Volume 10, Issue #48
December 3 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
For the next few weeks, I will let our sanctuary tell the story of this Advent season, through the lens of Craig Aossey's wonderful photograhic art. This is a time of preparation for Christmas: a space to catch our breath.
We look forward to Christ's coming into the world both as the babe in the manger and as the righteous judge returning at the end of time to finish healing and renewing creation. The kneeling angel (with a fleur de lis on its chest, symbol of the Virgin Mary) calls us to pause and anticipate the coming of the King of Kings. The images of Mary and of the Holy Family, though properly a part of the Christmas and Epiphany Seasons, give us a foretaste of the holy moments that will unfold in the weeks ahead.
I encourage you to browse through these as well and download images that speak to you, to deepen your own experience of these holy seasons.
Blessings,
Peter+
Cell: 502-661-2742
|
|
“Surely it is God who saves me; I will trust in him and not be afraid.”
Isaiah 12:2
|
|
Commitment Sunday
for the Stewardship Campaign
2021 Pledges Due this Sunday,
December 6
As of press time for this newsletter, only a few 2021 pledges have been received in the office.
Your stewardship pledges are needed now to enable the Treasurer, Finance Committee, and Vestry to plan a realistic operating budget for 2021 in time for vestry and parish meetings in January. With highly effective COVID vaccines now on the horizon, we hope that we will soon be returning to in-person worship, in addition to continuing online services and meetings. Ascension needs and appreciates your continuing financial support to handle ongoing bills, salaries and expenses to care for our historic building and carry out our mission and ministry.
With the timing of Commitment Sunday coming right on the heels of Thanksgiving as we enter Advent and plan for Christmas, we understand that sending in your pledge may have fallen down a bit on your priority list. Please take a moment now to mail in your 2021 Pledge Forms - or send details of your pledge to Mona in the office.
Your current pledge expires on 12/31/20;
it does NOT carry forward into 2021.
If you have any questions, please call the office at 502-223-0557.
Thank you!
|
|
Advent 2
Sunday, December 6
9:30 a.m.
Morning Prayer
with Father Peter Doddema
https://www.facebook.com/
groups/ascensionfrankfort
BCP 936
|
|
The second Sunday in Advent encourages us to turn toward God: to listen, follow, & experience God's comfort. It includes the iconic reading from Isaiah 41.1 - 11 (made famous by G.F. Handel's "Messiah"): "Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God."
This Sunday draws on the ancient Hebrew prophetic writings, emphasizing that when we set aside a self-indulgent focus, we discover that God is with us. That God has been with us all along, desiring to heal our hurts and renew us with his life-giving Spirit.
|
|
This year our in-person, inside-the-church services have been curtailed by the COVID-19 pandemic since March. We had hopes of offering in-person holiday worship services inside the church, but the pandemic surge dictates that December services are planned to be online only – and whenever possible, recorded inside the church with liturgies, readings, and music of the season. When the pandemic numbers abate and we can safely add live, in-person services, in December or after, we will immediately post the news online.
|
|
Ascension's own Laura Buffenmyer will offer Godly Play sessions online, posted on Facebook at 7:00 p.m., every Sunday in Advent (November 29, December 6, 13, and 20).
|
|
In this year of the pandemic and virtual/online services, our custom of donating poinsettias to decorate the church for the season is unfortunately not necessary. We will use only a few real flowers for show in recorded services. However, you are invited to remember and honor to your loved ones by dedicating a ‘virtual’ poinsettia. There will be no real flower to pick up after the season, but the dedications will be shared with the parish on a list published at Christmas-time. |
|
Names for publication must be received by noon on December 16, 2020.
|
|
In past years Ascension has sponsored Christmas treats and festivities for the resident children and families of Simon House with Angel Tree gifts and a festive dinner party. This year, because of the COVID pandemic restrictions, we are not able to set up a tree with paper angels to guide your shopping, or to plan an in-person group Christmas party. Especially in this season of extra anxiety and disruption because of the pandemic, we still want to help make the holidays a little brighter for these families.
Many of you have responded very generously to this project in the past. We are asking you to do so again, and we offer two “socially distant” ways for you to participate:
1. Make a cash contribution to this Angel Project. Deacon Rebecca and Simon House administrators will purchase modest gifts online and arrange for their safe delivery. In addition to the gifts and instead of a group party, we plan to provide each family with the basics for a festive holiday meal in their own home (lasagna, salad, bread).
