Volume 12, Issue #1
January 6, 2022
In the name of Christ, we embrace all people to be nourished and empowered by the Holy Spirit to love and serve the world.
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FROM PETER'S PEN
With cold, wintery weather keeping me more indoors (especially this week), my practice at this time of year is to read through some of the larger books in my library. This is a good time for me to focus my studies on background materials that help me better understand Christianity, rather than just what I have to study for the week's sermons, book studies, etc.
This year, I am focusing on two really fine books by a very good Bible scholar, Bruce Metzger. He was central to the translation of the Revised Standard Version of the Bible (the version that is in our pews). The two books I'm reading are The New Testament: Its Background, Growth, and Content and The Text of the New Testament: Its Transmission, Corruption, and Restoration. The first book is a study of the books of the New Testament while the second book deals more with the copying of the New Testament over time. How did it get from the original authors to what we have in front of us today?
For me, it is a real joy to work here because this parish fosters scholarship and growth in understanding our Bible. I love to be at the center of that. I learn from you, and I have opportunities to think out loud about what I am reading.
With Joy,
Peter +
Father Peter Doddema
Cell: 502-661-2742
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NEW! ENQUIRER'S CLASS: Father Peter will lead an Enquirer's (Newcomer's) Class here at Ascension. It is designed both for people who are new to the church and want to learn more about Ascension and the Episcopal Church, and also for people who have been a part of the Episcopal Church but want to brush up on their knowledge of it. The first meeting will be on Saturday, January 15, at 1:00 p.m., both in-person and on Zoom. Please let Father Peter know if you are interested in joining the group, and bring your questions!
SUNDAY BIBLE STUDY classes will resume in person and via Zoom on January 9 with discussion of Romans, Chapter 6.
WEDNESDAY BOOK STUDY will resume via Zoom on January 12 to discuss our next subject of study.
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First Sunday after the Epiphany
Sunday, January 9
9:30 a.m.
with HOLY EUCHARIST, Rite I
OPEN for live, in-person worship inside the church. Also, Morning Prayer with Ascension clergy online, on Facebook at 9:30 a.m.
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Check our Online Calendar
See all services, events, meetings, and various activities that are scheduled on church property and social media. View the calendar as monthly, weekly, or an agenda list, with custom printing options. Keep an eye on what's coming up at Ascension! (During COVID, in-person events may be limited and must be pre-approved.)
Contact the church office for calendar reservations and details
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MINISTRY TEAMS will rotate in order, weekly, as shown above. Individual and late changes may not be included here due to composing and publishing deadlines. If you are not able to serve as scheduled, please contact Leah MacSwords, verger, as soon as possible prior to the service to let her know that a substitute is needed (lcmacs@aol.com or 502-545-0437).
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Your participation is important!
NEW TEAMS will be assigned and scheduled in January upon election of new Vestry members.
To inquire about serving as a lector, crucifer, chalice bearer, or usher, please contact Deacon Rebecca Saager
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LOOK! There’s something new at Ascension - a Blessing Box. We want to better serve our community by providing a place where folks who do not have many resources, or students without a snack waiting for them at home, can find a free treat. First Christian Church has joined with us to design and place the box in front of Ascension. They will help us keep the box filled, but more importantly, we are also hoping that members of both congregations will want to join in by providing:
- Quick-fix meals requiring only boiling water, such as single-serve mac-n-cheese, soups, spaghetti, oatmeal.
- Single-serve snacks, such as cheese or peanut butter crackers, candy bars, chips.
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Canned foods with pull tops.
- Hats, gloves, or socks for men, women and children.
- Travel or full-size toiletries for women and men.
You may place items in the Blessing Box yourself OR drop items in the box provided in the Ascension hallway between the sanctuary and the kitchen. If you have questions, please discuss with Judith Spencer (jspencer254@yahoo.com) or any member of the clergy.
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We are NOW RECRUITING Vestry candidates for election at the parish annual meeting in January 2022 to serve for the next three years. Four current members are completing their terms, leaving four empty seats to fill.
The Vestry is responsible for oversight of the well-being of the church, the administration of our household of faith, and modeling Christian community – all of which are ministry. Every household needs to tend to its “house” and its finances, and at the heart of the household are the relationships to God and each other. Vestry ministry is Christ-centered.
A variety of gifts are needed on our leadership team; for example, we need a person or two who has a gift of prayer as well as one or two who excel in reading a balance statement. Each member must be grounded in faith, be regular in worship attendance, and be a person of prayer. Of course, we are looking for skills and experience that will be helpful. Eligibility requirements are the same as for qualified voters (see below).
The Vestry typically meets once a month for about an hour (currently online via ZOOM, at 5:30 PM on third Thursdays) and annually for a weekend retreat. We ask members to set a leadership example by attending meetings and services regularly, by pledging (privately as able), by participating in a rotating schedule for building lockup after Sunday worship, and by other occasional tasks. Access to email and familiarity with use of online devices is helpful.
We ask you to make a prayerful discernment regarding this ministry, with the help of the Holy Spirit. To learn more, please contact Father Peter or Senior Warden Julia Tyson (jspeavler@gmail.com).
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Mark your calendar now!
ASCENSION'S ANNUAL
PARISH BUSINESS MEETING
will be held on
Sunday, January 23, 11:00 a.m.
Your attendance is encouraged and needed as we review the year just past, and make important decisions for the year to come. Please plan to attend. Watch your email for more details.
ABOUT THE DATE: Note that this meeting is confirmed for the FOURTH Sunday on January 23, in order to follow the regularly scheduled Vestry meeting which falls on January 20, the third Thursday.
