"Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness." - Psalm 96

THIS WEEK AT ASCENSION + August 12, 2020

Requiescat in pace + Sr. Barbara Louise Drell, OSA February 22, 1932 - August 11, 2020 (See today's Letter from the Rector)

Commemoration of Florence Nightingale: Nurse, Social Reformer, 1910 This evening, August 12 Evening Prayer 6:00 p.m. Low Mass, 6:30 p.m. The Order of Worship for this evening's mass may be viewed here. Via Zoom, click here

Sunday, August 16 Solemnity of the Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary also known as the Assumption or the Dormition of Mary 8:30 a.m. Morning Prayer 9:00 a.m. Live-Streamed Mass * Guest Preacher Joshua Heath * 10:30 a.m. Join the Conversation "A Vexed Relationship with Mary" 11:15 a.m. Virtual Coffee Hour ALL VIA ZOOM (Click here) The Order of Worship for the Sunday mass may be viewed here.

Ascension's Assumption rosary window.

Guest Preacher and Facilitator Joshua Heath: Live on Sunday from Cambridge, England Yes! Joshua Heath, who shared in our worship and fellowship here at Ascension 2017-2018 has agreed to be our guest preacher for Sunday's 9:00 a.m. Mass. He'll join us via Zoom from, England, where, since leaving us, he's been pursuing doctoral studies in theology at Trinity College, Cambridge. (See Joshua's university profile here.)

"A Vexed Relationship with Mary" - 10:30 a.m. Sunday Joshua will also lead our 10:15 a.m. conversation. The title for his reflection and our responses arises from his own path of faith. What's it like for one's childhood faith to have been shaped by Reformed tradition -- from which, by comparison with others, Mary is largely absent? What's it like, farther along the path of faith, to come upon all of the theological and devotional riches, nuances, assertions and questions embraced, explored and practiced in Anglo-Catholicism and in other traditions?

Please note revised times for Sunday due to a festal mass that may be longer than usual 8:30 a.m. Morning Prayer 9:00 a.m. Mass for the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (the 'usual time' these days) 10:30 a.m. Reflection & Conversation with Joshua Heath 11:15 a.m. Coffee Hour

Father Norris' mass set to be used for our Assumption Mass

Following Father Gregory Norris' June 25 death, I was contacted by his partner Father George Monroe about an impressive hammered silver chalice and paten, given to Father Norris by members of Ascension (as Father Monroe remembers it) to honor the 25th anniversary of Father Norris' ordination as priest, October 1988. I'll be grateful to hear from anyone who may have more information and meanwhile look forward to the honor of sharing these beautiful sacramental vessels on Sunday. - Fr. Raymond +

From the Rector

Sister Barbara Dear people of Ascension, Many of you have already felt or are now feeling as shaken as I upon hearing of the death of Sister Barbara Louise, OSA. Though so often quiet, attentive and intently listening -- to one or more of us, or to a student, and always, seemingly, to God -- she was also capable of feisty, prophetic moments. Her presence, prayers and witness permeated the Church of the Ascension as much as the next-door Convent of St. Anne. And now her absence.  Sister Barbara had been holding her own through the pandemic, reading a lot, and in good weather enjoying a good sit out in the back yard of the convent, under the apple trees her father planted when she joined the order more than 40 years ago. I last saw her a week or so ago, tenderly holding hands as she walked to his car with her brother Robert, who'd come to visit. Mother Judith Marie, OSA Superior, drove Sister Barbara to St. Joseph's Hospital yesterday due to a few days of ill health that, until the end, did not seem to be potentially terminal. Mother was unable to remain with Barbara due to present restrictions but stayed in contact with doctors and hospital staff as matters became increasingly critical. Sister Barbara entered God's rest just before Midnight. Upon receiving a call from Mother Judith this morning, she and I shared the Ministration at Time of Death from the Prayer Book. Before you read this, I'll have joined Mother Judith and Fr. John Heschle, the OSA Warden, as he will, by arrangement with the hospital, anoint Sr. Barbara's body. Nothing has yet been decided about a requiem mass or other rites, I will of course timely share information if and when known. May her soul and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God rest in peace.

