Volume 11, Issue #38
September 23, 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
Recently, I was talking with another minister about our churches. He shared honestly with me about the struggles and obstacles that his church is facing. He is happy to be serving there, but this congregation is going through some especially tough times.
In these conversations, I generally listen. I come to these conversations knowing how special Ascension is: God is very active in our midst, there is a great deal of agape love between everyone, and for myself it is a daily joy to worship and walk with you.
That day, my fellow pastor just needed a sympathetic ear and a willingness to pray for him and his church.
But: I want to take this space to again say "thank you" for who you are as individuals and as a parish. Ascension is an amazing, unique, vibrant, and loving place. It is a refuge and a beacon during these wacky times.
With Joy,
Peter+
The Rev. Peter Doddema
502-661-2742
P.S. Bible Study classes are meeting on Sundays at 11:00 a.m., in person AND via ZOOM.
Please contact Peter for the ZOOM links.
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Come worship with us!
See all services and other activities that are scheduled on church property and on social media. View the calendar as monthly, weekly, or an agenda list, with custom printing options. Keep an eye on what's coming up!
During COVID, in-person events may be limited and must be pre-approved.
Contact the church office for details
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Eighteenth Sunday
after Pentecost:
Proper 21
September 26, 9:30 a.m.
HOLY EUCHARIST, Rite I
OPEN for live, in-person service inside the church.
ALSO this week: Morning Prayer with Ascension clergy - online at 9:30 a.m.
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Schedule for Sunday,
September 26
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Lector: Frances Kirchhoff
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Crucifer: Shannon Lancaster
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Ushers: Frances Kirchhoff & Jim King
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Security Lockup: Jim King
If you are not able to serve as scheduled, 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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The Daughters of the King's reorganization of the church library has resulted in numerous adult and children's books being made available to the congregation completely FREE OF CHARGE!
Please stop by the Parish Hall after services on Sunday morning, September 19 and 26, to take your pick!
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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3
9:00 a.m.
St. Francis Day:
BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS
You and your pet(s) are invited to join Ascension clergy and Diocese of Lexington Bishop Mark Van Koevering on Sunday, October 3 - St. Francis Day - for a special blessing of all God's creatures.
A brief service will be held outdoors in the cloister garden / front lawn area (or in the parish hall in case of rain), prior to the regular worship service. A special blessing will be added for people who have lost pets. All God's creatures are welcome, but please keep them leashed or caged for safety.
Photo Memory by Jenny Neat: Harrison Bates Buffenmyer enjoyed a tender blessing from Mother Nancy Farley.
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“Christianity is a statement which if false, is of no importance, and, if true, is of infinite importance. The one thing it cannot be is moderately important.” -- C.S. Lewis
As the C.S. Lewis quote above says, if Christianity is true, then it is of utmost importance in our lives. We know that it is important from time to time to return to the basics, to remind ourselves what we hold sacred, as a way to ground ourselves in WHO we are and WHOSE we are.
Alpha is a series of interactive sessions exploring some of the basic beliefs of our Christian faith, run over the course of eleven weeks. It’s a space where people can come for authentic conversations about hope, purpose, meaning, and love; where tough questions are honored; and people can share honestly.
There is still time to register for fall Alpha Online, which begins Thursday, September 23. For more information and to register, contact The Rev. Sherilyn Pearce at priest@graceflorence.org.
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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. Raphael’s Church, Lexington – The Reverend Canon Dr. Helen Van Koevering, Rector.
Recently in need of prayers: Allen; Andrew; Angie; Bill; Bob; Claudia; Correll; Deborah; Emily; Florence; George S.; Jan & Dale; Jesse; Linda P.; Lynda R.; Marie; Marilyn; Michele and family; Mike; Noreen; Ronnie; Ruth; Tandy; and the students and staff of Stewart Home School.
Continuing concern: Adrianna; Ann; Barbara; Dan; Debbie; Dillard; Edith; Faye; Ginni; Jinks; John; Kathy; Mac; Mary; Melissa; Mike & Susie; Mildred; 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, and Tanner.
Thanksgivings: for the life and witness of Darlene Stoeckle.
Birthdays: 9/27 – Jim King; 9/30 – Linda Word; 10/1 – MacKenzie & Reagan Napier.
Anniversaries: 9/26 – Willis & Pamela McKee.
NOTICE:
Part of the strength of this congregation is our care and concern for each other. Please help us to do this by letting us 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!
NEW: Please put ALL prayer requests in writing to Deacon Sue Kurtz
(email deacon@ascensionfrankfort.org or text 502-330-5358). Prayer requests must be received by end-of-day on Sunday to ensure publication in the next upcoming weekly newsletter and Sunday bulletin. ‘Recently in Need’ prayers will remain for ONE month only, unless requested again.
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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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