The Arkive: Ark and Dove's Newsletter

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3rd Sunday in Lent

March 12, 2023

In-Person Worship at 9:00 and 10:30 am, every Sundays.**

Livestream Worship, 10:30 am, every Sunday.

**Mask required at 9:00 am Worship, Mask Optional at 10:30 am Worship

Child Care available for 9:00 and 10:30 am services.

Sunday School for Pre-K - 8th Grade during 10:30 am Worship, every Sunday.

*Register for Sunday School here.

Get your bulletin here.

You can connect on YouTube HERE.

Message from Pastor Tim

Dear Friends and Members of the Ark and Dove Community,

It has been said that one of the greatest gifts you can give to someone is to truly listen to them, that's why we are joining with ACT Anne Arundel Connecting Together to listen to over 1600 people in Anne Arundel County. Our goal at Ark and Dove is to listen to 200 people.

Who are we going to ask? Members, friends of the church, and neighbors

What questions are we going to ask? What pressures is your family facing? What keeps you up at night?

What are we going to do with the information? We are going to share it with ACT and we are going to share it with our newly forming Long Range Planning Team. We also are listening to see if members have so much passion around an issue that they want to get involved in making change happen.

Does that mean if I attend a listening session, the church is going to ask me to do something? Maybe, and if you don't have time or don't feel the call, then say NO. You don't have to shout; you can simply say no thank you.

What is ACT going to do with the information from our listening sessions? ACT is going to use the collective information from 25 organizations to set the agenda for 2023 - 2024. We will analyze the information and bring it to the attention of county leaders.

Does this really work? It absolutely gives ACT the credibility it needs to bend the ears and hearts of leaders in our county. In a recent listening session with five friends of the church, Amy Tardiff and I heard five deep cries for better mental health services in our county for youth and young adults.

What do we call this kind of work? Democracy, community organizing, faith, showing people that as disciples of Jesus we care. It takes less than an hour and you just might change the world; well a small part of it, anyway.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

This Sunday we will install and ordain church officers in worship at both 9:00 AM and 10:30AM worship. The Presbyterian Church holds on to a unique corner in the world of churches. We, the congregation, elect our church officers and then ordain them. Our Elders and Deacons take the same vows as pastors, except for the last ordination question, which is specific to the office to which one is elected.

See you in church!

Peace,

Tim

tstern@arkanddove.org

Message from Interim Associate Pastors

Dear Friends and Members of the Ark and Dove Community,

What is a Deacon and why are they giving me a call?

Deacons go way back. In the early church it was customary to share the left-over food from communion, which took place at every worship service. Things got chaotic. More and more people with needs became part of the congregation. The leadership, the elders, found themselves overwhelmed. They simply didn’t have time to run the church and care for the people. So: Deacons. They established the office of Deacon. The Deacons’ job was to serve and to make sure that people were cared for. This long line of caring has been passed down to us from the early church and we are blessed with an outstanding board of Deacons.

Our Deacons reach out in caring ways to make sure that the members of our congregation know that they are cared for and prayed for. Our Deacons help us stay connected with one another. We have nine Deacons. Each of our members and friends is assigned a Deacon. The Deacons work to stay in touch with their people, and to respond to any needs. They keep the pastors appraised as to changes or challenges in the lives of their people.

This Sunday there is an all church call-in by the Deacons. They will gather at the church and the plan is that you’ll be getting a call from them. This is just to check in or in some cases to introduce themselves to you. If you would like to share any concerns with your deacon, they will have listening ears and caring hearts. So please answer your phone when it rings this Sunday afternoon. The number may be unfamiliar, but the voice behind it will be someone who cares.

Sometimes there is a glitch, so if you don’t get a call, know that it is not because you are not cared for, but because we somehow messed up. If that happens let us know by contacting the church office admin@rkanddove.org or deacons@arkanddove.org and your deacon will give you a call. Thanks for picking up your phone on Sunday afternoon! And many thanks to our Board of Deacons who care for us in so many ways.

Caroline and Stephen

caroline.pricegibson@arkanddove.org

stephen.pricegibson@arkanddove.org

Verse and Prayer

11 The woman said to him, “Sir, you have no bucket, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? 12 Are you greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us the well and with his sons and his flocks drank from it?” 13 Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, 14 but those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life.” 15 The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I may never be thirsty or have to keep coming here to draw water.”

