This Week at Ascension + September 1, 2021
"Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness." - Psalm 96
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"We should talk …"
This evening, 5:15 - 5:55 p.m. via Zoom
See the Rector’s message below
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This evening:
Wednesday, Sept. 1st
Commemoration of
David Pendleton Oakerhater, Deacon
6:30 p.m. In-person & Live-streamed Mass
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Sunday, September 5, 2021
The Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost
10:00 a.m. In-person & Live-streamed Mass
followed by The Rosary: Glorious Mysteries
Image: Jesus heals a deaf and mute man
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"We should talk ..."
Dear people of Ascension,
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We’ve all heard the words, in varied contexts and with varied meanings: We should talk.
Maybe you’re going to be fired, or promoted. Maybe it’s news or a question about a pregnancy, a neighbor, what was said at church: We should talk.
We should talk is what I most need to convey to you -- here, today, at the top of this newsletter. We should talk about some or many of the features, comments and news alerts that follow. Yes.
In addition, some of you have observed that we’ve lost the positive sense of connection by way of our virtual Sunday coffee hours that many of us valued for nearly a year after the start of the pandemic. How can we recapture that? The question seems all the more important as we approach month 18 of pandemic restrictions that we’d once hoped would end 17 months ago. Here’s what I propose:
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A weekly conversation from 5:15 p.m. - 5:55 p.m. on Wednesday evenings by way of Ascension’s Zoom meeting room. (For a variety of reasons, the Sunday coffee hour time won’t work.)
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A pilot period during the five Wednesday evenings in September. If there’s enough interest and participation, we’ll venture into October.
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An edifying and stimulating prompt question or topic each week, announced weekly in the newsletter (see below). After initial exploration of the topic, talk may gravitate to other matters and social banter. That's OK, even positive.
There are plenty of details I have yet to consider with regard to this weekly meeting proposal. But I think I have a name for it: We should talk? Join me this evening, if you are able, and please stay for Evening Prayer at 6:00 p.m. and the mass at 6:30 p.m.
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The prompt for this evening:
What should we be talking about? And why?
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From Deacon Charles Farrell
"We should talk pantry@ascension ... and we should also DO."
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Dear Sisters & Brothers,
This weekend is both Labor Day weekend as well as our Pantry@ Ascension weekend. It is always a struggle to find folks willing to show up and help on a holiday weekend. If you are able, please consider joining our work team as we prepare bags of toiletries and groceries for our neighbors in need!
- You must be fully vaccinated--masks are of course required in the church buildings
- it is helpful if you feel able to lift & carry boxes, but not necessary
- we will meet at 9 am to put together the double bags
- at 9:30 we will be able to access St. Michael's Hall to put items in bags
- 11 o'clock we begin passing out the bags from the alley door
- noon we are all done!
You do not need to stay for the entire time. Our biggest need is from 9:30-11 am. Thank you as always for your support and prayers for the Pantry @ Ascension!
Best,
Deacon Charles
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From Ascension's New Curate:
Deacon Meghan Murphy-Gill
"Yes, we should talk!"
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Picking up on Father Patrick’s theme, four possible talking points are on my mind this week, as follows ... |
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1. As I formally begin my ministry as Curate at Ascension, I am so looking forward to getting to know you personally, whether over coffee in the courtyard or over Zoom. If you’d like to set something up, my new Ascension email address is (mmurphygill@ascensionchicago.org); or call the church, (312) 664-1271. I will respond to you as quickly as I’m able.
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2.The two late-August conversations about Ascension members' interests in spiritual formation and education opportunities were at once edifying and enlightening. Thanks to the 15 or more souls who showed up for and took part in those conversations. I am currently reviewing my own notes as well as the responses of all who participated and getting the wheels turning for how we can put our ideas into action.
Some themes arose in both groups that I am excited to pursue alongside you:
- Engaging with our neighboring houses of worship.
- Further exploration of topics related to LGBTQ+ identity in the church.
- Conversations and workshops on religion and creative arts.
- Educational opportunities on Anglo Catholicism.
In the coming weeks, be on the lookout for some opportunities to deepen spiritual commitments, get to know others, and learn more about this faith we share.
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4. My ministry as a Deacon continues for now, but Fr. Raymond and I have both heard about the possibility of my ordination as priest sometime this fall. We await more specific information from those working on the calendar for Assisting Bishop the Rt. Rev. Chilton Knudsen, whose work in the Diocese of Chicago will start October 1. We will of course keep you informed.
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"We should talk about
the former Order of St. Anne, Chicago ..."
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... but not here. The Wardens and I agreed that the newsletter wasn't the right venue. Instead, yesterday, we wrote and mailed a pastoral letter, briefly describing some recent significant developments related to the former Order of St. Anne, Chicago. The letter was mailed to all active Ascension households. Responses are welcomed and may be directed to the wardens and/or me. - Fr. Raymond +
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"We should talk about altar flowers!" |
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Or maybe we should talk about the Flower Guild, in need of some new members. Please consider arranging flowers for the altar and shrines one Sunday a month. Flower purchases are reimbursed by the church, and training is available! The photo is of Gabby Whitley, arranging flowers for this past Sunday in the church kitchen. George Pineda was there to give direction and share his arranging techniques and impeccable taste. Contact Claire Green if interested in this satisfying ministry.
