Volume 10, Issue #20 - May 14, 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.
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During last Sunday's virtual coffee hour with Bishop Mark, the thought was raised that one of our main outreach efforts, the Sunday breakfast, can't be held right now. I'm glad that people mentioned this, as many of us are lamenting this loss. The traditional, hands-on outreach we are used to doing is not currently available. It is one more significant reminder that we are currently living in unstable, uncertain times where things are changing quickly and show little promise of going back to the "old normal" anytime soon.
As the Priest-in-Charge, part of my job is seeing the larger picture of the parish. As I look out over the Church of the Ascension, I see a lot of new and renewed outreach happening. Some of it looks very different from what we are used to seeing, but it is springing forth like a garden in bloom. I certainly encourage you to grieve the losses that you feel during this time, but I also encourage you to join me in looking out at the wider parish and finding new ways to engage in outreach. Here are some options:
1) Call someone.
Pick up the phone and call someone. We are all isolated at this time, and some of us are isolated alone. Take a few minutes to call someone from the church and check in. Just listen and see how they're doing, then take a moment to share what's happening with you.
(Currently we do not share phone numbers from the office - but Mona will be glad to make an initial contact to help you connect so you may exchange numbers personally).
2) Send a card
or personal note. Until I came to Kentucky in 2011, I wasn't much of a card/postcard writer. However, I quickly learned that people respond well to a physical note in their mailbox. This is something that grows more and more rare as our society shifts more toward online, virtual communication. It is a delight to open your mailbox and find a little note. Pick someone at random from the congregation and send them a note.
3) Simon House Needs Volunteers:
As your health and personal situation may allow, please consider helping out at the new shelter at the high school:
"As some of you know, the footprint for Simon House has gotten considerably larger in the past six months. We have added a new community services location on St. Clair Street next to the Singing Bridge. (Our offices are now located there.) And in the past month, we have added a community shelter in the gym at Frankfort High School. Simon House is coordinating this facility, along with other local agencies. So our personnel resources are being stretched. We are in need of volunteers for the shelter at the high school. It has a capacity for 40 individuals; we have been having 30 residents stay there. This facility is staffed 24 hours a day; volunteer shifts can be as short as 2 hours. Please contact Simon House at 502.223.2138 if you are able to assist us as a volunteer. We need your help, and we will be happy to assist you to assist us. Thank you so much. --John Martin,
Board Chair,
and Rachelle Foley,
Executive Director
"
4) Purchase food and supplies
for Simon House, LIFE House, or other charities in our area - especially the
Emergency Food Bank of Franklin County (see current campaign details below).
Though we are physically separated, the needs of many continue. Nicole and I purchased some supplies and food with our weekly Kroger Clicklist order and dropped them off at the new Simon House office, next to the Singing Bridge. It required no physical contact and was a great way to feed/care for those who are vulnerable.
5) Learn about and look for new opportunities
for outreach. Are you a mask maker? Does your elderly neighbor need food, supplies, or medical attention? Sometimes instead of
doing
, helpers can help simply by
connecting
folks who need something with those who can provide it. Also, check out the webinar details below from the Episcopal Church:
Immigration Detention during COVID-19
. Watch local news sources for community needs.
Meanwhile, nourish your own body and spirit. Keep in touch with your church family. Read this newsletter and check out our online worship services, Facebook posts and YouTube channel. See, speak and share with others in a Zoom class or meeting.
These are just a few of the many options open to us. If you have other suggestions or ideas to share, let me know. I am really, really excited by the vitality and Spirit flowing through Ascension. Though our normal activities have been changed, we are learning new ways to "be the Church," and we are full of God's Spirit.
With Joy,
Peter+
cell 502-661-2742
P.S. New! DIRECTORY UPDATE Campaign:
With 2020 being a census year and our current need for increasing communication with each other, this is a great time to focus on creating a
new Church Directory.
