Volume 8, Issue #4 - January 25, 2018  In the name of Christ, we embrace all people to be nourished and empowered by the Holy Spirit to love and serve the world. Visit our website

WELCOME New Vestry Members: Laura Buffenmyer, Ginni Fox, Ron Gruzesky, and Shannon Lancaster. Vestry Officers for 2018 : Leah MacSwords, Senior Warden; Jim King, Junior Warden; Pauline Van Horn, Clerk; and Iris Skidmore, Chancellor.

ANNOUNCING: A LENTEN BOOK STUDY with Father Jessee, Wednesday evenings, February 21-March 21. Email fatherjessee@aol.com to inquire or enroll. The chosen book is A Lenten Book Study Of Christianity After Religion, by Diana Butler Bass. We will explore the continuing trend of people moving from being 'religious' to being 'spiritual' - or, as the book’s subtitle puts it: The End of Church and the Birth of a New Spiritual Awakening. We will use the book as a catalyst for our exploration and discussion. It will help us better understand what we have experienced, so that we can live into the future with a clearer vision of mission and ministry.  A follow-on book study during Eastertide will be another Butler Bass book called Grounded, that was published in 2015. Grounded drills down more deeply and broadly into the ongoing spiritual renewal in the world about us. Seminar Requirements & Norms: To read and reflect upon the material in the book, selected Biblical and BCP texts, and related handouts. To participate in discussion and share your reflections as much as you are comfortable in doing.  We learn best from each other, and a seminar setting tends to provide the best opportunity for learning of this type. In order to best foster this learning model we must honor and respect each others comments, questions and/or doubts, because each participant’s faith journey is totally unique.   Cost: The book costs approximately $10 - $15 (depending on the source). You may order it through Ascension’s website portal into Amazon.com, or from Poor Richard’s Bookstore in Frankfort.  Schedule: Class will begin promptly at 6:30PM and end at 8:00PM. Compline and/or Benediction will immediately follow class.

 SUNDAY MORNINGS: BREAKFAST begins at 8:50 a.m. ADULTS gather at 9:15 a.m. in the library for "The Preacher's Forum."  Coffee Hour offers refreshment for all ages after the 10:30 service in the parish hall.

CHILDREN of all ages meet in the parish hall at 9:15 for Christian Formation/Sunday School. Godly Play is available for younger children, and an in-depth study of The Lord’s Prayer is offered for older children. This Sunday, January 28 - All parties interested in and/or involved with children in Christian Formation, Godly Play or acolyting (leaders, parents, helpers) are invited to attend the monthly planning meeting in the library after the 10:30 service (during Coffee Hour).

ANNUAL VESTRY/CLERGY RETREAT - Friday, January 26 - Sunday, January 28, 2018. 122nd CONVENTION OF THE DIOCESE OF LEXINGTON - Saturday, February 24 , at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 2410 W Lexington Rd, Winchester, Ky.

FAT TUESDAY PANCAKE SUPPER – February 13, 5:30-7:00 p.m. “Fat Tuesday” just got fatter! Stop by Ascension and bring your appetite for a delicious suppertime treat on the last day before Lent begins, provided by the Men’s Club. Enjoy some hot flapjacks with all the fixins’ – yummm! Hope to see you there! LENTEN EVENING PRAYER with the Benedictine Cell, open to all, 5:00 p.m. every day, Tuesday through Friday and Sunday, February 14-March 23. LENTEN BOOK STUDY with Father Jessee, Wednesday evenings, February 21-March 21. (Plans are pending for simple supper and family Lenten activities, also on Wednesday evenings.) BSA EAGLE SCOUT COURT OF HONOR for Daniel Aossey, Saturday, February 24, 6:00 p.m., with reception following. All are welcome! LENTEN QUIET DAY with Mother Nancy, Saturday, March 3, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Financial Update      January 2017 Income: 1/7 - $4,564     1/14 - $6,273      1/21 - $4,764

2017 Donation Reports (for tax purposes) are now available in the parish office. THIS SUNDAY, January 28, they will be in a box on the hallway table, filed alphabetically by last name. Please help us save on postage, and PICK UP YOUR REPORT ON OR BEFORE SUNDAY, 1/28. All remaining reports will be mailed via U.S. Postal Service on Monday, January 29.

