The Arkive: Ark and Dove's Newsletter
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All are invited to celebrate Evangelism Sunday at both
the 9:30 am (choir led) and 11:00 am (band led) worship services!
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Dear Friends,
On Tuesday shouts of joy were heard in the halls of Ark and Dove, as we hosted the parents meeting for LOGOS, our ministry for children and youth K-8. Several children came up to me and said LOGOS was starting again. They were excited. Thank you to Julie Devers our Christian education elder, who led our orientation and planning. I am looking forward to our October 1 launch. At LOGOS we say, "You are a child of God; I'll treat you that way." Embedded in that phrase is the idea that no one has the right to treat anybody else like they don't matter. At LOGOS children, youth and adult develop inter-generational relationships based in the faith community. From those relationships spiritual formation is strengthened, faith grows and community is built. I have always loved LOGOS; its amazing.
On Wednesday gun shots rang out in the backyards of some of our members in Odenton. At least five of our families were within a quarter mile of the violence. As babies and youth settled down for sleep, parents worried for their children's safety and wondered what it was like for children in other neighborhoods in our state where gun violence is the norm, not the exception. Because of politics and heavy money lobbying the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is not even allowed to study gun violence as a health issue. So much prayerful work needs to be done.
Loving God, we pray for all who are assailed by gun violence in our nation. Show us the way to peace. Empower us to stop this epidemic. Enable us to help heal people who have been traumatized. Remind us everyday that we have named your Son, the Prince of Peace. May we carry his dream into the world. Amen
In Christ,
Pastor Tim
timsstern@gmail.com
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So again Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
- John 10:7-11
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Prayer of a Captive
Lord, I remember your promise, and I think it applies to me too. I’ve done nothing to deserve it but receive it as a free gift. I’m in need. I need you. I need your assurance and guidance to be faithful to you in this situation. Teach me what I need to learn. Deliver me from this place and this captivity if it is your will. If it is not your will to set me free, help me to accept whatever is involved. Show me your gifts and enable me to recognize them as coming from you. Thank you for your encouraging presence. Praise be to you.
- by Benjamin Wier from
Hostage Bound, Hostage Free
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This week, service music includes a fresh arrangement of
There is a Balm in Gilead by American composer, Wendy Stevens, followed by a version of
Give Me Jesus that includes some bluesy, jazz chords for good measure. The choir presents an upbeat, driving setting of a call to evangelism by Eugene Butler for offertory. We hope that you enjoy hearing something a little different!
Peace,
Margaret
Director of Music
margaret.mcgillivray@gmail.com
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I recently had to cancel an audio technician training class. I would like to reschedule that class for next Tuesday. I will be available to meet anyone who is interested in joining the audio team to assist with services on Tuesday, September 24th at 6:15 pm. I will show you how to get our audio devices turned on, the basics of running the board, and how to be actively listening during service to provide the best sound possible each service. You are welcome to remain for band rehearsal at 7 pm to practice. I regular rotation will begin of volunteers so that there's no pressure for one person to do it every week. Thank you!
God bless,
Pat
Director of Contemporary Music
psise11@gmail.com
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DONATE
ONLINE
! Per capita, pledged and un-pledged, one-time and recurring! Click
HERE
to donate online today!
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TEXT YOUR DONATIONS to 410-983-3481.
You can text one-time or recurring donations to this number. Text
give to get started. Text
commands for more options. Questions? Please contact Alta Paronto, church treasurer, alparonto@gmail.com; or Wendy Wellington, swt520@verizon.net
text
peace
after the amount.
Disaster recovery assistance in the Bahamas following hurricane Dorian--
text
disaster after the amount.
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Spiritual Growth and Good Discipleship!
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As temperatures are thinking of finally cooling off, and we all return to the structure of having kids back in school, whether our own, our grandchildren or our neighbors, we also need to begin to prepare. We have reached the halfway point in the first portion of our pledges, and, although we are in a good position, we still have some catching up to do. We are blessed that many in our congregation are ahead in paying their pledges, but about 41% of those who pledged are behind. Some of us are behind just a little, while others may be a bit further than that. Of those 32 families or individuals, approximately 18% of us are more than 1 month behind. These are the funds that pay our pastors, that buy our school supplies, that keep us running. As a church family, we all need to be faithful in our giving and bring our pledges up to date. A giving statement will go out prior to October 1, but please don't wait! If you still haven't filled in a pledge card, please do so. They are available in the sanctuary and out by the bulletin board as well.
Generous stewardship is one of the six marks of discipleship and is considered a spiritual growth practice. This speaks not only to our financial gifts but to our gifts of time and talents that we share with the congregation. As we enter fall, we have many more activities in which to participate as well as opportunities to support the various ministries of the church. Our stewardship team is working on establishing a year around stewardship calendar with planned times during the year to focus on financial educational opportunities as well as certain special offerings that we believe represent the desires of the congregation for mission and ministry. If you are interesting in joining our team, please speak with Julia Kirby (maybe_soon98@yahoo.com) or Steve Debus (steven.debus89@gmail.com).
