Volume 11, Issue #13
April 1, 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
Holy Week celebrates major events in Jesus' earthly life. The setting for these events is, of course, the city of Jerusalem. The eastern part of the city still has a very medieval flavor: narrow, cobbled, winding streets with shops and houses crowded along them.
The Stations of the Cross, which commemorate Jesus' walk to the cross and his crucifixion, take place in this section of the city. When I walked the route (and preached there) four years ago, I got a real feel for how difficult this journey would have been, especially with Jesus bleeding from his scourging and carrying a heavy, wooden cross. The roads wind around and go steeply up and down.
One of the images that I have attached to this article is of a group of pilgrims walking this road. It is a powerful and transforming journey!
The Stations of the Cross end in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which tradition says is built over the site where Jesus was buried. The other image I included here is the Great Vigil. Behind the priest is a tall, stone structure that looks like a house: according to most traditions, that is the site of Jesus' tomb.
As we walk through this week, celebrating Jesus' sacrifice for us and his glorious resurrection, I encourage you to take time out to observe these events. A printed copy of the Stations of the Cross from Ascension was included in your Holy Week bag: please read through this and meditate on the journey to the cross. (Click here for a PDF version.)
If you are able, please join us for some of the in-person worship at Ascension. While you are here, take some time to look at the Stations and pray by some of them.
This is a unique and beautiful week: please allow God to speak to you and work in you during this sacred time!
With Joy,
Peter+
Cell: 502-661-2742
P.S. Check out the new/free "VacSeen" wristbands below!
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As we return to physically attending services inside the church, no advance registration is needed. But please remember that the pandemic is slowed, not gone, and everyone has not been vaccinated. Masks, signing in at the door, and social distancing are still required.
Please check in personally with an usher when you arrive before taking a seat in the marked areas. Only the church itself will be open; there will be no meetings or gatherings in other parts of the building.
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Tenebrae (Wednesday)
March 31, 7:00 p.m.
OPEN for live, in-person service inside the church.
Also available online
Posted on YouTube with links on Facebook
Maundy Thursday
April 1, 7:00 p.m.
OPEN for live, in-person service inside the church.
Also available online
Posted on YouTube with links on Facebook
Good Friday
April 2, 7:00 p.m.
OPEN for live, in-person service inside the church.
NOT available online
Great Vigil (Saturday)
April 2, 8:00 p.m.
OPEN for live, in-person service inside the church.
Also available online
Posted on YouTube with links on Facebook
Easter Sunday
April 3, 9:30 a.m.
OPEN for live, in-person service inside the church.
NOT available online
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Ascension has TWO addresses on Facebook:
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"Blessing bags" for Holy Week were distributed to Ascension parishioners last week. The palm crosses were blessed by Father Peter and added to the bags with other items. |
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AND
all are invited to experience Holy Week with members of the Franklin County Ministerial Association:
All Services begin at Noon
LIVESTREAM ONLY
(no congregation in attendance)
Watch at
Monday, March 29
Rev. Dr. Marian Taylor, South Frankfort Presbyterian Church
Roland Herzel, organ, South Frankfort Presbyterian Church
Tuesday, March 30
Rev. Stephen Fincher, St. Paul United Methodist Church
Glenna Metcalf, organ, FUMC, Lexington
Wednesday, March 31
Rev. Dr. John Opsata, First Christian Church
Dr. James Humlong, Southern Hill UM Church, Lexington
Thursday, April 1
*Rev. Peter Doddema, Church of the Ascension*
Dr. Patricia Barnes Griffith, KSU (retired), piano
Friday, April 2 Good Friday
Rev. Tonya Kenner, First United Methodist Church
Grant Holcomb, organ, Central Christian, Lexington
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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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A NOTE FROM BISHOP MARK VAN KOEVERING
I pray this spring weather has lifted your spirits and given you some much needed vitamin D. I would like to draw your attention to this request for volunteers from Archdeacon Bryant Kibler [following below].
He has been faithfully responding to the need of our neighbors, in our name, since the damaging floods of two weeks ago, but could really use some boots on the ground volunteers. There is the work, but perhaps more importantly, there is the spending of time with people who have suffered, sharing some kindness, being present. Simple but powerful stuff.
It sounds like there is a quite a bit of flexibility on dates and times if Bryant has advance knowledge and sufficient numbers. Please get in touch with him if you are able to help.
Many thanks,
+Mark
You give them something to eat.
The people of Estill, Lee, and Perry counties have been blessed by the financial outpouring of our faith communities throughout the Diocese of Lexington. Already several thousand dollars of cleaning supplies have been purchased and distributed. $1,500 was donated by St. Raphael’s. We have also received significant donations from the Church of the Good Shepherd, the Diocesan ECW, and even the Newport Professional Firefighters, not to mention many of our other faith communities and individuals.
