May 25, 2020: Like many things this spring, Memorial Day has a different feeling about it as some plans have been canceled and others altered due to the coronavirus. Cancelations and alterations notwithstanding, hopefully we will find some way to appreciate and honor those who have offered their lives in service to our country. Perhaps this prayer could be of use… Lord God of Hosts, in whom our ancestors trusted: We give Thee thanks for all Thy servants who have…
May 22, 2020: THE SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD RESOURCES ONLINE Scripture, Sermon, and Prayer - Visit the Sermons page of the Walnut Hill website for an audio recording of scripture, sermon, and prayer for May 24. Sermon - Endings and Beginnings Text - Luke 24:44-53 Worship & Study Resources - Visit the Newsletter/Resource page of the Walnut Hill Church website for… -an outline for Morning Prayer, which may be used with the audio Scripture, Sermon, and Prayer -a print copy of the sermon Endings and Beginnings -Walking…
May 20, 2020: Forty days after Easter is the Feast of the Ascension, an occasion to recall and reflect on the story of the risen Christ “ascending” into heaven as told in the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles (see lessons below). As theologians have observed, the story of the Ascension is clearly an instance of myth-making, the church expressing in narrative form a spiritual truth about the Risen Christ. If so, what is the truth being…
May 18, 2020: Activities are beginning to resume around the Commonwealth, though in ways different from what most of us consider ordinary. Some congregations have resumed in-person services, and others will follow in the weeks ahead. Some plan to wait quite a while. Here at Walnut Hill it is our desire to resume in-person services as soon as we can do so responsibly and safely, relying on guidelines established by the Governor’s office as well as the advice of our…
May 15, 2020: THE SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER RESOURCES ONLINE Scripture, Sermon, and Prayer - Visit the Sermons page of the Walnut Hill website for an audio recording of scripture, sermon, and prayer for May 17. Sermon - A Very Religious People Text - Acts 17:22-31 Worship & Study Resources - Visit the Newsletter/Resources page of the Walnut Hill Church website for… -an outline for Morning Prayer, which may be used with the audio Scripture, Sermon, and Prayer -a print copy of the sermon A Very Religious People -Walking Through Scripture -…
May 13, 2020: This week we begin a “distance learning” study of Prayer. We will go back to basics, exploring the why, what, and how of prayer, including examples from the scriptures (see announcement below). Regarding regular practitioners of prayer, Kathleen Norris observes… They have moved way beyond the simplistic “gimme, gimme” of pietistic or privatized prayer…Grounding themselves in a profound, all-encompassing gratitude for all that God has given them, including their trials and tribulations, they are open to both…
May 11, 2020: No doubt you have heard much public conversation and debate regarding the opening of “houses of worship” around the Commonwealth. A few congregations have already resumed in-person services, and others will follow in the weeks ahead. Here at Walnut Hill it is our desire to resume in-person services as soon as we can do so responsibly and safely, relying on guidelines established by the Governor’s office as well as the advice of our ecumenical partners. While no…
May 8, 2020: THE FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER RESOURCES ONLINE Scripture, Sermon, and Prayer - Visit the Sermons page of the Walnut Hill website for an audio recording of scripture, sermon, and prayer for May 3. Sermon - The Way Text - John 14:1-14 Worship & Study Resources - Visit the Newsletter/Resources page of the Walnut Hill Church website for… -an outline for Morning Prayer, which may be used with the audio Scripture, Sermon, and Prayer -a print copy of the sermon The Way -Walking Through Scripture - lectionary reading guide focusing…
May 6, 2020: Not to be overlooked in all our preoccupation with the coronavirus, social distancing, etc, is Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 10. Even this special day will be unusual in the absence of Mother’s Day brunches and buffets, not to mention visits prohibited by our current circumstances. In the midst of it all, let’s not forget to be thankful for and to those women who gave birth to us, who nurtured us during our younger years, and who continue…
May 4, 2020: Just a word to say “thank you" to Angela, Mary Jane, and Amanda for their help with our Sunday live stream yesterday. While we had some internet issues, which we will be working on this week, I was glad to see and hear Angela at the organ, and I appreciated Mary Jane’s sharing the 23rd Psalm in music with us. We are learning as we go in this new world of “virtual worship” and grateful for all…