The Arkive: Ark and Dove's Newsletter
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Celebrate the Reign of Christ with us this Sunday at both the 9:30 am (choir led) and 11:00 am (band led) services. All are Welcome!
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Dear Members and Friends of Ark and Dove,
The Session is the board that sets the direction of ministry at Ark and Dove. All Sessions in the PCUSA are made up of the serving elders and pastors and the clerk of Session, but at Ark and Dove we include the Moderator of Deacons. We like solid communication between the boards.
This past Wednesday our Session met and spent time speaking about the great prayer station Sunday we had on November 10. We thought we should do that again in 2020. We celebrated the number of people in adult small groups and were grateful that about 12 - 14 people had participated the recent Dismantle Racism group watching the four part docudrama "When They See Us." The group also affirmed the one-off discussions we have had on various occasions around dismantling racism as highly successful.
Session set two important dates:
ONE - The Annual Congregational Meeting with take place of SATURDAY January 25 from 5:00 to 6:00 PM. First time ever on a Saturday. The Annual Meeting will be followed at 6:00 PM by a trivia night fundraiser and chili dinner for the summer youth trips.
Be sure to field a strong team!
TWO - On Sunday June 21, Ark and Dove will host about 100 visiting worshipers who will be in town for the
224th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church USA. We also will be serving them a hearty lunch, so please save the date as we will need many hands on the deck of the Ark.
Finally, the Session spent a good deal of time talking about gratitude and the deep appreciation they have for their fellow members and your commitment to our church. In evaluating our efforts at saying thanks, the Session felt that maybe we do a better job at thanking people for their time and talents and not as good a job at thanking people for their financial contributions. So, as we enter the week of Thanksgiving, we do come to you with heartfelt thanksgiving for your financial support of the ministries of Ark and Dove and we wish you and your friends and families a joyous Thanksgiving.
In Gratitude and Peace,
The Session
Steve Debus, Julie Devers, Nicole Howe, Ellen Makar, Greg Makar, Jon Nelson, Cheryl Shafer, Ryan Stavely, Tim Stern, and Rob Yeager
PS - There is a thank you note from one of the Winter Relief guests and from Arundel House of Hope on the bulletin board in the lobby.
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One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, “Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”
But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?
And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
He replied, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.
-Luke 23:39-43
This Earth Our Home
by Walter Rausenbusch
O God, we thank you for this earth, our home;
For the wide sky and the blessed sun,
For the salt sea and the running water,
For the everlasting hills
And the never-resting winds,
For trees and the common grass underfoot.
We thank you for our senses
By which we hear the songs of birds,
And see the splendor of the summer fields,
And taste of the autumn fruits,
And rejoice in the feel of the snow,
And smell the breath of the spring.
Grant us a heart wide open to all this beauty;
And save our souls from being so blind
That we pass unseeing
When even the common thornbush
Is aflame with your glory,
O God our creator,
Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
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On the last day of the church year, the choir is looking forward to singing a beautiful arrangement of John Wyeth famous hymn, Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing. I first encountered this version many years ago as it came from my mother's collection of music.
Looking forward, there's so much wonderful music coming up for Advent and Christmas and it's not to late to get involved. The Adult choir can use a few more voices on Thursday evening, the Instrumental Ensemble is for high school ages and up and rehearses on Sunday evenings after youth group. Both groups will participate in Revels, our church music program, on
December 8th at 6pm. And our children busy learning music for the Christmas Pageant. This year's pageant is open to all, but if any children would like to sing as well as participate in the action, children choir rehearses on
Sundays at 12:15 in the Marshall Room.
The Christmas Pageant will take place during the
9:30 service on Dec. 15th. We will have a mandatory rehearsal on Dec. 14th from 10am-12pm in the sanctuary. A Sign-Up genius is going out this week so people of all ages can sign up to help out! We look forward to seeing some amazing inter-generational participation!
Peace,
Margaret
Director of Music
margaret.mcgillivray@gmail.com
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The Christmas Pageant and Revels concert are approaching fast. We ask you to save these dates so you can attend the concert to celebrate the spirit of the season with some sacred and secular holiday music. The Revels concert will be held on
December 8th at 6 pm. The pageant will be held on
December 15th at the 9:30 am service. Several of our youth will be involved with this service. Parents please save the date so the kids will be in attendance to take part in the nativity. Contact Ms. Margaret if you have any questions or would like your child to be involved. There are still some roles that need to be filled. Thank you and
God bless,
Pat
Director of Contemporary Music
psise11@gmail.com
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DONATE
ONLINE
! Pledged, unpledged, one-time and recurring!
