A Great Blog

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

2012-05-16T06:52:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Greetings to all!

We are in the midst of "graduation season" with all the activities

that accompany graduations, including myriad graduation speakers

and speeches. One notable graduation speech was delivered to

the 1965 graduating class at Oberlin College in Ohio. The speaker

was Martin Luther King, Jr., and the speech was titled, "Remaining

Awake Through a Great Revolution." After reminding the graduates

of the challenges and opportunities facing the world in those days,

King continued...

All I am saying is simply this: that all mankind is tied together; all

life is interrelated, and we are all caught in an inescapable network

of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one

directly, affects all indirectly. For some strange reason I can never be

what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be. And you can

never be what you ought to be until I am what I ought to be - this is

the interrelated structure of reality. John Donne caught it years ago

and placed it in graphic terms: No man is an island, entire of itself;

every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main...And then

he goes on toward the end to say: any man's death diminishes me,

because I am involved in mankind; and therefore never send to know

for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee. And by believing this, by living

out this fact, we will be able to remain awake through a great

revolution.

(as found on the Oberlin College website)

Schedule for Sunday, May 20, the 7th Sunday of Easter

*Sunday Conversation, 10am, Trinity Hall - Come enjoy a cup of

coffee, join the conversation, or just listen in.

*Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary - Nursery care and Sunday

School are available for children.

*After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall - All are invited to

gather for refreshments and fellowship.

Walnut Hill Hospitality: A Cookbook - Plans are in the works for a

Walnut Hill cookbook featuring dishes that we have shared together on

occasions such as seasonal potlucks, Souper Bowl Sunday, and our

regular after worship gatherings. Bring your recipe (including title, your

name, ingredients, and directions) to Walnut Hill any Sunday over the

next several weeks, and place your recipe in the collection envelope

posted on the bulletin board in the Sanctuary. You may also send your

recipe by reply email.

Hope Center Hospitality - We are currently receiving travel/trial size

toiletry items to share with guests at the Hope Center in Lexington.

Place your donations in the collection box located in the Sanctuary

foyer.

CAMP SEASON - As you plan your children's summer activities, do not

forget the summer programs at Camp Burnamwood ( www.burnamwood.net )

and Cathedral Domain ( www.cathedraldomain.org ). Walnut Hill will

sponsor 1/2 the cost for any Walnut Hill child/youth attending either of

these camp programs. Check out the websites for camp schedules and

other information.

Midsummer Evenings Together - Plans are in process for a series of

three Wednesday evenings in July (11, 18, 25) to gather for a meal and

activities. Mark the dates on your calendar now, and share with us any

ideas you might have for a topic/book/Bible study over those three

evenings. You can use reply email to share your ideas.

In the region: The Transfiguration Spirituality Center (Cincinnati) is

hosting an Interfaith Spirituality Weekend, June 8 -10, featuring speakers

from Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions. Check out the poster

on the Sanctuary and Trinity Hall bulletin boards, or visit the website

( www.TSCRetreats.org), for more information.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

2012-05-11T06:45:00.001-07:00

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

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

An Outsider Within

We will view and discuss a presentation by the late Letty M. Russell,

one of the early feminist theologians in the second half of the 20th

century, as she reflects on her experience of being a "misfit" and an

"outsider within." To preview the video, check out the website,

www.hds.harvard.edu/wsrp/scholarship/rfmc/video/speakervid5_4.htm .

Children's Choir, 10am, Children's Chapel/Trinity Hall

Children through elementary age are invited to gather for music and

singing in preparation to present a song during worship this Sunday.

Look for the children in the Children's Chapel or Trinity Hall depending

on the weather.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon: Caring for Our Mothers

Text: Acts 9:36-43

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children.

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for some special Mother's Day cake (Magee's!)

and fellowship.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

2012-05-09T08:53:00.001-07:00

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Greetings to all!

Mother's Day (May 13) is an occasion to reflect on our life in the context

of family. Wendy Wright reflects on an "ordinary moment" of family life.

Monday I sent my youngest out the door for his first full week of high

school...[Such] moments are at once so terribly mundane and so

transparently sacred; ordinary moments which, for an instant, connect

us to the depth, width, height, and length of love. Family life is full of

them. It is also full of thousands of moments when love shows itself

and we fail to notice. And it is full of thousands of moments in which

we come face to face with love's painful absence. I turn the ancient

hymn text over in my mind:

"Where charity and love prevail

There God is ever found."

If there ever was a school of love, it is the family; a school not simply

in the sense of an environment where information is passed on, but

an environment that forms us. There we not only learn our lessons

in the arts of loving but we may be shaped, molded, converted, de-

and re-constructed by Love itself.

(from "Sacred Dwelling" as found in Family Ministry)

The lectionary readings for Sunday, May 13, the 6th Sunday of Easter.

Acts 10:44-48

1 John 5:1-6

John 15:9-17

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, May 13, 10am, in

Trinity Hall. This Sunday we will hear from one of the church's

"theological mothers" Letty M. Russell (1929 -2007) as she spoke

at Harvard Divinity School on the theme of being an "outsider" and

"misfit."

Children's Choir - Children through elementary age are invited to

gather for music and singing at 10am each Sunday as they prepare to

present a song during worship on Mother's Day.

Opportunities to Share and Serve:

*Hope Center - During the summer travel season we are

collecting travel/trial size toiletry articles to share with guests at the Hope

Center. Look for the collection box in the Sanctuary foyer.

