Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, April 28, at Walnut Hill Church…

THE SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER

Blessed Are…, 10am, Trinity Hall

Blessed are the Poor in Spirit…

We begin our exploration of Jesus' Beatitudes (Matthew 5) 

with reflection on what it might mean to be "poor in spirit,"

and why the "kingdom of heaven" might belong to such 

persons.

Confirmation Study, 10am, Trinity Hall

Youth continue exploring faith and their relationship

to God and the Church.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - Behind Locked Doors

Text - John 20:19-31

Faith Formation, 11am, Trinity Hall

Nursery Care and Classes for children and youth.

"Jesus Appears to Thomas"  ( John 20:19-31 )

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for fellowship and refreshments.

*****

Website Reveal - We will be introducing the new Walnut Hill

Church website.

Sandwich Assembly - We will welcome a few volunteers after

worship to assemble sandwiches for the Community Inn.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, April 24, 2019

Greetings to all!

The Easter Sunday violence in Sri Lanka was a horrific expression of the 

deep animosities between peoples based on ethnicity, religion, politics and

the like. The message of Easter Sunday is a response to such violence even

as the Resurrection of Jesus was a response to the Crucifixion. On that first

Easter Sunday, God answered hatred and death with love and life.  May our 

response to this most recent example of hatred and death, and others, be 

of a kind with the Good News we celebrated last Sunday.  In the meantime,

consider this prayer for your use…

God of life and love:

You bring life in the midst of death,

love in the midst of hate.

We pray for the people of Sri Lanka,

and other places in the world,

where hatred and death are present realities.

May your love and life be equally present and real,

and may we do all within our power to make

your love and life known to all.

In the Spirit of the Risen Christ we pray.  Amen.

Visit World Council of Churches and National Council of Churches to read 

responses to Sunday's events from the global and national ecumenical 

communities.

The lectionary texts for April 28, the Second Sunday of Easter…

Acts 5:27-32

Psalm 150

Revelation 1:4-8

John 20:19-31

Blessed Are…an exploration of the Beatitudes begins this Sun, Apr 28,10am, 

as we explore the first beatitude, "Blessed are the poor in spirit.." (Matt 5:3).  

Use reply email to request a participant guide for your individual use in 

reflecting upon this beatitude and/or preparing for Sunday's conversation.

Confirmation study resumes this Sunday, April 28, 10am, as youth explore

their faith and consider their relationship with God and with the Church.

Hospitality as Mission - Mike Ward will be attending a workshop this week

focusing on mission as an expression hospitality.  

Thanks to all who participated in the One Great Hour of Sharing offering

through the use of OGHS collection boxes at home and/or special contributions.

Our early total is over $500, before counting the collection boxes. Collection

boxes are still welcome through next Sunday, April 28, after which we will send

your gifts on their way to support hunger/disaster relief, water projects and

community development around the world.

Summer Camp:  It is not too early to make plans for summer camp for children

and youth, including programs at Camp Burnamwood and Cathedral Domain.

Remember that Walnut Hill will sponsor 1/2 the cost of attending any program

at Burnamwood or the Domain.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

 

 

Easter Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, April 21, at Walnut Hill Church…

EASTER SUNDAY

THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD

Easter Sunrise, 7am, Walnut Hill Church Cemetery

Join us for this informal service as we awaken to the news

of the empty tomb. The service will be held in the cemetery,

so please dress appropriately.  In case of inclement weather,

the service will be held in the Sanctuary.  Stay for refreshments

and fellowship in Trinity Hall after the service.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - Whom Do You Seek?

Text -Luke 24:1-12

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

Faith Formation, 11am, Trinity Hall

Nursery Care and Classes for Children

"Telling the Easter Story"  (Luke 24:1-12)

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for fellowship and refreshments.

Bring one (1) plate of Easter treats for the refreshment tables.

*****

The One Great Hour of Sharing offering will be received on

Easter Sunday.  If you have been using an OGHS coin box at 

home, please bring it to Walnut Hill this Sunday.  You may also 

contribute by cash or check (payable to Walnut Hill Church, 

memo: OGHS).  The One Great Hour of Sharing supports 

hunger/disaster relief, water projects, and human development

around the world.  For more information, visit OGHS .

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, April 17, 2019

Greetings to all!

