Volume 10, Issue #10 - March 5, 2020  In the name of Christ, we embrace all people to be nourished and empowered by the Holy Spirit to love and serve the world.

Joseph William Skaggs passed away on February 18, 2020. Husband of the late Betty Skaggs. See obituary Burial Service at Ascension on Saturday, March 7, at 11:00 a.m. Rest eternal grant to him, O Lord; And let light perpetual shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Don't be late to church this Sunday! Remember to set your clocks ahead one hour on Saturday night.

From Peter's Pen During Lent, we often act in two ways: we focus internally, asking God and ourselves, "what needs to change in my life?" and we focus externally, engaging in spiritual practices that draw us out of ourselves and into the needs of the wider world. Deacon Rebecca's sermon last Sunday (shared below) highlighted one way to effectively reach out to meet the needs of the community and world around us. Rebecca spoke about the work of Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD): how they go to places of great need, both in the US and around the world, and stay long-term. In this way, they not only meet short-term needs, but helpfully address larger issues. In these ways, ERD helps us to live out Christ's commands from Matthew 25.34-42 ("feed the hungry, clothe the naked," etc.).  Deacon Rebecca's Sermon - Lent 2 (PDF) With the recent devastation in the Nashville area and the ongoing incarceration of children along our border with Mexico, there is plenty of work to be done here at home. Please consider supporting ERD with a gift during this Lenten season.  With Joy, Peter+

WEEKLY B IBLE STUDY All are welcome to drop in on our lively group discussion of the Gospels on Sunday mornings (led by me, Peter). We meet at 9:00 a.m. in the parish library; please feel free to pick up breakfast in the kitchen first and bring it along! Through January, February, and March, we are focusing on the Gospel of Mark. For this Sunday (March 8), please read Mark, Chapter 13. Bring your questions and insights, and join us for this wonderful discussion!

Would you like to attend, but can't? A live stream of the service is planned. Please check diolex.org for further information about when and how to access live internet coverage.

CORONAVIRUS is in the News. Here are some things you should know. First, here's the scoop (click to read): from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) NOTE: The CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a face mask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19. Face masks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others.  In Kentucky, Gov. Beshear gave an update on Coronavirus preps on Tuesday, March 3. Though he said there is not a great concern that the virus will reach the commonwealth, he is still encouraging people to take caution. State officials are monitoring Kentuckians who might have any possibility of being exposed. At one point, the state was monitoring 122 people. As of Tuesday afternoon, they are monitoring 12. No one has tested positive for the virus so far. Specifically relevant to churches, here is some practical advice from The Rev. David Sibley , Rector of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Walla Walla, Washington. Fr. Sibley holds a B.S. and M.S. in Chemistry, in addition to an M.Div. from The General Theological Seminary. It is interesting to note his reasons for considering intinction less sanitary than the common cup (click to read): Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the Common Cup Here at Ascension: For the Eucharist, you may choose intinction or the common cup, or choose to receive only the host, or choose to receive only a blessing. Our kitchen regularly earns a near-perfect rating from the local health department, and kitchen supervisors attend health department training. Our Sexton performs regular bleach wipe-downs of surfaces in and around the kitchen, parish hall, and restrooms. Tissues, hand sanitizer and soap are readily available throughout the building. The main takeaway is this: if you have a fever, stay home; if you have a cold, don't shake hands (remember that a smile, a nod, and a wave are perfectly acceptable at the Peace); and always, always, always wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. CDC Tips on Handwashing and Sanitizer

LENTEN PRAYER EVENING PRAYER Offered every Thursday during Lent February 27 through April 2 5:00-5:30 p.m. led by Ascension’s Benedictine Cell Fasting and giving money or resources to those in need are often familiar parts of Lenten discipline. In other words, Lent involves doing something extra as a response to God’s love. And yes, giving to those in need is a great place to start. Also, Lent is a great time to begin or renew a daily prayer practice. Like the Lenten fast, this “something extra” works best when it is a meaningful, but not overwhelming, commitment. God can use a small commitment in big ways. Mighty oak trees grow from acorns, so let your Lenten commitments be small. You are invited to make a small Lenten commitment to join with others on Thursday evenings during Lent for a brief period of prayer and quiet contemplation. Church doors will open at 4:45 p.m. Join in every week, or drop in when you can. All are welcome! https://www.patheos.com/blogs/carlmccolman/2015/02/how-to-keep-a-holy-lent/