*Community Inn - "Sandwich Ministry" opportunities are available

for the 4th Sundays in May - July. Check the sign up sheet in the foyer of

the Sanctuary.

*A.C.E. Liaison - We are seeking a volunteer to serve as liaison

between Walnut Hill Church and the Athens Chilesburg Elementary School.

Use reply email or contact the church office for information about this

opportunity.

Walnut Hill Hospitaltiy: A Cookbook - Plans are in the works for a

Walnut Hill cookbook featuring dishes that we have shared together on

occasions such as seasonal potlucks, Souper Bowl Sunday, and our

regular after worship gatherings. Bring your recipe (including title, your

name, ingredients, and directions) to Walnut Hill any Sunday over the

next several weeks. Publication is expected in time for 2012 holiday

gift giving.

CAMP SEASON - As you plan your children's summer activities, do not

forget the summer programs at Camp Burnamwood ( www.burnamwood.net )

and Cathedral Domain ( www.cathedraldomain.org ). Walnut Hill will

sponsor 1/2 the cost for any Walnut Hill child/youth attending either of

these camp programs. Check out the websites for camp schedules and

other information.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

2012-05-04T06:16:00.000-07:00

This Sunday, May 6, at Walnut Hill Church...

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Praying the Psalms

We pray the psalms..."because they are the prayers which Jesus

used...We pray the psalms because this long tradition allows us

to repeat those words, as it were, with a view toward what is at

the edge of the words, what is behind them, and what promises

they hold." (Lawrence Cunningham)

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

in.

Children's Choir, 10am, Children's Chapel or Trinity Hall

Children through elementary age are invited to gather for

music and singing as they prepare for song presentations on

Mother's Day and Father's Day. Look/listen for the Children's

Choir in the Children's Chapel or Trinity Hall depending on the

weather.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon: What Is To Prevent Me...?

Text: Acts 8:26-40

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

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

2012-05-02T07:36:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Greetings to all!

Friday, May 4, is "May Friendship Day," one of several annual observances

supported by the ecumenical organization Church Women United. In

addition to the important goal of nurturing a spirit of friendship across the

boundaries of race, creed, or country, the day provides an opportunity to

reflect on our ordinary friendships, and the attention they both offer to and

require of us. Consider this poem, "A Time to Talk," by Robert Frost.

When a friend calls to me from the road

And slows his horse to a meaning walk,

I don't stand still and look around

On all the hills I haven't hoed,

And shout from where I am, "What is it?"

No, not as there is a time to talk.

I thrust my hoe in the mellow ground,

Blade-end up and five feet tall,

And plod: I go up to the stone wall

For a friendly visit.

(as found in Friendship: A Piece of Forever)

The scripture lessons for Sunday, May 6, the 5th Sunday of Easter.

Acts 8:26-40

1 John 4:7-21

John 15:1-8

The sacrament of Holy Communion.

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

We will expand from last week's conversation on Psalm 23 as we consider the

possibilities and perils of "Praying the Psalms," based on an article of the same

title by Lawrence Cunningham. If you would like to check out the article ahead

of time, visit http://theologytoday.ptsem.edu/apr1989/v46-1-article3.htm .

A host(s) is needed for our after worship refreshments this Sunday, May 6.

Remember that after worship refreshments need not be elaborate, just something

simple to gather around as we enjoy fellowship and conversation. Use reply

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

foyer to host a Sunday later in the spring/summer.

Children are invited to gather for music and singing at 10am this Sunday,

May 6. Look/listen for the children in the Children's Chapel or Trinity Hall,

depending on the weather. The children are preparing to present a song

during morning worship on Mother's Day.

Walnut Hill Hospitaltiy: A Cookbook - Plans are in the works for a Walnut Hill

cookbook featuring dishes that we have shared together on occasions such as

seasonal potlucks, Souper Bowl Sunday, and our regular after worship gatherings.

Bring your recipe (including title, your name, ingredients, and directions) to

Walnut Hill any Sunday over the next several weeks. Publication is expected in

time for 2012 holiday gift giving.

Sandwich Ministry - A new sign up sheet has been posted in the Sanctuary foyer

listing opportunities to serve as Walnut Hill's monthly Sandwich Ministers at the

Lexington Community Inn. A description of the Sandwich Ministry is posted next to

the sign up sheet.

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

morning, 8am, at Paneras on Richmond Road. Feel free to drop in for as long or

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

In the Community: Temple Adath Israel and Central Baptist Church present

"A Jewish/Baptist Interfaith Comedy Hour" on Sunday, May 6, 5:30pm, at Central

Baptist Church (110 Wilson Downing Road, across from Fayette Mall). Suggested

contribution is $18/per person. Proceeds benefit God's Pantry, Faith Feeds, and

a Nation of Nations. For more information visit www.lexcentral.com .

Thanks to all those who made last Sunday's Spring Potluck a great occasion,

including those who helped with various details of the meal and clean-up, those

who brought delicious dishes, and those who shared the feast!

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

2012-04-27T07:07:00.001-07:00

This Sunday, April 29, at Walnut Hill Church...

SPRING POTLUCK!!

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

The 23rd Psalm as a Spiritual Pilgrimage

"Psalm 23 embodies the form of pilgrimage and recounts the

spiritual journey of its author. Although it once belonged to

its author, it has, since then, reverberated in the hearts of

generations upon generations. The text itself serves as an

occasion for pilgrimage."

