Volume 11, Issue #1
January 7, 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
Happy New Year, everyone!
This week marks the transition from the Christmas Season to the Epiphany. "Epiphany" is a Greek word that means "appearing," and during this season we focus on several "appearings" or public signs that mark Jesus as God's Son.
The first of these is celebrated on Wednesday, January 6, with the arrival of the wise men (Matthew, Chapter 2), who followed the star and worshiped Jesus as the Messiah. Then on Sunday, January 10, we read Mark's account of the baptism of Jesus, where the heavens split open, the Spirit descends upon Jesus, and the Father calls out: "You are my Son, the Beloved!"
Both of these passages, and the other, beautiful Scriptures that accompany them in our readings point us toward the enormous work of God in our world and across the Universe. At the same time, they also point to God's intense love and care for you. Our God, who creates planets and suns, also knows, created, and watches over you.
This message seems especially important during this month, where there is so much political and cultural upheaval in our country. While it is important to stay informed of the necessary news, I am taking the next two weeks to largely fast from news and social media. So much of what I am seeing right now has very little to do with making us informed, effective citizens and much to do with keeping us upset and fixated on our "screens" or TVs.
I am taking this time to reflect on these Scriptures and faithfully live into the knowing that our God is in charge, not politicians, pundits, or media outlets. This not only helps me become a more faithful person, but also makes me a calmer, more pleasant and effective husband, father, priest, and friend.
As much as you can, I encourage you to take similar action. Stay informed, but remember that God, not the media, is in control, and that God is actively doing more than we can see or imagine.
With Joy,
Peter+
Cell: 502-661-2742
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First Sunday
after the Epiphany
Sunday, January 10
9:30 a.m.
Morning Prayer
online with Father Peter
BCP 942
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GARDEN RENOVATION: Ms. Martha Moore, a long-term Ascension parishioner with a strong interest in historic preservation, has long been supervising and managing the landscaping of our beautiful church grounds. Martha recently offered and then committed to donating and supervising a complete renovation / restoration / update of Ascension's "cloister garden" (between the main church and parish hall).
In preparation for professional spring plantings, most existing vegetation inside the garden area was removed in late December - including all trees and many plants. This removal was deemed necessary due to aging and deterioration of the existing vegetation. If you see the garden now, looking starkly shorn and forlorn in the cold of winter, do not despair. Know that a lovely, lush, long-lasting feature of flowers, trees and greenery is planned for spring! Thank you, Martha.
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BUILDING PHOTOGRAPH: Mr. Winfrey Blackburn, a legacy member of Ascension now living in Louisville, led the project to replace Ascension's long-missing steeple a few years ago. In December, Winfrey hired Frankfort photographer Gene Burch to take a professional photograph of Ascension, to include as much as possible of the entire building. The resulting photo is stunning, and like no other!
Burch and Blackburn have given permission for Ascension to use the photo as desired, and Winfrey even had some postcards made for church use. Many thanks to both men for their efforts to provide this lovely donation.
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BLESSINGS FOR PARISHIONERS:
2020 was hard on so many. For the clergy not being able to see, visit and chat in person with our parishioners has been extremely stressful for each of us. Also, we have many parishioners who are not ‘online’ or not familiar with technology and tools like Zoom and Facebook that are being so widely used during this pandemic. For all of us, the isolation and loss of connection is deeply felt.
This Advent and Christmas season, Deacon Rebecca was inspired by The Rev. Karen Booth of Holy Trinity Georgetown to implement a new project to reach out to our parishioners. The goal was to help parishioners know that they are still important and cared for by the Ascension clergy, members of Daughters of the King, and pastoral team.
Deacon Rebecca and others gathered and bagged up items intended to help increase the spiritually of a Blessed Advent and a Holy Christmas. Each Advent bag included an Advent calendar, an Episcopal Relief & Development catalog, a set of led Advent ‘candles’, a hand written note from one of the clergy members, a first draft copy of our updated Friends and Families directory, and other items. The Christmas bags included some candy (of course!), an O Come Emanuel handheld cross, and a 12 Days of Christmas bookmark, to name a few of the items.
These "Blessing Bags" were hand-delivered (with "porch smiles" but no physical contact, maintaining social distance) at the beginning of the Advent season to 140 families that are part of our congregation with homes in and around Frankfort, Lawrenceburg, Louisville, and beyond. Response from all recipients was overwhelmingly positive - including generous responses to the plea for a Christmas outreach project for Simon House families. Let us remember and raise each other in prayer as we look forward to a vaccine for the virus and brighter days in 2021!
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January 24, 2021
Ascension’s
Annual Meeting
will be virtual this year.
Mark your calendar now!
ASCENSION'S ANNUAL PARISH BUSINESS MEETING
will be held on Sunday, January 24, 2021, online via ZOOM.
Watch your email for more details and a ZOOM meeting invitation in January. Your attendance is encouraged and needed as we review the year just past, and make important decisions for the year to come. Please plan to attend!
The Ascension vestry has nominated four people for election at this meeting to serve on the vestry for the next three years: Kristi Buffenmyer, Cynthia Campbell, Suzanne Cox, and Jim King. Deputies for the Diocesan Annual Convention are still being sought, for election at the same parish meeting - contact Father Peter to learn more, and watch for more information to come about the election. Farewell and many thanks for the service of outgoing vestry members Laura Buffenmyer, Ginni Fox, Ron Gruzesky, Rick Kurtz, and Shannon Lancaster.
In other news from the December vestry meeting, Ascension made three appointments, as directed in the Bylaws. Thomas Bemiss was appointed to the vestry for one year, filling the final remainder of a term resigned in 2019; Leah MacSwords was appointed to a three-year term on the Endowment Committee, replacing Kristi Buffenmyer; and Laura Buffenmyer was appointed to a five-year term on the Preservation Trust, replacing Milly Stewart - all beginning as of January 1, 2021.
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includes our church building!
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Thank you for your continuing support through the challenging year. 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:
2020 DONATIONS, PLEDGES & STATEMENTS: As of December 31, all 2020 pledges are reset to zero, including any 'unpaid remainders.' New 2021 pledges took effect on January 1. ALL pledge payments and other donations received on or after January 1 will count toward 2021, not 2020 (if you need a personal exception to that rule, please contact Mona in the parish office as soon as possible). Watch your email this week for a final “2020 Pledge Progress Statement.”
LATER this month, by January 31, 2021, you will receive a separate, itemized statement listing all of your 2020 total giving – THIS will be a print document sent via US Mail, suitable to use for tax purposes (NOT your pledge progress statement).
If you elected to give in 2021 by an automated bank donation (ACH), please be sure to confirm the amount of the first withdrawal for 2021 with your bank on January 15 and/or January 30.
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.
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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: The Episcopal Youth Community - Cindy Sigmon, Youth Missioner; Daughters of the King, Diocesan Chapter - Martha Davenport, President.
Recently in need of prayers: Adrianna; Bill; Correll; Debbie; Donnie; Faye & Steve; Jennifer, Ellen & Ronnie; Joe; Josh; Julia; Kay; Linda; Lynda; Marilyn; Marilyn; Mildred; Noreen; Ruth; 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, Nick, Seth, Tanner, and Walter.
Thanksgivings: for the hope and promise of a new year; for recovery for those who have been ill or hospitalized, and for new vaccines; for birthdays and anniversaries; and for all the friends and families who make up our congregation.
Birthdays: 1/11 - Judy Kizer; 1/14 - Linda Claus.
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, Associate 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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