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
Reading the Gospels
in 2020
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The four Gospels are the foundations of our Christian heritage. They are full of the teachings and miracles (and the occasional temper tantrum) of Jesus.
In many cases, they give us a much simpler, easier-to-understand model for Christianity than the bewildering array of writings, pronouncements, and denominations that sprang to life in the centuries after Jesus returned to Heaven.
Whether you are just beginning to open the Bible, an experienced Bible student or (like many of us) somewhere in-between, this Gospel reading is for you. There are four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, & John) and in 2020, we will gradually read through all four of them. The plan is to read:
- Winter (January-March): Mark
- Spring (April-June): Matthew
- Summer (July-September): Luke
- Fall (October-December): John
In January, we will start the book of Mark. Mark is the shortest of the Gospels and many scholars think that it is also the one written first. Some of the other Gospel writers seem to have used Mark as a template for their own writing. Reading Mark first will give us a good grounding in the Gospels and a fine introduction to this process.
My plan is for us to meet weekly, beginning the week of January 5. We will meet here at the church, but I am also working on an internet option so that you may attend virtually even when you cannot be here in person.
Please contact me if you have questions or are interested in being a part of this. I look forward to reading & learning together with you!
With Joy,
Peter+
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Fasting for a More Meaningful Prayer Experience
by Joe Campbell
I would like to take this opportunity to share with all of you my experiences with prayer and fasting. The scripture mentions fasting in both the old and new testaments. We know from the book of Exodus that Moses fasted for 40 days and 40 nights while praying when he received the ten commandments. We also know the story of Jesus fasting in the wilderness.
How can fasting be utilized by modern day Christians? Is it practical in our busy lives? My first experience with prayer fasting was in the winter of 2009. I was on winter lay-off from construction and living alone. I wasn't at all happy with my current situation as life had thrown me into a virtual Jerry Springer episode. My sweet Grandmother would have said "Hush, Y'all er actin' a fool."
That Sunday the Pastor had mentioned fasting in his sermon.I knew I needed some guidance. I decided to fast, praying intermittently. After a couple of days passed, I was hungry and irritated but being alone meant I didn't have those distractions of everyday life. On the second night I felt a calming sense of peace. The hungry feeling started to ease. I knew the Lord was answering and I started to listen. I did eat a little on that third day.
This was not intended to be a diet; I was just concerned that I was doing something unhealthy. I followed that up with another 48 hours of fasting and intermittent prayer. I felt great; drinking only water was very satiating. After two weeks on these cycles, I felt like the Lord had answered a very serious question I had in my life. That winter of Prayer Fasting led me to pack up my things and relocate, letting go of past issues, saying goodbye to my home and the church I loved, and leaving my comfort zone to explore a different life.
As a Deacon at my Baptist church, I was having a very difficult time with what I had interpreted. My Pastor was concerned that I hadn't thought it through enough. Still I followed my faith. Life soon began to take a new shape. It had been 10 years since I made that decision to evacuate to higher ground. In May of this year, I decided to start fasting for prayer again as I had some new questions in my life.
This time I eased into it, starting with just 48 hours and eating on that third day. I proceeded then to fast for another 48 hours, then 72 hours, eating only one square meal in between. Finally, I progressed on and fasted for a full week, praying as often as life allowed. Only this time I was working long hours and had a family eating meals in front of me everyday. Still, I stayed strong, focusing on the goal of enlightenment and clarity to receive God's word. This experience was again life changing. Not only did I feel closer to God, I had lost 32 pounds in 7 weeks. Don't panic; the Doctor said my numbers were still excellent, though my sanity was debatable.
The very next week my wife and I unexpectedly and randomly stumbled upon the Church of Ascension while sightseeing and enjoying iced coffee. The door was wide open and the sign in the foyer read, "come in, rest, and pray." We entered that door. Mr. Rick Kurtz was a great example of Episcopalian hospitality. That next Sunday my wife, Cynthia and I, attended our first regular Sunday service at Ascension, my first one since that winter of 2009. I had once again received God's Grace. Thanks be to God.
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"Rejoice: the Lord is nigh." As Christmas draws near, the Church emphasizes the joy which should be in our hearts over all that the birth of our Savior means for us. The great joy of Christians is to see the day drawing nigh when the Lord will come again in His glory to lead them into His kingdom. The oft-repeated Veni ("Come") of Advent is an echo not only of the prophets but also of the conclusion of the Apocalypse of St. John: "Come, Lord Jesus," the last words of the New Testament.
