Volume 11, Issue #7
February 18, 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
This week we will look briefly at another neighboring church: First Corinthian Missionary Baptist, located in south Frankfort at 214 Murray Street.
I had the pleasure of meeting First Corinthian's Pastor Leslie Whitlock, prior to COVID-19. He saw me in the store and stopped me to introduce himself. I look forward to getting to know him and FCMB better once the vaccine is widely distributed. Here are a couple of pics and some history from their website (www.firstcorinthianmbc.com).
In 1817, the first white Baptist church was established in Frankfort, Kentucky, at the southwest corner of Broadway and Madison Street. The building was used interchangeably with all denominations. Black people that were brought to Kentucky by their owners were permitted to worship in the white church or in their private homes. Black people had designated sections in the church for seating. The saved black and white people were baptized and counted as members of the same church. Black people were not privileged to vote in church affairs for fear their vote would be a detriment to the church.
During the time slavery was recognized, black people were permitted to organize churches. On September 24, 1832, the Board of Trustees made an organized effort to acknowledge the need for black people to have their own place of worship. The board members ruled that black people should not be forbidden to worship separately.
Thia Black and John Ward established the first church for black people in Frankfort. The church was a small frame building which was nestled at the foot of the hill just beyond the penitentiary wall of north Frankfort. Mr. John Ward donated the ground where the church stood. The black Baptist church was allowed to freely hold services until January 6, 1852, when they were banned due to a riotous incident during services. It was then ordered the church would be closed every night except one night in the week other than Sunday.
In 1865, at the close of the War Between the States, the black Baptists had seventeen independent churches in Kentucky. One of them was located in Frankfort. In researching the history of Frankfort and the black Baptist church, information supports that the Corinthian church is an offshoot of the First Baptist Church, Clinton Street, which began around 1832.
As the result of church strife in the 1870s, the church split into two wings. One wing, called the Minority (presently known as the First Corinthian Baptist Church), withdrew and erected a house of worship on Mero Street. The other wing, called the Majority, retained the old house and continued to occupy it for many years. This church is now known as First Baptist Church. Corinthian Baptist church was erected on what was once the site of Cooper's pond, on the deepest portion of the pond.
The following members were elected as the first officers of the church: Thomas Lee, Moderator; John H. Thomas, Clerk: Tab Smith, Treasurer; Tab Smith, John H. Thomas, Frederick Blanton, William Crampton, Thomas Lee and Robert Parrent as Deacons. Rev. James H. Parrish of Louisville was ordained as the first Pastor on October 12,1876. Rev. C.C. Stumm succeeded Rev. Parrish on October 12,1879.
Other ministers of the church were: Rev. Rueben Strauss, Rev. James M. Mason ad Rev. E. Richey. Rev. R.H.C. Mitchell was called as Pastor on August 9, 1885. During the pastorate of Rev. Mitchell, a harmonious relationship was reestablished between Independent and First Bapitst Church. In 1887, the new church was erected across the street from where the previous church was located. Rev. Mitchell remained Pastor for six years. Succeeding Rev. Mitchell was: Rev. W.H. Craighead and Rev. William A. Creditt.
On March 11, 2014, a special meeting was held. By the grace of God and guiding of the Holy Spirit, Rev. Leslie Wayne Whitlock was called to be the 25th Pastor of First Corinthian Baptist Church. Being led by the Holy Spirit and much prayer, Rev. Whitlock accepted the call as Pastor. As he was a longtime member of First Corinthian, we can truly say look at what God has done!
The church is blessed to have two Associate ministers sent by God; Licentiate Gregory Combs, who is leading our Youth Ministry, and Licentiate Ronald Moore Jr., who has a gift in teaching and prison ministry.
Under the leadership of Pastor Whitlock, First Corinthian has become a stronger presence in the community. There is a feeling of family and a renewed spirit for God. Additionally there has been a significant increase in both church membership and ministries.
Plans are underway to construct an addition to the church which will serve as a multipurpose facility. A building committee is in place and working with an architect to complete the design. This committee, under the leadership of Pastor Whitlock, will next create and lead a capital campaign to generate necessary funding for this new project. While the project is only in planning stages, our faith is growing stronger each day as we are praying God will help us make this project a reality. (Note: groundbreaking on this new, Community Life Center took place on Dec. 28, 2020.)