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"We should talk about those who have gone on before us."
Requiescat in pace Louise Parkin
(As recently shared by an Ascension parishioner)
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Father Jason Parkin (former Ascension choir member and now, many years later, Rector of Church of the Holy Comforter, Kenilworth) has shared news of the recent death of his mother, Louise Parkin. She lived near Ascension on Lake Shore Drive and reached 96 years of age. She taught music, voice lessons, and was a soprano in the Ascension Choir in the 70s and 80s under Dr. Victor Weber (choirmaster) and organist Roy Kehl, prior to maestros David Schrader and Tom Wikman. In addition to Rev Jason Parkin, Rector of Holy Comforter, Kenilworth, she had three other sons, and many grandchildren. Louise also sang at the Cathedral, and was active in the music scene in Chicago. Funeral services will be at a later date. |
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We should talk about ...
(Still) Seeking a Technology Associate
With some additional funds authorized by the Vestry in July, we are in the early stages of a search for a 'technology associate,' an individual who can operate, or share in operating, our new technology system. The system was launched and has been sustained in large part by MB Hwang and Gary Alexander. They have recently been helped by a few volunteers, including DiAnne Walsh and our Sexton, George Panice. The addition of a tech associate for around half the Sundays of the year will partly allow MB and Gary to focus on other gifts and ministry needs. (Technology was not in the original ministry description for either of them.) Feel free to check out the tech position announcement here, and please pass it along to anyone you know who may be qualified or who may 'know someone.'
Image: MB Hwang (foreground) and DiAnne Walsh operate our audio-visual/live-stream system from the Ascension loft on a recent Sunday.
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Organ Repertoire for September 5, 2021 |
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ORGAN
Præludium in d minor [1845/46]
Clara Wieck Schumann (1819-1896)
At the Entrance Procession
Hymn 1 CHRISTE SANCTORUM
At the Offertory
Hymn 567 ST. MATTHEW
At the Communion
Hymn CHRISTOPHER
At the Retiring Procession
Hymn 493 AZMON
ORGAN
Præludium in g minor [1845/46]
Clara Wieck Schumann
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About our 2021 Repertoire
As I develop a long-range plan for repertoire each year, I choose a theme or area of emphasis, often complete works or a complete large-scale work by one composer. During 2021, organ music by women composers and African-American composers is being and will be featured in voluntaries and recitals throughout the year. There are some little-known gems waiting to be discovered, as well as music by major composers, with whom works for the organ are not generally associated. Enjoy!
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From Benjamin Rivera
Dear friends,
Our vocal music has returned to its usual (pre-COVID) summer format:
-congregational Mass Ordinary, hymns, and service
music
-chanted propers, solos, and/or motets sung by the
Schola
If you haven’t attended a summer Mass for a while, you may not be aware that many of these Masses feature a quartet or quintet of mixed voices. We hope you’ll join us in the building, or online if you’re unable to attend in person.
Peace be with you!
Benjamin
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Ascension Connections
(with your click and God's help)
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Meeting ID:
792 031 7452
Password: 1133
Join-by-Phone Option: (312) 626-6799
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Weekly Ascension Schedule
For connections:
except for Morning Prayer,
SUNDAYS
9:30 a.m. Virtual Morning Prayer
10:00 a.m. Live-Streamed Mass
11:00 a.m. Virtual Coffee Hour
MONDAY-FRIDAY
6:00 p.m. Evening Prayer via Zoom
WEDNESDAYS
6:30 p.m. Low Mass
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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!
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For our prayers:August 'Augie' Alonzo, Jim Berger, Steven Wallis, Sarah Ponder,
Taffy Wehe, Amy Peterson, Stephanie, Gwen Clark-Mason, The Rev. Canon Paula Clark,
Lee Gould, Maria, Beth Hall, Claire, Inez Bahena, Gina, Catherine C., Steven Upmeyer, Sue Lenz, Ted Long, Ted Saunders, Ben, Ricardo Avila, Thom Ehlen, David D. Jones
Birthdays: Matt Keller, 8/29; Robert Paul Wallace, 8/31/2011; Daniel Vargas, 8/31/2005;
Eric Magnuson, 9/1; Dennis Wentz, 9/1
Requiescat in pace: Olga Jonasson, 8/31; Harry William Knitter, 9/1; Stephen L. Taylor, 9/4
Rest eternal grant unto them, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon them;
May their souls and the souls of all the departed through the mercy of God rest in peace.
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The Rev. Patrick Raymond, Rector
The Rev. Meghan Murphy-Gill, Curate
Susan Schlough, Treasurer
Br. Nathanael Deward Rahm BSG, Parish Office
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Vestry of Church of the Ascension
Cheryl Peterson, Sr. Warden; Kenneth Kelling, Jr. Warden; Kelly Colomberti, Marilyn Evans, Lynette Hector, Jim Lo Bello, George Pineda, David Reeves, Samuel Sommers, Enrique Vilaseco, Amber Zelazny
Approved minutes of Vestry meetings are always available online to parishioners who request the link. If you would like Internet access to these Vestry Minutes, please email the Parish Office and request the link. Once you access the web page, you can read all recent Vestry meeting minutes.
The link remains live indefinitely. Any parishioner who has the link will not need to request a new link from month to month.
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