Sunday at Walnut Hill Church
Fri, Feb 3 2012 05:46
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This Sunday, February 5, at Walnut Hill Church...
Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall
A Spoke in the Wheel
This Sunday's conversation will focus on the life and times of
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, German pastor, theologian, and Nazi resister.
Bonhoeffer's thoughts and actions raise important challenges and
questions for individuals and faith communities. We will view excerpts
from the 2003 film, Bonhoeffer.
Nursery care will be provided.
Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary
Sermon - Raised to Serve
Text - Mark 1:29-39
The Sacrament of Holy Communion
Nursery care and Sunday School for children.
"SOUPER" BOWL, Noon, Trinity Hall
All are invited to enjoy delicious soups prepared by Walnut Hill chefs.
Donations will be received to benefit God's Pantry Food Bank, which
serves households throughout central and eastern Kentucky.
Comments
Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter
Wed, Feb 1 2012 06:26
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Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Greetings to all!
A large church here in Lexington recently hosted a lecture on the life of
Dietrich Bonhoeffer. A "standing room only" crowd turned out to hear the
presentation, an indication of the ongoing interest in this German pastor,
theologian, and Nazi resister. Indeed, there is much to be learned from
reflection on Bonhoeffer's life, thought, and actions. Consider these
passages from two of his letters...
(to his brother, Karl, 1935)
I think I am right in saying that I would only achieve true inner clarity and
sincerity by really starting to take the Sermon on the Mount seriously. This
is the only source of strength that can blow all this nonsense sky-high. The
restoration of the church will surely come from...a life of adherence to the
Sermon on the Mount in imitation of Christ. I believe the time has come to
rally people together for this.
(to his friend, Eberhard Bethge, 1944)
I discovered later, and am still discovering right up to this moment, that
it is only by living completely in this world that one learns to have faith.
By this-worldliness I mean living unreservedly in life's duties, problems,
successes, failures. In so doing we throw ourselves completely into the
arms of God, taking seriously not only our own suffering, but those of
God in the world. That, I think, is faith.
The scripture lessons for Sunday, February 5...
Isaiah 40:21-31
1 Corinthians 9:16-23
Mark 1:29-39
Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, February 5, 10am, in
Trinity Hall. The focus for this Sunday's Conversation will be the life
and times of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Come enjoy a cup of coffee, join the
conversation, or just listen in.
"SOUPER" BOWL SUNDAY is this Sunday, February 5, immediately
after morning worship. You will have opportunity to enjoy some delicious
soup and make a donation in support of God's Pantry. We are still
welcoming a few more "soup chefs" who would like to offer their culinary
creations to this good cause. Use reply email if you would like to bring
some soup on Sunday.
RENEW NEWS!!
*RENEW "Call to Prayer" - Set aside a few minutes daily to pray for
the congregation and your self. Your prayers might include the "Renew
Prayer", your own prayers, reflection on Sunday's Scripture lessons
(see above), silence, etc... Use your imagination!
*The Renew "Tree" has been "planted" in the Sanctuary foyer. Add
your "leaf" to the Renew Tree as a symbol of your commitment to pray for
the program's success. See the tree for more details.
*Renew Small Group registration is underway and continues through
mid-February. Registration cards are available in the Sanctuary,
or you may request one by reply email.
*Renew officially begins on Sunday, February 19. Be part of it, and
experience the "renewal!"
In the community: The Episcopal Diocese of Lexington will hold its
116th Annual Convention, February 17 -18, in Lexington. Walnut Hill
is invited to send observers to the Convention. Use reply email, or
contact Mike Ward, if you would like to attend all, or part, of this year's
Diocese Annual Convention.
Peace to all.
Mike Ward
Sunday at Walnut Hill Church
Fri, Jan 27 2012 06:12
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This Sunday, January 29, at Walnut Hill Church...
Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall
RENEW
Kathy Steinmetz will lead our conversation focusing on the history,
structure, and elements of the upcoming "Walnut Hill Renew" program,
and how it can provide opportunity for individual and congregational
faith development. Our conversation will touch on the notion of
"Faith Stages" as pioneered by the work of James W. Fowler.
Nursery care will be provided for children.
Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary
Sermon - What's For Dinner?
Text - 1 Corinthians 8:1-13
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 9:30am in Trinity Hall.
Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter
Wed, Jan 25 2012 09:26
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Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Greetings to all!
A "call to prayer" was issued this past Sunday morning, inviting Walnut
Hill members and friends to pray for our congregation, households,
and our selves in anticipation of the Walnut Hill RENEW program
coming in Lent. The "call to prayer" is an invitation to focus our hearts and
minds daily around this opportunity for renewal within and among us.
The "Renew Prayer" is a good starting place.