LENTEN BOOK STUDY BEYOND BELIEF: The Secret Gospel of Thomas Wednesdays - March 4, 11, 18, 25 & April 1 5:30 p.m. in the parish library  Todd Elliott, Study Leader

Hold the Date! ST. GEORGE'S DAY WEEKEND at Cathedral Domain Saturday, April 25 Bring your friends and family to St George’s Day weekend at the Cathedral Domain to connect with new and old friends throughout the Diocese. You may choose to participate in many organized activities throughout the weekend, which in the past have included: hikes, Bible studies, music, a talent show, frisbee golf, and more! On Saturday, celebrate the beauty of the mountain and all of God's Creation through worship and song during the Holy Eucharist. Overnight accommodations are available for all or part of the weekend. Online registration is available at https://www.cathedraldomain.org/stgeorgesdayweekend

We are now enrolling for a new EfM class to begin at Ascension in March-April 2020.  If you are interested, please contact the Ascension office to obtain an enrollment package (email  info@ascensionfrankfort.org  or call 502-223-0557). The annual enrollment fee is $375.00. There are limited partial scholarships available for those who need assistance.   Education for Ministry (EfM) is a unique four-year distance learning certificate program in theological education based upon small-group study and practice. The program was developed by, and is offered through, the  School of Theology, University of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee.   EfM helps the faithful encounter the breadth and depth of the Christian tradition and bring it into conversation with their experiences of the world as they study, worship, and engage in theological reflection together. Since its founding in 1975, this international program has assisted more than 80,000 participants in discovering and nurturing their call to Christian service. Every baptized person is called to ministry. EfM provides people with the education to carry out that ministry. Lay persons face the difficult and often subtle task of interpreting the richness of the church's faith in a complex and confusing world. They need a theological education which supports their faith and also teaches them to express that faith in day-to-day events. As the emphasis on lay ministry has grown, EfM has come to play an important role by providing a program that develops an informed and knowledgeable laity. EfM provides college level study spread over four years. The first-year participants study the Hebrew scriptures, to include how, when, where and why those books were written, edited and preserved. Second-year students focus on very similar questions concerning Jesus and the canonical books of the New Testament. Third-year students read and consider Christian history and tradition over the last 3,000 years. Fourth-year students engage the world of theology and ethics. While the study of canonical Christian scriptures, Church history and tradition and theology is challenging, by far the most dynamic part of EfM is the development for each participant in the skill of Theological Reflection (TR). With almost forty years of experience, EfM, through the systems developed in the program and through Sewanee’s School of Theology, has provided a powerful tool for individual insight.

SAVE THE DATE: June 22-26, 2020

Sunday School / Christian Formation Classes with Godly Play Every Sunday led by Laura Buffenmyer. All school-age youth are invited; gather in the parish hall at 9:15 a.m.

MONTHLY RECEIPTS 3/1/2020: $4,886

THE BROTHERHOOD OF ST. ANDREW will meet next on March 14, 2020 (every other Saturday), in the parish library at 10:00 a.m. This group endeavors to bring men and youth to Christ through the three-fold disciplines of Prayer, Study and Service. Contact William Legg ( wleggwork@msn.com ) for details.

CENTERING PRAYER group meets every Saturday morning, 10:00 - 10:30. All are invited and welcome to come and explore this ancient technique, meeting in the main church. For more information, contact Scott Kimbel, kskimbel@yahoo.com

THE DAUGHTERS OF THE KING will meet on Sunday, April 5 (FIRST Sunday of each month), in the parish library after the 10:30 service. Contact Judith Spencer for details ( jspencer254@yahoo.com )

Check out public service and activity schedules on the online church calendar at www.ascensionfrankfort.org/calendar Find the Diocese of Lexington online at www.diolex.org

Schedules & Teams * UPDATED: March 1 - April 26 as of 2/27/2020 Click here to view schedule

March 8, 2020 Daily Office Lectionary Week of 2 Lent, Year Two - BCP 953 Click here for 2 Lent READINGS OR go to www.lectionarypage.net and choose by calendar date

BREAKFAST begins at 8:50 a.m. - free of charge to those in need; others may pay a small amount as able. ADULTS gather at 9:15 a.m. in the library for study of the Gospels. CHILDREN & YOUTH: Christian Formation/Sunday School - All ages please gather in the parish hall to go upstairs together as a group. Latecomers must be escorted by a parent to the upstairs classroom. Children of all ages are welcome and encouraged to attend all church services; a nursery is available for younger children starting at 9:15 a.m.

