Volume 10, Issue #21 - May 22, 2020
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
R
eopening the church: what's happening with this? Is it possible at this time? What
might
it look like? Will I get to go to church? Is it safe for me to go to church?
As our Commonwealth works its way into gradual reopening, churches obviously face similar questions and situations. When I (thoughtfully, carefully) turn on the news, I often find it monopolized by a few scared, angry people who insist that
GOD DEMANDS THAT I REOPEN MY CHURCH RIGHT NOW
.
When I then turn off the news and wonder if the world has gone crazy (i.e. "We're in a pandemic! Why would
anyone
seriously think that God demands corporate worship right now?), I am often blessed to hear that still, small voice that spoke to Elijah in I Kings 19. You may remember this story: The Hebrew Prophet, Elijah, had just won a very public religious
showdown
with his Queen, Jezebel. Jezebel was displeased enough to threaten Elijah's life, and he fled into the desert. He eventually came to Horeb, the Mountain of God, and while there became aware that God was approaching to speak with him (imagine yourself in this situation!).
As Elijah waited, a violent windstorm broke over the mountain... but God was not present in the storm. Then an earthquake tore up the landscape... but God did not approach in the earthquake. And then, a violent firestorm swept over the mountain... still no God.
FINALLY: in the sheer silence following the fierce storms, God spoke to Elijah. God gave Elijah encouragement, new directions, new work, and guided him toward the steadfast, powerful Elisha, who would follow in Elijah's footsteps and lead Israel powerfully in the worship of God.
The noise, the anxiety, the tumult around us (and often inside of our hearts & minds, too) are like the wind, the earthquake, and the fire that roared over the Mountain of God. They were dramatic; no doubt they were scary; but they were not of God and they did not last.
Elijah waited and listened. And when God spoke, Elijah was prepared; he heard God's voice clearly; and he followed where God led him. This leading resulted in powerful new expressions of God's care and concern for his Hebrew people.
In a similar way, those of us tasked to lead our parish are listening for God's voice. We are talking about what reopening might look like. We agree that our first priority is
your safety
. We have a steady supply of informed, healthy information about reopening coming from our Diocese and from our state and federal governments. We long to be back together with you, worshiping in our beautiful sanctuary. However, until we are sure that it will be safe to do so, we choose to focus on thorough preparation.
There are a lot of factors to wrestle with: how to keep surfaces sanitized (pews, doorknobs, bathrooms, etc.)? How to direct people in and out of the church (best practice at this point says to use one doorway for an entrance and a different one for an exit)? Eucharist is not currently an option (because of the risk of spreading the virus through contact).
Please keep your parish leadership in prayer, so that we listen carefully to God's voice, act thoughtfully for your safety and well-being, and so that we all continue to find new ways to connect and care for one another in this new, unusual world in which we live. Please know that you are loved and held up in prayer!
Blessings,
Peter+
cell 502-661-2742
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Reminder:
All Ascension videos are now available on our FREE "YouTube Channel." You may subscribe, get notifications, view playlists...
click here for more information
... or go directly to the
Ascension YouTube Channel Page
. This means you can conveniently find all Ascension videos all in one place, without having to scroll and sift through all of our other Facebook group postings. Kudos to Taylor Lunsford for creating and managing our videos!
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Thy Kingdom Come
Prayer Initiative Begins May 21
Again this year, Bishop Mark has invited our diocese to participate in
Thy Kingdom Come
, a global ecumenical prayer movement that invites Christians around the world to pray daily from Ascension to Pentecost in the hope that more people may come to know Jesus.
Whether you are new to ‘structured’ prayer or an old hand, you are invited to try praying daily for the period between Ascension and Pentecost. We hope you may find in it a spiritual rhythm which will nourish your heart and keep prayer on your lips, enabling you to become part of a global wave of prayer.
We hope you will join us – along with churches from over 65 different denominations in 178 countries around the world.
For more information, additional prayer resources, and to add your voice to the worldwide interactive map, visit the
Thy Kingdom Come
website.
“In praying 'Thy Kingdom Come' we all commit to playing our part in the renewal of the nations and the transformation of communities."
