This Week at Ascension + February 23, 2022
"Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness." - Psalm 96
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Revised Pandemic Guidance -- See Below |
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February 27
Rector's Last Sunday,
Leave-taking from a Pastoral Relationship, Te Deum &
Potluck Reception
In the spirit of community and conviviality, parishioners are invited to bring a dish to share at Fr. Raymond's farewell reception on February 27 to supplement the catered food. Anyone who wants to bring a brunch-appropriate offering (especially quiche!) should contact George Pineda via email or phone (312) 203-9494 no later than noon on Thursday, February 24.
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This evening: Feb. 23, 2022
The Eve of Saint Matthias, Apostle
6:30 p.m. In-person & Live-streamed Said Mass
Image: Saint Matthias, Rubens, 1611
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Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022
The Last Sunday
after the Epiphany
9:00 a.m. In-person Sung Mass
with Organ and Hymns
11:00 a.m. In-person &
Live-streamed
Solemn High Mass
Image: Transfiguration, Aelbrecht Bouts, late 15th c.
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Ash Wednesday + March 2nd
In-person Said Masses with Imposition of Ashes at 7:30 a.m. & Noon
In-person and Live-streamed Choral High Mass
with Imposition of Ashes at 6:30 p.m.
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Do the next right thing
Dear people of Ascension,
In times of tricky navigating and uncertainty, my wife Brooke and I are often reminded to do the next right thing. The notion was a gift to us from a past parishioner who remained unusually serene and focused amidst sorrows and challenges that would cripple most souls. “When I’m on the edge, I stop and ask, ‘What’s the next right thing?’”
Remarkably often, even when faced with daunting challenges (or a rector's desk with a big slip-sliding to-do pile only a few days before a last Sunday), the next right thing is clear. It may be as big as a big decision or as simple as ‘stop; take a breath’. Conflict eases. Confusion clears. The way ahead may remain foggy and daunting, but one is no longer stuck and futurizing about things one can’t control. Do the next right thing.
Jesus seemed to have a knack for doing the next right thing. Consider how many gospel scenes begin with interruptions that he recognized and responded to as the apparent next right thing. Consider the times when, though surrounded by urgent pleas and needs, his next right thing was to retreat for prayer. He knew, soon after Peter’s Confession, to go to the place of Transfiguration. Afterwards, he knew that the next right thing, however sorrowful, awaited him in Jerusalem.
The next right thing comes to mind today as I contemplate what lies ahead for Ascension. Rector departures, transitions and searches can be vulnerable, prickly times for parishes. Perhaps some of you will be the temperature-takers. You will cool down some overheating moments by suggesting a pause. You'll say, "We can't figure all of this out now, but what's the next right thing?" If the answer is unclear, let the default next right thing be prayer.
Patrick +
Fr. Patrick Raymond, Rector (for four more days)
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Hello, fellow parishioners,
Our 2022 Vestry will hold a second meeting tomorrow evening, Thursday the 24th, at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. As always, guests are welcome. We will be starting to form parish leadership for the coming year and wish to welcome you to share your interest in or questions about the following:
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Rector Search Committee. We aim to keep the committee to seven members and imagine that we may not be able to appoint all who express interest, but at this point we have not made final decisions. Contact the wardens (linked below).
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Finance Committee. Chaired by Treasurer Susan Schlough, the committee reviews big-picture parish finances, advises the Vestry on significant decisions or developments and works with the Treasurer to prepare annual operating budgets. Contact the Wardens or Treasurer.
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Outreach Mission. Take part in evaluating and leading new outreach mission endeavors in our neighborhood and beyond. Contact Mother Murphy-Gill.
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Buildings & Grounds. Assess needs and prioritize, recommend and oversee a variety of projects small and large. Contact Cheryl Peterson
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Hospitality. Assist with coffee hour once a month or more; or assist with holy day and other special event receptions. Contact Vestry member Sean Hansen
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Diocesan Convention Delegates. Three are appointed by the Vestry to represent Ascension at a one- or two-day convention in November. Contact the Wardens.
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Stewardship. Lead or assist with annual financial stewardship appeal. Contact the Wardens.
We hope to hear from you!
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A new security team will be in place on Sundays, starting this coming Sunday, February 27, and for Ash Wednesday and many other upcoming evening services. The additional security support was made possible by the Vestry's additional budget commitment at its February 17 meeting in response to some recent heightened neighborhood concerns. Additionally, ushers in the narthex were visited by an 18th District police officer during the 11am mass this past Sunday, February 20. The officer promisingly explained a new CPD program to provide better focused support to all houses of worship.
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Please know that my Ascension email address will be disabled by March 1. Those needing to be in touch with me after my last Sunday may contact the parish office.
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Relaxed Pandemic Guidance
Effective this coming Sunday and through March, Ascension will return to the more relaxed pandemic guidance that we enjoyed prior to Advent 2021. Think of it as a mixed bag of bad news and good news (mostly good!). Some highlights:
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All in the pews are asked to remain masked.
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Choir members, most or all of whom are being tested several times per week, will be 'mask optional' while singing and otherwise masked.
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The Celebrant, Preacher and Lectors are mask-optional while reading or chanting but should otherwise remain masked.
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Some social distancing measures for the Solemn High Mass will be relaxed, notably the Gospel procession will return to the nave aisle in the midst of the People; the ushers will bring forward the gifts of bread and wine at the Offertory.
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Coffee hour fellowship may be resumed, subject to coordination and willing volunteers. Stay tuned.
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Registration in the narthex will continue through March as will the restrictions on sharing the chalice, and ...
All measures will be reconsidered again for services in April. Thanks to all for patience, timely questions and constructive suggestions.
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Here comes Lent ...
I. Palms/Ashes Ash Wednesday will be March 2, in the week immediately following Fr. Raymond's last Sunday at Ascension. (Masses with imposition of ashes will be offered at 7:30 a.m., Noon and 6:30 p.m.) I will be taking responsibility for preparing the ashes, traditionally made from palm crosses and fronds brought from home and elsewhere by parishioners. Please do bring them! We'll have a labeled basket available in the narthex for the next three Sundays.
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II. Lenten Program/Devotional Invitation
In preparation for Lent, I still have a few copies of Holy Solitude: Lenten Reflections with Saints, Hermits, Prophets and Rebels available for $6. You can pick one up after Mass or stop by the church during the week. I hope you’ll purchase a book early as it includes many helpful suggestions for preparing yourself and your home for the holy season of Lent. If you’d prefer to purchase the book elsewhere, copies are also available on Amazon or Indie Bound.
Once Lent has started, I’ll be hosting a lunchtime conversation every Monday at noon on Zoom, beginning March 7 to discuss our reading from Holy Solitude for the week. I’m so pleased to share that on the final Monday before Holy Week, the author will be joining us to share some of her experiences of spiritual solitude.
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Seminarian Bonnie Scott's sermon for
the Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany
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Organ and Choral Repertoire for February 27, 2022 |
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ORGAN
Aubade: Farewell [1982]
A. Oscar Haûgland (1922-2013)
At the Entrance Procession
WAREHAM (11a.m.)
At the Offertory
WAREHAM (9a.m.)
TYSK (11a.m.) descant: D. White
At the Communion
ADORO DEVOTE
At the Retiring Procession
MARTINS (11a.m.)
ORGAN
Toccata for Organ [1983]
A. Oscar Haûgland
Josef Gabriel Rheinberger (1839-1901) Messe in Es for double choir
“Cantus Missae”
Moses Hogan (1957-2003)
I can tell the world about this (1998)
Morten Lauridsen (b. 1943)
O nata lux, from Lux aeterna (1997)
Charles Villiers Stanford (1852-1924)
Te Deum in Bb
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Between Masses, please don’t forget that The Choir of the Ascension has recorded upwards of 60 tracks that you can listen to anywhere you have an internet connection. They can be found here: https://soundcloud.com/choir-of-the-ascension
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Ascension Connections
(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:
SUNDAYS
9:00 a.m. In-person Sung Mass
11:00 a.m. In-person and Live-Streamed Solemn High Mass
MONDAY-FRIDAY
WEDNESDAYS
6:30 p.m. Said Mass
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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: The Rev. Canon Paula Clark, August 'Augie' Alonzo, Jim Berger, Taffy Wehe, Beth Hall, Sue Lenz, Ben, David D. Jones, Gina, Tom Baer, Edward Minieka, Brenda Martins, Claire Green, Carey Weiss
Birthdays: Courtney Walsh, 2/22
Requiescat in pace: Clark Allan Montgomery, 2/22/2003; Geraldine Wilbur Ruhling, 2/22/2005; Laurence (Larry) P. Meyers, 2/22/2018; Rosario Vargas, 2/24/2012;
Nancy Alice Holub, 2/25/1994; Patricia Wilson Laibly, 2/26/2018; Elfie Christiansen Smith, Richard Wolfe, Larry Kimmel
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 Rev. Patrick Raymond, Rector
The Rev. Meghan Murphy-Gill, Curate
Susan Schlough, Treasurer
Br. Nathanael Deward Rahm BSG, Parish Office
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Vestry of Church of the Ascension
Ken Kelling, Sr. Warden; LaVerne Rollé Saunders, Jr. Warden;
Ian Barillas-McEntee, Jim Lo Bello, Ken Cozette, Marlea Edinger, Sean Hansen, George Pineda, Joshua Simpson, Sam Sommers, Enrique Vilaseco, Vestry
Approved minutes of Vestry meetings are always available online to parishioners who request the link. If you would like Internet access to these Vestry Minutes, please email the Parish Office and request the link. Once you access the web page, you can read all recent Vestry meeting minutes.
The link remains live indefinitely. Any parishioner who has the link will not need to request a new link from month to month.
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