Volume 9, Issue #47 - December 4, 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.

GEOFF PINKERTON April 20, 1966 - November 19, 2019 Celebration of Life at Church of the Ascension Sunday, December 8, 2019 Service at 3:00 p.m. Reception following in the parish hall.

Join in the Compassionate Friends Worldwide Candle Lighting Service on Sunday, December 8, at 6:30 p.m., at First Baptist Church on St. Clair Street (park and enter from the back, to the social hall). The Frankfort Compassionate Friends chapter is one of over 700 groups that offers support for grieving parents, grandparents & siblings. No matter the age or circumstances of a child's death, we are here to help you along the road. We have meetings on the first Thursday and third Monday each month. For more information see Debbie Kimbrough or call 502-695-7039.

From Peter's Pen by The Rev. Peter Doddema Over the Advent Season we are featuring a series of articles about personal spiritual practices. The idea is to expose you to new ideas and new ways to connect with God.  Last week, Cynthia Campbell talked about her years of experience using essential oils in both her work and in her personal life. I was not really aware of this spiritual practice until about two years ago, when a parishioner suggested that we begin using essential oil at our Wednesday service. I was amazed at how my worship experience deepened simply by adding a healthy, delightful scent or smell to the worship.  The Wednesday service at my former parish was focused around healing, so at a certain point in the service, we gathered together and used holy oil to anoint and pray over those who requested it. My friend added a small amount of essential oil to several vials of holy oil. The aroma when we used those oils made the process of prayer, anointing, and healing invocation that much more beautiful and holy. What an experience! This week I am writing to highlight the practice of daily Morning Prayer. We offer this service at Ascension, six days a week (Monday-Saturday at 9.15 am). The service takes about 25 minutes and is built around the daily prayer done in monasteries. The service originally came about in the mid-1500's, in the middle of the Protestant Reformation. As England began the process of rethinking and reforming its worship, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Cranmer, developed two prayer services based on the daily prayer services happening in monasteries all around England. This service has continued in use to the present day and while it has undergone some modification, it is largely the same service used nearly 500 years ago. So, why suggest  trying out a 500-year-old prayer service? How could something designed for worship in a rural, largely illiterate, Renaissance setting have anything to do with our 21st century lives?  The answer is that this way of worshiping is timeless. There is something deeply moving and otherworldly about gathering together in the quiet of our holy sanctuary with a small group of people, taking a few deep breaths, and joining together in saying prayers that have sustained and nourished our tradition for centuries. There is something deeply affective about hearing Scripture read in that unique setting. So, I encourage you to join us for Morning Prayer during Advent. If you are unable to join us (and many of us work, are raising families, or simply live far away), you can read through this service yourself in your Prayer Book. The Rite 1 (traditional language) service is on pages 37-60. The Rite 2 (contemporary language) service is on pages 75-102. With Joy, Peter+

This Sunday, December 8, marks the Second Sunday of Advent. The second candle is lit on this day along with the first candle. It is the Bethlehem candle, reminding that Jesus was born in Bethlehem. The theme of readings and teachings during Advent is often to prepare for the Second Coming while commemorating the First Coming of Christ at Christmas.

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. ALL TEENS age 15 and up are invited to meet in the parish hall on Saturday, November 23, at 5:00 p.m., to kick off the holiday season by organizing the Angel cards (gift requests) and decorating the Angel Tree. All are welcome to join the fun, and bring a friend! ALL PARISHIONERS are invited to ‘be an Angel’ by December 11. Take an Angel tag from the tree and purchase the item listed for a Simon House child. You may take and shop for as many Angel cards as you wish! Please wrap the gift(s), attach the Angel firmly to the outside of the package, and return it to the Angel Tree NO LATER THAN Wednesday, December 11. Cash donations are needed by December 19 to cover the cost of the holiday meal and any last-minute angel shopping. To donate, please make your check payable to ‘Church of the Ascension’ and write ‘Angel Tree’ in the Memo.) Place your check in the Sunday offering or bring it to the office no later than Thursday, December 19. 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.

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.

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.

CHOIR REHEARSALS Every Sunday Meet at 9:30 a.m. in the downstairs choir room. More singers are needed – come join us!

Sunday School / Christian Formation Classes with Godly Play Every Sunday led by Laura Buffenmyer. All school-age youth are invited; gather in the parish hall at 9:15 a.m.

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.