Fr. Patrick Raymond, Rector

Also from the Rector

Also with regard to Sister Barbara Louise, OSA ... In the recent photo alongside my message, above, Sister Barbara is purposefully making her way through the Ascension garden to her table in the parish house hallway, her English language classroom. Her passion for teaching English to those for whom it was not native was/is legendary. Someone here at Ascension this morning has already remarked: "Well, now we know that everyone in heaven will speak English. Sister will see to that!"

For those wishing to share condolences: Mother Judith Marie, OSA Convent of St. Anne 1125 North LaSalle Drive Chicago, IL 60610 or Sister Barbara's brother and her sister-in-law Robert and Mary Drell 2172 Coral Lane Glenview, IL 60026 (312) 636-8400

Many of us felt and feel heartbroken and troubled by the spree of looting and violence that moved through Sunday night and into Monday morning from the Loop and Michigan Avenue through Ascension's neighborhood and beyond. Mid-morning Monday I shared a Facebook Live message (since lost in space, apparently) conveying that there was no damage on our own block and asking for prayers, as I do again now. The adapted Collect for Cities (BCP p. 825) may be a good starting point: Heavenly Father, in your Word you have given us a vision of that holy City to which the nations of the world bring their glory: Behold and visit, we pray, the cities of the earth, including our own City of Chicago. Renew the ties of mutual regard which form our civic life. Send us honest and able leaders. Enable us to eliminate poverty, prejudice, and oppression, that peace may prevail with righteousness, and justice with order, and that men and women from differing cultures, races, circumstances, gifts and faiths may find with one another the fulfillment of our humanity; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

A Retraction ... Sorry to say I seem to have jumped the starting bell with regard to parish conversations about racism and related matters. The Vestry has identified the value of such conversations, but an exploratory group is still forming, examining options and identifying matters of specific relevance to or interest to us at Ascension. To inquire about the process-to-date, please contact Fr. Alonzo Pruitt, Vestry member Enrique Vilaseco or Junior Warden Cheryl Peterson.

Re-Opening Task Force Updates

This week's big news: I ordered tweezers. No joke. They are gold-plated, 10-inch chef's tweezers. $15 on Amazon. Yes, but why? Well, they seem to be one mechanism for distributing Communion without hand-to-hand contact. The comparable sacerdotal implement on one church supply house website is $35. Another implement now used by some to distribute Hosts (but nixed by me and others for now) looks disturbingly like a Pez dispenser ... Returning to in-person worship will require our adaptation to a variety of previously foreign ... things. As another example, a box now in the church office holds face shields that priests will wear as they wield the golden tweezers. These things may seem frivolous or a waste of time or bizarre, but my continued reading suggests that these measures should be pursued and adapted if they will keep even one of us safe from the ravages of an acute case of COVID-19. Please encourage and pray for our Task Force members as we continue to work through all the details and decisions that require our tweezing.

Also from the Task Force: Aug. 22 'cleaning crew' invitation from Carol Noren

All who volunteered by way of the recent survey to take part in our cleaning crew are urged to attend an orientation session at the church at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 22nd. The session will last under an hour. Thank you for volunteering. I hope to see you -- with your masks!-- on the 22nd.

Let's also make room for good news and stories of good works and good souls. Beth Hall and her husband Sam Sommers come all the way from Elkhart, Indiana, when they can, to worship at Ascension. They've also recently been able to take part more often (and to share in some worship ministry roles), thanks to Zoom. An feature story in an Elkhart-area paper introduces Beth and her volunteer work with the Elkhart County Humane Society. The headline, of course, includes the word 'purr-fect'. Click here and scroll to page 5 to read the story.

My sermon from this past Sunday, August 9, may be read by clicking here.

I regret having to remind you that visits to Ascension, other than for urgent or essential matters or for brief personal devotion in the church, are to be avoided. Another exception: your participation with a mask in the August 22 cleaning crew training. Any (other) visit should be arranged in advance with Br. Nathanael Rahm Thank you for your understanding.

Due to COVID-19, Church of the Ascension’s Treasurer and Bookkeeper are limiting the amount of time they spend working in the parish offices. All checks received at Ascension via the United States Postal Service, not always a reliable service in our area, will be bank deposited approximately every 4-6 weeks. They will next be here Tuesday, September 8, for several hours beginning by 10 a.m. You may contact the Treasurer by email anytime at Finance@AscensionChicago.org.

From the Choirmaster

Dear friends, This Sunday’s Zoom Mass will feature Schubert’s youthful Salve Regina sung by staff soprano, Alexandra Olsavsky. (Although, as Schubert lived to only 31, I suppose all of his compositions could be considered by most of us to be youthful!) This musical offering celebrates the Feast of Saint Mary the Virgin: Mother of Our Lord Jesus Christ, also known as the Assumption or the Dormition. I hope it is a blessing to you. Benjamin

Sunday's Organ Repertoire

Opening Voluntary Magnificat: "He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he that sent empty away."   Magnificat: "He, remembering his mercy, hath holpen his servant Israel; as he promised to our forefathers, Abraham and his seed forever." Marcel Dupré (1886-1971)   At the Offertory Hymn: "Sing of Mary"  CHADDERTON   Closing Voluntary Magnificat: Gloria: Finale Marcel Dupré

Ascension Connections Below (with your click and God's help) Our website home page -- often with up-to-date info/links. Our Facebook page: Videos, upcoming events and more. Click to join us for any Zoom gathering (Masses, Daily Office, Virtual Coffee Hour, Scripture Study, Vestry Meeting, other. Meeting ID: 792 031 7452 Password: 1133 Join-by-Phone Option: (312) 626-6799

Weekly Ascension Schedule for the (stay-at-home) time being All connections are via Zoom (click here) except for Morning Prayer, via Facebook (click here). SUNDAYS 8:30 a.m. Morning Prayer 9:00 a.m. Mass 10:15 a.m. Scripture reflection 11:00 a.m. Virtual Coffee Hour MONDAY-FRIDAY 6:10 p.m. Evening Prayer via Zoom WEDNESDAYS 6:30 p.m. Low Mass

Yes, but I still haven't Zoomed ...

For the Novice, Newbie, or tech-challenged: It may be easier than you know. We've simplified instructions on the sheet that you can view by clicking here. Please know that you can block your camera (and don't need one to start with), and you could join our Scripture study or Virtual Coffee Hour, for instance, without having to say a word. Give it a try.

Please give generously as you are able. Treasurer Susan Schlough has asked me to remind you of Ascension's ongoing expenses at this time. To the extent that you are able, payment on your pledges or the offering of Holy Day or other special gifts will be greatly appreciated. You may still write a check and mail it to the church, or online payment is possible through the buttons at various places on our website. Thank you!

THE PARISH PRAYER LIST

Ascension Prayer list as of August 12 For our prayers: Charley Taylor, August 'Augie' Alonzo, Jim Berger, Ethel Martin, Dean Pineda, Charlene MacDougal, Jim Lo Bello, Marty Stenson, Donna Neglia, Jessica, Maxim, Ted Long, Ken Kelling, David Byerly, Nicholas Carl, Leigh McDonald, Bonnie Joseph, Angie West, Gabriel Monpetit, Mike Lazos, Catriana Patriarca, Mike, Robert Devens, Richard Laibly, Larry Witry, Tony Payne   In Thanksgiving: Birthdays: Judy Williams-Nitka, 8/15; Eliot Raymond, 8/17   Requiescat in pace: Carl Edward Leonard, 8/10/1990; Jayne M. FitzSimmons, 8/11/1999; Elsa Marie Klages, 8/14; Lena Patrick, 8/15; Shirley M. Akan, 8/15/2008   Prayers for the departed: Prayers are requested for the repose of the soul of Sr. Barbara Louise OSA, 8/11/2020 Prayers are requested for the repose of the soul of Mary Lou Devens, 8/5/2020 Rest eternal grant unto them, O Lord: and let light perpetual shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen. 

Click here 24/7 to be taken via YouTube and webcam to the Ascension nave/sanctuary.