-
Archbishop Justin Welby
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EVERYDAY MATTERS
by Kristi & Laura Buffenmyer
Hello Everyone,
Laura and I work with an organization called
Everyday Matters LLC,
serving adults diagnosed with developmental disabilities right here in Franklin County. We provide a day program for clients to attend Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., as well as 18 residential homes throughout Frankfort. We run shifts at our homes so that there is always an awake staff person on duty.
During the COVID pandemic we were forced to close our day program and shelter the folks at their home, needing day staff to go in with them. Typically, we have the same three people covering the residences to limit exposure and keep some normalcy. With the day training being closed, they are not able to see their friends and enjoy activities. Therefore, we have had to be creative in finding ways for everyone to stay healthy at home.
Our people have worked on window art, played games, used Facetime to see friends, been to drive-thrus, taken country drives, gone on walk-abouts in their neighborhoods, baked goodies for first responders, and ordered from local establishments to help the community economy. Overall, we have stayed safe and healthy; we have not had one COVID case with our staff or clients. Our biggest challenge has been finding the necessary disinfectants. With limits placed on items it was extremely difficult. We have been creative in our purchasing, and supplies are gradually improving.
When Father Peter approached us about describing how the pandemic has affected Everyday Matters and the needs our folks may have, we thought it best to describe the happenings. Mostly our folks are happy. They are sad that they cannot attend their community jobs, church, see their friends at the day training site, or go out to eat and shop. They miss their family; before the shutdown, many visited with their family and loved ones once a week.
If we had to tell you some needs or things we would like, it would be arts and crafts projects, cards sent to our houses for the residents, adult coloring books with markers, and educational workbooks dealing with currency, weather, and daily living skills. Gift cards from places like Michael's for art supplies are always welcome. And we can always use prayers!
Everyone enjoys getting mail! If you are interested in sending cards, or maybe even adopting a "pen pal," let us know and we can get mailing addresses to you. Thanks so much.
Kristi and Laura Buffenmyer
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NEW Book study for June/July:
LIVING JUDAISM
In June and July, Father Peter and Father Bill will team-teach an introductory class on Judaism. Father Bill lived, studied, and worked in Israel. Father Peter studied Judaism and Hebrew at seminary and traveled there in 2017.
The Jewish faith is, of course, the root of our own Christian faith. Jesus and his early disciples were Jewish, and they lived and worked in a Jewish world. Our hope is that by participating in this class, you will gain a deeper understanding of the Bible and fall more deeply in love with Scripture. (Plus, of course, it's going to be a ton of fun to learn together!)
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FOR THE EMERGENCY COMMUNITY FOOD PANTRY
OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
OR
make out your check to "Emergency Community Food Pantry" and mail it directly to the Food Pantry at PO Box 48, Frankfort KY 40602.
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The Emergency Community Food Pantry of Franklin County is
doing a virtual drive to collect monetary donations through their web site and also by mail.
The pandemic has affected the food pantry’s operations; they are experiencing record-breaking numbers of requests.
The drive will last the entire month of May.
Donors may contribute as much or as little as they wish, but to offer perspective, a single donation of $32 feeds a family of two for a week.
The pantry’s goal is to raise $24,000 in the month of May, which would usually be enough to purchase two months of groceries for the pantry.
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CALLING ALL GRADUATES!
Let us know who “our” graduates are this year, whether from high school, college, or other significant program. We are compiling a list, and need your help to let us know if Ascension parishioners or family members are graduating in 2020. Tell us the graduate’s name, school/program/degree, and if desired, plans for future school or work, and name(s) of their parents or connection to Ascension. This has been a very different year for these graduates, because of COVID-19. Help us acknowledge and celebrate their hard work and accomplishments!
Please include a favorite photo of the graduate, if possible.
Email to
info@ascensionfrankfort.org
, or leave a message for the office at 502-223-0557.
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COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, direction from government officials, and leadership from our bishops, there will be no worship services or any group meetings in the church building until further notice. If you have questions, concerns, ideas or suggestions to share, or if you have needs that your church family might help to meet, please contact Father Peter to discuss (email
fatherpeter@ascensionfrankfort.org
, or call
502-661-2742
). You may also email Deacon Rebecca Saager (
curate@ascensionfrankfort.org
) or Deacon Sue Kurtz (
deacon@ascensionfrankfort.org
).
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ONLINE WORSHIP @ ASCENSION
- Sundays: Check out Ascension's Facebook page on Sundays at 9:30 a.m. Father Peter will lead Morning Prayer (live from his home) OR there there will be an increasing number of recorded video services (in the church, with clergy and organist). Please log in if you're able and invite others to "attend" as well: we can all use a little prayer and community during this time!
- Father Peter is continuing to lead Sunday morning Bible study (currently the Gospel of Matthew) through ZOOM, starting at 11:00 a.m. Please text or email him (contact info is above) if you want to be added to this group.
- Daily: Father Peter is leading Evening Prayer at 6:30 p.m. on our Facebook page, beginning with any announcements as needed. All are welcome!
- Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays: Deacon Sue is leading Compline at 8:00 p.m. on our Facebook page. Join her and say hello!
- Saturdays: Centering Prayer meetings are now held online via ZOOM every Saturday at 10:00 a.m., led by Scott Kimbel. Everyone is invited and welcome, whether you are new or practiced with this technique. If you would like to attend, please contact Father Peter for the meeting link and password.
FACEBOOK:
Check it out, and comment to let others know you're watching! We also post announcements, articles, and links of interest on this page, so check it often.
ZOOM:
After contacting the group leader to sign up, you will receive a specific email invitation for EACH meeting, containing a link to click from your computer or smart device for voice and video, or alternately, a number to call from any phone for voice only.
VIDEOS:
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includes
our church building!
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MEETINGS & OFFICE HOURS
Regular office hours remain suspended until further notice; clergy and staff are working (mostly) from home.
Group meetings of three or more people should NOT be held on church grounds until further notice. Investigate using cell phone conferencing, Facebook Live, ZOOM, or other remote meeting options. See status update from Father Peter, above.
Having a key does NOT mean that you are authorized to enter/use the building during this period of mandatory closure. If your group "needs to meet" - CHECK FIRST with Father Peter for authorization or options. Building traffic should be absolutely minimal.
Father Peter, Mona Proctor, and other clergy and staff may sometimes be working from home, or may be in and out of the office occasionally. Our Sexton, David Gierlach, and cleaning person, Anita Rogers, will continue their duties on their own schedules. Other people are asked not to visit the office/church building without prior authorization from Father Peter. "Healthy at Work" guidelines apply to everyone in the building.
Our clergy team continues to work to stay in touch with our members who are sick or homebound, but in-person visits will be kept to a minimum during this time.
Please note: Our antiquated phone system will not allow us to update the 'outgoing announcement' voicemail messages! We hope to have the problem corrected at some point, but even if the message you hear is outdated, you may still leave a message. We will hear it the next time we are in the building, whenever that may be. If your message needs immediate attention, please contact Father Peter directly
(email
fatherpeter@ascensionfrankfort.org
, or call
502-661-2742
).
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OUTREACH
While the church is closed, our tradition of serving breakfast on Sunday morning is also suspended. However, there are still other ways that we can continue our mission of outreach. Monetary donations are always helpful, but not the only option.
Rather than focusing on WHEN we can start doing outreach again in the way to which we have become accustomed, give some thought to HOW you (and we, Ascension) might expand or innovate other methods of outreach in this difficult time. Talk to Father Peter or one of the deacons or a vestry member about your ideas.
And don't forget to reach out to each other!
Always in mind is
Simon House
, which we work to support throughout the year. They are in desperate need of household supplies and food items. Here is their current wishlist:
https://www.simonhouseonline.org/Our_Wishlist.htm
Note: During this critical time, donations should go directly to Simon House, NOT to the church.
Always call first to arrange a drop-off: 502-223-2138.
With all three of the city’s homeless shelters at or near capacity, Simon House is also coordinating a
new temporary emergency shelter
that can house up to 40 people - now up running at F.D. Wilkinson Gymnasium at 315 Ewing St. They are in need of food, supplies, and volunteers. Contact Simon House (above) for more details.
