November 28, 2007
Greetings to all!
We enter the season of Advent this Sunday, December 2, and with it the opportunity to become aware of God's presence in our midst.
Could there be any better time than Advent to focus on and remember that God dwells in our midst? I find it particularly necessary to be aware of God's nearness when I am zooming through December, busy about too many things. It is easy to get swallowed up by my anxiety or discouragement, knowing that I am unable to do all the planning and preparations I would like to do before Christmas comes.
I draw inspiration and encouragement when I recognize that the one whose birth I am preparing to celebrate, dwells in the midst of all my activities and relationships. I have only to open my inner eyes and recognize the presence of God in the love, joy, care, concern, honesty and peace of those around me. I also need to be mindful of how God is present in those who have very little joy because of their physical or mental condition, financial deprivation or the violence of their political situation. It is here that I meet the suffering Christ. Busyness dulls my awareness of the presence of the Emmanuel. Excessive attention to material things lessens my bond with God. God is with me, if only I slow down long enough to look and see.
(from Inviting God In by Joyce Rupp)
The Scripture lessons for Sunday, December 2, the 1st Sunday in Advent, Holy Communion:
Isaiah 2:1-5
Romans 13:11-14
Matthew 24:36-44
CHRISTMAS SEASON POTLUCK, SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2, AFTER WORSHIP: Bring a salad, side dish, or dessert and join in this delicious Walnut Hill tradition. Meat and beverages will be provided. The Bohmers and the Hilliards are coordinating this year's potluck.
Sunday Conversations around the lessons for the day (see above) continue this Sunday, December 2, 10am, in Trinity Hall. David Sharrard will be leading our conversation this Sunday.
The Giving Tree will be up this Sunday, December 2, in Trinity Hall. The Giving Tree is decorated with ornaments, each representing one gift for a child or adult from a family referred to us by the Nathaniel Mission. Pick up an ornament (or ornaments) on Sunday, purchase the gift suggested, and return the gift (with the ornament) by December 16. We will see that all gifts are delivered in time for Christmas. Thanks to Diedre Talbott who is preparing our Giving Tree this season.
CHRISTMAS PARTY, DECEMBER 9, 3 - 5 PM: Our annual Christmas party for adults is scheduled for Sunday, December 9, 3 - 5 pm, at the home of Irene and Alan Bloomfield, 1202 Delong Place. Bring an hors-d'oeuvre or dessert item. Kim Bloomfield and Irene Bloomfield are hosting this year's party.
Athens-Chilesburg Elementary 5th Graders are once again planning a trip to Washington D.C. Fifteen (15) children need sponsorship support in order to participate. The cost of the trip is $465 per student. We are currently accepting donations in any amount toward the sponsorship of these fifteen children. Make your check payable to Walnut Hill Church (designated "ACE Trip") and place it in the Sunday offering box or mail it to the church. Contact Natalie Brown or the church office for more information regarding this project.
Thanks, news, etc...
*Thanks to...Nell Horman and Amy Trail for their work with children last Sunday; Carol and Norman Drury, Mary Lee Snyder, and Barbara & Bob Berryman for our refreshments last Sunday.
*Walnut Hill member Windy Ellis celebrates his 86th birthday this Friday, November 30. Feel free to send Windy a birthday greeting at Thomson-Hood Veterans Ctr, 100 Veterans Drive, Wilmore, KY 40390.
*The Vestry will meet this Sunday, December 2, 9:30am, in Trinity Hall.
Peace to all.
Mike Ward
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