Please note:
All online connections on Sunday, June 14, will be via Zoom .
Join Fr. Pruitt this evening at 6:30 p.m. for connection and reflection.
More information is provided below.
Solemnity of
Corpus Christi
Sunday, June 14

8:30 a.m. Morning Prayer
9:00 a.m. Live-Streamed Mass
10:15 a.m. Scripture Reflection
11:00 a.m. Virtual Coffee Hour

ALL VIA ZOOM
(See connection information below.)



Fresco in the Church of the
Birth of the Virgin Mary, Svetice, Croatia
From the Rector
All over the map

Dear people of Ascension,

Normally I try to address a single most timely matter in a pastoral message at the start of the newsletter. Today, I feel, a number of matters rightly vie for our attention. I’ll need to topic hop. Thanks for your attention.
Utah
As I explained last week, I'm traveling now, presently in St. George, Utah. Normally I wouldn't have a 'newsletter day' while on vacation, but these are not normal times, are they?
In general, as we traveled west by car last week, I was impressed by the matter-of-fact sensitivity that many showed with regard to social distancing, although here in southwest Utah, masks are few and far between. The photo is from a hike yesterday and includes our border collie, Maggie, who will be one-year-old on Sunday.
George Floyd, Police, Protests, You, Me, Jesus
As I prepared last week's Ascension newsletter, prior to leaving town, helicopters hovered overhead, southbound LaSalle was closed, protests and looting were taking place near Ascension. And it may have seemed as if I was silent on all of it.
I had, in fact, sought to address some related matters in my May 31 Pentecost sermon. I provided a nondescript link that sermon in last week's newsletter. ( Here's the link if you missed it. ) But a sermon link certainly was not and is not equal to the weight of all the related fear, anger, blame, politics, stereotyping and more.
Count me among the Christians who feel convicted by these things and, much as I'd like to flee or avoid them, believe I have a responsibility to engage and to do so as a person of faith.
What about you? I'd like to learn of your thoughts, questions, fears and hopes. I'd like to know if and/or how you believe we may address weighty, controversial matters. How might we do so together and with the hope of some positive learning, growth and action? Thanks for taking time to share your thoughts if you're able.
ZOOMING the Mass
For a variety of reasons, our Sunday Corpus Christi mass (and others going forward for the time being) will be shared by way of Zoom. By now we all know the liabilities and limitations of any 'virtual mass.' I continue to offer them because of members and friends of Ascension who continue to let me know that they are receiving some spiritual sustenance by way of them.
As I recently explained, the change is partly necessary because my wife Brooke is no longer able to serve as acolyte, lector and intercessor. Much as I've been grateful for her ministry, I welcome the opportunities that Zoom will allow to include some music and a diversity of souls serving as lectors and intercessors.
See detailed Zoom instructions below.
It's not exactly Noah after the Flood, but ...
... just before our flood of change and stay-at-home confinement began in March, I introduced you to Noah Riggenbach. He was then planning to launch his Moody Bible Institute senior internship -- interviewing members of Ascension about interests, questions and hopes about adult education and spiritual/theological formation.
Noah can't graduate without your help! He needs to complete his internship. I've given Noah a list of members whom I believe he should contact, a mix of longtime and newer members. But he would be thrilled to hear from anyone who has thoughts to share. You may reach him by email, njriggenbach@gmail.com , or phone, (815) 842-7250.
Would it be too tacky to say that we have a chance to be Noah's rainbow? Yes, no doubt. Even so, please be of help to Noah if you can.
Solemnity of Corpus Christi, Sunday, June 14
I regret that I can't yet tell you how exactly we will celebrate Corpus Christi, normally one of our most joyful, meaningful and elaborate masses. But I plan to be back at Ascension by Sunday and am working with our verger, musicians and others to offer the most meaningful mass and rites possible given the limitations of Zoom.
If you have been viewing the orders or worship that we have been providing by way of Google Documents, I encourage you to WAIT UNTIL SUNDAY MORNING to view/print them. I am often making changes to those documents on Saturday evenings.
Finally, please read on through today's LAST WORD. Some weeks ago, parishioner Tim Kowalski shared with me some prayers under the rubric 'Acts of Spiritual Communion,' so apt for our circumstances. Though I regret not sharing them sooner, they are so apt for Corpus Christi. In addition to sharing them below, I will try to remember to include them in the orders of worship for all of our online masses going forward.
WHAT'S NEW, Part II (once only!)
FROM THE RECTOR
This evening,
Wednesday, June 10, 6:30 p.m.
(also via Zoom )
Father Pruitt will offer a reflection
(on themes of his choice)
and will welcome your responses,
questions and fellowship.