John 4:11-15

God of light, you do not see as others see; you look beyond our limitations and find us strong and beautiful for your purposes. Help us on our Lenten journeys to see your son Jesus who though he was despised, rejected and executed; triumphed over the powers and principalities of our world. Help us to see the face of Jesus in all the people of the world who suffer and lead us unto sharing your healing touch. Amen.

This week, the band will lead a blended worship service. With traditional hymns, Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken and Here I Am Lord, we have paired the contemporary responses 10,000 Reasons, and The Doxology by Phil Wickham, and the gorgeous Offertory sung by Brittany Wellington and Kim Champagne, Called Me Higher by music duo All Sons and Daughters.

The gentle, folk-inspired song begins with a soft piano and guitar opening, with Brittany Wellington singing the lead that begins with “I could just sit, I could just sit and wait for all Your goodness, hope to feel Your presence." As the song progresses, the music builds, and Kim Champagne enters with harmony, leading to the chorus "You have called me higher, You have called me deeper, and I'll go where You will lead me, Lord."

Throughout the song, the instrumentation is simple yet effective, with acoustic guitar, piano, bass and the keyboard synthesizer that sounds like a full orchestra of strings. The simplicity of the music allows the lyrics to take precedence, highlighting the message of the song.

Rebecca

Director of Music

rechols@arkanddove.org

Musician Spotlight

Paula Sparks was born and raised in Baltimore. She attended Davis and Elkins College and University of MD, where she majored in sociology. She and her husband, David (who sings in the choir), married in 1970, and she worked as a counselor in a group foster home for runaway teen girls. In 1979 they moved to Bowie, where they raised 2 sons- Shawn and Craig, before moving to Millersville in 2000.

Music has always been a part of Paula’s life. Her uncle played organ in the old silent movies in Baltimore and her father sang and played instruments he’d pick up at pawn shops by ear (guitar, ukulele, accordion, and harmonica). Paula studied the piano for 7 years and she took up violin to play in the middle school orchestra. She also dabbled in guitar in high school.

Her official “career” as an accompanist began with the childrens’ choir at church when her son Craig was in the 2nd grade. She followed his interests in music and acting and accompanied his community theatre performances, Elementary Chorus and Show Choir at Thomas Pullen Creative and Performing Arts Magnet School. For 18 years, she accompanied The New Dimension Singers, a women’s ensemble that performed for various groups in the metro area.

In 2004, when Craig returned from graduate school, he became Director of Music at Ark and Dove – as his “groupies”, they followed him (and fell in love with the church). That year he also became artistic director of the newly established Bowie Senior Chorale, and soon after, she received her new (and beloved!) title, “Accompany-mom”. Almost 20 years later, Paula and Craig continue to work together with this now 100-member chorale. The opportunity to work with and learn from her adult son is one of the greatest joys in her life.

While Paula’s interest in social justice issues traces back to the 60’s, she was blinded by white privilege when it came to actively addressing those issues. The Ark and Dove community challenged and supported her in learning and co-leading the Anti-Racism team, and she is eternally grateful for the “wake”-up call! She is also grateful to Rebecca, the choir, and the congregation for allowing her to accompany some of the incredible music for our services. The music touches her soul in a way that words can’t capture.

Greetings!

We are happy to share that our Children’s and Youth Music Ministry will share a special music selection, entitled Dry Bones by Mark Burrows, with the congregation on Sunday, March 26, 2023. Our young people have been working diligently each week in preparation for the upcoming service and are looking forward to serving. If you have young people who would like to join the Children’s and Youth Music Ministry, there is room for you! We meet every Sunday. If you would like to be added to the weekly e-mail list, please e-mail me at raetta.bond@arkanddove.org. Thank you for your continued love and support for our young people!

Weekly Rehearsal Schedule:

Youth Ensemble (Hand Chime Choir, Percussion Ensemble, Piano Ensemble):

9 AM – 9:45 AM

Google Classroom: Youth Ensemble

Choir Rehearsal: 9:45 AM – 10:15 AM

Google Classroom: Children’s Choir

In peace,

Rae'tta

Director of Music for Children and Youth

raetta.bond@arkanddove.org

Generosity!

Please Donate Electronically!

DONATE ONLINE! One-time and recurring!

TEXT your donations! 410-983-3481

Text give to get started. Text commands for more options.

