The Arkive: Ark and Dove's Newsletter | |
Can't see the entire Arkive? Click "View entire message" at the bottom of the email! | | |
18th Sunday after Pentecost
World Communion
October 1, 2023
In-Person Worship at 9:00 & 10:30 am
Livestream Worship, 10:30 am
Sunday School Schedule
Child Care available for 9:00 and 10:30 am services.
Sunday School for Pre-K through 5th Grade during 10:30 am Worship, every Sunday.
Register for Sunday School here.
You can connect on YouTube HERE.
| |
|
Hello Ark and Dove family,
A few weeks ago, I used this space to talk about rest. How rest can be a spiritual practice and setting aside some time for rest shows not only our trust in God, but also serves as a countercultural challenge to systems that define our worth by our productivity. Remember, rest is sacred.
This week, I wanted to write about what Dr. Carrie Doehring, my professor of Spiritual Care at the Iliff School of Theology, calls “reconnecting with the goodness of life.” It sounds so simple, but it’s something I have to remind myself to cultivate in the midst of busy-ness, stress and the resulting disconnection.
I was thinking about this because my overfunctioning-self malfunctioned a few days ago. I was being such a good productive member of society, trying to do it all, when I hit a wall. My creative spark was sputtering, bad, and I was falling into a little pit of self-loathing. And then I remembered–there is goodness to ordinary life. There is goodness that I was allowing my stress to separate me from, under the guise of too little time and too much to do.
And so I stepped out of the hole of fear and failure that I had dug for myself and went outside to look at the sky and the trees. Later that afternoon, I didn’t tell the kids “mom’s not available right now” when they asked me to cuddle on the couch–and I cuddled with them. I cooked a dinner that took a little extra effort, because cooking is a spiritual practice that soothes my spirit. And I still got my work done, in the end, but with much less stress and zero self-loathing.
Yes, we have important work to do. And yes, we can be proud of our talents and our accomplishments. But God created this world and called it good. And so, I invite you to explore what it looks like for you to reconnect with the goodness of life in moments of stress and struggle. How does it allow you to see God more clearly, when you remember that there is goodness every day, and you are invited to partake in that goodness with gratitude and joy?
Go forth and see what goodness is there, because our God is good.
With you in joy,
Jenn
jenn.mccullough@arkanddove.org
| |
|
Then the LORD God said, "It is not good that the earthling should be alone; I will make them a helper as their partner."
Genesis 2:18 interpreted by Rev. Anne Dunlap of SURJ Faith
| |
Each time we grasp the hand of another,
God is there, in the flesh entangled.
Queer lovers stroll together, one hand squeezes the other,
“we got each other” as passing eyebrows furrow.
At the hospital, one hand, soft with skin that is
loose and free
rests gently in the firm, calloused hand of a son.
I’m sorry. Thank you. I love you.
In his palm, a whole life is held.
When it’s little, itty-bitty fingers that
can only almost wrap around an adult pinky finger
that counts too.
The most gentle squeeze
that knows not its own power.
Melting hearts with such an effortless reaching out
like that’s an easy thing to do.
A long string of people with hands clenched tightly
screaming with the most courageous kind of fear.
Traffic is shut down.
Cries for justice just loud enough
to mostly drown out those screaming from their cars.
The police will be here soon.
Heart rates pulse.
Can’t tell if it’s yours or mine or ours.
Hands holding hands.
A prayer too rare.
A site of the holy.
Where the reaching out and the receiving,
the grasping and being grasped,
the need to be held and the needing to hold,
all get perfectly mixed up.
A returning
to that which is always true
but so rarely spoken to
in the language of flesh.
We need each other.
We need each other.
We need each other.
Amen.
Prayer from Enfleshed, Spiritual Nourishment for Collective Liberation
| |
|
Dear Friends,
We have an incredible day of music planned this week as we celebrate World Communion Sunday! Our musical selections feature music from around the world.
Our services will open with our BRAND NEW percussion ensemble, Rooted in Rhythm, playing the song “Fanga”, led by Diane Yates. This song likely originated in West Africa, but it has had many influences from Africa and America. This piece is known as a “Song of Welcome” and will be an exciting way to begin our services.
We continue our South African influence in our first hymn, “Uyai Mose”, led by our Youth Choir and their director, Rae’tta Bond. This is a gathering song from Zimbabwe, and we will sing it in the language known as Shona, and we will sing it in English.
Our first response is “Many and Great, Oh God Are They Works”, which was written in 1842 in the Dakota Native American language. We will sing it in English, and its beautiful chant-like melody will be easy to follow along with.
Our second hymn is called “The Rice of Life” and the composer is I to Loh. This piece originates in Malaysia and you will hear the Asian influence in this piece. All of the hymns this week are from our hymnal, but this one will likely be unfamiliar to most of you. It is beautiful, and simple to sing. It will begin with solo flute and percussion instruments (you may even hear the rainstick). Wendy Wellington will lead us in the first verse as a solo so that you can hear it once first. It will end much in the same way that it began- with simple percussion leading us out.
The hymn before communion is called “Eat This Bread”, and it originated in France. Composed by Jacques Berthier, this piece is a meditative chorus sung repeatedly, as is typical of a Taize piece. Feel free to jump in on a harmony part, or sing the beautiful melody.
Our final hymn, “Amen Siakudumisa”, brings us back to South Africa, this time in the Xhosa language. This energetic piece translates to “Amen, we praise your name, O God”.
For our Offertory Anthem, I chose a communion piece with a jazz influence to represent American music and culture. The composer, Mary McDonald, used the traditional spiritual The Welcome Table as her influence. This song is soulful, and the lyrics emphasize that all are welcome at God’s table- a perfect way to celebrate communion with all of God’s children around the world.
I can’t wait to celebrate this week with you all- it’s going to be a good one!
With love,
Rebecca
Director of Music
rechols@arkanddove.org
| |
|
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
| | | |
|
YTD Expected Unpledged Income $14,667
Actual Unpledged Income $12,216
Behind $2,451
YTD Expected Pledged & Electronic Giving $346,631
YTD Actual Pledged & Electronic Giving $326,475
Behind $20,156
| | |
|
|
Peace and Global Witness Special Offering
PCUSA holds the annual Peace and Global Witness Special Offering every fall. Through our Peace and Global Witness donations, we will support Anne Arundel Connecting Together (ACT) with 80% of our giving and Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, supporting emergency relief for refugees, with 20% of our giving.
https://www.arkanddove.org/site/donate.asp?sec_id=180010855, scroll down to Peace and Global Witness
Or text Peace to: (410) 983-3481
For more information, please contact Lori Kronser mission@arkanddove.org
| |
|
Special Disaster Offering for Lahaina, Maui
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) urges your support in response to the
devastating wildfires in Hawai‘i, which authorities are calling the deadliest natural
disaster in state history. PDA has already released emergency grants to meet the urgent
needs of the communities and to provide immediate care. The magnitude of this event
will require the development of long-term projects and assistance, both for the physical
and emotional long-lasting effects. Years of recovery lie ahead, and your commitment will help PDA extend the hands of Christ. You may make a donation on the Ark and Dove website: Giving tab/Donate Online/Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.
For more information, please contact Lori Kronser (mission@arkanddove.org)
| |
 | |
African Appreciation
This Sunday is Worldwide Communion, and this year at Ark and Dove we are celebrating African Cultures as we share communion with our siblings around the world. Families from many African countries worship at Ark and Dove, and our church has been enriched by this diversity. We have been given a new Communion Tablecloth from Togo, as a gift from the Lawson family.
For communion we will share bread from an Ethiopian recipe- injera. If you have African clothing, jewelry, or other accessories, please consider wearing it to church this Sunday, to honor the rich heritage of those who made it. We will be singing several African hymns, accompanied by African drumming. All these remind us that there is no single Africa, but a multitude of Africas.
The Presbyterian church has a long history on the continent, including a break away denomination called The Presbyterian Church of Africa, started by black ministers in the 1890’s, based in South Africa. The spirit of God has been felt all over this planet, and is still working today, among artists in Togo, bakers in Ethiopia, musicians in Nigeria, and pastors in South Africa, and among suburbanites in Maryland.
| |
Christian Education for Children & Youth | |
|
Youth Group Meeting
After our AMAZING kick-off event last week, youth group is in session! We'll be meeting Sunday October 1st at Ark and Dove from 5pm-6:30pm. Youth in Middle and High School, grades 6-12 are invited to join for snacks, fellowship, and discussion. Contact Pastor Jenn for info or questions. jenn.mccullough@arkanddove.org
| |
|
|
IRIS Group: now twice a month!
By popular demand, the IRIS Group, the LGBT+ focused group for teens, will now meet twice a month on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays, at 7pm in-person in the Calvin room, led by Adora Grace Nilsen-Johnson and Craig West. Expect fun, games, and discussion! Bring friends!
| |
|
Outjoy
Join the GLEAM team and Anne Arundel Affirming Alliance (4A) to celebrate stories of coming out in faith at Ark and Dove on October 11th. A light dinner will be served from 5pm-7pm, with the formal program beginning at 7pm. ASL interpreters will be present.
POC: Amanda Crose amanda.rose.crose@gmail.com
| |
|
Ark & Dove Book Club
Join us on Friday, October 20 at 7:30 pm. This month we will be discussing Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI by David Grann.
Questions or for meeting link contact Kim Champagne kim.champagne@arkanddove.org
| |
|
Leaders and Helpers Needed
To ensure that we can continue to offer children and youth programming we need 2 adult/teenage leaders, from different nuclear families to help provide leadership. Please consider volunteering!
Please sign up here: Nursery Volunteers
You will be assisting Cara Moody as needed and be another set of eyes/hands in the nursery.
| |
|
ROOTED IN RHYTHM
A World Music Percussion Ensemble
Ark and Dove is pleased to announce our newest musical ensemble, "Rooted in Rhythm", led by Diane Yates. This is for youth grades 9-12, and we meet on Tuesday evenings from 6:00-7:00pm. No prior experience necessary. Come join us and find out how much fun it is to play these African and world percussion instruments!
| |
|
Antiracism and Social Justice Team
We would like to invite you to an afternoon of laughter, to help our community heal from prejudice. Please join us on Sunday, October 22, 2023 at 2:00pm as we welcome Interfaith Comedy, a national touring group with a unique approach to anti-bias work. Their 90 minute show includes clean comedy and a Q&A with the performers. The Interfaith Comedy group is graciously providing this show for free because they had heard about the acts of prejudice against our church and others in our area. Suggested age range for the show is 15 and up. Registration is required.
Registration form: https://arkanddove.breezechms.com/form/5a52c4
More information about the group at www.interfaithcomedy.com. For more information about the event please contact: Deb Saylor or Paula Sparks
| |
|
FREE Hard Drive Destruction and Paper Shredding Event
Want to get rid of unneeded hard drives and sensitive papers? Here's your chance! Chesapeake Paper systems will be on site to destroy them in front of your eyes. Saturday, October 7, Noon - 4 pm at Prince of Peace Presbyterian Church Parking Lot, 1657 Crofton Parkway, Crofton, 21114. Event sponsored by the Bay Area Disciples Ministry Group of the Baltimore Presbytery, PC(USA) of which Ark and Dove and Prince of Peace are members.
POC: Shirley Fuller (sffuller@mac.com)
| |
|
RAIN DATE FOR THIS PAST SATURDAY'S WORK DAY, IS SEPTEMBER 30TH
Unity Gardens Grant Helps Ark and Dove Go Native This Fall
Ark and Dove has applied for and received a $1440 grant from AACO nonprofit Unity Gardens to replace non-native and invasive plants and trees with natives on our church property. As an Earth Care Congregation, we want to encourage environmental stewardship and demonstrate the beauty and importance of native plants to our congregation and community. Work days are scheduled for September 23rd and September 30th. Plan now to join us! Sign Up here.
Please contact Bob Fuller (rtfuller@mac.com) for more information.
| |
|
Mental Health First Aid Course Offerings
The Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County (CFAAC) is offering the following Mental Health First Aid Training course in October:
Youth Mental Health First Aid Training Course
Date: Saturday, October 7, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: CFAAC Office at 900 Bestgate Road, Suite 400, Annapolis
Cost: $25/person and includes training and materials. Refreshments included.
This course is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12- 18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis. Youth Mental Health First Aid is primarily designed for adults who regularly interact with young people. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (AD/HD) and eating disorders.
Register and learn more here.
For more information contact Amy Tardiff (amy.tardiff@arkanddove.org) or to learn more about CFAAC go to www.cfaac.org
| |
|
Call For Donations
Call for Donations – Southern Border Asylum Seekers
Church member Laura Willoughby is traveling to Brownsville, Texas, across the border from Matamoros, Mexico, the busiest crossing for asylum seekers entering the U.S. She will spend two
months there, and as part of her trip will be taking donations for Team Brownsville, a non-profit providing resources to both newly-arrived asylum seekers and people awaiting an asylum appointment in Matamoros.
The organization is in need of:
- NEW Men’s knit boxer briefs, particularly small and medium sizes
- Lightly-used Men’s shirts and pants (comfortable items), particularly in small and medium sizes
- T-shirts in general, in smaller sizes
- Shoes in good condition in smaller sizes
- Kid's toys that are small and easily transportable: think Beanie Baby size-- Kids’ books for reading in any language
Any donated underwear should be NEW. Other items may be used as long as they are free of tears, stains, etc., and they should be comfortable. Most of those arriving at Team Brownsville’s Welcome Center in Brownsville journey further into the U.S. in buses, planes, and private cars.
Items can be placed in the plastic bin marked “Border Donations” that sits underneath the coat rack. Collection will be ongoing through the end of October.
Any questions? Contact laura@laurajanewilloughby.com
| |
|
Healing Through Grief Group
Pastor Tim, Cathy Debus, and Linnie Girdner will be co-facilitating the next Healing through Grief group on Tuesday, October 10 from 7:30pm - 8:45pm as a hybrid meeting. The Healing through Grief small group is open to anyone attending Ark and Dove, as well as family members, friends and neighbors, who have experienced the death of a loved one, whether it is recent or a long time ago. Please let us know if you would like to attend in person or on Zoom. If you change your mind later, no problem.
Any questions, contact Linnie Girdner, at girdnerlinda@gmail.com or 410-999-7892.
Let's be there for one another in our healing through grief. If you need to talk with someone prior to that date, feel free to give me a call or contact your Deacon.
| |
|
With the rise of authoritarianism in the US, attacks on queer and trans beloveds both through legislation and right-wing protesters at drag shows, anti-immigrant policies and rhetoric, as well as the censoring of books and school curricula, we are seeing an increase in the targeting of sacred spaces for violence. Across religious traditions, we are seeing online threats, pride and Black Lives Matter banners torn down, hate speech graffiti-ed on synagogues, violent actors appearing at sanctuaries and disrupting services, and more.
So, how can congregations be prepared? Why is this violence escalating, and what community safety practices can we engage in now that also help us build the world we long for? Join us for a 2-part training series for faith communities of all traditions, in which we’ll explore the current context of authoritarianism in the US, why faith communities are being targeted, and practical tools and skills your congregation can build and practice together. The training series will be led by Christian, Jewish, and UUA SURJ-Faith leaders.
Register below! We will be referencing SURJ-Faith’s Community Safety for All toolkit, so sign up for that now!
There will be participant support, live captioning, and ASL available.
Sessions will be recorded and made available for future use.
Hungry for more training on how We Keep Each Other Safe? Check out SURJ’s Get Ready, Stay Ready series, August-November 2023. We will focus on skill-building and practical moves that give your group, your actions, and your community more choices, especially when up against far right actors and state agencies. Click HERE for more information!
Session Two:
Road Map to Building Community Safety
Date/Time: October 18, 8-10pmET / 5-7pmPT
This session will offer a 1, 5, and 10 year road map for building community safety with your congregation, as well as dig in to 2 tools you can begin to practice together.
Register Here for Session 2!
| | |
|
Please keep the following people in your prayers this week:
THE LOVE AND PRAYERS OF THE CONGREGATION go out to the Zunigo and Fuller families upon the death of Johnny Fuller's Uncle, Francisco Zuniga; Linda Taylor upon the death of her mother, Izola.
PRAYERS OF HEALING AND SUPPORT FOR Kelly Stern, Kim Young, and the Field family on the death of Kelly and Kim's brother; Kristy Walcutt facing a difficult medical decision; Sally and Ray Smith working through a health diagnosis; Robert Fuller's friend facing cancer; Juliene-West and family dealing with pregnancy complications; Tony Schoonmaker, husband of Yolonda Fauntleroy, father of Michelle and Stacy Schoonmaker , who is hospitalized; Wayne Rennex, Debbie Kehoe, Tori Saylor, and a youth struggling with depression; Prayers for communities recovering from earthquakes, hurricanes and fires; Doreen Chen, mourning a loss; Donna Francis, having health problems; Deryle Echols; Charlotte Davie; Charlotte and Mike Davie family friend, Amy, with failed cancer treatment trials; Joseph Cate’s father, BJ, and for Joseph; a teen whose parents are divorcing; Allan Schoonmaker Sr., healing from an accident and facing challenges; Erica undergoing testing; traveling mercies for Heather Berry flying back from Denmark; asylum seekers recently crossing into the US; Wendy Wellington's mom, Janet Morgan; Jason DeVono; Bill Kinnick; Ralph Mix; Shelley Franklin; Ben Davis had surgery; Our son, Cody, his wife Maddie, and his son Ollie to fly safe to Japan for his service of 3 years; For Randy Turner in the hospital (Ylonda Fauntleroy's cousin); Terry Schoener; Shane's step brother Toby; Rachel; Rebecca's father who had hip replacement surgery; Joni living with cancer; Wayne Rennex; Cheryl Walcutt’s mother, Lori Johnson, facing health issues; Carol and Henry Saylor; Jeff Faiman; Doris Fields recovering from surgery; Ann Hirschy; Canada wild fires; Ann Marie Gallagher with a broken shoulder; Nick Blazi for cancer; Bella Hansen; a friend who is going through a divorce; Mary & Jerry Caolo; Christy Hiphen’s brother, David Hipchen; Refugees; Debbie Arey’s sister, Denise; Rhonda Kaplan, Katie Borland; Cara Moody's mother-in-law, Deborah Moody; Joan Berry, comfort and healing for the residents of Maui and the Big Island; a queer youth struggling with a non-affirming parent; Shelly; Donna Anderson’s friend who had surgery; Kathy Emmert’s friend’s Doris; Ellie and Stu who are undergoing cancer treatment; Annemarie; a friend of Stacey Schoonmaker who’s father passed away; The Staudle family, as Mr. Staudle suffered a seizure; Amanda Crose’s dad, Roger Davis; Lori Kronser’s stepmom receiving chemo for lymphoma; A friend, Felicia Williams on the passing of her brother; a brother suffering from addiction; Joy Ajello; the West Family; the daughter of a member who is in the hospital; Linnie Girdner’s brother; Debbie and Bruce Arey's Daughter, Allison; Cheryl Walcutt; Christi Loveless; Russia; Victims of gun violence; Migrants in Greece who went missing and their loved ones, Teens in the US struggling in the wake of anti-trans legislation; Debbie Keho; Carlene Printy; Laura Doughty's father and mother; Amita Dubois' uncle; The Glen Burnie Korean Presbyterian Church; Norman Willoughby, Laura Willoughby's father; Pati Sheahan, the mother of Kim Champagne; Saralee Bartgis; Gina Richardson battling cancer; Gahzal Abawi; neighbors taking care of each other through hard times; Carl Lucas; The Love and Sympathy of the Congregation is extended to; prayers for children struggling with depression and anxiety; Sandra Krezanosky, Amy Hagemann's mother; a sister suffering from addiction and for her family; Connie Batts for successful eye treatment; Steve Debus's niece, Amanda Kuhl; a young child hurt in a car accident; our partners at CEDEPCA in Guatemala; families in the world facing housing insecurity; Achsah's mother, Rachel; Pat Devers' Cousin who has entered into hospice; family friend of Julie and Pat Devers, Joe Burgoyne; Jan and Al Jank's daughter-in-law, Irina Lee; Layla Tyus and her family; Kamarii Miller; The Solano Family; All that are battling cancer; Friends living with cancer; someone struggling with depression; Diane McPhail; Nikol Sahai; Elizabeth Carter; Children with cancer, their families, and their care providers; Jimmy Carter; Tim Soyars; Cyndy Ingram; Laura Talbert; Barb Benson; Bernice Taylor; Bri R, Ostrach family and Seonbuchner family - continuing rounds of medical treatment; Dick Eckersley's granddaughter; Aunt Teri in home hospice care; Ardeth Johns; for family members suffering from addiction; the Knight Family; a friend facing brain surgery; Don Clark; MaryAnn Buckley; Sue Miller, Laura Willoughby-Perry’s mother; Audrey Miller, daughter of Kathy Miller; Dotty Kaufmann; Mary Elizabeth Nay; Bri Lapp; Holly Folk; Deb Saylor's grand-nephew, Jordan; Chantel Seetram; families impacted by gun violence; the family of Gavin Hurley; Amanda Welford; Dee going through breast cancer; Doug Dehaven; Marie, Nikol Sahai’s Mom; Dot Forloines; Dick Paronto; Julie Devers' friend Zenia Dacio-Messina; Hope Sutphin; Freyja Hartzell; 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 | | | | |
