Volume
14/11
Ascension & Holy Trinity,
Episcopal Church
334 Burns Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45215
November
2014
NOVEMBER
CONNECTIONS
Vision:
A vital and growing faith community, with
overflowing worship services and Christian growth
opportunities. A church with compassion-centered
ministries through which all find a place and take
God's love into the world.
Mission:
Ascension & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church
lives to put God's love into action!
WORSHIP SCHEDULE
- 8:00am & 10am in the Church
Children's Formation at 10am. Child care in the Nursery.
On Wednesdays Holy Eucharist is celebrated at 10am
(in the Memorial Chapel of Ascension & Holy Trinity)
Contact the church: (513) 821-5341 | [email protected]
“LIKE” US ON FACEBOOK! - WE ARE AT 143 LIKES!
Rev. Eric’s Blog: http://ascensionholytrinity.com/blog/
WWW.ASCENSIONHOLYTRINITY.COM
A&HT WYOMING PRESCHOOL: 2YRS – PRE-K
[email protected]
More information under A&HT Wyoming Preschool tab on A&HT website.
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News from the Pews

1. Debbie Esposito
Jacob Stegman
4. Robin Hendley
5. Harrison Belew
Christa Criddle
7. Anne Brack
9. Amy Getgey
10. Dana Irvine
Jim Neumeister
11. Megan Neumeister
Dorothy Poggiali
12. Kelley Hancock
Bill Kent
John Kuyath
Steven Roschke
13. Robert Allan
15.
16.
17.
19.
20.
21.
22.
26.
30.

Welcome!
Jeb, Anne & Grace Brack
119 E Mills Rd., 45215
Deborah Lewis
Emily Bence
Ron Bence
Kayle DeWitt
George Harperink
Sydney Oliver
Rich Gómez
Ross Gillingham
Mary Criddle
Ariel Miller
Rolf Stottmann
Andrew Gómez
Henry Moore
Carolyn Finke
George Thiemann
Shelley Morrison
15. Chris & Nikki DeWitt
This month’s Meeting
7:30am ~ Friday, November 7th
At Frisch’s 8383 Vine St.,
Hartwell location.
For current calendar of
events, please go to the
church website:
www.ascensionholytrinity.com
And click on the
‘Happenings’ tab.
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RECTOR’S REFLECTIONS
It all started over two weeks ago. My cough had been sounding more wretched with each passing day. On a Friday morning
Rosemary asked me what I had lined up for the day. I shared
with her my litany of activities, including going to the gym.
Rightly, she wasn’t pleased with that response and informed me I
should be going to the doctor to get that cough checked out.
I finally acquiesced and made my way to the doctor’s office.
Bronchitis was the verdict. Rosemary wasn’t much surprised by
that, nor was she surprised that when I asked the physician about
my sore leg I was told I needed to give running a complete rest
for two weeks—two weeks?! Did this doc know what she was
saying to me?! Running is akin to breathing to me, and needless
to say, I wasn’t happy about the two week hiatus. Before leaving
the doctor’s office, though, I made certain I could still walk my
dog for exercise, and I received the “all clear” on that front.
Hence, I’ve been walking my dog kind of like a madman for
the last couple of weeks. The first couple of times taking for a
walk in my running clothes Grace (the dog) looked at me in expectation. “When are we going to quicken the pace, dad?” It didn’t take her long to get into the routine of walking without any
running, though.
I’ve noticed a good bit on this running sabbatical. I don’t notice much of anything when I run. To be certain, I keep my eyes
and ears focused to keep Grace in line, especially as other dogs
and their humans approach. Other than that, though, I’ve been on
a kind of autopilot when running. Since walking I’ve appreciated
the autumn foliage much more. Further, I’ve noticed one thing in
particular: the leaves on our trees change rather quickly.
I’ve been leaving the Wyoming “Village” area and walking
up to the “Hilltop” area of Wyoming to get a fresh perspective.
There are many beautiful trees on my new trail, and I’ve simply
been amazed over how quickly their color has changed and how
quickly their leaves have begun falling. The relative rapid rate of
(Continued on page 4)
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change got me to thinking. Do we truly notice those around us?
How much time do we spend with things that matter, with people
who matter? We say that family is important. How much quality
time do we spend with our families? We say that our relationship
with God is important, that the Church is important. How much of
our time do we spend praying to God for one another or with one
another as a faith community?
These questions aren’t meant to be judgmental or offensive.
These questions are to get us thinking, and as I’ve written above,
I’m thinking more because of how quickly life changes, whether it
be the fall foliage, our job circumstances, our relationships with
those around us. For, the great reality is that life is changing all the
time. More often than not we cannot direct the changes. Certainly,
we can be the best we were created to be, but so many things are
simply out of our control.
