Volume 11, Issue #35
September 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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The parish office will be closed on Monday, September 6. |
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FROM PETER'S PEN
This past Sunday, we were blessed to celebrate the 50th wedding anniversary of John & Karen Cosby. This celebration involved them renewing their vows during our 9:30 worship service.
In the Episcopal Church, making and renewing your wedding vows (beginning on p. 423 of the Book of Common Prayer) involves both the couple taking vows to one another and the congregation taking vows to support the couple in their marriage. No one is a spectator, and this is a beautiful reminder of our common life together as Christians.
Over the next few weeks, we will also celebrate the anniversaries and vow renewals of Sue & Rick Kurtz and Pam & Will McKee. I encourage you to attend worship if possible and to participate in these rites. These couples bless us by allowing us to be a part of their common life. And these ceremonies remind us that, although we are in difficult times, God's Spirit is still at work, life unfolds, and we have much to celebrate!
With Joy,
Peter+
The Rev. Peter Doddema
502-661-2742
P.S. Bible Study classes will resume on September 12, meeting on Sundays at 11:00 a.m. In person or via ZOOM? Let Peter know your preference!
Book Study classes will resume on September 15, meeting on Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. via ZOOM. We will continue discussion of Always A Guest, by Barbara Brown Taylor. Please contact Peter for the ZOOM link.
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Episcopal Relief & Development (ERD) is supporting the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana and other regional partners in the path of Hurricane Ida. ERD’s US Disaster Program team was in touch with partners over the weekend and began holding daily coordination calls with impacted dioceses on Monday morning. Disaster response teams are beginning to assess needs created by the hurricane and to determine how best to respond. US Disaster Program staff and partners are also using the Episcopal Asset Map as a tool for connecting churches and resources for those in need. The map now has an overlay option that shows the path of Hurricane Ida, which enables users to easily find and connect with the help they need. Please pray for everyone impacted by Hurricane Ida. Donations to ERD’s Hurricane Relief Fund will support the organization’s response to Hurricane Ida and other storms.
Presiding Bishop Michael Curry has released a statement highlighting some of the ways Episcopalians can help Afghan refugees through Episcopal Migration Ministries (EMM). As Afghans arrive to the U.S. with the hope of safety, The Episcopal Church, through the work of EMM, is assisting our new neighbors through the Afghan Parolee Support Program. This new U.S. program, dependent on private resources and community-led welcome and support, will provide security and foundation necessary for arriving Afghans to begin life in the U.S. EMM has launched a special appeal—Neighbors Welcome: Afghan Allies Fund—to meet the financial and in-kind needs necessary to provide adequate housing, basic services, and long-term support. Donate through EMM to support Afghan allies here.
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RED/BLUE WORKSHOP
in Frankfort
Saturday, September 11
Community Room
319 Wapping Street, Frankfort
10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
(lunch not provided)
What is a Red/Blue Workshop?
"Five to eight Republican-leaning citizens (“Reds”) and five to eight Democratic-leaning citizens (“Blues”) gather together for a half-day or full-day of structured conversations. Independents are also welcome to attend. We only ask that for the purposes of the workshop they identify as leaning either Red or Blue, or attend as observers.
There are two types of Red/Blue workshops: 3-hour workshops that cover two exercises, and 6-hour plus lunch workshops that cover all four exercises. We recommend that people attend the 6-hour version if possible.
Two moderators, trained by Braver Angels, lead the workshop, ensuring that ground rules are followed and that everyone is treated respectfully."
Thank you,
Peter+
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Fifteenth Sunday
after Pentecost:
Proper 18
September 5, 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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Schedule for Sunday,
September 5
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Lector: Pauline Van Horn
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Crucifer: Cynthia Campbell
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Ushers: Jim King & Rick Kurtz
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Security Lockup: Pauline Van Horn
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 schedule for Lay Ministries for August and September is posted above and also displayed on the window of the parish office.
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HVAC PROGRESS REPORT
from Jr. Warden Jim King
Installation is scheduled to begin this week for the new HVAC units in the front of the church . Next week, the large units for the nave will be installed.
It's happening - thanks to YOU!
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RESPONDING TO THE PANDEMIC:
CHANGES & CHALLENGES
7/31/21: 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.
4) We will hold off on resuming the Taize service (previously scheduled to resume on August 7), due to the amount of singing involved.
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.
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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. Godly Play classes are expected to return in the fall.
Singing and saying prayers and responses aloud will be handled by announcement at individual 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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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 w
ith 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: St. Andrew’s Church, Lexington - The Rev. Michael Henderson, Priest-in-Charge.
Recently in need of prayers: Allen; Andrew; Angie; Arnold; Bill; Bob; Claudia; Correll; Darlene; Deborah; Florence; George A.; George S.; Jan & Dale; Jesse; Kathy; Linda P.; Lynda R.; Marie; Marilyn; Michele and family; Mildred; Noreen; Patricia; Ronnie; Ruth; Tandy; and the students and staff of Stewart Home School.
Continuing concern: Adrianna; Ann; Barbara; Dan; Debbie; Dillard; Edith; Faye; Ginni; Jinks; John; Mac; Mary; Melissa; Mike & Susie; Nancy; Polly; and Rena. We also pray for those affected by the COVID pandemic, and for those on active duty in the military: Daniel, Houston, Nick, Seth, and Tanner.
Thanksgivings: for John & Karen Cosby's 50th wedding anniversary.
Birthdays: 9/1 - Hal Grant; 9/5 - Susie Oder, Milly Stewart; 9/8 - Ann Peel, Mona Proctor; 9/9 - Richard Feindel, Roy Upshaw; 9/11 - Leslie Laird.
Anniversaries: 9/10 - Taylor & Melissa Hoover.
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, 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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