THIS WEEK AT ASCENSION + August 26, 2020 |
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"Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness." - Psalm 96
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This evening, August 26
Feria in Ordinary Time
Evening Prayer 6:00 p.m.
Low Mass, 6:30 p.m.
Fr. Robert Petite will be
celebrating tonight's Mass.
Image: from St. Simon window
at Church of the Ascension
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Christ Carrying the Cross, Hieronymous Bosch
(or follower), ca. 1510, now in the
Museum voor Schone Kunsten, Ghent, Belgium
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Please note the change in our Sunday schedule effective this Sunday, August 30. No weekly Scripture reflection & Virtual Coffee Hour begins 10:15 a.m.
Sunday, August 30
13th Sunday after Pentecost
8:30 a.m. Morning Prayer
9:00 a.m. Live-Streamed Mass
10:15 a.m. Virtual Coffee Hour
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Re-Opening Target Date:
Sunday, Sept. 13
"When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, then were we like those who dream." Psalm 126:1
"I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life." George Burns
Dear people of Ascension,
As was shared at our virtual town hall meeting this past Sunday, our task force members and I have set a September 13 target date for reopening. I can't thank our task force members enough for working hard to get us to this point. And I can't emphasize enough how much will be unfamiliar on that Sunday and beyond.
Some main contours and features of what will be different that Sunday and after are explained below. Other information will be shared in these Wednesday newsletters over the next two weeks. If feasible, the Wardens and I will also send a paper mailing to all member households.
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Meanwhile, I urge you to keep in mind that COVID-19 cases continue to steadily rise again in Illinois. (The chart here shows one compilation published this morning.) Hopeful as I am to see some of you on September 13, we will also be monitoring any new guidance from our bishop, governor and mayor.
I believe I've previously emphasized, and wish to do so again, that we'll only be able to move forward with re-opening by way of widespread participation and generous, adaptable spirits. And of course ongoing prayers for our safety, wisdom and faith.
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As many of you know by now, our son Owen (shown here in a recent photo) was injured in a motorcycle accident this past Thursday evening, in San Francisco. (He was evacuating from the Santa Cruz fires and en route to a friend's home.) Thankfully there is no evidence yet of injury to head, spine or internal organs. Injuries to his lower right leg are, however, formidable. We anticipate at least one or two additional surgeries, added to the two that have taken place thus far, and a recovery of many months. I flew to San Francisco last Friday morning and will need to remain here at least a few more days, possibly longer, after which Brooke will likely come to San Francisco as I return to Chicago and Ascension. Naturally, we are grateful for your prayers.
P.S. If you know Owen personally or even if you don't and wish to extend your Get Well wishes to Owen, send your greetings in an email to Br. Nathanael in the church office. He will make sure that your greetings and well wishes are compiled and reach their intended destination.
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Some Re-Opening Basics
+ The Sunday Schedule starting September 13.
Considering a wide array of factors, our task force has settled on the Sunday schedule indicated below, to begin on September 13. Note that the schedule includes ongoing live-streaming elements and one in-person mass. We will stick to this schedule through mid-October, then evaluate and make changes if needed.
+ 8:30 a.m. Virtual Morning Prayer via Zoom (as at present)
+ 9:00 a.m. Live-Streamed Mass from the church, much as the present format, via Zoom and Facebook Live.
+ 10:15 a.m. Virtual Coffee Hour, subject to willing facilitators.
+ 11: 00 a.m. In-Person said mass with organ voluntaries, in the church.
+ Twenty-Six (26) Communicants in the pews only
+ You will need a reservation to take part. Off-putting as that may sound, it's the norm among churches I know that have returned to in-person worship. An invitation to attend will be sent during the week. The reservation system will show how many seats are available. We will need a system for those without needed technology (a home computer if not a smartphone). Look for more information prior to re-opening.
"You saw it here first ..."
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Interested in the proposed
125 W Maple project?
The Fifield Group has inicated a willingness to arrange a (Zoom) presentation and Q&A opportunity for Ascension leadership and members. Before going to this effort, we need to determine if there are at least five or more interested parties from Ascension. Please click here to indicate your interest to Senior Warden Gary Alexander. (Put '125 West Maple' in the email subject line.) My thanks to Vestry member Ken Kelling for establishing the contact with Fifield.
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My homily for the mass last Wednesday, August 19, provided an opportunity to include the appointed Scriptures for Proper 16 (which we had set aside the prior Sunday as we celebrated the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary/Assumption). You may read the homily here.
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Sunday's Organ Repertoire |
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Opening Voluntary
Sonata VIII, op. 132 [1882]
II. Intermezzo
Josef Gabriel Rheinberger (1839-1901)
At the Offertory
Hymn 707 HOLLINGSIDE
Closing Voluntary
Sonata IV, op. 98 [1876]
III. Fuga chromatica
Josef Gabriel Rheinberger
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I regret having to remind you that visits to Ascension, other than for urgent or essential matters or for brief personal devotion in the church, are to be avoided. Another exception: your participation with a mask in the August 22 cleaning crew training. 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. They will next be here Tuesday, September 8, for several hours beginning by 10 a.m. 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 the (stay-at-home) time being
All connections are
via Zoom (click here)
except for Morning Prayer,
via Facebook (click here).
SUNDAYS
8:30 a.m. Morning Prayer
9:00 a.m. Mass
10:15 a.m. Scripture reflection
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: Charley Taylor, August 'Augie' Alonzo, Jim Berger, Ethel Martin, Dean Pineda,Charlene MacDougal, Jim Lo Bello, Marty Stenson, Jessica, Maxim, Ted Long, Ken Kelling, David Byerly, Leigh McDonald, Bonnie Joseph, Catriana Patriarca, Robert Devens, Richard Laibly, Tony Payne, Nicholas Carl, Sara, the Howard family, Susan, Owen Raymond, Diane Burnett, Sandra, Rhea
In Thanksgiving
Birthdays: Matt Keller, 8/29; Daniel Vargas, 8/31; Eric Magnuson, 9/1; Dennis Wentz, 9/1
Requiescat in pace: Robert L. Chaney, 8/30/2010; Olga Jonasson, 8/31/2006;
Harry William Knitter, 9/1/2011; Stephen L. Taylor, 9/4/2006; George F. DeWolfe, 9/5/1989
Prayers for the departed: Mary Lou Devens, 8/5/2020; Sr. Barbara Louise OSA, 8/11/2020;
James Govis 8/12/2020; Mike Lazos, 8/16/2020; Michael Shamie, 8/24/2020
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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Apropos of the gospel appointed for this coming Sunday, a text from the Hymnal 1982 (#675 & 676) - Fr. Raymond +
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"Take up your cross," the Savior said,
"if you would my disciple be;
take up your cross with willing heart,
and humbly follow after me."
Take up your cross; let not its weight
fill your weak spirit with alarm;
Christ's strength shall bear your spirit up
and brace your heart and nerve your arm.
Take up your cross, heed not the shame,
and let your foolish heart be still;
the Lord for you accepted death
upon a cross, on Calv'ry's hill.
Take up your cross, then, in Christ's strength,
and calmly ev'ry danger brave:
it guides you to abundant life
and leads to vict'ry o'er the grave.
Below: the Second of the Fourteen Stations of the Cross at Church of the Ascension: 'Jesus takes up his cross.'
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The Very Rev. Patrick Raymond, Rector
Susan Schlough, Treasurer
Br. Nathanael Deward Rahm BSG, Parish Office
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