We already have an online, in-house tool for storing this data, including the ability to share it both in print and electronically with NO COST to the church or any parishioners. However, much of our data is obsolete or incomplete, and we have never asked permission for sharing. So we're launching a new 'DIRECTORY UPDATE' campaign. We will ask you to respond just as you would to the census, so we will have better information about you and know your preferences. Watch your e-mail inboxes for more information soon!
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Sunday, May 17
Online Worship at 9:30 a.m.
This coming Sunday we will present an online worship service for the Sixth Sunday of Easter (pre-recorded inside the church by Ascension clergy and organist).
While we miss worshiping together in person, we are blessed to have the opportunity to worship together virtually in this age of technology. Please join us!
CLICK HERE to view/download/print the (PDF) bulletin for the service.
The video will be 'stored' with others from Ascension on YouTube. But all you need to do is to watch for the link to be posted on our Facebook Group Page at
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ascensionfrankfort
on Sunday morning, shortly before 9:30 a.m.
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Reminder:
All Ascension videos 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!
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CENTERING PRAYER
meetings are restarting online via ZOOM beginning Saturday, May 16, at 10:00 a.m.,
led by Scott Kimbel. Everyone is invited and welcome, whether you are new or practiced with this technique.
For more information, contact Scott Kimbel,
kskimbel@yahoo.com
You may participate via ZOOM with audio and video using your smartphone, computer or other device - or with a 'plain old phone' for audio only. If you would like to attend, please contact Father Peter (
email
fatherpeter@ascensionfrankfort.org
or call/text 502-661-2742
) for the meeting link and password.
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HEALTHY AT WORK
includes our church building!
It was so good to meet with Bishop Mark for a virtual coffee hour this past Sunday. He talked about the current pandemic and how the Diocese of Lexington is thinking about how to "be the Church" in these unusual times.
Bishop Mark emphasized that we need to think far more about HOW we are the Church in this pandemic, rather than WHEN the church will reopen. Though a few (non-Episcopal) churches are reopening, the majority of churches and church leaders realize how deadly this virus is and are not willing to risk church members' lives by rushing to go back into church buildings.
(Check out his letter sent to you last week, or online at
www.diolex.org
for more about re-opening plans for the Diocese.)
Our church building, like every other church building in the Diocese, remains closed for worship services and group meetings.
However,
our church building is also a
workplace
.
T
here are times even now when someone needs to enter the building to film worship services, do cleaning, maintenance and repairs, ring the tower bell, handle mail and office work, meet contractors, etc. IF this includes you,
enter the building only for your approved purpose, then leave immediately.
Please remember to follow the
Healthy at Work and Healthy at Worship
guidelines set out by our Governor and by the Ky. Council of Churches (including minimum requirements AND places of worship). The particularly relevant parts for now include:
1) Do not enter
the building if you are having fever and/or any symptoms of COVID-19, or if you know you have been directly exposed to someone who has it.
2) Masks MUST be worn
at all times (except when working ALONE). The virus can stay active and spread far in the air and on surfaces. Several of our staff are in high-risk health categories. Please keep everyone in mind and wear a mask if you must enter the building.
3) Sanitize all surfaces.
Hand sanitizer and Clorox wipes are available in various locations around the church: please use them on all door handles, countertops, bathroom surfaces, etc., that you may touch. And wash your hands!
A reminder here that shouldn't need saying, but does: please wash your own dishes! We do not have maid service, and no one is cleaning up 'everything' after breakfast on Sundays. Do not assume that someone else will wash your coffee cup, wine glass, saucer, spoon, etc. Supplies are available at the kitchen sink; wash and dry thoroughly and replace all dishes you have used, before you leave the building.
4) Maintain at least a 6' distance
from all others. If you meet with anyone, please maintain the proper distance between everyone in the group, and keep your mask ON.
Thank you for your prayers and your patience as we navigate these unusual and rapidly-changing times. Fortunately, we serve a God who is all-powerful and who travels with us during these times. God is seeing us through this.
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NEW Book study for June/July:
LIVING JUDAISM
In June and July, Father Peter and Father Bill will team-teach an introductory class on Judaism. Father Bill lived, studied, and worked in Israel. Father Peter studied Judaism and Hebrew at seminary and traveled there in 2017.
