Dear Family and Friends of Ark and Dove,

Our children are educated and influenced in a variety of ways in our culture.  Sunday School, LOGOS, Youth Fellowship, Conferences and Mission Trips temper the  "wisdoms" of the world with the goodness of God's grace. The words of our world are laid next to The Word, who is Jesus.  In our church, children learn to practice justice, love kindness and to walk humbly with God.  Fulfilling our vows, to raise them as children of God, is one of the most important things we do.

Did you know that LOGOS is the Greek word for WORD?  In the opening chapter of the Gospel of John, Jesus is called Logos (λόγος). What a joy it was to see all the excited children and youth at LOGOS this last Tuesday.  Abbey Boudreau, Amy Tardiff and Jon Nelson, who have worked hard to organize our program this year, tell me that there is still time to register.  We begin at 5:00.

LOGOS breaking news.   Starting this week, we are trying a four week experiment with Senior High dinner and discussion, 6:20 pm to 7:20 pm. Pastor Jon and I will join them on most Tuesdays.  Contact Pastor Jon with questions.

Sunday School begins this Sunday at 9:30 am for ALL ages and at 11:00 am for those in nursery through grade 5. Sunday School Registration will be on the spot in the Lobby.  We are very excited to offer Godly Play again this year for children K-5 and grateful to Amy Tardiff for taking the reins from our founding director Tina Anthis, who has worked so hard to get our Godly Play program launched. Thank you Tina for your ministry to our children.

What is Godly Play? Children have an innate sense of the presence of God. The Godly Play approach helps them to explore their faith through story, to gain religious language and to enhance their spiritual experience though wonder and play. Based on Montessori principles and developed using a spiral curriculum, the Godly Play method serves children through early, middle, late childhood and beyond. Come join us!
  

  Generous God, you are my maker, and I trust in you.  Surround me with your favor today that I may hear the cry of those in need and share my resources with the poor.  Surround also Ark and Dove and our  elected church leaders with your goodness and Spirit.  May they be bold innovators of mission.   May our elders lead us faithfully into a growing future.  May our deacons nurture those in need with care.   Enable also our pastors to support our elders and deacons in their ministries.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.
Good and constant God, I have endeavored to love my neighbor as myself today.  Yet the needs are so great that I find my heart failing and my faith falling short. In your mercy, let the favor of Christ surround me with strength.

Restore me as I rest in you.   Grant also your refreshing sleep to the leaders of Ark and Dove.  May they be renewed by your  flowing graces and empowered for fresh ministry.  Amen.

The Adult Choir is off to a good start! We had a great first rehearsal and learned some wonderful new anthems for the upcoming season.

The new Thursday Children's Choir and Tuesday night LOGOS groups are also off to a good start! The kids were eager to learn some new songs. I'm looking forward to the pageant rehearsals, which will be beginning in a few weeks, and having the new Children's Choir sing in worship. If your child is interested in participating in the pageant and is not in LOGOS, please contact me.

Love,