Volume 11, Issue #45
November 11, 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.
FROM PETER'S PEN
This past Sunday began our stewardship season at Ascension. This is the time of year where we take stock of what God is doing in our lives. How has God blessed us? How have our circumstances changed over the past year? Is God calling us into new work? What about our current commitments?
 
During this time all of us (myself included šŸ™‚ ), are encouraged to see if God is moving us to change our commitments to the parish and in our wider lives, too. Has your time or your income increased over the past year and if yes, can you increase your volunteering or giving to Ascension? (This is also the time of year where we recruit new vestry members and deputies to our annual diocesan convention (October 2022). One great way to volunteer is to put your name forward for one of these positions: please see Father Peter or Julia Tyson, our Senior Warden, if you feel called to this.)

Conversely, has your time or income decreased over the past year? If so, you may need to decrease your giving or volunteering a bit. 

This is also the time to consider your wider service commitments: is God calling you to continue or to change other areas of your life where you serve him? Stewardship season is a great time for reflection and a healthy way to prepare for the upcoming year!

Stewardship packets were mailed out last week. If you did not receive one, please let Mona know in the office and she can get one to you. We ask that you return your pledge forms by Sunday, December 5, as these are critical for putting together the church's 2022 budget. Thank you!
With Joy,
Peter+

ļ»æThe Rev. Peter Doddema
502-661-2742

Bible Study classes are meeting on Sundays at 11:00 a.m., in person AND via ZOOM.

Book Study classes will resume on December 1, meeting weekly on Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. via ZOOM only. . We will be reading Living with Hope: A Scientist Looks at Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany, by John Polkinghorme.

Please contact Peter for the ZOOM links.
Twenty-fifth Sunday after Pentecost:
Proper 28
November 14, 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.
Come worship with us!
"Goodie bags" prepared by the Daughters of the King for Advent and Christmas were very popular last year, and they are being offered to Ascension households again this year.

You may pick up your Advent/Christmas bag in person at church on Sunday, November 14 or 21.

Bags not collected by November 21 will be hand-delivered to your home in a COVID-safe, masked, socially distant manner, before the first Sunday of Advent on November 28.
Check our Online Calendar



See all services, events, meetings, and various activities that are scheduled on church property and social media. View the calendar as monthly, weekly, or an agenda list, with custom printing options. Keep an eye on what's coming up at Ascension! (During COVID, in-person events may be limited and must be pre-approved.)

Contact the church office for calendar reservations and details
(phone 502-223-0557 or email info@ascensionfrankfort.org).
November is
STEWARDSHIP MONTH
 
From the Stewardship Committee:
Every message about our pledge campaign begins with Gratitude, and we are pleased to continue that as we focus on our annual pledge campaign. This year we want to celebrate all the ways in which we have been blessed by God and how that can inspire us to give back to our neighbors, our church, the world....


Watch your mailbox for a print copy of the Stewardship package (with a special gift!) and Pledge Form for 2022. Please mail in your 2022 Pledge Form as soon as possible to help us formulate a realistic budget in order to continue our mission and ministries in the coming year.
 

Pledges for 2022 are due December 5.
Mail your pledge form to the church, or drop it in a collection plate, or or email it to info@ascensionfrankfort.org
Thank you!

Eight MINISTRY TEAMS will rotate in order, weekly, as shown above. Individual and late changes may not be included here due to composing and publishing deadlines.

ļ»æIf 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).
Your participation is important!
To inquire about serving as a lector, crucifer, chalice bearer, or usher, please contact Deacon Rebecca Saager
(email curate@ascensionfrankfort.org or call 502-316-8899).

The Lay Ministries schedule is posted/linked above, included in Sunday bulletins, and also displayed on the window of the parish office.
FOOD DRIVE
for the
The Emergency Community Food Pantry
of Franklin County

PLEASE BRING FOOD ITEMS TO ASCENSION
BETWEEN DEC 24 and JAN 2
FOR COLLECTION AND DELIVERY


AND / OR: The Emergency Community Food Pantry of Franklin County is conducting a Virtual Food Drive: Instead of giving nonperishable items, they are asking for your financial contribution (which is also nonperishable!). They will use your donation to purchase the food needed to fill food requests. They purchase in bulk, therefore receive a better price per item.

How to Participate in the Virtual Food Drive:

Check out online giving here - http://www.frankfortfoodpantry.org/HowYouCanHelp

or make out a check to the Emergency Community Food Pantry and mail it directly to PO Box 48, Frankfort, KY 40602.