100% of your contribution will go directly to Simon House residents – or, after being divided, any remainder will be donated directly to Simon House for other needs.
To help support Ascension’s 2020 Angel Project for Simon House, please make your check payable to Church of the Ascension, write “Simon House” or “Angel” in the memo area, and mail it to Ascension at 311 Washington Street, Frankfort KY 40601.
Your contribution must be received no later than Thursday, December 10, to allow time for online shopping and delivery of items.
2. If you also or instead want to do some personal ‘angel shopping,’ you are most welcome to do so! Simon House administrators are suggesting mostly much-needed clothing for gifts this year. Please contact Deacon Rebecca personally to coordinate specifics. (Call 502-316-8899 or email curate@ascensionfrankfort.org).
|
|
Did you receive your Ascension gift bags
for Advent and Christmas?
If not, please call Deacon Rebecca at 502- 316-8899.
Know that you are remembered in prayer.
A ‘Friends and Families of Ascension’ DIRECTORY was distributed with the Advent/Christmas gift bags. If you are NOT included in the directory, it means we did not receive permission from you to share your name and/or contact information. We tried to reach everyone with this request but some did not respond. So this booklet is essentially a 'first draft.'
Consequently, quite a few people are realizing they were not included in this booklet. We actually do have private details on file in the office for many who are not listed in this ‘first draft’ public directory. But we must have your permission to share your name and details with the congregation (you may specify which details are to remain private).
This new directory is becoming our guide to people who are currently active in the congregation - to use for sending U.S. Mail and email, publicly listing birthdays and anniversaries, broadcasting announcements, and more. So please do reply, even if you prefer that your contact details remain private.
We plan to issue an updated directory in the spring or summer of 2021. We hope that many people who are ‘missing but active’ now will be included then – but only if permission is provided.
Here is a printable form ( or you may email or call the office to request one be mailed to you). We need this form with your signature (or an email from you stating such permission) for inclusion in the next directory update, expected in spring or summer 2021.
Photographs are optional. You may send a digital photo if you have one, or send a printed photo to be scanned. Maybe someday when we are meeting in person again, we might find a volunteer photographer to take photos...?
|
|
COVID-19 PANDEMIC
UPDATE 11/19/20
As the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, Franklin County has entered a 'red' danger zone. Access to the church building is once again strictly limited to those with specific permission; all services and meetings, including small groups, are discontinued for now. We expect this situation to continue through December as we continue to pray for the victims, their families and loved ones, and each other. Ascension's tower bell rings daily at 10:00 a.m. in memory of COVID victims.
Regular office hours remain suspended until further notice; clergy and staff continue to work (mostly) from home. If you have questions, concerns, ideas or suggestions to share, or if you have needs that your church family might help to meet, you may call the church office at 502-223-0557, or contact Father Peter directly (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
11/6/2020: $5,495
11/13/2020: $2,050
11/15/2020: $3,097
11/20/2020: $1,205
11/25/2020: $562
11/27/2020: $1,815
Total for November: $14,224
Thank you for your continuing support. We are working to minimize expenses but still need to pay for upkeep, maintenance, insurance, payroll, etc. Click here to see a letter from our Treasurer regarding the pandemic:
|
|
This web site has an abundance of information and resources - check it out!
|
|
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: Adrianna; Bill; Correll; Debbie; Donnie; Faye & Steve; Joe; Josh; Julia; Kay; Linda; Lynda; Marilyn; Marilyn; Mildred; Rob; Scott & Kathy, and Shannon.
Continuing concern: Barbara; Betty; Bobbie Lee; Collin; Dan; Darlene; David; Debbie; Dillard; the Duncan Family; Edith & Marion; Erika; Fran & Doug; Gillian; Ginni; Holly; Isaiah; James & Stella; Jean; Jinks; June; Mac; Mae & Frank; Mary; Melissa; Mike & Susie; and Polly. We also pray for those affected by the COVID pandemic, and for those on active duty in the military: Daniel, Houston, Mary Jo, Nick, Seth, Tanner, and Walter.
Thanksgivings: for birthdays & anniversaries; for the first snowfall of the season; for all who work to make our parish a true community; and for recovery for those who have been ill or hospitalized.
Birthdays: 12/9 - Ava Marie Allison, Jessee Neat, Sally Prince; 12/11 - Matt Miller; 12/12 - Nancy Royden.
Anniversaries: 12/12 - Frances & Doug Bradshaw; 12/16 - Jessee & Jenny Neat.
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