Click
HERE
to donate online today!
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Or TEXT your donations to 410-983-3481!
Text
give to get started. Text
commands for more options.
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Or Establish an EFT
Have you been thinking of establishing an EFT (Electronic Fund Transfer) with Ark and Dove but have been waiting for the right moment?
The wait is over! Follow this
link to the easy to complete form and start that EFT now! If you would like to increase an existing EFT the change form is also available using this
link.
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Kick off the holiday with your Ark and Dove friends and family at a lively, fun, and free musical event on Sunday,
December 8 at 6 pm. There will be a variety of wonderful Holiday music shared by the choir, the band, and even some soloists. Did we mention delicious munchies and beverages will be on hand too?!?
We'd love to see you there! Get ready to bring in the joy!
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Creating a Matthew 25 Advent season
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During this holy season of Advent, we are invited to follow Jesus’s command epitomized by Matthew 25:31–46 to love one another and care for “the least of these.”
This year’s devotional is very special. The Rev. Sherry Blackman, a Presbyterian pastor, chaplain and award-winning writer and poet, challenges us to fill our days of Advent with simple, practical and loving deeds that help our neighbors — calling each act of kindness a piece of “straw” for the manager to make a soft bed for the Christ child when he arrives on Christmas. It is our hope that you invite family, church friends and those in your community to join you in adding straw this Advent season, so that together you prepare for Christ’s birth. An added bonus to this year’s devotional is the space provided each Sunday of Advent to jot down your reflections and prayers.
The Advent devotionals will be available in the lobby, beginning this Sunday. We are asking for a $2.00 donation.
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Parent’s Night Out
Saturday, December 7, 5pm to 9pm
$20 for 1st child * $10 per sibling
This is a fundraiser for youth group summer mission trips! Includes childcare (ages 1-10), dinner and activities!
Next PNO is tentatively scheduled for February 15!
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The Rooms of Ark and Dove
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When we come to a meeting at church we go to the Calvin, Marshall, Prentiss-Whitman or Whitherspoon rooms, but who were these people, and why were they important enough for the church to remember them with rooms? If this interests you, please join us for the next Equipping the Saints, Wednesday, December 4. Dinner and Fellowship start at 6:30 with discussions from 7:00-8:30. Childcare and special meals available upon request. Sign up in the lobby and see Steve Debus (steven.debus89@gmail.com) or Bruce Sanders (brusanders1@gmail.com) if you have questions.
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Adult Christian Education
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World Religions Study Group
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Sundays
through
November 24, at 12:30! Are you curious about other world religions, but intimidated by foreign words and concepts? 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. We will delve into Taoism, then Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism and Islam. Bring a bagged lunch! Questions? Please contact Stephen Price-Gibson at spricegibson@hotmail.com.
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Pub Theology is an informal gathering over beer and other beverages that engages difficult questions of faith in a lighthearted manner. We meet at 7 pm, at
Frisco Tap House, Crofton
.
- Thursday, December 5 Virgin Mary? And other questions to address at Christmas dinner.
Questions? Pastor Jon, jgnelson1985@gmail.com
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This is a “come as you are” discussion group that meets
most Wednesdays, 10 am
. To learn more, please contact Pastor Jon, jgnelson1985@gmail.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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All are welcome to attend the 3:20 showing of Harriet this Sunday, November 24th. Afterwards, join in a group discussion, and pizza, back at the church.
Those who want to carpool should meet at the church by 2:45. We are going to the
Bowtie Cinema Harbor 9, at Harbor Center in Annapolis. Note that this is not a private showing; you will need to purchase tickets on your own.
Synopsis of the movie: Based on the story of iconic freedom fighter Harriet Tubman, Harriet follows Tubman on her escape from slavery and subsequent missions to free dozens of slaves through the Underground Railroad in the face of growing pre-Civil War adversity.
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Christmas Holiday Sharing 2019
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The Ark & Dove mission ministry is participating again in the Christmas Holiday Sharing Program organized by the Anne Arundel County Department of
Social Services
. Sign-ups for gift-giving and delivery will begin in the lobby after worship services this Sunday, November 24. Through this partnership we share some of our blessings and provide Christmas gifts to families in our community. This year the Holiday Sharing office matched us with 38 families (86 children). We will purchase a clothing item and another gift for each child and then deliver to the families after the 11:00 service on December 15 (other arrangements can be made). For more information, to sign up between Sundays, or to volunteer to help, contact Greg Makar (301-483-8255, GLMakar@juno.com).