(Mark Smith, as found in Interpretation)

Children's Choir, 10am, Children's Chapel or Trinity Hall

Children are invited to gather for music and singing. Look

(listen) for the children in the Children's Chapel or Trinity Hall

depending on the weather.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon: The Good Shepherd

Text: John 10:11-18

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children

SPRING POTLUCK, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for this delicious Walnut Hill tradition.

Bring a salad, side dish, or dessert (and your appetite).

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

2012-04-25T06:48:00.001-07:00

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Greetings to all!

The UK Bat Cats are having a great season, and the professional

baseball season is well underway. Perhaps it is an appropriate

time for a life lesson from baseball as offered by a former

Commissioner of Major League Baseball, Francis T. "Fay" Vincent.

Baseball teaches us, or has taught most of us, how to deal with

failure. We learn at a very young age that failure is the norm in

baseball and, precisely because we have failed, we hold in high

regard those who fail less often - those who hit safely in one out of

three chances and become star players. I also find it fascinating

that baseball, alone in sport, considers errors to be part of the

game, part of its rigorous truth.

(as found in The Spirituality of Imperfection)

The scripture lessons for Sunday, April 29, the 4th Sunday of Easter

and "The Sunday of the Good Shepherd."

Acts 4:5-12

Psalm 23

1 John 3:16-24

John 10:11-18

Sunday Conversations continue on Sunday, April 29, 10am, in

Trinity Hall (upstairs office). Our conversation focus for this Sunday

will be the 23rd Psalm and its presentation of "life as pilgrimage."

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

Children's Choir - Children through elementary age are invited to

gather for music and singing on Sunday morning, 10am, in Trinity

Hall. The children are preparing for a music presentation later in

the spring.

SPRING POTLUCK, Sunday, April 29, immediately after morning

worship. Bring a salad, side dish, or dessert. Meat and beverage

will be provided. We still need a couple volunteers to help with

some details of the meal, particularly receiving/placing dishes on

the serving table and managing the beverage station. Use reply

email to volunteer for either of these tasks. Most importantly, come

and bring your appetite!

Walnut Hill Hospitaltiy: A Cookbook - Plans are in the works for a

Walnut Hill cookbook featuring dishes that we have shared together

on occasions such as seasonal potlucks, Souper Bowl Sunday, and

our regular after worship gatherings. Bring your recipe (including

title, your name, ingredients, and directions) to Walnut Hill any

Sunday over the next several weeks. Publication is expected in

time for 2012 holiday gift giving.

One Great Hour of Sharing - The results are in for the OGHS

offering, $414.55. Thanks to all those who participated via home

collection boxes and those who made special OGHS offerings on

Easter Sunday. Your offerings are now on their way to provide

resettlement and disaster relief from West Liberty (KY) to the Sudan,

and points in between.

Sandwich Ministry - A new sign up sheet has been posted in the

Sanctuary foyer listing opportunities to serve as Walnut Hill's monthly

Sandwich Ministers at the Lexington Community Inn. A description

of the Sandwich Ministry is posted next to the sign up sheet.

Peace to all!

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

2012-04-20T05:23:00.000-07:00

This Sunday, April 22, at Walnut Hill Church...

EARTH DAY

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

On Nature and Humans

We will view and discuss a brief interview with Thomas Berry,

the late Catholic priest and eco-theologian. In this interview,

Berry asserts that "the earth is primary, humans are derivative"

and affirms that every being, animal and plant, has the right

"to be, to habitat, and to fulfill its role in the great community

of existence."

Children's Choir, 10am, Trinity Hall

Children through elementary age are invited to gather for

music and singing.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon: Earth Lessons

Text: Psalm 8 and Matthew 5:43-48

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children.

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for refreshments and fellowship.

*****

The Vestry will meet at 9:30 am in the upstairs office of

Trinity Hall.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

2012-04-18T06:46:00.001-07:00

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Greetings to all!

Sunday, April 22, is Earth Day, an occasion to reflect on our relationship

to the Earth. That relationship takes many forms. One form we might

not often consider is our relationship with the Earth as students (us) with a

teacher (the Earth). In her poem, "Earth Teach Me," Nancy Wood

identifies four lessons to be learned from the Earth. No doubt there are

many other lessons the Earth might teach us as well.

Earth teach me stillness

as the grasses are stilled with light.

Earth teach me suffering

as old stones suffer with memory.

Earth teach me humility

as blossoms are humble with beginning.

Earth teach me caring

as the mother who secures her young.

(as found in Woman Prayers)

The lectionary readings for Sunday, April 22, the 3rd Sunday of Easter:

Acts 3:12-19

1 John 3:1-7

Luke 24:36-48

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

Sunday Conversations include a wide range of topics, from current

events to Bible study. Come, enjoy a cup of coffee, join the conversation,

or just listen in.

Children's Choir: Children through elementary age are invited to gather

for music and singing at 10am in Trinity Hall. The children are preparing

for a music presentation later in the spring.

The Vestry will meet this Sunday, April 22, in Trinity Hall.

Spring Potluck: Our traditional spring potluck will be held on Sunday,

April 29, immediately after morning worship. Bring a salad, side dish,

or dessert. We need a few volunteers to help with a few details of the

meal. Use reply email to inquire about helping with some detail of our

spring potluck.

Sunday Sermon recordings are available at www.walnuthillchurchky.org

or www.walnuthill.posterous.com .

