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Welcome one and all to Worship this Sunday, October 16th, at both the 9:30 Traditional and 11:00 am Contemporary Services!
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MESSAGE FROM PASTOR JON
Dear Friends and Members of Ark and Dove,
The first thing I noticed when greeting our Winter Relief guests on Monday evening was the joy of gratitude. Man after man shook my hand with a smile saying, "Thank you for this. Thank you so much." Some told me it's the first time they are sleeping indoors in six months. Others told me they were getting their first hot meal in months.
After a wonderful meal prepared by our senior high youth team, several guys approached us asking what they could do to give back. Again, with a smile. The generosity of this congregation was met with gratitude. Gratitude was shown in joyful generosity. One of our denomination's confessions says this is what the Christian life ought to look like: joyful thanksgiving in response to God's grace.
By now you know the catch phrase of our stewardship season:
catch the joy! You can read more about it in Amy Carskadon's article below. I like the phrase because it captures what I've seen this week. Our guests have caught the joy of this congregation and many have responded by giving. It also is true that we've caught the joy of our new friends as well. There has been no lack of fun in this place this week!
I am always moved by stories of our guests. Several of them, after telling me of their overwhelming difficulties, tell me that they are thankful for what they are given--especially here at Ark and Dove. It leads me to reflect on all that I am given. Will you join me in reflecting? Will you join me in joyful giving in response to what we've been given?
Peace,
Jon
Pastor Jon
jgnelson1985@gmail.com
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VERSES AND PRAYERS
But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. --Jeremiah 31:33
God of Israel: You have written the law of love onto our hearts. When, on this day, we are bidden to give our hearts to many things, turn our attention to you. When we are likely to respond to others with anger and hate, let your law be our guide. When we are discouraged with ourselves, teach us again to have compassion for ourselves. Let your love be the law that sustains us. Amen.
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it, and how from childhood you have known the sacred writings that are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. --2 Timothy 3:14-15
God of all generations: Your hand guides us throughout our lives. We give thanks for those who have taught us your nature. We are grateful for the family of faith that helps us on the way of Jesus. We are thankful for those scriptures you illumine to encourage, challenge, and nurture us on our sacred journeys. Lead us still, as we are often teachers of the faith, even at times unaware. Amen.
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N
TES FOR YOU
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Is your child interested in being a part of our Christmas musical? It isn't too late! Rehearsals are on Thursday evenings from 6:00-6:40 in the sanctuary. Contact Rebecca Echols at RebeccaEBell@gmail.com. I am also in need of a stage director and someone to help with costumes. Please see me if you feel called to help in any of these ways!
Love,
Rebecca
rebeccaebell@gmail.com
A couple of weeks ago, I was a very proud teacher because one of my students, John Cabana, played for the first time at Ark & Dove for the 11:00 service. I was so proud of the excellent work that he did, and I can't wait to see how he continues to progress. Always wanting to grow our numbers of musicians here at the church, I wanted to take this opportunity to tell you that I offer guitar lessons here at the church on Tuesdays and Sunday if either you, someone in your family, or a friend of yours is looking for guitar lessons.
In other news, the
YouTube video for the show at the Howard Theater just got posted!
God Bless,
Mark
www.MarkEdwardsguitar.com
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PLEDGING - IT'S CONVENIENT! Thank you for bringing your pledges up-to-date!
Pledged Income:
Received in September $24,237
Received YTD $214,603
Pledged YTD $233,645
Shortfall -$19,042
Unpledged Income:
Received in September $2,809
Received YTD $30,951
Budget YTD $38,392
Shortfall -$7,441
Many hands grow a tree of hope!
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ALL SAINTS DAY Sunday, October 30th, is a day of remembrance. If you have lost a beloved family member and would like their name to be included in the
All Saints Day Worship Service, please contact Brian Boudreau, boudreaubrian@hotmail.com.
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REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION
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WORSHIP REFRESH Worship is the center of our community. We invite you to go deeper in your worship experience by joining in reflection and discussion from
10:45 am to 11:15 on Sundays in the Marshall Room. Under the leadership of Betsy Baer, we will enhance our worship experience through contemplation and conversation on the music, scripture, liturgy, and themes of the day. Please join us in this wonderful opportunity to deepen our faith. Contact Betsy Baer (bbaer126@aol.com) or Jon Nelson (jgnelson1985@gmail.com).
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 CATCH THE JOY! I sure did this week, when I had the opportunity to serve dinner to the men whom Ark and Dove is hosting for
Winter Relief. What a Joy to have a building to shelter them and so many people who gave of their time to cook meals, provide transportation, and spend time in fellowship with these brothers in Christ. I truly felt blessed to be part of this community of loving, caring Christians working to show God's love to those around them.
In the coming weeks, we will all have the opportunity to share the ways that we find joy around us... please keep an eye out for new bulletin boards at church, inspirational reminders to keep at home, and other opportunities to
catch - and share - the joy! Amy Carskadon, Discipleship Elder, amy.carskadon@gmail.com
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RADICAL HOSPITALITY AND WINTER RELIEF
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RADICAL HOSPITALITY SUNDAY IS HERE! We have the chance to practice radical hospitality this
Sunday, October 16. That Sabbath day is the only day that our Winter Relief guests are welcomed to remain in our church home for the entire day. It is the only day that they can safely rest from the stresses of their lives. Can you imagine how very precious it is for our guests? Will you join us in providing radical hospitality?
Volunteers are needed for various shifts going from 7am - 11pm on Sunday. The sign-up sheet is in the lobby. Any questions or if you want to volunteer by text or email, contact Linnie at 410-999-7892 or Lkgirdner@comcast.net.
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CAP WEST COUNTY'S FOOD PANTRY Featured item for October is CANNED VEGETABLES (sweet potatoes, pumpkin, tomatoes, etc.). Please drop off food items in the Mission Zone bin. Thank you for your donations!
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PRAYERS OF HEALING AND SUPPORT for Dot Bruno; Lester Dabbs, who is in the Hospice of the Chesapeake Center; Barbara Reynolds mother, Ruth Campbell; Kelly Burnett; Chip Burnett; Abbey Boudreau; Amy Hagemann's mother, Sandy Krezanosky; Joe and Ann Devers; Janet Dabbs; Logan Talbert; Laura Talbert; Laurie Barrow and her father and mother; Nora Chidlow; Florence Myers; Ann Hirschy; Mary Benson; Mary Benson's mother and sister; Dot Forloines; Henry Duncan; friends of the Stantons, Pat Smith and Gary Finzel; Helene Marchand-Stancil; Helene Marchand-Stancil's parents, Paul and Mimi Marchand; Ray Mosella; Paula Griggs' friend, Tammy and her son Brandon; Judy Cooper's brother-in-law Bill Eardly; Briah Ryan's friend, Holly Robbins; Linnie Girdner's friend, Rose Dorrell; Eric Diana; Mary Stum's sister, Barbara Kendig; Amy Gist's daughter, Maggie; and Winter Relief guests.
PRAYERS FOR GUIDANCE AND LOVE go out to a young man struggling with addiction.
If you have prayer concerns or blessings that you would like to share, please contact Deacon Sue Hanburger at avongypsygal@gmail.com, and she will add your concern to the prayer partners email chain.
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