The Arkive: Ark and Dove's Newsletter |
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All are welcome!
This Sunday! 10:00am, livestream worship!
Please connect on YouTube HERE
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Dear Friends and Members of Ark and Dove,
On Tuesday evening, we held a peaceful demonstration with Kingdom Celebration Center in front of our Black Lives Matter banner on Piney Orchard Parkway. Over 50 members and friends of Ark and Dove, held up signs affirming what we believe and waving to vehicles passing by. Aside from the joy of seeing so many Ark and Dovers in person (masked and distanced, of course), it was encouraging to be among those who affirm a basic human dignity and to stand with our denomination which this week called for antiracist action. We waved hands and raised fists only days after Jacob Blake was shot in the back seven times. Black lives matter.
There is increased hostility and violence occurring at protests and rallies across the nation. And there was no shortage of middle fingers thrust at us Tuesday. This anger and aggression can elevate our anxiety and fear, especially if we are publicly proclaiming something some people find offensive. But this should not deter us from telling the truths of Christian faith, truths that bolster the claim, Black lives matter. Love abounds, even in hate. We had neighbors pull off the parkway, grab a sign, and wave with us. We had people who know nothing of Ark and Dove, those who have just started worshipping with us, and those who have not been in some time stop by to affirm the God-given value of Black lives.
As controversial as this affirmation has become, we must remember that it communicates hope and love in a time of despair and hate. Black lives matter is one way we proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. As the Bible repeatedly claims, good news is not good if it is not for all; all lives matter when Black lives matter. Such is Christian hope. These words, sent to us yesterday, confirm this is true:
I’m a resident here in Piney Orchard and I identify as African American. Every time I drive by your sign that states Black Lives Matter I am filled with an overwhelming sense of hope in a time that sometimes feels consumed by despair. I’m also a mother and a wife and I’m very much fearful everyday for the safety of my child and husband(also Black) in this current state of unrest. I was overcome with emotion when I saw a sea of mostly non black protestors in front of your sign this week chanting Black lives Matter. I was even more thrilled that my husband and daughter were also a witness to your protest as well. Please know that what you are doing is powerful and it matters! May God continue to bless you and the essential work that you are doing. In this day and age we hear so much about recognizing essential workers and this is why I felt compelled to send this message. In my opinion you and your parishioners are also committing to doing the essential work to preserve our humanity.
Peace,
Jon
jnelson@arkanddove.org
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Then the Lord said, “I have observed the misery of my people who are in Egypt; I have heard their cry on account of their taskmasters. Indeed, I know their sufferings...
-Exodus 3:7
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God of mercy: you are no dispassionate deity, not a sovereign too high in the sky, no self-consumed creator, not an immovable mover--no, you are moved, self-giving, made low, and compassionate. You hear the cries of the oppressed, the moans of the marginalized, the groans of the sick, and the rage of the grieving. You call and equip us to meet the needs of those who suffer. You are doing that even now. Give us ears to hear, hearts to love, mouths to affirm, hands to serve, and feet to carry us toward suffering. In Jesus Christ's name, we pray. Amen. |
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It's so nice to be back from vacation. I had a wonderful time with my family in the Poconos. Many thanks to Lydia Doughty, who provided prelude music a few weeks ago--she's off to university this fall in the UK. This week we're excited to see and hear Charlotte Yeager performing her own composition on cello and piano--a triple treat! I'm looking forward to the new opportunities and challenges that will happen this coming fall. I would love to have more members of the congregation involved in leading worship through music. If you feel that this is something you are called to do, even if only to dip your musical toes in, please let me know!
Peace,
Margaret
Director of Music
margaret.mcgillivray@gmail.com
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Thank you to everyone who took part in our recent peace demonstration. I am very proud of the community outreach that Ark and Dove is still achieving, even in the midst of the pandemic, and through the spirit of love, to raise awareness of injustice equality. It's amazing to be a part of such a wonderful community that is committed to stand up for others.
This week I recorded one of my favorite pieces by one of my favorite composers, Manuel Maria Ponce. He is a Mexican composer that wrote some absolutely stunning solo guitar works and an outstanding guitar concerto. His catalogue of music is stunning, not just the guitar music. This week I am playing the second movement from his Sonata romantica for solo guitar, Andante espressivo. This piece was written, along with most of his guitar music, for Andres Segovia. Ponce lived in the late 18th to early 19th centuries and Segovia was a contemporary of Ponce's. The piece is an homage to a composer I think we are familiar with, Franz Schubert. His composition style really envelops how Schubert treated melody and harmony, and when listening to this piece you would never know it wasn't written by Schubert.
