Volume 11, Issue #42
October 21, 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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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.
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FROM PETER'S PEN
At Wednesday's midweek service, we were given one of the more difficult Gospel readings: Luke 12.39-48. It is an apocalyptic passage: This is a type of literature which includes both Jewish and Christian writings. They come from the centuries right around Jesus' time and deal with ultimate divine purpose.
They generally use dramatic imagery and are sometimes written in a sort of code, since they often criticized the governments of the time. They are meant to challenge and unsettle us.
This passage talks about being ready for God's return. It stresses that Christ's followers are to be busy doing God's work.
So, what is that work? When God returns, what will bring praise and a welcome into the Kingdom? The answer to that is found in the Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 25, verses 34-42, where Jesus says:
"Then the king will say to those at his right hand, 'Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you...for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me. Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry...or thirsty...And the king will answer them, 'Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these...you did it to me."
Dramatic passages in the Bible are meant to call us to stop and reflect on what we are thinking, feeling, and doing. Are we engaged in the work to which God is calling us? It is not usually complicated work: it simply calls for daily dedication and willingness to follow where God leads.
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With Joy,
Peter+
The Rev. Peter Doddema
502-661-2742
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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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 31, 9:30 a.m.
WITH HOLY EUCHARIST
We are planning for an in-person service at Ascension, celebrating All Saints' Day and including an All Souls' candlelight remembrance during the service. Names of the 'saints' in our own lives will be read aloud as we light a candle in memory of each one, concluding with a special prayer.
Following are the names we already plan to include for the All Souls' remembrance during this service. If you have a name or names to add for this special remembrance, please call or email Mona (502-223-0557 or info@ascensionfrankfort.org) no later than Monday, October 25. (You do NOT need to attend the service in person in order to have the name of your saint(s) read aloud.)
McGill Duffee
Beatrice Fleming
Scott Kimbel
Don Pollock
Darlene Stoeckle
Steve Thacker
Jean Whitaker
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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
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Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost:
Proper 25
October 24, 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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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.
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 Lay Ministries schedule is posted/linked above, included in Sunday bulletins, and also displayed on the window of the parish office.
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Diocese of Lexington to hold 125th Convention on October 30, 2021
MOVED TO VIRTUAL
The 125th Diocesan Convention of the Diocese of Lexington will take place Saturday, October 30, 2021, from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. Due to a spike in COVID-19 cases in our area, the decision was made to move the format to virtual/online only.
Ascension will be represented at the Convention by our Clergy (Father Peter Doddema, Deacon Rebecca Saager and Deacon Sue Kurtz) and Deputies elected at the Annual Meeting back in January (Julia Tyson, Senior Warden; Ginni Fox; Shannon Lancaster; and Leah MacSwords).
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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:
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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. Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated.html 8/2/21
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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.
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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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UPDATE: The Kroger Community Rewards program just paid Ascension $171.97 for the period from May 30 - August 28, 2021, representing a percentage of purchases from 33 households.
You can participate by simply shopping at Kroger's and designating Ascension - here is how to do that - then earn rewards for Ascension every time you scan your Kroger Plus Card (free to you)!
EVERYONE MUST RE-ENROLL in the Kroger Community Rewards Program in August of each year (through Kroger), so make sure your enrollment is up to date now!
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
with 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: 125th Convention of the Diocese of Lexington.
Recently in need of prayers: Angie, Beverly, Florence, Linda, Mark and Norma, Matt, Mildred.
Continuing concern: Barbara, Bill, Dan, David, Debbie, Deborah, Donnie, Faye, 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: 10/25 – Daniel Aossey; 10/29 – Linda Pollock.
Recently Departed: Bill (step-father of Bishop Mark).
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!
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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