Volume 9, Issue #48 - December 13, 2019
In the name of Christ, we embrace all people to be nourished and empowered by the Holy Spirit to love and serve the world.
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Come Celebrate Christmas with us!
Help spread the word! The schedule of Christmas services as shown below has been printed on a large number of insert-sized, golden-colored flyers that are stacked on church tables. Be an Ascension ambassador and take a handful to distribute to friends, family, neighbors, businesses, etc. Also watch for a similar advertising post in Facebook and 'share' it freely. Let's pack the church!
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From Peter's Pen
by The Rev. Peter Doddema
It is the third week of Advent! Poinsettias are arriving, greenery is being hung in the sanctuary, and each day we draw a little closer to the coming of Jesus. What a beautiful and holy time of year!
I am reminded of something that Father Bill said during Wednesday's service. He preached about our own renewal at this time of year: we not only celebrate Christ's coming into the world, but also celebrate Christ's work of renewal within each of us.
No matter who we are or what we have done, Christ still indwells us and Christ longs to continue the work of renewal within each of us - to draw us a little closer to God each day. To buff, plane, and sand our rough edges, to make the broken paths within each one of us level.
In this holy season, please know that you are God's beloved child. Like our church sanctuary (being cleaned, greened, and arranged for particular, holy work), God sees you as a beautiful and essential part of this good creation. I encourage you to open your heart to the renewal that God longs to do within you - to be beautified for God's unique purposes.
With Joy,
Peter+
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The fourth candle is often called the angel candle. It represents the messengers who announced the birth of the Messiah.
Luke’s Gospel tells us that not long after saying yes to God’s invitation to become the mother of the Savior, Mary made an arduous five-day trek to visit her cousin Elizabeth (according to tradition, she and Zechariah lived in Ein Karem, near Jerusalem). The moment of their first meeting, with both women carrying miraculous children in their wombs, is one of the most poignant and beautiful in Scripture. In particular, the words Mary proclaims, known as the Magnificat, not only reveal her considerable faith and strength, they also serve foreshadow the mission of the one who was even then growing inside her.
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CHRISTMAS 2019
FOR SIMON HOUSE FAMILIES
Again this year, Ascension is sponsoring an
ANGEL TREE
to collect gifts for the children and families of
Simon House
. The gifts will be presented at a gala
Christmas Dinner & Party
for the families on Sunday, December 22, in the Ascension parish hall at 4:00 p.m.
IF YOU ARE HELPING WITH THE DINNER AND/OR PARTY,
PLEASE ARRIVE AT CHURCH BY 2:00 PM ON SUNDAY!!
Many thanks for your generous contributions to this project. In addition to the many angel packages, over $1,200 has been contributed toward this project for additional angel shopping and dinner expenses. We expect to have a generous remainder from that sum to donate directly to Simon House for use toward their most urgent needs. Thank you, one and all!
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While you are shopping…
“Sock It To Me Sunday” continues as your donations accumulate!
Leave new men’s socks for the men’s shelter in the basket provided in the parish hall.
Also, the Daughters of the King are
collecting travel-size toiletries from now through Epiphany, January 6,
to place in the ladies’ and men’s restrooms at church. These items help our homeless visitors. Items needed include toothbrushes, travel-size hand sanitizers, soap, shampoo, conditioners, hand cream, skin cream, mouthwash, combs, deodorant, etc. Place in the basket provided in the parish hall.
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CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS
Print copies will be available in the church on Sunday. If any changes or corrections are needed, please contact Mona in the parish office. Many thanks to everyone who contributed to beautifying the church for the season by dedicating poinsettias.
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Sunday, January 19, 2020
Ascension’s
Annual Meeting
will be held after the 10:30 service,
with the traditional pot-luck luncheon.
Plan to be there!
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CHOIR REHEARSALS
Every Sunday
Meet at 9:30 a.m.
in the downstairs choir room.
More singers are needed –
come join us!
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Sunday School / Christian Formation Classes with
Every Sunday
led by Laura Buffenmyer.
All school-age youth are invited;
gather in the parish hall at 9:15 a.m.
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PREACHER’S FORUM
Adults are invited to meet in the parish library at 9:15 a.m. every Sunday to discuss topics related to the sermon and readings of the day.
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DECEMBER RECEIPTS
- 12/1: $3,896
- 12/8: $2,780
- 12/15: $13,460
As the end of the calendar year approaches, please be aware that all donations you wish to deduct for tax year 2019 MUST BE RECEIVED no later than Sunday, December 29, for deposit by December 31.
