Volume 10, Issue #9 - February 27, 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.
Episcopal Relief & Development (ERD) celebrates the spiritual lives of children and how they inspire the spiritual lives of adults in the organization’s 2020 Lenten Meditations , now available in both English and Spanish at http://www.episcopalrelief.org/lent . In September 2019, the organization embarked on a three-year fundraising campaign, ONE THOUSAND DAYS OF LOVE, in order to expand its global work with children.

“As we save children, we save ourselves, we save our world,” said the Most Rev. Michael B. Curry, Presiding Bishop and Primate of The Episcopal Church. “This Lent, I invite supporters to join Episcopal Relief & Development in focusing on the spiritual lessons we can learn from the children in our lives and around the world.” Through a partnership with Grow Christians, the 2020 Lenten Meditations focus on the gifts of children in the poignant and joyous recollections and reflections of educators, caregivers, parents and grandparents from around The Episcopal Church.

Ascension's loose offering on Sunday, March 1, will be given to support Episcopal Relief and Development.
From Peter's Pen

The desert: what does that look like? 

In our upcoming Gospel reading (Matthew 4.1 - 11), Jesus journeys out into the "wilderness" (desert) for 40 days of testing and preparation for his ministry.

In 2017, I had the opportunity to walk out in the desert where Jesus spent these 40 days: it is truly a desolate waste. There is nothing there but limestone, dust, the sun, and a few desert animals. No cell service. No people. It is one of the corners of our world where you could truly disappear!
The word "desert" is often used by Christian teachers to talk about places in life where we have to face ourselves. Times in life like illness or going on retreat, where job, family, trips to the grocery store, etc. temporarily disappear and we are left face-to-face with ourselves. Times like that can seem bleak, almost like the desert into which Jesus traveled. 

But, as Jesus shows us, once we settle into our "desert," these can be incredibly productive and life-giving experiences. Jesus came out of his desert strengthened and able to heal, preach, and raise people from the dead. For myself, times in the desert have been some of the most helpful and renewing in my life. 

During this season of Lent, I encourage you to spend a little time in the desert. Get up a little earlier, spend 15 minutes with God: just praying and listening to God's voice. In that time, see what God brings to your attention. Is God pointing out attitudes that need to change? Relationships that need repairing (or relationships that need to be let go)? 

Each of us has our own desert space. It is a place free of distractions and a place where God's voice can be heard with unusual clarity.  

With Joy,
Peter+
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.

For this Sunday (March 1), please read Mark, Chapter 12. Bring your questions and insights, and join us for this wonderful discussion!
We have had a few recent instances of finding the front hallway double doors or the parish hall door by the mailbox left unlocked overnight. Please be sure someone double-checks whenever your group is leaving the building:

1.     OUTSIDE, on the “hallway/office porch,” turn the handle of the left door and pull hard, to ensure that the door cannot be opened from the outside. (This door can always be opened from inside with the push bar, so you must check it from outside.)

2.     INSIDE the hallway, first pull the left door very firmly closed before turning the manual lock lever, then push hard on the push bar to make sure the door will not open. Be careful – the lock will not engage if the door is not tightly closed.

3.     ALWAYS check to ensure that the kitchen door, both external doors in the parish hall, and of course the front doors in the main church, are firmly locked. (When the front doors in the main church are unlocked, each table lamp nearby should be turned ON. When each door is locked, the nearby table lamp should be turned OFF.)

4.     If any external door has been left unlocked/unmonitored for any length of time during an activity, you must do a complete security check of the building before leaving.
LENTEN PRAYER
EVENING PRAYER
Offered every Thursday during Lent
February 27 through April 2
5:00-5:30 p.m.
led by Ascension’s Benedictine Cell

Fasting and giving money or resources to those in need are often familiar parts of Lenten discipline. In other words, Lent involves doing something extra as a response to God’s love. And yes, giving to those in need is a great place to start. Also, Lent is a great time to begin or renew a daily prayer practice.

Like the Lenten fast, this “something extra” works best when it is a meaningful, but not overwhelming, commitment. God can use a small commitment in big ways. Mighty oak trees grow from acorns, so let your Lenten commitments be small.

You are invited to make a small Lenten commitment to join with others on Thursday evenings during Lent for a brief period of prayer and quiet contemplation. Church doors will open at 4:45 p.m. Join in every week, or drop in when you can. All are welcome!

LENTEN SONG
CHORAL EVENSONG
AT ST. JOHN'S
210 N. Main Street, Versailles, KY 40383
 
March 1, 5:00 p.m.
Join Organist/Choir Master Owen Sammons and the St. John’s choir for Evensong on the first Sunday of Lent. An offering will be taken to support their organ fund. All are welcome!
LENTEN BOOK STUDY
BEYOND BELIEF:
The Secret Gospel of Thomas

Wednesdays - March 4, 11, 18, 25 & April 1
5:30 p.m. in the parish library

Todd Elliott, Study Leader

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.” Books are available online or may be found in local 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.