DECEMBER RECEIPTS 12/1: $3,896

With the close of 2019, each of us are faced with decisions concerning our charitable giving. You are likely to receive many year-end pleas for donations. Why do organizations bombard you with requests at the end of the year? The answer is simple. Because it works, or at least the statistics say it does. Nearly one-third of annual giving occurs in December. At Ascension, December is the month when we receive the highest total donations, by far. This surge is critical toward meeting our budget goals and covering all expenses for the year. Your year-end contributions really do make a difference. Why do people give at year end? Is it because they have an altruistic feeling with the spirit of the holidays and want to give back? Is it for a year-end tax deduction? Is it for some other reason? Whatever your motivation, we are grateful. Remember that no donation is too small, and Ascension is a very good steward of your generosity. If you are age 70 or over, have you considered making a tax-free gift from your IRA to avoid any mandatory distribution requirements? Making a stock transfer is easy to arrange: just contact Mona in the parish office (call 502-223-0557 or email info@ ascensionfrankfort.org 2019 PLEDGES: Watch your email in mid-December for a “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. As of December 31, any 2019 unpaid pledge ‘remainders’ will be reset to zero, and new 2020 pledges begin on January 1. All payments received in 2020 will apply to your 2020 pledge or to ‘regular giving’ for 2020, not to your 2019 pledge. 2019 TAX STATEMENTS: 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. You will receive an itemized paper statement in January listing all of your 2019 giving. (Note: this is not the same as your email “pledge progress statement” that lists only pledge payments.) Thank you again for your continuing support!

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.

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, January 5 (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: December 1 - January 26 as of 11/27/19 * Click here to view schedule

December 8, 2019 Daily Office Lectionary Second Sunday of Advent Week of 2 Advent, Year Two – BCP 937  Click here for 2 Advent READINGS 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: Scott Mello Lector & PoP: Michal Smith-Mello Acolyte: Stuart Brown 10:30 a.m. - Rite II    Chalice Bearer & Lector: Laura Buffenmyer Acolytes:   C: Jordan Masters T: Julia Tyson & Craig Aossey Jubilee Streamers as available Ushers: Jim King & Joyce Taylor Altar Guild: T2 - Rose Gayle Hardy, Agnes Parman, Ruth Feindel Men's Club: T3 - Roy Upshaw, Jack Bates, Fred Kirchhoff COUNTERS:   TWO needed Scheduling contact is William Legg, wleggwork@msn.com VESTRY LOCKUP DUTY & Coffee Hour Coordinator this week: Rose Gayle Hardy 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: St. Paul’s Church, Newport – The Rev. S. Matthew Young, Rector, The Rev. Dcn. Tom Runge, The Rev. Anisa Willis, Assistant Rector. Recently in need of prayers: Adriane; Bill; Bob & Angela; Candy & Tony; Dan; Daneen; David; Debbie; Don; the Duncan Family; Faye & Steve; Fred; Heidi & Ian; Greg; Janice; John; Josh; June; Lara; Shawn; Shelley & Cody. Continuing concern: Betty; Collin; Darlene; David; Dillard; Doris; Holly; Isaiah; James & Stella; Janet; Jean; Jim & Debbie; Jinks; John; Julia; Lee; Mac; Marilyn; Mary; Melissa; Natalie; Polly; Rebecca; 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: 12/9 – Sally Prince; 12/11 – Matt Miller; 12/12 – Nancy Royden; 12/13 – Laura Buffenmyer. Recently Departed: William Spencer (friend of Father Peter). 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.

10:30 AM RITE II - John B. Martin, Organist Prelude: Oh, come, Emmanuel - Wilbur Held Hymn in Procession: Hymnal 56 - O come, O come, Emmanuel, v. 1-3 - Veni, veni, Emmanuel Kyrie: S 98 Gospel Acclamation: S 49 Offertory: Hymnal 56 - O come, O come, Emmanuel, v. 4-6 - Veni, veni, Emmanuel   Sanctus: S 124 - Holy, holy, holy Agnus Dei: S 161 - Lamb of God Communion Meditation: Come now, Saviour of the heathen - Marcel Dupré Hymn in Procession: Hymnal 56 - O come, O come, Emmanuel, v. 7-8 - Veni, veni, Emmanuel There will not be a Postlude during Advent.   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 2019 Vestry and Officers Email: info@ascensionfrankfort.org     Web: www.ascensionfrankfort.org Copyright © 2019 Church of the Ascension. All Rights Reserved.

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