Volume 11, Issue #33
August 19, 2021
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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FROM PETER'S PEN
This past Sunday, we had our first instructed Eucharist in some time. I took the sermon time to talk through the big picture of our way of worship (a.k.a., liturgy), which is unique from what a lot of churches do. Since our way of worshiping and praying uniquely shapes our way of believing and patterning our lives, it is good to really know why we worship the way that we do. 🙂
I also talked about the creeds: the Apostles' Creed (which we use in Morning and Evening Prayer) and the Nicene Creed (which we use when we have the Eucharist). We talked about how these creeds developed and why they are still applicable today, nearly 2,000 years after they were originally penned.
This sermon was pre-recorded and is available on Facebook and YouTube with the Morning Prayer service for Sunday, August 15.
We will have another instructed Eucharist in two weeks (Sunday, August 29). I will be answering individual questions that y'all are asking, so please let me know if there are topics that you would like to be discussed, or burning questions that need answering. There are no dumb questions.
And, speaking of education at the parish, we resume our adult education offerings here the week of Sunday, September 12:
- Bible Study continues our study of the Apostle Paul and his writings. We are currently focused on the book of I Thessalonians. We will meet on Sundays at 11:00 a.m. in the library.
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After a summer intensive on Mormonism, our Book Study will resume reading the Rev Barbara Brown Taylor's book, Always a Guest.
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Beginning in January 2022 (which is only a few months away!), we will start a confirmation class. This is for anyone wishing to join the church (a number of you have expressed interest in this) and also for any church members who want to look at know more about the Episcopal Church. It always helps to have a good mix of new members and long term members in the group: the discussion and learning goes a lot deeper and often wonderful new friendships are formed.
- Bishop Mark Van Koevering recently sent out his (tentative) visitation schedule for 2022; he plans to be with us on Sunday, May 29. Starting our confirmation class in January will give us a good amount of time to meet, study, and digest our wonderful, history-rich, slightly complex way of worshiping - in time for confirmations at the time of the Bishop's visit!
As always, you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Blessings,
Peter+
The Rev. Peter Doddema
502-661-2742
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On Saturday, August 14, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck the southwest portion of Haiti. This devastating earthquake was followed by Tropical Storm Grace on Monday night and much of Tuesday. More than one million people, including more than half a million children, have been impacted by the back-to-back disasters, and the death toll is close to 2,000.
Episcopal Relief & Development and its partners are responding immediately with direct assistance to vulnerable households in the region, as partners plan long-term recovery. Your generous gift can provide assistance to help people in the wake of these disasters. To assist in these efforts, visit episcopalrelief.org/haiti-relief.
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Thirteenth Sunday
after Pentecost:
Proper 16
August 22, 9:30 a.m.
HOLY EUCHARIST, Rite I
OPEN for live, in-person service inside the church.
ALSO this week: pre-recorded service inside the church with Ascension clergy - online at 9:30 a.m.
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Schedule for Sunday,
August 22
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Lector: Michal Mello
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Crucifer: Julia Tyson
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Ushers: Scott & Michal Mello
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Security Lockup: Jim King
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If you are not able to serve as scheduled, f please contact Leah MacSwords, verger, as soon as possible prior to the service to let her know that a substitute is needed (lcmacs@aol.com or 502-545-0437).
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Your participation is important!
To inquire about serving as a lector, crucifer, chalice bearer, or usher, please contact Deacon Rebecca Saager
The schedule for Lay Ministries for August and September is posted above and also displayed on the window of the parish office.
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KITCHEN HELP NEEDED
Our own Roy Upshaw is already stepping up to share his considerable cooking skills for this ministry. At least two more people are needed to form an "Ascension Team." Schedule will be twice a month, on weekdays, from about 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., through year-end (vaccinations and face masks recommended).
Ascension played a historic role in founding the Access Soup Kitchen in our own building. A group called the Coalition of Committed Christians later secured a permanent location and added the Men's Shelter. Over the years, Ascension's participation ended and other local churches helped to filled the void. Currently Ascension's Sunday morning breakfast ministry remains suspended due to the pandemic. Hungry folks still need to eat, and this setting offers an efficient way to address that need.
Won't you consider joining Roy in this vital effort to help feed our neighbors most in need?
