The Arkive: Ark and Dove's Newsletter |
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Fifth Sunday after Pentecost!
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Christian Education 9:15 am! (in-person, outdoors, next class -July 4th)
Please connect on YouTube HERE
*Reservations no longer required for outdoor worship service. Please check the Ark and Dove homepage, the morning of the service, for cancellation due to inclement weather.
**Reservations required for in-person worship in the sanctuary. Masks required, please.
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Dear Friends and Members of the Ark and Dove Community,
“Christian worship gives all glory and honor, praise and thanksgiving to the holy, triune God. We are gathered in worship to glorify the God who is present and active among us— particularly through the gifts of Word and Sacrament. We are sent out in service to glorify the same God who is present and active in the world. God acts with grace; we respond with gratitude. God claims us as beloved children; we proclaim God’s saving love. God redeems us from sin and death; we rejoice in the gift of new life. This rhythm of divine action and human response—found throughout Scripture, human history, and everyday events—shapes all of Christian faith.”
So begins the Directory for Worship in the Presbyterian Constitution. With Reformed Theology and the Directory as our guide, we have striven to adapt worship to our current context in our nation. Moving to live stream worship with rapid speed last March, our Worship and Facilities Ministries and our staff led us through a series of changes and evolutions and we are grateful to them. Now that there is a vaccine and the vaccination rates are high in MD, now that we know that outdoor worship is very safe, we have landed in a three option zone to give honor and praise and thanksgiving to God: Outdoor worship every other week at 9:15, alternating with Sunday School. In person worship in the sanctuary at 10:30, which is also live-streamed to our congregation and community. These three options are designed to meet people where they are on the spectrum of recovery from the haunts of the pandemic. Even as the very contagious Delta variant becomes dominant in the world, the sun is rising here because of vaccinations.
In keeping up with the information we are getting from healthcare professionals and the CDC, the Session decided this week to drop reservations for the 9:15 outdoor worship. We have plenty of room outside for a safe gathering. Bring your chairs and blankets and come at the last minute, if you feel so moved.
In terms of indoor worship, many people remarked this week on how wonderful it was just to say the Lord’s prayer together in the sanctuary. The session also decided that this Sunday we will return to singing hymns. Singing hymns relatively softly with a mask on is really no different from talking with a mask on and we have adjusted the air handlers to introduce more fresh air into the sanctuary. So nobody belting out Hymns like Josh Groban. OK?
At both in-person worship services, please respect fellow worshippers personal space and politely ask if they would like to shake hands or hug before you reach out. As we say at LOGOS, everyone treat everyone else like a child of God.
These changes will help people to worship God and still have safety at the center.
Grace and Peace to you as we enter the weekend.
Tim
tstern@arkanddove.org
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Dear Friends and Members of Ark and Dove,
This week we end a year of middle and high school youth group. We spent most of it in the parking lot of the church. We gathered in freezing temperatures, rain storms, and blistering heat. We played ultimate frisbee, soccer, wolf, dodgeball, and a series of silly games. We shared the highs and lows of each week and prayed. We sat in the middle of the parking lot considering Bible stories and matters of faith. While school was virtual and extracurricular activities were canceled, we met almost every week. Sometimes we simply goofed around and talked about ridiculous things and other times we dove into the more difficult matters of faith and life. Through it all, we formed a community when communion was complicated by the pandemic. This past school year was extraordinarily difficult, but I will always remember these groups of youth. Our time together was helpful and hopeful. I am very thankful for the youth leaders who made it happen this year: Sarah Hendricks, Julie Devers, Amanda Wehage, Kirsten Hitchcox, Ben Rollins, and Michelle Schoonmaker.
As we lean into this summer, please consider ways that you can support our youth. You can be a leader or provider at Vacation Bible School (please register below). You can join me on a mission experience with the youth on August 7th. Or you could help lead Summer Sunday School. Please contact Sara Fox (christianed@arkanddove.org) if you would like to get involved. In supporting our youth, I think you will find yourself encouraged too.
Peace,
Jon
jnelson@arkanddove.org
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The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.”
-Lamentations 3:22-24
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O Love of God, love of God, do with us in this waiting moment what you will. We trust you, as best we can, and beyond that we yield to your grace. Amen.
