The Arkive: Ark and Dove's Newsletter | |
Can't see the entire Arkive? Click "View entire message" at the bottom of the email! | | |
Reign of Christ
November 20th, 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.
| |
|
Dear Friends and Members of the Ark and Dove Community,
In my October 16 sermon entitled The Persistent Steward, I had the following paragraph in my written text.
“The Apostle Paul encourages us to pray without ceasing. That’s a tall order, but there are days that we are keenly aware, that there is a power in the universe that deeply loves us and everything seems just right. Some people call this mindfulness others call it resting in God. Academy Award Winner James Becket called it zippidy doo da in the Disney movie Song of the South. I know our Anti-Racism scholars will appreciate the ironies, in me sighting this movie.”
During the sermon at the 10:30 service, I ad-libbed and mentioned that Becket was the first Black man to receive an Academy Award. What I should have done is use a different illustration. But if I ever use this film in a sermon again, I should mention that this special Academy Award was really an act of a Hollywood dominated by the mindset of white supremacy. White supremacy is the false understanding that white is the norm and superior race, and that people of color are the exception and inferior race. When you mix in the power that white people have in our culture, this makes a destructive racism.
One form of racism is depicting Black People in films as the “magical negro,” the exception to the white supremacist view. While white people like me, might have a positive childhood memory of Mr. Becket’s role in the movie The Song of the South, Mr. Becket was in fact “played” and “used” by Disney to reinforce the racist stereo types of the times. Furthermore, these images, (A picture of Mr. Becket from the movie was shown on screen) can be traumatizing to people of color and was in fact troubling to at least one of our members. Even worse, the way I voiced the expression “zippidy doo da” reinforced the racial cultural bias and to make it a complete mess, the congregation laughed. I apologize for my careless illustration with its multiple layers of racism. What this shows me is that racism is so culturally entrenched in our mindset, that we who are white have trouble detecting it. Even while trying to make positive point about God’s love, I made a racist crack. Racism, it’s in the air we breathe, but we often can’t smell it.
I profess to being a “White Ally.” Thank you to those who pointed out my error. I could have come up with a better illustration for expressing the wideness of God’s Love. I am humbled and a better ally because of your courage. As one of my mentors said to me, “Don’t get your arm all out of joint while patting yourself on the back.”
If you were present and laughed at that point in the sermon, or felt some dis-ease, I invite you to join me in contemplation and or confession.
As a queer friendly congregation, we will say prayers this Sunday, the Transgender Day of Remembrance, for the several hundred people in the world who died in the past year from violence due to transphobia.
Peace of Christ,
Tim
tstern@arkanddove.org
| |
Message from Interim Associate Pastors | |
|
Dear Members and Friends of Ark and Dove,
Have you ever read A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens? It’s a short book which has charmed readers from its first publication in 1843 and delighted modern audiences who have seen it performed on stage, on television, and on the big screen; as live performances and as animated features. George C. Scott, Patrick Stewart, and Scrooge McDuck (Donald’s uncle) have all played the leading role of Ebenezer Scrooge.
This Advent season at Ark and Dove, we are going to be guided by this little book as we spiritually prepare for the birth of Jesus. Dickens has wisdom to offer us as we celebrate God, Immanuel – God with us. Each Sunday in Advent and on Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25, our worship will take up themes corresponding to one of the five chapters in A Christmas Carol. If you want to be extra prepared for each service, just read the one chapter before each Sunday. But be sure to read it for fun, and not as homework!
On the third Sunday of Advent, December 11, at the 10:30 service, we will be instructed and inspired by the children’s Christmas Pageant instead of a sermon at that service. Join Scrooge and the Spirit of Christmas Present as the children lead us in looking in on how Christmas is celebrated in many lands in Joy Around the World.
Ebenezer Scrooge learned the true meaning of Christmas because of his remarkable visions of Christmases past, present and future. To be honest, each of us needs to rediscover the true meaning of Christmas many times in our lives. Our Christmas Carol themed Advent is aimed and helping rediscover God’s wondrous work as we prepare to receive the Christ child in our lives.
We wish you in advance a meaningful Advent and a very Merry Christmas.
