This Sunday the focus of the Modern Prophets sermon series will be
The Arkive: Ark and Dove's Newsletter
All are invited to celebrate the Eight Sunday after Epiphany at both the
9:30 am (choir led) and 11:00 am (band led) worship services!

This Sunday the focus of the Modern Prophets sermon series will be
Message from Pastor Tim
Dear Friends,

For the past six weeks we have focused on Modern Prophets in our worship services.  These modern prophets, like the Biblical prophets before them, call us to acts of Mission, Mercy and Justice in the world. Prophets are not always fun: part of their work is to make us shift in our seats, to cause discomfort, to confront us with their understanding of God's dream for the world.

What's the difference between a true prophet and a loud-mouthed nag? Prayer.  What's the difference between a disciple and a caustic Christian? Prayer. What is the difference between Christian advocacy and partisan shouting? Prayer. We can not effectively work for the right kind of change unless our discipleship is grounded in prayer.

Yet, for many of us, prayer-time is scant or unproductive, and not as satisfying as we would hope. As we transition from the season of Epiphany, and a focus on the light of modern prophets, to the season of Lent (the season of getting our hearts ready for Easter), we will turn our attention to prayer, for, undoubtedly, Christian action that is not rooted in prayer will be incomplete, scategorical and maybe even way off course.

We are inviting, encouraging and even pestering (and arm bending) you to read a book about prayer this Lenten Season. Into the Silent Land, A Guide to the Christian Practice of Contemplation by Martin Laird will be the focus of much of our preaching and our Lenten adult small groups.  We are offering five groups on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.  It is time to check the bulletin board in the lobby to see what suits your schedule, or give Pastor Jon or Pastor Tim a call at church. The groups will be meeting three, four or five times depending on the day and leaders. Now I know you have been saying to yourself, I could do better at prayer, heck what's five meetings (or less)? The book is short and practical; it's not a boring tome. Laird shares thoughts like this: The more we realize we are one with God the more we become ourselves, just as we are, just as we are created to be. Even if you can't, or refuse to join a short term small group, I hope you will read along and try some of the practices that Laird lays out in his book.

Peace of Christ,
Tim
timsstern@gmail.com
Verse and Prayer
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

- Matthew 5:3-6
Lord, Lord, Open Unto Me

Open unto me, light for my darkness

Open unto me, courage for my fear

Open unto me, hope for my despair

Open unto me, peace for my turmoil

Open unto me, joy for my sorrow

Open unto me, strength for my weakness

Open unto me, wisdom for my confusion

Open unto me, forgiveness for my sins

Open unto me, tenderness for my toughness

Open unto me, love for my hates

Open unto me, Thy Self for myself


Lord, Lord, open unto me! Amen.

- Howard Thurman
Stewardship
Use Whatever Gift You Have Received
I realize minds tend to go straight to money when the word ‘stewardship’ comes up. This is a bit like thinking only of height when considering aptitude for basketball. Stewardship, at its core, is about what God equipped us with and what we choose to do with it. In other words, stewardship is about talent and our actions with it.

Let’s talk about talent. It’s one of the most intimidating things I can think of and often makes people deeply uncomfortable. Why? We’re unaware it exists, we doubt its value, and sometimes we desire what others have while ignoring our own gifts. 

Talent is a confounding thing. Society demands that we downplay or deny what we have in the name of modesty and humility. Discussion of our talents requires us to walk the fine line between truth and bragging: a trick so difficult we sometimes decide it just isn’t worth it. We shirk opportunities to engage. We deny our passions. We turn bright pink when someone generously compliments us (or that might just be me). Talent is awkward!

Yet, when we skirt around those conversations and deny our gifts, what are we doing? Whether our talent is in writing, music, dancing, a gift to work with children, a generous heart, or a real knack with numbers, it comes from the Creator. God deliberately gave each of us talents, and she’s pretty clear that we’re expected to do something with those gifts. The Bible urges us to acknowledge our gifts and use them to serve: Jesus’ parable on talent is clear. Romans 12:6 says, “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.” 1 Peter 4:10 says, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”

I invite each of you to take a few minutes this weekend and consider what you’re doing with your talents. Embrace the gifts the Creator of the universe gave to you. Allow yourself to squirm in the awkwardness of claiming your gifts, and thank God for your unique set of strengths and abilities. Engage with your passion and decide how you’re going to use it. Be a steward! - Caroline Jones, carojones28@gmail.com
This week, the prelude is an arrangement of Philip Bliss' hymn It Is Well and the flowing arrangement is a soothing reflection of the words to the tune. The introit, Open Hearts, Open Minds was composed by Barbara Campbell for 2006 UMC General Conference. The adult choir presents Mark Hayes arrangement of Gather Us In, a spirited version of Marty Haugen's inclusive worship song.

Peace,

Margaret
Director of Music
margaret.mcgillivray@gmail.com
There is still a call for volunteers to assist with running the audio board during the band led service. I would like a core group to work on a rotating schedule, and will train anyone who is interested. No experience needed. This Sunday we are introducing a new doxology for our rotation. Please give a listen to 'Doxology' by Stars Go Dim to get this excellent rendition in your ear. See you all Sunday!

