Volume 7, Issue #50 - December 15, 2017  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

If you have any questions or wish to learn more, please contact Susie Oder ( susieoder@gmail.com ) and/or Father Neat ( rector@ascensionfrankfort.org ). 2018 Stewardship Brochure (PDF) 2018 Pledge Form (PDF) ACH Automatic Bank Transfer Setup Form (PDF) If you have not yet submitted your pledge, please do so as soon as possible.

SUNDAY MORNINGS: BREAKFAST begins at 8:50 a.m. ADULTS gather at 9:15 a.m. in the library for "The Preacher's Forum."  CHILDREN of all ages meet in the parish hall at 9:15 for Christian Formation/Sunday School.

CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM: Practice for the children’s Christmas Nativity will be held this Sunday, 12/17, during Godly Play, from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. The pageant will be held on Christmas Eve, Sunday, December 24, at 5:00 p.m., in the main church. Please plan to arrive at 4:15 p.m. to suit up!

SIMON HOUSE CHRISTMAS PARTY This year we continue our “angel tree” tradition for the families of Simon House, and CAYA will host a festive Christmas dinner party for them at Ascension on Saturday, December 16. If you took an angel from the tree for Simon House, it was due back yesterday (Wednesday, 12/13)! If you would like to help with the party, please contact Deacon Rebecca Saager ( curate@ascensionfrankfort.org ). Thank You for making this Christmas special for Frankfort families!

LAST CALL FOR POINSETTIAS: It is time to purchase poinsettias for this year’s Christmas celebration at Ascension. You may designate your flowers to be in honor of, in memory of, or in thanksgiving for, any person(s) you choose. Please use the Poinsettia Order Form (located on tables in church and hallway). Many thanks for your kind gift as Ascension prepares for the season of our Lord’s nativity. Put completed forms in the collection plate, or return them to the church office no later than Wednesday, December 20.

The parish office will be CLOSED from Monday, December 25, through Tuesday, January 2. Regular office hours will resume on Wednesday, January 3.

Thursday, December 21 - Winter Solstice - late afternoon - Join the "watch" to see the sunbeam travel to the altar in Ascension's sanctuary!

Sunday, January 21 - Annual Meeting (after the 10:30 service) - please plan to attend! Friday, January 26 - Sunday, January 28, 2018 - Annual Vestry Retreat - if you are on the 2018 Vestry, or thinking of running for election to it, mark this weekend on your calendar! Saturday, February 24 - 122nd Convention of the Diocese of Lexington, at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 2410 W Lexington Rd, Winchester, Ky.

REMINDER: YEAR-END TAX DEADLINE As the end of the calendar year approaches, please be aware that all donations you wish to deduct for tax year 2017 MUST BE RECEIVED no later than Sunday, December 31, 2017. You will receive an itemized statement listing all of your 2017 giving to Ascension no later than January 31, 2018. Thank you! DECEMBER Weekly Income: 12/3/17: $15,076 12/10/17: $4,842

Schedules & Teams   December 3 - February 11 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).

Third Sunday of Advent Sunday, December 17, 2017 Daily Lectionary: Year Two Week of 3 Advent, Year Two (12/17/17) - BCP 939 Click here for READINGS www.lectionarypage.net

8:00 a.m. - Rite I Subdeacon: Susan E. Kurtz Chalice Bearer: Scott Mello Lector: Michal Smith-Mello Prayers of the People: Sue Kurtz Acolyte: Stuart Brown 10:30 a.m. - Rite II    Subdeacon: Sue Kurtz Chalice Bearer: Mac Elliott Lector: Shannon Lancaster Acolytes (only 1 Crucifer and no Jubilee Streamers for the remainder of Advent)  C: John Bullock T: Jordan Masters & Natalie Agne Ushers: Jim King & Joyce Taylor Altar Guild: T2 - Faye Thacker, Rose Gayle Hardy, Agnes Parman, Ruth Feindel Men's Club: T5 - Rick Kurtz & Sons VESTRY LOCKUP DUTY:  Rick Kurtz COFFEE HOUR:      Chris & Mia Smith - Thank You! 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

Intercessions for the Church: Emmanuel Church, Winchester – The Rev. Marcia Hunter, Interim Priest-in-Charge.  Recently in need of prayers:  Collin; Darlene; David C.; Donna; Faye & Steve; Geoff; Isaiah; Jim & Fonda; Jon; Leslie M.; Polly. 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; Walt & Betsy; Will; 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:  12/20 – Adam Saunderson, Pauline VanHorn. Recently Departed:  Joyce Sisk.

Prelude: - Sleepers, wake - Alec Wyton  Introit Psalm: Psalm 85 Kyrie: S 98 Gradual Psalm: Psalm 126 Gospel Acclamation: S 49 Offertory: Soon and very soon - Andrae Crouch Sanctus: S 124 Agnus Dei: S 161 Communion Hymn Hymn 66 - Come, thou long expected Jesus - Stuttgart Closing Hymn: Hymn 438 - Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord - Woodlands There will not be a Postlude during Advent. 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 2017 Vestry and Officers Email: info@ascensionfrankfort.org     Web: www.ascensionfrankfort.org Copyright © 2017 Church of the Ascension. All Rights Reserved.