Earth Day in the Community: Christ Church Cathedral, the Living

Arts and Science Center, and others are sponsoring an Earth Day

Celebration on Saturday, April 21, 9am - 3pm, at the Old Episcopal

Burying Grounds (East 3rd Street) in Lexington. Visit

www.lasclex.org for program information.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

2012-04-13T05:47:00.001-07:00

This Sunday, April 15, at Walnut Hill Church...

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

A Question of Justice

We will discuss the recent events in Sanford, Florida, asking how

our faith informs our thoughts about, and responses to, those events.

Children's Choir, 10am, Trinity Hall

Children through elementary age are invited to gather for music and

singing in preparation for a presentation later in the spring.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon: The Thomas Mass

Text: John 20:19-31

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

2012-04-11T06:16:00.001-07:00

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Greetings to all!

As we continue to reflect on the message of Easter, consider these

thoughts by Madeleine L'Engle.

Easter: that day which follows the harrowing hell of Great and Holy

Saturday; Easter, which turns a terrible Friday into Good Friday. It is

almost too brilliant for me to contemplate; it is like looking directly

into the sun; I am burned and blinded by life.

Easter completes the circle of blessing, and the joy of the completion

remains, despite all the attempts of the powers of darkness to turn it to

cursing...

Easter is the most brilliant of all blessings, and all through the Bible,

in both the Old and New Testaments, comes the message of blessing,

and that is the vocation of the People of God to bless as well as be

blessed, and to turn away wrath with a soft answer - a softness which

is not flabby, but which has the power of meekness.

(from The Irrational Season)

The scripture readings for Sunday, April 15...

Acts 4:32-35

1 John 1:1 - 2:2

John 20:19-31

Sunday Conversations resume this Sunday, 10am, with reflection on

the issues raised by recent events in Sanford (FL) and Tulsa (OK).

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

Children's Choir: Children, through elementary age, are invited to

gather on Sunday morning, 10am, in Trinity Hall for music and singing

in preparation for a presentation later in the spring.

Refreshment Hosts are needed for our after worship gathering this

Sunday, April 15. Remember that refreshments need not be elaborate,

just something 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 foyer to host a Sunday later in the spring.

Spring Potluck - Sunday, April 29 - Our traditional spring potluck

will be held on Sunday, April 29, immediately after morning worship.

Bring a salad, side dish, or dessert. Meat and beverage will be

provided. Do not miss this delicious Walnut Hill tradition.

The One Great Hour of Sharing offering was received this past

Sunday. Households using home collection boxes are asked to

return them to Walnut Hill by this Sunday, April 15. We hope to have

the offering counted and on its way as soon as possible to support

disaster relief and refugee resettlement around the world.

Sermon recordings are available online at www.walnuthillchurchky.org

or www.walnuthill.posterous.com .

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

2012-04-06T05:18:00.001-07:00

This Sunday, April 8, at Walnut Hill Church...

EASTER SUNDAY

Easter Sunrise Service, 7am, Walnut Hill Church Cemetery

We will gather in the Walnut Hill Cemetery for Morning Prayer

in witness to the resurrection of Jesus. Dress for the outdoors.

In case of inclement weather, the service will be held in the

Sanctuary.

Scripture Text: Mark 16:1-8

Homily: A Simple Act of Devotion

Music provided by Julia Eastin Dubowy

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Scripture Text: John 20:1-18

Sermon: Appearance and Presence

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for refreshments and fellowship.

Please bring one (1) item for the refreshment table.

Easter Egg Hunt, Noon, Church Grounds

Children through 3rd grade are invited to hunt for eggs

scattered around the church grounds. Please bring 1 dozen

stuffed eggs for each "hunter" in your household. Also, bring

a basket for your child to use while hunting.

One Great Hour of Sharing

The One Great Hour of Sharing offering will be received on

Easter Sunday. Households using OGHS collection boxes are

asked to bring those boxes to the church on Easter Sunday.

Baskets will also be available for donations by cash or check.

Make your check payable to Walnut Hill Church, designated

"OGHS". The OGHS offering supports disaster relief and

refugee resettlement around the world.

HAPPY EASTER!

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

2012-04-04T06:13:00.001-07:00

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Greetings to all!

We are in the midst of Holy Week, traveling from Palm Sunday to Easter

Sunday. We are sometimes inclined to skip immediately from one Sunday

to the next, but during this week, let us not overlook the days in between.

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. We enter the story through dramatic liturgies that trace

their roots to the 4th century, when they were developed for the throngs

of pilgrims who celebrated Pascha* at the holy places. 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. At last, Christ is risen, and so are

we. Our words are in the present tense, and this Easter and the first one are

each of them, and both together, the first day of a new creation.

(from Receiving the Day, by Dorothy C. Bass)

*Pascha - variously used in reference to Passover and/or Easter.

Maundy Thursday - All ages are invited to gather at Walnut Hill on Thursday,

April 5, 6pm, for a simple meal and fellowship. Soup and beverage will be

provided. Please bring a bread, fruit, or cheese. After the meal, adults will

gather for a service of Evening Prayer while the children share activities

related to Holy Week. RSVP via reply email or by phone to the church office

(263-5304).

The scripture lessons for Sunday, April 8, Easter Sunday:

Isaiah 25:6-9

Acts 10:34-43

John 20:1-18

Easter Sunday Schedule:

*Easter Sunrise Service, 7am - We will gather in the Walnut Hill

Cemetery for a service of Morning Prayer in witness to the Resurrection of

the Lord. In case of inclement weather, the service will be held in the

Sanctuary.

