The Arkive: Ark and Dove's Newsletter

All are welcome!

Baptism This Sunday!
10:00am, livestream worship!


Please connect on YouTube HERE
Message from Pastor Tim
Dear Friends and Members of Ark and Dove,

I hope that all of you who are in school, or have children in school, are doing OK with online learning.  I know from all the ZOOM work that we are now doing at church that, for some people, being online for long periods of time is a real drain. I remember that when I was in school, I really enjoyed my friends and fellow students (mostly), and so I really feel for our children and youth.  I am trusting that with prayer and perseverance and faith that we will weather this storm. I think it helps to have a faith community to lean on, so I hope you are keeping up your church connections or that you will start to refresh them.

If you would like to explore some different ways of praying (you might need them) I am leading a group starting on October 27 using the book Creating a Life with God: The Call of Ancient Prayer Practices by Daniel Wolpert.  We will meet for five weeks on Tuesdays at 7:00 pm. Please register by sending me an e-mail.

It has been a pleasure this summer to work with a dedicated stewardship team, which has designed a fall stewardship experience for our congregation called CONNECTIONS. Discipleship Elder, Tricia Gray, will begin our work this Sunday in worship with a short presentation. 

We will also celebrate the baptism of Rhiannon Bauman, this Sunday, and as is our practice, our Clerk of Session we will ask you: do you, the people of the church promise to tell RHIANNON the good news of the gospel, to help HER to know all that Christ commands, and, by your fellowship, to strengthen HER family ties with the household of God? Do you?  And you answer at home (and in the chat) I do or we do. Although separated by COVID 19, we are still CONNECTED by the Holy Spirit.

Peace of Christ,
Tim
tstern@arkanddove.org
Message from Pastor Jon
Dear Friends and Members of Ark and Dove,

Do you schedule or are you scheduled? In other words, are you in charge of your daily activities, events, and gatherings or are you charged with them? It is an important question to consider, especially if we want to be intentional with our time. Either way, I encourage you to schedule time in your day or week for spiritual growth. Especially in these trying and tiring times, we need to invest certain time in what will give us what we need to press on.

I invite you to schedule the spiritual path into your calendar for this coming Tuesday, September 22. You can come by any time between 4 and 6 pm to walk our property and consider the specific spiritual virtues or "fruits" that mark discipleship. We ask that you bring a mask and every intention to social distance. Families, adults, and children are invited to participate in age-appropriate meaningful activities around the church. It is our hope that all of our members, friends, and guests will walk around, be encouraged, and walk away a bit more connected with the Spirit.

I hope to see you Tuesday.

Peace,
Jon
jnelson@arkanddove.org
Verse and Prayer
 I have heard the complaining of the Israelites; say to them, ‘At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall have your fill of bread; then you shall know that I am the Lord your God.’” In the evening quails came up and covered the camp; and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp. When the layer of dew lifted, there on the surface of the wilderness was a fine flaky substance, as fine as frost on the ground. When the Israelites saw it, they said to one another, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. Moses said to them, “It is the bread that the Lord has given you to eat.

- Exodus 16:12-15
Household Prayer: Morning
Lord Jesus Christ,
like the sun that fills the morning sky,
you are the light that banishes the darkness of the world.
Sun of Righteousness, arise in my heart,
fill me with the radiance of your love,
and display the light of your saving grace
until I shine with the joy of life everlasting. Amen.*

Household Prayer: Evening
God,
forgive the wrongs I have this day committed
and banish from my heart any self-righteousness
that would withhold forgiveness of others.
For you alone are the judge of human hearts,
and your mercy is boundless. Amen.
 
*from Feasting on the Word
This week's postlude is an arrangement of the 'The Lord Is My Shepherd', in the setting of Handel's 'Ombra Mai Fu' from the opera, Xerxes. You may ahve head 'Ombra Mai Fu' at a wedding in the past as instrumental music, although it is justifiably famous as a vocal aria as well. The gentle pulse of the accompaniment chords serve as a peaceful backdrop to the hymn and call to mind some of the more pastoral imagery of Psalm 23. I hope you find it both meditative and joyful.