Guidelines from the Bishop's Task Force for Re-Entering our Church Buildings have recently been shared with all diocesan clergy and congregations. You may read all or parts of the document by clicking here. Our own Ascension task force is now translating the guidance from the diocese into our own place and circumstances. Our parish task force members include Mary Beth Hwang, Patrick Johnston, Carol Noren, Br. Nathanael Rahm, BSG, and Benjamin Rivera , also the Wardens and me. We anticipate reaching out to others for counsel and assistance with regard to numerous matters. Please share your interests or questions.
FROM THE CHOIRMASTER

Dear friends,

This week for our celebration of the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, Parish Organist David White presents a diverse recital of works by Elgar, Homilius, and Messiaen. Joining him by way of technology is one of our staff singers, Cassidy Smith, offering Saint-Saëns’  O salutaris hostia . The audio and video will be posted to the  Ascension Facebook page  as well as our  YouTube channel  this Saturday evening.

Peace to you during this season of Ordinary Time, which takes on a new level of irony this year.

Benjamin
Ascension Connections
(with your click and God's help)
Weekly Ascension Schedule
for the (stay-at-home) time being

SUNDAYS
8:30 a.m. Morning Prayer via Zoom
9:00 a.m. Mass via Facebook LIVE
10:15 a.m. Scripture reflection via Zoom
11:00 a.m. Virtual Coffee Hour via Zoom
Also: David White Organ Recital (YouTube)

MONDAY-FRIDAY
6:10 p.m. Evening Prayer via Zoom

WEDNESDAYS
6:30 p.m. Low Mass via Facebook LIVE

Choir and Organ Music Fest

Check the Channel Saturday evening through Sunday for the Corpus Christi music offerings.
Evening Prayer via Zoom
Mondays-Fridays, 6:10 p.m.
Please note the addition of
Evening Prayer on Fridays!

AND NOW ALSO ...
WEEKDAY MORNING PRAYER
Join us for Morning Prayer, Mondays through Saturdays at 8:00 a.m. on Facebook Live. We've created  a dedicated group as part of Ascension's Facebook page here  where you can find these videos. (Or navigate from the Ascension Facebook page by clicking on "Groups" at the left side of the screen.) Pray with us while watching live or while visiting the videos later. If, having seen these, you find that you'd like to officiate, please reach out to Br. Jonathan Wheat, SMJ (pictured here) or MB Hwang .
For those already Zooming: please heed the repeated Zoom requests to UPDATE YOUR ACCOUNT. Due to important security upgrades, Zoom will begin requiring everyone to connect using the latest version of the Zoom client app after May 30. If you're not already using the latest version (5.0), you will eventually be prompted to upgrade when you connect.  If you'd like to ensure a smoother transition, you can also update ahead of time by clicking here to to download the latest version.

For the Novice, Newbie, or tech-challenged : It may be easier than you know . We've simplified instructions on the sheet that you can view by clicking here. Please know that you can block your camera (and don't need one to start with), and you could join our Scripture study or Virtual Coffee Hour, for instance, without having to say a word. Give it a try.
Please give generously as you are able.
Treasurer Susan Schlough has asked me to remind you of Ascension's ongoing expenses at this time. To the extent that you are able, payment on your pledges or the offering of Holy Day or other special gifts will be greatly appreciated. You may still write a check and mail it to the church, or online payment is possible through the buttons at various places on our website. Thank you!
THE PARISH PRAYER LIST
For all businesses, schools, public institutions, and especially at this time all religious congregations facing questions of opening, welcoming, timing and safety.
 
