Lutheran Church of the Covenant
November 2016 Newsletter
Dear 

Welcome to the November monthly news highlighting what God is up to at LCOC! You are invited to share this news with new neighbors and others who may be interested in hearing what God is doing through the people and ministry of LCOC. Also invite others to come and be a part of these various ministry opportunities!

GATHER          GROW         GIVE         GO
Pastor Darcy 
 
I recently added Zumba as one of my exercise practices.   I felt a little nervous to start again as it has been several years and this class was in a new place and in a new community.  And yes, I do not claim to have the best rhythm or coordination although I love to dance.  Yet what is so freeing about this class is that there are people of all ages, shapes and experience levels.  It is okay and even expected that you participate at your ability and people are encouraged to keep trying and to keep growing in the practice of Zumba. 
To me, this is a beautiful image for what it means to be a part of a community of faith.  We are all of different ages, backgrounds, and places in our journeys of faith.  We may be new to a community of faith, we may have been attending since we were infants or some place in between.  Yet each person is encouraged to participate at his or her own place in their journey and to keep growing and learning in the practice of faith.  The gifts and experiences of each person create a stronger whole as we live and grow together as the body of Christ. 
Yes, we may be nervous to try some of the faith practices - reading the Bible, worship, time in prayer, serving at or beyond LCOC, building new relationships, and giving that includes financial, time, and talents.  The good news is that God frees and equips us to learn, to grow in these practices that help us to "take hold of the life that is truly life." 
As we prepare for the annual meeting and to sign the church covenant, I give thanks for YOU and for next steps that LCOC has taken in 2016.  I also encourage you to take a moment to reflect on where you are in your journey of faith - where might God be calling you to use your gifts?  What faith practice or question would you like to explore?  Who is God calling you to invite and encourage in faith?  How are your gifts--financial, time, and talent-- helping to build up the kingdom of God?  


Council President
Our Annual Meeting is coming up on November 13th. Please plan to attend and see what's happening at LCOC. We will have a special schedule. Our education will begin at 9:00am followed by worship at 10:00 am and our Annual Meeting at 11:15 am . A delicious lunch will be served and a freewill offering collected to help fund our Stop Hunger Now event on January 14th.
See you all there,
Dick Zinn

 
"For as in one body we have many members, and not all members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members of one another. We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: prophecy, in proportion to faith; ministry, in ministering; the teacher, in teaching; the exhorter, in exhortation; the giver, in generosity; the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness." Romans 12: 4-8

Please prayerfully consider offering your time and talents to God by serving on one of the following LCOC Council positions for a two year term 2017-2018:
* Secretary
* Worship Committee (1 positions)
* Stewardship Committee (1 positions)
* Education Committee (2 positions)
* Evangelism Committee (1 position)
* Fellowship Committee (1 position)

For additional information, please contact; 
Wilbur Snyder at wilburrsnyder@live.com 
or Stacey Rosenquist at mbfybf@comcast.net.

GATHER
to worship God and fellowship with the community
Pet Blessing at Trunk or Treat 2016
Worship
Worship Highlights- November 2016
 
  • LCOC worship in October includes the 32d and 34d Sundays after Pentecost,  Christ the King Festival Sunday, and the 1st Sunday in Advent for the succeeding liturgical year. During this time we will complete the series on the special stewardship theme of "Live Free" on November 6th, conduct our annual congregation meeting following our one worship service at 10:00 am on November 13th, and share a special Thanksgiving service and meal with local Lutheran churches at 5:30 PM on November 20th.   
  • Lectionary notes:
  • November 6th readings from Lamentations 3, Psalm 1, Galatians 3, and Matthew help us to be 'free to take hold of life'.
  • November 13th the prophet Malachi warns that the day of the Lord is coming, Psalm 98 foretells that the Lord will judge the world in righteousness, 2 Thessalonians imparts Paul's guidance on the importance of worldly work, and Luke 21 promises God give us the words to testify and endure at the end.
  • November 20th Jeremiah 23 prophesizes about the new and righteous shepherd who the Lord will raise up, Psalm 46 predicts exaltation among the nations, Colossians 1 is an early church hymn of praise to Christ, and in Luke 23 Jesus reveals that to be Messiah and king is to give one's life for others.
  • November 27th Isaiah 2 envisions a future in which God establishes a universal reign of peace, Psalm 122 reminds us to be glad when they say 'let us go into the house of the Lord', Romans 13 is Paul's comparison of Christ's advent to the coming of dawn, and Matthew 24 is Jesus' promise of his second coming as an unpredicted event that will bring salvation or judgement to all people. 
  - Wilbur Snyder

