Volume 10, Issue #6 - February 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.

From Peter's Pen One practice that has transformed my life is learning to say thank you . In my early 20's, the first therapist that I saw told me to:  Go home and say 'thank you' 100 times each day.  She told me this just to get me used to saying the words and to begin thinking as a thankful person.  Over the intervening 25 years, I witnessed this practice change me from the inside out. I was a closed-off, fearful person who was convinced that the world is out to get me   I have been transformed into a much more open-hearted, joy-filled person who sees and takes delight in the many ways that God blesses my life and those around me.    Because of this, I take great delight in the many ways that God has / does bless the Church of the Ascension. Whether it's the three Scout troops that call Church of the Ascension their home; the many hot meals that are served here each Sunday, both to parishioners and to those in need; or the quality and talents of each of you: we are a parish that is richly blessed! So, in addition to my own preaching and teaching, I am inviting some of you with those gifts to share in this work as well. We are richly endowed with many articulate, intelligent teachers, and speakers and because of this, we are a richer, more diverse community. Here are several upcoming opportunities to learn, grow, support, and engage with some of these voices: (1) JENNIFER LEE, Sunday, February 9   Jennifer will preach at both the 8:00 and the 10:30 a.m. services. I just finished reading a draft of her sermon, and I am excited to hear her preach! Jennifer is one of our younger voices: a wife, mother, state employee, and a deeply insightful, spiritual person. Her blog, Beloved Broken Girl, is a source of regular insight and warmth.

Beloved Broken Girl I have been deconstructing my faith for over a year now. It's taken me a lot of trust and healing work with God to come to a place where I'm not afraid or mired in guilt or shame anymore. Read more belovedbrokengirl.com

(2) TODD ELLIOTT, March 4 - April 1   Our Lenten book study will be led by Todd Elliott. In addition to his work as a farmer, husband, and father, Todd studies widely and deeply. During five of the Wednesdays in Lent, Todd will lead us through Beyond Belief: The Secret Gospel of Thomas , by Elaine Pagels.  This book examines the early Christian text: "The Gospel of Thomas." This was a very influential Christian writing which ultimately did not make it into the Bible, but still influences Christian thought today. "In Beyond Belief , renowned religion scholar Elaine Pagels continues her groundbreaking examination of the earliest Christian texts, arguing for an ongoing assessment of faith and a questioning of religious orthodoxy. Spurred on by personal tragedy and new scholarship from an international group of researchers, Pagels returns to her investigation of the “secret” Gospel of Thomas, and breathes new life into writings once thought heretical. As she arrives at an ever-deeper conviction in her own faith, Pagels reveals how faith allows for a diversity of interpretations, and that the “rogue” voices of Christianity encourage and sustain 'the recognition of the light within us all.'”  The book study group will meet on Wednesdays - March 4, 11, 18, 25 & April 1 - at 5:30 p.m. in the parish library. Books are available online or may be found in bookstores for about $10. Pre-registration is not required. For the first class, please read Chapter One: From the Feast of Agape to the Nicene Creed. Suggested for additional discussion: Plato’s Metaphors. Pick up a print copy in the church office, or view online:

Plato's Metaphors Plato's Republic is an influential work of philosophy and political theory by the Greek philosopher Plato, written in approximately 360 BC. It is written in the format of a Socratic dialogue. Plato's Republic uses the sun as a metaphor for the... Read more www.crystalinks.com

(3) JIM KIMBROUGH, after Lent Jim will continue the theme that Todd began by leading us in a study of other early Christian writings. His study will focus on books that influence Christianity even today, but like the Gospel of Thomas, did not make it into the Bible. Details to be announced.

(4) 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. Please come to listen, support, & learn. We are such a blessed parish - giving thanks and getting involved will cause even more good stuff to happen! With Joy, Peter+

SIMON HOUSE invites you to a Dinner and Interactive Murder Mystery

performed by The Murder Mystery Company Friday, February 21, 2020 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. in Ascension’s Parish Hall Poison Ratenstein is in town for a killer concert, but this twisted tour turns tragic with a murder and a mystery to solve. Help the crowd and the detective figure out who ruined this totally tubular night, so everyone can, like, take a chill pill. Dress for the times! Grab your ‘80s concert gear to rock in style while you solve a crime with your friends. Jean jackets, spandex leggings, big hair, bangles, leg warmers, ripped jeans and neon colors will be all the rage at this rocking night of mystery. See you there! Ticket cost is $45 per person, including dinner. For tickets, call Simon House at 502-223-2138. All proceeds benefit Simon House, providing services to homeless women with children and other low-income clients.