We praise and bless you, Almighty God. In your wisdom you have
given us creation and all life so we might come to know and love you.
We thank you for the gift of Jesus who promises us eternal life and reveals
you to us as a loving and forgiving Father.
We acknowledge, Father, the times when we do not respond to your
grace; times when we care little for your creation; times when we act in
unloving ways toward our neighbors and ourselves. We pray for the
weak and those who suffer from evil or injustice. We pray for the strong
and for the special responsibilities that are theirs.
The earth and all persons are filled with your creative power, Father.
Teach us to walk in your presence; to pray as we are united in you.
Open us to the renewing presence of your Holy Spirit, so we might
accept our own strengths and use them to build your kingdom on earth.
We ask this through your Son, Jesus, and by the power of the Holy
Spirit. Amen.
The scripture lessons for Sunday, January 29...
Deuteronomy 18:15-20
1 Corinthians 8:1-13
Mark 1:21-28
Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, January 29, 10am,
in Trinity Hall. Our conversation topic will be "Renew" as experience,
practice, and program. Come enjoy a cup of coffee, join the conversation,
or just listen in.
*The Vestry will meet this Sunday, January 29, 9:30am, in Trinity Hall.
"Souper" Bowl Sunday is coming on February 5 and with it our annual after
worship soup feast to benefit God's Pantry. Several soup chefs have already
volunteered their culinary creations. Use reply email if you would like to add
your special soup to this delicious event for a good cause.
*Thanks to all who helped make Bishop Chilton Knudsen "kindly welcome"
during her visit to Walnut Hill last Sunday. Thanks also to all who gave so
generously (over $480) to support the "Bishop's Discretionary Fund," which
is used to meet emergency needs throughout the Diocese of Lexington.
RENEW NEWS!!
*RENEW "Call to Prayer" - Set aside a few minutes daily to pray for
the congregation and your self. Your prayers might include the "Renew
Prayer" (see above), your own prayers, reflection on Sunday's Scripture
lessons (see above), silence, etc... Use your imagination!
*The Renew "Tree" has been "planted" in the Sanctuary foyer. Add
your "leaf" to the Renew Tree as a symbol of your commitment to pray for
the program's success. See the tree for more details.
*Renew Small Group registration begins this Sunday, January 29 and
continues through mid-February. Registration cards are available in
the Sanctuary, or you may request one by reply email.
*Renew officially begins on Sunday, February 19. Be part of it, and
experience the "renewal!"
Peace to all.
Mike Ward
Sunday at Walnut Hill Church
Fri, Jan 20 2012 05:19
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This Sunday, January 22, at Walnut Hill Church...
Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall
"A Conversation with Chilton"
We will talk about matters of the church, faith, and life with
the Rt. Rev. Chilton Knudsen, Interim Bishop of the Diocese
of Lexington. Before coming to Lexington, Bishop Knudsen
served as the 8th Bishop of the Diocese of Maine. She was
the 11th woman to be elected Bishop in the Anglican
Communion. In 2006, Chilton was inducted into the Maine
Women's Hall of Fame ( www.uma.edu/mwhof-cknudsen.html )
Nursery care will be provided.
Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
Guest: the Rt. Rev. Chilton Knudsen, Interim Bishop of Lexington
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
Wed, Jan 18 2012 06:14
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Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Greetings to all!
The Rt. Rev. Chilton Knudsen, Interim Assisting Bishop of Lexington, will
be visiting Walnut Hill Church this Sunday, January 22. Bishop Knudsen
is assisting the Diocese of Lexington as it searches for its next installed
Bishop. In her greetings to the Diocese, Bishop Knudsen reflects on the
importance of prayer and Christ during periods of transition.
Our life together, during this transition period and always, is rooted in
private and corporate prayer. I am holding all of you in my prayers, and
will do so each day. I ask that you pray for me. It is entirely appropriate,
if you wish, to now include prayer for "Chilton, our Interim Bishop" as you
offer the Prayers of the People...
In Jesus Christ, all our transitions have a firm anchor. Christ is Lord of
our life in the past, the present and the future. This is well-said in the
Memorial Acclamation we offer at each Eucharistic celebration: Christ
has died (the past), Christ is risen (the present), and Christ will come
again (the future). As we give thanks for the past, embrace our ministry
for the present, and walk forward into the future, God in Christ is, as
St. Augustine said, "nearer to us than we are to ourselves." Thanks be
to God.
(from the website of the Diocese of Lexington, www.diolex.org )
The scripture lessons for Sunday, January 22...
Jonah 3:1-5, 10
1 Corinthians 7:29-31
Mark 1:14-20
Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, January 22, 10am, in
Trinity Hall. Our guest for the morning will be the Rt. Rev. Chilton
Knudsen. Join us for some informal conversation with "Bishop Chilton."