Peace,
Margaret
Director of Music
margaret.mcgillivray@gmail.com
This week the band recorded 'Desert Song' by Hillsong United. It speaks of being in the wilderness and, through belief and faith, God providing protection and what's needed during difficult times. Just as Moses and the Isrealites experienced, after escaping Egypt. They were complaining about needing food and other things, and with faith in the Lord, they were provided with what they lacked. The prelude is a short piece by composer Carlo Domeniconi, 'A Rose in the Garden'. Though we can find ourselves in a garden or jungle, there is always faith and beauty to be found to remind us that even in the thick of it, God is with us.

God bless!
Pat
Director of Contemporary Music
psise11@gmail.com
Generosity!
DONATE ONLINE! One-time and recurring!

TEXT your donations! 410-983-3481
Text amount followed by peace, to give to Peace and Global Witness.
Text give to get started. Text commands for more options.


You will be enriched in every good way for your generosity….
- 2 Corinthians 9:11
Sixteenth Sunday After Pentecost
All are welcome! Join livestream worship at 10:00 am.

Access the
Peaceful Demonstration
1,000 Men March
Ark and Dove members and friends are invited to participate in the 1,000 Men March in Annapolis on September 19. The march is not only for men; all are welcome. Masks and 6’ social distancing are mandatory. For more details or to march with other Ark & Dovers, please email Jen Roman jroman8414@gmail.com or text 443-758-3273.
LOGOS
Spiritual Path
Join us September 22 for an outdoor intergenerational worship experience to kick off LOGOS 2020. Nine stations will be set up outside on our property focusing on a fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control). Each station will have activities for all ages to engage. This is not just for LOGOS families—everyone from church is invited to attend! Show up any time between 4-6 pm. Please bring a mask to wear and plan to socially distance. Questions? Contact Pastor Jon (jnelson@arkanddove.org).
Weekly Lessons and Activities
LOGOS is Ark and Dove's midweek intergenerational experience for children and youth up to 8th grade. It is a time for all ages to come together to learn about God and grow in their relationships. Unlike previous years, we will not be meeting in the church building. Instead, each week will have a different family-centered activity to do either at home or outside at church. There will be crafts, games, bible study, and opportunities for worship and mission. If you’d like to get on the weekly emailing list, please contact Amy Goldberg at amygoldberg.2010@gmail.com. If you’re interested in volunteering, please contact Jen Roman at jroman8414@gmail.com.
Our Church Home
Indoors and Outdoors!
Want to get involved? Join the Facility’s Team! We take care of the beautiful building and grounds of Ark and Dove. Come help the Facilities Ministry support the congregation and our community by keeping our facilities in good working order. No experience needed, we have both indoor and outdoor teams. Please contact Autumn at facilities@arkanddove.org
Christian Education
Book Group Coming Soon on White Too Long!
White Christian America Needs a Moral Awakening is the headline of The Atlantic article by Robert P. Jones. In his new book, White Too Long: The Legacy of White Supremacy in American Christianity, Jones describes how white supremacist ideology and white Christian theology have been and continue to be interwoven in ways that uphold white supremacy. He calls us to examine our faith with a moral lens that can help us work toward a "right relationship with our fellow citizens, with ourselves, and even with God." Whether you read the article or the book, or don't do either, you are invited to bring your open mind and open heart to our next book group zoom meeting on Wednesday, September 30th at 7pm. To sign up, please email Jon Nelson (jnelson@arkanddove.org) or Kim Champagne (kim.champagne@gmail.com).
CONFLICTED: Exploring Conflict and How it Might Help Us Today
We are embroiled in conflict. As a nation, we are at odds with others and our own. As citizens, we are polarized. As a Church, we differ from one another. As families, we fight. In this pandemic, international and national conflicts have increased. During this racial reckoning, divisions have widened. How do we handle these conflicts?

Join us for a 5-week course addressing biblical and contemporary conflicts from the international to the interpersonal. Each week, we will study certain conflicts to see how we might deal with the ones we face today.