With Joy,
Peter+
Cell: 502-661-2742
Scenes from FCMB: Pastor Whitlock preaching,
and groundbreaking for the new building in 2020.
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First Sunday in Lent
February 21 - 9:30 a.m.
Morning Prayer with Father Bill Brown
Start the day with Father Bill, LIVE on Facebook. All are welcome!
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We have TWO Ascension addresses on Facebook:
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LENTEN BOOK STUDY
Continues Online via ZOOM
We began this online book study on February 3. The book is a warm and refreshing read. Please let Father Peter know if you would like to participate.
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Would you like to feel God’s presence more deeply? The Diocese of Lexington will offer a Zoom-based course that will introduce five ancient spiritual exercises that have helped Christians cultivate a more joyful and life-giving relationship with God and neighbor. The class will meet for five Monday nights in Lent, February 22-March 22, 7-8 p.m. Join us by registering with the link below!
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Kentucky Council of Churches announces
2021 Prayer In Action Days
KCC's annual Prayer in Action Days kicked off on February 2. This year will be a bit different since we cannot be at the Capitol, but you can still participate by tuning into the Facebook Live sessions. Each session will be held via Zoom and streamed on the KCC Facebook page so that you may watch it at the time it is happening, or come back to it at a later time.
“We will pray for our governor and legislators and call them to a higher moral agenda that puts the well-being of Kentucky’s people first,” said Rev. Dr. Donald K. Gillett, II, Executive Director of the Council. Each event will include prayer, education on issues, and a call to action. “We want to engage religious leaders and their congregants in direct justice advocacy.” Prayer in Action Days are inspired by Moral Mondays in North Carolina, where religious leaders created significant change in policies that oppressed the poor and people of color.
The Kentucky Council of Churches chose these issues based on policy statements approved by all eleven of the Council’s denominational members (to look at our policy statements, click here)The membership includes Protestant and Roman Catholic congregations. The Council works with other state advocacy groups and coalitions on issues, and many of them have committed to support the Prayer in Action Days.
All Prayer in Action events are interfaith and open to the public and media.
Schedule for Prayer in Action Days 2021
All sessions will be held on Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m.
February 2: Kickoff
February 9: Criminal Justice
February 16: Healthcare and Disabilities
February 23: Fair Housing
March 2: Voting Rights
March 9: Death Penalty
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Walk in Love: Episcopal Beliefs and Practices
course to be offered again
March 9 - April 6
7:00-8:30 p.m. via Zoom
"Walk in Love" is an exciting opportunity to learn more about our Episcopalian way of life. Leading theologians will teach us about the liturgical year, habits of daily prayer, Anglican spirituality, and how prayer shapes our beliefs. We will follow these short teaching sessions with small group discussions designed to help us see our faith in new ways and live more fully into it. We will meet on Zoom, Tuesday nights from 7-8:30pm March 9 - April 6. We hope you will join us!
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REMINDER:
The Church Building Remains
CLOSED
NO ENTRY
unless pre-approved by Father Doddema
(502-661-2742)
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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 with 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: Christ Church, Harlan - The Ven. Bryant C. Kibler, Priest-in-Partnership.
Recently in need of prayers: Adrianna; Bill; Correll; David; Debbie; Donnie; Faye & Steve; Jennifer & Ronnie; Joe; Josh; Julia; Linda; Lynda; Marilyn; Marilyn; Michele and family; Mildred; Noreen; Ruth; Scott & Kathy, Shannon, Taylor, Tori, and the students and staff of Stewart Home School.
Continuing concern: Barbara; Betty; Bobbie Lee; Collin; Dan; Darlene; David; Debbie; Dillard; the Duncan Family; Edith & Marion; Fran & Doug; Gillian; Ginni; Isaiah; Jean; Jinks; Mac; Mae & Frank; Mary; Melissa; Mike & Susie; and Polly. We also pray for those affected by the COVID pandemic, and for those on active duty in the military: Daniel, Houston, Nick, Seth, Tanner, and Walter.
Thanksgivings: for the upcoming season of Lent and the healing and renewal that it brings.
Birthdays: 2/21 - Kathy Inman; 2/22 - Rob McGurk; 2/24 - Julia Frost; 2/26 - Conrad Gutermuth; 2/27 - Jane Firth; 2/28 - Joshua Roll.
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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