God bless,

Pat
Director of Contemporary Music
psise11@gmail.com
Generosity Opportunities
Establish or increase EFT here!
Wanting to increase or establish an EFT with Ark and Dove? It's easy to do. The forms can be found on the web site and here are the links: EFT Authorization Form and EFT Change Form.

DONATE ONLINE ! One Great Hour of Sharing , Peace and Global Witness Offering for ACT: Anne Arundel Connecting Together , Pledged Giving , and more! Many opportunities await you!
Simone Weil: A Conversation
Some facts about Simone Weil: She was French. She was educated as a philosopher and worked on an automobile assembly line. Her life was caught up in the whirlwinds of radical social action, the Spanish Civil War, and World War II. In 1938 she had a mystical encounter with Christ. She was working for the Free French in London when she died at age 34. She belonged to no political party and no church. Nothing she wrote was published until after her death. She was very awkward, and very odd. And yet there are many who believe that what she has to say about God, community, suffering, love, beauty, sacrifice and prayer is unique and indispensable. All who would like to learn more about this most improbable “modern saint” are welcome to gather with Parish Associate Stephen Price-Gibson (spricegibson@hotmail.com) for lunch and conversation about Simone Weil, this Sunday at noon on March 3, in the Ark and Dove room.
Shrove Tuesday and Lent
Into the Silent Land: A Lenten Journey
Does life have you feeling distracted, de-centered, and disillusioned? Do you struggle with prayer, with what to do and say? Do you long for a deeper walk with God? We invite you this Lenten season to join small groups in reading Martin Laird's Into the Silent Land: The Practice of Contemplation . This short and widely-regarded book will help you find your center, stimulate your prayer life, and further your discipleship. Books are on sale in the lobby as well as a sign-up for small groups, which will begin March 10 . Books are $18 and can be found online . Please contact Pastor Jon with any questions (jgnelson1985@gmail.com).
Shrove Tuesday!
Please join our family-friendly Shrove Tuesday pancake dinner this week on March 5th at 6:30 pm ! Enjoy pancakes and bacon on the house! Just bring a pancake topping (except syrup), side dish, or drink to share. Perhaps enter our pancake flipping contest this year for a chance at a prize? We hope to enjoy your company! Nicole Howe, nicolehowe123@gmail.com.
Shrove Tuesday * Lent * Easter
Shrove Tuesday * March 5, 6:30 pm
Ash Wednesday * March 6, 7:00 pm
Palm/Passion Sunday * April 14, 9:30 am and 11:00 am
Maundy Thursday * April 18, 7:00 pm
Good Friday * April 19, 7:00 pm
Resurrection of the Lord * April 21, 9:30 am and 11:00 am
Mission and Christian Education
Youth Summer Trip Info Meeting!
All youth, young adults, and their associated grownups are invited to an information meeting on Sunday, March 17th (new date!) at 5pm in the Sanctuary to hear about our opportunities for this year's Summer Trips (Habitat, The Center, Youth Summit, etc...). We will serve dinner and share info and stories about these exciting happenings. More info is being mailed to each home, so please keep an eye out for the flier, and mark your calendars to join us that evening. If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Jon (jgnelson1985@gmail.com).
Mission
One Great Hour of Sharing
You shall be called the repairer of the breach - Isaiah 58:12
 
Around the world, millions of people lack access to sustainable water, sanitation, education, and opportunity. The three programs supported by One Great Hour of Sharing are Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, Presbyterian Hunger Program, And Self Development of People. These programs all work in different ways to serve individuals and communities in need. From initial disaster response to ongoing community development, their work fits together to provide people with safety, sustenance, and hope. Received during the season of Lent, each gift to One Great Hour of Sharing helps to improve the lives of people in these challenging situations. The Offering provides us a way to share God’s love with our neighbors in need. You can find offering envelopes in the chair pockets or you can give online. Thank you for your help in supporting these important programs. Cheryl Schafer, Mission Elder, csscas@verizon.net.
CAP FEATURED FOOD ITEM Featured item for March-- RICE (wild rice, short grain brown rice, basmati, etc.). Please drop off food items in the Mission Zone bin. Thank you for your donations!   
Outreach and Connection
Friendly Seniors! Only an act of love wins!
We are inviting all church members and friends to view The Women of Lockerbie at the Bowie Community Theater, 2:00 p.m., Sunday, March 10. This play is about the aftermath of the destruction of an American airliner. In 1968, a group of women determined to turn an act of hatred into an act of love. In 2019, their actions give insight into how people committed to love know that fear and hate cannot win.  We will be taking reservations (and money) after each service on February 24 and March 3 in the narthex. Since we live in hope, we trust that at least 10 of us will go, making all tickets $15! So make our hopes realized and come and join us on March 10. For questions please contact Joan Berry, 410-672-5237 or berry962@verizon.net.
Ukrainian Egg Dying and Potluck Dinner
Saturday March 16, 5 - 9:30 PM

