Volume 8, Issue #17 - April 26, 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.
A Pastoral Letter from the Bishop
Greetings in the name of our risen Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Alleluia.

Eastertide is a time of joy and celebration, and there is much for which we can rejoice in the Diocese of Lexington: good news stories told by good news people. Indeed, if we take the time to look around, it is easy to see signs of God at work in congregations across our diocese. The challenge for us is to focus those multiple fonts of activity on a common purpose that inspires and unites.

Simon Sinek, a noted motivational speaker, says that the most important aspect of our work together is not what we do, but why we do it. In describing our why, he says, we discover the very core of who we are and what we believe. In the Scriptures, we are invited to understand our why by seeking God's will for our individual and collective lives. This is the starting place for describing our common vision. 

There are many sources of information available to us these days, but this creative work requires a different approach. St. Paul says, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will." Rom. 12:2 In order to discover God's will, we need to spend time with God in prayer. This is strenuous work and requires a supportive community, as we follow Jesus into the tension of our current reality and God's desire to put things right again. God invites us to explore new possibilities through the power of resurrected life as we pray Thy Kingdom Come.

And so, I call on God's people in the Diocese of Lexington to devote time and effort between Ascension Day and Pentecost (May 10-20) in focused prayer on discerning God's desire for our diocese. We will join sisters and brothers across the Anglican Communion to pray for Thy Kingdom Come.

This is an invitation for individuals, families and churches to spend 10 days in intentional prayer to discern God's will for our Diocese. As you pray, inquire how you as an individual, family and church might better live out your call to bring the reality of new life in Jesus Christ to your community and our Diocese.

After Pentecost, we will start collecting your stories. In the Autumn we will hold a workshop with representatives from around the diocese to describe our common vision and pinpoint a few strategic themes for our work together. The results will be presented to Convention 2019 for discussion.

May this time of prayer inflame us with prophetic vision so that our fellowship may bear the likeness of the incoming kingdom proclaimed for all be Jesus Christ our Lord.

To God be the Glory for ever and ever, Amen.

+Mark
Please click here to link to the Thy Kingdom Come website of the Anglican Communion and make use of its many resources.
SAFETY NOTES

We were recently paid a visit by Frankfort firemen on behalf of the State Fire Marshal. Among our citations was that the chapel door leading outside to the church yard was obstructed by a table with candles and music stands. All pathways and doors must be kept clear of obstructions.

Also, we are in the process of updating fire extinguishers and replacing light bulbs in exit signs in order to comply with state regulations. Hopefully we will never have an emergency of this nature, but we must stay prepared.

In the spirit of spring and fire/weather/emergency safety, please take a moment of your time for a mental "church preparedness drill." Where are the nearest exits to the places where you go in the building(s)? Always be prepared to use the nearest exit, not necessarily a 'main' exit. Where are the fire extinguishers, first aid supplies, phones, and AED? If you are an usher or a group leader, how would you go about leading your group to safety?

NOTE: In case of building evacuation due to fire or other emergency, please re-group in the parking lot of the Presbyterian church, next to Harrod's Funeral Home (directly across Washington Street from Ascension). In case of an exterior threat such as a tornado, move quickly to the downstairs area of the Education wing.

Please review and share these tip sheets:



If you have any questions regarding fire/weather safety, or any other concerns related to the building and grounds, please speak to our Junior Warden, Jim King ( jimkingfft@hotmail.com).
CENTERING PRAYER , every Saturday morning. All are invited and welcome to come and explore this ancient technique. Please gather in the church between 9:45-10:00 a.m. No latecomers – at 10:05, we will lock the doors and move to a quiet interior room for about an hour. For more information, contact Scott Kimbel, kskimbel@yahoo.com .
THE BROTHERHOOD OF ST. ANDREW will meet this Saturday, April 28 (every other Saturday), at 8:00 a.m. in the parish hall. Contact William Legg for details.
CONCERT & SQUARE DANCE , Saturday, April 28, 5:00-10:00 p.m. in Ascension’s parish hall, to benefit Cowan Creek Mountain Music School in Whitesburg, Ky. – being held in Frankfort for all those here who so love the school and the music. David Hurt and the Webb Twins invite you out to this concert, starting at 5:00 p.m. – featuring Jeri Howell, Karly Dawn and the Hill Folk, Cheyenne Mize, and Grace Ann Rogers – with a square dance starting at 7:00 p.m. Square dancing is friendship and fun set to music; a fun activity for the whole family. There are no age restrictions – if you can move and listen to the calls, you can dance. Donations are encouraged to help this school continue its local mountain heritage of rich traditional music. Dare to be square on “the best dance floor in Frankfort!”
F.O.R.R. FRANKFORT CANDIDATE FORUM

The Focus On Race Relations (F.O.R.R.) group is hosting the only candidate forum that will zero in on race relations and how it can be impacted by the offices for which the candidates are running. IF YOU CARE…YOU NEED TO BE THERE!