By the end the month, $10,000 worth of $100 gift cards will have been purchased and distributed within these three counties, $5,000 of which will be provided by the U.S. Disaster Program of Episcopal Relief and Development. Soon to follow will be more cleaning supplies and building materials for repairing damaged homes. We are working through local officials to ensure that what you have donated will go to those truly in need.
St. Timothy’s has been able to provide pillows and bedding normally used for mission trips, and the quilters' guild of the Church of the Good Shepherd has donated several beautiful quilts for the people of Lee County. What is absolutely NOT needed is clothing. While individual items are welcome, please realize that when purchased in bulk, better prices can often be gotten and there is less labor for those having to sort and disburse aid.
Recovery from disasters is a lengthy process which can, in some cases, take years. If you have been watching the news, you have probably seen the many churches and organizations who have come into these communities to help. Unlike some coming into the areas who have trailers proudly showing their names, many others come in quietly for a day or two, cleaning up and repairing what they can, and return to their homes unsung. While carpentry skills are helpful, any type of assistance can be used.
When the tornados outbreak struck southeastern Kentucky back in 2012, a group of high school students, who had scheduled a visit months before at St. Timothy’s, arrived two days after the storms. A few of those teens might have helped a relative do a little renovation or repairs around their homes, but only a few. Monday found them in Salyersville demolishing what was left of a food and clothing pantry of the Catholic church, and Thursday they were in West Liberty installing drywall in a warehouse being turned into the elementary school. The rest of the week they were replacing a roof. All were greatly needed and despite their inexperience they made a huge difference.
While it may not have been giving food to the hungry, but it was building walls for those children needing an education. It may not have been filling the stomachs of those who were empty, but it was closing the hole in the roof.
If you think you might be able to help our neighbors, regardless of ability or the day of the week you can help, please contact Bryant Kibler, bkibler@diolex.org, and we will find a way we can put you to work inside our own diocese where we can be the church, be the change.
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"Making the Vaccine visible."
The VacSeen wristband signals to those around you that you have been vaccinated.
FREE wristbands*
now available at Ascension -
check the table by the front door, or in the office.
These are totally optional, by individual choice.
*First come, first served, while they last.
Take one for yourself and immediate family.
Donated by Ascension clergy and staff.
IMPORTANT: WEAR ONLY AFTER
you are fully vaccinated !
(after completing the two-week waiting period
following your last vaccine shot)
"This is meant to be a social signal, a social movement. It’s meant to be for people who are proud that they’ve done their part to help."
"Our mission is to encourage adoption of COVID-19 vaccines by making the vaccine visible and building social momentum in the community.
'The key reason that would be useful is advertisement. We're very influenced by what we perceive people in our community to be doing so if everybody else is doing something it's attractive to us,' said Katherine Milkman, a professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and co-director of the Behavior Change for Good Initiative.
Widespread and rapid adoption of the vaccines will save thousands of lives and help us all return to normal.
1 in 3 Americans do NOT plan on getting the COVID-19 vaccine. On Feb 2, 2021, the CDC announced that 62% of nursing home staff have declined the vaccine. Unless something drastic changes, we are not going to reach levels required for herd immunity - 75 to 85%.
VacSeen.org has one purpose - to help make the vaccine visible and normalize it in our communities. The wristbands are like an "I voted" sticker, except instead of wearing it for one day, they can be worn until the pandemic is behind us.
Its lettering is engraved, and the ink is bright white - people around you can read it even six feet away. The band is 100% silicone and waterproof, so you never have to take it off."
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REMINDER:
Outside of Scheduled Services in the Church,
the 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 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: Church of the Good Shepherd, Lexington - The Rev. Hendree Harrison, Rector; The Rev. Jon Hall, Assistant to the Rector for Pastoral Care & Newcomers; The Rev. Cn. Christian Brady, Clergy Associate.
Recently in need of prayers: Adrianna; Allen; Bill; Brenda, Joan & Jim; Correll; Debbie; Deborah; Donnie; Faye & Steve; George; Jennifer & Ronnie; Joe; Josh; Julia; Linda; Lynda; Marie; Marilyn; Marilyn; Matt; Michele and family; Mildred; Noreen; Ruth; Scott & Kathy; Shannon; Stella; Tori; and the students and staff of Stewart Home School. Also the victims of recent flooding in our city and state.
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 Christ's Holy Week journey on our behalf; for the opportunity to journey with him through this week; for vaccines and for the ability to resume worshiping together in person.
Birthdays: 4/4 - Cindy Aossey, Heidi Hiemstra; 4/6 - Kathy Kimbel; 4/9 - Will McKee; 4/10 - Joan Osborne.
Anniversaries: 4/7 - Jeff & Leslie Laird.
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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