Also, two handouts are suggested for additional reading: one is Plato’s Metaphors ( https://www.crystalinks.com/platometaphors.html ). Print copies of both handouts are available in the church (front table). 
Hold the Date!
ST. GEORGE'S DAY WEEKEND
at Cathedral Domain

Saturday, April 25

Bring your friends and family to St George’s Day weekend at the Cathedral Domain to connect with new and old friends throughout the Diocese. You may choose to participate in many organized activities throughout the weekend, which in the past have included: hikes, Bible studies, music, a talent show, frisbee golf, and more! On Saturday, celebrate the beauty of the mountain and all of God's Creation through worship and song during the Holy Eucharist. Overnight accommodations are available for all or part of the weekend. Online registration is available at https://www.cathedraldomain.org/stgeorgesdayweekend
We are now enrolling for a new EfM class
to begin at Ascension in March-April 2020. 

If you are interested, please contact the Ascension office to obtain an enrollment package (email  info@ascensionfrankfort.org  or call 502-223-0557).

The annual enrollment fee is $375.00. There are limited partial scholarships available for those who need assistance.  

Education for Ministry (EfM) is a unique four-year distance learning certificate program in theological education based upon small-group study and practice. The program was developed by, and is offered through, the  School of Theology, University of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee.  

EfM helps the faithful encounter the breadth and depth of the Christian tradition and bring it into conversation with their experiences of the world as they study, worship, and engage in theological reflection together. Since its founding in 1975, this international program has assisted more than 80,000 participants in discovering and nurturing their call to Christian service.

Every baptized person is called to ministry. EfM provides people with the education to carry out that ministry. Lay persons face the difficult and often subtle task of interpreting the richness of the church's faith in a complex and confusing world. They need a theological education which supports their faith and also teaches them to express that faith in day-to-day events. As the emphasis on lay ministry has grown, EfM has come to play an important role by providing a program that develops an informed and knowledgeable laity.

EfM provides college level study spread over four years. The first-year participants study the Hebrew scriptures, to include how, when, where and why those books were written, edited and preserved. Second-year students focus on very similar questions concerning Jesus and the canonical books of the New Testament. Third-year students read and consider Christian history and tradition over the last 3,000 years. Fourth-year students engage the world of theology and ethics.

While the study of canonical Christian scriptures, Church history and tradition and theology is challenging, by far the most dynamic part of EfM is the development for each participant in the skill of Theological Reflection (TR). With almost forty years of experience, EfM, through the systems developed in the program and through Sewanee’s School of Theology, has provided a powerful tool for individual insight.
SAVE THE DATE: June 22-26, 2020

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.
MONTHLY RECEIPTS
2/2: $4,224
2/9: $3,833
2/16: $7,353
2/23: $2,355
THE BROTHERHOOD OF ST. ANDREW will meet next on February 29, 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: March 1 - April 26 as of 2/27/2020
March 1, 2020
Daily Office Lectionary
Week of 1 Lent, Year Two - BCP 953
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: Steven Pankey
10:30 a.m. - Rite II   
  • Chalice Bearer & Lector: Laura Buffenmyer
  • Acolytes:  
  • C: Jordan Masters
  • T: Ian Pinkerton, Sam Agne
  • Jubilee Streamers as available
  • Ushers: Todd & Miller Elliott
  • Altar Guild: T4 -  Rick & Sue Kurtz, Jim & Debbie Kimbrough, Jim King
  • Men's Club: T4: Rick & Rob Kurtz, Cynthia Campbell
COUNTERS:   TWO needed

VESTRY LOCKUP DUTY
& Coffee Hour Coordinator this week: JULIA TYSON
  • 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: Theological Sunday – Seminarians, Postulants and Candidates of the Diocese of Lexington.

Recently in need of prayers: Barbara; Bill; Bob & Angela; Candy & Tony; Daneen; Donnie; Edith & Marion; Gus; 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: 3/2 – Ryan Peavler; 3/4 – Nancy Caudill, George Robertson; 3/5 – Maggie Wunderlich; 3/6 – David Rossman; 3/7 – Rick Kurtz, Miller Elliott.    

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.
John B. Martin, Organist

10:30
  • Voluntary: Orgelkozert nach Vivaldi: Largo - Johann Sebastian Bach
  • The Great Litany: BCP 148
  • Gradual Psalm: Psalm 32
  • Gospel Acclamation
  • Offertory: Create in me a clean heart, O God (Psalm 51:10-12) - Healey Willan
  • Sanctus: S 122 - Holy, holy, holy
  • Fraction Anthem: S 160
  • Communion Hymn: Hymnal 441 - In the cross of Christ I glory - Rathbun 
  • Hymn in Procession: Hymnal 142 - Lord, who throughout these forty days - St. Flavian
There will be no postlude during Lent.
 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



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