Make a traditional pysanky (Ukrainian Easter Egg)! All materials and instructions provided. Hosted by Greg, Diane and Ellen Makar. Donation of $5 per person appreciated. You will take home your beautiful egg, plus the waxing tool and wax to decorate more eggs at home. The Makars have practiced this tradition for generations. No childcare provided. If your child is able to do detailed drawing and hold a raw egg for over 2 hours, they are welcome. Space is limited, so please sign up early (so we know how many supplies to get). Ellen Makar, eemakar@aol.com.
Anne Arundel Connecting Together
Door Knocking Training
SATURDAY, MARCH 30, 9AM-1:30PM

AFFORDABLE HOUSING 
COUNTY-WIDE DOOR KNOCKING CAMPAIGN

Help us hear directly from people what issues they are most concerned with addressing!

Ark and Dove Presbyterian Church
8424 Piney Orchard Pkwy, Odenton
Training, Breakfast, Lunch and Childcare Provided
(RSVP for childcare at Walcutt_family@hotmail.com)

Presbytery News
You are invited a workshop on SUICIDE PREVENTION and how to develop faith communities that companion the desperate into hope and connection. The workshop will be held  Saturday, March 30 from 9am to 3pm at Catonsville PC . The  fee is $15 , which covers the cost of workshop materials and lunch. This workshop is being offered by the Presbytery of Baltimore, Commission on Spiritual Leader Development.
This training is a one-day training to equip leaders of faith communities including pastors, paid and unpaid church workers and those who are passionate about doing ministry to those who are desperate due to any type of experience with suicide. The training includes the creation of worship resource, training congregation members in suicide awareness and basic conversation skills, and the invitation to those who have been suicidal in the past to share their stories. Register HERE .
Prayer Requests
Please keep the following people in your prayers this week:

PRAYERS OF HEALING AND SUPPORT for Amy Benson’s friend, Brian Shriner, who is in need of a kidney donation; Bruce and Karen Sanders’ granddaughter, Hannah Algoet; Jay Olson; Linda Jordan; Corinne Baker; Lori Kronser; Tameka Oberman’s grandmother; Nikol Sahai's mother in Slovakia, Marie Krizanova; Kim Schroen; Jonah Murray; Chris Wilkens; Pat Sise’s brother, Justin; Amy Tardiff’s father-in-law, Richard Tardiff; Margaret McGillivary’s friend, Kim Nolet; Declan Steward’s father, Daryl; James Franklin’s father, Homer; Kameron and Kamarii Miller; Karen Dodson; Cheryl Walcutt’s sister, Judy Walsh; Amanda Wehage’s family; Jon Nelson’s aunt, Linda, and grandmother, Peggy; Chip Burnett; Lydia Doughty; Laura Doughty's aunt, Marie; Ylonda Fauntleroy's aunt, Bernice Taylor; Diane Johnson's aunt; Brooks Emrick and her sister, Susan; Vaughn Brown and his sister, Kathie; Ann Hirschy; Frances Keyes; Dot Forloines; Helene Marchand-Stancil; Laura Willoughby's father, Norman; Julia Kirby's mother, Margaret Floyd; Amy Carskadon's nephew; Erika Sealing's son, Trip, and grandmother, Margaret Schade; Sue Hanburger's grandson, Enzo; Edie and Richard Budd; Dotty Kaufmann's grandson, Nathan; Amy Benson's family; Lisa Mezaache’s friend, Pearl McNamara; Dorene Chen’s grandfather, Tian Tao Li; David Michels; Laurie Barrow’s uncle, George Slater; Jerri Webb’s friend, Mary Van Orten; Evelyn Ziegler; Thomas and Judy Kochis; Cynthia Knott’s mother, Madeline; Sage Worrell; Wayne Sweet; Yadong Wei; Mark Constable; Laura Talbert’s friend, Kristin Goin; and Doug Mattingly’s mother. 

PRAYERS OF SUPPORT go out to the guests and churches involved with Winter Relief: Community UMC, Severn Christian Church and Trinity UMC.

THE LOVE AND PRAYERS OF THE CONGREGATION go out to the Paronto and Haight families upon the death of Alta’s father, Robert Haight.

THE LOVE AND PRAYERS OF THE CONGREGATION go out to the Sensenig family upon the death of Daryl’s mother, Cathryn.

THE LOVE AND PRAYERS OF THE CONGREGATION go out to the Slater family upon the death of George Slater.

PRAYERS OF PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING on the engagement of Kennon Bauman and Tameka Oberman.

If you have prayer concerns or blessings that you would like to share, please contact Deacon Patriceo Green at patriceobgreen@gmail.com and he will add your concern to the prayer partners email chain.
Ark and Dove Presbyterian Church | 410-674-6400 | admin@arkanddove.org | www.arkanddove.org | 8424 Piney Orchard Pkwy. Odenton, MD 21113