Volume 12, Issue #4
January 27, 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
This past Sunday, we looked at 1 Corinthians Chapter 12, where the Apostle Paul talks about the many wonderful gifts that God pours out on churches. We also made a list of some of the gifts that God has generously given to Ascension. Here it is:
Teachers; leaders (leaders who provide vision and administrators who make it happen); helping hands; hospitality; mentors; confidants; those able to assist others; musicians; the gift of graciousness; those more than willing to reach out, hug, and welcome; protectors and those who work behind the scenes looking out for others; Deacons (both our ordained deacons and those who practice the deacons' call of bringing the world to the Church and the Church to the world); healthcare givers; farmers; peacemakers; empathy; patience; love (especially for those who seem unlovable); volunteers; our lectors and servers; financial resources; selflessness; time; discernment (deep faith, wisdom, prayer); acceptance, pastoral care; community activism.
We are indeed a richly blessed parish with so much good in one place. Thanks be to God!
With Joy,
Peter +
Father Peter Doddema
Cell: 502-661-2742
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It’s time for the MMR.
What’s That??
At the end of January during its annual retreat and work day, the Ascension Vestry will participate in a Mutual Ministry Review (MMR).
An MMR is one part of the annual Mutual Ministry Cycle. Vital congregations engage in this intentional three-step process that begins with thoughtfully and carefully planning its work, then doing its work, and finally reviewing its work. The MMR is the last part of this cycle and happens at the end of the parish year.
The purpose of an MMR is to pause and take stock of the year that has passed. What have we done? What has gone well and what are we excited about? What can we celebrate? What new questions have arisen? Where might we have strayed off course and what did we learn? Did we do what we said we were going to do – why or why not?
The MMR is not a performance evaluation for either the clergy or the laity, but rather helps a Vestry identify ways in which the team engages successfully and how it might improve, expand, or right-size its work to meet its goals in serving the mission of the church. The MMR also gives a community the chance to look toward the next year and the hopes, dreams, and goals at hand.
The Vestry will welcome the Rev. Canon Amy Chambers Cortright, Canon to the Ordinary from the Diocese of Lexington, to its work day and MMR process.
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ENQUIRER'S CLASS
Father Peter is leading this class, which 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.
Here is the ZOOM link:
Topic: ENQUIRER'S CLASS
Time: Feb 5, 2022 01:00 PM
Join Zoom Meeting:
Meeting ID: 886 223 0557
Passcode: catfish
SUNDAY BIBLE STUDY: Class will resume on Sunday, January 30, with discussion of Romans 8 and also the last five pages of Chapter 8 of “What St. Paul Really Said.”
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WEDNESDAY BOOK STUDY: This class meets weekly via ZOOM at 5:30 p.m.; check with Father Peter for the link. Starting on February 2, Father Bill Brown will lead a class on Comparative Christianity, looking at the beliefs of various Christian denominations. Here is Father Bill's synopsis:
"We will be starting a new study in early February. It will be a comparative look at our Christian denominations. In a recent Sunday morning gathering to discuss the morning’s scripture readings someone mentioned that, in the past, I had taught a course on Comparative Religions. We had studied Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, comparing them to one another. Someone mentioned that they thought it would be a interesting idea to do the same thing regarding various Christian denominations. Others agreed, so I told them that I would be glad to lead such a study because I thought that so many of us really do not know what each other believes. What do the Baptists really believe? The Methodists, the Pentecostals, etc.? Father Peter said that he would be glad if I would lead such a study. So, beginning on Wednesday, February 2, we are starting this study. We will meet via Zoom at 5:30 each Wednesday. Each Zoom session will be an hour long. We will not be using any specific book, but I will supply the group with overview notes and outlines along with follow-up references, in case anyone would like to follow up on a given study. We will meet for four weeks and then take a break during Lent. We will resume our study on the Wednesday following Easter Sunday and continue for about four weeks. In all, the study should cover 8 weeks. We will have time in each session for discussion and questions."
SCOUT SUNDAY will be observed on February 6. Ascension sponsors local BSA Troops #281 and #1281, and Venturing Crew #1281. We hope that many current and former Scouts will attend the Sunday worship service: let's show them our support!
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In related news: Ascension hosted BSA Troop #1 from Florence, KY, over the weekend of January 21-23.The troop "camped out" in our parish hall as they spent the weekend touring Frankfort. What fun!
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Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany
Sunday, January 30
9:30 a.m.
with HOLY EUCHARIST, Rite II
OPEN for live, in-person worship inside the church. Also, Morning Prayer with Ascension clergy online is 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 by Father Peter.)
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!
To inquire about serving as a lector, crucifer, chalice bearer, or usher, please contact Deacon Rebecca Saager
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ASCENSION'S ANNUAL
PARISH BUSINESS MEETING
was held on
Sunday, January 23
immediately following the worship service
ELECTION RESULTS: Four people were nominated by the Vestry and elected by the parish to serve on the Vestry for the next three years. We extend our welcome and gratitude to:
- Candy Charters,
- Jason Harrod,
- Jennifer Lee, and
- Leandra Price.
Deputies to the 2022 Convention of the Diocese of Lexington were also elected by the parish. The Senior Warden, Julia Tyson, is automatically a Deputy. Other Deputies are Shannon Lancaster, Judith Spencer, and Pauline Van Horn, with Alternates William Legg and Leah MacSwords.
UPDATE: Endowment and Investment Fund
The Vestry has appointed Leah MacSwords as chairperson of the Endowment and Investment Fund Committee. Ginni Fox was appointed to the committee for a three-year term to fill the position held by Will McKee, whose term expired December 31, 2021.
The Endowment and Investment Fund was established in 2018 to enable the parish to develop ministries and make capital improvement beyond what would be possible with normal operating expenses. The role of the committee is to oversee the management of the invested funds and monitor any distributions according to established guidelines. The current balance of the Endowment is $405,603.94.
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New! AA Traditions Workshop
Saturday, January 29
in Ascension's Parish Hall
Hosted by Jason and Meagan Harrod; please keep them in prayer as they do this vital work. For more information, you may email jason.harrod123@icloud.com.
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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.
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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. 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 when there is only one person in the building. Full-time workday coverage is provided for telephone calls and messages via the magic of cell phones, so please call 502-223-0557 when 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: St. Thomas Church, Beattyville - The Ven. Bryant C. Kibler, Sr., Priest-in-Partnership.
Recently in need of prayers: Bob, Debbie, John B., John M., Martha, Mildred, Rena, Sandy, and Will.
Continuing concern: Anissa, Bill, Dan, David, Donnie, Faye, Frances, Jesse, Jim, Jinks, Laia, Linda, Lynda, Mac, Marilyn, Mike & Susie, Polly, Richard, and Shannon. 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 our faithful parishioners who have just completed a term of service on committees and boards at Ascension.
Birthdays: 1/30 - John Cosby; 2/2 - Polly Coblin.
Anniversaries: 2/2 - Jesse & Ethel Lee; 2/5 - Richard & Ruth Feindel.
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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