The Arkive: Ark and Dove's Newsletter | |
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3rd Sunday of Advent
December 11th, 2022
In-Person Worship at 9:00 and 10:30 am, this Sunday!
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!
Get your bulletin here.
*Register for Sunday School here.
You can connect on YouTube HERE.
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Dear Friends and Members of the Ark and Dove Community,
This Sunday we will light the rose (or pink) candle on the Advent Wreath. The Wreath grows brighter with the light and love of God. The rose candle stands for Joy. True joy comes from God. True Joy comes from God, not exclusively, but endlessly if we avail ourselves of that well of grace. True Joy may well be limitless, regenerative and life defining. True joy is like the extemporaneous out flow and outburst of faith that flowed from the lips of Mary on the pages of the Gospel of the Gospel of Luke. "My soul magnifies the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my savior...." This was part of the song she sang when she answered God's call to bear Jesus as her son. In her model discipleship she found joy. In her model discipleship, she inspired and inspires us to become participants in God's dream for the world. This Advent Season, the growing light on the wreath sends us forth toward the joy of the incarnation, the joy of Christmas, the joy of God embodied in Jesus.
I am looking forward to this Sunday's Christmas Pageant at the 10:30 worship service. Christmas Pageants always bring me Joy. Our Advent Preaching Series featuring Dicken's A Christmas Carol will be continued at the 9:00AM service. This 9:00AM service will not be live streamed, but it will be recorded and placed on the Ark and Dove YouTube Channel.
Blessings on your Advent journey,
Tim
tstern@arkanddove.org
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Message from Interim Associate Pastors | |
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Dear friends and members at Ark and Dove,
The children of Ark and Dove are going to present their annual Christmas Pageant this Sunday at the 10:30 a.m. service. It is entitled JOY AROUND THE WORLD, and develops this year’s Advent and Christmas theme of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Because Sunday is the Third Sunday of Advent, our worship will be shaped by the third Stave (chapter) of the book, in which Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by the Spirit of Christmas Present.
Scrooge is taken by the Spirit to see how Christmas is kept by people he knows, like his hospitable nephew whose invitation to Christmas dinner he has rejected, and also the modest home of his clerk, Bob Cratchit, where the joy of Christmas is present in spite of poverty and the frailty of the youngest child, Tiny Tim. The Cratchit home is where we first hear the words “God bless us, everyone!” From the Cratchit home the Spirit whisks Scrooge through the air to visit people who he does not know, in places like a miner’s house, a light house, and even a fishing boat at sea. Scrooge learns that the joy of Christmas is a gift to all people of good will, rich and poor alike.
JOY AROUND THE WORLD imagines that the Spirit of Christmas Present goes on to show Scrooge how Christmas is kept well beyond the boundaries of his native England. They visit France, Germany, Cameroon, Argentina, and Canada and learn something about how Christmas is celebrated in each country. The Children Choir will sing a song from each land. You may have heard them all, or some may be new to you. All the songs sung are in fact Christmas songs included in Glory to God: The Presbyterian Hymnal. The children have practiced hard for weeks to touch our hearts with their voices.
The Pageant will take on the role of the sermon in the 10:30 a.m. service. (For those who wish to hear Caroline’s sermon but will not be at the 9:00 a.m., it will be recorded and posted on the Ark and Dove YouTube channel.) At Ark and Dove, we say that anyone can be a leader when the situation calls for it. This Sunday we will experience the children as our leaders in worship, guiding us as we prepare ourselves to celebrate God’s gift of joy to the world, when the Lord is come to us as a child laid in a manger.
See you in church.
Pastors Caroline and Stephen
caroline.pricegibson@arkanddove.org
stephen.pricegibson@arkanddove.org
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Strengthen the week hands and make firm the feeble knees.
Say to those who are of fearful heart,
“Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God.”
Isaiah 35:3-4a
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Holy One, we ask that you be with us in our preparations for your coming.
Decorate our hearts with hope. Wrap our lives with love.