The Third Sunday of Advent is known as Gaudete Sunday. The term Gaudete refers to the first word of the Entrance Antiphon, "Rejoice". Rose vestments are worn to emphasize our joy that Christmas is near, and we also light the rose candle on our Advent wreath.
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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.
DINNER & PARTY HELPERS are needed
on Sunday, December 22!
Cooks and kitchen help, shoppers, decorators, activity leaders, musicians and more will help to make this event a fun highlight of the holiday season for the families of Simon House. Please contact Deacon Rebecca Saager (
curate@ascensionfrankfort.org
) to offer your assistance or ask about details.
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While you are shopping…
The Daughters of the King are sponsoring
“Sock It To Me Sunday” on December 15.
Did you know that socks are the least donated item to shelters, yet one of the most essential items needed? Please bring a pair or two of new men’s socks - all sizes - to be given to men’s shelter. Leave them 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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FLOWER CALL:
CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS
It is time to purchase poinsettias for this year’s Christmas celebration at Ascension. You may designate your flowers to be
in honor of, in memory of,
or
in thanksgiving for,
any person(s) you choose.
Please use the
Poinsettia Order Form
(located on tables in the church and hallway). The cost is $13.00 per plant. Make your check payable to
Church of the Ascension
and write “Poinsettias” on the Memo line.
Put completed forms in the collection plate or return them to the church office no later than
Wednesday, December 18
. After the Christmas services you are welcome to claim your poinsettia(s) to take home or share with others.
Many thanks for your kind gift as Ascension prepares for the season of our Lord’s nativity.
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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
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
December 9,
2019 (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 15, 2019
Daily Office Lectionary
Third Sunday of Advent
Week of 3 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, Lector & PoP: Frances Kirchhoff
- Acolyte: Angela Goetter
10:30 a.m. - Rite II
- Chalice Bearer: Pauline Van Horn
- Lector: Lara Heady
- Acolytes:
- C: Natalie Agne
- T: Lucy Saunderson & Peyton Heady
- Jubilee Streamers as available
- Ushers: Jim & Debbie Kimbrough
- Altar Guild: T2 - Rose Gayle Hardy, Agnes Parman, Ruth Feindel
- Men's Club: T4 - Tim & Misty Agne, Charlie Caudill
COUNTERS:
TWO needed
VESTRY LOCKUP DUTY
& Coffee Hour Coordinator this week:
Tim Agne
- 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:
Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Winchester – The Rev. Jim Trimble,
Priest-in-Charge.
Recently in need of prayers:
Adriane;
Bill; Bob &
Angela; Candy & Tony; Dan; Daneen; David; Debbie; Don; the Duncan Family; Erika; Faye & Steve; Fred; Heidi & Ian; Greg; Janice; John; Josh; June; Lara; Mike & Susie; Shawn; Shelley & Cody.
Continuing concern:
Betty; Collin; Darlene; David; Dillard; Doris; Ginni & Vic; Holly; Isaiah; James & Stella; Janet; Jean; Jim & Debbie; Jinks; John; Julia; Lee; Mac; Marilyn; Mary; Melissa; Natalie; Polly; Scott & Kathy; Sherri; and Tom. We also pray for those on active duty in the military: Daniel, Houston, Mary Jo, Nick, Seth, and Tanner.
Birthdays:
12/20 – Adam Saunderson, Pauline Van Horn.
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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10:30 AM RITE II - John B. Martin,
Organist
- Prelude: Wachet auf, ruft uns die stimme - Johann Gottfried Walther (Wake, awake, for night is calling)
- Hymn in Procession: Hymnal 68 - Rejoice! Rejoice, believers - Llangloffan
- Kyrie: S 98
- Gospel Acclamation: S 49
- Offertory: Hymnal 56 - Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland- Andreas Nikolaus Vetter (Come thou, Saviour of the heathen)
- Sanctus: S 124 - Holy, holy, holy
- Agnus Dei: S 161 - Lamb of God
- Communion Hymn: Hymnal 615 - “Thy kingdom come!” - St. Flavian
- Hymn in Procession: Hymnal 76 - On Jordan’s bank the Baptist’s cry - Winchester New
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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