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The youth will lead both services this Sunday!
Come celebrate the 4th Sunday of Easter!
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LETTER FROM REBECCA
Dear Friends,
It is with great sadness that I send you my letter of resignation to be effective on June 24th. Being the Director of Music and working alongside Mark over these past ten years (almost) has brought me immense joy. You have become my family. You have been with me through many seasons of my life. From the time I was a student at Peabody, beginning and finishing my doctoral degree, buying my first home, meeting my husband Eric, getting married, adopting Anderson, to accepting a full time tenure-track position at Morgan State University, you have been there through it all. You have loved Anderson and welcomed him our family with loving arms in the way that only Ark and Dove does.
This was not a decision that was made lightly, or hurriedly. After accepting a full-time position at Morgan State almost two years ago, I wondered how long I would be able to keep up with the load. I hear the question, "How do you do all that you do?" a lot. The truth is that other things get pushed to the side to make it all happen. I have little time to spend with my family, almost no time to do anything for myself, and when I arrive on Thursday afternoon after a very long week of teaching, I am exhausted. I have not been able to give my full dedication to the choirs or the orchestra in the way that they truly deserve, which isn't fair to anyone. You deserve to have a music director who can give you their undivided attention.
Last November, I started talking to Eric about the possibility of leaving Ark and Dove. Doing simple things like taking a weekend trip or even just having Saturday and Sunday to spend as a family are the things that we are missing out on the most, and Anderson is growing up so quickly. I am missing so much precious time with him. Eric, being the amazing support system that he is, explained that he would support whatever decision that I made, but that he would not be taking part in making it. This decision needed to come from me. I thought about it over the next few months and, in late December, I told Eric that I had made my decision and shortly after the New Year, I told Tim.
I want you all to know that this was, by far, the hardest decision that I have ever had to make, and I have cried many tears. A wise friend, comforting me through my tears, recently said, "It's so hard when you've built something as special as what you have at Ark and Dove, but our lives are full of seasons. It is okay to let go of something, even if it is something that you love." Her words have stuck with me as I teeter between the thoughts that in order to gain more time with my family, I will lose a love that has filled my soul to its core.
I hope that in our next two months together, we can make beautiful music, reminisce about the precious times that we've had, and work toward a smooth transition to another music director. Someone is going to be so fortunate to get the chance to work for this amazing church. Change is never easy, but as Benjamin Franklin once said, "when you're finished changing, you're finished." Ark and Dove, you've only just begun.
With all my love,
Rebecca
Dr. Rebecca Bell Echols
Music Director
rebeccaebell@gmail.com
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VERSE AND PRAYERS
As God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. 13 Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord[a] has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. - Colossians 3:12-14
Household Prayer: Morning
Good shepherd, walk beside me
through the joy and trouble of this day,
and lead me in right paths
for your name's sake. Amen.
Household Prayer: Evening
Good shepherd, remain with me
in the dark and stillness of this night,
and let me lie down in safety
to restore my soul. Amen.
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Following the 11:00 service, this Sunday, we will have a brief service of prayer in celebration of Earth Day. Please join us outside about 12:20 for a ten minute service.
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A Service of Witness to the Resurrection
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THE LOVE, SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS OF CONGREGATION
go out to the Lawrence and Grassel families on the death of Denise Grassel's father, Charles Lawrence. A service of Witness to the Resurrection will be held at the church tomorrow morning, Saturday, April 21st, at 11:00 am. The service will be preceded by a viewing and gathering at the church at 10:00 am and followed by a reception. Please contact Kelly Burnett, KellyB327@aol.com, and Laurie Barrow, barrowfl@aol.com. There will also be a gathering and viewing at Donaldson's Funeral home in Odenton from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm tonight, Friday, April 20th. In lieu of flowers, donations in Charles Lawrence's name may be made to Ark and Dove Presbyterian Church.
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PARENTS POTLUCK
Join us for the next meeting of our parent group, a fellowship opportunity for all who are in a parenting role. Here you will find support, new perspective and grace for the many difficulties and joys of parenting. We will gather for a potluck tonight, April 20th at 6 pm. We will then split into small groups for discussion. Childcare will be provided. We will finish by 8 pm. Contact Pastor Jon for any questions (jgnelson1985@gmail.com).
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NEW MEMBERS/INQUIRER'S CLASS
Please join us for the New Members/Inquirer's Class on Saturday, May 5, 8:30 am - 12:00 pm, where you can meet other people who have been visiting Ark and Dove and enjoy breakfast and fellowship. This "no obligation" class is just for you if you want to learn more about Ark and Dove and what it means to be a member. We'll provide breakfast and childcare. Hope to see you there! Please sign up in the lobby or by contacting Donna Anderson at donna.anderson30@aol.com, so we can plan for breakfast and childcare.
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SUMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL Do you like working with kids? Can you commit to a couple of Sundays during the summer? If so, we're looking for a few teachers to help teach summer Sunday School. Lesson plans and all supplies will be provided, you just need to come show up, follow the plan, and demonstrate your love for God. No long term commitment required, you can pick as many or as few Sundays as you please. Contact Laura Rockwell for more information at
laura.a.rockwell@gmail.com or 253-312-1656.