Help us to tell the story of your coming not as something which happened
2000 years ago, but as something which is happening in our lives and in our
world right now. For you are Emmanuel, God with us.
We give you thanks and praise, for You are the Holy One who makes our hearts strong and teaches us to fear not. Amen.
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This Sunday, as you know, is our Christmas Pageant and the children have done an incredible job of preparing, under the leadership of Rae'tta Bond and Stephen Price-Gibson. I hope that you can be there to hear their wonderful message at the 10:30 service.
This third week in Advent, the services will open with a beautiful duet by Adell Gaurin and Kim Champagne, called A Thousand Hallelujahs by Brooke Ligertwood. The Offertory is led by the band this week, and features Paul Doughty and the full band singing Here Comes Heaven. This piece is written by the group Elevation Worship, and speaks about the promised Messiah who is soon to be born. The song opens with the lines: "Children, weep no more. Hope is on the horizon. Weary world behold your promised Messiah. Angels let your song begin. Here comes heaven". The accompaniment is full and lush, crescendoing to the phrase "Here Comes Heaven", with all of the singers joining in to exclaim it. As we move through this Advent season, I hope that we can listen to this prayer and focus on the gift of God. Hope is on the horizon. Here comes heaven!
Lyrics:
Children, weep no more
Hope is on the horizon
Weary world behold
Your promised Messiah
Angels, let your song begin
Here comes Heaven
Christ is born in Bethlehem
Here comes Heaven
Sinner, wait no more
Love has broken the silence
Come let us adore
The Savior is with us
Angels, let your song begin
Here comes Heaven
Christ is born in Bethlehem
Here comes Heaven
Here comes Heaven
Now, behold His glory
Glory in the highest
All the earth rejoice for Christ is born
Now, behold His glory
Glory in the highest
All the earth rejoice for Christ is born
Over all who mourn
Breaks the dawn of salvation
Darkness reigns no more
For Jesus is greater
He is greater
Angels, let your song begin
Here comes heaven
Christ is born in Bethlehem
Here comes heaven
Angels, let your song begin
Here comes Heaven
All creation worship Him
Here comes Heaven
Here comes Heaven
With love,
Rebecca
Director of Music
rechols@arkanddove.org
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In peace,
Rae'tta
Director of Music for Children and Youth
raetta.bond@arkanddove.org
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Message from Interim Director of Youth Ministry | |
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Grace & Peace,
Whitney
Interim Director of Youth Ministry
Whitney.grimm@arkanddove.org
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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
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November Financial Summary | |
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YTD Expected Unpledged Income $45,833
Actual Unpledged Income $18,724
Behind $27,109
YTD Expected Pledged & Electronic Giving $468,799
YTD Actual Pledged & Electronic Giving $471,497
Ahead $2,698
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Bulletin - 3rd Sunday in Advent | |
Advent Service
Dec. 18th
4th Sunday of Advent
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Christmas & New Year's
Dec. 24th
Christmas Eve Services:
-Children's Service 4pm
-Service of Lessons and Carols at 7pm
Candlelighting during the singing of Silent Night
Dec. 25th
Christmas Day
Single Service Sunday at 11:00am
January 1st
1st Sunday of Christmas
Single Service Sunday at 11:00am
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Christmas Poinsettias
The Flower Team and Worship Ministry is accepting donations for flowers, greens, and a Christmas tree for the Advent season and Christmas Eve/Day service. We will be displaying poinsettias for the Christmas Eve Service. The suggested donation is $15 dollars. 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.
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From the Tech Booth: Volunteers Needed
If you attended the 10:30 service 3 weeks ago, you heard Pastor Tim speak out for the need for volunteers to help staff the tech booth as Joe Gray had one arm on each computer trying to keep things running smoothly. This isn’t the first time in the recent past where we’ve had to adapt at the last minute due to the small size of our team... In a perfect world, we would have sufficient volunteers to have a “once per month” rotation. Each week, we would like to have seven people participating on the tech team, so to have everyone volunteer once a month, 28 people would be needed. Over the last few months, that load has been carried by 7 people, with two people recently starting to run the sound board solo. This means we’re looking for 17 additional people!