The Jewish faith is, of course, the root of our own Christian faith. Jesus and his early disciples were Jewish, and they lived and worked in a Jewish world. Our hope is that by participating in this class, you will gain a deeper understanding of the Bible and fall more deeply in love with Scripture. (Plus, of course, it's going to be a ton of fun to learn together!)
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FOR THE EMERGENCY COMMUNITY FOOD PANTRY
OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
OR
make out your check to "Emergency Community Food Pantry" and mail it directly to the Food Pantry at PO Box 48, Frankfort KY 40602.
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The Emergency Community Food Pantry of Franklin County is
doing a virtual drive to collect monetary donations through their web site and also by mail.
The pandemic has affected the food pantry’s operations; they are experiencing record-breaking numbers of requests.
The drive will last the entire month of May.
Donors may contribute as much or as little as they wish, but to offer perspective, a single donation of $32 feeds a family of two for a week.
The pantry’s goal is to raise $24,000 in the month of May, which would usually be enough to purchase two months of groceries for the pantry.
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CALLING ALL GRADUATES!
Let us know who “our” graduates are this year, whether from high school, college, or other significant program. We are compiling a list, and need your help to let us know if Ascension parishioners or family members are graduating in 2020. Tell us the graduate’s name, school/program/degree, and if desired, plans for future school or work, and name(s) of their parents or connection to Ascension. This has been a very different year for these graduates, because of COVID-19. Help us acknowledge and celebrate their hard work and accomplishments!
Please include a favorite photo of the graduate, if possible.
Email to
info@ascensionfrankfort.org
, or leave a message for the office at 502-223-0557.
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COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, direction from government officials, and leadership from our bishops, there will be no worship services or any group meetings in the church building until further notice.
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
).
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Immigrant Detention
during COVID-19:
Prophetic Action &
Compassionate Response
webinar offered Tuesday, May 19
Join the Office of Government Relations and Episcopal Migration Ministries on Tuesday, May 19, at 4PM ET, for
Immigrant Detention during COVID-19: Prophetic Action & Compassionate Response.
This seventy-five-minute webinar will include clergy and lay leaders from the Dioceses of Georgia, Ohio, and Western Louisiana with professional and ministry background in different models of detention visitation ministry.
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ONLINE WORSHIP @ ASCENSION
- Sundays: Check out Ascension's Facebook page on Sundays at 9:30 a.m. Father Peter will lead Morning Prayer (live from his home) OR there there will be an increasing number of recorded video services (in the church, with clergy and organist). Please log in if you're able and invite others to "attend" as well: we can all use a little prayer and community during this time!
- Father Peter is continuing to lead Sunday morning Bible study (currently the Gospel of Matthew) through ZOOM, starting at 11:00 a.m. Please text or email him (contact info is above) if you want to be added to this group, providing your preferred email address.
- Daily: Father Peter is leading Evening Prayer at 6:30 p.m. on our Facebook page, beginning with any announcements as needed. All are welcome!
- Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays: Deacon Sue is leading Compline at 8:00 p.m. on our Facebook page. Join her and say hello!
FACEBOOK:
Check it out, and comment to let others know you're watching! We also post announcements, articles, and links of interest on this page, so check it often.
ZOOM:
After contacting the group leader to sign up, you will receive a specific email invitation for EACH meeting, containing a link to click from your computer or smart device for voice and video, or alternately, a number to call from any phone for voice only.
VIDEOS:
Videos started in March 2020 with "What is Lent?" and "Explaining Holy Week and Easter Services," followed by recordings of Holy Week services inside the church with Ascension clergy and organist. Additional service videos will be posted here as they are created.
Other videos of topical interest will be presented occasionally. In April, which was Autism Awareness Month, Father Peter interviewed his wife, social worker Nicole Doddema, and parishioner Kristi Buffenmyer, to help develop a better understanding of this topic.
