THIS WEEK AT ASCENSION + December 2, 2020 |
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"Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness." - Psalm 96
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This evening,
Wednesday, Dec. 2
St. Andrew the Apostle
(transf.)
Evening Prayer - 6:00 p.m.
Low Mass: - 6:30 p.m.
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Sunday, December 6
The Second Sunday of Advent
Sunday Morning Schedule
with links for virtual worship
Virtual Worship & Fellowship
9:30 a.m. - Morning Prayer
10:00 a.m. - Live-Streamed Mass
11:00 a.m. - Virtual Coffee Hour
4:00 p.m. - Advent Lessons & Carols
(see below)
ALL VIA ZOOM
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Image: St. John the Baptist holding the Lamb, woodcut, Hans Buldung, cA. 1517
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Advent Lessons & Carols
Sunday, December 6, 4:00 p.m.
Despite being unable to gather in-person, we're planning a beautiful and meaningful liturgy. Choir members will have pre-recorded music AND to honor their voices and artistry during this challenging time, I've asked that the five lessons for the abbreviated Lessons & Carols be read by our choir members, who will be with me and other 'essential ministers' in the church -- fewer than ten all told.
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Joan of Arc Silent Movie Night!
for Ascension Young Adults
hosted by Deacon George Arceneaux &
Seminarian Bonnie Scott
Monday December 7th, at 6:30pm, Ascension young adults and guests are invited to join in watching the beautiful 1928 silent film The Passion of Joan of Arc, about 96 minutes. Snuggle up with a cup of hot cocoa and we'll watch together through a common streaming service, watch2gether. To join, simply click this link! Questions? Contact Deacon George at 337-288-2277 or Seminarian Bonnie (who proposed the movie, a personal favorite) at 615-631-5820.
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2021 Stewardship Invitation and Materials Below, plus an appeal for your financial help with our new technology systems. |
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Learning Curves
Jesus asked his disciples, ‘Have you understood all this?’ They answered, ‘Yes.’ And he said to them, ‘Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.’ Matthew 13:51-52
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Dear people of Ascension,
Some of us are enthralled and want more, others repulsed. For diverse reasons, some of us get it easily, others do not. I’m describing, or trying to, what I’ve observed during the pandemic about technology and our adaptation to it—or not. Many of us have embarked on a long-term learning curve with regard to all of the interrelationships between church, worship, fellowship, technology and ourselves.
In Sunday's sermon, I quoted from a longtime member’s email: “For many, Zoom does not cut it.” True! It’s also true that for others, as the same member suggested, Zoom has been a lifeline. Some of you have described to me a surprisingly improved sense of connection to Ascension due to technology. We’ve had guests from near and far. Some of us have been ‘late adopters’ -- initially resistant or unable but recently acquiring the means and knowledge to better take part.
In recent newsletters I’ve heralded Ascension’s coming ‘new technology!’ Admittedly I’ve been vague. I’ve nothing to conceal but do wonder how to drum up enthusiasm for contract line items such as: ‘SHURE UA844SWB Antenna Distribution.'
For an investment that will total just over $55,000, you deserve more specific information. Below I’ll highlight some of the features and benefits that we anticipate from the new technology. I’ll also provide links, for those who love such things, to various related documents.
Special thanks to Gary Alexander, Mary Beth Hwang, Benjamin Rivera and David White. They all persevered with me to identify what we believe will be an excellent system. It will connect members, invite guests and newcomers, and convey -- as well as may be done virtually -- the spirit and quality of our liturgies and music.
As you know by now, the Wardens, Vestry and I welcome your year-end financial gift toward this project. If you are able to help: Thank you!
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Technology System Overview
A request for proposals developed in August and previously shared here in the newsletter partly served to clarify our context, aspirations and questions for potential vendors. You may revisit that document here.
We had contact with and learned a great deal from six separate vendors. We relied as well on a few informal consultants. In the end, we recognized that Ascension would be best served by a company with 1) a good reputation and track record, 2) evidence of continued adaptation to new technologies and 3) able to provide training and ongoing support..
