Volume 12, Issue #18
May 5, 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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All mothers are invited to enjoy breakfast on Sunday, May 8, compliments of the Ascension Men’s Club. |
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FROM PETER'S PEN
Last Sunday we examined some of the deep roots of our tradition (~2,000 - 4,000 years). From ancient Judaism to classical Rome, from renaissance England to 2022, a lot of beautiful and holy spirituality has been woven together to form our current way of worship.
We learned that the work of worship, known as our liturgy, takes both the congregation and the clergy to come together. The people have to give their consent for the worship to go forward. The clergy have to perform their work by praying for God's blessing on the bread and wine. With everyone involved, especially with the Holy Spirit present, our joyful, life-giving, and sacred liturgy happens!
There will be more of these Instructed Eucharists in the future. Please feel free to send me your questions about our worship and topics that you would be interested in exploring. This all works best when we work together.
As a reminder, Sunday’s service begins at 10:30 AM.
With joy,
Peter +
The Rev. Peter Doddema
502-661-2742
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From our Director of Music and Organist, John Martin: The Ascension choir is returning! First rehearsal will be held on Sunday, May 8, at 9:30 AM in the church. New and returning voices are welcome - come and sing with us! To contact John Martin, email music@asensionfrankfort.org
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Sunday Service Now Starts at 10:30 AM
What About a Rite I Service at 8 AM ?
I recently received an inquiry about adding back an 8:00 AM service on Sunday mornings. At this time, we only have about 40 people worshiping in person on Sundays, and I am not willing to split up this congregation into two mini-congregations. We currently have great fellowship between people who, before COVID, attended different worship services. Now they are getting to know each other and building new friendships. Our congregation is also experiencing growth and new members, so I want to keep us together and nurture that good energy!
However, I am curious to hear if others are interested in bringing back the 8:00 AM service. It would be a service without music or a procession. If, at some point, we were to resume that service, we would need more people serving on the altar guild and performing other lay duties such as chalice bearer, lector, usher, and security. COVID has brought changes to these ministries, and we do not currently have enough people serving in these roles to support two services.
If you are interested in adding back/attending an 8:00 AM service, please respond to Deacon Rebecca Saager by May 15, either in person or by email to curate@ascensionfrankfort.org. Also please indicate your willingness to participate at 8:00 AM as:
- altar guild member
- chalice bearer
- lector, to read the lessons and prayers
- usher
- security team.
Sincerely,
Peter +
The Rev. Peter Doddema
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Bishop Mark to Visit in May
The Right Rev. Mark Van Koevering, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Lexington, is looking forward to his annual visit to Ascension on Sunday, May 29. There will be parishioners confirmed/received during his visit. We hope you will join us on this joyous day!
By tradition, the undesignated plate offering (cash and undesignated checks) received on this day will go to the Bishop’s Discretionary Fund. For 2022, Bishop Mark will donate 100% of these offerings to the Lay Ministry of the diocese, including the Lay Preaching Initiative.
If you would like to contribute directly to the Bishop's Fund for this purpose, make your check to Church of the Ascension and put Bishop's Fund in the memo line. All contributions should be placed in the collection plate, not handed directly to the bishop. Alternately, you may contribute via the Diocese online.
All the baptized are called to minister in Christ’s name, to identify their gifts
with the help of the Church and to serve Christ’s mission at all times and in all places. The Church is to provide encouragement, training, and necessary resources to assist each Faith Community in developing a process of community discernment of all persons seeking direction in their call to ministry. Some of these ministries are licensed by the Bishop. They include Pastoral Leader, Worship Leader, Preacher, Eucharistic Minister, Eucharistic Visitor, Catechist and Evangelist.
In the past, we have not developed clear pathways to encourage, discern, and train our people for these ministries. However, our Diocese was chosen to participate in the Lay Preaching Initiative of The Episcopal Church to prepare Lay Preachers; this initiative offers us an opportunity to create a clear process for the exercise of all the other lay ministries as well. Our goal is to provide clear guidelines and raining opportunities for all the Lay Ministries of our Church, so that all the baptized have opportunity to serve and make a difference.
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Hello from Simon House! It’s been a while since you have heard from us in this COVID environment, but we are moving forward and are serving more people than ever before. During the past year, Simon House has been working tirelessly to fill a need in the community for shelter facilities for all people who are without the necessity of a roof over their heads. Now, in addition to providing shelter to homeless women with children, Simon House has expanded their services to include:
- Campbell Street emergency shelter for women who are pregnant or have children – 7 families, 24/7 availability.
- Community outreach services to prevent homelessness and food insecurity, expanded into Woodford County and continuing to grow.
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NEW East Main Street emergency shelter for men and women, with or without children – capacity 16 persons, 24/7 availability.
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NEW East Main Street warming and cooling center and storm shelter during inclement weather for men and women, with or without children – capacity 70 persons, 24/7 availability.
If you would like to help with the growing expanded services, there are some simple ways to do this. We are in need of toilet paper, hand soap, shampoo and conditioner, breakfast bars, granola bars, perishable and frozen microwavable meals, ramen noodle cups, towels and hand towels, paper plates and paper bowls, ear buds (Android and Apple), deodorant and razors for men and women, women's large Depends, diapers for children (sizes 4, 5, 6), wipes and cases of drinking water. We could use a toaster oven and/or toaster to be used in the downstairs shelter.