-Howard Thurman
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For the last Sunday in June, we have some lovely pieces of music to share. You'll hear two versions of Great is Thy Faithfulness at the beginning of the worship service - one as a solo piano version with the odd jazz chord progression thrown in, and one as the traditional and familiary hymn. For the music offering this week , the choir is pleased to have recorded Randall Thompson's classic Alleluia. The work was written on a commission from Serge Koussevitzky, director of the Tanglewood Festival. Koussevitzky wanted a "fanfare" for voices to be performed at the opening exercises of the new Berkshire Music Center, and he asked Thompson to contribute such a piece. Instead of the joyous work expected of him, the composer produced a quiet and introspective piece. Thompson was inspired by the war in Europe, and the recent fall of France; given these events, he felt that to write a festive piece would be inappropriate. Thompson wrote that:
The word "Alleluia" has so many possible interpretations. The music in my particular Alleluia cannot be made to sound joyous. It is a slow, sad piece, and...here it is comparable to the Book of Job, where it is written, "The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord."
Peace,
Margaret
Director of Music
margaret.mcgillivray@gmail.com
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What a great first in-person service this past Sunday. I am so happy to be seeing many of you. I can't wait to see more of you both for indoor and outdoor services! This week we are going with an all-time favorite, 'Oceans' by Hillsong United. This will also be the band hymn for the outdoor service, so if you would like to hear it live, RSVP to the outdoor service for this Sunday. The postlude is a beautiful song written by Japanese composer, Nobuo Uematsu. He is one of my favorite composers, and if you enjoy this song, I strongly recommend listening to his music. He has composed music for the video game franchise, Final Fantasy, since the very first game in 1986. I recommend listening to the orchestra, Distant Worlds, if you'd like to hear the original version of this wonderful song. They have five cds that play music from the video game series. Have a blessed week!
Have a blessed week!
Pat
Director of Contemporary Music
psise11@gmail.com
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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.
Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Cornithians 9:7
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Fifth Sunday After Pentecost! |
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Reserve Worship Service Space HERE
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In-Person Sanctuary Worship This Sunday, June 27 at 10:30 am, we welcome worshipers of all ages, with masks, into the sanctuary with limited attendance. To RSVP to attend worship in the sanctuary, 10:30 am, please sign up HERE. No child care for now. Singing with masks on is allowed. This service will be live streamed, so 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.
In-Person Outdoor Worship Reservations for Outdoor services are no longer needed! Outdoor service will be held every other Sunday: June 27, July 11 and 25, and August 8 and 22, 9:15 am. Please check the homepage of the Ark and Dove website for cancellation due to inclement weather. The website will be updated the morning of the outdoor service. Out of consideration for other attenders, masks are truly welcome at the outdoor service, but will not be required.
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We are excited to kick-off Summer Sunday School outside at 9:15 am every other Sunday. Our next class is Sunday, July 4th. We will share a fun story, create a craft, and play games. Parents, you can join our adult Christian education class that happens at the same time. Any questions? Contact Christian Education Elder, Sara Fox at christianed@arkanddove.org.
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Come to the Table: When You Eat with Jesus, Anything Can Happen |
Registration in now open for Vacation Bible School! Monday, July 12, through Friday, July 16, 6pm-8pm! Children who have completed grade K-8 are invited to learn how all people are welcome at God’s table and joyfully receive and share the good things that God provides. Vacation Bible School is offered to all children free of charge. A suggested donation of $5 per child or a gift of supplies would be appreciated to help defray operating costs. To donate supplies choose from one of the links found HERE. Monetary donations can be made via PayPal on Ark and Dove's website. Leaders and helpers are still needed for this program. Any interest or questions about the program please contact Sara Fox at christianed@arkanddove.org.
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Vacation Bible School Wish List
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Will you consider donating items or monetary amounts needed for activities done during this week? If so, please sign up below. Your generosity is greatly appreciated!
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The Parent Group will meet in person, outside, on church grounds, tonight, Friday, June 25, 6:30 pm! All parents and caregivers of school-aged children looking for others to share childcare tales, tips, and wisdom with, are welcome! Join us for pizza, salad, drinks, and childcare (for a small shared cost). After dinner, children can play outside, supervised, while adults chat. Let's enjoy each other's company and discuss plans for future gatherings and groupings. Note the earlier start time this month. In case of rain, we'll send out a Zoom link instead. Please email Nicole Howe, outreach@arkanddove.org, to RSVP. |
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The Stephen Ministry at Ark and Dove would like to remind you we are here to help. A Stephen Minister provides care, once a week for perhaps a few months to 18 months, to one person who is experiencing a life-changing event like divorce, loss of work, or serious illness or death of a loved one. Supporting each other in times of need is a core belief of our reformed faith and the Ark & Dove community.
