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Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

2010-07-28T06:14:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Greetings to all!

In his book, Here and Now, Henri Nouwen reflects on the notion that "joy"

is a "choice."

It might sound strange to say that joy is the result of our choices. We often

imagine that some people are luckier than others and that their joy or sorrow

depends on the circumstances of their life - over which they have no control.

It is important to become aware that at every moment of our life we have an

opportunity to choose joy. Life has many sides to it. There are always

sorrowful and joyful sides to the reality we live. And so we always have a

choice to live the moment as a cause for resentment or as a cause for joy. It is

in the choice that our true freedom lies, and that freedom is, in the final analysis,

the freedom to love.

It might be a good idea to ask ourselves how we develop our capacity to

choose for joy. Maybe we could spend a moment at the end of each day and

decide to remember that day - whatever may have happened - as a day to be

grateful for. In so doing we increase our heart's capacity to choose for joy. And

as our hearts become more joyful, we will become, without any special effort,

a source of joy for others. Just as sadness begets sadness, so joy begets joy.

Communion Sunday - The Sacrament of Holy Communion will be served

during morning worship this Sunday, August 1, 11am.

Hosts Needed - Sunday refreshment hosts are needed for the following

Sundays, August 1 & 8. Remember that Sunday refreshments need not be

elaborate, just something simple to gather around after worship. Use reply

email to volunteer for either Sunday August 1 or August 8.

Preaching over the next several Sundays will include:

Sunday, August 1 - the Rev. Dr. David Sharrard

Sunday, August 8 - the Rev. Dr. John Cavendish

Sunday, August 15- the Rev. Dr. David Sharrard

Sunday Conversations will be on summer break during the month of August.

Look for Sunday Conversations to resume on Sunday, September 5, 10am.

Inquiry Team Reports - The Walnut Hill Inquiry Team has issued its

recommendations to the Vestry. Check out the Walnut Hill Church website,

www.walnuthillchurchky.org (select "Inquiry Team Recommendations" tab), for

a summary of the Inquiry Team report. Thanks to the Inquiry Team for their

good work.

Summer Food Drive: Bring non-perishable food items over the Sundays of the

summer to be part of Walnut Hill's Summer Food Drive. Place your donations in the

big blue barrel located in Trinity Hall. When the barrel is full, God's Pantry will

distribute the items throughout central and eastern Kentucky.

Watch Your Mail for two important items soon to arrive in your postal mail box

including the August/September edition of the Walnut Hill Newsletter, and mid-year

contribution statements.

Thanks to...Mary Lee Snyder and Artie Antrim for providing last Sunday's

refreshments; Rachel Childress, Executive Director of Lexington Habitat for

Humanity, for her visit to Walnut Hill; Lisa Smith for her work as editor of the

Walnut Hill Church Newsletter (print version); Virgil Proffitt for his work maintaining

Walnut Hill's contribution and other financial records.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

2010-07-23T06:16:00.001-07:00

This Sunday, July 25, at Walnut Hill Church...

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

"Who Needs Organized Religion?"

Today, when people are increasingly inclined to describe

themselves as spiritual but not religious, Sunday's video

considers the value of organized religion. The presenters

also address a related question: "Are all religions of

equal value?" You are invited to come and enjoy a cup of

coffee, join the conversation, or just listen in.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon: A Look in the Mirror

Text: James 1:22-25

The Inquiry Team will report their summary recommendations.

A 2010 Community Fund Grant will be presented to

Lexington Habitat for Humanity.

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

2010-07-21T08:00:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Greetings to all!

The value of "organized religion" is subject to some doubt these days. Kathleen

Norris offers a few thoughts on the subject.

Many say these days that they can't find God in church, in "organized"

religion. I don't find that surprising. Churches can be as inhospitable as any

other institution. What does surprise me is that people will often claim that sitting

alone under a tree or on a mountaintop is the ultimate religious experience, much

superior to being with other people at all. It may be pleasant, if a bit lonely. It

may even be private, if you happen to own the mountaintop; otherwise you have

to worry about what happens when someone else shows up.

Joining a church is not like joining a hobby club; you will find all sorts of

people there, not all of whom will share your interests, let alone your opinions.

But there is a vast difference between the giant abstraction called "Organized"

Religion and religion as people actually live it. Ruben Martinez...states, "I am a

practicing Catholic because I believe in the strength of communities of faith and,

especially, in the role of ritual as a unifying force that allows people to transcend

narrow individualism and reach out to strangers who mirror our own visage: that

moment of the Holy Mass when we turn to our neighbors and offer 'Peace be with

you.'"

(from Amazing Grace)

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, July 25:

2 Kings 5:1-19

Acts 17:16-34

Mark 10:38-41

Men's Coffee: Walnut Hill men are invited to gather for coffee this Saturday,

July 24, 8am, at Paneras on Richmond Road. Feel free to stop in for as long or

short a time as your schedule permits. No rsvp required.

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, July 25, 10am, in Trinity Hall. The

topic for this Sunday's conversation: Who Needs Organized Religion? Come and

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

Community Fund Grant - Rachel Childress, Executive Director of Lexington

Habitat for Humanity, will be visiting Walnut Hill Church on Sunday, July 25, to

receive a 2010 Community Fund Grant to Habitat.