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

music, and sacrament as we celebrate the Risen Christ. Nursery care and

Sunday School will be available for children.

*After Worship Gathering - All are invited to gather for refreshments and

fellowship. Please bring one (1) item for the refreshment table.

*Easter Egg Hunt - Due to rain last Sunday, the annual Easter Egg Hunt

will be held after worship on Easter Sunday. Children through 3rd Grade are

invited to hunt for eggs scattered around the church grounds. Please bring

1 dozen stuffed eggs per "hunter" in your household as well as a basket for

your child to use during the hunt.

*Please note that Sunday Conversations and Children's Choir are

dismissed for Easter Sunday.

One Great Hour of Sharing - The One Great Hour of Sharing Offering will be

received on Easter Sunday. Households using OGHS home collection boxes

are asked to return them to Walnut Hill on Easter Sunday. Special offering

baskets will also be available in the foyer of the Sanctuary to receive cash and

checks payable to Walnut Hill Church (designated "OGHS"). OGHS is an

ecumenical offering supporting disaster relief and refugee resettlement around

the world.

Mark Your Calendar - The Annual Spring Potluck will be held on Sunday,

April 29, immediately after morning worship. More details to follow.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

2012-03-30T05:45:00.001-07:00

This Sunday, April 1, at Walnut Hill Church...

PALM SUNDAY / PASSION SUNDAY

Sunday Conversation, 10am, Trinity Hall

What's So "Holy" About Holy Week?

Why did the gospel writers give so much attention ( 1/3 to 1/2 of

their entire gospels) to the last week of Jesus' life? Did they give

this week too much attention, or is there something about this

week, without which, our understanding of Jesus would be

incomplete? We will talk about these things.

Children's Choir, 10am, Trinity Hall

Children, through elementary age, are invited to gather for

music and singing in preparation for a presentation later in the

spring.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon: April Foolishness!

Text: Mark 11:1-11

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

Nursery Care and Sunday School for children.

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for refreshments and fellowship.

Easter Egg Hunt, Noon, Church Grounds

Children (through 3rd grade) are invited to hunt for eggs scattered

around the church grounds. Please bring 1doz stuffed eggs and a

basket for each "hunter" in your household.

(Even if your household does not include a "hunter," you are welcome

to bring some stuffed eggs for the hunt.)

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

2012-03-28T06:07:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Greetings to all!

Observing RENEW, Week 6, March 25 - 31

We are in the midst of RENEW, Week 6: "God calls us to build

a future based on trust." Consider this recollection offered by

Frederick Buechner.

I remember sitting by the roadside once, terribly depressed and

afraid about my daughter's illness and what was going on in our

family, when out of nowhere a car came along down the highway

with a license plate that bore on it the one word out of all the

words in the dictionary that I needed most to see exactly then.

The word was TRUST. What do you call a moment like that?

Something to laugh off as the kind of joke life plays on us every

once in a while? The word of God? I am willing to believe that

maybe it was something of both, but for me it was an epiphany.

The owner of the car turned out to be, as I'd suspected, a trust

officer in a bank, and not long ago, having read an account I

wrote of the incident somewhere, he found out where I lived and

one afternoon brought me the license plate itself, which sits

propped up on a bookshelf in my house to this day. It is rusty

around the edges and a little battered, and it is also as holy a

relic as I have ever seen.

(from Listening to Your Life)

Thanks to all who have participated in the RENEW season

by your prayers, participation in a small group, sharing in home

activities, attendance on Sunday mornings, and/or individual

reflection. We hope that the season has been an experience of

renewal for you!

Looking Ahead to Holy Week, April 1 - 8

Palm Sunday, April 1

*Sunday Conversation, 10am, Trinity Hall - "What's So 'holy'

About Holy Week?"

*Children's Choir, 10am, Trinity Hall

*Morning Worship & Holy Communion, 11am, Sanctuary,

"Procession of the Palms"

*Egg Hunt, Noon, church grounds, for children through 3rd

grade. (Please bring 1 doz stuffed eggs per each "hunter" in your

household.)

*Refreshments & Fellowship, Noon, Trinity Hall

Maundy Thursday, April 5

*Simple Meal Fellowship, 6pm, Trinity Hall, for all ages.

Soup and beverage provided. Bring a bread, cheese, or fruit.

After the meal, adults will share a service of evening prayer,

while children will enjoy activities related to Holy Week. RSVP

by reply email or by phone to the church office (263-5304).

Easter Sunday, April 8

*Easter Sunrise Service, 7am, Walnut Hill Cemetery

*Morning Worship & Holy Communion, 11am, Sanctuary

*Refreshments and Fellowship, Noon, Trinity Hall (Bring

one item for the refreshment table.)

Community Events at Transylvania University

*Rabbi David Sandmell (Prof of Jewish Studies at the

Catholic Theological Union, Chicago) will present a lecture,

"Jewish Views of Jesus," on Thursday, March 29, 7pm, at Strickland

Auditorium, Brown Science Center.

*Three Transylvania University student choirs will combine

for a concert featuring the Mozart "Requiem" on Friday, March 30,

7:30pm, at the Carrick Theater, Mitchell Fine Arts Center. Several

Walnut Hill choir members will be part of this performance.

(Both events are free and open to the public.)

Men's Coffee

Walnut Hill men are invited to gather for coffee on Saturday

mornings, 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.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

2012-03-23T06:20:00.001-07:00

This Sunday, March 25, at Walnut Hill Church

WALNUT HILL RENEW - THE LORD'S CALL

"We are called to build a future based on trust

in God's love."

