The Arkive: Ark and Dove's Newsletter
Message from Pastor Tim
Dear Members and Friends of Ark and Dove,

I am looking forward to sharing Holy Week and Easter worship with you, virtually, during this eight day Holy Week.  I am so grateful for the work of our Worship, Facilities and Christian Education Ministries, who have made virtual worship and virtual education possible in this last month.  What I have read and heard, time and time again, in chat comments, in e-mails, on Zoom and on the phone, is that people are so grateful that although we are physically separated, we are spiritually and socially connected through our virtual worship. I closed my Palm and Passion Sunday homily with these words, God cries at every crucifixion, but God does not forsake. God plants seeds of resurrection and hope in every tomb. The temporary end of worshiping together in the sanctuary gave birth to a new way of connecting.  Now that is not to say I don't wish we would be 400 people together in the sanctuary in two services. I miss you all now and will miss you tonight, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and on Easter, and I know you miss each other, but we are finding hope and joy in our virtual worship.

You are invited to join Ark and Dove tonight and on Good Friday in evening worship. I believe, with all my heart, that traveling with Jesus from the Last Supper to the Cross and Tomb gives a great depth of meaning to our Easter Worship.

The Session wants you all to know that when there are people in the sanctuary leading worship, we are very much adhering to our Governor's orders and CDC guidance. We are keeping our numbers at 10 or under. We are keeping physical distance of at least six feet, and we are disinfecting surfaces with virus killing sprays and wipes. Some worship services may now appear to have more than ten people in the sanctuary, but that is because certain musical pieces have been prerecorded and then shared on livestream at the right time.

God showed a great love for humanity when God became incarnate in the baby Jesus at Christmas. There is nothing more powerful than God's love and that love is culminated in the resurrection. The cross is conquered by Easter.  Sin, death and fear are chased away. Resurrection joy is God's hope for all people.  On Easter, we will share these amazing words:

Christ is Risen!
He is risen indeed!

Peace of Christ,
Tim
timsstern@gmail.com
Message from Pastor Jon
Dear Members and Friends of Ark and Dove,

This is the lentiest Lent I've ever lented, a colleague of mine recently commented. Indeed. These near 40 days have had more trial and tribulation. We have had to confront that we are dust and we have had to reckon with death. It is also the case that we have had to give up much more than we intended on the eve of Ash Wednesday.

So here we are, in a Holy Week that has us experiencing something of the first one. In that week long ago, Jesus suffered great loss, endured pain, and faced death. In this week, we suffer losses, endure sickness, and face many deaths. This is a dark week, then and now.

And yet, I am reminded that if God in Jesus Christ suffered then, God is in and among us suffering now. I recall, in the Passion story, that God in Christ Jesus endured even death. I remember what the creed says, that Jesus Christ harrowed hell, meaning that he went to the darkest depths to save those forsaken and forgotten. I know that even in the worst possible scenarios, God does what is seemingly impossible. God raised Jesus Christ from the dead; God raises us from death.

It may be that this lenty Lent will last a little longer this year. But I am looking forward to the most eastery Easter I've ever eastered.

Peace,
Jon
jgnelson1985@gmail.com
Verse and Prayer
When the sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. They had been saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?” When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back.   As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is not here, for he is risen. See the place where they laid him.
- Mark 16:1-6
Guide us, O Holy One, as we walk with Jesus in Jerusalem from the Passover feast to the resurrection. May we feel his love as we sit with him at the Last Supper. May we join him in night prayer, as he sweats on the Mount of Olives. Keep us from turning our eyes too far away, as he is mocked and tortured. Allow us to shed tears, as he bows his head in death. Help us to look on as Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea lay him lovingly in the tomb. Allow us to pause on Saturday to consider his separation from life. Then fill us with joy on Easter morning, as we offer our alleluias and welcome the resurrected Christ into our hearts.
As we move through Holy Week towards Easter, I’m finding both new opportunities and challenges for the musical offerings. I’m so proud of what Pat and I have pulled together but grieving for the sounds that remain as yet unheard. We have so many beautiful pieces of music to experience in this new medium and I hope that you will find an expression of lament and solace, comfort and joy. In sure hope of the resurrection, we are a people walking in darkness and will see a great light.