Are we “seizing the day” as Robin Williams quoted to his students from “Odes” in the movie, Dead Poets’ Society. Or, are we
living as if all will always be the same today as it was yesterday and
the day before? Life changes, and I want to grow and change, too. I
want to change for the better, and in order to allow that change to
happen I need to be mindful of those around me. I need to appreciate the gifts God gives me and the people in my life. That’s right, I
need to appreciate those easily appreciated, and I need to somehow
love those difficult to love and appreciate, for we are everyone of us
God’s beloved.
November is the secular month we focus on giving thanks. In
many ways I love November for the beauty of family and friends
gathered around on many occasions to give thanks. Ascension &
Holy Trinity, I give thanks for the growth we have been making. I
give thanks for the love and compassion and generosity so clearly
bestowed and shared by you. It is my prayer that as we walk old
paths and new paths together, we may give thanks for the rich variety of beauty and love all around us and that we may be willing to
continually give back to the Creator of that beauty. Have a blessed
month of November, and remember to give thanks. I’ll see you in
the pews and on the streets. !
In God’s Grace,
Eric L. Miller+ Rector
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N PIANO PROGRESS 0
GOOD NEWS FROM THE MUSIC GUILD.
It was very moving to see and hear the Steinway grand piano
being played by David Belew at the funeral of his son Guy. And
to hear Mark play during the funeral of Charlie Moore. This
lovely piano, generously donated by a parishioner who asks to
remain anonymous, is a 1931 model, from what is said to be the
golden age of Steinway piano building. We are greatly blessed to
be the guardians of such a classic instrument. As all can testify,
the Steinway does produce a glorious sound, but it is 83 years old
and in need of extensive (and expensive) refurbishing to regain its
full glory.
Before its installation in the Chancel, the Steinway served
in the downstairs Choir Room for rehearsals, where it was
appreciated, but not able to show off its potential in a confined
space. Promotion to the Chancel realized its potential--but left a
vacuum in the Choir Room. Ariel Miller, newly appointed as the
Vestry liaison to the Music Guild, learned from friends Terry and
Mary Sue Cheesman, that they were trying unsuccessfully to find
a non-profit to accept donation of their Baldwin baby grand as
they prepared to move into a smaller home. Miraculously Ariel
heard about their dilemma the day before going to her first Music
Guild meeting and learning of the need for a good piano for
rehearsals. Ariel told the Cheesmans of the parish need and they
were delighted to donate their piano, confident it would be put to
good use. So we were again blessed through the donation of a
treasured instrument, now installed in the Choir Room.
The next step was to research refurbishing the Steinway and
the needed maintenance on the Baldwin baby grand and on the
Baldwin upright in the Parish Hall. Also, to be fully functional,
we needed adjustable piano benches for the two grands and, for
the Steinway, a piano cover and a dolly so it can be on "center
stage", as it was for Guy's service. After reviewing three expert
proposals, the Music Guild endorsed estimates totaling
(Continued on page 7)
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TAKING GOD’S LOVE INTO THE
WORLD BY HELPING
OUR NEIGHBORS IN NEED
Thanksgiving Boxes
We are partnering with Wyoming Presbyterian and other Valley
churches in giving Thanksgiving Boxes to the needy clients of Valley
Interfaith Food & Clothing Center. This is the fourth year for this
splendid cooperative effort. As last year, we at A&HT have agreed to
provide funds for 30 boxes at $50 each for a total of $1,500. And
we've again agreed to help with the packing and distribution of the
boxes--an action-packed, uplifting community experience. Here's how
you can help:
***Please share your 2014 Thanksgiving blessings by contributing
to the $1,500 total we need to raise. Checks payable to
Ascension & Holy Trinity, designated for "Thanksgiving Boxes"
are tax deductible and may be placed in the collection plate or
delivered to the church office.
***Plan to join the community effort to pack and deliver the boxes.
This is scheduled for the morning of Saturday November 22 at
Friendship Methodist. All ages are welcome to join in the good
work.
Annual Outreach Budget Disbursement Meeting.
All in the parish family are invited to participate in the meeting we hold
about this time of the year to develop a plan for sharing the funds in the
annual Outreach Budget among the helping-our-neighbors-in-need
ministries we support. We will meet in the Assembly Room at 7.00 pm
on Wednesday November 5. Refreshments will be provided.
Questions to Noel Horne (729-2173 or [email protected])
November Loose Change
Our loose change offerings in November will contribute towards the
$1,500 needed for our commitment for 30 Thanksgiving Boxes.
Noel Horne, Chair, Helping Our Neighbors In Need Mission Group.
(729-2173 or [email protected]).
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Members of our Music Ministry with the Steinway
(Continued from page 5)
$11,295--a major sum and not provided for in the budget or in the
capital campaign. So, how to pay for the therapy needed to get our
valuable piano assets into peak playing condition? Pray for another
miracle!
Twenty two years ago, in 1992, Geoff Place retired from P&G.
