Volume 11, Issue #44
November 4, 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.
Daylight Savings Time ends this coming Sunday, November 7, at 2:00 a.m. Remember to set your clocks back one hour before going to bed on Saturday night.
FROM PETER'S PEN

November means that we are nearing the end of the church year. This year, the last Sunday of our calendar falls on November 21. The last Sunday is always Christ the King Sunday, a day that asks us to stop and reflect on Jesus' second coming and how the world will change when he returns.
 
The Church's new year begins the following Sunday (November 28) with the season of Advent. This is a four-week season of preparation for Christmas, when we celebrate Christ's coming into the world as the baby in Bethlehem. 
 
Christ's entrance into our world, both as a baby and as Lord at the end of time, are the main themes of Advent. Some of our Sunday readings will come from the prophets (Jeremiah and Isaiah), some from the Revelation of John, some from the apocryphal book of Baruch. The emphasis of these passages is the hope that comes with Christ's presence. His presence brings healing, renewal, and an end to conflict. His presence is something to anticipate with joy.
 
As we journey through the next few weeks, I encourage you to think about Christ's coming and all of the good that this will bring with it. These days, we can all use some healthy, joyful thoughts!
With Joy,
Peter+

The Rev. Peter Doddema
502-661-2742

Bible Study classes are meeting on Sundays at 11:00 a.m., in person AND via ZOOM.

Book Study classes are meeting on Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. via ZOOM only. We continue to discuss Always a Guest, by Barbara Brown Taylor.
Please contact Peter for the ZOOM links.
Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost:
Proper 27
November 7, 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.
Come worship with us!
Check our Online Calendar



See all services, events, meetings, and various activities that are scheduled on church property and social media. View the calendar as monthly, weekly, or an agenda list, with custom printing options. Keep an eye on what's coming up at Ascension! (During COVID, in-person events may be limited and must be pre-approved.)

Contact the church office for calendar reservations and details
(phone 502-223-0557 or email info@ascensionfrankfort.org).
November 7 begins
STEWARDSHIP MONTH
 
From the Stewardship Committee:
Every message about our pledge campaign begins with Gratitude, and we are pleased to continue that as we focus on our annual pledge campaign. This year we want to celebrate all the ways in which we have been blessed by God and how that can inspire us to give back to our neighbors, our church, the world....


Watch your mailbox for a print copy of the Stewardship package (with a special gift!) and Pledge Form for 2022. Please mail in your 2022 Pledge Form as soon as possible to help us formulate a realistic budget in order to continue our mission and ministries in the coming year.
 

Pledges for 2022 are due December 5.
Mail your pledge form to the church, or drop it in a collection plate, or or email it to info@ascensionfrankfort.org
Thank you!

Eight MINISTRY TEAMS will rotate in order, weekly, as shown above. Individual and late changes may not be included here due to composing and publishing deadlines.

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).
Your participation is important!
To inquire about serving as a lector, crucifer, chalice bearer, or usher, please contact Deacon Rebecca Saager
(email curate@ascensionfrankfort.org or call 502-316-8899).

The Lay Ministries schedule is posted/linked above, included in Sunday bulletins, and also displayed on the window of the parish office.
NEWS
FROM THE DIOCESAN CONVENTION

THANK YOU AND CONGRATULATIONS
to these Ascension parishioners who are stepping up to roles in the wider Diocese of Lexington:

  • Laura Buffenmyer, elected to the Diocesan Executive Council.

  • Jim Kimbrough, ongoing appointment as Diocesan Treasurer.

  • The Rev. Deacon Rebecca Saager, elected to the Diocesan Commission on Ministry.
Winfrey Blackburn is a legacy member of Ascension currently living in Louisville. He has dedicated this newly released book to the church family at Ascension and others. CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS including where to buy and the schedule of author lectures and book signings in December.
Ascension parishioner Scott Mello is a volunteer Medicare counselor who helps people find their own best way through the ever-changing Medicare program, especially with how to save money when selecting Medicare Part D drug plans. Scott and other experienced counselors are available to help you do comparison shopping during this year's Open Enrollment period (October 15 - December 7).


To make an appointment, call the Capital City Activity Center at 502-223-5794 and tell the receptionist that you want to sign up for the Medicare counselling for prescription drug plans. Or you may email Scott at scottmello36@gmail.com with any questions or concerns. 
During the month of November and through December 12, the Daughters of the King are collecting:

  • socks
  • underwear
  • gloves
  • hats
  • diapers and other infant supplies
  • men's and women's toiletries

for donation to the Simon House Men's and Women's Shelter. Collection bins will be provided at the church.