Summer Food Drive: Bring non-perishable food items over the Sundays of the

summer to be part of Walnut Hill's Summer Food Drive. Place your donations in the

big blue barrel located in Trinity Hall. When the barrel is full, God's Pantry will distribute

the items throughout central and eastern Kentucky.

Sunday Hospitality - Thanks to all our recent Sunday refreshment hosts, most
recently Monta Rae and Forrest Cook, and Dorothy Paull. Just to let you know we
have a couple open Sundays upcoming, particularly Sundays,
August 1 and 8.
If you would like to volunteer for either of these two Sundays, you
may do so via reply
email or via the sign-up sheet in the Sanctuary foyer.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

2010-07-16T06:01:00.000-07:00

This Sunday, July 18, at Walnut Hill Church...

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

How Can We Love Practically Anybody?

In this video, presenters consider both the calling and the challenge

of Jesus' words, "Love your neighbor as your self." Does that

mean loving him, her, and them? How can we possibly love

everyone, and what does it mean to love them?

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

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon: The Better Choice

Text: Luke 10:38-42

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

2010-07-14T06:16:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Greetings to all!

Madeleine L'Engle describes a summer walk to "the brook." Hopefully we all have

such a place to which we can walk, whether on foot or in our thoughts. Enjoy the

walk!

It's a ten-minute walk to the brook. I cross the lawn and go through the willow tree

which splashes its fountain of green down onto the grass, so that it's almost

impossible to mow around it...I wade through the clover of the large pasture.

After the pasture is traversed, I walk through a smaller pasture which has been let

go to seed because of all the rocks, and is now filled with thistles. Then there is a

stone wall to be climbed...Once I'm over the stone wall, the terrain changes. I step

into a large field full of rocks left from glacial deposits; there are many apple trees

which, this summer, are laden with fruit...Then the path becomes full of tussocks

and hummocks; my legs are etched by the thorns of blackberry brambles and

wild roses. Earlier this summer the laurel burst from snow into fire, and a few weeks

later we found a field of sweet wild strawberries. And then there are blueberry

bushes, not very many, but a few, taller than I am and, to me, infinitely beautiful.

I go to the brook and my tensions and frustrations are lost as I spend a happy

hour sitting right in the water and trying to clear it of the clogging debris left by a

fallen tree.

(edited from A Circle of Quiet)

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, July 18:

Amos 8:1-12

Colossians 1:15-28

Luke 10:38-42

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, July 18, 10am, in Trinity Hall. The topic

for this Sunday: How Can We Love Practically Anybody? Feel free to enjoy a cup of coffee,

join the conversation, or just listen in.

Summer Food Drive: Bring non-perishable food items over the Sundays of the

summer to be part of Walnut Hill's Summer Food Drive. Place your donations in the

big blue barrel located in Trinity Hall. When the barrel is full, God's Pantry will distribute

the items throughout central and eastern Kentucky.

A printed newsletter is in process for publication at the end of July. Contact the

church office by replay email or by phone (263-5304) if you would like to submit

an article for this edition of the Walnut Hill Newsletter. Special thanks to our

newsletter editor, Lisa Smith.

The Vestry will meet this Sunday, July 18, 9:30am, in Trinity Hall.

Camp Season: Ben Horman is at Cathedral Domain this week. Keep Ben and other

campers in your prayers for a safe and fun week. Remember that Walnut Hill

provides 50% scholarship to all Walnut Hill children/youth attending programs at

either Cathedral Domain or Camp Burnamwood.

Thanks to....Doug Price for his service at the organ and Jay Crutcher for his

special music presentations this past Sunday; Anne Atchison, Marian Congleton,

and Mary Ann Davis for our after worship refreshments.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

2010-07-09T07:28:00.001-07:00

This Sunday, July 11, at Walnut Hill Church

Sunday Conversation, 10am, Trinity Hall

"What About Grace and Miracles?"

In this video, presenters discuss the signs of grace in

our lives, with particular attention to those experiences

that might be described as "miraculous." How does

grace manifest itself in your life? How do you

incorporate the experience of miracle into your view

of the world?

Come and enjoy a cup of coffee, join the conversation,

or just listen in.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon: "A Healing Church"

Text: James 5:13-18

Special music presentations by Mr. Jay Crutcher,

saxophonist.

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

2010-07-07T06:37:00.001-07:00

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Greetings to all!

Consider these thoughts from Kentucky author Wendell Berry, from his

book Life Is A Miracle.

Overhanging all our thought and work is the question of how certain of

itself human knowledge can be.

I learned from the theologian Philip Sherrard to ask this question: If

things are evolving, and if human consciousness is evolving along with

everything else, where do we find a standpoint from which to understand

the whole process?

To make the same point in a more practical way, let us take that

ubiquitous and misleading word "environment" - which, as used, proposes

that reality is composed of a creature and its surroundings. But if, as in

fact we know, the creature is not only in its environment but of it, and if the

relationship between creature and environment is mutually formative, and

if this relationship is a process that cannot be stopped short of the

creature's death, then how can we get outside the relationship in order to

predict with certainty the effects of our participation?

Religion begins with such questions. But even reason can see that they

define the issues of propriety and scale. If we can not know with final

certainty what we are doing, then reason cautions us to be humble and

patient, to keep the scale small, to be careful, to go slow.