ESTABLISH AN EFT

Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7

Per Capita Special Offering

Ark and Dove is now receiving the Per Capita Special Offering. The church pays a combined $40.00 per member to the General Assembly of the PCUSA ($9.85), The Synod of the Mid Atlantic ($1.15), and the Presbytery of Baltimore ($29.00) to cover the Administrative Expenses of our denomination. Per Capita funding is how Presbyterians mutually share the costs of coming together and to set directions for the future. Contributions to Per Capita provide the ecclesiastical infrastructure that binds our ministry. It enables churches to call pastors; supports those pastors in their ministries; provides for guidance in troubled times; encourages those called to church leadership; and enables us to gather as the body of Christ. You can pay your per Capita by clicking here.

February Financial Summary

YTD Expected Unpledged Income $3,666

Actual Unpledged Income $2,2127

Behind $1,539

YTD Expected Pledged & Electronic Giving $86,658

YTD Actual Pledged & Electronic Giving $75,161

Behind $11,497

Bulletin - 3rd Sunday of Lent

Holy Week Flowers

The Flower Team and Worship Ministry are accepting donations for palms and Easter flowers for Holy week. The suggested donation is $15 and may be made at in-person service or by texting FLOWERS to 410-983-3481. Easter lilies will be available to take home on after Easter Service if desired. Forms are available in the church bulletin or online. If you have any questions, please contact Paula Griggs at 443-510-6687 or paulagriggs32@gmail.com.

Deacons All Call

Calling on All Ark and Dove

members and guests!

The Ark and Dove Deacons will be calling and introducing themselves on Sunday, March 12th after the 10:30 service. The Deacons will also be answering any questions or concerns you may have. We look forward to chatting with you by phone!

Any questions should be directed to Paula Griggs,

paulagriggs32@gmail.com.

Upcoming Listening Sessions

Our Ark and Dove core team is involved in ACT’s current listening campaign. We invite Ark and Dove members and friends and local community members to talk with us. We would like you to share your compelling stories of how you are coping with the challenges of our times. Through these listening sessions, we will learn of your concerns and needs. Your concerns and needs may become causes that ACT addresses through county-wide actions. Closer to home, your stories will factor into our Long Range Planning Team’s work, as well as the Community Engagement efforts that we began last fall.

We are in the process of putting together a schedule of focus group listening sessions. If you are a member of one of these focus groups, you are welcome to attend at the time scheduled. However, attendees need not be affiliated with the focus group; anyone can attend any listening session at their convenience. If you are a member of several focus groups, you do not need to attend more than one session. By early May, we hope to hear the stories of each of you and many of our community neighbors. We look forward to talking with you soon!

The schedule will continue to grow and will include more focus groups in the coming weeks. (Yet to be scheduled: Friendly Seniors, GLEAM, Middle School Youth Group, High School Youth Group)

Upcoming Listening Session Dates

March 10th - 5:05pm-5:50pm, Mi Casita Mexican Restaurant, Gambrills - OPEN LISTENING SESSION

March 14th, 6:15pm-7:00pm, Ark and Dove Room - LOGOS PARENTS

March 15th - 11:15am-12:00pm following Bible Study, Zoom - BIBLE STUDY

March 19th, 11:45am-12:30pm, Ark and Dove Room - PARENTS

March 28th - 7:00pm-7:45pm, Zoom - OPEN LISTENING SESSION

April 3rd - 6:30pm-7:15pm, Zoom - ANTIRACISM

April 11th -7:30pm-8:15pm, Zoom - NEW MEMBERS

April 16th, 10:00am-10:30am, Ark and Dove Room - OPEN LISTENING SESSION

April 18th - 7:00pm-7:45pm, Zoom - OPEN LISTENING SESSION

April 25th - 7:00pm-7:45pm, Zoom - OPEN LISTENING SESSION

April 30th, 11:45am-12:30pm, Ark and Dove Room - OPEN LISTENING SESSION

May 7th, 10:00am-10:30am, Ark and Dove Room - OPEN LISTENING SESSION

Mission

First Meeting of LGBT+ Focused Youth Group

The IRIS Group, a new LGBT+ focused group for teens, will have its first meeting this Wednesday, March 15th at 7pm, in-person in the Calvin room, led by Adora Grace Nilsen-Johnson and Craig West. Expect fun, games, and discussion!

One Great Hour of Sharing

Presbyterians have joined with millions of other Christians through One Great Hour of Sharing to share God’s love with people experiencing need. Our gifts support ministries of disaster response, refugee assistance and resettlement, and community development that help people find safe refuge, start new lives and work together to strengthen their families and communities. The Presbyterian Hunger Program receives 36 percent of undesignated gifts, while Self-Development of People and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance each receives 32 percent.

