Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, May 29, at Walnut Hill Church…

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Faith Vs. Tradition in Islam

We will view and discuss a TED Talk video presentation by 

journalist Mustafa Akyol distinguishing between "core beliefs" 

and "cultural practices" in our common perceptions of Islam.  

To view the video in advance, visit TED Talk .

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - I Thought You Didn't Like Those Roman Soldiers

Text - Luke 7:1-10

Preaching - Mr. William Reed

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children

After Worship Gathering

All are invited to gather for refreshments and fellowship.

*****

You are invited to bring any leftover fabric, thread, yarn, etc,

that you might have at home to Walnut Hill this Sunday.  Your 

donations will be given to Project Linus, and will be turned into 

blankets, etc, for children in need.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Greetings to all!

As we conclude our EOS journey through the Sermon on the Mount,

we learn that the crowds were astonished (Mt 7:28) at what they heard.

Huston Smith comments on the "astonishment" often experienced by

those who heard Jesus' teaching…

They were astonished, and with reason.  If we are not, it is because

we have heard Jesus' teachings so often that their edges have been

worn smooth, dulling their glaring subversiveness.  If we could recover 

their original impact, we too would be startled.  Their beauty would not 

paper over the fact that they are "hard sayings," presenting a scheme of 

values so counter to the usual as to shake us like a seismic collision of 

tectonic plates.

(from The Soul of Christianity)

As a parting EOS practice I might suggest taking the time this week

to read the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5 - 7) in one sitting.

Sunday Conversations continue this Sun, May 29, 10am, in Trinity

Hall.  Sunday Conversation topics range widely from week to week.

Watch the Friday update for this Sunday's topic.

Resettlement Update:  The Al-Nawasra family continues settling in to 

their Lexington home.  Recent activities have included English classes, 

grocery shopping trips, medical exams, social security registration, and

learning to use the LexTran bus system.  Numerous Walnut Hill members 

and friends have been helping out in various ways.  Thanks to all!

Summer Hospitality:  We are recruiting refreshment hosts for our

summer after worship gatherings.  Please visit the online sign up or 

check the sign up sheet in the Sanctuary foyer to volunteer for a Sunday 

this summer.  Thanks to all our after worship hosts.

Exploring Our Spirituality:  We complete our spring, 2016, EOS

season this week.  Use reply email to let us know what you found to be 

meaningful and helpful for you this EOS season.  A final reminder, EOS 

season sermons are available at EOS sermons.

Project Linus: If you have leftover fabric, thread, yarn, etc. from previous 

projects, feel free to bring them to Walnut Hill over the next couple Sundays.  

Your items will be donated to Project Linus , Lexington chapter, to make 

blankets, etc, for children in various situations of need such as in hospitals 

and shelters.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

A Summer of Hospitality

Dear Walnut Hill Members and Friends:

The Memorial Day weekend signals the traditional beginning of the summer season.  I hope that your summer will include Sunday mornings at Walnut Hill for worship and fellowship.  With that in mind, this special email is being sent to invite you to visit Walnut Hill's online refreshment sign up sheet and to host one Sunday during the summer season.    Please note that we have openings beginning this Sunday, May 29.

Here is the link:  Online Refreshment Sign Up

If you prefer, you can navigate to the sign up sheet via the Walnut Hill Church website,  www.walnuthillchurchky.org .  ( select the tab "After Church Food Reservations")

When you get to the page, the process is quite simple:

*Select a Sunday that works for you, and click on "edit".

*Find your name in the dropdown box and select it

*If others are working with you, you can type their names in the "comments" box.

*Click "submit."

If you do not see your name in the dropdown box, that simply means we did not have your email on file at the time the list was created.  Let us know, and we will update it.  In the meantime, you can sign up by selecting "new" in the dropdown box and typing your name in the comments section.

If you have any questions or problems using the online sign up, simply let us know by reply email.  Also, you can still sign up via the traditional sign up sheet in the Sanctuary foyer.

Let me take this opportunity to remind us all how important the after worship gathering is for our life together at Walnut Hill as it provides opportunity for us to make and deepen acquaintances and friendships.

Let me also say that the after worship refreshments need not be elaborate, just something simple to gather around for our fellowship.