We thank you for all your help and ask for prayers as we work for those most in need in our community.
Linda Stopper
Simon House Volunteer
John B. Martin
Chair, Simon House Board of Directors
There is a collection bin for donations to Simon House in Ascension's hallway - across from the garden windows - or call Simon House at 502-223-2138 to arrange delivery of perishable items.
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ENQUIRER'S CLASS
Saturday, May 14
1:00 PM
This is our final class before the Bishop’s visit on May 29. We will be answering any final questions that you have about Ascension, the Episcopal Church, etc., and talking about what to expect when Bishop Mark visits.
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BOOK STUDY:
COMPARATIVE CHRISTIANITY
The class scheduled for this week on Wednesday, May 4, was postponed. Stay tuned for rescheduling information.
The Synopsis and Class Notes are posted HERE on Ascension's web site in PDF format for you to view or download.
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BIBLE STUDY
Sundays at 12:00 PM
This group meets on Sundays following the worship service, in-person and via Zoom (see link below). For our meeting on May 8, please read The Book of James, Chapter 2. Everyone is welcome.
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Meeting ID: 886 223 0557
Passcode: catfish
Same for all meetings unless otherwise announced.
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Reading Camp is a secular week-long summer day camp for kids going into third, fourth or fifth grade who could use extra help with reading. Held annually at Ascension since 2013, Reading Camp is provided FREE to children in need, including breakfast and lunch daily. It provides third through fifth graders who are reading below grade level non-traditional educational opportunities that build confidence and empower them to achieve academic success. Reading Camp builds reading skills and self-confidence!
Reading Camp Director Rebecca Saager is looking for a few awesome volunteers to help as teachers (half-days, supplies and training provided), full-day camper buddies, and kitchen helpers. To make a donation to help cover the cost of supplies and meals, make your check payable to ‘Church of the Ascension’ and put READING CAMP on the Memo line. For more information, please email frankfortreadingcamp@gmail.com
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Fourth Sunday of Easter
Sunday, May 8
10:30 AM
with HOLY EUCHARIST, Rite I
OPEN for live, in-person worship inside the church.
Online Morning Prayer also starts at 10:30.
Breakfast is available starting at 9:00.
Choir rehearsal begins at 9:30.
Nursery for children ages 0-5 opens at 10:15.
Bible Study is held after the service, starting at 12:00.
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LECTIONARY READINGS:
for a bulletin to help you follow along with this service (PDF).
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Check our Online Calendar
Contact the church office for calendar reservations and details
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MINISTRY TEAMS will rotate weekly. Individual and late changes may not be reflected in bulletins due to composing and printing deadlines.
To notify of absence and request a substitute for the upcoming Sunday, please contact the Verger, Leah MacSwords, 502-545-0437 or lcmacs@aol.com (substitutes may include Suzanne Cox, Bryan Hendricks, Shannon Lancaster, Julia Tyson, Pauline Van Horn, Candy Charters, Jason Harrod).
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Your participation is important!
To inquire about serving as a lector, crucifer, chalice bearer, or usher, please contact Deacon Rebecca Saager
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Find the Diocese of Lexington online at
This web site has an abundance of information and resources -
check it out!
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Intercessions for the Church: The Church of the Ascension, Mount Sterling - The Rev. Rob Slocum, Priest-In-Partnership.
Seminarians: Izak, Carter, Thomas.
Recently in need of prayers: Barbara, Bill, Frances, George, Ida, Jim, and Martha.
Continuing concern: Anissa, Dan, David, Debbie, Donnie, Faye, Jan, Jesse, Jinks, John, Laia, Linda, Lynda, Mac, Marilyn, Mike & Susie, Polly, Rena, Richard, Shannon, Susan, and Will. We also pray for those affected by the COVID pandemic, and for those on active duty in the military: Daniel, Houston, Josh, Nick, and Tanner.
Thanksgiving: for our reopened nursery and for the return of Sunday breakfasts.
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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A Prayer for Ukraine
God of peace and justice,
We pray for the people of Ukraine today.
We pray for peace and the laying down of weapons.
We pray for all those who fear for tomorrow,
That your Spirit of comfort would draw near to them.
We pray for those with power over war or peace,
For wisdom, discernment and compassion
To guide their decisions.
Above all, we pray for all your precious children, at risk and in fear,
That you would hold and protect them.
We pray in the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace.
Amen.
Archbishop Justin Welby – Archbishop Stephen Cottrell
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HELP UKRAINIAN REFUGEES
“For I was hungry and you gave me food,
I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink…”
Matthew 25:35
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Over four million refugees have recently fled war-torn Ukraine. Episcopal Relief & Development (ERD) is partnering with Anglican agencies and other ecumenical partners to provide humanitarian aid in response to this crisis. Please help us to supply needed items for displaced families and individuals who are fleeing the war to other parts of Europe.
As we pray for an end to violence and for those fleeing Ukraine, we also pray for ERD and other ecumenical agencies working to respond to the current crisis. Specific needs will change as the crisis evolves. As of right now, there is a need for food, water and shelter.
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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 © 2022 Church of the Ascension. All Rights Reserved.
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