Pastors Caroline and Stephen
caroline.pricegibson@arkanddove.org
stephen.pricegibson@arkanddove.org
| |
|
33 When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. …….. 39 One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, “Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” 40 But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43 He replied, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
Verse Luke 23 selected verses
| |
Holy One, we thank you that you never forsake us, that you never stop loving us. Trusting in your unfailing love, we bind ourselves together as a congregation is service to your dream for humanity and the earth. Through your Holy Spirit, touch us, renew us, comfort us, challenge and unite us in ministry that we may help build your kindom on earth. Amen. | |
|
This Sunday marks the Transgender Day of Remembrance. In doing research to honor these precious lives that were lost, I learned that at least 30 have died by violence this year in the United States. It is a devastating statistic. These victims are generally young, and an overwhelming majority of victims are Black and killed with a firearm. To honor them, I have prepared a Prelude video tribute to them, and to our own community of people in the LGBTQ+ community to know that ALL belong here, in our church, just as you are.
We have also chosen a hymn from the song book Songs for the Holy Other, to the tune of Be Thou My Vision.
Our offertory piece is called Your Great Name by Natalie Grant, in celebration of Reign of Christ Sunday! Our band will be singing, featuring Brittany Wellington as our soloist. I hope that you will be there to hear the wonderful music that we have planned for you this week.
Warmly,
Rebecca
Director of Music
rechols@arkanddove.org
| |
|
Message from Interim Director of
Youth Ministry
| |
|
Dear Friends and Members of the Ark and Dove Community,
I am incredibly thankful to work with our youth; they are thoughtful, well-informed, and passionate about justice. Given this, I know many of them understand and are concerned about the ethical conflicts that arise from celebrating Thanksgiving. There are many resources out there about Decolonizing Thanksgiving, and I encourage us all to avail ourselves of them and to be thoughtful in how we discuss the matter with the children and youth in our church. I am hopeful that we can find a balance between celebrating being thankful, if celebrating is what we choose to do, while also not forgetting the historical injustices wrapped up in our traditions.
In other news, we are expanding Youth School Sunday School to include 5th through 8th grade. Please make sure your 5th graders know they will be in the Marshall Room instead of with Godly Play. Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.
We will be having Youth Group on the Sundays before and after the week of Thanksgiving. Youth Group will be at its normal time (5-6pm) on November 20th. On November 27th, we will be hosting a youth movie night (with snacks!) from 5-7pm. We are excited to enjoy some time to fellowship and relax after the holiday!
|  | |
|
Grace & Peace,
Whitney
Interim Director of Youth Ministry
Whitney.Grimm@arkanddove.org
| |
DONATE ONLINE! One-time and recurring!
TEXT your donations! 410-983-3481
Text give to get started. Text commands for more options.
To donate for Ukraine help, text amount followed by Ukraine.
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
| | | |
Bulletin - Reign of Christ | |
Ark & Dove Grounds-Work Day | |
We will be having a Grounds Workday for the church lawn and garden for the fall TOMORROW November 19th at 9am. | |
Anti-Racism Happenings!
Sunday, November 20th: Documentary and Discussion at Ark and Dove on Who We Are: A Chronicle of Racism in America. Jeffery Robinson, founder and CEO of The Who We Are Project, focuses on the experience of Black America including some of his family history from 2:00pm - 4:30pm via Zoom. Contact Paula Sparks to receive the Zoom invitation: trebleclef48@gmail.com.
| |
|
Nov. 27th
1st Sunday of Advent
Dec. 11th
3rd Sunday of Advent:
Children's Christmas Pageant
| |
|
Dec. 4th
2nd Sunday of Advent
Dec. 18th
4th Sunday of Advent
| | |
|
Christmas Poinsettias
ADVENT BEGINS ON NOVEMBER 27
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.
| |
|
Equipping the Saints:
Spiritual Gift Inventory
| |
|
God has gifted everyone with unique talents and dispositions for doing the work of mission and ministry. Please set aside some time this week to take our Spiritual Gifts Inventory and then join us for a Spiritual Gifts class in person in the Ark and Dove Room or via Zoom November 30th at 6:30pm. Dinner and childcare will be provided at the church. RSVP below. Questions should be sent to discipleship@arkanddove.org.
RSVP NOW
| |
|
Join guest host, Ellen Makar, as she interviews a Stewardship Team member, Joe Gray, as they discuss Dedication Sunday.
| |
|
|
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!
| |
|
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.
| |
GLEAM -
Family & Allies Meeting
Monday, November 21, 7:00pm - 8:00pm. This support group is for family and friends of LGBTQIA+ persons and allies who want to learn more. We will be discussing how to interrupt bias based behaviors and other topics brought to the group. For the zoom link contact Amy Tardiff Lilac.n.Spruce@gmail.com.
| |
|
Winter Relief
We have been asked for some help from Chandra Knabel, Chandra is leading the Winter Relief at Our Shepherd, Lutheran in Severna Park the week of November 21st - 27th.
