Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, March 31, at Walnut Hill Church…

THE FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT

Mindfulness, 10am, Trinity Hall

Mindfulness: A Spiritual Practice and a Way of Life

"Overcoming Rumination" and "How Far Did It Travel?"

This week our spiritual practice includes suggestions on

how to manage the myriad, and sometimes troubling,

thoughts that fill our minds.  Our way of life conversation

focuses on the distance our food "travels" and the effect

of all that traveling upon the Earth.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - Recognizing the Characters

Text - Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

Faith Formation, 11am, Trinity Hall

Nursery Care and Classes for children and youth.

Nursery: "Joshua"

Children/Youth: "A Lost Son & and A Father's Love" -Luke 15

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for fellowship and refreshments.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, March 27, 2019

Greetings to all!

We are now about halfway through Lent and halfway through our Sunday

morning (10am) explorations of mindfulness.  Among the several practice

suggestions that I have appreciated are three questions that can serve to

help us both practice and live more mindfully.  These questions invite us to

occasionally step away (figuratively) from what we are doing and ask…

Am I present?  (not preoccupied by the past or the future)

Am I conscious? (aware of the world and those in it, including one's self)

Am I content? (accepting the present moment as it is)

These simple questions can help one be fully alive in the present moment

wherever, whenever, and whatever that present moment might be.

The lectionary texts for March 31, the Fourth Sunday in Lent…

Joshua 5:9-12

Psalm 32

2 Corinthians 5:16-21

Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

Mindfulness: A Spiritual Practice and a Way of Life continues this Sunday, 

10am, in Trinity Hall.  Our 20-minute spiritual practice for the day will focus on 

"Overcoming Rumination" while our way of life conversation will focus on "How 

far did it (our food) travel?".  Join us as we seek to be more present, conscious 

and content in our daily living.

Seedleaf - Last Sunday's mindfulness conversation included information about

the importance of earth friendly ways to dispose of "food waste."  Coincidently,

a local organization, Seadleaf, has begun a program to provide a composting 

option for urban dwellers.  Check it out at "compost carpool."  

Easter Lilies - Once again this Easter we will be decorating the Sanctuary with

Easter Lilies.  You can sponsor a lily for $20/plant.  Make your check payable to

Walnut Hill Church (memo: Lily).  Be sure to let us know if your sponsorship is

in memory/honor of someone special to you.

Summer Camp - It is not too early to plan summer camp experiences for your

children/youth.  Walnut Hill children/youth have access to two excellent summer

camp programs:  Cathedral Domain and Camp Burnamwood .  Remember that

the church will sponsor one-half the cost of participation for any Walnut Hill

camper.

Transylvania Presbytery is hosting two events that might be of interest to you.  

They are both being held on Saturday, April 27, so you will have to choose…

*"Love Heals All" - a panel presentation on human trafficking, 9am, at Second

Presbyterian Church (Lexington).  This event is sponsored by the Presbyterian

Women of Transylvania Presbytery, but attendance is co-ed. Contact Kay

Grooms (937-213-0415) for more information.

*"Hospitality: Unleashing the Church's Potential" - rethinking the church's

mission through the lens of hospitality.  This event will be at First Presbyterian

Church (Winchester), 10am - 3pm.  Use reply email to request more information.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, March 24, at Walnut Hill Church…

THE THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT

Mindfulness, 10am, Trinity Hall

Mindfulness: A Spiritual Practice and A Way of Life

"Breathing & Concentration" and "Why Should I Clean My Plate?"

Our Mindfulness series continues as we practice and

explore a way of life that is good for us and for the Earth.

Confirmation, 10am, Trinity Hall

Youth gather to explore their faith and practice.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - A Feast Without Money

Text - Isaiah 55:1-9

Faith Formation, 11am, Trinity Hall

Nursery care and classes for children and youth.

Children - Revisiting the Fruits of the Spirit

(Luke 13:6-9 - The Parable of the Fig Tree)

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for fellowship and refreshments.

*****

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

Trinity Hall.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, March 20, 2019

Greetings to all!

In recent days we have been reminded of our vulnerability to human violence

and natural disaster including the shooting in New Zealand, tornadoes in the US

southern states, flooding in the US midwest, and Cyclone Idai in southern Africa.  

It could all be overwhelming except for our trust in a God who is present with us 

always, along with the inspiration of those who respond to such events with 

resilience and compassion. Let us not be paralyzed by the trouble around us;

rather, let us respond with compassion and solidarity. If direct involvement is not 

possible for us, let us look for ways to support those who are involved in bringing 

comfort and aid even as we pray for all concerned…

God of compassion:

You observe the ways of humankind,

and weave out of terrible events wonders of goodness and grace.