Peace,

Margaret
Director of Music
margaret.mcgillivray@gmail.com
This week is Holy Week. Services will be held on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter. Maundy Thursday will be through YouTube and include music from Ms. Margaret and myself. It will be held at 7 pm. Good Friday will be a mixture of pre-recorded songs. There will be piano and guitar solos, some special music by Margaret and her family, and the band will be playing a song live during service which will stream through YouTube at 7 pm. Easter service will be held at our normal 10 am time on Sunday. The band pre-recorded our anthems, and we are excited to share the tunes with you all. Holy Week reminds us to contemplate the sacrifice that Jesus made for us. Over the course of this week and weekend, let's be sure to continue making the sacrifices we can to help others in this time of need, and remember to be grateful for all we have and we have been given through the love of God and our Savior.

God bless,

Pat
Director of Contemporary Music
psise11@gmail.com
Holy Week in a pandemic provides unique challenges to our church leadership and I am regularly impressed by the ways that this church is handling the difficulties present. In a time of uncertainty and loss I am seeing this community connect and reach out to one another in many ways. While we all may be grieving at the loss of routine to the loss of loved ones and friends, we remain stronger together, regardless of physical distance. As we move into Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, into the reflective and mournful time of Christ crucified and buried, we may better understand these stories in reflection of our own uncertainty and need for faith in our own uncertain times. Yet, Easter will come. The sun will rise again. The world will continue spinning. We will endure in our faith and in our service to one another in this time.

Blessings to you all,

Chris
Seminary Intern
Christina.L.Wilson84@gmail.com
Generosity!
Please give electronically!
DONATE ONLINE ! One Great Hour of Sharing , one-time and recurring!

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  Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. - 2 Corinthians 7
Good Friday Bulletin 7:00 pm
7:00 pm Good Friday Worship Service Bulletin
All are invited to Good Friday service. Join live stream worship* at 7:00 pm.

Access the

One Great Hour of Sharing
Special Offerings: Disaster Assistance, Hunger Program, and Self-Development of People
During these uncertain times we encourage continuing support for One Great Hour of Sharing as a witness of the whole Church coming together to support the most vulnerable among us. The three programs supported by One Great Hour of Sharing are Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, the Presbyterian Hunger Program and Self Development of People. The Church’s response to the present crisis will begin with the most at-risk communities across the country and around the world. Please give generously to One Great Hour of Sharing. Cheryl Schafer, Mission Elder, csscas@verizon.net
Godly Play
Godly Play on Easter Sunday
The next Godly Play session for all elementary aged children--kindergarten through 5th grade--will be held on Easter Sunday, April 12, 9:15-9:45 . We hope you can join us! Please keep an eye out for a Zoom invitation from Julie Devers. If you have any questions please contact Julie at jbdevers@gmail.com.
Adult Education Class
The Bible's Five Greatest Chapters
Pour yourself a cup of tea and join Stephen Price-Gibson on Zoom for a discussion of " The Bible's Five Greatest Chapters." Beginning Sunday, April 19th at 4:pm for five weeks, we will discuss an important chapter from either the Hebrew scriptures or New Testament. (You know you are eager to find out what he's selected!) To sign up in order to receive instructions for logging into our Zoom meeting, email Kim Champagne (kim.champagne@gmail.com); for more information about the class, contact Stephen Price-Gibson (spricegibson@hotmail.com).
LOGOS
Virtual Devotions for Children
Many of you know that we have a program called LOGOS, for preK through 8th grade. At LOGOS, we learn to love God and neighbor through Bible study, worship, fellowship, and recreation. While we cannot meet, we are producing videos called " Virtual LOGOS," which can be viewed by any children as devotions, whether they participate in LOGOS or not. They can be found at our YouTube page.
Face Masks
Face Masks
In this time of social distancing, our need for connection has never been greater. We are able to connect you to a team of volunteers who have been busy making face masks. If you are in need of a face mask, let us know and we can arrange to have one delivered to you. Please note that you should wash the face mask before using it and after every time you use it.
If you are in need of a face mask, please contact Judy Cooper, jkcooper0410 @gmail.com. Please include the number of adult masks, your address and contact number. Stay safe and stay well.
Mission: Volunteer Opportunities
Donations Needed for Lighthouse
Lighthouse is a homlessness prevention support center. As such, they serve some of the most vulnerable members of our community. Just like the rest of our community they have been deeply impacted by COVID-19 and the measures needed to contain the spread. They are in urgent need of donations in support of their mission.

Financial donations are currently the most helpful.

If you want to give physical items and are able to do so safely, please drop items off by Tuesday 3/31 no later than 3pm. Donations can be left under the overhang by the front door of the church. We do not have the ability to transport refrigerated items at this time so please donate only shelf stable food or non-food items.  

