THIS WEEK AT ASCENSION + January 13, 2021 |
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"Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness." - Psalm 96
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Wednesday, January 13
Commemoration of Hilary,
Bishop of Poitiers
6:00 p.m. Evening Prayer
6:30 p.m. Live-Streamed Mass
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Sunday, January 17
The Second Sunday after
The Epiphany
9:30 a.m. - Morning Prayer
10:00 a.m. - Live-Streamed Mass with hymn(s), organ, and choir motet
11:05 a.m. - Virtual Coffee Hour
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Masses, Daily Offices & Fellowship remain online/virtual only, until further notice. Connection information and links are below.
Thank you for keeping up-to-date with changes that may arise and that will be shared through our parish newsletter and website.
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Politics and Religion
"Why are the nations in an uproar? Why do the peoples mutter empty threats?"
Psalm 2:1
"Silence in the face of evil is itself evil: God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act." Dietrich Bonhoeffer
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Dear people of Ascension,
Politics and religion are a potent and sometimes deadly cocktail — a truth that President Trump understands and brilliantly exploits.
Weeks after his 2017 inauguration, Trump vowed at a National Prayer Breakfast to ‘totally destroy’ the Johnson Amendment, a 1954 tax code provision prohibiting churches (and all non-profit organizations) from endorsing political candidates. Technically, the president’s assaults on the Johnson Amendment have failed. But don’t be deceived: religion has fueled the steadily escalating extremism of his supporters that led to last week’s catastrophe in Washington DC. Many of the president’s most ardent followers identify as Christian. They believe Trump is wholly committed to restoring their vision of a Christian nation.
Not sharing these views — finding them repugnant, in fact — I struggle to effectively respond as a citizen, and even more as priest and preacher. I’ve never violated the Johnson Amendment! I believe, in fact, that I overtly address political matters only infrequently, and then, for the most part, lightly. We Episcopalians hold diverse views — in both kind and intensity — on political matters and social policy questions. Whether from respect, fear, apprehension or expediency, I tend to shy away.
I also know, as you may, that there’s no such thing as apolitical. To imagine we can be so denies the witness of the prophets and both the Incarnation and teachings of Jesus on which we believe our faith and salvation rely. How then are we to faithfully understand, speak of and participate in matters affecting measurable good and evil in the lives of so many? Shall we abdicate to a frenzied mob what it means to be Christian? If not, what genuinely faithful alternatives do we offer, in word and deed, alone or together?
I welcome not only your thoughts but as well your prayers for our nation.
- Fr. Patrick Raymond+, Rector
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With regard to matters of politics and religion, a few articles described and linked in a longer section below have helped my current understanding.
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January 31, 11:30 a.m.
Annual Meeting Updates
The slate of candidates already approved or to be approved by the Vestry includes Ken Kelling, for a two-year term as Warden, and Jim Lo Bello, Grady Parker and Samuel Sommers, to serve three-year terms as Vestry members.
First notice: Zoom meeting format, requirements and restrictions. The Zoom Webinar format we will use is not like the Zoom call format that we've been using for masses and Evening Prayer. A link will allow anyone to view the meeting, but to participate Voting Members will be required to register, provide an email address and log on. Those of us who took part in either or both of our recent Diocese of Chicago Conventions used this format, overcame our fears and found it to be more than adequate. Training will be provided in days before and, more briefly, on the morning of the meeting.
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It's a blessing that former Ascension assisting priest and coach house resident Mother Anna Broadbent is still getting some mail here! I had a chance to briefly visit when she came by to retrieve some this morning. She and her husband, Father Shawn Evelyn, are expecting their first child in February. The due date is the 23rd. They don't yet know the gender. Stay tuned, and please keep the Broadbent-Evelyn household in your prayers.
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Speaking of assisting clergy, Deacon George Arceneaux has agreed to contribute to the newsletter a bit more often, an opportunity for us to get to know him better and for him to share some spotlight views of what he's up to. I believe we'll call the feature 'The Curate's Corner.' (George's ministry here closely enough fits the traditional curate's role, as one newly ordained and climbing the parish ministry learning curve.) His first feature is below:
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The Curate's Corner
The new year brings with it the hope of new possibilities and the wide expanse of opportunity. In my past 6 months of being at Ascension, I’ve been fortunate enough to worship with this community and to learn about many of the people here. Based on what I've experienced here, I’m so excited for possibilities at Ascension in this coming year. I’m eager to connect with you and hope you feel the freedom to reach out to me!
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Politics and Religion:
Some of my recent reading
Throughout the period of the Trump phenomenon, I've sought out reading to help me better understand related religious features and motives. Here are three writings, with links. The list could, of course, be endless, and no writing on the topic is without bias.
A December 2019 essay by then-editor Mark Galli in Christianity Today, a longtime mainstay among evangelical periodicals, represented a first evangelical break of such prominence with Trump. The feature, Trump Should Be Removed From Office (linked here), was widely circulated beyond CT's regular subscribers and, not surprisingly, drew Twitter-wrath from the president. The day after publication, he decried the magazine, writing that Christianity Today "would rather have a Radical Left nonbeliever, who wants to take your religion & your guns, than Donald Trump as your President." High visibility aside, the piece provides the reader with excellent insight into how a well-schooled evangelical mind approaches and analyzes politics.