Host(s) are needed for our after worship gathering this Sunday,
January 22. Use reply email to volunteer as hosts for this Sunday,
or check the sign up sheet in the Sanctuary foyer for opportunities to
host a Sunday later in the winter or spring.
WALNUT HILL RENEW is coming in Lent 2012! "Renew" offers an
opportunity for us at Walnut Hill to deepen our spiritual life as individuals,
families, and as a congregation through worship, prayer, reflection,
and sharing. In fact, it begins this Sunday with a "call to prayer" for
our life together. Watch for more details.
The Annual Convention of the Diocese of Lexington will be held
February 17 - 18 in Lexington. Annual conventions include worship,
mission presentations, the Bishop's annual address, and much more.
Walnut Hill has the privilege to send observer delegates to the Annual
Convention, and we are currently seeking Walnut Hill Members/Friends
to serve as delegates. Use reply email or contact Mike Ward to inquire
about serving as a Walnut Hill delegate for all or part of this year's
convention.
Walnut Hill Men are invited to gather for coffee each Saturday morning,
8am, at Paneras on Richmond Road. Feel free to stop by for as long or
short a time as your schedule allows. No rsvp required.
Peace to all.
Mike Ward
Sunday at Walnut Hill Church
Fri, Jan 13 2012 05:13
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This Sunday, January 15, at Walnut Hill Church
Sunday Conversations, 10am, Trinity Hall
Aunt Sarah Jane
In an excerpt from Wendell Berry's novel, Andy Catlett:
Early Travels, the young Andy learns a lesson about race
relations from old Aunt Sarah Jane. We might learn a
lesson as well, or be reminded of lessons past.
Nursery care will be provided.
Morning Worship, 11am, Sanctuary
Sermon - King the Theologian
Scripture - 1 Samuel 3:1-10
Nursery Care and Sunday School for children.
After Worship Gathering, Noon, Trinity Hall
All are invited to gather for refreshments and fellowship.
*****
Walnut Hill RENEW - A brief informational meeting will be offered
after worship regarding this program upcoming for Lent, 2012.
Walnut Hill Church Weekly Letter
Wed, Jan 11 2012 06:24
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Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Greetings to all!
In his essay, "Pilgrimage to Nonviolence," Martin Luther King, Jr.
described the people and experiences that influenced his convictions
regarding the possibilities and methods of social change. Though
written decades ago, his concluding thoughts have a contemporary
ring to them.
The past decade has been a most exciting one. In spite of the tensions
and uncertainties of this period something profoundly meaningful is
taking place. Old systems of exploitation and oppression are passing
away; new systems of justice and equality are being born. In a real
sense this is a great time to be alive. Therefore, I am not yet discouraged
about the future. Granted that the easygoing optimism of yesterday is
impossible. Granted that we face a world crisis which leaves us standing
so often amid the surging murmur of life's restless sea. But every crisis
has both its dangers and its opportunities. It can spell either salvation or
doom. In a dark, confused world the Kingdom of God may yet reign in
the hearts of men.
(as found in Strength to Love)
The scripture lessons for Sunday, January 15...
1 Samuel 3:1-10
1 Corinthians 6:12-20
John 1:43-51
Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, January 15, 10am, in
Trinity Hall. Our conversation for the morning will focus on an excerpt
from Wendell Berry's novel, Andy Catlett: Early Travels. Come enjoy a
cup of coffee, join the conversation, or just listen in.
Walnut Hill RENEW is coming in Lent 2012 with opportunities for
worship, reflection, fellowship, and action around the theme, "The Lord's
Call..." A brief, informational meeting for congregational leaders and
other interested persons will be held this Sunday, January 15, in the
Sanctuary, immediately after morning worship.
Men's Coffee - Walnut Hill men are invited to gather for coffee each
Saturday morning, 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 Hospitality - A new sign up sheet has been posted in the
Sanctuary foyer with plenty of openings for hosting our after worship
refreshments. Check your calendar and sign up to host a Sunday
upcoming. Thanks to all our after worship hosts!
In the Community:
*The Dream Alive Program, featuring Joe Rogers, will be presented
at Transylvania University's Haggin Auditorium on Thursday, January 12,
7pm. See www.transy.edu for more information.
*MLK Day events abound including the "Freedom March" at 10am
Monday, January 16, beginning and ending at the Main Street entrance
to Heritage Hall. A commemorative program featuring Dr. Marc Lamont
Hill begins at 11am in Heritage Hall. See www.uky.edu/MLK/ for more
information.
*Tuesday evening (7pm) gatherings at Pax Christi Catholic
Church around the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity theme, "We
Will All Be Changed..." Check the fliers in the Sanctuary and Trinity Hall
for more information.
Peace to all!
Mike Ward