Surround those who have been shaken by tragedy

with a sense of your presence, and sustain them in faith.

Strengthen those who minister to victims and survivors,

that they might perform wonders through ordinary means.

Even at a distance, may we be present with those who suffer and care.

Through Christ our Lord, who is always present with us.  Amen.

(adapted from The Worshipbook)

There are many agencies through which we can respond to human suffering 

in the world including Church World Service, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance 

and Episcopal Relief and Development.

The lectionary texts for March 24, the Third Sunday in Lent…

Isaiah 55:1-9

Psalm 63:1-8

1 Corinthians 10:1-13

Luke 13:1-9

Mindfulness: A Spiritual Practice and a Way of Life - We continue our study

of mindfulness with practice focusing on "Breathing and Concentration" and 

information regarding "Why Should I Clean My Plate?"

Hospitality Opportunities - There are several upcoming Sunday openings for

after worship hospitality this spring, beginning on Sunday, March 31.  Visit the

online sign-up sheet to volunteer.  Thanks to all our hosts!

Sermon Recordings - In case you must miss a Sunday at Walnut Hill, audio

recordings of Sunday sermons are available on the Walnut Hill Church website.

Visit sermon recordings to check it out.

Easter Lilies - Once again this Easter we will be decorating the Sanctuary with

Easter Lilies.  You can sponsor a lily for $20/plant.  Make your check payable to

Walnut Hill Church (memo: Lily).  Be sure to let us know if your sponsorship is

in memory/honor of someone special to you.

Summer Camp - It is not too early to plan summer camp experiences for your

children/youth.  Walnut Hill children/youth have access to two excellent summer

camp programs:  Cathedral Domain and Camp Burnamwood .  Remember that

the church will sponsor one-half the cost of participation for any Walnut Hill

camper.

Kroger Community Rewards - Thanks to 30 Walnut Hill households who helped

Walnut Hill earn $213 last quarter through the Kroger Community Rewards

program.  Visit Community Rewards for more information.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, March 17, at Walnut Hill Church…

THE SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT

Mindfulness, 10am, Trinity Hall

Mindfulness: A Spiritual Practice and a Way of Life

"Breathing and Introspection"  "What About Packaging?"

We continue our spiritual practice this Sunday engaging

a brief meditation, followed by information concerning 

how the food we eat affects us and the Earth.

(nursery care available for young children)

Confirmation Study, 10am, Trinity Hall

Youth meet to explore their faith and practice.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - Facing the Danger

Text - Luke 13:31-35

Prayers for New Zealand

Faith Formation, 11am, Trinity Hall

Nursery Care and Classes for Children and Youth

Children's class:

"Rejoice in the Lord Always" (Philippians 3:17-4:7)

-an introduction to Paul, the first Christian missionary

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for fellowship and refreshments.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, March 13, 2019

Greetings to all!

Lent is a good time to consider opportunities for service to those around us

in the community and beyond.  In his classic book, Life Together, Dietrich

Bonhoeffer suggests what might be a surprising way to serve…

The first service that one owes to others in the fellowship consists in listening

to them.  Just as love to God begins with listening to God's Word, so the

beginning of love for others is learning to listen to them. Christians so often

think they must always contribute something when they are in the company

of others, that this is the one service they have to render.  They forget that

listening can be of greater service than speaking…Many people are looking 

for an ear that will listen.  They do not find it among Christians, because these 

Christians are talking when they should be listening. But the one who can no 

longer listen to his brother/sister will soon no longer be listening to God either…

Anyone who thinks that his time is too valuable to spend keeping quiet will 

eventually have no time for God and his brother/sister, but only for himself and 

his own follies.

The lectionary texts for March 17, the Second Sunday in Lent…

Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18

Psalm 27

Philippians 3:17-4:1

Luke 13:31-35

Mindfulness: A Spiritual Practice and A Way of Life continues this Sunday,

Mar 17, 10am, in Trinity Hall. This week's spiritual practice focuses on "Breathing

and Introspection," while our way of life conversation focuses on the question,

"What about packaging?"

Thanks to all who made special gifts last Sunday in support of relief efforts

for those affected by the recent tornadoes in Alabama/Georgia. Your gifts

will be matched by the Walnut Hill Community Fund and sent on their way

to the affected area via Episcopal Relief and Development .

The One Great Hour of Sharing is ongoing in numerous Walnut Hill households

during Lent.  It is not too late to begin the practice and support hunger/disaster

relief, water projects, and community empowerment around the globe.  Pick up

an OGHS collection box in the Sanctuary foyer.

