Volume 12, Issue #20
May 19, 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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A memorial service for
Edward E. (Mac) Elliott IV
will be held at Ascension
on Monday, May 30, at 11:00 AM
Rest eternal grant to him, O Lord,
and let light perpetual shine upon him.
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FROM PETER'S PEN
During the Easter season, we do not say the confession during Sunday worship. We take a break from this to acknowledge the joy of this time where we are celebrating Christ's rising from the dead. We have a faith and we have hope because of that rising. One of you recently reminded me that having that hope, especially in these chaotic times, is a great blessing!
But, what about the confession? Why is it normally included in our worship? Is it there to make us feel bad? Is it a historic left-over from older times? Does it still serve some purpose today?
The short and pleasant answer is that the confession is there to help us be free. By taking a few moments to reflect on our recent words, actions, and the state of our life, we have the opportunity to see clearly our failures to release and our successes to celebrate. When the confession is included in the service, I encourage you to use this time to simply ask God, “What do you want me to see?" Allow the Spirit to show you whatever is needed. Offer up to God any arguments, resentments, or old hurts that may come to mind. Simply say I am giving this to you, God, and allow God to take it from you.
If something joyful or satisfying comes to mind, take a moment to say thank you to God. Offer this up to God as well.
Allow the confession to be a time of celebration and release. You no longer have to hold on to old wounds and failings. God is there to take them. Sometimes (and I often find this true for myself), it takes repeatedly offering it to God for us to finally, emotionally, let go of whatever it is. That is OK. Just allow the process to happen.
The point is full and abundant life! As we learn to let go of the failings, we make space for a healthy and satisfying life. As we learn to recognize and celebrate God's actions in our lives, God's Spirit fills us with unbelievable beauty and sustaining joy.
With Agape,
Peter +
The Rev. Peter Doddema
502-661-2742
P.S. New Ascension member Annette Poole-Malone travelled to western Kentucky last weekend and offers the following report. We give thanks for her sharing and keeping this in front of us for continuing prayer:
"I was in Paducah this past weekend and drove over to Mayfield, Ky. The destruction that remains in that small western Kentucky community is overwhelming. It was almost an idyllic small town with lots of shops, banks, and churches. I think so many people around the state think the area is getting back to normal, but the clean-up seems to be going at a snail’s pace. I respectfully ask that those affected by the Kentucky December tornadoes be added to the Prayer List. I have attached some photos to illustrate. They are from the hardest hit area of downtown Mayfield now. I was in shock when I saw the area."
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Captions, above: Small business wiped out; Beautiful old home destroyed; Cleanup |
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Captions, above: Courthouse; Mayfield, more than a memory; Another angle of downtown Mayfield |
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Ascension parishioners may now hear worship services inside the church amplified by easy-to-use technology called Listen EVERYWHERE. We owe a special thank-you to Mrs. Faye Thacker for a generous contribution that provided impetus and major funding for this project.
Listen EVERYWHERE is the most advanced wireless audio streaming product on the market. If you would like to boost your hearing while attending a service at Ascension, you may listen using church-provided listening equipment (includes a receiver, neck lanyard and ear speaker), OR using your own personal listening device (with the Listen EVERYWHERE app on an iOS or Android smartphone with headphones, earbuds, or a hearing aid).
Ascension ushers will retrieve/replace the listening equipment and provide written instructions. If needed, they will attempt to answer your questions or find a ‘listening buddy’ to help you with the equipment until you feel comfortable using it.
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VIDEO UPDATE
Video cameras to produce live-streaming services online are now installed in the church. This system is in the final stages of setup and testing. It will broadcast online a live video feed of the services in the church that you will be able watch in real-time on our YouTube channel. Our web site and Facebook pages will display the YouTube link at appropriate times. Watch for the “going live” announcement, coming soon!
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BISHOP MARK TO VISIT MAY 29
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. We hope you will join us on this joyous day!
After the worship service there will be a simple reception for Bishop Mark in the parish hall (no Bible Study class). Contact Suzanne Cox for details.
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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ENQUIRER'S CLASS
Saturday, May 21
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 Synopsis and Class Notes are posted HERE on Ascension's web site in PDF format for you to view or download. The final class is scheduled for Wednesday, May 25, via ZOOM at 5:30 PM.
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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 22, please read The Book of James, Chapter 4. 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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Sixth Sunday of Easter
Sunday, May 22
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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Recently in need of prayers: Barbara, Bill, Frances, George, Ida, Jim, Madonna, Martha, and the True family.
Continuing concern: Anissa, Bill, 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, for those affected by the western Kentucky tornadoes in December 2021, and for those on active duty in the military: Daniel, Houston, Josh, Nick, and Tanner.
Thanksgiving: for new members and for beautiful spring weather!
Birthdays: 5/27 – Karen Hoover.
Anniversaries: 5/26 – Mike & Maureen Davis.
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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“For I was hungry and you gave me food,
I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink…”
Matthew 25:35
Your immediate support will help Episcopal Relief & Development and other Anglican partners provide humanitarian assistance to people fleeing the violence in Ukraine. CLICK HERE to learn more and to donate.
in conflict and great need.
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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
A PRAYER FOR OUR ENEMIES
O God, the Father of all, whose Son commanded us to love our enemies:
Lead them and us from prejudice to truth; deliver them and us from hatred, cruelty, and revenge; and in your good time enable us all to stand reconciled before you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Book of Common Prayer, p. 816
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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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