ELECTIONS: The Ascension vestry will nominate four people for election at this meeting to serve on the vestry for the next three years. Deputies for the Diocesan Annual Convention are still being sought, for election at the same parish meeting - contact Father Peter to learn more, and watch for more information to come about the election. Farewell and many thanks for the service of outgoing vestry members Tim Agne, Thomas Bemiss, Todd Elliott, and Zachary Horn.
CALL FOR REPORTS: If your church-related group would like to submit a written report to the congregation for this meeting, please submit it no later than Sunday, January 16, to Mona in the church office (email info@ascensionfrankfort.org).
PAPER ABSENTEE BALLOTS will be provided to our current mailing list of homebound and non-computer-user members, and to any qualified voter who requests a paper ballot no later than January 16 (request by phone call/voice mail message to Mona at 502-223-0557).
QUALIFIED VOTERS: In accordance with the bylaws of the Church of the Ascension, Article III, Membership and Parish Meetings, Section 1, Membership: “Qualified voters at a Parish meeting shall be: (a) All those who are confirmed communicants in good standing of the age of 16 years or older, and (b) Any other baptized persons of age 16 years or older who are regular worshipers in the Parish and who for six months immediately preceding the meeting have been regular contributors to the support of the Parish. (Canon 17.04, Diocese of Lexington)”
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RESPONDING TO THE PANDEMIC:
CHANGES & CHALLENGES
The COVID transmission map from the CDC and both Franklin and Anderson counties are back in the 'high' transmission rate categories, along with much of the Commonwealth. Our current adjustments include:
1) Checking temperatures when folks arrive.
2) Asking everyone to wear masks indoors.
Please observe the latest recommendations from the CDC for your vaccinated or unvaccinated status. Note - if you are vaccinated:
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If you have been around someone who has COVID-19, you should get tested 3-5 days after your exposure, even if you do not have symptoms. You should also wear a mask indoors in public for 14 days following exposure or until your test result is negative. You should isolate for 10 days if your test result is positive. Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated.html 8/2/21
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Previous COVID-related strategies and guidelines still apply:
For the foreseeable future, Sunday worship will include both in-person and online worship. If you are comfortable attending live worship at the church, it is held at 9:30 a.m. If you are not yet comfortable attending worship at the church, we invite you to attend live worship through our Facebook page. One of the clergy will lead Morning Prayer on Facebook each Sunday, also at 9:30 a.m., and we will offer pre-recorded full services online as often as is possible/practical.
As we return to physically attending services inside the church, no advance registration is needed. But please remember that the pandemic is ongoing, and not everyone has been vaccinated. Signing in at the door, temperature checks, and social distancing are still required. Please check in personally with an usher when you arrive before taking a seat in the marked areas. Children are welcome in all services.
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ABOUT OFFICE HOURS
Clergy and staff are spending more time in the office while continuing some work from home and 'round about the parish; personal meetings may be scheduled in advance. Church doors will remain locked if there is only one person in the building. However, full-time coverage is provided for telephone calls and messages via the magic of cell phones, so please call 502-223-0557 whenever you need to reach us! (If we don’t answer immediately, please leave a message so we may return your call as promptly as possible.)
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This web site has an abundance of information and resources - check it out!
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Intercessions for the Church: The Episcopal Youth Community - Cindy Sigmon, Youth Missioner; Daughters of the King, Diocesan Chapter - Martha Davenport, President.
Recently in need of prayers: Anissa, Bob, Debbie, Frances, Jesse, Jim, John, Julia, Linda, Martha, Richard, Robert.
Continuing concern: Angie, Barbara, Beverly, Bill, Dan, David, Deborah, Donnie, Ellie, Faye, Florence, Jan & Dale, Jinks, Josh, Kathy, Lynda, Mac, Maja, Marilyn, Mark & Norma, Mike & Susie, Mildred, Nancy, Patricia, Polly, Shannon, and Tandy. We also pray for those affected by the COVID pandemic, and for those on active duty in the military: Daniel, Houston, Nick, and Tanner.
Thanksgiving: for the New Year, new hope, and new opportunities.
Birthdays: 1/9 - Bob Bullock Sr., Laura Graham; 1/11 - Judy Kizer; 1/14 - Linda Claus.
NOTICE:
Part of the strength of this congregation is our care and concern for each other. Please help us to do this by letting us know when you are ill, hospitalized, or otherwise in need of prayer and/or visitation. We especially want to serve you during these times. Also, if we don’t have your birthday or anniversary on file, or if it appears incorrectly, please let us know!
Please put ALL prayer requests in writing to Deacon Sue Kurtz
(email deacon@ascensionfrankfort.org or text 502-330-5358). Prayer requests must be received by end-of-day on Sunday to ensure publication in the next upcoming weekly newsletter and Sunday bulletin. ‘Recently in Need’ prayers will remain for ONE month only, unless requested again.
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Pre-Planning for End of Life
Rite I or Rite II? Eucharist or no? Burial service in the church, or only a graveside committal? Special music, songs, readings, people? Please consider writing your preferences on a “Funeral Information and Burial Instructions” form, for secure long-term storage in the parish office. This confidential information will serve as a guide to the church and your family after your death. A 'Kentucky Living Will Directive and Health Care Surrogate Designation' Form is also available. Return the completed form(s) to Deacon Rebecca, Deacon Sue, or to the parish office.
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Clergy and Staff
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The Rev. Peter Doddema, Priest
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The Rev. Dr. William G. Brown, Assisting Priest Emeritus
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The Rev. Deacon Rebecca A. Saager, Curate
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The Rev. Deacon Susan E. Kurtz, Deacon
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Mr. John B. Martin, Director of Music & Organist
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Ms. Mona Landrum Proctor, Parish Administrator
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Mr. David Gierlach, Sexton
Copyright © 2021 Church of the Ascension. All Rights Reserved.
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