leadership last Sunday.  
Their presence and participation was a blessing to all.

In the neighborhood…
*Prayer in Action Days, a program of information, prayer, and 
advocacy regarding issues before the KY General Assembly are ongoing 
each Tues (thru Mar 12), 9:30am, in the Capitol Annex Bldg (room#117) in 
Frankfort.  Visit Prayer in Action Days for more information.
*Holy Conversation: Immigration, the Church, and Finding the 
Purple Zone is a program at Pisgah Church in Woodford County on Sat, 
Feb 16, 9am - Noon.  The program features Dr. Leah Schade of Lexington 
Theological Seminary.  Visit Academy for more information.
*A Taste of Judaism, a three-part introduction to Jewish spirituality, 
ethics and community begins Wed, Feb 20, 6pm, at Temple Adath Israel 
in Lexington.  Contact TAI for more information.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward


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