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RESPONDING TO THE PANDEMIC:
CHANGES & CHALLENGES
7/31/21: The COVID transmission map from the CDC and both Franklin and Anderson counties are back in the 'high' transmission rate categories, along with much of the Commonwealth. Our current adjustments include:
1) Checking temperatures when folks arrive.
2) Asking everyone to wear masks indoors.
3) Offering bread only at the Eucharist.
4) We will hold off on resuming the Taize service (previously scheduled to resume on August 7), due to the amount of singing involved.
Please observe the latest recommendations from the CDC for your vaccinated or unvaccinated status. Note - if you are vaccinated:
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If you have been around someone who has COVID-19, you should get tested 3-5 days after your exposure, even if you do not have symptoms. You should also wear a mask indoors in public for 14 days following exposure or until your test result is negative. You should isolate for 10 days if your test result is positive.
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Previous COVID-related strategies and guidelines still apply:
For the foreseeable future, Sunday worship will include both in-person and online worship. If you are comfortable attending live worship at the church, it is held at 9:30 a.m. If you are not yet comfortable attending worship at the church, we invite you to attend live worship through our Facebook page. One of the clergy will lead Morning Prayer on Facebook each Sunday, also at 9:30 a.m., and we will offer pre-recorded full services online as often as is possible/practical.
As we return to physically attending services inside the church, no advance registration is needed. But please remember that the pandemic is ongoing, and not everyone has been vaccinated. Signing in at the door, temperature checks, and social distancing are still required. Please check in personally with an usher when you arrive before taking a seat in the marked areas.
The nursery is currently on hold; children are welcome in all services. Godly Play classes are expected to return in the fall.
Singing and saying prayers and responses aloud will be handled by announcement at individual services.
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ABOUT OFFICE HOURS
Clergy and staff are spending more time in the office while continuing some work from home and 'round about the parish; personal meetings may be scheduled in advance. Church doors will remain locked if there is only one person in the building. However, full-time coverage is provided for telephone calls and messages via the magic of cell phones, so please call 502-223-0557 whenever you need to reach us! (If we don’t answer immediately, please leave a message so we may return your call as promptly as possible.)
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Ascension is seeking ONE MORE paid, part-time nursery attendant to work with a small group of children, ages 0-4, on Sunday mornings, 9:00-11:30 a.m., and occasionally for special events (usually a couple of evening or weekend hours). This position is paid hourly and is part-time with no additional benefits. Must be over 18 and have/arrange reliable transportation.
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If you have any questions about donations or pledges, please contact Mona Proctor in the parish office: call 502-223-0557 or email info@ascensionfrankfort.org.
THANK YOU
for continuing to support Ascension w
ith your time, treasure, and talents!
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This web site has an abundance of information and resources - check it out!
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Intercessions for the Church: St. Hubert’s, Clark County (Winchester) - The Rev. Duane Smith, Rector; The Rev. Charles Ellestad, Assisting Priest.
Recently in need of prayers: Allen; Andrew; Angie; Arnold; Bill; Bob; Claudia; Correll; Darlene; George A.; George S.; Jan & Dale; Jesse; Kathy; Linda P.; Lynda R.; Marie; Marilyn; Michele and family; Mildred; Noreen; Patricia; Ronnie; Ruth; and the students and staff of Stewart Home School.
Continuing concern: Adrianna; Ann; Barbara; Dan; Debbie; Dillard; Edith; Faye; Ginni; Jinks; John; Mac; Mary; Melissa; Mike & Susie; Nancy; Polly; and Rena. We also pray for those affected by the COVID pandemic, and for those on active duty in the military: Daniel, Houston, Nick, Seth, and Tanner.
Thanksgivings: for the palpable sense of joy in worship at our church (online and in person)!
Birthdays: 8/22 - Thomas Bemiss; 8/28 - Shannon Lancaster.
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
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The Rev. Peter Doddema, Priest
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The Rev. Dr. William G. Brown, Assisting Priest Emeritus
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The Rev. Deacon Rebecca A. Saager, Curate
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The Rev. Deacon Susan E. Kurtz, Deacon
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Mr. John B. Martin, Director of Music & Organist
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Ms. Mona Landrum Proctor, Parish & Financial Administrator
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Mr. David Gierlach, Sexton
Copyright © 2021 Church of the Ascension. All Rights Reserved.
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