Please take a moment to select a Sunday, so that we might all enjoy a Summer of Hospitality!

Thanks to all our hosts!

Peace,

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, May 22, at Walnut Hill Church …

TRINITY SUNDAY

EXPLORING OUR SPIRITUALITY

"THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT"

Week Six:  The Narrow Way

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Reviving the Golden Rule

Karen Armstrong sees the "Golden Rule" as a starting place 

from which to build a compassionate life and a compassionate

world.  We will view a brief video and discuss the "Golden

Rule" as a foundation for a "Charter for Compassion."

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - They Were Astounded

Text - Matthew 7:1-29

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for refreshments and fellowship.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Greetings to all!

Jesus' comments about wealth and worry in our Week Five EOS text (Mt 6:19-34)

reminded me of a parable, "The Contented Fisherman," told by the late spiritual 

teacher and author, Anthony De Mello.

A rich industrialist was horrified to find a fisherman lying lazily beside his boat,

smoking a pipe.  "Why aren't you out fishing?" said the industrialist.  "Because

I have caught enough fish for the day," said the fisherman.  

"Why don't you catch some more?" asked the industrialist.  "What would I do

with it?" said the fisherman.  "You could earn more money," was the reply.  

"With that you could have a motor fixed to your boat and go into deeper waters

and catch more fish.  Then you would make enough to buy nylon nets.  These

would bring you more fish and more money.  Soon you would have enough

money to own two boats … maybe even a fleet of boats.  Then you would be

rich like me."

"What would I do then?" asked the fisherman.  "Then you could really enjoy

life," answered the industrialist.  The fisherman replied, "What do you think I

am doing right now?"

So, which would you rather have:  a fortune or the capacity for enjoyment?

(adapted from The Song of the Bird)

In Memory: Dr. John Cole, a Friend of Walnut Hill Church and husband of 

Cynthia Cole, departed this life on Tuesday, May 17.  A memorial service will be

scheduled on a date to be announced.

The scripture lesson for Sunday, May 22, EOS Week Six…

Matthew 7:1-29

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, May 22, 10am, in Trinity Hall.

Our conversation will be guided by the EOS Week Six text and topic, "The

Narrow Way."

Exploring Our Spirituality (EOS) is ongoing through May 22.  Our theme for this 

spring is "Following Jesus: The Sermon on the Mount." EOS activities include 

Sunday morning worship (11am), Sunday Conversations (10am), small groups and 

individual study.  To access the online study book, visit  EOS Spring 2016 Booklet . 

EOS sermons may be accessed via   EOS Sermons .

Resettlement 2016 Update - The Al-Nawasra family continues settling in and

learning about their new surroundings.  Of first priority right now is English language 

study, both in classes offered at KY Refugee Ministries and by one-on-one tutoring 

at home.  Transportation to classes and in home tutoring are the primary volunteer 

needs at this time.  Thanks to all who are helping in a variety of ways.  

Hosts are needed for our after worship refreshments for Sundays through

the late spring and summer, beginning Sunday, May 29.  Visit the 

online sign up sheet  or the sign up sheet in the Sanctuary foyer to volunteer.

In the Community:  Kentucky Gives Day, a 24-hour online charitable campaign

will be held on Tuesday, May 24.  Visit the Kentucky Gives Day website on May

24 and donate to any number of nonprofits of your choice including Reading Camp

and the Kentucky Council of Churches .

Thanks to all who participated to make last Sunday's Potluck and Graduation/

Confirmation Sunday a delicious and festive occasion!

Peace,

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, May 15, at Walnut Hill Church…

EXPLORING OUR SPIRITUALITY

"THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT"

Week Five:  Wealth and Worry

SPRING POTLUCK

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

The Spirit Level

Jesus' comments on wealth and worry prompt our viewing of

a TED Talk regarding the societal, and even spiritual, effects

of the widening gap between the rich and the poor.  You may

view the video in advance at The Spirit Level .

Confirmation Class, 10am, Trinity Hall

Confirmation candidates complete their exploration of faith

and the church. 

