The Arkive: Ark and Dove's Newsletter
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All are invited to reflect on God's dream for his children at both
the 9:30 am (choir led) and 11:00 am (band led) worship services.
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Dear Friends and Members of Ark and Dove,
I have been studying Leviticus of late, and it is inspiring. That is right, Leviticus, the book of the Bible that begins with a detailed description of sacrificial rites. Leviticus, the foil to any who endeavor to read the Bible cover to cover. This third book of the Torah begins with a set of instructions on how to deal with all the gifts people were bringing to God at the Tent of Meeting. Beasts of herd and flock, birds of the air, grain of the earth, all joyously given to the One who gives much. The priests needed instruction on how to deal with these voluntary, spontaneous gifts. And so we have Leviticus.
Reading Leviticus on my paternity leave has been odd at times--given all the blood and guts (see chapters 1-3). But it has stirred in me a spirit of thanksgiving and a desire to give my best back to God, as those ancient Israelites did. I have been gifted with a beautiful, healthy daughter in Emery Joy, family and friends to support her, and a church that has given much to care for my family and secure us some special time together. Thank you for granting me a generous paternity leave. I also thank the leaders of this church who stepped up to do that which I would otherwise have done. Full of joy and thanksgiving, I am ready to give back.
There are some good ways to give of ourselves to God, in joy and thanksgiving. We can give of our time to support the children of our church in Sunday School and LOGOS. Preschool teachers are still needed, as well as Godly Play leaders. (Amy Tardiff is leading a demonstration this Sunday at 12:30). We can support LOGOS, our midweek children and youth program, beginning next Tuesday at 5:30. We can serve Winter Relief in many ways by signing up in the lobby. We can increase our giving to the mission and ministry of Ark and Dove and give to the Peace and Global Witness Offering, which supports the important and effective work of Anne Arundel Connecting Together. We can simply give our time to worship this Sunday.
I look forward to being back with you this Sunday and spending time with you at the church picnic. You are a gift to me.
(And if you want to learn more about Leviticus, join us at 7:30 on Tuesday at Ark and Dove.)
Peace,
Pastor Jon
jgnelson1985@gmail.com
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What shall I return to the Lord for all his bounty to me?
-Psalm 116:12
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Gracious God: in gratitude, we recall all the ways we are in receipt of goodness. Thank you for all that is given, all that is sustained, and all that comes before us. Forgive us our sense of lack and restore a sense of abundance. What, then, shall we return to you, for all your bounty? Amen.
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Our Sunday morning opens with Victor Labenske's arrangement of
O God Our Help in Ages Past
, the tune composed by William Croft for Isaac Watts famous text. We're pleased to present Laura Manzo's
They Shall Soar Like Eagles
, featuring Laura Doughty on flute. With majestic leaps and a a splendid tenor counter melody, the anthem moves with beauty and peace.
Children's choirs resume on October 6th! We're trying a new day and time this fall. The Joyful Noise Choir (Grades 3-5) will meet from 12:30-1pm and the Dove Choir (K-Grade 2) will meet at 12:00-12:30, both in the Marshall Room. This year, our theme will be "Around the World." No previous experience is necessary!
Peace,
Margaret
Director of Music
margaret.mcgillivray@gmail.com
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LOGOS is fast approaching! We begin on Tuesday October 1st. I am very excited to be working with the middle school kids again this year to improve their worship arts. One date I will ask LOGOS parents to keep on the horizon is October 20th. October 20th is the Children's Sabbath and our LOGOS kids will be a part of the music that Sunday. I will need the middle school kids to attend the band led service. Thanks!
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.
text
peace
after the amount.
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Stewardship Giving Statements
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Giving Statements, through September 22, were sent out this week. Please check your email (or mailbox for those that requested a printed version). If you have any questions, please contact Steve Debus (steven.debus89@gmail.com).
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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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This Sunday! September 29!
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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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You are invited to 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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Our Church Picnic is THIS SUNDAY, the 29th! Hope to see you at
4:00 pm on the church lawn (or indoors in case of rain). Burgers, hot dogs, and drinks provided.