Events of recent days have reminded us of the importance of "holy places" for 

individuals, communities, and even the world.  First, there were three historic

African-American churches destroyed by fire in Louisiana.  Monday, of course, 

was the catastrophic blaze at Notre Dame in Paris.  At about the same time, a fire 

broke out at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. Fortunately, those flames were 

quickly contained with little or no damage. Over this same period of time, there might

have been, and likely were, events that while escaping public notice were devastating 

to some local community, family, or individual. To each and all we offer the Easter 

affirmation that destruction, even death, is not the end of things, but rather the place 

from which new things begin, albeit perhaps in a new shape or form. At their best, 

"holy places," and that which happens within them, point toward this good news. 

Out of the tragedy of Good Friday comes the good news of Easter Sunday!  

The lectionary texts for Sunday, April 21, the Resurrection of the Lord…

Isaiah 65:17-25

Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24

1 Corinthians 15:19-26

Luke 24:1-12

Maundy Thursday (Apr 18) Evening Prayer, 7pm - Join us for this simple, quiet, 

gathering in the Sanctuary to recall Jesus' meal with the disciples as well as Jesus' 

words to them, and to us, as guided by Luke 22 .  The Lord's Supper will be shared.  

Nursery care will be available for young children.

Easter Sunday, April 21, at Walnut Hill Church:

-Easter Sunrise, 7am - Join us for this informal reflection on the mystery and

wonder of the empty tomb.  We will gather in the Walnut Hill Church Cemetery,

so dress appropriately.  In the case of inclement weather, the service will be held

in the Sanctuary.

-Morning Worship, 11am - Join us as we celebrate the Risen Christ, including

traditional liturgy and the sacrament of Holy Communion.  Nursery care and

Sunday School will be available for children.

-After Worship Gathering, Noon - Bring one (1) plate of Easter treats to share.

The One Great Hour of Sharing Offering will be received on Easter Sunday.

If you have been using an OGHS collection box during Lent, please bring it with 

you on Sunday.  You may also participate through a cash or check donation

(payable to Walnut Hill Church, memo: OGHS).  The One Great Hour of Sharing

offering supports hunger and disaster relief, water projects, and community

development around the world.  For more information, visit OGHS .

Thanks to the children for their spirited celebration of Palm Sunday and their

skillful hunting of eggs after worship.  Not a single egg was left unclaimed!

Lost and Found:  A "Disabled Persons Parking" permit was found on the church

grounds this week.  Contact the church office (859-263-5304) if this might belong

to you.

A Blessed Holy Week and Happy Easter to All.

Mike Ward

 

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, April 14, at Walnut Hill Church…

PALM/PASSION SUNDAY

Walnut Hill Egg Hunt

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Jesus Died for Me?

We'll explore the origins of the notion of the "atonement"

accomplished by Jesus' death and what it might mean

for us today.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - Making Too Much Noise

Text -Luke 19:28-40

Procession of the Palms

Faith Formation, 11am, Trinity Hall

Nursery Care and Classes for Children and Youth

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for fellowship and refreshments.

EGG HUNT, After Worship, Church Grounds

Children are invited to hunt for eggs hidden around the 

church grounds.  Bring a basket for your "hunter" as well 

as 1 dozen stuffed eggs to add to the hunt.  

Rain date April 21.

*****

The Nathaniel Mission is co-hosting an egg hunt

at Cardinal Valley Park on Easter weekend.  Walnut

Hill is supplying "stuffed eggs" for this event.  You

can help by helping us stuff some eggs (supplies

provided) this Sunday, April 14, after worship.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, April 10, 2019

Greetings to all!

"Holy Week" (a.k.a. Passion Week) is upon us, a journey of reflection from

Palm/Passion Sunday to Easter Sunday (The Resurrection of the Lord).

Dorothy Bass surveys the path ahead…

For one whole week, we relive in present time a devastating sequence of

events that took place in a minor city of the Roman Empire twenty centuries

ago…As if we were in Jerusalem ourselves, we wave palms and shout

Hosanna! on the day that is both Palm Sunday and Passion Sunday. The

shouts soon ring hollow, however, for we know that by week's end the crowd

will abandon the one we now acclaim.  On Thursday, he will host us at a

table of love and forgiveness, even though he knows it too.  With this meal,

we enter the heart of the paschal mystery for the three days known as

Triduum. After Thursday's arrest come Friday's crucifixion, Saturday's silence,

and Sunday's glory…

(as found in Receiving the Day)

Join us for this year's Holy Week journey!

The lectionary texts for April 14, Palm/Passion Sunday…

Isaiah 50:4-9

Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29

Philippians 2:5-11

Luke 19:28-40

Sunday Conversations resume this Sun, Apr 14, 10am, with a conversation

titled, "Jesus Died for Me?"  We'll explore the origins of the notion that Jesus

had to die for us, and what it might mean for us today.