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A feature from the LA Times, also from Monday, January 11, reviewed the sermon transcripts from this past Sunday of a number of stalwart clergy Trump supporters. These church leaders support Trump. What did they say from the pulpit Sunday? (Link here.) I found it valuable to read these individual's messages in their own words, including those of Pastor Paula White, pictured to the right, who is 'spiritual advisor' to the president and is pictured here leading a prayer service as part of the Trump rally in Washington last Wednesday.
Hopefully, regardless of your own views about politics and religion, you're inclined to pray. Here are two Prayer Book Collects that I also shared last week.
O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Collect For the Human Family, BCP p. 815
O God, the Father of all, whose Son commanded us to love our enemies: Lead them and us from prejudice to truth: deliver them and us from hatred, cruelty, and revenge; and in your good time enable us all to stand reconciled before you, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Collect For our Enemies, BCP p. 816
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Introductory Annual Meeting Information
(reprinted from the January 6 newsletter)
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The annual meeting will take place Sunday, January 31, following the 10:00 a.m. mass. The Zoom webinar format that we now plan to use will require you to register for the meeting in advance. (Details to follow.)
- Our Annual Meeting combines a review of the past year, including a year-end financial report and a look ahead, including elections for one new warden and three Vestry members.
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Eligibility to vote at the Annual Meeting requires financial giving in 2020 and a financial pledge commitment for 2021. If you intend to pledge for 2021 but have not yet done so, please respond this week, using this link if need be, so that we may finalize the Voting Member list for Vestry approval. Anyone wishing to have these voting requirements waived, as allowed in the bylaws, should timely contact one of the wardens or me.
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The Nominating Committee is finalizing its work this week and hopes to complete a slate of candidates in time to share in next week's newsletter.
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Anyone may participate in Ascension's Annual Meeting, limited only by our bylaws' voting requirements, described above.
- Fr. Patrick Raymond+, Rector
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Praying for a Happy New Year ...
and Preparing for another tough one
(also reprinted from the January 6 newsletter)
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We've all breathed and heard many sighs of relief that 2020 is behind us. With many of those sighs I've heard prophecies that all will be better soon. With regard to the pandemic, at least, I'm not so sure. The chart shown here from today's New York Times shows the recent explosive increase in new COVID-19 cases in the UK -- compared with other countries in Europe -- since a new virus strain was recently detected there (in the UK, and more recently elsewhere, including here in the US). Add to this a vaccine distribution that is proceeding slower than was first forecast, and ... well, draw your own conclusions. I don't include this here to be a doomsayer. Part of serving and leading a parish, however, does involve managing expectations. With regard to safety matters here at Ascension, we will continue to follow governmental and ecclesiastical guidance. Meanwhile, please review your personal and household safety measures, and let's pace ourselves for a longer time of trial, if need be, and continue our prayers for more timely relief for all. |
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Organ Repertoire for Sunday, Jan. 17 |
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ORGAN
Sept Improvisations, op. 150
III. Poco adagio
Charles-Camille Saint-Saëns
(1835-1921)
Hymn at the Offertory
125 PERRY
ORGAN
Sept Improvisations, op. 150
IV. Allegretto
Charles-Camille Saint-Saëns
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Choir of the Ascension:
Now on Soundcloud!
Please visit our Ascension SoundCloud! There you will find recordings made by our choir, including one motet for every Sunday and 20 tracks for Christmastide!
Benjamin Rivera, Choirmaster
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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
Parish Annual Meeting, January 31
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
6:00 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, David Byerly, Bonnie Joseph, Diane Burnett, Steven Wallis, Sarah Ponder, Paula Budzban, Taffy Wehe, Neil, Canola Malone
Birthdays:
Betty Smith, 1/10; Robert Devens, 1/13
Requiescat in pace:
Bruce Jordan, nephew of Jim Berger
James Heath, grandfather of Joshua Heath, 1/5/2021
Quintin Ebenezer Primo, Bishop, 1/15/1998
Harry R. Carstensen, 1/15/2002
Betty J. Marse, 1/15/2015
John Martensen, 1/15/2018
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 poem below was written by John Milton Day, who served as President Lincoln's Secretary of State. (In the photo below, Day is standing to Lincoln's right.) The first few lines capture, or at least hinted at, some of what I imagine to have been the tumult in Washington DC last week. As a whole, the poem reminds me that 'ruck and roar' are not new to American politics, and we sometimes fear as 'The empire stumbles.' The perspective from so long ago gives me a little glimmer of hope that we may survive and move beyond our present polarization and mayhem.
- Fr. Raymond +
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The Very Rev. Patrick Raymond, Rector
Susan Schlough, Treasurer
Br. Nathanael Deward Rahm BSG, Parish Office
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