  • Week Two: National Conflicts (The Tulsa Massacre and the Genocidal Scheme against the Jews)
  • Week Three: Local Conflicts (Resource Disputes and Tax-Collectors)
  • Week Four: Church Conflicts (Inclusive Christianity and Gentile Christians)
  • Week Five: Interpersonal Conflicts (Political Arguments and Family Disputes)

This class will be co-led by Katie Nilsen Johnson (who recently earned a Masters in Peace and Conflict Studies), Grant Johnson, and Pastor Jon. We meet on Tuesdays at 7:30pm, through October 13th. All are welcome, even if you can't attend all the sessions! Please contact Pastor Jon for a Zoom link (jnelson@arkanddove.org).
Adult Cyber Education Opportunity from the Discipleship Ministry
With so much of our personal and professional business conducted online, it is more important than ever to maximize our awareness of personal safety and security risks associated with using the internet. Please join us for a 3-part Online Computer Safety class on September 22, 29, and October 6 at 8PM via ZOOM.

The following topics will be discussed:

  • September 22, PHISHING: Ark and Dove has experienced several of phishing attacks. What is phishing and how do you protect yourself from it?
  • September 29, SOCIAL MEDIA SECURITY: What are the threats and what can you do to protect your personal data from being shared without your permission?
  • October 6, HACKING METHODOLOGY: A higher level technical presentation of how a hacker can infiltrate a home router and information on how to protect your home network.

Please contact Tricia Gray (tricia.gray@yahoo.com) with any questions.
Lectionary Bible Study
Every Wednesday at 10 am, we gather online for fellowship, Bible study on the upcoming Sunday scriptures, and prayer. This has been and continues to be a great way to deepen friendships and faith. Please join us, there is no commitment or homework. Contact Pastor Jon for the Zoom invitation (jnelson@arkanddove.org).
Being Grateful in Difficult Times
Coming in October!

We all know the joy of a surprise gift, good news, or a great achievement -- all of those things eliciting feelings of gratitude. But these days, full of grief, worry, and uncertainty did not easily nurture a sense of thanks. Indeed, they seem to be gnawing away our hearts and our hopes.

So what of gratitude now? When we don't feel grateful? In a 6-part course based on her recent book, Grateful, Diana Butler Bass takes us into a journey to understand what gratitude is, how it can strengthen us as individuals and in community, and the surprising ways in which it subverts hopelessness and injustice. In addition to lectures and mini-practice sessions, Diana will be joined by other writers in conversation about how giving thanks has made a difference in their own lives.

Join us for this course wherein, we will watch brief videos and have discussion over the content. Purchasing Bass’ Grateful, will be helpful but not necessary. Class size is limited to 25. Please contact Kim Champagne to sign up (kim.champagne@gmail.com)
Peace and Global Witness
Now may the Lord of peace give you peace at all times in all ways. -2 Thessalonians 3:16
This month we continue collecting Peace and Global Witness Offering. This offering will be used to support ACT as we support peace in Anne Arundel County. The 2020 Peace and Global Witness Offering encourages the church to cast off anxiety and fear, discord and division and embrace God’s mission for peace to those around the corner. Shaping a foundation for peace starts with honest conversations and shared experiences. When we share, we carry each other’s burdens, advocate for one another, and share each other’s hopes. Faith groups around Anne Arundel County have come together to share what is important to residents of Anne Arundel County. The Peace and Global Witness Offering unites our church with other faith groups and partnerships as we reach out to people who long for peace and reconciliation. Blessed are the peacemakers. Please give generously, as we promote peace in Anne Arundel County. You may donate online, by text (text amount followed by peace to 410-983-3481), or by check. Thank You, Cheryl Schafer, Mission Elder, csscas@verizon.net.
Sunday Classes and Fellowship
Godly Play
Our Sunday school program for grades K-5 takes place via Zoom each Sunday from 9:00- 9:40 am. Our host welcomes the child(ren), the storyteller tells a story and then leads the children in reflection and wondering. Normally, our class would involve a work/creative response time as well, so our Godly Play team has put together response bags containing art supplies and other materials for the children to keep at home for personal use. If you are interested in getting a bag for your child(ren), or you have any questions about Godly Play or would like to be put on our list to receive zoom invitations, please contact Julie Devers, Christian Education Elder, at jbdevers@gmail.com.
Sunday Fellowship!
Sunday Fellowship after the live-stream church service continues! Via a ZOOM meeting, of course. If you'd like to join in for some light conversation and have a chance to see some familiar faces, simply send an email to fellowship@arkanddove.org to request an invitation. We will then send you a link to the Zoom meeting. You only need to do this one time, and you can use the same link each week. The meetings begin around 11:15 each Sunday. It will be great to "see" you! Nicole Howe, nicolehowe123@gmail.com.
Tea at Three
Friendly Seniors
Thursdays at 3:00 pm on Zoom. Please contact Pastor Tim (tstern@arkanddove.org) to receive an invitation.
Prayer Requests
Please keep the following people in your prayers this week:

