The Arch Of The Covenant

Area religion briefs, Aug. 6, 2011

U The Universalist Heritage Foundation will host August summer services at the historic Universalist Memorial Church in Winchester. Services are at 10:30 a.m., followed by a social hour.

The speaker this Sunday is Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Strong, retired minister of religious education.

Information and directions: www.universalistheritage.org .

u On Sunday, Aug. 14, Orthodox Christians celebrate the Feast of the Falling Asleep, or Dormition of the Virgin Mary, one of the most significant holy days of the church. In preparation, parishioners of St. George Greek Orthodox Church will fast and pray for the period leading up to holy day. Also scheduled is a special prayer service to be held Friday, Aug. 12, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The Sunday schedule includes matins at 9:15 a.m. followed by the divine liturgy at 10 a.m. and a fellowship hour in adjacent Hellenic Hall. Prayer books are available in both English and Greek.

u Keene First Baptist Church will once again have a “blended worship service” Sunday at 10 a.m., featuring praise and worship music. Rev. Mark Ferrin will ask the question “I.Q. or C.Q.?” in his sermon.

The church is at 105 Maple Ave.

u Grace United Methodist Church will hold Sunday worship in a new era, 10 am Pastor Mark Lena lead the service. The title of his sermon is "Get Out of the Boat!"

Worship will be at the House of Odd Fellows on Marlboro street from U-Haul.

Information: 352-0401 or graceumckeene@yahoo.com john317pastor@yahoo.com.

u Keene Unitarian Universalist Church will hold Sunday worship at 10 am The theme of the service is Compact Groups, led by Gareth Williams.

The church is at 69 Washington St. Information: 352-1719 or www.kuuc.org/.

u The Federated Church of Marlborough will hold worship Sunday with holy communion at 10 a.m. Rev. Marilyn Ayer’s sermon is titled “Straining Against Wind and Waves.” Scripture is from Matthew 14. Special music will be provided by Wendy Rezzonico and Sophie Goodenough.

Nursery care is provided. Coffee hour will be held after service.

The church is at 16 Pleasant St. and is handicapped accessible.

u Christ Lutheran Church of Troy will observe the eighth Sunday after Pentecost this Sunday at its 9:30 a.m. service with holy communion.

What can you do with a little faith?Gospel Lesson Matthew 14:22-33 Jesus said what strengthens the faith of his disciples. Other lessons of the day are Job 38:4-18 and Romans 10:5-17.

The Bible illustration blog: Drawing the Ark of the Covenant.

One idea that's been expressed by at least two artists that I came across, 1. 2. is that both the design of, and embellishments on, the ark would have been egyptian in style. The reason given for this is that as all the craftsmen had lived (and been trained) in Egypt prior to the Exodus, their only influences up to that point were all from Egyptian culture. Others point to ancient Egyptian artifacts that were similar in design to the ark such as Tutankhamun's Anubis Chest to strengthen their case. I would agree that this reasoning could be applied to the design of the golden calf - but not to the Ark of the Covenant. My reason is that in Exodus 25:40 God commanded Moses "See that you make them according to the pattern shown you on the mountain". Not only did God design the ark but Exodus 31:2-5 tells us that He equipped Bezalel, filling him with God's Spirit, wisdom, understanding, and ability in every craft One other point on the embellishments - both Dr Leen Ritmeyer and Nahum HaLevi pointed out to me that "no decorations are mentioned" in scripture adorning the ark itself which is interesting as this would also be contrary to Egyptian art which almost always adorns every surface!Leen said: "The ark was not intended to be seen, therefore, was not essential and decorate with cherubs seemed pretty impressive." Having said that, it could also be argued that the pattern shown to Moses on the Mount may have included some ornaments whose details have been revealed to Moses - we just do not know! I do ultimately decide to show decoration, but not Egyptian. (See photo above). The positioning of the poles that were used to carry the ark is a topic hotly debated!Before I begin the pictures that I fully intend to have the poles parallel to the long side of the arch is most commonly observed. (See also Raiders of the Lost Ark) I became uncertain about this I thought of the orientation of the ark in the Holy of Holies. Look at what the Bible says about it. We know from 1 Kings 8:08 that the ends of the poles could be seen protruding from San under the veil of this kind, we can conclude that the posts were from east to west. We also know how the High Priest Lev 4:14 p.m. faced as he officiated. This still doesn't give us any clues as to the orientation of the ark in relation to the poles.

The lost Ark of the Covenant, solving the 2,500 year old mystery of the fabled biblical ark

The Quest for the Ark of the Covenant, The True History of the Tablets of Moses

Searching for the Ark of the Covenant

Legends of Galilee, Jordan, and Sinai

The Church review