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, July 11:

1 Samuel 16:14-23

James 5:13-18

Mark 1:40-45

Men's Coffee - Men are invited to gather for coffee this Saturday, July 10,

8am, at Panera's on Richmond Road. Feel free to stop in for as long or

short a time as your schedule allows. No rsvp required.

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, July 11, 10am, in Trinity Hall.

This Sunday's topic: What About Grace and Miracles? Stop in and enjoy a cup

of coffee, join the conversation, or just listen in.

Special Music: This Sunday, July 11, Mr. Jay Crutcher will present prelude,

offertory, and postlude selections on the saxophone during morning worship

(11am). Jay is currently studying in the Ph.D. program at the University of

Kentucky in the area of music theory, with particular emphasis on using music

to heal body and mind.

Summer Food Drive: Bring non-perishable food items over the Sundays of the

summer to be part of Walnut Hill's Summer Food Drive. Place your donations in

the big blue barrel located in Trinity Hall. When the barrel is full, God's Pantry

will distribute the items throughout central and eastern Kentucky.

Thanks, news, etc...

*Thanks to...Doug Price for his service at the organ this past Sunday;

Sherry Warden and Phil Bloomfield for preparing the Communion elements;

Spencer Horman, Monta Rae and Forrest Cook, Phil Bloomfield, Barbara

and Chris Bohmer for their leadership and assistance during worship; John

Bauer and Kathy Steinmetz for providing our after worship refreshments.

*Walnut Hill Church was lately recognized by Church World Service for

our participation in last fall's CROP Walk, particularly for raising a combined

total of more than $750. The CROP Walk is a national event to raise awareness

and funds for hunger relief. Thanks to all who participated as walkers and/or

sponsors.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

2010-07-02T05:58:00.001-07:00

This Sunday, July 4, at Walnut Hill Church

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

"How Do We Right the Wrong?"

In this video, theologians, writers, and others discuss the role

of faith and the church in addressing the serious issues facing

our nation and world. What are the most pressing social

issues of our time? How does your faith affect the way you

view and respond to those issues? What should religious

institutions be doing about them?

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon: "And Justice for All"

Text: Micah 6:6-8

The sacrament of Holy Communion will be administered.

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

2010-06-30T08:05:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Greetings to all!

This Sunday, July 4, is Independence Day, a good day to recall the words and works

of our nation's Founders, including Thomas Jefferson. Among Jefferson's words and

works was the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, one of three accomplishments

Jefferson requested be inscribed on his grave marker.

Whereas Almighty God hath created the mind free; that all attempts to influence

it by temporal punishments or burthens, or by civil incapacitations, tend only to beget

habits of hypocrisy and meanness, and are a departure from the plan of the Holy

author of our religion...

Be it enacted by the General Assembly, that no man shall be compelled to

frequent or support any religious worship, place, or ministry whatsoever, nor shall be

enforced, restrained, molested, or burthened in his body or goods, nor shall otherwise

suffer on account of his religious opinions or belief; but that all men shall be free to

profess, and by argument to maintain, their opinion in matters of religion, and that the

same shall in no wise diminish, enlarge or affect their civil capacities.

(as found in American Gospel)

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, July 4, the Sacrament of Holy Communion:

Isaiah 59:9-15

Romans 13:1-10

Mark 12:13-17

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, July 4, 10am, in Trinity Hall. The topic for

this Sunday: "How Do We Right the Wrong?" Come and enjoy a cup of coffee, join the

conversation, or just listen in.

A host (s) is needed for our after worship refreshments this Sunday, July 4. Remember

that our Sunday refreshments need not be elaborate, just something simple to gather

around as we fellowship after worship. Use reply email to volunteer for this Sunday,

or check the sign up sheet in the Sanctuary for a Sunday later in the summer.

Summer Food Drive: Bring non-perishable food items over the Sundays of the

summer to be part of Walnut Hill's Summer Food Drive. Place your donations in

the big blue barrel located in Trinity Hall. When the barrel is full, God's Pantry

will distribute the items throughout central and eastern Kentucky.

Sermon Podcasts: As you are travelling this summer, remember that the Sunday

Sermons at Walnut Hill are available as podcasts via the Walnut Hill Church website,

www.walnuthillchurchky.org. Thanks to Nelson Barnes for his work maintaining the

Walnut Hill website.

Thanks, news...

*Thanks to...Mr. Scott Wells for his supply service at the organ during the Sundays

of June; to all those who participated in our Wednesday evening gatherings in June, which

yielded much fellowship as well as service to the church, community, and world.

*The middle school youth group of the John Knox and Avon Lake Churches (Cleveland,

OH) overnighted at Walnut Hill last Friday evening on their return trip from a youth event

in Tennessee.

*Robert and Donita Henry visited Walnut Hill last Sunday on behalf of the Mission

Lexington Dental Clinic to receive a grant from the Walnut Hill Community Fund. A copy

of Dr. Henry's remarks to the congregation is posted on the bulletin board in Trinity Hall.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

2010-06-25T05:40:00.001-07:00

This Sunday, June 27, at Walnut Hill Church...

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

"What Good Is Prayer?"

In this video, theologians, pastors, writers, and others invite

us to think about what we mean by the word "prayer." Does

God hear our prayers? Does God answer our prayers? If so,

how? Is prayer a particular activity, or does it include all of

life? Join us as we consider and talk about these and

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

2010-06-23T08:55:00.001-07:00

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Greetings to all!