The Walnut Hill Egg Hunt is scheduled for Sun, April 14, immediately after

morning worship.  Younger children are invited to hunt for stuffed eggs hidden

around the church grounds.  Participant parents/grandparents (and others) are

invited to bring a dozen or so stuffed eggs to add to the hunt.  Rain date is

April 21.

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.

HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE:

Sunday, April 14, Palm Sunday

*Procession of the Palms during morning worship (11am).

*Egg Hunt for children (Noon) - please bring a basket for hunting as well as

a dozen stuffed eggs to add to the hunt (rain date, Apr 21).

Thursday, April 18, Maundy Thursday

*Evening Prayer and the Lord's Supper, 7pm - Join us for this service of reflection

on the passion of Jesus.  (nursery care available for young children)

Sunday, April 21, Easter Sunday

*Sunrise Service, 7am - Join us for this simple celebration of the resurrection of 

Jesus.  Service will be held in the Walnut Hill Cemetery.  In case of inclement 

weather, the service will be held in the Sanctuary.

*Morning Worship & Holy Communion, 11am - Join us for this traditional liturgy

and sacrament.  Nursery care and Sunday School available for children.

The One Great Hour of Sharing offering will be received on Easter Sunday,

April 21.  Bring your coin collection boxes to Walnut HIll on that day.  You may

also contribute via cash/check (payable to Walnut Hill Church, memo: OGHS).

The One Great Hour of Sharing offering supports disaster/hunger relief, water

projects, and human empowerment around the world.  Visit OGHS for more

information.

The Nathaniel Mission is co-hosting a community egg hunt on Sunday, April 21,

at Cardinal Valley Park. Walnut Hill is supporting this effort by providing stuffed

eggs for the hunt. You can help us this Sun, April 14, by "stuffing" some eggs

after worship (supplies provided). The eggs will then be delivered to the Mission 

for use on Apr 21. 

Thanks to all who in front of, and behind, the scenes made it possible for Barb

and me to gather with family and friends to celebrate our son's wedding this past

weekend.  It was a joyful occasion!

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, April 7, at Walnut Hill Church…

THE FIFTH SUNDAY IN LENT

Mindfulness, 10am, Trinity Hall

Mindfulness:  A Spiritual Practice and A Way of Life

"The Space of the Mind" & "Fair Trade and Sustainability"

Join us as we complete our exploration of mindfulness

with a period of meditation and information regarding the

importance fair trade and sustainability, both for others'

and our own good.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - Unconditional Love, But…

Text - John 12:1-8

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

Preacher/Worship Leader - The Rev. Dr. David Sharrard

Faith Formation, 11am, Trinity Hall

Nursery Care and Classes for Children/Youth

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for fellowship and refreshments.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, April 3, 2019

Greetings to all!

By this point in Lent (5 weeks in) the journey might be getting a little long.  We 

might need encouragement to keep up whatever practice we might have taken 

up for the season.  Consider this…

Lent is a time to take the time

to let the power of our faith story take hold of us,

a time to let the events

get up and walk around us,

a time to intensify

our living unto Christ,

a time to hover over

the thoughts of our hearts,

a time to place our feet in the streets of Jerusalem

or to walk along the sea and listen to his word,

a time to touch his robe

and feel a healing surge through us,

a time to ponder and a time to wonder…

Lent is a time to allow a fresh new taste of God!

(Anne Weems as found in Kneeling in Jerusalem)

The lectionary texts for April 7, the Fifth Sunday in Lent…

Isaiah 43:16-21

Psalm 126

Philippians 3:4-14

John 12:1-8

Mindfulness: A Spiritual Practice and A Way of Life continues Sun, April 7, 

10am.  Our spiritual practice  will focus on "The Space of the Mind."  Our way 

of life conversation will focus on "Fair Trade and Sustainability."

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.

HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE:

Sunday, April 14, Palm Sunday

*Procession of the Palms during morning worship (11am).

*Egg Hunt for children (Noon) - please bring a basket for hunting as well as

a dozen stuffed eggs to add to the hunt (rain date, Apr 21).

Thursday, April 18, Maundy Thursday

*Evening Prayer and the Lord's Supper, 7pm - Join us for this service of reflection

on the passion of Jesus.  (nursery care available for young children)

Sunday, April 21, Easter Sunday

*Sunrise Service, 7am - Join us for this informal celebration of the resurrection

of Jesus.  Service will be held in the Walnut Hill Church Cemetery.  In case

of inclement weather, the service will be held in the Sanctuary.

*Morning Worship & Holy Communion, 11am - Join us for this traditional liturgy

and sacrament.  Nursery care and Sunday School available for children.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward