Weekly Ascension Schedule
for the (stay-at-home) time being
SUNDAYS
8:30 a.m. Morning Prayer via Zoom
9:00 a.m. Mass via Facebook LIVE
10:15 a.m. Scripture reflection via Zoom
*
11:00 a.m. Virtual Coffee Hour via Zoom
*Not May 3 due to 10:15 a.m. Rosary
MONDAY-THURSDAY
6:10 p.m. Evening Prayer via Zoom
WEDNESDAYS
6:30 p.m. Low Mass via Facebook LIVE
Today, 4/29: Commemoration of
Catherine of Siena
THURSDAYS
12:00 p.m.
Conversations that Matter,
via Zoom -
This week: YOUR movie and book lists ...
See today's 'Last Word'
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(Virtual) May Crowning
We won't be able to share in our usual first-Sunday-in May procession and beautiful May Crowning of Mary, Queen of Heaven ...
but
you can share in the Rosary (via Zoom) at 10:15 a.m. and we will include the
Regina Coeli
at the end of the 9:00 a.m. live-streamed mass. Organist David White may also provide us with a short recital of Marian-themed compositions. Join us! Hail Mary ...
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"
In other news ..."
“The more wonderful the means of communication, the more trivial, tawdry, or depressing its contents seemed to be.”
- Arthur C. Clarke, 2001: A Space Odyssey
“Most neuroses and some psychoses can be traced to the unnecessary and unhealthy habit of daily wallowing in the troubles and sins of five billion strangers.”
"Now I should remind you, brothers and sisters, of the good news that I proclaimed to you, which you in turn received, in which also you stand, through which also you are being saved, if you hold firmly to the message that I proclaimed to you—unless you have come to believe in vain."
- St. Paul's 1st Letter to the Corinthians, 15:1-2
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Dear People of Ascension,
My intention for today's newsletter was to focus on OTHER NEWS. Aren't we all a little (or a lot) too immersed in and even a little (or very) toxified by everything Covid-19? I thought I should give us a break ...
Alas, I've already failed, by reminding you, above, of a new schedule with its live-streamed and Zoom invitations ... How many of us at Ascension even knew of Zoom six weeks ago? Now some of us "
Zoom"
in knowing terms as if we're chatting about some well-known production at the Lyric.
The Road to Emmaus resurrection story (Luke 24:13-35) twice appointed since Easter Day partly got me thinking about the news that can possess us and the news we may most need, and distinctions between the two.
Jesus, newly resurrected, pulls up alongside two of his own disciples who don't recognize him. Maybe they're too caught up in the latest big news:
“
Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days
?”
Jesus upbraids them, an
d, “
Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures
.”
One could say that Jesus was inviting them, urging them, to see the transient news of the day, news that had possessed them, in the larger context of the good news that will endure. Perhaps he was doing so, at least in part, to prepare them to 'see' him later, in the breaking of bread?
None of us can steer clear of all Covid-19 news. I have a pastoral obligation to share, above and below, how it affects us at Ascension. But, if and as we are able, let's keep it in the context of our greater good news in Christ.
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AROUND THE GROUNDS: BUILDINGS & GROUNDS NEWS
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Many thanks to our Sexton,
George Panice
George has remained busy taking care of numerous projects at Ascension: some urgent and necessary, some made easier because no one has been around, some in the interests of faith, hope and love.
To the right, just in time for May Crowning
: George kindly took good care of Our Lady of Victory, in the church garden, giving a thorough cleaning that has left her gleaming!
A few other projects are described below ...
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Plaster damage from a leak into St. Michael Hall (below, left) was stopped by a 2018 roof repair. The present building vacancy gave George a chance to erect scaffolding, repair the damage and repaint.
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Sorry to report that in late March a hostile individual tried to throw a brick through a window in the main church doors facing LaSalle Street. George was on the job within minutes, removing and safeguarding the window. (Yes, police were also called and a report was filed; no findings at this time.)
Emily Carlson of Solstice Stained Glass
(lower left, below) kindly agreed to help out. The window was expertly and quickly repaired and returned and re-installed by George with new outer panels -- a great improvement!
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Women of Ascension, Rejoice!
You'll have new toilets when you return.
P.S. With my concurrence, George removed the pee-wee kids toilet.
Both are now NEW Kohler 'comfort height' for adults.
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Sunday, May 3
+
A live-streamed mass at 9:00 a.m
. that may be viewed
at our Facebook page
will be the norm for at least the next few weeks. Some have asked about live-streaming on YouTube instead. We can’t do so unless/until we have 1000 subscribers—something to aim for!
The order of worship for the Sunday mass will be provided through a link at our Website home page and/or by an 'Apart & Together' update before Sunday.
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The Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary
will be shared via Zoom at 10:15 a.m.
(
in lieu of the Scripture reflection
we've shared the past two weeks -- sorry, we can't dual Zoom ...)
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The Virtual Coffee Hour at 11:00 a.m
. could be described as an Online Wheeler Hall. Just as we have differing motives for going to coffee hour at the church, and just as we may mostly observe or actively participate there, so it has been with our virtual coffee hour the past two weeks. It’s a free-for-all, but I do moderate and do my best to give everyone who shows up a chance to speak if they wish.
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Mondays-Thursdays
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Evening Prayer at 6:10 p.m. via Zoom.
My thanks to those who have climbed the learning curve to keep alive and share this ministry. We're also considering adding other offices due to enthusiastic response and willing officiants. Stay tuned.
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Thursdays
+
Conversations that Matter
is a trial balloon. I’ll choose a few topics that may be of interest and that have a plausible faith connection and welcome you to take part via Zoom at Noon.