One of the challenges of modern life is that of "distraction." In a recent essay,

Thomas Steagald offers thoughts on "distraction," "paying attention," and

a lesson from the tradition of St. Benedict.

We see it all the time. We're on our cell phones talking to someone other

than those at the table with us. We're putting somebody on hold while we

take another call. We are shuttled by device and distraction to somebody's

subroutine. The message is always the same: whoever is calling needs my

attention more than you do; whatever this call concerns, it is more important

than the present conversation; whoever or whatever is "out there" is more

interesting than this, or you, or now...

Instead, we must determine to commit ourselves to "this place and this

conversation," doing the best we can to be attentive to each person in each

situation: listening, engaged, present and available. We can pay attention by

not checking out, by saving messages and e-mail until later, by leaving the

phone in the car when we go into a restaurant...by taking the earbuds out of

our ears.

...Benedict placed great value on hospitality, "Let all guests be treated as

Christ, for he is going to say, 'I came as guest and you received me.'" Benedict

says, "Let due honor be shown," and I would add, "to those right in front of us."

(from The Christian Century)

In Memory: Mary James Ireland Fishback, a member of Walnut Hill Church,

departed this life on Wednesday, June 23. Service arrangements for Mary are

being made through Milward Funeral Directors.

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, June 27:

2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14

Galatians 5:1, 13-25

Luke 9:51-62

One Spirit, Many Gifts is the title of a three part series of Wednesday evenings

in June (June 9, 16, 23), 6pm - 7:45pm, for all ages to gather for a meal and service.

This Wednesday, June 23, we will gather for a "Pizza Night" and then some service

to our world through the assembling of "Hygiene Kits," which are sent by Church

World Service to places affected by natural disaster. Join us as we fellowship and

serve together.

Men's Coffee - Walnut Hill men are invited to gather for coffee on Saturday,

June 26, 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.

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, June 27, 10am, in Trinity Hall.

This Sunday's conversation topic will be: "What Good Is Prayer?" Come and

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

A Host(s) is needed for our after worship hospitality this Sunday, June 27.

Remember that our after worship refreshments need not be elaborate. Use reply

e-mail to volunteer for this Sunday, or check the sign up sheet in the Sanctuary

for a Sunday later in the summer.

Summer Food Drive: Bring non-perishable food items over the Sundays of the

summer to be part of Walnut Hill's Summer Food Drive. Place your donations in

the big blue barrel located in Trinity Hall. Once the barrel is full, God's Pantry

will distribute the items throughout central and eastern Kentucky.

In the Community: Indian Summer Camp, a camp program for children with cancer,

is seeking donations of old National Geographic magazines and maps as part of

their global travel theme for this summer's camp. If you would like to donate a

National Geographic magazine or map, contact Barbara Waldmann-Ward

Thanks to...the Children's Choir (directed by Nell Horman) and John DeReamer for

their special presentations last Sunday in observance of Father's Day; Barbara

Nutini, Barbara and Bob Berryman, Lee and Tom Ward, and Barbara Waldmann-

Ward for providing last Sunday's refreshments.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

2010-06-18T07:13:00.001-07:00

This Sunday, June 20, at Walnut Hill Church...

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

What Happens After Death?

How do you think about death? What does immortality or life

after death mean to you? If you've lost someone you love in

death, how do you think about them? This Sunday's video

invites reflection and conversation on these and related

questions.

Children's Choir, 10am, Children's Chapel

Children (through elementary age) are invited to gather for

singing, preparing for their Father's Day music presentation.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon: A Demon Named "Legion"

Text: Luke 8:26-39

Children's music presentation during morning worship.

Nursery care and Sunday School for children.

Refreshments and Fellowship, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to stay and enjoy the hospitality.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

2010-06-16T05:47:00.001-07:00

June 16, 2010

Greetings to all!

This summer's World Cup soccer tournament has brought renewed attention to the

nation of South Africa, particularly its experience since the end of apartheid in 1994.

The end of apartheid was marked by much celebration and hope as expressed in the

following prayer from the National Service of Thanksgiving, May 1994.

O God our loving Eternal Parent, we praise you with a great shout of joy! Your ruling

power has proved victorious! For centuries our land seemed too dark for sunrise,

too bloody for healing, too sick for recovery, too hateful for reconciliation. But you

have brought us into the daylight of liberation; you have healed us with new hope;

you have stirred us to believe our nation can be reborn; we see the eyes of our

sisters and brothers shining with resolve to build a new South Africa. Accept our

prayers of praise and thanksgiving...

We thank you for the spiritual power which gives us new birth. You have given us

the courage to change our minds, to open our hearts to those we despised, and to

discover we can disagree without being enemies. We are not winners and losers,

but citizens who push and pull together to move the nation forward. We thank you

for the Good News that you will always be with us, and will always overcome: that

love will conquer hatred; that tolerance will conquer antagonism; that cooperation will

conquer conflict; that your Holy Spirit can empower our spirits; through Jesus Christ

our Lord.

