The Arkive: Ark and Dove's Newsletter
All are welcome!
Celebrate the Tenth Sunday After Pentecost with livestream worship!


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Message from Pastor Tim
Dear Friends and Members of the Ark and Dove Community,

A couple of years back the Stated Clerk of the Presbyterian Church USA, The Rev. J. Herbert Nelson urged all Presbyterians to “get into some holy trouble.”  I wonder if he was building on the thoughts of civil rights leader Congressman John Lewis, who called people to get into good trouble (even in his last op-ed shared in the "New York Times" last week). Perhaps they came to the same idea, separately.

We don’t need any reminders that our world is not as it should be. We see everyday that there is anxiety poverty, injustice, war, racism, sexism and oppression. What Lewis and Nelson are asking of the church is what are you doing about it?  As disciples of Jesus, we believe that love conquers hate and that faith brings comfort and direction. The long-range planning team and the session of Ark and Dove are wrestling with these very issues. What ministries and opportunities for mission in the world are calling out to Ark and Dove? What opportunities are out there to which Ark and Dove can lead you?  We are engaged right now in a process to help answer those questions.

Part of the process is the CAT – the Church Assessment Tool. The congregation and active friends were sent a SurveyMonkey link to the CAT yesterday.  What we are asking you to do is to take the survey.  Make yourself a good cup of tea, or whatever, and set aside an hour to take this CAT survey. We value and need your input to plan for the next three to five years. Your answers are essential, as are you.

The church consultant, which we have hired, reports that most churches are sitting this time out when it comes to strategic planning. Our session and our long-range planning team have taken the opposite approach. What better time to pray and dream about the future?

Peace of Christ,
Tim
tstern@arkanddove.org
Message from Pastor Jon
Dear Members and Friends of Ark and Dove,

I like Taylor Swift. Yes, the Grammy award-winning, chart-topping pop star. I do not like to admit this, as my musical tastes tend toward the edges of alternative music. For years, folks have been trying to convince me that her music is good. I have always dismissed such claims. And yet, two weeks ago, Swift released her new album, folklore. I must say, it is really, really good. My mind is changed.

When was the last time your mind was changed? My mind has changed over issues much larger than pop music. I once thought power corrupts all, but now believe that there is transformational power for good. I believed that racism could be countered by books, but now think it must be dismantled in concrete actions. I understood Christianity to be about individual faith, but now understand that it is a faith affirmed in community and lived in the public sphere.

Sometimes it takes a long time to change our minds about one thing or another. Last night, in our discussion of Stamped: Racism, Antiracism and You, our middle school youth were struck by how long it took for certain individuals and social groups to change their minds about racist ideas and policies. This is a somewhat predictable observation for youth, who are constantly changing their minds. However, it is a necessary critique of those of us who have insulated ourselves from different ideas and the criticism of our own. Our growth depends on the evolution of our thoughts and beliefs. Will we be rebuked for changing too slowly?

If we are to open our minds to change, we must expose ourselves to people and ideas that are unfamiliar. It may involve a book or a one-on-one conversation. It may involve, I don't know, listening to a Taylor Swift album. Change is uncomfortable and includes humble admissions not unlike the one that began this letter.

When have you changed your mind? What needs to change now?

Peace,
Jon
jnelson@arkanddove.org
Verse and Prayer
But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.”

-Matthew 14:27
God of our lives: these uncertain times leave us living with a low-grade fear. We do not know what comes next and, given what has happened this year, we are anxious. Nevertheless, we place our trust in the words of your Son Jesus Christ; that he is with us and we should not be afraid. Grant us the faith and the confidence to live fully and courageously, knowing that he is there to catch us when we fall. Amen.
This Sunday, members of the choir are excited to present another virtual choral anthem, David Haas' 'You Are Mine', featuring Laura Doughty on flute. Written in the early 1990s, this hymn, according to Hymnary.org, is now included in fourteen current hymnals across numerous denominations. The words are based on texts from Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know…”; Isaiah 43:1b, “Do not fear…you are mine”; and John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (NIV*). The hymn’s text is written in God’s voice, assuring, comforting, and encouraging – “I am with you,” “Come and rest in me,” and “I love you and you are mine.” The themes of this hymn are God’s care, strength in troubling times, baptism, and confirmation. "'You Are Mine' is a reminder that no matter where we are and how low we may feel, God is always there, calling to us, and inviting us to follow” (The Faith We Sing: Worship Planner, 55).