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Trust

What does it mean to "trust in God's love?" We will read several

brief excerpts from Albert Nolan's book, Jesus Today, in which

Nolan suggests that "we must let go of God in order to jump into

the embrace of a loving Father whom we can trust implicitly."

Children's Choir, 10am, Trinity Hall

Children (through elementary age) are invited to gather for music

and singing as they prepare for a presentation later in the spring.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon: They Stayed All Afternoon

Text: John 1:35-42

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

2012-03-21T07:11:00.001-07:00

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Greetings to all!

Observing RENEW, Week 5, March 18-25

We are in the midst of RENEW, Week 5: "God calls us in our

neighborhoods." In his book, Jesus Today, Albert Nolan reflects

on a "change of consciousness" required in loving our neighbor.

Our neighbor may have no love for us at all. In fact, while loving

those who do love us is natural enough, the real issue has to do

with loving our enemies...or even loving those who are very

different from us, those we don't know at all or those we do know

but who irritate us to no end. How do we come to love them?

We could say...that if God loves all our neighbors unconditionally,

then we should love them too. But it still takes an effort of will to

do that. How do we learn to love our fellow human beings

spontaneously - as Jesus did?

The clue to genuinely spontaneous love of neighbor is to be found

in the words "as yourself": love your neighbor as yourself. If I

could learn to see my neighbor as a self like me, or an extension

of my self, a greater self, loving my neighbor would be as natural

and spontaneous as loving myself. What is required is a

fundamental change of consciousness - how we see our fellow

human beings.

Looking ahead to RENEW, Week 6, March 25 - 31

Focus: God calls us to build a future based on trust.

Scripture: John 1:35 - 42; John 15:12-16

Our Sunday Conversations, Sunday School, and Morning Worship

will focus on the Week 6 RENEW theme.

Children's Choir, Sundays, 10am, Trinity Hall

Children through elementary age are invited to gather for music and

singing on Sunday mornings, 10am, in Trinity Hall. The children will

be working on a presentation for a Sunday later in the spring.

Holy Week, April 1 - 8

Mark your calendars for these Holy Week observances and

activities at Walnut Hill Church.

Sun, Apr 1 - Palm Sunday, 11am

-Holy Communion and Procession of the Palms.

-Egg Hunt after worship.

Thu, Apr 5 - Maundy Thursday, 6pm

-Simple Meal Fellowship

-Evening Prayer and Children's Activities

Sun, Apr 8 - Easter Sunday

-Sunrise Service, 7am, Walnut Hill Cemetery

-Morning Worship and Holy Communion, 11am

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

2012-03-16T07:13:00.001-07:00

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

WALNUT HILL RENEW - THE LORD'S CALL

"God calls us in our neighborhoods."

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

"Who Is My Neighbor?"

We will explore Jesus' parable of the "Good Samaritan" guided by a

brief video commentary from Amy-Jill Levine, professor of New

Testament and Jewish Studies at Vanderbilt Divinity School. As

Prof. Levine observes, in this parable Jesus delivers "the knockout

blow" to our assumptions about neighbors.

Nursery care provided for young children.

Children's Choir, 10am, Trinity Hall

Children (through elementary age) are invited to gather for music

and singing, working on a presentation for later in the spring.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - Neighborliness

Text - Romans 12:9-21

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

2012-03-14T05:46:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Greetings to all!

Observing RENEW, Week 4, March 11 - 18

We are in the midst of RENEW, Week 4: "God Calls Us as Members

of Walnut Hill Church." In her book, Amazing Grace, Kathleen Norris

offers some thoughts about life and worship in the church.

Church is other people, a worshipping community. The worship, or

praise of God, does not take place only when people gather on Sunday

morning, but also when they gather to paint the house of an elderly shut-in,

when they visit someone in the hospital or console the bereaved, when

the Sunday school kids sing Christmas carols at the nursing home. If a

church has life, its "programs" are not just activity, but worship. And this

is helpful, because if the Sunday morning service falls flat, it is the other

forms of worship that sustain its life. When formal worship seems less

than worshipful - and it often does...I have only to look around at the other

people in the pews to remind myself that we are engaged in something

important, something that transcends our feeble attempts at worship,

let alone my crankiness.

An online activity: Since you are already online, you might check out

this Week 4 activity suggestion from the RENEW Home Activity Booklet.

The Larger Family of God - Visit the websites of Walnut Hill's

denominational partners: The Presbytery of Transylvania

( www.transypby.org ) and the Episcopal Diocese of Lexington

( www.diolex.org ). Learn about their congregations, organization, and

mission. Visit the websites of Walnut Hill's ecumenical partners: The

Kentucky Council of Churches ( www.kycouncilofchurches.org ) and

Church World Service ( www.churchworldservice.org ). Learn about

their members, organization, and mission.

Sermon Recordings during the RENEW season are available on the

internet at www.walnuthill.posterous.com . Go to the site and scroll

down to the recording of your choice.

Looking ahead to RENEW, Week 5, March 18-25

Focus: God calls us in our neighborhoods.

Scripture lessons: Romans 12:9-21; Luke 6:27-38; Luke 10:25-37

Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, March 18, with the topic:

Who is my neighbor? We will focus on Jesus' parable of The Good

Samaritan.