2019 PLEDGES: Watch your email this week for a “2019 Pledge Progress Statement.” All pledge payments for 2019 must be received by December 31. Please contact Mona in the parish office immediately if you have any questions about your 2019 pledge status.
If you have not yet turned in your stewardship pledge form for 2020, please do so before December 31, as we are in the final stages of preparing the 2020 budget.
If you give by an automated bank donation (ACH), please be sure to re-confirm the amount of the withdrawal for 2020 with our office, and also submit a new pledge form. (You may set up a new automated donation at any time.)
As of December 31, all 2019 pledges will be reset to zero, including any unpaid remainders. The new 2020 pledges take effect on January 1. All “pledge payments” received on or after January 1 will count toward 2020,
not
2019.
By January 31, 2020, you will receive an itemized statement listing
all
of your 2019 giving – including “donations in kind.”
If you have any questions about donations or pledges, please contact Mona Proctor in the parish office: call 502-223-0557 or email
info@ascensionfrankfort.org
.
Thank you for all the time, treasure and talent you donated in 2019!
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THE BROTHERHOOD OF ST. ANDREW
will meet next on
January 4,
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.
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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
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Schedules & Teams
* UPDATED: December 1 - January 26
as of 11/27/19 *
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December 22, 2019
Daily Office Lectionary
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Week of 4 Advent, Year Two – BCP 939
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- 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 "The Preacher's Forum."
- 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.
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8:00 a.m. - Rite I
- Chalice Bearer: Will McKee
- Lector: Susie Oder
- PoP: Frances Kirchhoff
- Acolyte: Peggy Stoner
10:30 a.m. - Rite II
- Chalice Bearer & Lector: Ron Gruzesky
- Acolytes:
- C: Julia Tyson
- T: Jordan Masters & Sam Agne
- Jubilee Streamers as available
- Ushers: Todd & Miller Elliott
- Altar Guild: T3 - Michal Smith-Mello, Scott & Kathy Kimbel
- Men's Club: T5 - Rick & Rob Kurtz, Bill Guy, Cynthia Campbell
COUNTERS:
TWO needed
VESTRY LOCKUP DUTY
& Coffee Hour Coordinator this week:
Shannon Lancaster
- 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!
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Intercessions for the Church:
The Church of the Nativity, Maysville – The Rev. Roxanne Ruggles,
Rector
.
Recently in need of prayers:
Bill; Bob &
Angela; Candy & Tony; Daneen; Heidi & Ian; Greg; Josh; Marie; Mike & Susie; Shelley & Cody.
Continuing concern:
Betty; Collin; Dan; Darlene; David; Debbie; Dillard; Doris; the Duncan Family; Erika; Faye & Steve; Gillian; Ginni & Vic; Holly; Isaiah; James & Stella; Janet; Janice; Jean; Jim & Debbie; Jinks; John; Julia; June; Lara; Linda; Mac; Marilyn; Mary; Melissa; Natalie; Polly; Scott & Kathy; Shawn; Sherri; and Tom. We also pray for those on active duty in the military: Daniel, Houston, Mary Jo, Nick, Seth, and Tanner.
Birthdays:
12/25 – Edward (Boo) Cathcart; 12/28 – Virginia (Jinks) Bernard.
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
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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.
Return the completed form(s) to Deacon Rebecca, Deacon Sue, or to the parish office.
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Sunday, 12/22 - 10:30 AM RITE II - John B. Martin,
Organist
- Prelude: Alma redemptoris mater- Marcel Dupré (Loving Mother of our Saviour)
- Hymn in Procession: Hymnal 66 - Come, thou long-expected Jesus - Stuttgart
- Kyrie: S 98
- Gospel Acclamation: S 49
- Offertory: Creator alme siderum - Marcel Dupré (Mighty Creator of the stars)
- Sanctus: S 124 - Holy, holy, holy
- Agnus Dei: S 161 - Lamb of God
- Communion Hymn: Hymnal 268 - Ye who claim the faith of Jesus - Julion
- Hymn in Procession: Hymnal 265 - The angel Gabriel from heaven came - Gabriel’s Message
There will not be a Postlude during Advent.
Ritesong Online Music Library
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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
Copyright © 2019 Church of the Ascension. All Rights Reserved.
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