My Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

For the most part, politics and religion should remain separate.  There is no need for the two to intersect except when sanctity of life is infringed upon, i.e., issues as in capital punishment, abortion, certain scientific practices (like embryonic stem cell research), or fringe medical practices (like euthanasia).  In November and December we were reminded of this issue with the string of federal executions; this past week, we were again reminded by the executive order rescinding the Mexico City policy.  The Mexico City policy requires foreign non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to certify that they will not “perform or actively promote abortion as a method of family planning” using funds from any source (U.S. and non-U.S.), if they are to be eligible to receive any U.S. government funding for family planning.  As Orthodox Christians, it is important that we understand our faith and the truths it proclaims.  The faith is for the protection of life in all cases – from conception to natural death.

Thus, according to the faith:

¨ Life begins at conception: “And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.” (Luke 1:41)

¨ Abortion is not a healthcare decision or contraception, it is the termination of a life.  There are times when economia (pastoral compassion and sensitivity) must be extended (as in an ectopic pregnancy when there is obvious peril to the mother’s life).

¨ The premature ending of a life (capital punishment/euthanasia) takes away time from a person. Time in which a person could have discovered a relationship with God resulting in salvation.

May we always be “Icons of Christ” in our love for one another - those who are alike in belief and those who are not.  But may we also know and express the truths of our faith.  For it is by our love, humility, and integrity that the Church can truly effect a change on the hearts and minds of our community. (John 13:35)

With love and respect, I remain in Service of our Lord who took on carnal flesh that we may achieve salvation,

Fr. Jon

Assumption Covid Guidelines

Before Coming to Church

• †  Consider your risk.  Those who are at risk (persons with pre-existing health conditions and those over the age of 65) are strongly encouraged to stay at home.
• †  Assess your health.  Anyone who is currently experiencing any symptoms of illness must stay at home.
• †  Make sure you have a mask. (Masks for children under the age of 7 are not required but preferred. Note: Children 2 and under should not wear masks.)

Upon Arrival at Divine Liturgy

A Parish Council Member will greet you to:

• †  Verify all who enter the church have a mask.
• †  Take your temperature with a touchless thermometer (anyone with a temperature of 100.5° or above will not be permitted to enter).
• †  Provide hand sanitizer.
• †  Ask you the following:  Have you had a fever or other symptoms of Covid-19 in the past 72 hours? Have you been in contact with anyone that tested positive or exhibited symptoms of Covid-19 in the last 14 days?
• †  Open the door and direct you to your seat.

At Divine Liturgy

• †  The Icons will remain on the Solea.  One may bow to show respect.  Please do not kiss any icon.
• †  Seating (social distanced at 6 feet apart) will numbered and assigned.
• †  There will be no choir. (Chanter only)
• †  No paper bulletins will be distributed.  Bulletins will continue to be sent electronically.
• †  No liturgical books will be in the pews.
• †  Procedures for receiving Holy Communion will be announced prior to Holy Communion (procedures, given by the Metropolis of Detroit are listed below). The Eucharist will be distributed to those wishing to partake. Parishioners are reminded not to judge others based on their individual decision in this regard.
• †  No tray will be passed (the tray will be at the candle stand).
• †  Antidoron will be distributed in plastic bags. The hand of the priest is not to be venerated with a kiss.  One may bow to show respect.

General Applicable Guidelines

• †  The Commonwealth of Kentucky allows for upto 50% of capacity (=120 people). Family units must maintain a distance of at least 6 feet.
• †  There will be no gatherings on church premises aside from Divine Liturgy.  Fellowship groups, religious education and any other meetings that are typically held on church grounds will remain virtual (Zoom).
• †  The priest may offer pastoral counsel and provide the sacraments of Communion, Unction, and Confession on an appointment basis. Proper precautions for limiting contact and proximity must be observed.
• †  Weddings, Baptisms, and Funerals may also be conducted according to the capacity limitations and rules for each phase.
• †  No one is allowed be in any church facility without the express permission of the priest.

 ________________________________

 Holy Communion Procedures (Metropolis of Detroit)

It is clearly understood that the Holy Communion is the very Body and Blood of Christ which cannot be tainted by any harmful thing, and that those who receive it with proper intent of mind and heart cannot be harmed by it. However, for the pastoral reason that we do not want people to allow their fear of the coronavirus to separate them from the chalice, clergy are to drop the sacrament into the opened mouths of the faithful, being careful that the spoon not come into contact with the person. If accidental contact with the individual is made, the spoon will be immediately sanitized by dipping it in grain alcohol (140 proof or more) for at least 30 seconds,  dipping it in a rinse of water, and wiping it dry prior to the next use.

Bible Study is an opportunity for us to apply the Scriptures to our everyday lives. The Bible is the “Good News” that enriches our faith and deepens our understanding of every issue that we face. This can only be done through obtaining the mind of the Holy Fathers. Let the scripture come alive in your life today!!!

The Wednesday Orthodox Bible Study will meet on Wednesday Evenings via ZOOM Teleconference (check calendar or email for link) from 6:00pm-7:30pm (please check calendar to verify times). Make a commitment to learning His Word!

• We have migrated our email service to a new platform.  This should provide more reliable email service and greater management flexibility.  Our new emails are all @agoclou.org. They are... priest, president, announcements, stewardship, office and Philoptochos.
• We are also making enhancements to our streaming service.  In a few days, internet service will be installed directly to the church which will increase our bandwidth substantially.  Our increase capability will allow us to stream in HD to our website (see next item), Facebook and to the Archdiocese App on Roku! More options and better quality!
• Our website is currently being updated to give it a better appearance with more dynamic content.  The goal is to add streaming to the site and develop ecommerce to accept donations online!!!

Are you already Kroger shopper?
Your current shopping could be benefitting the Assumption!

Kroger Community Rewards® makes fund-raising easy...all you have to do is shop at Kroger and swipe your Plus Card!

______________________________________________________

TO USE THE KROGER COMMUNITY REWARDS PROGRAM:

· Go to www.krogercommunityrewards.com and register your Kroger Plus Card (if you are already registered, click “Sign In” instead of “Create an Account.”)

· Sign up for a Kroger Rewards Account by entering zip code, clicking on favorite store, entering your email address and creating a password, agreeing to the terms and conditions

· You will then get a message to check your email inbox and click on the link within the body of the email.

· Click on My Account and use your email address and password to proceed to the next step.

· Click on Edit Kroger Community Rewards information and input your Kroger Plus card number. If you use your phone number at the register instead of a card, call 800-576-4377, select option 4 to get your Kroger Plus card number.

· Update or confirm your information.

· Enter “Assumption” or our NPO number of AT066 and select us from the list and click on confirm.

· If enrollment is complete, you will see Assumption’s name on the right side of your information page.

· That’s it!!! Use your registered Kroger Plus card or phone number at the register and our parish benefits!!!

By registering online, coupons can be electronically attached to your Plus Card. Not only do you help the Church, but you save money. Talk to everyone you know about registering to benefit our parish!!!