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - Consider the Birds and the Lilies

Text - Matthew 6:19-34

Recognition of High School Graduates

Reception of Confirmands

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children

EOS Conversation for Youth

Spring Potluck, Noon, Trinity Hall

Bring a salad or side dish and join us for this delicious

Walnut Hill tradition.

*****

The Vestry will meet with confirmation candidates at 10:30am.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

Greetings to all!

This week's EOS journey through the Sermon on the Mount includes the Lord's Prayer.  

Among the most well known passages of scripture, the prayer's familiarity is both its strength 

and weakness. The words are so familiar to us that we often do not "hear" them as we speak 

the prayer from Sunday to Sunday, and in between. So, to shake things up a bit, consider this 

version of the Lord's Prayer from the Aboriginal community of New Zealand.

O most Compassionate Life-giver,

may we honor and praise you;

May we work with you to establish

your new order of justice, peace and love;

Give us what we need for growth,

And help us, through forgiving others,

to accept forgiveness.

Strengthen us in the time of testing,

that we may resist all evil,

For all tenderness, strength and love are yours,

now and forever.

Amen.

(from the website of the 8th Day Faith Community)

The scripture lesson for Sunday, May 15, EOS Week Five:

Matthew 6:19-34

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, May 15, 10am, in Trinity Hall.  Our 

conversation will be guided by this week's EOS text, Matt 6:19-34, and topic, "Wealth 

and Worry."

THE SPRING POTLUCK is this Sunday, May 15, Noon, immediately after morning worship.  

Bring a salad or side dish.  Meat, beverage and cake dessert will be provided.  Join us 

for this delicious Walnut Hill tradition.

RESETTLEMENT 2016 UPDATE - Thanks to all who, through their generosity and hard 

work, beautifully furnished an apartment for the Al-Nawasra family.  The family is now 

moved in and enjoying their new home.  For our part, the sponsorship work now focuses 

around transportation, language tutoring and simple friendly visits.  Use reply email for 

more information on how you can be part of this ministry of hospitality. 

Exploring Our Spirituality (EOS) is ongoing through May 22.  Our theme for this 

spring is "Following Jesus: The Sermon on the Mount." EOS activities include Sunday 

morning worship (11am), Sunday Conversations (10am), small groups and individual 

study.  To access the online study book, visit  EOS Spring 2016 Booklet . EOS sermons 

may be accessed via   EOS Sermons .

The Summer Camp Season is approaching.  Walnut Hill children and youth have

the privilege of attending either (or both) of two wonderful camp programs, Cathedral 

Domain and Camp Burnamwood.  Visit Domain and Burnamwood for summer 

program schedules, information and registration.  Remember that Walnut Hill will sponsor 

50% of the cost for any Walnut Hill child or youth.  Call the church office (263-5304) for

more information.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Resettlement Update

May 10, 2016

Dear Walnut Hill Members and Friends:

As many of you already know, the Al-Nawasra family has arrived in Kentucky (May 2) and has moved in (May 5) to their Lexington apartment, which was beautifully furnished through the generosity and hard work of many Walnut Hill members and friends.  Our sponsorship now moves from preparation for the family's arrival to helping them get established in their new home and community.  

Of particular need for the days ahead will be persons willing to share time providing transportation (to appointments, shopping, etc), helping with language instruction, and simply stopping by for friendly visits.  Use reply email or call the church office (263-5304) to let us know if you have a day, a morning, an afternoon, or even an hour that you might share, and we will put you in touch with the right person(s).  You will be a great blessing to our new neighbors, and you will be blessed by your acquaintance with them.

Thanks to all who have given and continue to give of themselves to make possible this ministry of hospitality.

Peace,

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

This Sunday, May 8, at Walnut Hill Church…

EXPLORING OUR SPIRITUALITY

"THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT"

Week Four:  How We Should Pray

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Pray This Way…

We will explore "the Lord's Prayer," which Jesus offers as a 

model of how we should pray.  What guidance might our Lord's 

prayer offer for our prayers today?

Confirmation Class, 10am, Trinity Hall

Confirmation candidates continue their exploration of faith

and the church.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - Practicing Our Piety

Text - Matthew 6:1-18

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children

EOS Conversation for Youth

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for refreshments and fellowship.