PRAYERS OF HEALING AND SUPPORT for Dick Paronto; Camille Dubois;  Alex Klemko; Clarke Beaudry’s mother Judy LaMarque; Amy Goldberg’s grandmother, Ruth Cooper; Deborah Dingle; Dot Forloines’ family and her great-grandson Luke; Jess and Adell Gaurin; Debbie and Bruce Arey’s daughter, Allison; Linda Jordan; John Mikeska; Ylonda Fauntleroy’s husband, Tony Schoonmaker and friend, Tanya; Jesse Pennabaker; Michelle Schoonmaker's Auntie Bernice; Diane Johnson's Uncle Ed, Aunt Janet, and cousin Richard; Shelley Franklin's father; Hollis Butterworth’s daughter, Rachel Mershont and brother-in-law, Brian Smith; Amanda Wehage’s mother, sister and father, Dave, and friend; Zach Murray’s father, Kelly Murray; Becky Marcus; Fred Barrow; Laurie Barrow’s nephew, Gunther Kurtz; Carlton Jackson; Sabonna Keeney’s mother; Pattie Plander; Richard and Edie Budd; Bernabe Solano; Griselda Solano's sister, Irma; Kathy Miller’s sisters, Patty and Beth; Dotty Kaufman, her son, Bill, daughter-in-law, Carol, granddaughter, Sarah, and grandson Nathan; Laura Doughty’s brother-in-law, Carl Hahn; Bob Johns; Cindy Knott’s mother, Madeline; Laura Willoughby's father, Norman; Bill Ruble’s mother, Mary Jane Weathers; Ann Hirschy’s Aunt Cindy and brother; Christina Nelson’s grandmother, Pat Dole; Chip Burnett; Kelly Burnett’s nephew, Justin; Dorene Chen’s family; Lewis Shorter and niece, Jennifer Schwandt-Gayle; Patriceo Green’s brother and sister; Jennifer and Shawn Ralston’s niece; Archer and Honor Bauman’s grandfather, Larry; the Tardiff family; Cheryl Walcutt’s mother, nephew, and sisters; Brooks Emrick and her sister, Susan; Vaughn Brown; Frances Keyes; Julia Kirby's mother, Margaret Floyd; 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; Margaret McGillivray's friend, Kim Nolet; Kim Young's friend, Joyce Miller; Linnie Girdner and Jan Hof’s friend, Grace Ligon; the Yeager’s friend, Karen Schell; Steve Debus’ cousin-in-law; Lori Kronser's friend, Barbara Noonan; Kathy Emmert's friend Patty; and Doug Mattingly’s mother.
 
PRAYERS OF HEALING for those with COVID-19: Councilmember Andrew Pruski.

PRAYERS OF GUIDANCE, STRENGTH AND LOVE for those who are: facing eviction, hungry, scared and angry, living with uncertainty, stressed and overwhelmed, and feeling alone and forgotten; for a member facing a big life decision.

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: Tricia Gray’s mother; Becca Distad; Jack Burnett; Caitlyn Bussey; Emily Sanders; Audrey Miller; Linda Jordan’s nephew, Russell; Diane Johnson’s 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, Jonathan; and Hollis Butterworth’s sister-in-law, Cyndie.

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