Volume 11, Issue #24
June 17, 2021
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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FROM PETER'S PEN
Here we are in at the beginning of "Ordinary Time," that long season of the Church year where we have passed through most of the major Holy Days (e.g., Christmas, Easter, etc.). The Scripture readings get more diverse during this time (since they are not organized around major seasons and celebrations of the Church), and we have time to dig a little deeper and learn a little bit extra about our faith tradition.
I look forward to exploring these themes with you in the coming weeks: to rummage around in some of the odd corners and forgotten places in the Bible. And also, to dig through some of the rich, ancient heritage of our faith tradition (2,000 years of Christianity built upon the foundation of an earlier 2,000 years of Judaism - that's a LOT of prayer and a lot of practice over a long time!). It will be exciting (and perhaps, occasionally, a bit uncomfortable) to see where this takes us. 🙂
On a side note: as a priest in the Diocese of Lexington, I have duties to both our parish and to the Diocese. Next week (June 21 - 26) I will be at the Cathedral Domain, serving as a chaplain to the Mini-Camps that our Diocese provides. These are camps for children completing first and second grades and are the first "away from home" experience that many of these children have. It is a delightful time and I imagine that I will come back to Ascension with new stories, experiences, and insights to share!
If you need pastoral care during this time, our other clergy are available and happy to serve you.
Blessings,
Peter+
The Rev. Peter Doddema
502-661-2742
P.S. Please note the (returning) section below for "Lay Ministry Schedules."
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A BLESSING FROM BISHOP MARK |
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June 11, 2021
Dear Friends,
Following the much-publicized revised CDC recommendations, today Governor Beshear lifted most remaining Covid-19 restrictions, including the mask mandate and physical distancing requirements. Although health experts continue to warn that the risk of another outbreak remains and that our communities include vulnerable members, the vaccines have significantly reduced infections and the risk of serious illness.
You have shown remarkable adaptive leadership in this challenging time, for which I give thanks, and feel confident that as you make decisions on how you will gather in person, you will continue to look out for the ‘least of those among us.'
I, therefore, give my blessing for each community to determine how best to proceed in your own context for the good of your people and in this changing landscape.
May the fellowship of in-person gathering inspire and encourage you all.
In Christ,
The Rt. Rev. Mark Van Koevering
VIII Bishop of Lexington
Per The Episcopal Church Canon III.12.3(b) Bishop Mark asks that all Clergy and Wardens in Charge share this Pastoral Letter with their faith communities.
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Honoring Juneteenth, June 19, 2021 |
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Juneteenth is the oldest nation-wide holiday celebrating the end of slavery in the United States. It commemorates the day (June 19th, 1865) when Union General Gordon Granger read federal orders in Galveston, Texas, declaring that all previously enslaved people in Texas were freed. Even though President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation nearly two and half years before this date, enforcement in the South was complicated due to the Civil War, and it wasn't until after the end of the conflict that federal troops were able to reach some of the more far-flung regions of the country with the news. It would be a further half year before the 13th Amendment to the Constitution made slavery officially illegal in the United States. Yet even the passage of the13th Amendment in December 1865 did not guarantee equality to African Americans, and the struggle for racial equity continues to this day.
Today, Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. It is a day, a week, and in some areas a month marked with celebrations, guest speakers, picnics, and family gatherings. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing. It is a time for assessment, self-improvement, and for planning the future. Its growing popularity signifies a level of maturity and dignity in America long overdue. In cities across the country, people of all races, nationalities, and religions are joining hands to truthfully acknowledge a period in our history that shaped and continues to influence our society today. Sensitized to the conditions and experiences of others, only then can we make significant and lasting improvements in our society.
So on this Juneteenth, just days after the United States Senate unanimously passed a bill to declare Juneteenth a federal holiday, let us all pause to honor and celebrate the manifold accomplishments and contributions that African Americans have given to our nation in the face of overwhelming adversity. Let us learn our histories, particularly the stories of Black Americans, too often obscured and overlooked. And then let us act. For it has been made clear that now more than ever is the time to stand up, speak out, and work to end these injustices. We must do all in our power to undo the sins of racism, white supremacy, and anti-Black bias that deny the truth that every person is created in the image of God. As followers of Jesus, who came so that we could be freed from our sinful ways, let us work for true freedom for all.
We invite you to learn more about Juneteenth through the following links, and to join a celebration in your community.
Prayer and Liturgical Resources for Juneteenth:
(Material above adapted from Juneteenth.com and The Episcopal Church in Connecticut)
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Ladies and Gentlemen of all ages:
Are you curious as to how the sanctuary is prepared for our Sunday worship service? Are you interested in knowing how the bookmarks at the lectern and the hanging on the pulpit get changed for each of our liturgical seasons? Yes, there are different colors for Advent, Lent, Eastertide and “Ordinary Time”.
If you want to know the answers to these and other questions concerning “setting God’s table” for our Eucharistic meal, please join me for an informational meeting of the Altar Guild. We do need more help with this wonderful ministry. Please join me on June 19 at 11:00 a.m. in the parish library for an informational meeting about our wonderful Altar Guild.
Thanks,
Deacon Sue
The Rev. Deacon Sue Kurtz
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Fourth Sunday after Pentecost:
Proper 7
June 20, 9:30 a.m.
HOLY EUCHARIST, Rite II
OPEN for live, in-person service
inside the church.
Or join Ascension clergy for Morning Prayer, online at 9:30 a.m. on Facebook.