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VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL Our VBS program this year is titled, "God's Good Creation." Please join us on
Sunday, April 22nd between the two services (at approximately 10:45) in the Marshall Room for a brief interest meeting. We'll share an overview of the program, the calendar and timeline of VBS-related events, and a volunteer sign-up. Adult and youth volunteers are needed! We look forward to your attendance as we prepare to help children learn about hunger, hope and the work to which God calls us in the world. Please contact Christina Nelson,
christinajoy87@gmail.com, or Laura Rockwell,
laura.a.rockwell@gmail.com, with questions.
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FUNDRAISER FOR YOUTH Saturday, April 28, 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm, $10 per person. Rounds of team trivia, light refreshments, and PRIZES! Register a team (up to 6) or be placed on a team. Childcare for ages 5 and under available (let us know.) See Amy Tardiff
itsmemim@gmail.com or Chloe Salkeld
chloe.marie@hotmail.com for more info.
Register online!
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CAKES, CAR WASHES, COLORING BOOKS AND MORE! The Youth and Adults will be running a silent auction from
April 9th until April 28th. The money raised from the auction will help send our youth and adults on their summer mission trips and GenOn Conference. Some have offered to make deserts, do yard work, crafts, car washes, etc... Auction items are located in the lobby on your way to the Marshall Room. We hope you will stop by and place a bid. Please contact Debbie Saylor saylordeb@yahoo.com if you have any questions.
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JOIN THE USHER TEAMS The usher teams are seeking new ushers for both Sunday worship services. As part of the worship ministry, the purpose of the 9:30 and 11:00 usher teams is to provide hospitality and help ensure a smooth service of worship. Training is provided, and you can ease into it by "shadowing" one of the current lead ushers. If you want to sign up or just learn more, please contact Greg Makar (301-483-8255, GLMakar@juno.com).
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Antiracism and Social Equity
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PLANNING FOR IMMIGRATION FORUM
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PLANNING MEETING FOR IMMIGRATION FORUM Sunday, April 29th
after the second service. The Antiracism and Social Equity team along with Ark and Dove Refugee support teams are hosting a forum on immigration, Sunday, June 10, from 2-4 pm, with a speaker from the Esperanza Center as well as two possible recipients of DACA and TPS. We're also planning to have lunch catered by a member of the CPT (Comunidad Presbiteriana la Trinidad) community prior to the forum. We're excited to attract a large turnout from both congregation and community! Please contact, Linnie Girdner, girdnerlinda@gmail.com, to attend the planning meeting and help make this a successful event!
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 RACE: THE POWER OF AN ILLUSION How long has the idea of race has been around? Were Africans enslaved because they were deemed inferior, or were they deemed inferior because they were enslaved? Join us on Sunday, May 6th at 2 PM when we'll view and discuss episode two of Race: The Power of an Illusion. The Story We Tell uncovers the roots of the race concept, the ideology of white supremacy, and the idea of race that persists today. Contact, Linnie Girdner, girdnerlinda@gmail.com.
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APRIL'S FOOD OF THE MONTH
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C
AP WEST COUNTY FOOD PANTRY
Featured item for April is CEREAL (raisin bran, kashi, grape nuts, muesli, oatmeal, shredded wheat, etc.). Please drop off food items in the Mission Zone bin. Thank you for your donations!
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PRAYER CONCERNS
Please keep the following people in your prayers this week:
PRAYERS OF HEALING AND SUPPORT
for Kim Champagne; Laura Doughty's aunt, Marie; Ylonda Fauntleroy's aunt, Bernice Taylor; Diane Johnson's aunt; Brooks Emrick's sister, Susan; Vaughn Brown's sister, Kathie; Erin Morrison's husband, Les; Arlyce Lohr; Brandi Spradling; Karen Dodson; Bill Champagne; Joy Dabbs; Ann Hirschy; Carol and Dick Baily; Hollis Butterworth; Brooke Berry's father, John Calhoun; Christy Yeager's father, Leon Jordan; Donna Anderson's brother-in-law, Tom; Mary Beckwith; Frances Keyes; Dot Forloines and her brother Jack; Helene Marchand-Stancil; Ellen Makar's father, Don Erickson; Laura Willoughby's father, Norman; Steve and Brandi Downs; Mary Stum's sister-in-law, Sandy; Julia Kirby's mother, Margaret Floyd; Amy Carskadon's nephew; Jason Ziegler; Erika Sealing's son, Trip, and grandmother, Margaret Schade; Tawes Dewyngaert; Archer and Honor Bauman's grandmother, Jackie; Sue Hanburger's grandson, Enzo; Laura Rockwell's friend, Adam Hurst; Mary Benson and Mary's mother and brother; Edie and Richard Budd; Dillon; Dotty Kaufmann's grandson, Nathan; Rev. Ed Geigen's son, Micah; Amy Benson's family; Chris O'Brocki's grandmother; for a daughter struggling; and Jerri Webb's best friend, Mary Van Orten, and her best friend's mother.
PRAYERS OF THANKSGIVING AND PRAISE
for the healthy birth of Evelyn Denise Bowles who was born on April 20 to Ruthie and Daniel and younger sister to Cameron, Christopher and Dwayne.
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.
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