Volume 10, Issue #40
October 1, 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

At this time of year, "church" is normally in full swing! We would have classes for children, youth, and adults; daily in-person worship in the sanctuary or the chapel, meetings in the building throughout the week, and in general a constant "hum" of activity across the parish.

(then, along came COVID-19...)

So we are now in "full swing" again - it just looks a lot different than in previous years. 

WORSHIP: We have daily worship online - live and recorded on Facebook, and posted to YouTube. And of course, this Sunday will be our first in-person worship since March! (details below) Check our web page and Facebook Group for links to Morning and Evening Prayer, Compline, and Holy Eucharist services.

CLASSES: We currently have four classes in process or starting soon - all free and online:

1) Weekly Bible study: We are about to finish reading the Gospel of Luke, and will be starting the Gospel of John in a few weeks. Everyone, at all levels of learning, is welcome and encouraged to attend. Your perspective matters!

2) Book study - Jesus' parables from a Jewish perspective: we have just begun studying "Short Stories by Jesus," a book by Jewish scholar Dr. Amy-Jill Levine, that helps us see Jesus' parables as his original listeners may have heard them. Again, everyone, at all levels of learning, is welcome and encouraged to attend. Each of us has a unique life and life story, and we all hear these stories in different ways. By studying together and respectfully listening and sharing, we increase everyone's understanding of Scripture.

3) Study and discussion group - "Walk in Love" - This study provides an introduction to the Episcopal Church and is offered through our Diocese. Next week will begin the third week of this study, which brings people from many of the 34 congregations in our Diocese together for learning and discussion. The discussions that I have been in included people who were just exploring the Episcopal Church for the first time, folks who have been lifelong Episcopalians, and everyone in between. A great learning opportunity!

4) New Class: "Sharing Stories that Shape Us" - Building on the "Short Stories by Jesus" class, this online program is offered through Christ Church, Cranbrook (details below). It brings Dr. Amy-Jill Levine together with a Rabbi and an Episcopal Priest/ Professor for a series of classes on Scripture interpretation. This is a great and unique opportunity to listen and learn from Christian and Jewish experts and to grow your own understanding of our common Scripture.

GROUPS IN PERSON: We are still working on this. Though the church building is still closed to groups, we are working on reopening it to small (10 people or less) groups. Please stay tuned for more info.

Keeping you and your family in thoughts and prayer. Please let me or the other clergy know if you need prayer: you are loved; you are not alone.

With Joy,
Peter+

Cell: 502-661-2742
Reminder: All Ascension videos - and several organ and piano performances by John Martin - are now available on our FREE "YouTube Channel." You may subscribe, get notifications, view playlists... click here for more information... or go directly to the Ascension YouTube Channel Page. This means you can conveniently find all Ascension videos all in one place, without having to scroll and sift through all of our other Facebook group postings. Kudos to Taylor Lunsford for creating and managing our videos!
St. Francis Day on the Lawn:
Morning Prayer &
Blessing of the Animals

Sunday, October 4 - 9:30 a.m.

Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Proper 22 - BCP 987

In person at Ascension, with COVID Precautions

Also online at 10:00 a.m. via Facebook Live/recorded - watch for the link at https://www.facebook.com/groups/ascensionfrankfort
Ascension invites you - and your pet(s)! - to attend church in person at Ascension on Sunday, October 4 - St. Francis Day. The entire service will be held outdoors in the cloister garden or front lawn areas, in groups of no more than 10 - the Blessing of the Animals will be followed by Morning Prayer. A special blessing will be added for people who have lost pets this year. All God's creatures are welcome, but please keep them leashed or caged for safety.

This is our first in-person gathering since the COVID-19 pandemic forced us to shut down in March. Baby steps. To simplify and shorten this first meeting, the Holy Eucharist will not be offered. There will be no singing, but John Martin will provide music. The presence of our beloved animals will help make this 'first day back' very special!

In case of rain, the in-person St. Francis service will be re-scheduled to the following Sunday, October 11. Any official "rain delay" announcement on October 4 will be posted on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/ascensionfrankfort

We understand that the virus is ongoing, and some of you may not be ready to return to church in person. We will continue to offer worship services online for those who choose to stay home. (We hope to offer in-person services at least twice monthly to start - right now, only in groups of no more than 10, but in larger numbers when our re-opening plan is finalized and approved by the diocese.)

Those who choose to attend in person will be asked to follow a number of specific instructions. If you do not feel able to comply with these instructions (e.g., wearing a mask is problematic), then please choose to join us for online worship instead, to ensure best protection of your health. When we physically come together, we need to display the utmost care and respect for each other by observing all precautions.

ATTENDANCE INSTRUCTIONS

(1) Register in advance (see below). We are limited to small groups; if you do not register, we may not have a spot for you. If your plans change, please call to let us know. Thank you!

(2) Wear a face mask and maintain social distancing at all times. Children are welcome and encouraged, but they must be masked (except infants) and stay with their family group at all times.

(3) When you arrive, locate an usher immediately. The usher will take your temperature (no-touch), write down your name and phone number, and provide instructions for entry, seating, and exit. If there is a line, please wait; do not bypass the ushers, even if you are 'pre-registered.' You must register with an usher at the time of the service and pass a touchless temperature check before being allowed admittance. If your temperature is elevated, you will be asked to leave the grounds immediately.

