Volume 11, Issue #26
July 1, 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
Welcome to summer! We are now in that time of year of long, sunny days and, when we step outside, that feeling of "air you can wear" (as one of you aptly phrased it!).
I just came back from a week of serving as a chaplain at the Cathedral Domain, our Diocese's camp facility located in Lee County. I spent the week with 64 children, mostly ages 7-8. This was their first experience of "overnight camp" and sleeping away from home. We had great counselors and staff, and we spent a lot of time outside: hiking, swimming, caving, and exploring God's beautiful creation.
Our Scripture for the week was the creation story (Genesis 1); I worked with the children to be mindful of all of the gorgeous nature around them. We spent time each day talking about what we had seen and experienced as we explored the mountains. I love this age group, because they are so eager to share and to learn: it was a lovely and enlightening time for me as I saw the world through their energetic eyes.
Speaking of Scripture: summertime is also a time where we read more broadly in our Sunday lessons. Since the lessons are not grouped around liturgical themes like: Advent/Christmas; Lent/Easter; etc., there is more variation in the readings. This summer, we will spend several weeks in the Hebrew Scriptures looking at King David (II Samuel), and in our Epistle ("letter") readings we'll be examining the formation of the early Church (Ephesians and Colossians). These two letters give us insights into what some of our early Christian ancestors were thinking about, wrestling with, and the world in which the Church was first formed.
These lessons will start the second Sunday of July (July 11) and span several Sundays. If you have a copy of "The Message" (a transliteration of the Bible that several of us often use and read from on Sundays), I encourage you to bring that with you. We will be opening our Bibles to dig deeper in the sermons, and the language of Ephesians and Colossians can be a bit...dense. So, if you have a copy of "The Message" (or some other translation of the Bible that is easier for you to understand than the Bibles in our pews), I encourage you to bring it with you.
With Joy,
Peter+
The Rev. Peter Doddema
502-661-2742
P.S. Check out the NEW July Book Study below, and don't miss this weekend's schedule for Lay Ministries.
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CHALICE RETURNS
As we continue to return to more "normal" worship practices, on July 11 we will begin using a common chalice again, by intinction only (aka "dipping your wafer in the cup").
If you prefer to receive a sip of wine rather than intinction, please let the deacons know before the service starts so that they can have an individual plastic communion cup set aside for you.
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WEDNESDAY MID-DAY SERVICE RETURNS
Starting on July 14, Wednesday services will return to the Ascension chapel, led by Father Peter Doddema. All are welcome to pray the Anglican rosary with us (optional), starting at 1:00 p.m. The Holy Eucharist service will begin promptly at 1:15, concluding by 2:00 p.m.
Please join us for this intimate mid-week gathering!
Again, thank you for your patience as we carefully, prayerfully resume our usual worship practices. Our goal is to worship God and to keep everyone as safe as possible.
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Sixth Sunday
after Pentecost:
Proper 9
July 4, 9:30 a.m.
HOLY EUCHARIST, Rite II
OPEN for live, in-person service
inside the church.
ALSO this week: online morning prayer with Ascension clergy - online at 9:30 a.m.
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Ascension has TWO addresses on Facebook:
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Schedule for Sunday, July 4
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Reader & Crucifer: Cynthia Campbell
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Ushers: Shannon Lancaster & Julia Tyson
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Security Lockup: Shannon Lancaster
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for coming weeks. This schedule is also posted on the window of the parish office. To change or add to the schedule, or to inquire about serving as a lay minister, please contact Deacon Rebecca Saager (curate@ascensionfrankfort.org).
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HVAC UPDATE
From Ginni Fox: We are closing in on cash and pledges needed for replacement of the HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems) in the main historic church. You are truly the most responsive, caring and giving faith community imaginable!
Please, if you plan to give and just have not gotten around to it, let us hear from you at your earliest convenience. Our Junior Warden wants to beat continuing price increases and get started prior to the super-hot and humid times. Let’s put that man to work!
We are very grateful to everyone who has responded so quickly and generously, and we appreciate the prayerful consideration by all.
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JULY BOOK STUDY
This July, we continue our summer practice, begun last year, of exploring a different faith tradition. Last summer we studied Judaism. This summer we'll take a look at Mormonism.
To lead our class, we welcome Dr. Benjamin Knoll. He is an Associate Professor of Politics at Centre College, a husband, and a father of three active young children. Ben was raised in the LDS (Latter Day Saints) Church, has been active in the Episcopal Church (Trinity Parish, Danville) for several years, and is currently enrolled at Bexley Seabury Seminary, our (mostly online) seminary in Chicago, where he is pursuing a Master's Degree in Divinity.
(or contact the church office by phone to 502-223-0557 or email to info@ascensionfrankfort.org to request a copy of the reading schedule).
There will also be some reading from the Book of Mormon, which can be accessed free online through this link:
PLEASE NOTE: the time for this class is different than our normal time. We will meet on Tuesdays from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on these dates:
July 6: The Mormon People, chapters 1 - 2
(please read before coming to the first class)
July 13: The Mormon People, chapters 3 - 4
July 20: The Mormon People, chapters 5 - 6
July 27: The Mormon People, chapters 7 - 8
Finally, we will offer an honorarium to Dr. Knoll for his time. IF you can contribute a bit to that, wonderful! (To contribute, make your check payable to 'Church of the Ascension' and put "Mormon book study" on the memo line - mail it to church, or put it in the collection plate at a Sunday service.) If not, please do not let that stop you from taking the class. This is a fabulous opportunity to learn a lot about one of our own faith traditions in the United States.
Peter+
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Monday-Friday, July 19-23, 2021
at Ascension
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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.
We are working on getting the technology to broadcast our services live from the sanctuary. We are intentionally taking our time to select the right options at the best price possible. We will update you once we have more information about this.
As we return to physically attending services inside the church, no advance registration is needed. But please remember that the pandemic is slowed, not gone, and not everyone has been vaccinated. If you are unvaccinated or simply uncomfortable going without a mask, please wear a mask to worship. 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.
Nursery services are not currently available. Godly Play classes for youth are expected to return in the fall.
We DO now allow the in-person congregation to sing and to say prayers and responses aloud. Hallelujah!
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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 two paid, part-time nursery attendants 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: The Deacons of the Diocese of Lexington.
Recently in need of prayers: Allen; Angie; Arnold; Bill; Claudia; Correll; Darlene; George A.; George S.; Jan & Dale; Judith; Julia; Kathy; Linda P.; Lynda R.; Marie; Marilyn; Michele and family; Mildred; Noreen; Patricia; Ruth; Terrell; and the students and staff of Stewart Home School.
Continuing concern: Adrianna; Ann; Barbara; Dan; Debbie; Dillard; Edith; Faye & Steve; 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 the generous response to the HVAC capital campaign; for our common life together as a parish.
Birthdays: 7/4 – Marisa Frost; 7/6 - Taylor Hoover; Julia Peavler Tyson; Artie Van Houten III.
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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