Schedules & Teams   January 28 - April 1 This schedule (PDF file linked above) includes acolytes, chalice bearers, lectors, altar guild and men's club teams, coffee hour hosts, and vestry lockup duties, plus dedications for altar flowers.   Participants, please check this schedule EVERY WEEK to review your upcoming Sunday duties for the next few weeks. The same schedule is posted on the office window - please write in changes there, as needed, or notify Deacon Rebecca Saager.   To share your time and talent in a new ministry, change your team assignment(s), change your availability for a future Sunday, or change duties assigned for THIS Sunday, please contact Deacon Rebecca Saager (curate@ascensionfrankfort.org).

Daily Lectionary Week of Four Epiphany, Year Two (1/28/18) - BCP 947 Click here for READINGS or go to www.lectionarypage.net

8:00 a.m. - Rite I Subdeacon: Susan Kurtz Chalice Bearer: Scott Mello Lector: Michal Smith-Mello Prayers of the People: Chris Smith Acolyte: Peggy Stoner 10:30 a.m. - Rite II    Subdeacon: Susan Kurtz Chalice Bearer: Jim Kimbrough Lector: Lara Heady Acolytes:   C: Thomas Bemiss & John Bullock T: Lucy & Charlotte Saunderson JS: Peyton Heady & Hannah Lee Ushers: Mac & Todd Elliott Altar Guild: T1 - Suzanne Cox, Laura & Kristi Buffenmyer Men's Club: T1 - Geoff Pinkerton, William Legg, Pauline VanHorn, Skip Hunt LOCKUP DUTY: Craig Aossey (recruited due to the vestry retreat - thanks, Craig!) COFFEE HOUR:    Pot Luck! Yes, we are still looking for Coffee Hour hosts and helpers! Vestry members have agreed to pitch in on Sundays when no one else is scheduled, but we encourage everyone to share in this ministry as you are able.   Jan Stevens is our Hospitality Coordinator - contact her by email at jstevens5@aol.com - If you would like to host Coffee Hour, please sign up on the printed sheet on the office window.  If you can bring treats but need a helper, or vice versa, Jan can help you team up! COUNTERS:   TWO  needed Scheduling contact is William Legg, ascensioncounters@gmail.com

For the Church: St. Peter’s Church, Paris – The Rev. Christina Brannock, Rector. Recently in need of prayers: Collin; Darlene; David C.; Donna; Elena; Faye & Steve; Geoff; Isaiah; Jim & Fonda; Jon; Kevin; Leslie M.; Polly; Rachel; Robert; Rose; Walt; and Will. Continuing concern: Alfred; Ava; David G.; Debbie; Dillard; Doris & Charlie; Gail; Harrison; Isaiah; Jean; Jim & Debbie; Jinks; Julia; Lara; Linda; Luke; Marilyn; Natalie; Risa & her daughter; Scott & Kathy; Shelia; Sherri; Shirley; Tom; and Will & Trish. We also pray for those on active duty in the military: Daniel, Houston, Nick, and Seth; and for Susan Kurtz, Postulant for Holy Orders. Birthdays: 1/28 – John Patrick Hulette; 2/2 – Polly Coblin.

Prelude  Opening Hymn: Hymn 438 - Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord - Woodlands  Gloria: S 280 Psalm: Psalm 111 - Confitebor tibi Gospel Acclamation: S 155 Offertory: God is my Shepherd - Antonin Dvořák Sanctus: S 129 Fraction Anthem: S 154 Communion Hymn: Hymn 567 - Thine arm, O Lord, in days of old - St. Matthew Closing Hymn: Hymn 448 - O love, how deep, how broad, how high - Deus tuorum militum Postlude Ritesong Online Music Library

Clergy and Staff The Rev. William Jessee Neat, Rector The Rev. Dr. William G. Brown, Assisting Priest (Retired)  The Rev. Nancy S. Farley, Assisting Priest (Retired)  The Rev. Deacon Rebecca A. Saager, Curate Mr. John B. Martin, Director of Music & Organist Ms. Mona Landrum Proctor, Parish & Financial Administrator  Mr. David Gierlach, Sexton Click here to see 2018 Vestry and Officers Email: info@ascensionfrankfort.org     Web: www.ascensionfrankfort.org Copyright © 2017 Church of the Ascension. All Rights Reserved.