Hospitality opportunities are available for several Sundays this spring.  Visit

the online sign-up sheet and host a Sunday upcoming.  Thanks to all our

Sunday hosts!

Easter Lilies - Believe it or not, Easter is approaching (Apr 21) and with it the

opportunity to sponsor lilies for the decoration of the Sanctuary.  You can

sponsor a lily for $20/plant.  Simply make your check payable to Walnut Hill

Church (memo: Lily).  Be sure to let us know if your sponsorship is in memory

or honor of someone special to you.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, March 10, at Walnut Hill Church…

FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT

Mindfulness, 10am, Trinity Hall

Mindfulness: A Spiritual Practice and A Way of Life

"Breathing and Awareness" and "What's For Breakfast?"

We continue our spiritual practice meditations followed by 

conversation regarding our food choices and their effect 

upon us and the Earth.

(nursery care available for young children)

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - Lead Us Not Into Temptation

Text -  Luke 4:1-13

Introduction to Lent

Faith Formation, 11am, Trinity Hall

Nursery Care and Classes for Children and Youth

Elementary - Youth:  "Jesus' Temptation"  (Luke 4:1-13)

Nursery/Preschool: "Moses"

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for fellowship and refreshments.

*****

Tornado Response - Persons attending Walnut Hill this

Sunday will have opportunity to contribute toward relief for 

persons and communities affected by this week's tornadoes 

in Alabama/Georgia.  Cash and checks payable to Walnut 

Hill (memo: "tornado") are welcome.  Walnut Hill's response

will be sent to the area via our ecumenical partners at

Episcopal Relief and Development .

*****

SPRING FORWARD - Don't forget to set your clock ahead

this Saturday evening as Daylight Savings Time begins.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, March 6, 2019

Greetings to all!

Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. For many persons, Ash

Wednesday includes the ceremonial "imposition of ashes" upon the

forehead as a reminder of human mortality. In her poem, "Ashes," Ann 

Weems reflects on this traditional practice.

…and then I felt the cool smooth

finger of ash upon my forehead,

ashes from last year's palms

saved for this holy time.

I wondered if there might still be

some remnant of Hosanna!

lingering in the ashes.

All evening I wore the ash,

that holy ash,

and when others saw the smudge,

I wondered if they were inclined

to wipe it clean

or to lean closer

in the hope of hearing

some soft Hosanna!

burning still in ash

or heart…

(as found in Kneeling in Jerusalem)

Ash Wednesday services are offered at various churches around town

including:

*Christ Church Cathedral at Noon and 7pm.

*Second Presbyterian Church at 7pm.

The lectionary texts for March 10, the First Sunday in Lent…

Deuteronomy 26:1-11

Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16

Romans 10:8-13

Luke 4:1-13

Mindfulness: A Spiritual Practice and A Way of Life continues this

Sun, Mar 10.  Our practice for the morning will focus on "Breathing and

Awareness" while our way of life conversation will focus on the question,

"What's for Breakfast?"

One Great Hour of Sharing begins today. Place a collection box/bowl on 

your dining table.  At one meal each day, each household member adds a 

coin to the box and a prayer is offered for some place/people around the 

world. Bring your coins to Walnut Hill on Easter Sunday. Visit OGHS for

information regarding how your "coins" will be used.

Alabama Tornado - We are currently exploring possible responses to the

devastating tornados in Alabama, including our ecumenical partners. Visit

Tornado Response for an update from Episcopal Relief and Development.

Prayer in Action Days, an initiative of the Kentucky Council of Churches,

concludes on Tue, Mar 12, 9:30am, in the Capitol Annex Bldg (rm171),

with a program, in cooperation with KY Interfaith Power and Light,  focused 

on "Environmental Justice."  The program will include prayer, information 

regarding pending legislation, and advocacy suggestions.  For more

information,  visit Prayer in Action Days .

Religion & Politics - Harvard University is conducting an online research

project exploring the intersection between people's religion and politics.

You can participate in this research by visiting Religion/Politics Survey .

Visit Harvard Digital Lab for information regarding the research group.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

 

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, March 3, at Walnut Hill Church

THE TRANSFIGURATION OF THE LORD

Mindfulness, 10am, Trinity Hall

Mindfulness: A Spiritual Practice and A Way of Life

"Posture & Relaxation"  -  "Mindful Eating"

We begin our practice and exploration of mindfulness,

paying attention to our bodies, and the way we eat.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - When They Awoke

Text - Luke 9:28-36

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

Faith Formation, 11am, Trinity Hall

Nursery Care and Classes for Children and Youth

Tweens - "A Special Time with Jesus" (Luke 9:28-43)

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for fellowship and refreshments.