8:00 a.m. - Rite I Chalice Bearer: Chris Smith Lector & PoP: Ron Gruzesky Acolyte: Peggy Stoner 10:30 a.m. - Rite II    Chalice Bearer & Lector: Ron Gruzesky (thank you, Ron, for doing double duty at both services today) Acolytes:   C: Julia Tyson T: Charlotte Saunderson, Natalie Agne Jubilee Streamers as available Ushers: Todd & Miller Elliott Altar Guild: T4 -  Rick & Sue Kurtz, Jim & Debbie Kimbrough, Jim King Men's Club: T1 - William Legg, Skip Hunt, Pauline Van Horn COUNTERS:   TWO needed Scheduling contact is William Legg, wleggwork@msn.com VESTRY LOCKUP DUTY & Coffee Hour Coordinator this week: JUDITH SPENCER Vestry member responsible for lockup will also coordinate or supply snacks for Coffee Hour (reimbursable expense) and ensure kitchen cleanup is complete. Jan Stevens is our Hospitality Coordinator - contact her by email at jstevens5@aol.com to discuss Coffee Hour questions, needs and procedures. If you can bring treats but need a helper, or vice versa, Jan can help you team up!

Intercessions for the Church: The Spouses and Widows of the Clergy of the Diocese of Lexington. Recently in need of prayers: Barbara; Bill; Bob & Angela; Candy & Tony; Daneen; Donnie; Edith & Marion; Gus; Heidi & Ian; Greg; Jon; Josh; Linda; Marie. Continuing concern: Betty; Carrie & Shawn; Collin; Dan; Darlene; David; Debbie; Dillard; Doris; the Duncan Family; Erika; Faye & Steve; Gillian; Ginni & Vic; Holly; Isaiah; James & Stella; Janet; Janice; Jean; Jinks; John; Julia; June; Lara; Linda; Mac; Marilyn; Mary; Melissa; Mike & Susie; Natalie; Polly; Scott & Kathy; Sherri; and Tom. We also pray for those on active duty in the military: Daniel, Houston, Mary Jo, Nick, Seth, Tanner, and Walter.  Recently Departed: Joseph William Skaggs .  NOTICE:  Part of the strength of this congregation is our care and concern for each other. Please help us to do this by letting the church office know when you are ill, hospitalized, or otherwise in need of prayer and/or visitation. We especially want to serve you during these times.  Also, if we don’t have your birthday or anniversary on file, or if it appears incorrectly, please let us know!  Call the office at 502-223-0557 (messages are checked Tuesday thru Friday), or email curate@ascensionfrankfort.org

Pre-Planning for End of Life Rite I or Rite II? Eucharist or no? Burial service in the church, or only a graveside committal? Special music, songs, readings, people? Please consider writing your preferences on a “Funeral Information and Burial Instructions” form, for secure long-term storage in the parish office. This confidential information will serve as a guide to the church and your family after your death. A 'Kentucky Living Will Directive and Health Care Surrogate Designation' Form is also available. Ask in the office or one of the deacons for a blank form, or download from our web site at: https://www.ascensionfrankfort.org/links Return the completed form(s) to Deacon Rebecca, Deacon Sue, or to the parish office.

John B. Martin, Organist 10:30 Prelude: Chorale prelude on "Crucifer" - Andrew Carter Hymn in Procession: Hymn 473 - Lift high the cross - Crucifer The Trisagion: S 102 Gradual Psalm: Psalm 121 - Levavi oculos Gospel Acclamation Offertory: Aria - Andrew Carter Sanctus: S 124 - Holy, holy, holy Fraction Anthem: S 161 Communion Hymn: Hymnal 691 - My faith looks up to thee - Olivet Hymn in Procession: Hymnal 401 - The God of Abraham, praise - Leoni There will be no postlude during Lent.  Ritesong Online Music Library

Clergy and Staff The Rev. Peter Doddema, Priest The Rev. Dr. William G. Brown, Associate Priest Emeritus  The Rev. Deacon Rebecca A. Saager, Curate The Rev. Deacon Susan E. Kurtz, Deacon Mr. John B. Martin, Director of Music & Organist Ms. Mona Landrum Proctor, Parish & Financial Administrator  Mr. David Gierlach, Sexton 2020 Vestry and Officers Email: info@ascensionfrankfort.org     Web: www.ascensionfrankfort.org Copyright © 2020 Church of the Ascension. All Rights Reserved.

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