God bless!
Pat
Director of Contemporary Music
psise11@gmail.com
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You will be enriched in every good way for your generosity….
- 2 Corinthians 9:11
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Thirteenth Sunday After Pentecost |
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Antiracism and Social Equity |
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Second Peaceful Demonstration: Creating the Beloved Community |
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Join PC(USA) for #Give828 |
On Aug. 28, 2020, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) will be joining #Give828, a national day of giving focused specifically on supporting Black-benefiting organizations. #Give828 isn’t like other fundraising campaigns. This day takes place during Black Philanthropy Month and commemorates multiple important historical landmarks in Black Americans’ march toward freedom. Did you know that on:
- Aug. 28, 1955: 14-year-old Emmett Till was brutally murdered by three white men, which became a "flashpoint in the civil rights movement"?
- Aug. 28, 1963: The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech during the landmark March on Washington in Washington, D.C.?
- Aug. 28, 2005: Hurricane Katrina made landfall in Louisiana? The storm, which devastated New Orleans, inordinately impacted many of the city’s Black residents.
- Aug. 28, 2008: Then-Sen. Barack Obama accepted the Democratic nomination for president, becoming the first Black man to ever win the nomination and bid for the presidency?
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Healing Through Grief During COVID-19 |
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:4
Pastor Tim, Deacon Cathy Debus and Linnie Girdner will be co-facilitating the next Healing Through Grief group on Wednesday, September 9, 7 pm, on ZOOM. The Healing Through Grief small group is open to anyone attending Ark and Dove (and their family), who have experienced the death of a loved one, whether it is recent or a long time ago. While quarantining during COVID-19, many have found grieving for lost loved ones, even from years ago, a difficult thing to bear.
Please let us know if you have the slightest inclination to attend on September 9, so that we can send you the link to the ZOOM meeting. If you change your mind later, no problem. Also, let us know if you have not used ZOOM before, so that we can provide you with some information in advance. Any questions, contact Pastor Tim Stern at timsstern@gmail.com or 410-674-6400 or me, Linnie Girdner, at girdnerlinda@gmail.com or 410-999-7892.
Let's be there for one another in our healing through grief. If you need to talk with someone prior to that date, please feel free to give Linnie Girdner a call or contact your Deacon. (Linnie is happy to provide referrals to other community resources.)
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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.
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Calling all knitters and crocheters! Please join us for a virtual get together and bring whatever project you are working on. We are a laid back group that hopes to support and inspire creativity during these times of social distancing. We meet on the first Wednesday and third Monday evening of each month from 7:00- 8:00 pm. All skill levels and handcrafts are welcome. If you are interested in joining our next meeting please contact Amy Tardiff at lilac.n.spruce@gmail.com! |
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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. |
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Thursdays at 3:00 pm on Zoom. Please contact Pastor Tim (tstern@arkanddove.org) to receive an invitation.
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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. |
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Please keep the following people in your prayers this week:
PRAYERS OF HEALING AND SUPPORT for Deborah Dingle; Dot Forloines’ family and her great-grandson Luke; Dot Bruno’s son, Deante Musgrove; Jess and Adell Gaurin; Debbie and Bruce Arey’s daughter, Allison; Linda Jordan; John Mikeska; Ylonda Fauntleroy’s husband, Tony Schoonmaker and friend, Tanya; Jesse Pennabaker; Michelle Schoonmaker's Auntie Bernice; 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; Amanda Wehage’s mother, sister and father, Dave, and friend; Zach Murray’s father, Kelly Murray; Becky Marcus; Fred Barrow; Carlton Jackson; Sabonna Keeney’s mother; Pattie Plander; Richard and Edie Budd; 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; Ann Hirschy’s Aunt Cindy and brother; Christina Nelson’s grandmother, Pat Dole; Chip Burnett; Kelly Burnett’s nephew, Justin; 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; 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; Lou Kareha’s friends, Thomas and Judy Kochis; Margaret McGillivray's friend, Kim Nolet; Kim Young's friend, Joyce Miller; Linnie Girdner and Jan Hof’s friend, Grace Ligon; the Yeager’s friend, Karen Schell; Steve Debus’ cousin-in-law; Lori Kronser's friend, Barbara Noonan; and Doug Mattingly’s mother.
PRAYERS OF HEALING for those with COVID-19: Mary Benson’s brother, Alan Benson, and a member.
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.
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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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