We have signed an agreement with Gand Sound Installations. A single line from the company’s website home page captures two motives (among others) for our decision: Winner of numerous industry awards, GSI’s motto is “Human Support in a Technical World.” Tabs on their website describe notable installations.
Most or all worship and music taking place at Ascension will be accessible remotely and of significantly greater quality — both picture and sound — than we’re experiencing with Zoom/Facebook Live. Our website home page will be our main portal.
Two small, discreet, high-quality speakers are to be installed in the nave. Our aim will be to enhance the natural sound of voices from at the altar and ambo, when appropriate and helpful. Neither choir nor organ will be amplified.
We are initially acquiring four hearing assistance units. These will have a control unit about the size of a deck of cards with a wired ear bud speaker.
Gand Sound recently installed systems for St. Norbert and Our Lady of the Brook Catholic parish in Northbrook. By clicking on the parish’s live-stream library here you can get at least a general sense of improved sound and video quality and the opportunities afforded by three ‘tilt-pan-zoom’ cameras.
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Outreach Challenge/Invitation
from Seminarian Bonnie Scott
Hello! I've recently partnered with a friend in some uncomplicated but effective outreach to some of our city's many homeless. I'd be pleased to hear from anyone at Ascension who may be interested in coordinating similar (creative, simple) efforts, either during or after this holiday season. Endeavors would be apart from and in addition to Ascension's food pantry, could take a variety of forms and would incorporate coronavirus precautions. If you are interested in participating and would like to be included in future communications, please reach out to me by email (and thanks for noting my updated, correct email address!).
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Don't all click at once
(but DO click!)
for stewardship information
A few points about financial giving and pledging to Ascension at this time:
NO, you don't have to be a member to make financial gifts to Ascension.
YES, we have sent out our 2021 stewardship appeal. Please contact the church office if you've not received yours.
NO, Ascension is not financially self-sufficient, as often rumored. We are blessed with more-than-usual reserves, in part because many folks like us remembered the parish in their estate plans. Please consider also doing so.
NO, we did not put a return envelope in the stewardship mailing; an error.
YES, you can use your own envelope and stamp, OR you can send your confidential pledge information to the Treasurer and you can click here for the appropriate email. Thank you!
More information on the new technology will be shared in coming weeks. Meanwhile, questions may be asked of Senior Warden Gary Alexander,
Verger Mary Beth Hwang, Choirmaster Benjamin Rivera, or me.
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Thanks to a hardworking crew from JW Landscaping ...
... the Our Lady of Victory garden was beautifully 'greened' and transformed at the end of last week, just in time for Advent. Although the church remains closed, the garden is open most days. Please visit, enjoy and pray, if you're able.
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Yes, we talked about you!
Vestry Leadership
A Vestry nominating committee recently met to discuss vestry leadership needs for the coming year and potential leaders. One Warden and three Vestry members will be elected at our January 2021 annual meeting.
Notice: the bluebirds are not actual present or past Vestry members and are not indicative of all Vestry members' experiences. Many of us do, however, share some curious, light and meaningful moments as we seek to carry out the work of the church.
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Nominating committee members include Ken Kelling (chair), Kelly Colomberti, Lynette Hector and Enrique Vilaseco. The Junior Warden and Rector are ad hoc members.
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Help with Hams for the Holidays
Good news! We plan to resume a limited distribution of basic household goods at our December 5 Pantry. As has been traditional for Ascension, the December giving includes a canned ham. Can you make a gift to the church to purchase one or more at $3.00 each? If so, please note 'Ham(s) - Pantry" in your check memo or along with your online donation. As noted in recent newsletter, circumstances including limited available leadership are preventing some usual or new holiday outreach efforts this year (so far ...). This is one way most of us can take part. I'm hoping that Deacon Charles Farrell will fill us in soon about what else is in store for the pantry in coming months, including volunteer opportunities, if any. |
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Sunday's Organ Repertoire |
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ORGAN
Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland,
BWV 659
Johann Sebastian Bach
(1685-1750)
David Schrader, Organist Emeritus
Hymn At the Offertory
Hymn 65 BEREDEN VÄG FÖR HERRAN
ORGAN
Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland,
BWV 661
Johann Sebastian Bach
David Schrader, Organist Emeritus
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Choir of the Ascension:
Now on Soundcloud!
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Reminder: All In-Person Worship and Gatherings at Ascension (and at all parishes in the Diocese of Chicago) were suspended again as of Monday, November 16.
Our Interim Sunday and Weekday Worship Schedule and Connections are as follows:
All masses live-streamed from the church.
Sundays
9:30 a.m. Morning Prayer—Zoom
11:00 a.m. Coffee Hour—Zoom
Weekday Mass: Wednesday Evenings
Daily Offices continue as before:
Morning Prayer
Evening Prayer
6:00 p.m. Monday-Friday—Zoom
Special/Upcoming
Advent Lessons & Carols, December 6
Christmas Eve, December 24
Christmas Day, December 25
Feast of Epiphany, January 6
More information will be provided as these dates and opportunities near.
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Other than for urgent or essential matters or for brief personal devotion in the church, visits to Ascension are presently to be avoided. Any (other) visit should be arranged in advance with Br. Nathanael Rahm. Thank you for your understanding. |
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Due to COVID-19, Church of the Ascension’s Treasurer and Bookkeeper are limiting the amount of time they spend working in the parish offices. All checks received at Ascension via the United States Postal Service, not always a reliable service in our area, will be bank deposited approximately every 4-6 weeks. You may contact the Treasurer by email anytime at Finance@AscensionChicago.org.
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Ascension Connections
Below
(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
6:10 p.m. Evening Prayer via Zoom
WEDNESDAYS
6:30 p.m. Low Mass
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Yes, but I still haven't Zoomed ... |
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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, Ethel Martin, Dean Pineda, Charlene MacDougal, Marty Stenson, David Byerly, Bonnie Joseph, Catriana Patriarca, Robert Devens, Richard Laibly, Nicholas Carl, Sara, the Howard family, John, Owen Raymond, Diane Burnett, Sandra, Rhea, Doreen Rao, Steven Wallis, Fr. Lawrence Larson, Michael, Donna, Sarah Ponder, Cheryl, Emily
Our Thanksgivings
Birthdays: Ruby Woods, 12/4
Bishop Candidates: The Rev. Canon Paula E. Clark, The Rev. Edwin Daniel Johnson,
The Rev. Dr. Fulton L. Porter III, The Rev. Winnie Varghese
Requiescat in pace:
Norman C. Chylinski, 11/29/1993
Eugene H. Smith, 12/1/2000
Richard Clark Taylor, 12/3/1989
Frank C. Alderson, Priest, 11/28/2009
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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In the event that you've missed XIII Bishop of Chicago candidate and election information ...
To read the announcement of Bishop Candidates by the Standing Committee of the diocese, click here.
To read about the four present Candidates and their impressive and diverse qualifications as presented by the Bishop Search Committee, click here.
To learn about ground already covered in the bishop search or about the upcoming Candidate Conversations or December election, click here.
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The Wall of Cold Descends
by Marge Piercy
Near the end of our annual solstice party
as guests were rummaging through the pile
for their coats and hugging many goodbyes
the very first snow of the year began
to eddy down in big flat flakes.
It was cold enough to stick, with the grass
poking through and then buried.
Now the ground gives it back
under the low ruddy sun that sits
on the boughs of the pine like a fox
if red foxes could climb. The cats
crowd the windows for its touch.
The Wolf Moon seemed bigger than
the sun, almost brighter as last night
it turned the snow ghostly.
Now it too wanes. The nub end
of the year when all northern
cultures celebrate fire and light.
Tonight we’ll take the first two candles
to kindle one from the other.
When we go out after dark, our
eyes seek lights that bore holes
in the thick black like the pelt
of a huge hairy monster, a grizzly
who devours the warm-blooded.
We are kin with the birds who huddle
in evergreens, who crowd feeders,
kin with the foxes and their prey, kin
with all who shiver this night, homeless
or housed, clutching or alone
under the vast high dome of night.
from Made in Detroit, Knopf, 2015
Image below: Fox at night under the moon, linocut, unknown artist
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The Very Rev. Patrick Raymond, Rector
Susan Schlough, Treasurer
Br. Nathanael Deward Rahm BSG, Parish Office
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