Offerings may be submitted in the OGHS envelope in the seat backs in the sanctuary, within the Giving Tab on the A&D website, or by texting Great Hour to 410-983-3481 to donate.

DONATE ONLINE!

Mexican Refugee Family Update

In 2017, Ark and Dove members began supporting a newly-arrived refugee family from Mexico. With the church’s support, they were able to learn how to navigate the various health and government systems in the U.S., gain drivers’ licenses, and generally thrive faster than without. Since that time, they’ve received their permanent residency and are working on citizenship; bought their first house; and more recently the mother was able to buy a food truck with money she’d saved up from selling Oaxacan bread.

The family has since been joined by the mother’s sister and her two children, who were able to cross into the U.S. under advance parole that allows migrants from Mexico to enter for one of four special circumstances: those who have a physical or mental illness, a disability, or are pregnant; lack safe housing or shelter in Mexico; have been threatened or harmed while in Mexico; or are under 21 or over 70. In a future update, I’ll go over more recent policy changes put in place by the Biden Administration for migrants seeking asylum and how what’s happening on the Southern Border is a social justice issue.

For now, though, the family could use some additional support from Ark and Dove members who feel so moved. They crossed with very little belongings: only a couple of outfits, one pair of shoes that they wore, and a stuffed animal for the little girl. The family is in need of clothing, and lightly used clothes are fine. Anyone who feels so moved could also provide grocery cards to help with those rising food costs, as well.

A plastic bin has been installed underneath the coat rack at the church to collect any clothes you might have. It is marked with the family’s alias. If you wanted to also contribute a grocery or other card (Shoppers, Walmart, etc) you can leave that in an envelope marked for the Mexican refugee family on Cherese’s (Church Admin) desk.

The kids will start school next week and will have to wear specific colors for school uniforms, and I’ve included what those colors are on the line following clothing sizes.

Mom

Clothing: Children’s Size 10-12

Shoes: Girls’ (children) Size 2

Son (13 years old)

Clothing: Boys’ size 14-16; pants are size 16; Khaki pants and Navy Blue shirts (polo/button up preferred as usual)

Shoes: Boys’ size 7

Daughter (6 years old)

Clothing: Girls’ size 5T; Khaki pants and Black shirts (polo/ button up preferred as usual)

Shoes: Toddler size 11

If you have any questions OR would like to be added to the email list for future updates, contact Laura Willoughby Perry at ljwilloughby@gmail.com.

I have seen the direct difference the direct support, care and concern for this family has made in their lives: Ark and Dove members have blessed them, and as a result they have been able to prosper and thrive much sooner than others who may not have such support. Know that the entire family is moved and touched by Ark and Dove member’s ongoing support.

Laura Willoughby Perry

Member of Refugee Team

Yarn Donations Requested for Guatemala Partnership Trip

Ark and Dove have participated in many trips with the Presbytery of Baltimore throughout the years. The type of Intercultural Encounters that Ark and Dove have participated have changed since we first started participating. We began through the Immersion-Work Groups, a time of study of a certain topic with work experience where we would participate in mutual learning and interaction with Central American people and groups. We later stared participating in Partnership Strengthening Visits which helps solidify relations with local groups and/or churches. We learn about the realities in which their partners live day to day.

If you would like to learn more about the Partnership, please visit the Baltimore Presbytery website under the Relationships tab.

On March 25th Lori Kronser, Sher Atkinson and I will be traveling to Guatemala for a week of reconnection with CEDEPCA after a few years off due to Covid-19. We will be taking with us yarn for the women who create beautiful scarves that help to support them and their families. A box will be placed near the collection area by the nursery. Any type or color of yarn will be greatly appreciated.

Blessings,

Cheryl Walcutt

Member of CEDEPCA Team

Outreach & Connections

Prince of Peace Presbyterian Church

Christian Education for Children and Youth

Sunday Mornings for Children and Youth

9:00 AM

Childcare

Youth, Percussion, & Hand Chime Ensemble (9:00 to 9:45)

Children & Youth Choir (9:45 to 10:15)

10:30 AM

Childcare

Godly Play Sunday School Pre-K through grade 4

Middle School Sunday School grade 5 through 8

Leaders and Helpers Needed

To ensure that we can continue to offer the above Christian Educational opportunities we NEED leaders! Currently we do NOT have enough to fully staff any of these programs. Please consider offering your gifts and talents to help these programs thrive. You will need to complete a background check and training. Curriculum and materials are provided. Please contact CE Elder, Sara Fox at christianed@arkanddove.org if interested.

Thank you to those of you who’ve already made a commitment to help out this year!!!