If you’re interested in being one of the 17, please stop me on a Sunday morning or email me at ryan.stavely@arkanddove.org. Once a handful of people have been identified, we’ll hold a brief orientation session and then begin your training. No prior experience is needed, and you don’t need to be a “computer person” to be a good fit. If Sunday morning doesn’t work for you, one of the weekly needs is the prior preparation of the graphics/words for the service. This can be done from home any time during the second half of the week.
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Join guest host, Ellen Makar, as she interviews a Stewardship Team member, Joe Gray, as they discuss Dedication Sunday.
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6 November
Join guest host Lilly as she interviews our new Interim Director of Youth Ministry: Whitney Grimm to discuss her plans for the newly re-instated Ark and Dove Youth Group!
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16 October
Lobby Host Christa Kronser discusses the Anne Arundel Connecting Together (ACT) Candidates Accountability Action with Countywide Candidates event held on 14th of October at Ark and Dove Presbyterian Church.
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Grief and the Holidays
If you’re grieving the loss of someone this Christmas season, the music, decorations, and busy plans that create holiday cheer for others may not do it for you. Sometimes it is good to spend a little time in the company of those who may feel more like you do -- who also lost a loved one, whether recently or long ago. You, as well as family and friends, are invited to join Grief and the Holidays on Wednesday, December 14th from 7:30 - 8:45pm on Zoom. The group is co-facilitated by Tim Stern, Cathy Debus, and Linnie Girdner.
Please notify Linnie Girdner at girdnerlinda@gmail.com to sign up and receive the Zoom link, even if you just have an inkling that you might attend.
For additional ways to handle the holiday, see HERE.
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The Fellowship Table Wants You!
With more people visiting Ark & Dove, we want to make sure they feel welcome. We are looking for people to help with bringing the snacks, setting up, and cleaning up on a regular or periodic basis. This can be a great opportunity to get children involved in the life of Ark & Dove! They can help choose the "menu", set the table, and get to meet more folks in our faith community. Please contact us at Outreach@ArkandDove.org to sign up or want more information.
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Parent Group will resume in 2023
Due to scheduling conflicts during the holiday season, parent group will not meet again until January 2023. If you have any questions, please contact Nicole Howe at nicolehowe123@gmail.com.
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Christmas Holiday Sharing
Thank you to everyone who has signed up to provide Holiday Sharing gifts. As of Wednesday night, there were about 37 children not yet selected in the sign-up. Our goal is to complete deliveries on December 18th. To see the online sign-up and instructions click here. You can also find the link on the Ark & Dove website home page. If you sign up, a team captain will contact you with more information and to work out delivery plans. You can also find your team captain in the sign-up following the instructions. Help with delivery will be much appreciated. For questions, for help signing up, or to help with delivery, please contact Greg Makar (GLMakar@juno.com).
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Christmas Joy
This Sunday begins our five Sunday Christmas Joy Special Offering. The Christmas Joy offering supports the following endeavors:
- 25% to refugee assistance
- 25% to the Light House Homeless Prevention Center
- 25% to support current and retired PCUSA church workers in their time of need
- 25% to developing future leaders at Presbyterian-related racial ethnic schools and colleges
Go to Ark and Dove Giving page or TEXT your donations to 410-983-3481. Text GIVE to get started. Text COMMANDS for more options.
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CAP Food Pantry
The Christian Assistance Program (CAP) food pantry in Odenton is grateful for our ongoing support. The items most needed right now at the pantry are shelf milk (like Parmalat®), jelly/jam, ramen, and macaroni & cheese.
We have bins marked for CAP food in the cabinet across from the lobby coat rack. Food can also be taken directly to the pantry at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Odenton, on Tuesdays 10:30am-1:30pm and Thursdays 1:30-5:30pm. Or contact Greg Makar (GLMakar@juno.com) to make other arrangements.