  • Dates: Wednesday, May 9 & Thursday, May 10
  • Time: 6:00pm til 8:45pm
  • Place: KSU - Julian Carroll Academic Service Bldg. Auditorium
THE DAUGHTERS OF THE KING will meet next on Sunday, May 13 (second Sunday of each month), in the library after the 10:30 service. Contact Deacon Rebecca or Sue Kurtz for details.
ECUMENICAL FOOD DRIVE for the Emergency Community Food Pantry of Franklin County – Sunday, May 20. The Food Pantry distributes food every weekday to hungry families and individuals in Franklin County. In 2017, they provided a week’s worth of groceries to 8,508 people, including 3,024 children. The Pantry is run entirely using donated food, funds and volunteers to help our community. Collection bags and lists of needed items are on the tables; drop off filled bags in the parish hall between now and May 20. See Deacon Rebecca for more information ( curate@ascensionfrankfort.org ).
CALLING ALL GRADUATES! Let us know who “our” church graduates are this year, whether from high school, college, or other significant program. We are compiling a list, and need your help to let us know if you or your family members are graduating in 2018. Please don't assume that "everyone already knows" - we will only list those who are specifically named for this purpose. Tell us the graduate's name, school/program/degree, and if desired, plans for future school or work. Call Mona in the parish office at 502-223-0057, or email info@ascensionfrankfort.org
FRANKFORT READING CAMP – June 25-29, 2018 – Mark Your Calendars!  Deacon Rebecca Saager will again serve as Director. Your assistance is definitely needed this year, as her CAYA helpers are depleted due to graduations. Please contact her to offer your support ( curate@ ascensionfrankfort.org ).
Financial Update     
April 2018 Income: 
  • 4/1, Easter Sunday - $7,903 
  • 4/8 - $3,045
  • 4/15 - $9,296
  • 4/22 - $2,084
Note: these income numbers do include ALL donations (and passthru expenses),
such as those designated for Capital Campaign, Music Fund, Reading Camp, etc.,
which may account for large spikes on the graph.
April 22 - July 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. 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 5 Easter, Year Two (4/29/18) - BCP 963
or go to www.lectionarypage.net
 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. Godly Play is available for younger children, and an in-depth study of the Creed is currently offered for older children.
8:00 a.m. - Rite I
  • Subdeacon: Sue Kurtz
  • Chalice Bearer: Chris Smith
  • Lector: Mike Oder
  • Prayers of the People: Mac Elliott
  • Acolyte: Stuart Brown
10:30 a.m. - Rite II   
  • Subdeacon: Sue Kurtz
  • Chalice Bearer: Ron Gruzesky
  • Lector: Jim King
  • Acolytes:  
  • C: Tori & Jillian Word
  • T: Jordan Masters & Ian Pinkerton
  • JS: Peyton Heady, Hannah Lee, Mia Kinnett
  • Ushers: Fred & Frances Kirchhoff
  • Altar Guild: T4 - Sue/Rick Kurtz, Debbie/Jim Kimbrough, Jim King
  • Men's Club: T4 - Charlie Caudill, Timothy Agne, David Verry

COUNTERS:   TWO  needed

VESTRY LOCKUP DUTY: Pauline Van Horn

COFFEE HOUR:     Pauline Van Horn & Roy Stivers - Thank You!
  • Yes, we are still looking for Coffee Hour hosts and helpers! Do you have a team, group, family or partner who could bring in a few light/simple snacks, and/or help serve and clean up, for our important time of fellowship after the 10:30 service on Sunday? If you would like to help with Coffee Hour, please sign up on the printed sheet on the office window (or contact Jan Stevens - see below). The coffee itself is provided by the Men's Club, and 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 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 Church of St. George the Martyr, the Cathedral Domain – The Very Rev. Dr. Ronald W. Summers, Dean, Lay Canon G. Andrew Sigmon, Facility Director, The Venerable Bryant C. Kibler, Sr., Priest in Residence.

Recently in need of prayers: Barbara; Betty; David; Faye & Steve; Gene; Geoff; Holly; James; Jessica; Jim & Fonda; Kevin; Kristi; Leslie; Marsaela; Polly; Rachel; Rose; Susie; and Vivian.

Continuing concern: Alfred; Collin; Darlene; David; Dillard; Doris & Charlie; Elena; Isaiah; Jean; Jim & Debbie; Jinks; Julia; Lara; Linda; Marilyn; Natalie; Scott & Kathy; and Shelia. 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: 4/29 – Jordan Masters; 4/30 – Ginni Fox; 5/2 – Alaina Schroth, Tina Endicott. 
10:30:
  • Prelude - Chant du paix (Song of peace) - Jean Langlais
  • Opening Hymn - Hymn 379 - God is love: let heaven adore him - Abbot’s Leigh
  • The Gloria: S 280
  • Gradual Psalm: LEVAS 274 - Psalm 22:24-30 - Deus, Deus meus 
  • Gospel Acclamation
  • Offertory
  • Sanctus: S 129
  • The Great Amen
  • Fraction Anthem
  • Communion Hymn: Hymn 513 - Like the murmur of the dove’s song - Bridegroom
  • Closing Hymn: Hymn 529 - In Christ there is no East or West - McKee
  • Postlude
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

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