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On
Sunday, September 29
, we will be having a Godly Play information session at
12:30 pm
. Experience Godly Play, our Sunday School program for K-5 children, as the children do by meeting at the door, quietly entering the room and hearing a story. We will then transition to an explanation of Godly Play and answer any questions you have about the program. Please let us know if you are interested in attending the information session by RSVPing to Amy Tardiff at itsmemim@gmail.com.
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LOGOS, our mid-week youth program for K through 8th grades, will be starting on
Tuesday, October 1, 5:30 pm
. It is a great opportunity for all members of the church to get involved through teaching, recreation or dinner conversation. There is still time to register your child, please contact Amy Tardiff, our registration coordinator, at itsmemim@gmail.com or Julie Devers at jbdevers@gmail.com to learn more about Logos and how you can get involved.
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The deacon ministry is based on compassion, witness and service. That includes the call to serve anyone in distress: the poor, the hungry, the sick, the lost, the friendless and those burdened by unfair policies and structures. At Ark & Dove each deacon is assigned a portion of the congregation according to last name. Once a year the deacons try to speak with every household in the congregation to hear how things are going and what joys and concerns you may have. This year’s all-call will take place during late September and early October rather than on a single afternoon. We look forward to talking with you! More information about the deacon ministry and the current assignments are on the
Ark & Dove website (under About). There are also brochures in the lobby. Greg Makar, Moderator of Deacons, GLMakar@juno.com.
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Peace and Global Witness Offering
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Now may the Lord of peace give you peace at all times in all ways. -2 Thessalonians 3:16
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Do you ever try to imagine a world as it should be, not the world as it is?
The Peace and Global Witness Offering
helps equip the church with tools to accompany those who have experienced violence, while building awareness and solidarity through educational resources, expanding advocacy, and galvanizing relationships with active peacemakers. ACT's (
Anne Arundel Connecting Together
) research action teams work to promote affordable housing, safe and vital school systems, effective public transportation, addiction and mental health responses, just and fair immigration policies and a reduction in gun violence. Please help work towards a world as it should be by giving to the
Peace and Global Witness Offering
. 100% of this offering will go directly to ACT. Any questions, please contact Cheryl Schafer, Mission Elder, csscas@verizon.net.
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Tidiness is next to Godliness?
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Probably not really, but deep thanks to Nicole Howe, Abbey Boudreau, Julie Devers, Margaret MicGillivray, Rob Yeager, Cheri Hahn, Sobonna Keeney and their teams, families and friends for spending large swaths of time this summer making our church cleaner and more orderly. We are ready for fall ministries! Your work is appreciated.
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Church Potluck Picnic will start at
4:00 pm on Sunday, September 29th. Save the date to join in the fun and fellowship!
Nicole Howe, nicolehowe123@gmail.com
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Bike to Church Day is September 29!
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If you have a bike, are in good health, and can get up a little earlier, consider riding your bike to church! Now is the time to plan your route, make sure your bike is in good working order, and find your helmet. Ask a neighbor / buddy to join you. Select a safe route--use proper road crossings, ride on the shoulders or designated bike routes. I have found the Google Maps bike option works very well. Questions? Ellen Makar, eemakar@aol.com
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If you would like to share information about our church and youth programs with the community, please help staff a booth for our church at
Odenton Day on
Saturday, October 5! Choose any time slot between 9 am and 2 pm. Please contact Nicole Howe, nicolehowe123@gmail.com for more info.
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New members/inquirers class will be Saturday,
November 2, 8:30 am to 12:00 pm
. Sign-up on the bulletin board or please contact Nicole Howe, nicolehowe123@gmail.com
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Adult Christian Education
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Tuesdays,
7pm, continues this Tuesday, through November 12
(
except for October 15 because of Winter Relief
).
Ark and Dove room
.
Still time to join the group! Sign-up in the lobby! Please contact Pastor Tim, timsstern@gmail.com, for more information.
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Understanding Difficult Books of the Bible: Leviticus
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Join us for a 4-week course that seeks to understand one of the most misused and misunderstood books of the Bible, Leviticus. Pastor Jon will teach a course that draws on literature, history, art, and current events
. October 1, 8, 22, 29, 7:30 to 9 pm
. Please contact Pastor Jon (jgnelson1985@gmail.com) for more information.
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Ark and Dove’s weekly Bible study begins back up on
October 2, 10 am
. This is a “come as you are” discussion group that meets most Wednesdays at 10:0 am. To learn more, please contact Pastor Jon, jgnelson1985@gmail.com.
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Pub Theology is an informal gathering over beer and other beverages that engages difficult questions of faith in a light-hearted manner. We meet 7 pm, at
Frisco Tap House, Crofton
.
- October 2 Is it possible to be an atheist?
- November 6 What happens to my body in death? And other questions biology can’t answer.
- December 5 Virgin Mary? And other questions to address at Christmas dinner.