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GLEAM- Changing the Game,
movie & discussion
Movie & discussion- Join us Sunday, January 15th at noon in the sanctuary for a viewing and discussion of the documetary Changing the Game. Light snacks and drinks provided. If you need childcare contact Amanda Crose amanda.rose.crose@gmail.com
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Donations Needed
As the Abawi family settle into their new home, we can then concentrate on the many other ways we can support this family.
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Car Donation
As they find employment in the near future along with the many health appointments they have, both the Annapolis Presbyterian Church and Ark and Dove are asking if you, or anyone you may know, have any vehicle that can be donated to the Abawi family. Please reach out to Debbie Arey at debarey@hotmail.com.
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THE RACE CARD
(And other "microaggressions" that get in the way of real conversations about race)
On Sunday, January 29th the Anti-Racism team will host a luncheon after the service, followed by a 2 hour workshop from 12:30 - 2:30pm presented by Jeff Bolognese. Jeff comes to us highly recommended from Presbytery and has led these trainings through work and in churches. Please add the date to your calendar now and plan to join us for this important training.
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Christian Education for Children | |
Sunday Mornings for Children and Youth | |
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9:00 AM
Childcare
Middle School Chimes and Percussion Ensembles (9:00 to 9:45)
After the Children’s Sermon: Godly Play Sunday School Pre-K through grade 5
10:00 AM
Children’s Choir
10:30 AM
Childcare
After the Children’s Sermon: Godly Play Sunday School Pre-K through grade 4
Middle School Sunday School grade 5 through 8
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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.
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Please keep the following people in your prayers this week:
PRAYERS OF HEALING AND SUPPORT for the love and sympathy of the Congregation is extended to the Weissner, and Lohr families upon the death of Arlyce Lohr, a longtime member of Ark and Dove; Dan Atkinson; MaryAnn Buckley; Christina Casio-Futch, her father and extended family in Peru; Sue Miller, Laura Willoughby-Perry’s mother, after hip surgery; a family member struggling with addition and their loved ones; healing prayers for Audrey Miller, daughter of Kathy Miller; Neal Frick in the hospital; Shannon Graf after an assault; for those struggling through the holiday season; prayers for inspiration meeting individuals & collective needs; a family member out of the hospital; Nikol Sahai, undergoing chemo-therapy; Mike Davie's sister-in-law in hospice care, and for her family; the Marsh Family waiting for their adopted children to come in January; a wonderful teen facing the challenges of an eating disorder; a teen in need of a family; Carolyn Patrinicola, the mother of Beth Stewart; The mother of Sara Yotter; Martha Huthmaker, Cherese's mother-in-law; Dotty Kaufmann; Harrison James Odom; Mary Elizabeth Nay, diagnosed with Colon Cancer; Bri awaiting preliminary results & tests; a teen struggling with peer concerns at school; Ron Miller, dealing with health issues; Holly Folk, friend of Laura Willoughby-Perry, recovering from back surgery; Carol & Henry Saylor; Rose having health issues; Deb Saylor's grand-nephew, Jordan; Christy Hipchen's Great Uncle, Steven Stanko; a friend's mother in hospital battling an illness; Chantel Seetram; Debbie and Bruce Arey's Daughter, Allison; a husband awaiting test results; families impacted by gun violence; Dr. Jesse Nicholson, Connie Batts' brother-in-law; Laura Talbert; Danni Johnson, fighting cancer; Denise Bartgis chemo treatments; little girl diagnosed with leukemia and her family; the family of Gavin Hurley; Amanda Welford; Bruce Arey's sister; Helen Jarkiewicz; Dee going through breast cancer; Doug Dehaven with cardiac problems; Karen Judeich; 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; Jeff Miller, Kathy Miller’s brother-in-law; Freyja Hartzell; Amy Goldberg's father, Michael Cooper; Rebecca Echols friend, Lauren Douglas; Andy, friend of Karen Dodson; Ghazal Abawi; Mike Bartgis's cousin; Marjorie Tanner, Laura Doughty’s mother; Cara Moody’s father-in-law, Gary Moody Sr.; Carly & Chris Taylor, Friends of Michelle Schoonmaker; 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.
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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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