These projects are so fun to put together and I love hearing how the voices layer over one another. They're also a wonderful way to contribute to the worship service and sing in a choir without leaving the safety and comfort of your own home. If you feel called to contribute your gifts of music to our worship, please be in touch.

Peace,
Margaret
Director of Music
margaret.mcgillivray@gmail.com
This week the band is recording 'Eye of the Storm'. This song holds a very special message, especially in times like these. Even during a storm, God remains in control and will lead us through these difficulties together and with love. So, as life continues to remain surreal, and as the solid ground seems to be slipping from underneath our feet, just trust in each other and God's love to lead us through the storms.

God bless!
Pat
Director of Contemporary Music
psise11@gmail.com
Generosity!
DONATE ONLINE! One-time and recurring!

TEXT your donations! 410-983-3481
Text give to get started. Text commands for more options.


You will be enriched in every good way for your generosity….
- 2 Corinthians 9:11
Tenth Sunday After Pentecost
All are welcome! Join livestream worship at 10:00 am.

Access the

Long-Range Planning
The Church Assessment Tool (CAT) is now ready for you!
By the time you read this, our Long-Range Planning team hopes you have received a link to complete the Church Assessment Tool (CAT) survey. Please allow up to 1 hour to complete the survey. Once you begin the survey it is best to complete it because the format does not allow you to save a portion of your answers and return later.
 
We are using the current email addresses in the church directory. If by chance, you did not get a link or you share an email with your significant other and you both want to complete a survey, please send your updated email address to the church at lrp@arkanddove.org. If you need a paper version of the survey you can also email lrp@arkanddove.org as well.
 
We want to get feedback from ALL our members and our regular attendees too. We don’t want to miss anyone! The ball is now in your court. Please take the time to complete the survey. It is anonymous, so we won’t know who has or has not completed it, but we will be watching the number of surveys completed. PLEASE, PLEASE help our planning team by completing your survey thoughtfully, completely and within the next few days. Thank you! If you have any questions, please reach out to Chris Fox, long-range planning team, foxychris3@gmail.com.
July Financial Update
YTD Expected Unpledged Income
Actual Unpledged Income
Behind

YTD Expected Pledged Income
YTD Actual Pledged Income
Ahead
$22,568.00
$18,938.00
$3,630.00

$264,552.0
$269,274.00
$4,722.00
Outreach and Connections
Sunday Fellowship!
Sunday Fellowship after the live-stream church service continues! Via a ZOOM meeting, of course. If you'd like to join in for some light conversation and have a chance to see some familiar faces, simply send an email to fellowship@arkanddove.org to request an invitation. We will then send you a link to the Zoom meeting. You only need to do this one time, and you can use the same link each week. The meetings begin around 11:15 each Sunday. It will be great to "see" you! Nicole Howe, nicolehowe123@gmail.com.
Christian Education
Summer Sunday School
Summer Sunday School for elementary aged children will continue using the Holy Moly program from 9am to 9:30am on Sunday mornings. If you are interested in teaching or being the second adult on zoom, please contact Julie Devers at jbdevers@gmail.com. 
Mission
For many years Ark & Dove has partnered with the County Department of Social Services and the AA Public School System to purchase backpacks and supplies for elementary school students. Separately, we have also purchased supplies for Meade Middle School students. The Back to School Program is back this year, but with inherently different needs due to COVID-19. The Ark & Dove mission ministry encourages the same high level of participation we’ve had in the past.
 
This year, Back to School participation is in the form of financial donations, in order to support middle and high school students. Back to School will provide gift cards for Office Depot, Target, and Wal-Mart. The type of cards and amounts will depend on the family’s needs, and the cards can be used toward traditional supplies, as well as headphones, lap boards, and laptop accessories for virtual learning, as well as other essentials, such as clothing. Because of the extra stresses of COVID-19, the needs this year are different and greater than before. (Backpacks and supplies for elementary school students will be provided directly by the county.)
 