Questions? Pastor Jon, jgnelson1985@gmail.com
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World Religions Study Group
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Are you curious about other world religions, but intimidated by foreign words and concepts? Beginning
Sunday, October 20, at 12:30, Stephen Price-Gibson will introduce six of the world's religions through the use of popular film clips and stimulating discussion. We will focus on one concept, for each religion, that will help give insight into that belief system, The first class will focus on Confucianism and its core concept "Li." Subsequent Sundays will delve into Taoism, then Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism and Islam in a similar manner. Bring a bagged lunch! Questions? Please contact Stephen Price-Gibson at spricegibson@hotmail.com.
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For those beginning the spiritual journey.
Tuesdays, 7 pm
,
January 14 through February 25
. Calvin room. Please contact Pastor Tim, timsstern@gmail.com, for more information. This group will have an interesting twist—we are looking for people who will commit to leading a 5 to 8 week small group in the next two years: so a small group to help us grow personally and in skills needed to lead a small group.
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Wednesday, October 30
.
Dinner and fellowship start at 6:30 with discussions from 7:00 to 8:30. Childcare and special meals can be provided. Please see Bruce Sanders (brusanders@aol.com) or Steve Debus (steven.debus89@gmail.com) for more information.
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The Genesis of Exodus: The Roots of Central American Migration
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Join us on
October 6, 2:30 to 4:30 to watch the 49 minute film the
Genesis of Exodus followed by a discussion. This film contains interviews with people living in Guatemala and El Salvador about the root causes of recent migration to the U.S. along with interviews with several PCUSA leaders. Please contact Pastor Tim (timsstern@gmail.com) or Mission Elder Cheryl Schafer (csscas@verizon.net) for more information.
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Refugees and Asylum Information Session
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Susan Krehbiel,
Associate for Refugees and Asylum at
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and Social Justice Consultant for the Presbytery of Baltimore, is coming to Ark and Dove on
Wednesday, October 9, 7:00. This is an opportunity for all who are interested in learning more about who the asylum seekers are and how we might minister to them. There are an abundance of ways in Christian understanding, Christ is the presence and possibility of peace. He has broken down the barriers of hostility and enmity that divide us from each other. In Christ, there is no longer Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female, all are one in the reconciliation Christ has brought about. For further information, please contact Debbie Arey at debarey@hotmail.com.
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Winter Relief Is Coming, October 14-21, to Ark and Dove
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What Is the Mission of Winter Relief?
To keep those experiencing homelessness in the Baltimore/Annapolis corridor from freezing to death during the Winter months and to show them the Divine’s love in simple practical ways during our time together.
Who Do We Serve?
We serve 25 men who are homeless.
How Can You Help?
Beginning this Sunday, September 22, we will have sign-up sheets in the lobby with all the ways you can help: church set-up, transportation, intake, hospitality, laundry, dinners and supplies.
Please contact Ylonda Fauntleroy yfauntleroy@gmail.com or Debbie Saylor saylordeb@yahoo.com for questions.
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Please keep the following people in your prayers this week:
PRAYERS OF HEALING AND SUPPORT
for Hollis Butterworth; Stan Houck and Ann Hirschy; Linnie Girdner; Edie and Richard Budd; Christina Nelson’s grandmother, Pat Dole; Mike and Charlotte Davie’s son-in-law, Jim Peters; Chip Burnett; Kelly Burnett’s nephew, Justin; Debbie and Bruce Arey’s daughter, Allison; Dot Forloines; Wendy Wellington’s mother, Janet Morgan; Greg and Diane Makar's cousin, Michael Makar; Declan Steward’s father, Daryl; Lewis and James Shorter; Judy Cooper’s sister, Barb Eardley; Janet Dabbs’ sister, Diane Maloy; Archer and Honor Bauman’s grandfather, Larry; Lori Kronser’s father Cliff Corn; Pat Sise’s grandfather, Ed Sise; Amy Tardiff’s father-in-law, Richard Tardiff; Brian Boudreau’s cousin, Valery Householder; Margaret McGillivary’s friend, Kim Nolet; James Franklin’s father, Homer; Kameron and Kamarii Miller; Cheryl Walcutt’s mother, nephew, and sister, Judy Walsh; Amanda Wehage’s father, Dave; Jon Nelson’s aunt, Linda, and grandmother, Peggy; Ylonda Fauntleroy's aunt, Bernice Taylor and friend Jawahn Clark; Brooks Emrick and her sister, Susan; Vaughn Brown; Frances Keyes; Laura Willoughby's father, Norman; Julia Kirby's mother, Margaret Floyd; Erika Sealing's son, Trip, and grandmother, Margaret Schade; Sue Hanburger and Sue's grandson, Enzo; Amy Benson's family and Amy’s friend, Brian Shriner; Lisa Mezaache’s friend, Pearl McNamara; Thomas and Judy Kochis; Clarence Duffy; Wess Marr; Ellie Brown; and Doug Mattingly’s mother.
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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Ark and Dove Presbyterian Church | 410-674-6400 | admin@arkanddove.org |
www.arkanddove.org
| 8424 Piney Orchard Pkwy. Odenton, MD 21113
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