(4) BYOC - Bring your own chair and water as may be needed for yourself or your animal(s). Maybe also an extra sweater or lap blanket. Ushers will guide you to seating with social distancing between families or 'quarantine pods.'

The service will start promptly at 9:30 a.m. will last about 30-45 minutes. (The Blessing of the Animals will be first, followed by Morning Prayer.) The church building will NOT be opened before, during or after, so please plan accordingly. If attendance warrants, we will organize multiple groups with different clergy in distant areas of the grounds. If you show up without registering in advance, we may not have space available for you to join a group.

REGISTRATION: We need to know how many people to expect, for planning purposes. For your convenience, different ways to register are offered - please provide your full name, phone number, and the number in your party:

  • CALL Mona Proctor on the church number (502-223-0557) any time. Your call will automatically forward to her cell phone if she is not in the office; she will try to answer calls personally, but if you reach a recording, please do leave a message. OR

  • EMAIL Mona at info@ascensionfrankfort.org. OR

You will receive confirmation by phone or email by the end of the next business day.
Thank You!
Wednesday, Oct 14 - Wednesday, Nov 18 (7:00 pm - 8:30 pm)
Every week on Wednesday, online
hosted by Christ Church Cranbrook in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan


Both parables and midrash provide us with powerful insights into our life with God by giving us images of holy living that are often paradoxical and layered with meaning. In the process, they provide us with a window through which to view our own complex, contradictory, and sometimes chaotic lives. We are joined by Vanderbilt University Professor Amy-Jill Levine, who will unpack three parables from the Gospel of Luke that hold particular insight into the ways that Christians and Jews view sacred stories. Join us from the comfort of your own home!
On Saturday, September 26, Scouts and leaders from Cub Pack 269 honored the late Geoff Pinkerton by planting a memorial tree on the front lawn at Ascension. This was Ian’s Cub Scout troop where Geoff served as den leader before his illness. Friends, family, and Scouts from our local Troops and Crews participated in the service. This dogwood tree will honor Geoff for years to come.
COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Father Peter and the Vestry are working with our diocesan leaders to plan for re-opening safely when the time is right.

Regular office hours remain suspended until further notice; clergy and staff are working (mostly) from home. Access to the building is limited and "Healthy at Work" guidelines apply to everyone who enters the building.

If you have questions, concerns, ideas or suggestions to share, or if you have needs that your church family might help to meet, please contact Father Peter to discuss (email fatherpeter@ascensionfrankfort.org, or call 502-661-2742). You may also email Deacon Rebecca Saager (curate@ascensionfrankfort.org) or Deacon Sue Kurtz (deacon@ascensionfrankfort.org).

includes our church building!
MONTHLY RECEIPTS

9/4/2020: $1,790

9/9/2020: $167 from
(Kroger Community Rewards, 32 households, May 28-Aug 26, 2020)

9/11/2020: $4,591
9/15/2020: $3,097
9/18/2020: $2,374
9/25/2020: $2,665
9/30/2020: $827

Total Income for Month of September (rounded): $15,511

The vestry, clergy, staff, and officers of the Church of the Ascension, Frankfort, Kentucky, are thankful for all the gracious gifts given during these tumultuous times. Please think of us as we work to minimize expenses and strive to continue the ministry of our parish. Click here to see a letter from our Treasurer regarding the pandemic:
THE BROTHERHOOD OF ST. ANDREW meetings are currently suspended. (Normally meets every other Saturday, in the parish library at 10:00 a.m.) Contact William Legg (wleggwork@msn.com) for details.
THE DAUGHTERS OF THE KING are meeting online via ZOOM. (Normally meets on the FIRST Sunday of each month, in the parish library after the 10:30 service.) Contact Judith Spencer for details (jspencer254@yahoo.com)
Find the Diocese of Lexington online at www.diolex.org
This web site has an abundance of information and resources - check it out!
Intercessions for the Church: St. Mark’s Church, Hazard.

Recently in need of prayers: Adrianna; Barbara; Bill; Bob; Bobbie Lee; Candy; Correll; Daneen; Debbie; Donnie; Fran & Doug; Gaye; Ginni; Heidi & Ian; Greg; Joe; Jon; Josh; Julia; Kay; Linda; Lynda; Madonna; Marilyn; Sandy; Scott & Kathy; Sidney, Suzanne, Tod, Blair & Grant; Will.

Continuing concern: Betty; Carrie & Shawn; Collin; Dan; Darlene; David; Debbie; Dillard; Doris; the Duncan Family; Edith & Marion; Erika; Faye & Steve; Gillian; Holly; Isaiah; James & Stella; Janet; Janice; Jean; Jinks; John & Willie; June; Linda; Mac; Mae & Frank; Mary; Melissa; Mike & Susie; Polly; Sherri; and Tom. We also pray for those on active duty in the military: Daniel, Houston, Mary Jo, Nick, Seth, Tanner, and Walter.

Birthdays: 10/4 - Jan Stevens; 10/6 - Nicole Doddema; 10/8 - Mac Elliott.

Anniversaries: 10/8 - Joe & Cynthia Campbell.

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
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.

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
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



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