To see the items that they can accept at this time go to http://www.annapolislighthouse.org/needs

Even though we are physically apart, we can still act together as a community of faith. 

Christina Cosio-Futch
Team Lead for Lighthouse Shelter Project
c.cosiofutch@gmail.com
COVID-19 Resources
Covid-19 and the Anxiety Pandemic
People around the world are experiencing not one, but two pandemics. The existence of Covid-19 has created a pandemic of mental health challenges, primarily exhibited as increased anxiety. Concerns relating to the virus and the upheaval it has caused in our lives are valid. At the same time, it is best to focus on the aspects of our lives that we can control. Mental Health America has a helpful  infographic about mental health and Covid-19 that describes the symptoms of and tips for managing anxiety. The CDC also provides information about mental health issues in the age of Covid-19 here, including tips for parents.

I wish it would have been called "physical distancing" instead of "social distancing," because social connection with friends and loved ones is more important than ever and an significant aspect of maintaining mental health.

There are some wonderful apps too that I have often shared with my therapy clients. Virtual Hope Box was created by one of the Defense Centers of Excellence and is available for free to the public. In about 4 minutes you can imagine yourself at the beach, on a country road, or in the forest with the guided imagery exercises. It's like a mini-vacation for your mind and body. Or you can distract yourself from worrisome thoughts by playing sudoku. Insight Timer is a widely used app with thousands of meditations on managing stress, sleeping better, cultivating gratitude, and many others. Loving kindness (metta) meditations are among my favorites.

Staying well is not just avoiding physical illness. It is also protecting your mental health. Don't forget that you have resources around you, including the wonderful Deacons at Ark and Dove. If you don't know who your Deacon is, just look here. If anyone is interested in a managing stress small group via Zoom, please contact me at 410-999-7892 or girdnerlinda@gmail.com.
Prayer Requests
Ple ase keep the following people in your prayers this week:

PRAYERS OF HEALING AND SUPPORT for Mark Edwards; Lachie Stubbs-McGillivray; Sabonna Keeney’s mother; Richard and Edie Budd; Daryl Sensenig; Steve Plander: Amy Grimm’s sister and grandparents; Joan and Merlin Berry; Amy Goldberg’s grandfather, Aaron Cooper; Adell Gaurin; David Sparks; John Rolewicz; 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, and granddaughter, Sarah; Ellen Makar’s uncle, Carl Erickson; Barbara Reynold’s sister-in-law, Kay Campbell; Laura Doughty’s brother-in-law, Carl Hahn; Bob Johns; Hollis Butterworth’s brother-in-law, Brian Smith; Cindy Knott’s mother, Madeline; Debbie Saylor’s two friends and her uncle, Wayne; Laura Willoughby's father, Norman and Laura’s friend; Jose Lopez’s mother, Queta; Bill Ruble’s mother, Mary Jane Weathers; Stan Houck and Ann Hirschy; 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; Dorene Chen’s family; Lewis Shorter and niece, Jennifer Schwandt-Gayle; Archer and Honor Bauman’s grandfather, Larry; the Tardiff family; Brian Boudreau’s cousin, Valery Householder; Kameron and Kamarii Miller; Cheryl Walcutt’s mother, nephew, and sisters, Judy Walsh and Lori Henninger and Lori Johnson; 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, cousin, Judy and friend Barb Cleland; 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, and Jim Zaranosky; Margaret’s friend, Kim Nolet; Michelle Schoonmaker's friend Amaris Wallace; Linnie Girdner and Jan Hof’s friends, Grace and Skip; Michelle Schoonmaker’s friends, Everly and Emilia Stugart; Patriceo Green’s brother and sister; Deborah Dingle’s daughter’s fiancé, Sergio; Tracy Churchill’s friend, Tammy; Cliff and Wendy Wellington’s neighbor’s daughter, Lisa; and Doug Mattingly’s mother.
 
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: Diane Johnson’s nephew Russell and 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, Jonathon; and Hollis Butterworth’s sister-in-law, Cyndie;
 
PRAYERS OF LOVE AND SUPPORT for those experiencing domestic abuse.
 
THE LOVE AND PRAYERS OF THE CONGREGATION go out to the families of those who have died from COVID-19: Diane Johnson’s neighbor, Ronnie; Paula Grigg’s friend Tim Cote’s sister, Bonnie; and Fred Barrow’s friend, Rex Ridenhower.
 
THE LOVE AND PRAYERS OF THE CONGREGATION go out to the McGillivray, McGillivray-Stubbs and Norén families on the death of Margaret’s cousin, Anders Norén.

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