Winter Relief has operated as a seasonal Emergency Temporary Shelter since 1992. Hosted at different Anne Arundel County religious facilities each week from late October through April, the shelter is a safe and comfortable refuge for those experiencing homelessness throughout the coldest months of the year.
Please use the sign-up sheet below to sign up for the Winter Relief - Our Shepherd Lutheran
Sign-up Sheet: Winter Relief 2022
| |
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.
Clothing Donation
In need of donations of men’s casual clothing size large. Please contact Debbie Arey at debarey@hotmail.com.
|
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.
| |
Let's Talk - December 6th
Last winter a group who studied Robin DiAngelo's book, Nice Racism, followed her suggestion to form a White Affinity Group to continue learning and hold each other accountable. It's an informal space where we share how we are continuing our anti-racist journey, ask questions, share concerns, and make suggestions for further learning. We'd like to start the group again and invite all to join, regardless of where you are on your journey. Meetings will be monthly on zoom, Tuesdays from 7pm - 8pm and begin on December 6th. Contact Paula Sparks, trebleclef48@gmail.com to sign up for the group and receive the monthly zoom link.
| |
Rise Up, Shepherd! Advent Reflections on the Spirituals
During this Advent season we will be reading the above title written by Luke A. Powery. There are a variety of dates and times to choose from. Please indicate your interest in joining a group by filling out this form. Books will be purchased for anyone who indicates interest in joining by November 13th.
| |
New Arrival at the Ark and Dove Library
We have recently purchased a subscription to the Christian Century, a magazine that for decades has provided a voice for progressive, mainline Christianity. A glance at this month’s edition attests to this fact with articles on land acknowledgments, Christian dominionism and nationalism, peacemaking on the West Bank and so much more. Book lovers will enjoy the Fall Books Review. As we do with our Sojourners subscription, we have digital access to the current magazine as well as their archives. Please email me at Librarian@arkanddove.org for access.
| |
Ready to check out a book? See our Online Catalog.
| |
Christian Education for Children | | |
|
Nursery: open for children age birth to 3
9:00am and 10:30am Service
PreK Sunday School: Ages 4-5
9:00am service and 10:30 service
Godly Play: Elementary Ages
9:00am service is a K-5 group
10:30am service has both a K-2 and a 3-4 group
Youth Sunday School: Grades 5-8
10:30am service
| | |
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.
| |
Disability Justice in the Church
Join us for the next discussion on intersectional identities that frame one’s experience with the church. Katie Nilsen-Johnson and Michelle Schoonmaker will lead a conversation on the relationship between disability and the church on November 29th at 7:30pm. “Disability” is an inclusive term encompassing a broad range of visible and invisible disabilities including physical impairments, health conditions, and neurodivergence.
Email outreach@arkanddove.org for the zoom link.
| |
|
Ministry & Membership
Interest Meeting
Interested in ways to get involved at Ark and Dove? Considering becoming a member? We will be having a ministry and membership interest session on December 3rd from 9am until roughly 11:30am. Breakfast will be provided and childcare will be provided if needed. Please RSVP below. We look forward to seeing you!
RSVP HERE
| |
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.
| | |
|
Please keep the following people in your prayers this week:
PRAYERS OF HEALING AND SUPPORT for The mother of Sara Yotter; Martha Huthmaker, Cherese's mother-in-law; Arlyce Lohr; Dotty Kaufmann; Harrison James Odom; Kathy Miller's daughter, Audrey Miller, recuperating from surgery; Mary Elizabeth Nay, diagnosed with Colon Cancer; Bri awaiting preliminary results & tests; Carolyn Patrinicola, the mother of Beth Stewart, undergoing medical testing; a teen struggling with peer concerns at school; the family of Lana, a friend of the Makars, who died; the Rosenthal and Winkler family upon the death of Donald Everett Winkler, the father of Ann Marie Rosenthal; Ron Miller, dealing with health issues; Holly Folk, friend of Laura Willoughby, recovering from back surgery; Carol & Henry Saylor; Rose having health issues; a young mother fighting cancer; 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; Anthony Welford, recovering from surgery; 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; Jeanne Elbefeld; Ghazal Abawi; Mike Bartgis's cousin; Marjorie Tanner, Laura Doughty’s mother; Ellen; Cara Moody’s father-in-law, Gary Moody Sr.; Carly & Chris Taylor, Friends of Michelle Schoonmaker; Laurie Barrow's brother, Steve Beckwith; Fred Barrow’s sister, Betsy Sargant; 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.
| |
Ark and Dove Presbyterian Church | 410-674-6400 | admin@arkanddove.org | www.arkanddove.org | 8424 Piney Orchard Pkwy. Odenton, MD 21113
| | | | | |