ONLINE RESOURCES
- Free Resources for Our Elderly and Homebound Members from Hometouch Ministry: "Our homebound members have been on our minds through this trying time, including those who live alone or are unable to leave their homes due to the ever increasing shelter at home orders. As a way to try and stay connected, we are providing 4 days worth of devotions and activities to send to the loved ones in your lives. We've also included a template that you may want to send to families in your congregation who would like to color a picture and send a note to those who might feel isolated. You may download these free resources for unrestricted, re-distributable use."
From Church Publishing:
"
Drawn to the Gospels: An Illustrated Lectionary
"
- For each Sunday during Easter, Jay Sidebotham offers a color-able cartoon and text of the gospel for individual reflection, virtual group settings, or at home with your family. These amusing and original reflections will deepen scriptural engagement among members of the Episcopal Church, including youth groups, and will inspire some fun in the process.
From Church Next:
Just Launched — New FREE Course: A Covid-19 Spiritual Survival Kit.
This course is ideal for anyone who wants to learn coping skills as we go through the Covid-19 experience, t
o help people maintain self-care and community care as the epidemic progresses, four instructors have graciously offered their time and knowledge to help people cope.
Find more resources listed on Ascension's web site, here:
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MEETINGS & OFFICE HOURS
Regular office hours remain suspended until further notice; clergy and staff are working (mostly) from home.
Group meetings of three or more people should NOT be held on church grounds until further notice. Investigate using cell phone conferencing, Facebook Live, ZOOM, or other remote meeting options.
If you do enter the building for any authorized purpose, remember the six-foot social distancing rule at all times. Soap and hand sanitizer is readily available throughout the building - use it!
If more than one person is in the building,
ALL are requested to
WEAR A MASK.
Having a key does NOT mean that you are authorized to enter/use the building during this period of mandatory closure. If your group "needs to meet" - CHECK FIRST with Father Peter for authorization or options. Building traffic should be absolutely minimal.
Father Peter, Mona Proctor, and other clergy and staff may sometimes be working from home, or may be in and out of the office occasionally. Our Sexton, David Gierlach, and cleaning person, Anita Rogers, will continue their duties on their own schedules. Other people are asked not to visit the office/church building without prior authorization from Father Peter.
Our clergy team continues to work to stay in touch with our members who are sick or homebound, but in-person visits will be kept to a minimum during this time.
Please note: Our antiquated phone system will not allow us to update the 'outgoing announcement' voicemail messages! We hope to have the problem corrected at some point, but even if the message you hear is outdated, you may still leave a message. We will hear it the next time we are in the building, whenever that may be. If your message needs immediate attention, please contact Father Peter directly
(email
fatherpeter@ascensionfrankfort.org
, or call
502-661-2742
).
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CHILDREN
For families with children, consider having them create a scrapbook or journal about this historic event. Teach them to pray, to look for the helpers, and to express their questions, their fears, and their gratitude.
Send a photo of your project(s) to Father Peter to share on our Facebook page!
OUTREACH
While the church is closed, our tradition of serving breakfast on Sunday morning is also suspended. However, there are still other ways that we can continue our mission of outreach. Monetary donations are always helpful.
Beyond that, rather than focusing on WHEN we can start doing outreach again in the way to which we have become accustomed, give some thought to HOW you (and we, Ascension) might expand or innovate other methods of outreach in this difficult time. Talk to Father Peter or one of the deacons or a vestry member about your ideas.
And don't forget to reach out to each other!
Always in mind is
Simon House
, which we work to support throughout the year. They are in desperate need of household supplies and food items. Here is their current wishlist:
https://www.simonhouseonline.org/Our_Wishlist.htm
Note: During this critical time, donations should go directly to Simon House, NOT to the church.
Always call first to arrange a drop-off: 502-223-2138.
With all three of the city’s homeless shelters at or near capacity, Simon House is also coordinating a
new temporary emergency shelter
that can house up to 40 people - now up running at F.D. Wilkinson Gymnasium at 315 Ewing St.