Tornado Relief

Thanks to all who have given so generously over the last two Sundays in

response to the needs of our neighbors in West Liberty and other places

around the Commonwealth. Over $1,000 has been received and is on the

way to the affected areas via Church World Service and the Episcopal

Diocese relief fund.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

2012-03-09T06:50:00.000-08:00

This Sunday, March 11, at Walnut Hill Church...

WALNUT HILL RENEW - THE LORD'S CALL

"God calls us as members of Walnut Hill Church"

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Spiritual, But Not Religious

"I am spiritual, but not religious. I do not need the church to be a spiritual person."

What is the difference between spirituality and religion? In an age of individual

spirituality, what is the purpose and value of organized religion, i.e. the church?

Part of our conversation will include an excerpt from an interview with Diana Butler

Bass, author of a new book titled, Christianity After Religion: The End of Church and

the Birth of a New Spiritual Awakening.

(Nursery care provided for young children.)

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon: The Elevator Speech

Text: Acts 2:42-47

Nursery care and Sunday School for children.

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for refreshments and fellowship.

*****

Diocese of Lexington, Tornado Relief Fund

The Episcopal Diocese of Lexington has established a fund to support relief efforts

in central and eastern Kentucky in the wake of last week's storms. Offering baskets

will be available in the Sanctuary foyer this Sunday for persons wanting to make a

special contribution toward this cause. Contributions may be in cash or checks

payable to Walnut Hill Church. For more information regarding this fund,

see www.diolex.org .

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

2012-03-07T07:17:00.001-08:00

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Greetings to all!

Kentucky and Midwest Tornadoes

First on our minds and hearts this week are those affected by last week's

storms. Thanks to all those who gave generously last Sunday toward the

relief efforts. Your contributions will be sent to those affected via Church

World Service. In addition to your gifts, you may wish to offer the

following prayer:

God of compassion: you weave out of terrible happenings wonders of

goodness and grace. Surround those who have been shaken by tragedy

with a sense of your present love, and hold them in faith. Though they

are filled with grief, may they find the comfort and strength needed for

these days; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

(adapted from The Worshipbook)

Observing RENEW, Week 3, March 4 - 11

We are in the midst of RENEW, Week 3, with our focus being: "God calls

us as family members." I recently happened upon an article in The

Christian Century magazine in which a youth ministry specialist, Rich

Melheim, was asked about the role of family in the process of faith formation.

Melheim described a simple approach to faith formation he calls "Faith 5."

I am asking parents and kids to commit themselves to five minutes a

night of simple faith encounters. Families are asked to drop what they're

doing as soon as the first kid is ready for bed and walk through these

five steps: 1) share your highs and lows of the day; 2) read a verse of

scripture from Sunday's preaching or teaching text; 3) talk about how the

highs and lows of the day relate to the scripture (Is God actually saying

something to you?); 4) pray for one another's highs and lows; and

5) bless one another before turning out the lights on the day.

(from "Family Affair" as found in The Christian Century, Feb 22, 2012)

SUNDAY HOST NEEDED

A host(s) is needed for our after worship refreshments this Sunday, March 11.

Remember that refreshments need not be elaborate, just something simple

to gather around as we fellowship after worship. Use reply email or contact

the church office (263-5304) to volunteer for this Sunday, or check the

spring.

Looking ahead to RENEW, Week 4, March 11- 18

Focus: God Calls Us as Walnut Hill Church.

Scripture Lessons: Acts 2:42-47; 1 Corinthians 13; John 17:2-26

This Sunday, March 11, we will explore the Week 4 focus in our Sunday

Conversation (10am), Morning Worship (11am), and Sunday School (11am).

Small Groups are meeting throughout the RENEW season on Sunday

evenings (co-ed), Monday evenings (co-ed), and Thursday mornings

(women). Call the church office (263-5304) for more information regarding

RENEW small groups.

RENEW Home Activity Booklets are available in the Sanctuary foyer. The

Home Activity Booklet offers activity suggestions for all ages.

A RENEW "lending library" of books related to the RENEW themes is

available and found in Trinity Hall. Check out the lending library and "check out"

a book for yourself or a child in your household.

Sermon Recordings during the RENEW season are available on the internet

at www.walnuthill.posterous.com . Go to the site and scroll down to the

recording of your choice.

In the Community - "The Bluegrass Local Food Summit" will be held

March 22 - 24, at Crestwood Christian Church in Lexington. The Summit is a

program of the Sustainable Communities Network. For more information, see

www.sustainlex.org .

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

2012-03-02T05:20:00.001-08:00

This Sunday, March 4, at Walnut Hill Church...

WALNUT HILL RENEW - THE LORD'S CALL

"God Calls Us as Family Members"

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

Family

We will explore our experience of "family" through several brief

essays by the late spiritual writer and teacher, Henri J. M. Nouwen.

Themes will include "leaving our father and mother," "forgiveness

and gratitude", and "many mothers and fathers." Come enjoy a

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

Nursery care will be provided for young children.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - The Church in Miniature

Text - Colossians 3:12-17

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

Nursery care and Sunday School for children.

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for refreshments and fellowship.

****

Church World Service Emergency Appeal

Church World Service has issued an emergency appeal for

support of relief efforts in the wake of this week's midwest

storms. Offering baskets will be available in the Sanctuary

foyer this Sunday for persons wanting to make a special

contribution toward this cause. Contributions may be in cash or

checks payable to Walnut Hill Church. For more information

regarding this appeal, see www.churchworldservice.org .

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

2012-02-29T06:52:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Greetings to all!