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Ascension has TWO addresses on Facebook:
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Schedule for Sunday, June 20
- Reader: Laura Buffenmyer
- Crucifer: Julia Tyson
- Ushers: Kristi & Laura Buffenmyer
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Security Lockup: Kristi Buffenmyer
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for coming weeks. This schedule is also posted on the window of the parish office. To change or add to the schedule, or to inquire about serving as a lay minister, please contact Deacon Rebecca Saager (curate@ascensionfrankfort.org).
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EVENSONG
for the Ending of a Pastoral Relationship for
The Rev. Cn. Elise Johnstone
scheduled for June 25
You are invited to an Evensong Service for the Ending of a Pastoral Relationship and Leave-taking from our Diocese for The Rev. Cn. Elise B. Johnstone, DMin, and family, to be held at St Michael’s Episcopal Church in Lexington on Friday, June 25, at 6:00 p.m., with light refreshments to follow. The service will also be livestreamed on St. Michael's Facebook Page and on the DioLex Facebook page. Masks will be required of all who attend as there will be singing indoors.
Choir members from congregations around the diocese are welcome to sing for this service. A rehearsal will be held at St. Michael's on Wednesday, June 23, at 7:00 p.m. for those who would like to participate. If you would like to be part of this special Evensong choir, please email St. Michael's Choir Director Ruth Witt at Music@saint-michaels.org, or call the St. Michael's Office at 859-277-7511.
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Monday-Friday, July 19-23, 2021
at Church of the Ascension
Since Reading Camp will be held mostly outside for safety, we are in need of four (4) canopy tents to use for “classrooms” on the front lawn. Please let Deacon Rebecca know if you have one to loan or if you would be willing to cover the cost of one.
Our mission is to promote personal and academic growth and success of struggling and at-risk students through summertime educational opportunities. We are now accepting applications for 3rd-5th grade students in need of FREE reading strategies help this summer, offered through a fun day-camp week of fun activities, games, and learning in downtown Frankfort. Please contact Rebecca Saager or email Frankfortreadingcamp@gmail.com for more information or an application.
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For the foreseeable future, Sunday worship will include both in-person and online worship. If you are comfortable attending live worship at the church, it is held at 9:30 a.m. If you are not yet comfortable attending worship at the church, we invite you to attend live worship through our Facebook page. One of the clergy will lead Morning Prayer on Facebook each Sunday, also at 9:30 a.m., and we will offer pre-recorded full services online as often as is possible/practical.
We are working on getting the technology to broadcast our services live from the sanctuary. We are intentionally taking our time to select the right options at the best price possible. We will update you once we have more information about this.
As we return to physically attending services inside the church, no advance registration is needed. But please remember that the pandemic is slowed, not gone, and not everyone has been vaccinated. If you are unvaccinated or simply uncomfortable going without a mask, please wear a mask to worship. Signing in at the door, temperature checks, and social distancing are still required. Please check in personally with an usher when you arrive before taking a seat in the marked areas.
Nursery services are not currently available. Godly Play classes for youth are expected to return in the fall.
We DO now allow the in-person congregation to sing and to say prayers and responses aloud. Hallelujah!
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ABOUT OFFICE HOURS
Clergy and staff will begin spending more time in the office while continuing some work from home; personal meetings may be requested in advance. Church doors will remain locked if there is only one person in the building. However, full-time coverage is provided for telephone calls and messages via the magic of cell phones, so please call 502-223-0557 whenever you need to reach us!
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Ascension is seeking two paid, part-time nursery attendants to work with a small group of children, ages 0-4, on Sunday mornings, 9:00-11:30 a.m., and occasionally for special events (usually a couple of evening or weekend hours). This position is paid hourly and is part-time with no additional benefits. Must be over 18 and have/arrange reliable transportation.
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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 continuing to support Ascension w
ith your time, treasure, and talents!
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This web site has an abundance of information and resources - check it out!
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Intercessions for the Church: Walnut Hill Church, Lexington - The Rev. Michael Ward, Pastor.
Recently in need of prayers: Allen; Angie; Arnold; Bill; Correll; Darlene; George A.; George S.; Jan & Dale; Kathy; Linda P.; Lynda R.; Marie; Marilyn; Michele and family; Mildred; Noreen; Patricia; Ruth; and the students and staff of Stewart Home School.
Continuing concern: Adrianna; Ann; Barbara; Dan; Debbie; Dillard; Edith; Faye & Steve; Ginni; Jinks; John; Mac; Mary; Melissa; Mike & Susie; Nancy; Polly; and Rena. We also pray for those affected by the COVID pandemic, and for those on active duty in the military: Daniel, Houston, Nick, Seth, Tanner, and Walter.
Thanksgivings: For much-needed rain and for the ability to worship together at the church.
Birthdays: 6/21 - Dave Obradovich; 6/22 - Agnes Parman; 6/23 - Kristi Buffenmyer; 6/24 - Erin Campbell; 6/26 - Jane Bates.
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 periodically), 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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Clergy and Staff
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The Rev. Peter Doddema, Priest
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The Rev. Dr. William G. Brown, Associate Priest Emeritus
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The Rev. Deacon Rebecca A. Saager, Curate
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The Rev. Deacon Susan E. Kurtz, Deacon
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Mr. John B. Martin, Director of Music & Organist
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Ms. Mona Landrum Proctor, Parish & Financial Administrator
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Mr. David Gierlach, Sexton
Copyright © 2021 Church of the Ascension. All Rights Reserved.
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