THE LAST WORD

Below, the opening page-and-a-half of a 27-page 1989 scholarly article in the journal Theological Studies by the eminent Marian scholar Elizabeth Johnston, CSJ, now Distinguished Professor of Theology at Fordham University, New York. The thrust of the article and its erudition and insight are best discovered by her own writing. If you find her inquiry compelling, the article may be read in its entirety here. - Fr. Raymond +

MARY AND THE FEMALE FACE OF GOD ELIZABETH A. JOHNSON, C.S.J. The Catholic University of America      THROUGHOUT THE COURSE of its history the Catholic religious spirit has honored in a plethora of ways the person of Mary of Nazareth, that New Testament disciple of Jesus Christ who was also his mother. Thanks to her historically irreplaceable personal involvement in the birth of the Messiah, coupled with her own lifelong faith in God, she is understood to be intimately linked to the coming of salvation. The power of this connection intuited between the figure of Mary and the saving mystery which surrounds the world has led to popular devotion of vast proportions, as well as to doctrinal pronouncements and theological reflections, some more exuberant than others. While the Second Vatican Council shaped a balanced presentation of Mary in relation to Christ and the Church, (1) all problems of exaggeration, emotionalism, and vain credulity have not disappeared; rather, some Marian developments remain open to the Reformation charge of distorting the gospel.     Study of the Marian tradition shows that much of its even legitimate growth is not explainable simply by the exigencies of preaching the gospel. Despite correct official formulations, more is going on here than immediately meets the eye. A surprisingly diverse number of scholars have proposed that one of the primary reasons for the dynamic growth of the Marian phenomenon throughout history lies in the symbolic power of her figure, which, precisely as a female representation, bears images of the divine otherwise excluded from mainline Christian perception of God as Father, Son, and Spirit. In other words, female images of God, arguably necessary for the full expression of the mystery of God but suppressed from official formulations, have migrated to the figure of this woman. Mary has been an icon of God. For innumerable believers she has functioned to reveal divine love as merciful, close, interested, always ready to hear and respond to human needs, trustworthy, and profoundly attractive, and has done so to a degree not possible when one thinks of God simply as a ruling male person or persons. Consequently, in devotion to her as a compassionate mother who will not let one of her children be lost, what is actually being mediated is a most appealing experience of God.     Most scholars who have posited this relation between the figure of Mary and imagery of the divine have been content to let the issue rest there. However, given today's theological necessity to envision God more adequately in ways inclusive of women's reality, another step may be taken. This would be the retrieval of those elements in the Marian symbol which properly belong to divine reality, and the direct attribution of them to God imaged as female. If Mary reflects the female face of God, then Marian theology and devotion have a contribution to make toward the crucial task of imaging God in inclusive fashion. In other words, the Marian tradition is a golden mother lode which can be "mined" in order to retrieve female imagery and language about the holy mystery of God.2 This is admittedly an open issue.   1 Constitution on the Church (Lumen gentium) chap. 8, "The Role of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, in the Mystery of Christ and the Church," The Documents of Vatican II, ed. Walter Abbott (New York: America, 1966). See commentaries by Otto Semmelroth, Commentary on the Documents of Vatican II1, ed. Herbert Vorgrimler (New York: Herder & Herder, 1967) 285-96; René Laurentin, La Vierge au Concile (Paris: Lethielleux, 1965); Karl Rahner, "Zur konziliaren Mariologie," Stimmen der Zeit 174 (1964) 87-101; Anne Carr, "Mary in the Mystery of the Church: Vatican Council II," Mary according to Women, ed. Carol Jegen (Kansas City: Leaven, 1985) 5-32.   2 For this evocative mining metaphor I am indebted to Lawrence Cunningham, Mother of God (San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1982) 103. Obviously, not all of Marian doctrine and devotion will yield fruit in this investigation. Biblical, much patristic, and some contemporary expressions (e.g., Mary as type of the Church) do not present a Mary who bears images of God, except insofar as she, like all human beings, is imago Dei.

The Very Rev. Patrick Raymond, Rector PRaymmond@ascensionchicago.org Susan Schlough, Treasurer Finance@ascensionchicago.org Br. Nathanael Deward Rahm BSG, Parish Office Office@ascensionchicago.org

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