Nursery Helpers: If you are already a CE leader or a high school student, please consider signing up HERE to help in the nursery. You will be assisting Cara Moody as needed.

As always, any questions or concerns please reach out to me at christianed@arkanddove.org.

Prayer Requests

Please keep the following people in your prayers this week:

PRAYERS OF HEALING AND SUPPORT FOR John Morgan, Wendy Wellington's Father; Chris A., Cherese Scarbor's Father, recovering from a Stroke; Don and Peggi Ziegler upon the death of David U'Hali, the cousin of Don and upon the death of Peggy's brother, Kevin Litaker; Val who had surgery and preparing for another surgery; Friends living with cancer; Jeff Faiman awaiting biopsy results; someone struggling with depression; A transwomen attacked in Towson; Jeff Miller now in hospice care; Doris Fields struggling with cardiac issues; Baker family after baby Charlie born at 24.5 weeks; Lucy Sorenson who fell and broken hip and elbow; Joan Berry for good physical and mental health at age 82; Val Ford, having surgery for cancer; Diane McPhail, recovering after surgery; Jeff Miller, Kathy Miller's brother-in-law; Shelley Franklin; Nikol Sahai recovering from surgery; Layla Tyus with health issues and her family; Elizabeth Carter; Joseph Cate, Craig West's partner, Children with cancer, their families, and their care providers; Finn Murray home from the hospital; Jimmy Carter; Tim Soyars, nephew of Dot Forloines; Cyndy Ingram, step-daughter of Dot Forloines; Laura Talbert recovering from surgery; the people of Syria and Turkey; Paul Doughty on the death of his Aunt Faye; Linnie Girdner; Lamika Wilson and family that is facing multiple conflicts and despair; Barb Benson, Mary Benson's sister; Norman Willoughby, Laura Willoughby-Perry’s father; the family of Jatin Patel, who died after a battle with brain cancer; Bernice Taylor; Bri R and Ezra; Ostrach Family; Loretta Frick; the Bonstrom family; Houseknecht family; Eric Grimm who broke his foot; Dick Eckersley's granddaughter; Ebenye Ade upon the death of her brother, Thompson Ade; Amy Tardiff's mother; Aunt Teri in home hospice care; the family of a boy who died in a fire; the SeonBuchner family dealing with ongoing challenges and preparing for upcoming surgeries; a niece who was diagnosed with breast cancer; Denise Bartgis; Ardeth Johns; Mandie Kuhl, the niece of Steve and Cathy Debus, who is battling cancer; the Asian American community in Montgomery Park after recent events; the Marsh Family; for family members suffering from addiction; the Herman's next door neighbor - open heart surgery; Sarah, Brenn Budge's sister; Doris Fields in the hospital; Colleen recovering from a stroke; the Knight Family; a friend facing brain surgery; a mother in the hospital; Don Clark; a friend having medical issues; Linda Walcutt; Ann Hirschy; a friend of Kathy Emmert, Natalie Fenwick who is in the hospital; Karen Dodson; MaryAnn Buckley; Sue Miller, Laura Willoughby-Perry’s mother, after hip surgery; Audrey Miller, daughter of Kathy Miller; a wonderful teen facing the challenges of an eating disorder; Dotty Kaufmann; Mary Elizabeth Nay; Bri Lapp; a teen struggling with peer concerns at school; Holly Folk, friend of Laura Willoughby-Perry; Carol & Henry Saylor; Rose having health issues; Deb Saylor's grand-nephew, Jordan; Christy Hipchen's Great Uncle, Steven Stanko; Chantel Seetram; Debbie and Bruce Arey's Daughter, Allison; families impacted by gun violence; Dr. Jesse Nicholson, Connie Batts' brother-in-law; Danni Johnson, fighting cancer; the family of Gavin Hurley; Amanda Welford; Bruce Arey's sister; Helen Jarkiewicz; Dee going through breast cancer; Doug Dehaven; Marie, Nikol Sahai’s Mom; Irina Lee, Jan and Al Jank's daughter-in-law; Fran; Dot Forloines; Vaughn Brown; Dick Paronto; Julie Devers' friend Zenia Dacio-Messina; Hope Sutphin; Emily Wehage; Freyja Hartzell; Rebecca Echols friend, Lauren Douglas; Andy, friend of Karen Dodson; Ghazal Abawi; Cara Moody’s father-in-law, Gary Moody Sr.; Debbie Saylor's Friends: Carlene Printy and Helen Rossum

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.