For questions, contact Judith Spencer or Rebecca Saager (jspencer254@yahoo.com or curate@ascensionfrankfort.org).

Angel Tree for Simon House
This year, Ascension will again sponsor Christmas treats and festivities for the resident children of Simon House with Angel Tree gifts and a holiday dinner.

We will set up a tree in the back of the church (near the baptismal font) with paper angels to help guide your shopping. COVID allowing, we will also organize an in-person group Christmas dinner party for the Simon House families – watch our newsletter and bulletins for details. Especially in this season of extra anxiety, we still want to help make the holidays a little brighter for these families.

Many of you have responded very generously to this project in the past. We are asking you to do so again, and offer two ways for you to participate:

1.     PERSONAL 'ANGEL SHOPPING' – you may pick a paper angel from the Angel Tree in the church for the name of a Simon House child. Simon House administrators are suggesting mostly much-needed clothing for gifts this year. Please keep the value of each gift at around $20.00. Return your gift to the Angel Tree no later than Thursday, December 9.

2.     MAKE A CASH CONTRIBUTION to this Angel Project. Deacon Rebecca and Simon House administrators will also purchase modest gifts and make arrangements for the holiday party. 100% of your contribution will go directly to Simon House children and to the holiday dinner, with any remainder donated directly to Simon House for pressing needs. To help support Ascension’s 2021 Angel Project for Simon House, please make your check payable to Church of the Ascension, write “Simon House” or “Angel” in the memo area, and mail it to Ascension at 311 Washington Street, Frankfort KY 40601 (or drop it in the offering plate).

Your Angel Tree gift or monetary contribution must be received no later than Thursday, December 9, to allow time for shopping and delivery of items. Contact Deacon Rebecca Saager personally for details (call 502-316-8899 or email curate@ascensionfrankfort.org).
RESPONDING TO THE PANDEMIC:
CHANGES & CHALLENGES

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.

Please observe the latest recommendations from the CDC for your vaccinated or unvaccinated status. Note - if you are vaccinated:

  • 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. Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated.html 8/2/21
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.
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.)
THE BROTHERHOOD OF ST. ANDREW meetings are currently suspended. Contact William Legg (wleggwork@msn.com) for details.
THE DAUGHTERS OF THE KING normally meet on the FIRST Sunday of each month after the last service, and after Bible study. Contact Judith Spencer for details (jspencer254@yahoo.com).
Find the Diocese of Lexington online at www.diolex.org
This web site has an abundance of information and resources - check it out!
Intercessions for the Church: The Diocesan Staff at Mission House; St. Laurence Chapel, Mission House.

Recently in need of prayers: Angie, Anissa, Beverly, Ellie, Florence, Linda, Mark & Norma, Mildred.

Continuing concern: Barbara, Bill, Dan, David, Debbie, Deborah, Donnie, Faye, Jan & Dale, Jesse, Jinks, John, Josh, Julia, Kathy, Lynda, Mac, Marilyn, Melissa, Mike & Susie, Nancy, Patricia, Polly, Shannon, and Tandy. We also pray for those affected by the COVID pandemic, and for those on active duty in the military: Daniel, Houston, Nick, and Tanner.

Thanksgivings: for a lovely All Saints’ celebration and for the gorgeous fall weather.

Birthdays: 11/8 – Angela Bullock, Tilley Warren.

NOTICE:
Part of the strength of this congregation is our care and concern for each other. Please help us to do this by letting us 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! 

Please put ALL prayer requests in writing to Deacon Sue Kurtz 
(email deacon@ascensionfrankfort.org or text 502-330-5358). Prayer requests must be received by end-of-day on Sunday to ensure publication in the next upcoming weekly newsletter and Sunday bulletin. ‘Recently in Need’ prayers will remain for ONE month only, unless requested again.
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.

Ask in the office or one of the Deacons for a blank form, or download from our web site at: https://www.ascensionfrankfort.org/links
Clergy and Staff

  • The Rev. Peter Doddema, Priest
  • The Rev. Dr. William G. Brown, Assisting Priest Emeritus 
  • The Rev. Deacon Rebecca A. Saager, Curate
  • The Rev. Deacon Susan E. Kurtz, Deacon
  • Mr. John B. Martin, Director of Music & Organist
  • Ms. Mona Landrum Proctor, Parish & Financial Administrator 
  • Mr. David Gierlach, Sexton



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