If you would like to participate, you can make a donation to Ark & Dove, electronically, text “school” to (410) 983-3481, or by check (please designate “Back to School” on the check memo). To donate directly to the Back to School program, please visit them online or by mailing a check to: Back to School Program, 80 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401. For more information, please contact Greg Makar (GLMakar@juno.com, 301-483-8255), or the Back to School Program (community.programs@maryland.gov, 667-500-4658). Thank you.
Lighthouse Homeless Prevention: Virtual Volunteer Opportunities
There is a new (virtual) volunteer opportunity at Light House! They are in need of assistants for their employment preparation classes. The typical weekly commitment is 2-3 hours and classes vary in length (please see individual descriptions below). If this is something that interests you, you will need to complete the Volunteer Questionnaire (please click to complete).  Once the questionnaire is completed, a member of the Workforce Team will connect with you to discuss additional information and logistics. Zoom training will be provided.

Employment Preparation Program Classes
Class time: 4-6pm Tue-Fri Start Date: September 8th
Three week recurring sessions

Resume Building: (virtual) 3 days, 3 Volunteers Needed
This workshop is designed to assist community members and residents to write concise resumes which will help them get noticed by employers in the Annapolis area. Curriculum will be taught by a soft skills instructor and volunteers will assist students individually in the virtual chat. 

Cover Letter Building: (virtual) 2 days, 3 Volunteers Needed
Cover Letter Building will require 2-3 volunteers total to assist students one on one. Curriculum and materials will be provided that will allow students structure for their cover letters while still allowing personalization for each individual student. Curriculum will be taught by a soft skills instructor and volunteers will assist students individually in the virtual chat. 

Interview Workshop: (virtual) 3 days, 6 Volunteers Needed
This workshop is designed to give community members and residents the opportunity to experience the motions of a virtual interview. The Workforce Development team will guide the main classroom and then volunteers will enter into breakout sessions with students in order to conduct interviews. Workforce Development will provide the questions for each volunteer to use. 

Job Application Workshop: (virtual) 3 days, 6 Volunteers Needed
This workshop will require six volunteers to assist students with filling out applications for employment. The process of filling out applications with students will require a volunteer to assist in editing their cover letters as well. The Workforce Development team will guide the main classroom and then volunteers will enter into breakout sessions with students in order to assist in job search and follow up with completing job applications to the chosen vocations. 

Community Needs Classes
Class time: As Needed

GED Tutoring: (virtual) 1 hour sessions, 2-5 Volunteers Needed
This workshop will consist of GED tutoring for all subjects. The volunteer will assist our current residents and BEST students with preparing for their high school equivalency exam. The volunteer will then assist them with any questions while they take their placement tests in language arts, math, reading, and science. Key skills include patience, communication skills, and instructional skills. The volunteer instructor will be working with both groups of students and one on ones.

Interview Attire and Preparation: (Carol’s Closet) 1 day, 2 Volunteers Needed
Interview attire and prep day will require 2 volunteers to assist in the selection and records of clothing inventory taken by each individual student in Carol’s Closet. Volunteers will spend one day with students assisting in finding appropriate interview clothing. All volunteers will need to fill out a google form and attend one zoom training session with the workforce development team before starting.

If you have additional questions, please contact our liaison to the Light House, Christina Cosio-Futch, c.cosiofutch(at)gmail.com.
Antiracism and Social Equity
Jesus and the Disinherited: A Retreat
The late Congressman John Lewis called Howard Thurman the “patron saint” of the Civil Rights Movement. Both Pastors Tim and Jon have preached on Rev. Thurman in the past. The Shalem Institute is now providing their course on Howard Thurman for free to help people be grounded spiritually in the fight for racial justice. Contact info@shalem.org with questions. Enter the self-guided retreat day here.
Tea at Three
Friendly Seniors
Thursdays at 3:00 pm on Zoom. Please contact Pastor Tim (tstern@arkanddove.org) to receive an invitation.
Deacons
Codenames Over Zoom!
If you are looking for some fun on Saturday night, join the Deacons to play Codenames over Zoom! Codenames is like a board game that is very easy to play virtually--it's not a video game. Get an invitation to the Zoom meeting from eemakar@aol.com. Get the game at www.horsepaste.com/deacons. There is no sign up, download, or registration. You will need to tile your screens, to be able to see Zoom and the game at the same time. It is best to play on a computer, for size. Saturdays at 8 PM.
Prayer Requests
Please keep the following people in your prayers this week:

PRAYERS OF HEALING AND SUPPORT for Julia Kirby’s mother, Margaret Floyd; Jess and Adell Gaurin; Wendy Wellington’s father, John; Debbie and Bruce Arey’s daughter, Allison; Linda Jordan; Stone and Donna Ashwood; John Mikeska; Sean Futch; Diane Johnson's Uncle Ed, Aunt Janet, and cousin Richard; Shelley Franklin's father; Hollis Butterworth’s daughter, Rachel Mershont and brother-in-law, Brian Smith; Joan and Merlin Berry; Mike Davie’s brother, Steve Davie; Amanda Wehage’s mother, sister and father, Dave; Ben Rollins’ sister, Caroline; Zach Murray’s father, Kelly Murray; Becky Marcus; Fred Barrow; Carlton Jackson; Sabonna Keeney’s mother; Pattie Plander; Richard and Edie Budd; Daryl Sensenig; Amy Grimm’s sister and grandparents and Amy’s father; Laurie and Fred Barrow’s niece, Hope Simeone, nephew, Samuel, and Fred’s aunt, Lee; Bernabe Solano; Griselda Solano's sister, Irma; Kathy Miller’s sisters, Patty and Beth; Dotty Kaufman, her son, Bill, daughter-in-law, Carol, granddaughter, Sarah, and grandson Nathan; Laura Doughty’s brother-in-law, Carl Hahn; Bob Johns; Cindy Knott’s mother, Madeline; Laura Willoughby's father, Norman; Bill Ruble’s mother, Mary Jane Weathers; Stan Houck and Ann Hirschy; Ann Hirschy’s Aunt Cindy and brother; Christina Nelson’s grandmother, Pat Dole; Chip Burnett; Kelly Burnett’s nephew, Justin; Dot Forloines and Dot’s friend, Mary Hiett; Dorene Chen’s family; Lewis Shorter and niece, Jennifer Schwandt-Gayle; Patriceo Green’s brother and sister; Jennifer and Shawn Ralston’s niece; Archer and Honor Bauman’s grandfather, Larry; the Tardiff family; Cheryl Walcutt’s mother, nephew, and sisters; Ylonda Fauntleroy's aunt, Bernice Taylor, and friend, Tanya; Brooks Emrick and her sister, Susan; Vaughn Brown; Frances Keyes; Julia Kirby's mother, Margaret Floyd, and cousin, Judy; Erika Sealing's son, Trip, and grandmother, Margaret Schade; Amy Benson's family and Amy’s friend, Brian Shriner; Lou Kareha’s friends, Thomas and Judy Kochis; Margaret McGillivray's friend, Kim Nolet; Ylonda Fauntleroy’s husband, Tony Schoonmaker; Jesse Penabaker, Michelle Schoonmaker and Michelle's Auntie Bernice; Kim Young's friend, Joyce Miller; Linnie and Jan Hof’s friend, Grace Ligon; the Yeager’s friend, Karen Schell; Steve Debus’ cousin-in-law; Lori Kronser's friend, Barbara Noonan; the Wagner family and Celine; Myrtha Henderson; and Doug Mattingly’s mother.

PRAYERS OF HEALING for those with COVID-19: Mary Benson’s brother, Alan Benson.

THE LOVE AND PRAYERS OF CONGREGATION go out to the family and friends of those who have died from COVID-19: Alta Paronto’s friend, Marilyn, and Mary Benson’s friend’s uncle.

PRAYERS OF LOVE, SUPPORT AND PROTECTION for all hospital staff, patients, clinics, grocers, essential workers and hourly workers around the world, who are working bravely and arduously to protect our loved ones and our communities. Including: Tricia Gray’s mother; Becca Distad; Jack Burnett; Caitlyn Bussey; Emily Sanders; Audrey Miller; Linda Jordan’s nephew, Russell; Diane Johnson’s grandson; the Ralston’s family members and friends; Simone Stiegler’s friend, Jean Marie; Mike Stiegler; Amy Grimm’s mother; Jeff Grimm; Amy Goldberg’s brother, Joseph Alexander, and parents, Michael and Maryann Cooper; Judy Cooper’s daughter; John Mikeska’s son, Jonathan; and Hollis Butterworth’s sister-in-law, Cyndie.

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