(from An African Prayer Book)

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, June 20:

1 Kings 19:1-15

Galatians 3:23-29

Luke 8:26-39

One Spirit, Many Gifts is the title of a three part series of Wednesday evenings in June

(June 9, 16, 23), 6pm - 7:45pm, for all ages to gather for a meal and service. This

Wednesday,June 16, we will gather for a potluck meal (bring a dish) and then some

service to our Community (focusing on the issue of hunger). Next week's gathering will focus

on service to the World. You may attend any or all these Wednesday gatherings as your

schedule permits. Join us as we fellowship and serve together.

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, June 20, 10am, in Trinity Hall. The focus

for this Sunday's conversation is the question, "What happens after death?" As always,

feel free to drop in and enjoy a cup of coffee, join the conversation, or just listen in.

Hygiene Kits: Among the service projects included in our One Spirit, Many Gifts program

will be the assembly of Hygiene Kits, which are distributed around the world to persons

recovering from natural disasters. Everyone can help in this project by donating any or all of

following hygiene kit items: handtowel (16"X28"), washcloth, wide tooth comb, nail clipper,

soap (bath size bar), toothbrush, standard bandaids. Bring any items, or a cash donation, to

Walnut Hill by Sunday, June 20.

Thanks to...Cheryl and Ron Johnston, Mark Horman, and Matt Trail for their service and

leadership during worship; Nell Horman for her work with the children's choir; Stephanie

Prewitt and Dara Talbott for their assistance in the Sunday School class; the Hormans

and the Trails for our Sunday refreshments.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

2010-06-11T05:52:00.001-07:00

This Sunday, June 13, at Walnut Hill Church...

Sunday Conversation, 10am, Trinity Hall

"An Interview with Harold Kushner"

In this video, Rabbi Harold Kushner, author of the bestseller

When Bad Things Happen to Good People and numerous other

books, responds to questions regarding the nature of God, prayer,

the scriptures, sexuality, and other topics.

Children's Choir, 10am, Children's Chapel

All children through elementary age are invited to gather in the

Children's Chapel for singing. They are preparing a music presentation

for the worship service on Sunday, June 20, Father's Day. It is not

too late for you child to join in.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon: "Service"

Text: John 6:1-14

Nursery care and Sunday School for children.

Refreshments and Fellowship, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to stay and enjoy the hospitality after worship.

Also on Sunday...

-The Vestry will meet at 10am.

-The Inquiry Team will meet after worship.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

2010-06-09T11:05:00.001-07:00

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Greetings to all!

In his book, Overcoming Life's Disappointments, Rabbi Harold Kushner explores

lessons to be found in the story of Moses. The following excerpt comes from

the chapter, "The Mistakes Good People Make."

It is probably unrealistic to expect perfection, not from Moses, not from

Einstein, not from ourselves. It is probably too much to expect ourselves or

anyone to be equally competent in all the dimensions of the complete life. But as

a friend of mine likes to say, "You can have it all, just not all at the same time."

Maybe we can adjust our priorities as our life situation changes, emphasizing what

is important at one stage of our lives and deferring the emphasis on other aspects of

life for a later date. I have known many families who had no time for worship or

serious study when their children were young but made it central to their lives when

their children were grown and they were facing transition into middle age. I have

known many people who worked hard at their jobs for many years and then became

active in their communities or in charitable causes to fill the void of an "empty nest"

or to provide the sense of validation they no longer found in the workplace. Moses

did so many things right that thousands of years later we still benefit from them. But

perhaps we can learn from the one thing he did least well. We can learn to avoid

the mistake that even good people will too often make, neglecting the basic needs

of our souls and asking our families to sacrifice their own well-being while we set

off to change the world.

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, June 13:

Isaiah 11:1-9

1 Corinthians 12:4-11

John 6:1-14

One Spirit, Many Gifts is the title of a three part series of Wednesday evenings in June

(June 9, 16, 23), 6pm - 7:45pm for all ages to gather for a meal and service. The first

Wednesday,June 9, we will gather for a cookout (burgers, hot dogs, etc) and then some

service to Walnut Hill Church. Subsequent Wednesdays will focus on service to the

Community, and to the World. Your rsvp by reply email or by the sign up sheet in the

Sanctuary will help us plan for our evenings together. You may attend any or all these

Wednesday gatherings as your schedule permits.

Men's Coffee: Men are invited to gather for coffee this Saturday, June 12, 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.

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, June 13, 10am, in Trinity Hall. Our focus for

this Sunday's conversation will be an interview with Rabbi Harold Kushner, author of

several books including the popular best seller, When Bad Things Happen to Good People.

The Children's Choir will practice this Sunday, June 13, 10am, in the Children's Chapel.

The children are working on a presentation for Father's Day, Sunday, June 20. All children

through elementary school are encouraged to participate.

The Vestry will meet this Sunday, June 13, 10am, in Trinity Hall.

Hygiene Kits: Among the service projects included in our One Spirit, Many Gifts program

will be the assembly of Hygiene Kits, which are distributed around the world to persons

recovering from natural disasters. Everyone can help in this project by donating any or all of

following hygiene kit items: handtowel (16"X28"), washcloth, wide tooth comb, nail clipper,

soap (bath size bar), toothbrush, standard bandaids. Bring any items, or a cash donation, to

Walnut Hill by Sunday, June 20.

