Volume 11, Issue #32
August 12, 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
For two Sundays, August 15 and August 29, I will be doing an Instructed Eucharist. The sermon time will be focused on explaining why different parts of our worship look the way that they do. How did this come about? Is it new or old? Is our worship random or based on a plan of some sort?
For this Sunday's teaching, we will look at a couple of things:
- The development of our Sunday worship: How did it come to be what it is today? Is it anything like the Last Supper that Jesus and his followers celebrated?
- The creeds (the Apostles' Creed and the Nicene Creed): Where did they come from? Why do we still say them? Do they have any relevance for our life in 2021?
This will be available in two formats: in person and online. Church will meet in person at 9.30 a.m. I will also pre-record Morning Prayer and the instructed Eucharist and upload those to Facebook and YouTube. They will be available on Sunday beginning at 9.30 a.m. as well.
Understanding why we worship the way that we do helps us to go deeper into our faith experience. We can meet God and one another in new ways when we see the "big picture" of what is going on each Sunday. Please join us!
Blessings,
Peter+
The Rev. Peter Doddema
502-661-2742
P.S. In response to the recent COVID surge, we have resumed taking temperatures as people arrive for worship and also ask everyone to wear a mask. We will serve bread only for the Eucharist, and other adjustments will be made as warranted. Thank you!
There are a number of us traveling, heading back to school, etc. at this time. So for the month of August, we will take a break from both Sunday Bible study and the weekly book group. Both will resume in September. Please stay tuned to the eWeekly or check with Father Peter for further details.
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Twelfth Sunday
after Pentecost:
Proper 15
August 15, 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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Schedule for Sunday,
August 15
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Lector, Crucifer, & Security Lockup: Cynthia Campbell
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Ushers: Karen Hoover & Will McKee
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If you are not able to serve as scheduled, for this Sunday only 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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KITCHEN HELP NEEDED
Roy Upshaw is already stepping up to share his considerable cooking skills for this ministry. At least two more people are needed to form an "Ascension Team." Schedule will be twice a month, on weekdays, from about 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., through year-end (vaccinations and face masks recommended).
Ascension played a historic role in founding the Access Soup Kitchen in our own building. A group called the Coalition of Committed Christians later secured a permanent location and added the Men's Shelter. Over the years, Ascension's participation ended and other local churches helped to filled the void. Currently Ascension's Sunday morning breakfast ministry remains suspended due to the pandemic. Hungry folks still need to eat, and this setting offers an efficient way to address that need.
Won't you consider joining Roy in this vital effort to help feed our neighbors most in need?
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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. Augustine’s Chapel, Lexington - Rob Coulston, Lay Chaplain.
Recently in need of prayers: Allen; Andrew; Angie; Arnold; Bill; Bob; Claudia; Correll; Darlene; George A.; George S.; Jan & Dale; Jesse; Kathy; Linda P.; Lynda R.; Marie; Marilyn; Michele and family; Mildred; Noreen; Patricia; Ronnie; Ruth; 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 God's Spirit so powerfully at work in our midst; for a loving and resilient church family.
Birthdays: 8/15 – Anthony Lee, Leah MacSwords, Tori Word;
8/21 – Ethel Lee.
Anniversaries: 8/17 - William Legg & Leah MacSwords.
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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