For the unrest and violence in Minneapolis and now throughout our nation, including in our own City of Chicago, following the recent death of George Floyd; for our national courage and wisdom in addressing all matters related to race and racism; for those entrusted with restoring order.
 
Charley Taylor, August 'Augie' Alonzo, Jim Berger, Ethel Martin, Yuka Asai, Dean Pineda, Carnola Malone, Charlene MacDougal, Patricia Johnston, Stewart Marks, Char Yurema, Mary Drell, Jim Lo Bello, Steve Waltz, Mary Lou Devens, Marty Stenson, Donna Neglia, John Brower, Steve, Peter Bergman, Catriana Patriarca, Noah and Clem, Jessica, Jim Wilson, Ricardo Carillo, Maxim Richard Fleer, Ted Long, Ken Kelling, Beth Hall
 
Recent/Upcoming Birthdays : Kelly Colomberti, 6/1; Owen Raymond, 6/1; Jim Wilson, 6/2; Trevor Taylor, 6/2; Judith Cook, 6/4; Pedro Illás, 6/4; Bill Flodin, 6/11; Jim Lo Bello, 6/11; Katie DuClos, 6/12; Jim Lenz, 6/13; Fr. Gary Lawler, 6/13; Christopher McKee, 6/14; Ricardo Avila, 6/15; David Knox, 6/20; David Allen, 6/25; David Jones, 6/28; Michael Malone, 6/29
Anniversaries : The Rev. Carol Norén, ordination as UMC Deacon, 6/4/1974 & ordination as UMC Elder/Presbyter, 6/17/1979; Marriage of Victor & Marjorie Lofgreen, 6/20/1993; Baptism of Michael Haile Zelazny, 6/25/2017
Requiescat in pace : Fr. William Brewster Stoskopf, 11th Rector, 6/2/1951; Donald C. Rubino, 6/4/1992; Daniel C. Reber 6/11/1998; Fr. Edward Allan Larrabee, 10th Rector, 6/13/1924; Charles L. Mezger, 6/1996; Bp. Albert William Hillestad, 12th Rector, 6/14/2007; Carol L. DeVries, 6/14/2014; Bill Ball 6/15/2017; Alfred John Landwer, 6/19/1987; Lorraine Leonard Burita, 6/20/2004; Lynn Scott, 6/22/2013; Daniel F. Thomas, 6/23/2002; Juanita Warfield, 6/23/2008; Weldon Reeves, 6/25/2003; Joseph R. DuciBella, 6/29/2007; Robert M. Susman, 6/30/2018
 
Prayers for the departed :
All who have died due to complications of COVID-19
   and for
Jack Johnston (5/15)
Curley Woods
The Rev. Canon Edgar F. Wells (6/7)

Rest eternal grant unto them, O Lord: and let light perpetual shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

THE LAST WORD
My thanks to parishioner Tim Kowalski, who recently shared with me the two prayers, 'Acts of Spiritual Communion,' below. His note here precm.
- Fr. Raymond +

... Attached are two Acts of Spiritual Communion. The first is the one I told you about, found in the St. Joseph's Daily Missal that I used as a child. The second comes from the website of St. Paul's Parish K Street, Washington, DC, and is attributed to St. Alphonsus Ligouri.  

With regards & prayers,
Tim

My Jesus, I believe that You are in the Blessed Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I long for You in my soul. Since I cannot now receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. As though You have already come, I embrace You and unite myself entirely to You; never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.

In union, dear Lord, with the faithful at every altar of the Church where Thy Blessed Body and Blood are being offered to the Father, I desire to offer Thee praise and thanksgiving. I believe that Thou art truly present in the Holy Sacrament. And since I cannot at this time receive Thee sacramentally, I beseech Thee to come spiritually into my soul. I unite myself unto Thee, and embrace Thee with all the affections of my heart. Let me never be separated from Thee. Let me live and die in Thy Love. Amen.
The Very Rev. Patrick Raymond, Rector

Susan Schlough, Treasurer

Br. Nathanael Deward Rahm BSG, Parish Office