Stephen Ministers are not pastors, therapists, social workers, doctors, or nurses. They are friends and caregivers who have received fifty hours of training and have supervision and continuing education. Stephen Ministers are paired with a care receiver after a thoughtful and faith-full process. Confidentiality is a foundation of the ministry. Ten lay people at Ark & Dove have been trained as Stephen Ministers, and two of them received extra training as Stephen Ministry leaders (along with Pastors Tim and Jon).
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Adult Christian Education |
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Summer Book Club - July Selection
The Summer Book Club July selection is “When No One is Watching” by critically acclaimed author Alyssa Cole. This novel is described as a gripping psychological thriller in which the gentrification of a Brooklyn neighborhood takes on a sinister new meaning. Join us on Zoom on Tuesday, July 20, 7:30 pm. Contact Kim Champagne (kim.champagne@gmail.com) or Pastor Jon (jnelson@arkanddove.org) if you are interested in joining us!
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Is God an old man upstairs? Is the U.S. a Christian nation? Is heaven a gated community of mansions and streets of gold? Will a certain number of people be taken up to heaven in the end times? Did God dictate Scripture to scribes? Is a horned devil responsible for human evil? Join us on Sunday mornings to explore some of these myths of Christianity and bust them! There is no homework or lecture. We will gather at 9:15 am on July 4th, July 18th, August 1st, August 15th, and August 29th. (Parents, this class will happen at the same time as Summer Sunday School.) Come as you are. Pastor Jon Nelson, jnelson@arkanddove.org
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Please keep the following people in your prayers this week:
PRAYERS OF HEALING AND SUPPORT for Corinne Baker; Patty and Steve Plander; Margaret Floyd; Alex Strobel; Ardeth and Bob Johns; Steven Kirby; Arlyce Lohr; Krista Klohr; Christa Kronser; Michelle Schoonmaker; Dick Paronto; Richard and Edie Budd; Vaughn Brown; Judy Cooper’s daughter, Jessica Quigley; Paul Doughty’s mother, Ruth Doughty; Tina Anthis’ father, Steve Bissel; Camille Dubois’ parents; Debbie Saylor’s sister, Christine; Ryan Stavely’s father, Brian; Todd Stubbs’ stepfather, David Hopsicker; Sue Hanburger’s daughter, Megan; a member of the Tardiff family; Dionne Whitby's daughter and niece, Jannah; Brooks Emrick and her sister, Susan; Amanda Crose’s mother, and grandmother, Betty Davis; Dotty Kaufman, her son, Bill, daughter-in-law, Carol, granddaughter, Sarah, and grandson Nathan; Donna Anderson's brother-in-law, Tom Brown; Steve Debus' cousin-in-law, Stephan; Kathy Miller’s brother-in-law, Jeff Miller; Lewis Shorter and Lewis Shorter’s niece, Jennifer Schwandt-Gayle; Bob Fuller’s brother, Joe Fuller; Dot Forloines’ family, granddaughter Melisa Tucker Saatthoff and her great-grandson Luke; Debbie Arey’s sister; Debbie and Bruce Arey’s friend, David, their family in Connecticut, and their daughter, Allison; Linda Taylor’s mother, Izola; Kennon Bauman’s uncle, Dan Johnston; 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; Hollis Butterworth’s daughter, Rachel Mershont; 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; Christina Nelson’s grandmother, Pat Dole; Kelly Burnett’s nephew, Justin; Patriceo Green’s cousin, Philip Brown; Lou Kareha’s cousin, Thomas Kochis; Cheryl and Doug Walcutt’s grandchild, Gray Adacutt; Cheryl Walcutt’s mother, nephew, and sisters; Erika Sealing's grandmother, Margaret Schade; Lourdes Cordero's granddaughter; Linnie Girdner and Jan Hof’s friend, Grace Ligon; Diane Johnson’s neighbor, Annie; Paula Griggs’ friends Char and Jackie Pullen; Kim Young’s friend, Kurt Kost; and Maren McGillivray-Stubbs’ best friend’s father, Gentry Sims.
THE LOVE AND PRAYERS OF THE CONGREGATION go out to the Kareha and Kochis families on the death of Lou’s aunt, Judy Kochis.
PRAYERS AND PRAISE OF GRATITUDE upon the birth of Killian Andrew Rollins born on June 23 to Christa Kronser and Ben Rollins, grandson of Lori Kronser.
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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