We are in the midst of Week 2 of the RENEW season: "God calls us

and offers healing." In her book, The Cup of Our Life, Joyce Rupp

describes the healing process as it applies to the inner person and

spirit.

Healing takes a lot of patience and much time. Like a deep wound in

the body that heals from the inside out, so with our healing. We may not

always readily see the steady healing occurring, but we need to believe

that the mending is taking place.

Besides believing that we can be healed, our mending also requires:

*naming and working with our unwanted emotions,

*extending compassion toward ourselves and others,

*letting go of resistances,

*trusting and yielding to God,

*receiving support from others,

*extending and receiving forgiveness,

*taking good care of our body and our spirit.

We may not be able to undo or fix the past, but we can be healed from

what has wounded us. Today is a good day to remember that healing is

a process, not a one-time event. Let us patiently approach the process of

our inner healing with trust and with confidence.

Looking ahead to RENEW, Week 3, March 4 - 11

Focus: God Calls Us as Family Members

Scripture Lessons: Romans 8:31-39 ; Colossians 3:12-17

This Sunday, March 4, we will explore the Week 3 focus in our Sunday

Conversation (10am), Morning Worship (11am), and Sunday School for

Children (11am).

Small Groups are meeting during the RENEW season on Sunday

evenings (co-ed), Monday evenings (co-ed), and Thursday mornings

(women). Use reply email or call the church office (263-5304) for more

information about and/or to join a small group.

RENEW Home Activity Booklets are available in the Sanctuary foyer.

The Home Activity Booklets provide suggestions for reflection and action

around each week's RENEW theme. Use reply email or call the church

office if you need to have a booklet delivered to you.

Sermon Recordings during the RENEW season are available via the

internet at www.walnuthill.posterous.com . Go to the site and scroll

down to find RENEW season sermon recordings.

A Call for Recipes

Four Seasons of Hospitality at Walnut Hill will be the title of a cookbook

featuring the recipes of dishes enjoyed at such Walnut Hill occasions as

the fall and spring potlucks, "Souper Bowl," and Sunday after worship

gatherings. Martha DeReamer, Ruth Sharrard, and Lauren Fouts will

happily receive your recipe submissions. A late summer/early fall

publishing date is anticipated.

Men's Coffee

Walnut Hill men are invited to gather each Saturday morning, 8am, at

Paneras on Richmond Road for coffee and conversation. Feel free to

stop in for as long or short a time as your schedule allows. No rsvp

required.

Peace to all.

Mike Ward

Sunday at Walnut Hill Church

2012-02-24T05:28:00.001-08:00

This Sunday, February 26, at Walnut Hill Church...

WALNUT HILL RENEW - THE LORD'S CALL

"God Calls Us and Offers Healing"

Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall

"Falling Upward"

Our conversation will focus around a video presentation by

Richard Rohr in which he explores how our failings can be

a foundation for our spiritual growth. In other words, we often

experience more spiritual growth when we "do it wrong" than

when we "do it right."

Nursery care available for young children.

Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary

Sermon - Healing Our Inner Conflict

Text - Romans 7:14-25

Nursery Care and Sunday School for Children.

Youth - "sandwich ministry" for the Community Inn

After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall

All are invited to gather for refreshments and fellowship.

Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter

2012-02-22T06:02:00.001-08:00

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Greetings to all!

Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, a traditional

season of reflection. This year at Walnut Hill, Lent overlaps our

RENEW program even as the lenten tradition of "letting go" creates

space for new life and "renewal." Dorothy Bass expresses it well...

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, when we remember by the smudges

on our foreheads that we are dust and to dust we shall return, and

ends on Maundy Thursday, when Jesus is sentenced to death.

Although it begins and ends with a cross, however, Lent's name

means "spring," and its purpose is a springtime purpose. This

season opens a renewing space in time, a trench into which we

shovel whatever must die in us - different for each person - before

new life can come. Making good on this opportunity requires

intention and attention...We do the earthy housekeeping of self-

examination, and we confess that we have not been paying

attention. Just as Jesus will soon be buried in the tomb, we bury

some of what separates us from him.

(from Receiving the Day)

Ash Wednesday worship opportunities are available at various

churches around Lexington including:

*Christ Church Cathedral at 12:05pm and 7:00pm

*Second Presbyterian Church at 7:00pm

RENEW News - "Be part of it, and experience the renewal!"

*Sunday (Feb 26) Focus: God Calls Us and Helps Us Heal -

Scripture lessons - Romans 7:14-25; Luke 4:1-13; John 8:1-11.

We will explore the Sunday focus in our Sunday Conversation (10am),

Morning Worship (11am), and Sunday School for children (11am).

*Small Groups are meeting during the RENEW season on Sunday

evenings (co-ed), Monday evenings (co-ed), and Thursday

mornings (women). Use reply email or call the church office

(263-5304) for information and/or to join a small group.

*RENEW Home Activity Booklets are available in the Sanctuary

foyer. Use reply email or call the church office if you need to have

a booklet delivered to you.

*Sermon Recordings during the RENEW season are available via

the internet at www.walnuthill.posterous.com .

Sunday Hospitality

A host(s) is needed for our after worship gathering this Sunday,

February 26. Sunday refreshments need not be elaborate, just

something simple to gather around as we fellowship. Use reply

email or call the church office (263-5304) to volunteer for this

Sunday, or check the sign up sheet in the Sanctuary foyer to host

a Sunday later in the winter or spring. Thanks to all our recent

Sunday hosts!

Peace to all.

Mike Ward