PANCAKE SUPPER February 25 – 5:00-7:00 p.m. Everyone is invited to join us for an indulgent Pancake Supper with lots of fixin's, prepared by the Ascension Men's Club and served in our historic parish hall. A small donation is welcome, but the meal is free to those in need.   Shrove Tuesday is the day immediately preceding Ash Wednesday (the beginning of Lent). Shrove, derived from shrive, refers to the confession of sins as a preparation for Lent, a usual practice in Europe in the Middle Ages. This day became known as Shrove Tuesday because this was when the eggs, butter and fat were used up to ensure they were all gone for Lenten season... Thus the tradition of celebrating Shrove Tuesday and eating pancakes began because people wanted to use up the tempting food that they were giving up for Lent.

Services with Imposition of Ashes February 26 - 12:15 and 7:00 p.m. Two services with Imposition of Ashes are offered: one from 12:15-12:45 p.m. and one from 7:00-8:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend and participate.  Ash Wednesday — officially known as the Day of Ashes — is a day of repentance, when Christians confess their sins and profess their devotion to God. During a Mass, a priest places ashes on a worshiper's forehead in the shape of a cross. The ashes come from palms from the last year's Palm Sunday and are meant to signify penance, mourning and mortality.The day is seen as a way for Christians to remind themselves that they need to repent their sins.

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.

JANUARY RECEIPTS 1/5: $13,547 1/12: $9,569 1/19: $6,284 1/26: $3,268 2/2: $4,224

THE BROTHERHOOD OF ST. ANDREW will meet next on February 15, 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, March 1 (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: February 2 - April 26 as of 2/05/2020 Click here to view schedule

February 9, 2020 Daily Office Lectionary Week of 5 Epiphany, Year Two - BCP 947 Click here for 5 Epiphany 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 "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.

8:00 a.m. - Rite I Chalice Bearer, Lector & PoP: Frances Kirchhoff Acolyte: Peggy Stoner 10:30 a.m. - Rite II    Chalice Bearer: Bob Bullock Lector: Pauline Van Horn Acolytes:   C: Josh Roll T: Jordan Masters, Tori Word Jubilee Streamers as available Ushers: Kristi & Laura Buffenmyer Altar Guild: T2 -  Rose Gayle Hardy, Agnes Parman, Ruth Feindel Men's Club: T2: Jim Kimbrough, Jim King, Starla Yount COUNTERS:   TWO needed Scheduling contact is William Legg, wleggwork@msn.com VESTRY LOCKUP DUTY & Coffee Hour Coordinator this week: BENEDICTINE CELL 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 Church of Our Saviour, Madison County – The Rev. Carol Ruthven, Priest-In-Charge. Recently in need of prayers: Barbara; Bill; Bob & Angela; Candy & Tony; Daneen; Donnie; Edith & Marion; 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. Birthdays: 2/11 – Tony Charters, Abby Hodapp, Scott Kimbel; 2/13 – Lynda Roberts, Tori Saager; 2/14 – John Roberts; 2/15 – James Russell. Anniversaries: 2/12 – Bob & Angela Bullock. 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.

Sunday, February 9 John B. Martin, Organist 10:30 Voluntary: Flutes - Jean Langlais (1907-1991) Hymn in Procession: Hymnal 7 - Christ, whose glory fills the skies - Ratisbon The Gloria: Hymnal S 280 Gradual Psalm: Hymnal 517 - Psalm 84 Quam dilecta!- How lovely is thy dwelling place - Brother James’ Air      Gospel Acclamation: S 49 Offertory: Suite médiévale: Improvisation - Jean Langlais Sanctus: S 129 - Holy, holy, holy Fraction Anthem: S 154 Communion Hymn: Hymnal 488 - Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart - Slane  Hymn in Procession: Hymnal 381 - Thy strong word did cleave the darkness - Ton-y-Botel  Voluntary - Suite médiévale: Prelude - Jean Langlais   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 © 2019 Church of the Ascension. All Rights Reserved.

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