Volume 11, Issue #48
December 2, 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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We regret to share news of the death of Melissa Benton on Thursday, November 26. A burial service is planned at Ascension on Saturday, December 11, at 11:00 a.m., with a reception following in the parish hall. May she rest in peace and rise in glory.
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FROM PETER'S PEN
It is a beautiful and intense time of year. So many good things are happening and there are so many fine opportunities to give and to serve, both in the parish and out in the wider community.
During this season, I encourage you to take time to simply breathe and to feel God's presence. It can be easy to distract and lose ourselves in causes, contributions, events, and obligations. Those can be fine things, but our call as Christians during Advent is to stop, see, and welcome Christ in our lives. First, is the Christ who appeared in Bethlehem and who transforms us by his presence. Second, is Christ the King who will appear at the end of time and renew us and the world around us.
Taking a few moments throughout the day to stop, breathe, and say a quiet "yes" to Jesus' presence in your life will make this season richer and more manageable.
As always, please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope that you have a blessed Advent!
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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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It is time to start thinking about the next members of Ascension's Vestry, who will begin their three-year tenure in January. This process starts with our Nominating Committee, which is responsible for recruiting candidates and publicizing the choices. By tradition this committee is made up of the four Vestry members who will rotate off in January (Tim Agne, Thomas Bemiss, Todd Elliott, and Zachary Horn), led by the Senior Warden (Julia Tyson). We are starting to recruit qualified Vestry candidates now for election at the parish annual meeting in January.
Ascension bylaws define qualified voters and Vestry candidates as all those who are confirmed communicants in good standing of the age of 16 years or older, and any other baptized persons of age 16 years or older who are regular worshipers in the Parish and who for six months immediately preceding the meeting have been regular contributors to the support of the Parish. (Canon 17.04, Diocese of Lexington)
If you have questions or are interested in serving on Vestry, please contact Julia Tyson (jspeavler@gmail.com) or any of those named above.
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Second Sunday of Advent
December 5, 9:30 a.m.
HOLY EUCHARIST, Rite II
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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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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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
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NEW
BIRTHDAY MINISTRY NEEDS HELP
Do you enjoy receiving a birthday card from your Ascension family? For some people, it might be the only birthday card they receive, and we hope it helps everyone feel they are still connected to and remembered by the folks at church.
Do you ever wonder who sends those cards? We think this custom was started by the "Monday group" - lately it has been carried out by a single lay person who felt called to it as a ministry. That person now cannot continue.
What about you? Could you address, sign, stuff, seal and stamp about 200 cards per year? Maybe you could meet with a friend once a month and prepare a batch of cards for upcoming birthdays while you chat? All supplies will be provided by the parish office. YOU can help our church family keep in touch!
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December 5
is STEWARDSHIP
COMMITMENT SUNDAY
Have you submitted your pledge to support Ascension for 2022?
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....
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.
Thank you!
A few extra 2022 Ascension wall calendars are still available;
check with Susie Oder or ask in the parish office.
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On behalf of myself and Pauline Van Horn, Assistant Treasurer of the Parish, we wish each of you a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday filled with joy. This time of year, the treasury of the parish has begun the process of drafting a budget for the new year. The treasurers are charged by the Vestry and church law to manage, disburse, and account for funds under the Vestry’s authority. We develop a proposed budget during this time for the coming year. A draft is presented to this year’s Vestry in December and a final budget is presented for approval for next year’s Vestry immediately after the incoming members are elected at the Annual Meeting. This is what we call the Operating Budget and relates to funds and disbursements over which the Vestry has direct control.
The first part of the process is Stewardship. Your pledge at this time helps us better understand what monies can be counted on for 2022. The parish receives pledges, donations, gifts, rents, dividends, and other receipts that comprise Operating Revenue. This is used to manage and maintain parish operations throughout the year.
The purpose of this article is to urge parishioners to take part in the budget process by giving direct comment to the treasurers. We want you to tell us what you think the parish needs to do in 2022 that requires the disbursement of operating funds. This might be about building maintenance, worship services (live and digital), comfort, or any other ministries and activities.
I need to be very clear. This is about money. If you want more worship or you want to begin a ministry you need to talk with Father Peter. He is in charge of everything that occurs in the parish and in the premises of the parish. If you are concerned with how the premises are managed you need to communicate with the Wardens. Our Senior Warden is Julia Tyson (our executive officer) and the Junior Warden is Jim King. As Junior Warden, Jim King is in charge of all that occurs concerning the maintenance, repair, and general upkeep of the buildings and property of the parish.
For purposes of this inquiry, all digital responses should be forwarded to williamlesterlegg@gmail.com. In your email you should remember to use “Budget” for the subject matter. Any other written communication method is welcomed. You can mail a letter, note, or card to the parish at 311 Washington Street, Frankfort, KY 40601; you can drop a note in the collection plate; or, you can leave a note or letter with the church office. Direct it to my attention: William Legg; or, just put “Treasurer” or “Budget” on the envelope or back of the note.
Thank you for your attention. We want your input.
William Legg
Treasurer
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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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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 are available at the church.
For questions, contact Judith Spencer or Rebecca Saager (jspencer254@yahoo.com or curate@ascensionfrankfort.org).
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Angel Tree for Simon House |
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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 have set up a small 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 – 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 still offer this convenient way for you to participate:
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 Ascension’s 2021 Angel Project for Simon House, please make your check payable to Church of the Ascension, write “Simon House” or “Angel” 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).
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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
(Note: The parish office/building will be CLOSED
during the weekdays of December 27-31.)
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:
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
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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.
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. 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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This web site has an abundance of information and resources - check it out!
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Intercessions for the Church: St. Paul’s Church, Newport - The Rev. S. Matthew Young, Rector; The Rev. Dcn. Tom Runge.
Recently in need of prayers: Linda, Rebecca.
Continuing concern: Angie, Anissa, Barbara, Beverly, Bill, Dan, David, Debbie, Deborah, Donnie, Ellie, Faye, Florence, Jan & Dale, Jesse, Jinks, John, Josh, Julia, Kathy, Lynda, Mac, Maja, Marilyn, Mark & Norma, Melissa, Mike & Susie, Mildred, 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 life and witness of Melissa Benton.
Birthdays: 12/5 – Eric Oelgoetz; 12/9 – Ava Marie Allison, Jessee Neat, Sally Prince; 12/11 – Matt Miller.
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 Administrator
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Mr. David Gierlach, Sexton
Copyright © 2021 Church of the Ascension. All Rights Reserved.
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