Thanks and news:

*Thanks to... Grant and Whitty Rea, Phil Bloomfield, Forrest and Monta Rae Cook for their

service during worship last Sunday; ...Mary Diane and Lyle Hanna, Julia and Charlie Snow

for our after worship refreshments.

*The Rev. Emett Barfield, a Friend of Walnut Hill Church, departed this life on Friday, June 4.

Services and burial were held at Walnut Hill Church and Cemetery on Wednesday, June 9.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

2010-06-04T09:36:00.001-07:00

This Sunday, June 6, at Walnut Hill Church

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

"Oil In The Gulf: Beyond Being Spectators"

We will view several brief video reflections and then talk together about

what individuals, communities, and even congregations can do to

move beyond being spectators of the ongoing Gulf oil spill and other

threats to our environment. Come and share your ideas!

Children's Choir Practice, 10am, Children's Chapel

Children through elementary age are invited to gather for singing

to practice for a presentation during worship on Father's Day, June 20.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon: What Is Grace?

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

Nursery care and Sunday School for children.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

2010-06-02T11:24:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Greetings to all!

Did you know that June 5 - 12 is "International Clothesline Week," a green initiative

inviting households to give their electric/gas dryers (and the environment) a break

by re-discovering the art of hanging the laundry out to dry. The environmental

benefits are immediately apparent, but maybe there are even some spiritual lessons

to be found. Consider this reflection by Gunilla Norris titled, "Hanging Out the Clothes."

As I hang out these clothes let me think

about what it means to be "on the line."

It may not be about courage or bravery

or intention. It may not be about social action,

good works, or justice. It may be

something before that, something much earlier,

more simple and humbling.

It may just be about clinging for dear life.

I pin these wet clothes to the line...

an image of joining, of clinging to something.

If I really know that You are my lifeline

then to cling to You is my primary business.

There are so many spiritual traps

if I am the one who puts me on the line.

Instead, let me be simpler, let me just cling to You.

Then all the other lines in my life fall in place:

the line of duty, the line of business,

the line of poetry, the firing line.

Please help me to cling so tenaciously

that I find myself in line with You -

aired out and shaken.

(as found in Being Home)

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, June 6, the Sacrament of Holy Communion:

1 Kings 17:8-24

Galatians 1:11-24

Luke 7:11-17

"What Is Grace?" will be the focus of Sunday's sermon in response to a question left in the

"summer question envelope" in the Sanctuary foyer. You may submit your "summer questions"

via the question envelope or by reply email.

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, June 6, 10am in Trinity Hall. Sunday Conversation

topics from week to week include the Bible, theology, spirituality, and social issues. Feel free to

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

A Host(s) is needed for our Sunday refreshments this Sunday, June 6. Use reply email to

volunteer for this Sunday or check the sign up sheet in the Sanctuary for a Sunday later in the summer.

One Spirit, Many Gifts is the title of a three part series of Wednesday evenings in June

(June 9, 16, 23), 6pm - 7:45pm for all ages to gather for a meal and service. The first Wednesday,

June 9, we will gather for a cookout (burgers, hot dogs, etc) and then some service to Walnut Hill

Church. Subsequent Wednesdays will focus on service to the Community, and to the World.

Your rsvp by reply email or by the sign up sheet in the Sanctuary will help us plan for our

evenings together. You may attend any or all these Wednesday gatherings as your schedule

permits.

Hygiene Kits: Among the service projects included in our One Spirit, Many Gifts program

will be the assembly of Hygiene Kits, which are distributed around the world to persons

recovering from natural disasters. Everyone can help in this project by donating any or all of

following hygiene kit items: handtowel (16"X28"), washcloth, wide tooth comb, nail clipper,

soap (bath size bar), toothbrush, standard bandaids. Bring any items, or a cash donation, to

Walnut Hill by Sunday, June 20.

Community Fund Grants for 2010 were reported during worship last Sunday. Grant recipients

(and amounts) include: Mission Lexington Dental Clinic ($2,500), Bluegrass Domestic Violence

Program ($1,500), God's Pantry ($2,000), Habitat for Humanity ($2,000), Seedleaf ($600), Haiti

Relief ($600), KY Refugee Ministries ($600), Friends with Flowers ($200). Thanks to all who

participated in the grant making process.

Thanks, news, etc...

*Thanks to...Julia and Charlie Snow for providing last Sunday's refreshments.

*The adult choir will not be singing for the next two Communion Sundays (June and July).

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

2010-05-28T06:38:00.000-07:00

This Sunday, May 30, at Walnut Hill Church...

Sunday Conversation, 10am, Trinity Hall

Was It Not Real?

The Memorial Day holiday originated as a post Civil War

observance. We will view and discuss a segment from Ken

Burns' video series, The Civil War, asking how the experience

of the Civil War might relate to our nation's other conflicts, past,

present, and future.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon: Wars and Rumors of Wars

Text: Mark 13:1-8

A report will given regarding 2010 Community Fund grants.

Nursery care and Sunday School for children.

Refreshments & Fellowship, after worship, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for refreshments and fellowship.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

2010-05-26T07:39:00.001-07:00

May 26, 2010

Greetings to all!

Memorial Day weekend offers an opportunity to reflect on our nation's struggles and sacrifices.

Few persons had greater occasion and capacity for such reflection than Abraham Lincoln.