*****

Resettlement 2016 Update - The Al-Nawasra family has

moved in to their apartment, which was wonderfully furnished

through the generous donations and hard work of many

Walnut Hill members and friends.  More details on Sunday.

Thanks to all!

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

Greetings to all!

This week's EOS journey includes Jesus' instruction to "love your enemy," which 

prompts the question, "Who is my enemy?"  It occurs to me that an enemy might 

be anyone regarding whom my relationship with him (her/them) is characterized by 

the word "or."  It's his opinion or mine, her way or mine, their life or ours, etc, with the

intensity of our feelings being a function of how significant the "or" in question might be.

If this definition works, then to love my enemy might simply be a matter of trying to 

turn the or into an and.  If I am successful in doing so, if the or between us becomes 

an and, then the enemy becomes a neighbor.  I know there is more to it than this space 

allows us to consider at the moment, but the concept seems simple enough to start.  

What do you think?

The scripture lesson for Sunday, May 8, EOS Week Four…

Matthew 6:1-18

Sunday Conversations are ongoing this Sun, May 8, as we continue our EOS inspired

conversations.  This Sunday's conversation will focus on "The Lord's Prayer" (MT 6:9-15).  

Come enjoy a cup of coffee, join the conversation, or just listen in.

RESETTLEMENT UPDATE - The Al-Nawasra family has arrived and work is ongoing 

to clean-up/set-up their apartment that they might move in by the end of the week.  The 

response of the Walnut Hill community (donations of time, talents and resources) has 

been AMAZING!!  Thanks to all!  Use reply email to inquire about how you might be 

part of this wonderful hospitality in the days and weeks ahead.

Exploring Our Spirituality (EOS) is ongoing through May 22.  Our theme for this 

spring is "Following Jesus: The Sermon on the Mount." EOS activities include Sunday 

morning worship (11am), Sunday Conversations (10am), small groups and individual 

study.  To access the online study book, visit  EOS Spring 2016 Booklet . EOS sermons 

may be accessed via   EOS Sermons .

A Host(s) is needed for our refreshments this Sunday, May 8.  Use reply email  to 

volunteer for this Sunday, or visit the online sign up to host a Sunday later in the spring.  

Thanks to all our hosts!

THE SPRING POTLUCK will be held on Sunday, May 15, Noon, immediately after 

worship.  Bring a salad or side dish and join us for this delicious Walnut Hill tradition.  

Meat, beverage and dessert will be provided.

The Summer Camp Season is approaching.  Walnut Hill children and youth have

the privilege of attending either (or both) of two wonderful camp programs, Cathedral 

Domain and Camp Burnamwood.  Visit Domain and Burnamwood for summer 

program schedules, information and registration.  Remember that Walnut Hill will sponsor 

50% of the cost for any Walnut Hill child or youth.  Call the church office (263-5304) for

more information.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

 

Resettlement Update!

THEY HAVE ARRIVED!!

The Al-Nawasra family arrived at Bluegrass Airport on Monday evening, 11pm, weary but smiling after their long journey from Jordan to the U.S.  Twenty-five persons were on hand to greet our new neighbors including folks from Walnut Hill Church, Kentucky Refugee Ministries, another Syrian family, and others.  After an initial welcome and greeting, the family belongings were loaded into one van while they boarded another for a quick ride to Wilmore where they will be staying for a few days while their Lexington apartment is set up.

Speaking of the apartment**, we are now ready for volunteers who would like to help with the initial apartment cleaning and/or set-up.  The tentative schedule includes cleaning on Wednesday afternoon (5/4) and set-up on Thursday (5/5).   If you would like to help on either of these days, please contact Mary Diane Hanna ( 859-221-9679 or 859-263-4231) for more details.

There will be plenty to do over the next several weeks.  Feel free to contact our resettlement team leader Whitney Miller ( 859-576-1438 )  for information regarding how you can be involved.  You may also use reply email to inquire, and we will connect you with the appropriate person.

We are off to a great start!  Thanks to all!

Mike Ward

**Since this email is posted to the internet, I have not included the apartment address for reasons of the family's privacy and security. Contact Mary Diane, Whitney, or the church office (859-263-5304) for information regarding the apartment address.