Volume 11, Issue #49
December 9, 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
We have a lot happening at Ascension right now, so I want to remind you of a few items and dates:
Melissa Benton's funeral service is this Saturday, December 11, at 11:00 a.m. at the church, followed by a gathering in the parish hall.
This Sunday (December 12) is a service of Advent Lessons and Carols. This is where we read a lesson from Scripture, then sing an Advent carol. We will allow singing (with masks on) at this service, so if you are comfortable attending, please warm up your singing voice!
This is also stewardship season, when we ask everyone to reflect on how they can contribute to Ascension in 2022. The Treasurers ask that your commitment (pledge form) be turned in no later than the end of December, as they use these numbers to create our 2022 budget. Thank you for your prayerful care for our parish!
I pray that you are having a blessed Advent. Please know that you are in my prayers.
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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.
Please contact Peter for the ZOOM links.
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It is time to start thinking about the next members of Ascension's Vestry, who will begin their three-year tenure in January. This process starts with our Nominating Committee, which is responsible for recruiting candidates and publicizing the choices. By tradition this committee is made up of the four Vestry members who will rotate off in January (Tim Agne, Thomas Bemiss, Todd Elliott, and Zachary Horn), led by the Senior Warden (Julia Tyson). We are starting to recruit qualified Vestry candidates now for election at the parish annual meeting in January.
Ascension bylaws define qualified voters and Vestry candidates as all those who are confirmed communicants in good standing of the age of 16 years or older, and any other baptized persons of age 16 years or older who are regular worshipers in the Parish and who for six months immediately preceding the meeting have been regular contributors to the support of the Parish. (Canon 17.04, Diocese of Lexington)
If you have questions or are interested in serving on Vestry, please contact Julia Tyson (jspeavler@gmail.com) or any of those named above, before the December Vestry meeting on December 16.
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Third Sunday of Advent
December 12, 9:30 a.m.
ADVENT LESSONS & CAROLS
with HOLY EUCHARIST, Rite I
OPEN for live, in-person worship inside the church.
ALSO this week: Morning Prayer with Ascension clergy, online at 9:30 a.m.
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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
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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).
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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
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NEW
BIRTHDAY MINISTRY NEEDS HELP
Do you enjoy receiving a birthday card from your Ascension family? For some people, it might be the only birthday card they receive, and we hope it helps everyone feel they are still connected to and remembered by the folks at church.
Do you ever wonder who sends those cards? We think this custom was started by the "Monday group" - lately it has been carried out by a single lay person who felt called to it as a ministry. That person now cannot continue.
What about you? Could you address, sign, stuff, seal and stamp about 200 cards per year? Maybe you could meet with a friend once a month and prepare a batch of cards for upcoming birthdays while you chat? All supplies will be provided by the parish office. YOU can help our church family keep in touch!
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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 are available at the church.
For questions, contact Judith Spencer or Rebecca Saager (jspencer254@yahoo.com or curate@ascensionfrankfort.org).
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FOOD DRIVE
for the
The Emergency Community Food Pantry
of Franklin County
PLEASE BRING FOOD ITEMS TO ASCENSION
BETWEEN DEC 24 and JAN 2
FOR COLLECTION AND DELIVERY
(Note: The parish office/building will be CLOSED
during the weekdays of December 27-31.)
AND / OR: The Emergency Community Food Pantry of Franklin County is conducting a Virtual Food Drive: Instead of giving nonperishable items, they are asking for your financial contribution (which is also nonperishable!). They will use your donation to purchase the food needed to fill food requests. They purchase in bulk, therefore receive a better price per item.
How to Participate in the Virtual Food Drive:
or make out a check to the Emergency Community Food Pantry and mail it directly to PO Box 48, Frankfort, KY 40602.
Consider giving in these ways or in another amount that is comfortable to you:
- $10 will purchase macaroni and cheese for 5 families for a week
- $30 will purchase pasta and sauce for 15 families for a week
- $100 will purchase peanut butter for 40 families for a week
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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.
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. Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated.html 8/2/21
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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. Children are welcome in all 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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This web site has an abundance of information and resources - check it out!
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Intercessions for the Church: Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Winchester - The Rev. Jim Trimble, Priest-in-Charge.
Recently in need of prayers: Bill, Frances, Linda, Rebecca, Richard.
Continuing concern: Angie, Anissa, Barbara, Beverly, Bill, Dan, David, Debbie, Deborah, Donnie, Ellie, Faye, Florence, Jan & Dale, Jesse, Jinks, John, Josh, Julia, Kathy, Lynda, Mac, Maja, Marilyn, Mark & Norma, Mike & Susie, Mildred, 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 this time of Advent reflection and anticipation.
Birthdays: 12/12 - Kyle Pace, Nancy Royden; 12/13 - Laura Buffenmyer.
Anniversaries: 12/16 - Jessee & Jenny Neat.
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.
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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 Administrator
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Mr. David Gierlach, Sexton
Copyright © 2021 Church of the Ascension. All Rights Reserved.
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