His Second Inaugural Address remains one of the most profound reflections on war in general

and the Civil War in particular. In his book, American Gospel, Jon Meacham comments on

Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address.

The eloquence of Lincoln's address can conceal the starkness of his message. Read

carefully, the speech is startling in its religiosity and its insistence that the events of this world

are linked to the will and mind of a God who presides outside of time and space. Here is a

president of the United States, waging a civil war in which his countrymen are the only

casualties, quoting the Nineteenth Psalm - "the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous

altogether" - to say that an indefinite struggle would be not only divinely ordained but just,

for America was being summoned to account for its sins against the human beings it had long

enslaved. Eleven days later, answering a congratulatory message about the speech, Lincoln

said he understood that the address was not going to be "immediately popular," but he was

confident he had done right. "Men are not flattered by being shown that there has been a

difference of purpose between the Almighty and them," Lincoln wrote. "To deny it, however,

in this case, is to deny that there is a God governing the world. It is a truth which I thought

needed to be told..."

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, May 30:

2 Samuel 1:17-27

1 Peter 2:11-17

Mark 13:1-8

Men's Coffee - Men are invited to gather for coffee this Saturday, May 29, 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.

Sunday Conversations resume this Sunday, May 30, 10am, in Trinity Hall with conversation

focused around the Memorial Day weekend. We'll watch and talk about a segment from the

Ken Burns Civil War series titled "Was it Not Real?"

One Spirit, Many Gifts is the title of a three part series of Wednesday evenings in June

(June 9, 16, 23), 6pm - 7:45pm for all ages to gather for a meal and service. The first Wednesday,

June 9, we will gather for a cookout (burgers, hot dogs, etc) and then some service to Walnut Hill

Church. Subsequent Wednesdays will focus on service to the Community, and to the World.

Your rsvp by reply email or by the sign up sheet in the Sanctuary will help us plan for our

evenings together. You may attend any or all these Wednesday gatherings as your schedule

permits.

The Community Fund Grant Meeting was held on Sunday, May 23, to determine recipients of

2010 Grants from the Walnut Hill Community Fund. Twenty ballots were submitted to guide

final grant decisions. Grant recipients and amounts will be reported on Sunday, May 30. Thanks

to all who participated in this process.

Thanks also...to the Inquiry Team and all who participated in last week's "focus conversations" following up

our recent congregational survey;...to Glenna Fay, Ruth Sharrard, and Barb Waldmann-Ward for recent

work on the church flower gardens; ...to Dave Sharrard for recent building repairs;... to youth Sunday

discussion participants for their Sunday morning planting;...to Sherry Warden and Dorothy and Gene

Brockopp for providing last Sunday's refreshments.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

2010-05-21T07:31:00.001-07:00

This Sunday, May 23, at Walnut Hill Church...

Community Fund Grant Meeting, 10am, Trinity Hall

All Walnut Hill members and friends are invited to an open

meeting to discuss and decide on grant recipients from

the 2010 Community Fund. Eight nominees have been

proposed including: Habitat for Humanity, Mission

Lexington Dental Clinic, Friends with Flowers, Seedleaf,

God's Pantry, Haiti Earthquake Relief, Bluegrass

Domestic Violence Program, and KY Refugee Ministries.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon: A Collective Sigh

Text: Romans 8:12-27

Nursery care and Sunday School for Children.

Focus Conversation #3, after worship, Sanctuary

Members and friends are invited to gather for conversation

regarding Walnut Hill's ministry with and to Children and Youth,

following up on our recent congregational survey.

Nursery care will be available.

*****

Also this weekend In the neighborhood: Walnut Hill Church has

been invited to participate in a Pentecost Eve worship service on

Saturday, May 22, 7pm, at Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church

(corner of Tates Creek and Armstrong Mill Rd).

Focus Conversations - Part 2

2010-05-20T08:29:00.000-07:00

May 20, 2010

Dear Friends:

Just a reminder that this evening, May 20, 7pm, at Walnut Hill Church,

in Trinity Hall, will be a focus conversation concerning

Adult Education and Mission

including Walnut Hill's programs for adults and community outreach.

This is the second of three focus conversations to follow up our

recent congregational survey. The third conversation will be this

Sunday, May 23, after worship concerning "Children and Youth."

Thanks to all who are participating in these important conversations.

Peace,

Mike Ward

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

2010-05-19T07:00:00.000-07:00

May 19, 2010

Greetings to all!

This Sunday, May 23, is the Day of Pentecost, a day to reflect on the

person and work of the Holy Spirit. The website Patheos invited

bloggers to answer (in 100 words or less) the question, "How is the

Holy Spirit at work in the world today?" Among those responding was

Monica Coleman of the Claremont School of Theology.

when we put the gospel

to hip hop

and host u2charists,

when we share the church building

with the Korean congregation,

when we preach against homophobia

when we break bread with jews and muslims,

when the teenagers lead worship

on a regular Sunday (not just youth day)

when we invoke the ancestors

and learn from their lives,

when we live at the borders

offering water to those in the desert

harbor to those in danger

and community when we don't fit in...

it is then that we speak in tongues

The Scripture lessons for this Sunday, May 23, the Day of Pentecost:

Acts 2:1-21

Romans 8:12-27

John 20:19-23

Focus Conversations: Members and friends of Walnut Hill Church are

encouraged to participate in any/all of the following focus conversations,

which are part of the current inquiry process at Walnut Hill.