Consider giving in these ways or in another amount that is comfortable to you:
  • $10 will purchase macaroni and cheese for 5 families for a week
  • $30 will purchase pasta and sauce for 15 families for a week
  • $100 will purchase peanut butter for 40 families for a week
Winfrey Blackburn is a legacy member of Ascension currently living in Louisville. He has dedicated this newly released book to the church family at Ascension and others. CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS including where to buy and the schedule of author lectures and book signings in December.
Ascension parishioner Scott Mello is a volunteer Medicare counselor who helps people find their own best way through the ever-changing Medicare program, especially with how to save money when selecting Medicare Part D drug plans. Scott and other experienced counselors are available to help you do comparison shopping during this year's Open Enrollment period (October 15 - December 7).


To make an appointment, call the Capital City Activity Center at 502-223-5794 and tell the receptionist that you want to sign up for the Medicare counselling for prescription drug plans. Or you may email Scott at scottmello36@gmail.com with any questions or concerns. 
During the month of November and through December 12, the Daughters of the King are collecting:

  • socks
  • underwear
  • gloves
  • hats
  • diapers and other infant supplies
  • men's and women's toiletries

for donation to the Simon House Men's and Women's Shelter. Collection bins will be provided at the church.

For questions, contact Judith Spencer or Rebecca Saager (jspencer254@yahoo.com or curate@ascensionfrankfort.org).
ļ»æ
Angel Tree for Simon House
This year, Ascension will again sponsor Christmas treats and festivities for the resident children of Simon House with Angel Tree gifts and a holiday dinner.

We will set up a tree in the back of the church (near the baptismal font) with paper angels to help guide your shopping. COVID allowing, we will also organize an in-person group Christmas dinner party for the Simon House families ā€“ watch our newsletter and bulletins for details. Especially in this season of extra anxiety, 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 offer two ways for you to participate:

1.     PERSONAL 'ANGEL SHOPPING' ā€“ you may pick a paper angel from the Angel Tree in the church for the name of a Simon House child. Simon House administrators are suggesting mostly much-needed clothing for gifts this year. Please keep the value of each gift at around $20.00. Return your gift to the Angel Tree no later than Thursday, December 9.

2.     MAKE A CASH CONTRIBUTION to this Angel Project. Deacon Rebecca and Simon House administrators will also purchase modest gifts and make arrangements for the holiday party. 100% of your contribution will go directly to Simon House children and to the holiday dinner, with any remainder donated directly to Simon House for pressing needs. To help support Ascensionā€™s 2021 Angel Project for Simon House, please make your check payable to Church of the Ascension, write ā€œSimon Houseā€ or ā€œAngelā€ in the memo area, and mail it to Ascension at 311 Washington Street, Frankfort KY 40601 (or drop it in the offering plate).

Your Angel Tree gift or monetary contribution must be received no later than Thursday, December 9, to allow time for shopping and delivery of items. Contact Deacon Rebecca Saager personally for details (call 502-316-8899 or email curate@ascensionfrankfort.org).
RESPONDING TO THE PANDEMIC:
CHANGES & CHALLENGES

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.

Please observe the latest recommendations from the CDC for your vaccinated or unvaccinated status. Note - if you are vaccinated:

  • 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. Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated.html 8/2/21
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.
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 donā€™t answer immediately, please leave a message so we may return your call as promptly as possible.)
THE DAUGHTERS OF THE KING normally meet on the FIRST Sunday of each month after the last service, and after Bible study. Contact Judith Spencer for details (jspencer254@yahoo.com).
Find the Diocese of Lexington online at www.diolex.org
This web site has an abundance of information and resources - check it out!
Intercessions for the Church: St. Johnā€™s, Corbin ā€“ The Rev. Jennifer Woodruff-Tait, Regular Supply.

Recently in need of prayers: Angie, Anissa, Beverly, Ellie, Linda, Maja, Mark & Norma, Mildred.

Continuing concern: Barbara, Bill, Dan, David, Debbie, Deborah, Donnie, Faye, Florence, Jan & Dale, Jesse, Jinks, John, Josh, Julia, Kathy, Lynda, Mac, Marilyn, Melissa, Mike & Susie, Nancy, Patricia, Polly, Shannon, and Tandy. 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 gorgeous fall weather.

Birthdays: 11/16 ā€“ Peter Doddema, Rose Gayle Hardy.

Recently Departed: James Presley (from Stewart Home School).

ļ»æNOTICE:
ļ»æļ»æPart 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 donā€™t have your birthday or anniversary on file, or if it appears incorrectly, please let us know! 

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. ā€˜Recently in Needā€™ prayers will remain for ONE month only, unless requested again.
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 ā€œFuneral Information and Burial Instructionsā€ 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.

ļ»æAsk in the office or one of the Deacons for a blank form, or download from our web site at: https://www.ascensionfrankfort.org/links
Clergy and Staff

  • The Rev. Peter Doddema, Priest
  • The Rev. Dr. William G. Brown, Assisting 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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