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FRANKLIN COUNTY COVID-19 RESPONSE FUND
A local COVID-19 relief fund is now live. In partnership with the Blue Grass Community Foundation, “The Franklin County COVID-19 Response Fund, a charitable fund established by the Franklin County Community Fund, will provide critical support to vulnerable populations in Franklin County who are adversely affected by the coronavirus pandemic,” their web site reads. Your donations to this charitable fund will provide grants to nonprofit organizations with strong experience delivering services related to food, healthcare, childcare, transportation and the elderly.
As you are able, please consider supporting this fund to help local non-profits in meeting the immediate need in our community. Following is a link to their web site and a State Journal article with more details.
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MONTHLY RECEIPTS
5/1/20: $1,860
5/8/20: $3,575
We hope that our continuing video-produced and live services are providing you some spiritual fulfillment during these difficult times. Please note the schedule for our continuing services on Facebook and our web site. We commend all clergy, staff, and lay parishioners who are generously giving their time and talents to these digital endeavors.
We know this is a time of uncertainty and difficulty for all of us. As you take care of yourselves now, physically and financially, you will be able to help others later.
If you have lost a job, need money for groceries or housing, or face some other hardship due to the pandemic, please feel free to talk with Father Peter, Deacon Rebecca, or Deacon Sue. They are 'plugged in' to channels for finding assistance that you might not know.
Please note that during this critical time, obligations of your Parish continue. We must continue to pay for payroll, utilities, facility maintenance, insurance, and more. We want to make sure that our doors can reopen when this crisis is eased. Our 2020 budget is already quite lean, and your gifts of time and treasure are crucial to the mission of the Episcopal Church of Ascension, Frankfort, Kentucky.
In recent years we worked and prayed together to meet serious financial challenges. Please continue your pledge payments and make other donations as you are able.
Address any payments sent by U.S. Mail to Church of the Ascension, 311 Washington Street, Frankfort KY 40601. If you are out of envelopes or stamps to send a paper check, we will be glad to mail you a supply. Email info@ascensionfrankfort.org or call 502-223-0557.
You may drop offerings and other paperwork, contained in an envelope, into the locked church mailbox. It is a brass box located on the parish hall porch that is nearest the main church door, mounted on the brick wall to the right of the steps.
If you would like to give "automatically" by authorizing a regular monthly deduction from your bank account, contact the office to get that started.
You may also donate to Ascension online: using a credit card at
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme2/ascensionfrankfort
(You do NOT need a PayPal account to do this - just a credit card. Only PayPal sees your credit card number, not anyone at Ascension. This is considered to be a very safe, secure way to give online.)
If you have questions about the church budget or expenses, talk to any 2020 Vestry member, or to William Legg, Treasurer, or Mike Oder, Assistant Treasurer, or Jim King, Finance Committee Chair.
Please take care of yourselves and shepherd your resources. May God bless us all.
William Legg
Treasurer
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for Summer 2020 has been cancelled due to COVID-19.
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This web site has an abundance of information and resources - check it out!
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May 17, 2020
Daily Office Lectionary
Week of SixEaster, Year Two - BCP 963
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Intercessions for the Church:
The University of the South – Dr. John M. McCardell, Jr.,
Vice-Chancellor,
The Rt. Rev. Robert Skirving,
Chancellor,
The Rt. Rev. J. Neil Alexander,
Dean, School of Theology.
Recently in need of prayers:
Barbara; Bill; Candy & Tony; Daneen; Debbie; Donnie; Edith & Marion; Fran & Doug; Ginni; Gus; Heidi & Ian; Greg; Joe; Jon; Josh;
Lara;
Linda; Madonna; Marie.
Continuing concern:
Betty; Carrie & Shawn; Collin; Dan; Darlene; David; Debbie; Dillard; Doris; the Duncan Family; Erika; Faye & Steve; Gillian; Holly; Isaiah; James & Stella; Janet; Janice; Jean; Jinks; John; Julia; June; 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:
5/13 - Joe Campbell; 5/17 - Andrew Bates.
Recently Deceased:
Tom Back
(father of Joe 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
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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
- 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 © 2020 Church of the Ascension. All Rights Reserved.
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