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CAP Food Pantry Volunteer Need
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CAP is the Christian Assistance Program, Inc., a group of about 13 churches, including Ark & Dove, that provides food and clothing to families in West Anne Arundel County. Ark & Dove helps sustain CAP through regular food donations, clothing donations, the annual Souper Bowl of Caring, and volunteers for CAP activities. CAP operates a food pantry at Severn United Methodist Church and needs volunteers to help carry food from the pantry to the clients’ cars. The pantry is open Tuesdays (11am-1pm) and Thursdays (3-5pm). Help is needed both days, but more on Thursdays and especially the fourth Thursday of the month. For more information, or to volunteer, contact Greg Makar (
GLMakar@juno.com
, 301-483-8255).
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CAP Featured Food Item for November
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Featured item for November—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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To decorate our sanctuary for the celebration of Christ’s birth, we will purchase individual poinsettia plants and greens. Suggested donation amount is $7-10 dollars. Please fill out the form below and place with your donation (checks made payable to Ark and Dove with Flowers annotated on the memo line) in the offering plate or in the Flower Committee box in the workroom. You can also text FLOWERS, preceded by an amount, to 410-983-3481. If you have any questions, please see Paula Griggs, paulagriggs32@gmail.com or 443-510-6687.
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Woods Memorial Epic Bazaar
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Handmade Gifts, Treats & More!
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Free pictures with Santa (Bring your phone or camera)
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Children’s Boutique (Face painting & kids’ shop)
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Crafts & Gifts by local and non-profit vendors
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Baked Goods & Lunch
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Live Greens for Sale
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Silent Auction (Quilt, Childs car & Polar Bears)
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Please keep the following people in your prayers this week:
PRAYERS OF HEALING AND SUPPORT
for Laura Doughty's brother-in-law, Carl Hahn; Mrs. Patane; Bob Johns; Ellen Makar; Fred Barrow’s aunt, Lee; Kathy Miller’s sister, Beth; Griselda Solano's sister, Irma; Hollis Butterworth’s brother-in-law, Brian Smith; Cindy Knott’s mother, Madeline Knott; Debbie Saylor’s uncle, Wayne and her grand-nephew, Jordan Ace Jabri; Laura Willoughby's father, Norman; Frank Dakai; Jose Lopez’s mother, Queta; Bill Ruble’s mother, Mary Jane Weathers; Stan Houck and Ann Hirschy; Edie and Richard Budd; Christina Nelson’s grandmother, Pat Dole; Jon Nelson’s grandmother, Peggy; Chip Burnett; Kelly Burnett’s nephew, Justin; Debbie and Bruce Arey’s daughter, Allison; Debbie Arey’s aunt, Linda Rose; Dot Forloines; Greg and Diane Makar's cousin, Michael Makar; Diane Makar; Declan Steward’s father, Daryl; Lewis and James Shorter; Janet Dabbs’ sister, Diane Maloy; Archer and Honor Bauman’s grandfather, Larry; Lori Kronser’s father Cliff Corn; Pat Sise’s grandfather, Ed; Amy Tardiff’s father-in-law, Richard Tardiff; Brian Boudreau’s cousin, Valery Householder; James Franklin’s father, Homer; Kameron and Kamarii Miller; Cheryl Walcutt’s mother, nephew, and sister, Judy Walsh; Amanda Wehage’s father, Dave; Ylonda Fauntleroy's aunt, Bernice Taylor; Brooks Emrick and her sister, Susan; Vaughn Brown; Frances Keyes; Julia Kirby's mother, Margaret Floyd; Erika Sealing's son, Trip, and grandmother, Margaret Schade; Amy Benson's family and Amy’s friend, Brian Shriner; Thomas and Judy Kochis; Margaret McGillivary’s friends, Kim Nolet and Pastor Virginia Studer of Faith Presbyterian Church; and Doug Mattingly’s mother.
PRAYERS OF LOVE AND SUPPORT
for the guests and churches involved with Winter Relief this week:
Our Shepard Lutheran Church, Eastport UMC and Bay Ridge Christian Church.
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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