Wed, May 19, 7pm - Buildings and Grounds

Thu, May 20, 7pm - Adult Education and Mission

Sun, May 23, after worship - Children and Youth

(All focus conversations will be held at Walnut Hill Church.)

Community Fund Grant Meeting - An open meeting will be held on Sunday,

May 23, 10am, in Trinity Hall to determine recipients of grants from the

Walnut Hill Community Fund. All those present on May 23 will have a part

in the final grant making decisions.

The Children's Choir begins practice this Sunday, May 23, 10am, in Trinity

Hall, preparing for a Sunday morning presentation in June. For more

information, contact Nell Horman.

A Host(s) is needed for our after worship refreshments this Sunday, May 23.

Use reply email to volunteer for this Sunday, or check the sign up sheet in the

sanctuary foyer for a Sunday later in the spring/summer.

In the neighborhood: Walnut Hill Church has received an invitation to

participate in a Pentecost Eve Celebration on Saturday, May 22, 7pm, at

Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church (corner of Tates Creek and Armstrong Mill

Road). Mike Ward will be participating in the service leadership.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

2010-05-14T05:39:00.001-07:00

This Sunday, May 16, at Walnut Hill Church...

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

"Living Your Life With Awe and Reverence"

In this insightful video, Bill Moyers interviews Barry Lopez,

author, photographer, and humanist. Lopez says that

nature is the oldest metaphor in our story, but we think of

nature as the "other," an "it" rather than an expression of

God. Lopez says we can be truly aware of the world we

are living in by being a "player," not an "extra," on the stage

of life.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon: " A Second Look"

Text: Deuteronomy 6:1-9

Nursery care and Sunday School for children.

Inquiry Team Presentation

The Inquiry Team will present results of the recent

Walnut Hill Church congregational survey.

SPRING POTLUCK, after worship, Trinity Hall

Bring a salad, side dish, or dessert and join us for this

delicious Walnut Hill tradition.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

2010-05-12T06:00:00.000-07:00

May 12, 2010

Greetings to all!

Joyce Rupp reflects on how the words we speak can heal or hurt those

around us, and where those words come from.

There have been times when I knew that what I was speaking to

another person was a blessing of love and care. I knew this because

my heart felt kindness and compassion. There have also been times

when I knew that what I was speaking was causing great anguish and

pain to another person. At these times, my heart was also full, but it was

a fullness of anger, hurt or resentment. I have learned to look carefully

into my heart during an emotionally charged situation before I speak

in order to search out my motivations and my desires.

It also helps to pray that my heart has a strong foundation in genuine

love. Jesus is always our model for this. He spoke from the fullness of

his heart, and he spoke words of wisdom, care and compassion. He

also spoke words of challenge and conversion, but these words were

always spoken out of love.

Each night before going to sleep, it is good to reflect on the day to

recall what we have said to others and to see what kind of fullness our

heart has held. Only one question is needed: Did my words and

actions today come from a loving heart?

(from Inviting God In)

The Scripture lessons for Sunday, May 16:

Deuteronomy 6:1-9

Acts 1:1-11

Matthew 22:34-40

Men's Coffee - Men are invited to gather for coffee this Saturday, May 15,

8am, at Paneras on Richmond Rd. Feel free to stop in for as long or

short a time as your schedule allows. No rsvp required.

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, May 16, 10am, in Trinity

Hall. Sunday Conversations include a wide range of biblical, theological,

and social topics. Stop in on Sunday morning and join the conversation.

Spring Potluck, Sunday, May 16, after worship: Bring a salad, side

dish, or dessert, and join in this delicious Walnut Hill tradition.

The Inquiry Team will be presenting the results of our recent congregational

survey during worship on Sunday, May 16. Following their presentation, the

Team will host several focus groups according to the schedule below:

*Buildings & Grounds - Wed, May 19, 7pm, at Walnut Hill

*Adult Ed & Community Outreach - Thu, May 20, 7pm, at Walnut Hill

*Children & Youth - Sun, May 23, after worship, at Walnut Hill

Members and friends of Walnut Hill are encouraged to participate in any or

all of these focus group meetings. Let your thoughts be heard!

In the Community: Walnut Hill Church has received an invitation to share

in a Pentecost Eve celebration on Saturday, May 22, 7pm, at Chapel Hill

Presbyterian Church (corner of Tates Creek and Armstrong Mill Rd).

A reception will follow the service.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

2010-05-07T06:07:00.001-07:00

This Sunday, May 9, at Walnut Hill Church...

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

"A New Reformation: Creation Spirituality and

the Transformation of Christianity"

Matthew Fox calls for a new reformation within the Christian

church. He states that it is time for Christians to choose whom

they will follow: an angry exclusionary god or the loving open

path of wisdom. He discusses the corruption of Christianity

since the Reformation, the effects of fundamentalism and

power, and the church's response to the pedophile crisis.

(Childcare is available upon request. Use reply email

to request childcare.)

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon: "I Knew Your Mother"

Text: 2 Timothy 1:3-6

Nursery care and Sunday School for children.

Youth Conversation, 11am, Trinity Hall

Youth are invited to gather in the upstairs office of Trinity

Hall to view and discuss the "Nooma" video series.