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MONTHLY RECEIPTS
5/1/20: $1,860
5/8/20: $3,575
5/15/20: $4,102
5/21/20: $5,408
We hope that our continuing video-produced and live services are providing you some spiritual fulfillment during these difficult times. Please note the schedule for our continuing services on Facebook and our web site. We commend all clergy, staff, and lay parishioners who are generously giving their time and talents to these digital endeavors.
We know this is a time of uncertainty and difficulty for all of us. As you take care of yourselves now, physically and financially, you will be able to help others later. If you have lost a job, need money for groceries or housing, or face some other hardship due to the pandemic, please feel free to talk with Father Peter, Deacon Rebecca, or Deacon Sue. They are 'plugged in' to channels for finding assistance that you might not know.
Please note that during this critical time, obligations of your Parish continue. We must continue to pay for payroll, utilities, facility maintenance, insurance, and more. We want to make sure that our doors can reopen when this crisis is eased. Our 2020 budget is already quite lean, and your gifts of time and treasure are crucial to the mission of the Episcopal Church of Ascension, Frankfort, Kentucky.
In recent years we worked and prayed together to meet serious financial challenges. Please continue your pledge payments and make other donations as you are able.
Address any payments sent by U.S. Mail to Church of the Ascension, 311 Washington Street, Frankfort KY 40601. If you are out of envelopes or stamps to send a paper check, we will be glad to mail you a supply. Email info@ascensionfrankfort.org or call 502-223-0557.
You may drop offerings and other paperwork, contained in an envelope, into the locked church mailbox. It is a brass box located on the parish hall porch that is nearest the main church door, mounted on the brick wall to the right of the steps.
If you would like to give "automatically" by authorizing a regular monthly deduction from your bank account, contact the office to get that started.
You may also donate to Ascension online: using a credit card at
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme2/ascensionfrankfort
(You do NOT need a PayPal account to do this - just a credit card. Only PayPal sees your credit card number, not anyone at Ascension. This is considered to be a very safe, secure way to give online.)
If you have questions about the church budget or expenses, talk to any 2020 Vestry member, or to William Legg, Treasurer, or Mike Oder, Assistant Treasurer, or Jim King, Finance Committee Chair.
Please take care of yourselves and shepherd your resources. May God bless us all.
William Legg
Treasurer
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for Summer 2020 has been cancelled due to COVID-19.
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This web site has an abundance of information and resources - check it out!
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May 24, 2020
Daily Office Lectionary
Week of Seven Easter, Year Two - BCP 965
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Intercessions for the Church:
Trinity Church, Danville The Rev. Amy Dafler Meaux,
Rector.
Recently in need of prayers:
Barbara; Bill; Candy & Tony; Daneen; Debbie; Donnie; Edith & Marion; Fran & Doug; Ginni; Gus; Heidi & Ian; Greg; Joe; Jon; Josh;
Lara;
Linda; Madonna; Mae; Marie.
Continuing concern:
Betty; Carrie & Shawn; Collin; Dan; Darlene; David; Debbie; Dillard; Doris; the Duncan Family; Erika; Faye & Steve; Gillian; Holly; Isaiah; James & Stella; Janet; Janice; Jean; Jinks; John; Julia; June; Linda; Mac; Marilyn; Mary; Melissa; Mike & Susie; Natalie; Polly; Scott & Kathy; Sherri; and Tom. We also pray for those on active duty in the military: Daniel, Houston, Mary Jo, Nick, Seth, Tanner, and Walter.
Birthdays:
5/19 - Ellen Thorsen, John Everett Fallis; 5/20 - Hayden Hoover; 5/27 - Karen Hoover; 5/30 - Rebecca Saager.
Anniversaries:
5/26 - Mike & Maureen Davis; 5/30 - Craig & Cindy Aossey.
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
- The Rev. Peter Doddema, Priest
- The Rev. Dr. William G. Brown, Associate 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
Copyright © 2020 Church of the Ascension. All Rights Reserved.
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