- Last names A-M, please bring a side dish to share.
- Last names N-Z, please bring a dessert to share. Corn hole games for everyone!
If you have a corn hole set we can use, bring it! Thanks! Might want to bring folding chairs too. Looking forward to seeing everyone! Nicole Howe, nicolehowe123@gmail.com
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LOGOS
our mid-week youth program for children and youth, will be starting on
Tuesday, October 1, 5:30 pm
.
You’re invited to stop in and check it out!
Questions? Please contact Amy Tardiff (itsmemim@gmail.com) our registration coordinator or Pastor Jon (jgnelson1985@gmail.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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The
Peace and Global Witness Offering helps builds awareness and solidarity through educational resources, expanding advocacy, and galvanizing relationships with active peacemakers. 100% of this offering goes to ACT (
Anne Arundel Connecting Together)Please give generously to this offering to help promote peace in Anne Arundel County. Cheryl Schafer, Mission Elder, csscas@verizon.net.
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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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Through an all-volunteer effort, Winter Relief has operated as a seasonal Emergency Temporary Shelter since 1992. Hosted at different Anne Arundel County religious facilities each week from late October through April, the shelter is a safe and comfortable refuge for those experiencing homelessness throughout the coldest months of the year. Each facility provides services, meals, and spiritual guidance to the guests during their designated week. It is a unique opportunity for people in the community to reach out and share their blessings with those less fortunate. How will you share with the 25 men that will call Ark and Dove home for a week? Sign-ups have begun and are on the bulletin board in the lobby. Questions? P
lease contact Ylonda Fauntleroy yfauntleroy@gmail.com or Debbie Saylor saylordeb@yahoo.com.
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Last Chance for Sight and Sound!
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This Sunday
will be the last easy chance to catch Joan Berry and reserve a spot on the
Friday, December 6, 3 p.m.
Miracle of Christmas
show at Sight and Sound in Lancaster, PA. Carpools are being arranged to
leave the church about noon
. The cost is
$62.10 per person
. Joan Berry, berry962@verizon.net
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The Parents' Group meeting for September 27 is canceled. Please attend the Church Picnic on the 29th instead! We'll resume on October 25!
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Still looking for volunteers to help share information about our church programs with the community at Odenton Day on
Saturday, October 5th. Choose any time slot
between 9 am to 2 pm to sit at our booth. Please contact Nicole Howe, nicolehowe123@gmail.com or see the sign-up sheet.
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A new member's information class is scheduled for Saturday,
November 2, 8:30. Please contact Nicole Howe, nicolehowe123@gmail.com if you are interested in attending. Breakfast provided.
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Adult Christian Education
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Tuesdays
,
7pm, continues 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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Reduce! Reuse! Recycle Right!
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Please help Ark and Dove recycle as much as we can by NOT putting food waste, plastic bags, table cloths or bubble wrap into the blue mixed recycling baskets in our building, or the yellow recycling bin in the kitchen. Please flatten cardboard boxes to take up less space. Plastic tableware is OK. First empty bottles, cans, and cups into a restroom sink. Food-stained plates, bowls and pizza boxes are OK. Click for a complete list to
RECYCLE RIGHT! Mike Davie davie1020m@aol.com Building Care Team leader.
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The deacon ministry is based on compassion, witness and service 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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Please keep the following people in your prayers this week:
PRAYERS OF HEALING AND SUPPORT
for Hollis Butterworth; Stan Houck and Ann Hirschy; Steve Debus; 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; Sara and Stephen Kasulke; 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, and mother, Carol; Amy Tardiff’s father-in-law, Richard Tardiff; Brian Boudreau’s cousin, Valery Householder; Margaret McGillivary’s friends, Kim Nolet and Pastor Virginia Studer of Faith Presbyterian Church; 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; and Doug Mattingly’s mother.
THE LOVE AND PRAYERS OF THE CONGREGATION
go out to the Morgan family on the death of Susan’s father.
PRAYERS FOR LOVE, SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE
go out to those struggling to heal from physical and mental health challenges.
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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