weekly letter

August 14, 2007

 

Greetings to all!

 

Our family has been on vacation for the past two weeks.  While under the beach umbrella I had opportunity to read a book that surprised me a bit, a spiritual autobiography by Jane Goodall titled Reason For Hope.  In one passage Dr. Goodall, well known for her work with chimpanzees, writes of the hope she has found in the eyes of chimps and human beings alike.

 

     I truly believe that more and more people are seeing an appeal in the eyes around them, feeling it in their hearts, and throwing themselves into the battle.  Herein lies the real hope for our future; we are moving toward the ultimate destiny of our species - a state of compassion and love.  Yes, I do have hope.  I do believe we can look forward to a world in which our great-grandchildren and their children after them can live in peace.  A world in which there will still be trees and chimpanzees swinging through them, and blue sky and birds singing, and the drumbeats of indigenous peoples reminding us powerfully of our link to Mother Earth and the Great Spirit - the God we worship.  But, as I have stated repeatedly, we don't have much time.  The planet's resources are running out.  And so if we truly care about the future of our planet we must stop leaving it to "them" out there to solve all the problems.  It is up to us to save the world for tomorrow: it's up to you and me.

 

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, August 19:

     Isaiah 5:1-7

     Hebrews 11:29 - 12:2

     Luke 12:49-56

 

Sunday Conversations resume this Sunday, August 19, 10am, in Trinity Hall.  Our focus for the morning will be the Scripture lessons for the day (see above). 

 

Men's Coffee - Walnut Hill men are invited to gather for coffee on Saturday, August 18, 8am, at Paneras on Richmond Road.  Feel free to stop in for as long or short a time as your schedule allows.  No rsvp required.

 

Mission Partnership - Walnut Hill lately received a newsletter from Dr. Carol Spears, our mission partner working at Tenwek Hospital in Kenya.  Among other news Dr. Spears reports that Tenwek is moving forward with a program to establish a surgery residency at the hospital.  The goal is to begin in January (2008) with two residents.  Carol's letter contains other news, both professional and personal, regarding her recent experiences in Africa.  Check out the newsletter on the bulletin board in Trinity Hall.

 

School opens this week and next for many students.  You might wish to use the following prayer on behalf of students and teachers.

Eternal God, bless all schools, colleges, and universities, and especially (name a school), that they may be lively centers for sound learning, new discovery, and the pursuit of wisdom; and grant that those who teach and those who learn may find you to be the source of all truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

(from The Book of Common Prayer)

 

Thanks to all those who through their efforts and attention to details large and small maintained Walnut Hill's worship and work these last few weeks.  As St. Paul wrote, the church is not a building, place, or program; it is a people with each member employing her/his time and talents for the common good.  Thanks to all those who put their time and talents to work for the common good at Walnut Hill!

 

Peace to all.

 

Mike Ward