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Topic for Thursday, April 30: Book and movie titles to share ...
Seems quite a few of us have been immersing ourselves more than usual in reading or movies. (Do you call it 'movie-staying' as opposed to 'movie-going' if you're watching at home?) Please consider sharing your film or book discoveries or rediscoveries ...
+
Last week's debut conversation suggested very little interest. No problem, but I'll probably discontinue after tomorrow if indicated by participation.
I would welcome other hosts and
your thoughts about hosts, times and topics
.
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This just in from Verger and Tech Maestra Mary Beth Hwang. It's a lot of detail, so slow down if you wish to better connect to others at Ascension via Zoom, or speed up if you don't want all of the detail now.
Now that we have upgraded to a paid Zoom account, anyone with a telephone can participate in Zoom meetings -- no Internet access needed!
There are two main ways a phone can help. First, if you have a phone but no Internet access, you can dial in to the meeting to participate via audio, much as you would for a traditional conference call. You won't be able to see video, of course, but you'll be able to hear people speak and be heard when you speak. Here's how:
1. Dial (312)626-6799 on your phone.
2. You will be prompted to input the meeting number and press # when done: 7920317452#
3. The system will ask for a participant ID: just ignore this, but press #.
4. Finally, you will be asked for the meeting password: 1133#.
A phone can also help if you have a computer with Internet access but no microphone. If you are able to connect to Zoom on your computer, even if you don't have video, you can go ahead and do so to enjoy the functionality of Zoom's computer-based app. Once you have connected on the computer, you can choose "Join with Phone Audio" when prompted for audio (or click the headset/microphone icon) to use your phone as your microphone. The Zoom app will tell you what to dial: it should be very similar to the above, except that you'll input a Participant ID so that Zoom knows it's the same person on the app and on the phone.
For a detailed explanation, see this page.
Phone access to Zoom can also be helpful when you are traveling or when you do not have network access on your mobile device. There are local numbers for various locations in the United States, and even some toll numbers for those who might wish to connect while traveling abroad.
Here is the most commonly used information for connecting to our Ascension Zoom meetings:
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 792 031 7452
Password: 1133
One tap mobile
+13126266799,,7920317452#,,1#,1133# US (Chicago)
Dial by your location
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown)
+1 646 876 9923 US (New York)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 408 638 0968 US (San Jose)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
Meeting ID: 792 031 7452
Password: 1133
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And, believe it or not, more ZOOM
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Junior Warden Cheryl Peterson, who successfully hosted a 'Sharing Lunch, Sharing Blessings' gathering via Zoom earlier today, suggests these YouTube tutorials for those new to Zoom ...
Cheryl adds these remarks:
"Here are the videos that I found most helpful. I had only watched the first one when I joined Zoom for the first time. I have watched the others today. I like that Marcia speaks and moves slowly. Some folks might not know some language (i.e. basic computer terms like apps, cursor, window, etc.) but the jargon is minimal. Playing the video twice or three times allows for incremental learning if everything doesn't gel the first time."
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Up Next Online
TODAY, April 29, 2020
Wednesday in Easter 3
Commemoration of Catherine of Seina
Evening Prayer 6:10 p.m.
Low Mass 6:30 p.m.
Catherine of Sienna
, artist unknown,
Italian, late 15th c.
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Sunday, May 3, 2020
The 4th Sunday of Easter: Good Shepherd Sunday
per the schedule above
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O God, whose Son Jesus is the good shepherd of your people: Grant that when we hear his voice we may know him who calls us each by name, and follow where he leads; who, with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Sheepfold
, Alexander Mann, 1905
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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, Yuka Asai, Dean Pineda, Carnola Malone, Charlene MacDougal, Jack Johnston, Patricia Johnston, Stewart Marks, Char Yurema, Joshua, Ellie, Carmen Castro, Mary Drell, Jim Lo Bello, Steve Waltz, Lillian Alexander, Mary Lou Devens, Marty Stenson, Donna Neglia, Helena Wilson, John Brower, Choy Jimenez, Steve.
Recent/Upcoming Birthdays/Anniversaries:
Burton Nelson, 5/1; Maggie Zellers, 5/1; Anabel Finch, 5/2/2014, Robert Browning, 5/3; James Caldwell, 5/3; Claudia Vargas, 5/9; Jenna Jones 5/10; Luiza Kallembach, 5/11; Janis Anfosi, 5/13; Robert Sheridan, 5/16; Essie Echols, 5/16; Michael Clark Sr. 5/18; Carter Luery, 5/19; Dana Luery, 5/19; Kimberly Milano, 5/27; Katherine Beeken, 5/28; Jennifer Lord, 5/28; LaVerne Rollé Saunders, 5/30
Prayers for the departed:
All who have died due to complications of COVID-19, including
Herman Carrillo (and his bereaved husband Denis vanEngelsdorp)
Herman Rivera (uncle of Benjamin Rivera)
Emily Hoffman (grandmother of Elma Ling Hoffman)
Maat Brower (and family)
Also:
Terra (cousin of James Robinson)
Rajeev Rao
Rest eternal grant unto them, O Lord: and let light perpetual shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
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Forward Day by Day
The May-June-July 2020 edition of Forward Day by Day has been delivered to the church. If you'd like to receive a copy at home, please send an email to
Br. Nathanael Rahm
(working remotely from his home) and we will figure out how to get it to you.
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It's more of a last image rather than a last word, or maybe a hybrid. In any case, the book titles below are arranged to tell a story. Start at the top left and ... figure it out! Thanks to parishioner Jim Drury for forwarding this! And this is one last opportunity for me to invite your book or movie suggestions at our Noon Conversation tomorrow, Thursday.
-
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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