He and his wife Jan were long time members of A&HT and committed, talented members of our choir. Upon retirement Geoff and Jan
moved to South Carolina and, as a parting gift, donated $5,000 in
P&G stock to A&HT with the instruction that the dividends on the
stock be used to purchase sheet and book music for the choir. Their
gift resulted in our having a very well-provisioned choir music library, for which we are very grateful. The terms of their gift did not
specify what we could, or could not do, with the capital. Valued at
$5,000 when donated, thanks to the strong performance of P&G over
the ensuing 22 years, the capital value of the stock has grown to
about $33,000. Another miracle! Geoff and Jan have agreed we may
sell some of the stock to pay for getting our pianos into peak playing
condition. For their gift that keeps on giving, we are again very
thankful.
Sadly, we learned that Jan's health has deteriorated and she is now
wheel-chair bound and in the nursing care section of their retirement
community. Geoff agreed we should add Jan's name to our prayer
list. So we ask that you pray for Jan, give thanks for their gift and
enjoy the blessings of our pianos.
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During the month of October, we learn about fire safety. We learn to
crawl low under smoke, to stop, drop, and roll if our clothes are on fire,
to never play with matches, lighters, or fireworks, and to get out of a
building if the fire alarm goes off. To highlight our unit, we had the
Wyoming Fire Fighters visit our school. The following are some pictures from their visit. Bryant Davis and Father Eric were a few of the
firefighters who helped with the presentation.
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PRAYER CONCERNS:
Ronald Vanoss, Dan Albright, Julie Stegman, Nancy Shaw,
Richard Cotterill, Sue Gorman, Margadette Demet,
George Thiemann, Richard Strange, Leslie Munz, the Timco Family,
Jerry Hanson, Bob Kent Sr., Jeff Moore, Phil Glarin, Grigg Fountain,
Mary Jo Everhart, Ellianna Ludka, Eloise Roberts, Noland Aidan
Haeger, Brenda Johnson, Jennifer Blevins, Nick, Trey Baker,
Doris Shaneor, Sallie, Nancy Hobson & Family, Roger Scroggin,
Jerry & Judie Hanson, Norann Amos, Dan Dace, Dona Turpin,
Becky Bond, Madalyn Humphrey, Teresa Walters, Marjorie
Walmsley, Alan Fischoff & family, Jim & Nancy McCue, Carolyn
Whittle, Craig Cluxton, Jay Anstoy, Eric Tisdale & Family, Joyce,
Jerry Osner, Marlys Rutledge, Bev Cody, Colin Crane, Malik David
Strange, The Moore Family, Jim Rembold, Jan Place, Joseph Munz,
Doug Parrish, Mary Boenning.
PRAYER LIST—Please call the Parish Office to add, remove or update a name.
Names remain on the list for three months.
Prayers are offered verbally during Sunday services
for those added within the last month, and for all on the list
at staff Morning Prayer and Wednesday Eucharist.
The Lectionary for November:
Track 1 - Year A changing to B on Advent 1
November 9
Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25
Psalm 78:1-7
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Matthew 25:1-13
November 16
Judges 4:1-7
Psalm 123
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
Matthew 25:14-30
November 23
—Christ the King
Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24
Psalm 100
Ephesians 1:15-23
Matthew 25:31-46
November 30
Year B—Advent 1
Isaiah 64:1-9
Psalm 80:1-7, 16-18
1 Corinthians 1:3-9
Mark 13:24-37
December 7—Advent II
Isaiah 40:1-11
Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13
2 Peter 3:8-15a
Mark 1:1-8
[Day
Old Testament reading
Psalm
Epistle
Gospel]
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Did you know that Ascension & Holy
Trinity has Eucharistic Visitors?
Each Sunday during our 10:00 Holy Eucharist we bless more
bread and wine than is needed for the number attending
worship. We bless this extra bread and wine so that our sick
and shut-ins are able to participate in virtually the same
Eucharistic feast we participate in any given Sunday. Our
Eucharistic Visitor is commissioned near the end of the
service with the words, “In the name of Ascension & Holy
Trinity, I send you forth bearing these holy gifts, that those to
whom you go may share with us in the communion of Christ’s
Body and Body.” The congregation responds, “We who are
many are one body because all share one bread, one cup.”
You’ll notice that the Eucharistic Visitor is given a little
communion kit contained the blessed wine and bread.
What happens after the Eucharistic Visitor has been
commissioned and leaves church? Thanks for asking! Well,
this person is to go for a short visit with one of our shut-ins who
has been scheduled beforehand. The visitor brings a bulletin
from our worship service and says some prayers from a
pamphlet with the individual, and then the visitor and the person
receiving the visit share communion together.
We are looking for more Eucharistic Visitors. This is an amazing
ministry to be a part of, and my
personal experience is that I
always feel more blessed than the
individual I’m visiting. I can train
you for this meaningful ministry
and would love to do so. Please
contact me or the parish office for
more information.
Rev. Eric +
Ascension & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church
334 Burns Ave,
Cincinnati, OH 45215
ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED