The Arkive: Ark and Dove's Newsletter |
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Second Sunday in Advent!
Virtual Fellowship, 11:45-12:15!
Please connect on YouTube HERE
Christmas Eve Services - 5pm outdoors, 7pm indoors - see Worship article below.
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Masks and reservations required at the indoor worship services, please.
- Please email [email protected] to receive an invitation to join the Virtual Fellowship call on Zoom.
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Please register HERE for Sunday School and Godly Play.
Please register HERE for LOGOS.
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Dear Member and Friends of the Ark and Dove Community,
There are many Advents:
There was the first Advent, when Elizabeth and Zechariah and Mary and Joseph and Magi and Shepherds wrestled with how to respond to some pretty compelling calls from God.
There are the many Advents the church has celebrated on its way to the grand celebration called Christmas.
There are the secular Advents, the way that economies have appropriated the Christmas stories for their economic benefit. (Only 22 shopping days left until Christmas. Remember online merchants can not guarantee on time delivery for items ordered after December - let’s say 20th.)
There are the culturally hybrid Advents, the way tribes and religions have worked Christmas into their indigenous beliefs and customs. And the way Christianity appropriated indigenous customs into it’s Holy Celebration – like pagan Christmas Trees and Advent Wreaths and moving the celebration of the coming of Jesus Christ, the light of the world, into the space previously occupied by low light Winter Solstice rituals.
Most important there are the Spiritual Advents, those moments when the light of Christ penetrates the fog and darkness of the world with all its crucifixions and demands. That is what the lighting of the Advent Wreath symbolizes – those glimmers of God’s Spirit, those surprises of joy that touch us much deeper than the holly jolly. Lent came first, a time to prepare hearts for the miracle of Easter resurrection. Advent was then conceived of as a mini lent, a time to prepare preoccupied hearts for new life and new light.
Advent comes again and again in so many ways. Advent beckons to us – decorate your hearts – be ready for Joy. A baby will come. Be ready to cradle that miracle in your soul.
Peace of Christ,
Tim
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Dear Member and Friends of Ark and Dove,
Advent is here and much is as expected. The signs of Christmas abound. Shops are busier than before. Trees are nearly bare. Pageant practices are more focused. Another variant has been detected. Schedules, nevertheless, are filled with parties and performances. Gift lists are being checked and made longer. Holiday plans are tentatively made. The sanctuary is decorated dark blue. Prophets are more often quoted in worship. Christmas offerings, gifts, and flowers are arranged. Advent, much as expected.
And yet, Advent is about the unexpected. It trains our attention on the surprising way in which God comes into our scene. Advent is the season where we anticipate a surprise like the one in the manger. But how can we anticipate a surprise? Is that not a contradiction in terms? I don't believe so. Advent is a season where we are invited to dispose of our expectations--particularly of God and where we might meet God. Perhaps in all the expected things that happen during Advent, we will encounter God in what we often overlook. God might just enter the scene when least expected and turn the world upside down.
Peace,
Jon
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Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.
-Luke 21:28
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O God, you come to us in ways we could never have expected or imagined. Do not let us become so complacent, so ready to manage the reality of our lives, that we miss the surprises of grace and redemption that you bring to us. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, our Peace. Amen.
-Thomas G. Long in A Surprising God
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This past week at both the 9:00 and 10:30 services, We had the pleasure of having Laura Doughty play the flute, and Paul Doughty, who led worship with his voice and guitar at both services. I am always grateful to collaborate with so many incredible musicians at this church and the Doughty family is no exception.
On December 19th, the Adult Choir will collaborate with the Children’s Choir as part of their Christmas Pageant. This piece has a Latin feel, with a percussion and piano accompaniment. On Christmas Eve, we will be joined by a string quartet and singers from Morgan State University, who will join our choir for the 7:00 service. I hope that you will be able to attend.
Rebecca
Interim Director of Music
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This week is the second week of Advent. The band is playing a well known Advent song as the anthem, "A Baby Will Come", by Bill Wolf. We are also playing another popular song as a hymn, "Come Lord Jesus (Even So Come)", by Chris Tomlin. Give the hymn a listen so you can sing out in praise and worship with us.
The audio training will be taking place this coming Tuesday evening at 7pm. There will be an email going out to those who have shown interest, however it's not too late to join! Just shoot me an email, [email protected], and you can join us for the training too. I hope you all have a blessed week!
Have a blessed week!
Pat
Director of Contemporary Music
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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.
For Christmas Joy Offering, text amount followed by joy.
For Christmas Flowers, text amount followed by flowers.
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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Bulletin - Second Sunday in Advent! |
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Reserve Worship Service Space HERE for both the 9am & 10:30am Indoor Worship Services |
In-Person Sanctuary Worship Every Sunday, at 9:00 & 10:30 am, we welcome worshipers of all ages, with masks, into the sanctuary with limited attendance. To RSVP to attend either worship service in the sanctuary, please sign up HERE. No child care for now. Singing with masks on is allowed. Only the 10:30 am service will be live streamed, and most seats will be on screen for a moment or more. A limited number of off-camera seats will be available; more details will be available in the sanctuary.
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5:00pm Family Outdoor Service- bundle up and bring the little ones for Christmas Eve under the stars! 7:00pm Indoor Service with Band and Choir. Limited number of seats available, so sign up for both services here. Please bring a chair or blanket for the 5PM service. The 5pm service will be moved indoors if it is actively raining – watch the website for updates (arkanddove.org). If you attend the 7 PM service, masks will be required, and we are encouraging seating with no empty chairs between family groups, to allow as many as possible to attend. Maximum fresh air ventilation will be in place.
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Dear Members and Friends of Ark and Dove,
The 2022 Harvesting Generosity Stewardship Team would like to take a moment to thank you for your faithfulness in giving to the mission and ministries of Ark and Dove this year. As the pandemic continued to carry on much longer than any of us anticipated and the hardships and turmoil of this tumultuous time in our history continued to cause deep suffering, anxiety, and pain, still you found ways to not be consumed by despair, but instead to rise up and give back. Through your giving you have offered hope, healing, and community to a world in desperate need of experiencing God’s love. I see God at work in this church and I’m filled with hope for the future.
This fall the Stewardship Team set out to highlight who we are at Ark and Dove and what God is doing in and through this community of faith. We identified five areas of mission and ministry that encapsulate our vision and drive for authentic community and faith in action. These mission and ministry categories are Pastoral Care, Worship, Christian Education, Justice and Inclusion, and Care and Compassion. Under the umbrella of these categories, we care for each other and our community, we create and engage in meaningful worship, we commit to growing and learning together, and we stand up to do our part in spreading God’s love, justice, and peace in a world so hurting. We are a community of disciples that embodies the life and spirit of Jesus Christ. If you have not had a chance to view the Lobby interviews discussing these categories in depth, I highly recommend visiting the Harvesting Generosity page under the Giving tab on the Ark and Dove website for links to all the videos in the series. Check it out and take a deep dive into some of the ways that God is working in our midst. This year, we have asked that everyone prayerfully consider increasing their pledges so that we can collectively grow our budget by $125k. This would enable us to not only sustain our current mission and ministry activities but continue to ambitiously reach forward into new opportunities to extend the love of God to others.
We are very encouraged by the response we have seen so far and we look to the future with a renewed and robust hope. We sincerely thank everyone who has already submitted a pledge. So far, out of 160 active households we are up to 63 pledges and counting! Our pledges are promises of financial support for the next year and are a very important part of the planning process that the Session at Ark and Dove engages in as we look to the future and consider the mission and ministry goals and dreams that we can reach for together. If you have not yet submitted your pledge, there is still time to do so! We are still accepting pledges via USPS or in person during the offering at Sunday services. If you happen to give regularly via PayPal or EFT but have never pledged before, we ask that you please consider filling out a pledge card just so that we are aware of your plans and can make mission and ministry decisions accor dingly. Or for an even easier option, you can always submit your pledge by simply emailing giving@arkanddove.org with your giving plans for the year.
The Stewardship team would again like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of you for all that you have done during this past year to continue our life of worship, fellowship, and community outreach. We truly appreciate your continued prayers, love, commitment, and financial support. Thank you and God bless!
-The 2022 Harvesting Generosity Stewardship Team: Doug Walcutt, Steve Debus, Tricia Gray, Diane Johnson, Joe Gray, Shirley Fuller, Bob Fuller, and Pastor Tim.
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Adult Christian Education |
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During this Advent season we are reading A Surprising God: Advent Devotions for an Uncertain Time written by Thomas G. Long & Donyelle C. McCray. There are a variety of dates and times to choose from. Please indicate your interest in participating by completing this form. For additional information, contact our Christian Education Elder, Sara, at [email protected]
Leader Days/Times
Group A Pastor Jon Nelson Thursdays- Dec. 16th at 8PM
Group B Kim Champagne Fridays - Dec. 17th at 7:30 PM
Group C Achsah Callahan Sunday - Dec. 19th at 1pm
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The Ark and Dove Book Club selection for January is “Called Out: Why I Traded Two Dream Jobs for a Life of True Calling”, by Paula Ferris. Amanda Crose will be facilitating our discussion of this book on January 14th at 7:30. Please email Kim Champagne ([email protected]) for more information about the club including next month’s zoom code. Book lovers are welcome!
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Friendly Seniors Afternoon Tea |
Just because it's holiday rush time doesn't mean we don't meet! So, let's get together via Zoom on December 9th at 3 p.m. Joan will send the link a day or two in advance. If you're not on the Friendly Seniors' list, email Joan Berry at: [email protected]. See you then! Don't forget your eggnog or favorite drink to toast the end of a successful year! Merry Christmas to all!
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Parent Group will meet in church on Friday, December 10th from 6:30 to 8:30 for Cookies and Cocoa! All caregivers of school-aged children and younger are welcome! Childcare will be provided for all who want to chip in. Please bring your favorite cookies to share! (Notice we will not be meeting the last Fridays of Nov. and Dec.) For more information contact Nicole Howe, [email protected].
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The Flower Team and Worship Ministry is accepting donations for flowers and greens for the Christmas Eve service. We will be displaying poinsettias for the Christmas Eve Service and the following Sunday. The suggested donation is $10 to $12 dollars. Pointsettias will be available to take home on Jan. 2 (if desired). Forms are available in the church bulletin and here. For electronic donations, you can text your donation amount, followed by flowers, to: 410-983-3481, or visit us online here, and then email Paula Griggs this form. If you have any questions, please contact Paula Griggs at 443-510-6687 or [email protected].
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Earth Care Team - Join Us! |
Our kick-off meeting for our new Earth Care mission team will take place Tuesday, December 7th from 7:30-8:30 on Zoom. Interested? Contact Bob Fuller at [email protected] for the zoom link. |
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Time for Holiday Sharing! |
As part of our mission ministry, Ark & Dove is participating again in the Christmas Holiday Sharing Program organized by the Anne Arundel County Department of Social Services. We have several team captains to serve as the points of contact for the Holiday Sharing families and the Ark & Dove participants. Signup online here. The sign-up has detailed instructions, the team captain roster, and a sign-up slot for each child with gift ideas and clothing sizes. Team captains will work with you on deliveries, which we will try to complete by December 19. For more information, please contact Greg Makar ([email protected]).
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Christmas Joy Special Offering - Leadership: Past, Present, Future |
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Your giving to the Christmas Joy offering supports the following endeavors:
50% to Refugee Resettlement;
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.
This special offering will be received through Christmas. You may use the special envelopes that can be found on the table as you enter the sanctuary, or designate “Christmas Joy” on your check. You can also donate online (arkanddove.org), or text your donation amount, followed by joy, to: 410-983-3481. For more information, contact Lori Kronser, [email protected].
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GLEAM Family & Ally Support Group |
Every Tuesday, 6-7 pm! LOGOS is Ark and Dove's mid-week intergenerational program for pre-K and elementary aged children. LOGOS is a great way to grow your relationship with God and others at Ark and Dove. Sign up to register at arkanddove.org. Questions? Jen Roman at [email protected] or Julie Devers at [email protected].
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Every Tuesday, 6-7 pm! LOGOS is Ark and Dove's mid-week intergenerational program for pre-K and elementary aged children. LOGOS is a great way to grow your relationship with God and others at Ark and Dove. Sign up to register at arkanddove.org. Questions? Jen Roman at [email protected] or Julie Devers at [email protected].
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Sunday School and Godly Play |
Every Sunday, 10:30 am! Please register HERE or in person, on Sunday morning, prior to service. Questions? Please contact Sara Fox at [email protected].
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Please keep the following people in your prayers this week:
PRAYERS OF HEALING AND SUPPORT for Ryan Stavely's uncle, Jeff Gouldman; Louise Sharrocks; Angela Goska; Belinda Edwards; Karen Stokes; Ezra; Sarah and Bojan; Betty Small; a friend of Bob Fuller; Shirley & Bob Fuller's daughter-in-law, Mary; the Unger family; Ellen Makar's friend Mike Mitchell; Debbie and Bruce Arey's niece, Sarah; Calvin Latham; Brianna Lapp; Anne Hirschy's relative Isaiah and cousin Gordon; Diane Makar; Lourde's Cordero's brother; Gabriele Mecca; Charlotte Davie; Hiley Green; Adell Gaurin; Dotty Kaufman; Jai’Quain, Nicole Chidlow’s baby; Carol Saylor; Ray Bussey's mother, Doris; Liz Olson; Margaret Floyd; Vaughn Brown; Patty and Steve Plander; Arlyce Lohr; Krista Klohr; Michelle Schoonmaker; Dick Paronto; Richard and Edie Budd; Cheryl Walcutt’s sister Judy and mother; Christy Hipchen’s Uncle Frank and grandmother, Ann Chubon; Amy Hagemann’s sister, Susan Pratt; Mary Benson’s sister; Amy Carskadon Lifsey’s father-in-law, Bill Lifsey Sr.; Karen Dodson’s cousin, Miles, and Miles’ family; Tricia Gray’s grandfather, Paul; Helen Wilkens' mother, Jane Reinert; Christina Nelson’s grandmother, Patricia Dole; Judy Cooper’s daughter, Jessica Quigley; Paul Doughty’s mother, Ruth Doughty; Debbie Saylor’s sister, Christine; a member of the Tardiff family; Dionne Whitby's niece, Jannah; Dotty Kaufman’s daughter-in-law, Carol, granddaughter, Sarah, and grandson Nathan; Kathy Miller’s sister, Beth Krauth, and brother-in-law, Jeff Miller; Lewis Shorter and Lewis Shorter’s niece, Jennifer Schwandt-Gayle; Bob Fuller’s brother, Joe Fuller; Dot Forloine’s granddaughter Melisa Tucker Saatthoff, and her great-grandson Luke; Debbie Arey’s sister, Denise; Debbie and Bruce Arey’s daughter, Allison; Linda Taylor’s mother, Izola; Amy Goldberg’s grandmother, Ruth Cooper; Christy Yeager’s mother, Linda Jordan; Linda Jordan’s niece, Bonnie; Diane Johnson's Uncle Ed, Aunt Janet, and cousin Richard; Shelley Franklin's father; Amanda Wehage’s sister and father, Dave; Laurie Barrow’s nephew, Gunther Kurtz; Sabonna Keeney’s mother; Bernabe and Griselda Solano, and Griselda's sister, Irma; Laura Doughty’s brother-in-law, Carl Hahn; Laura Willoughby's father, Norman; Ann Hirschy’s aunt, Cindy, and brother; Lou Kareha’s cousin, Thomas Kochis; Cheryl and Doug Walcutt’s grandchild, Gray Adacutt; Erika Sealing's grandmother, Margaret Schade; Lourdes Cordero's brother Jose, granddaughter, and friends, Fred and Arelene Jones; Mike and Charlotte Davie’s friend, Dave Page; Linda Lewis’ friend, Carol Fudge; and Rob Yeager’s friends, Greta Daughtrey and Peter Brown.
THE LOVE AND PRAYERS OF THE CONGREGATION go out to the Brubaker and Reynolds families on the death of Roger Brubaker, Barbara Reynolds' brother-in-law.
THE LOVE AND PRAYERS OF THE CONGREGATION go out to the family of Steve Debus' friend Bill Stephenson, who died from COVID.
If you have prayer concerns or blessings that you would like to share, please contact Deacon Patriceo Green at [email protected] and he will add your concern to the prayer partners email chain.
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