Bingo! 2016
Fellowship

This November Fellowship will host three events.
  • November 13th - Annual Meeting lunch with the Stewardship Committee. We will be using a Thrivent Action Team to purchase lunch for the meeting and we will be asking for a free will donation to  raise money for our Stop Hunger Now event coming up on January 14th.
  • November 20th - Thanksgiving Service with Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. We will put together a sign up for a meal to share with all attending.Here is a link to the sign up sheet:

Thanksgiving Pot luck Sign Up
 

  • November 27th - We start the first of four Advent Tea/Coffees with our Scandinavian Tea/Coffee, followed by German, Italian, and Melting Pot.

blessings, Tricia, Ray & Cindi



Prayer Breakfast
Men's Prayer Breakfast  

 
Our next meeting is November 12th 
at 7:30 am  in the DFH. 

LCOC Prayer Garden
Community Prayer Group
The LCOC community prayer group meets the second Saturday of each month from 7:30 am to 9 am in the Work Room. We share prayers of concern and numerous praises along with a strong cup of coffee. We invite anyone who has concerns or praises to make them known to Colette L., Rita K., JoAnn R. Or Lorelei D. We offer this time to the community and congregation to join us for prayer, openly or privately. We will meet again on November 12th, at 7:30 am.

Matt. 21:13 - my house will be called a house of prayer,.....


GROW
in our relationship with God through prayer, Bible Study, and service
Adult Education






Nov 6

Live Free Series:  Free to take Hold of Life

Nov 13

Chuck Knows Church:  Embracing a Legacy
Nov 20

Special gathering for all ages:  How can LCOC engage more fully with children, youth, and young families? 

Join us, the coffee is ready!

Education    
        
You are invited to be a part of the Sunday learning opportunities for ALL ages at 9:45.  


Shekinah 2016
Confirmation Corner
 
Ah, my 6th year as your confirmation teacher!  My it goes by fast!  This is a unique year because I am teaching my last Rosenquist daughter and last Eberle son.  What a difference it is between my previous two Rosenquist girls (Rachel and Jessica) and my newest (Jillian).  Talk about night and day.  I went from two sisters that were vocal to one that unless I can get her to speak up; I'm going to need a hearing aid.  As for Michael, my newest Eberle, I'm looking forward to seeing how close he'll be to his big brother's (John) personality.  With my twins and Sarah Gimmi, I believe this is going to be one of my more enjoyable classes.
 
What is exciting about this season is the newest training material we're using.  We started a new lesson plan under the "Colaborate Lutheran Confirmation" guide book.  We are starting out in the Old Testament and have already completed 4 classes by the time you're reading this article.  
We started out learning that the Bible includes many types of literature, by many different authors.  Bound into one great book are family stories, histories, songs of praise, cries of lament, prophecy, proverbs, existential crises, love, poetry, biographies, letters, and grand metaphoric narratives about beasts and wheels and the total renewal of the world at the end of time; a mouth full.  Inspiration doesn't stop with the Bible, and it shouldn't stop with us either.  God breathes into the text and, through the text, into us. 
 
Our class has been active in Cloverdale Cleanup, Walk for Acts and soon with the annual Fall Thrift sale.  Please consider donating items for this year sale which will be on Saturday, the 5th of November.  All money raised will go towards our youth as they prepare for Crysalis and Shekinah retreats.
 
God bless.  Ray


Prayer Opportunities

A team of members here at LCOC have been working on enhancing our prayer ministry.  As a result, we have established  documents which, it is hoped, will assist us in managing our weekly prayer list and make the Prayer Chain easy to use.    You are invited to use the prayer contained therein as you lift others in your daily petitions.  If you have any questions, please see Jo Ann Rudy or Pastor Darcy.  

                   
                         

 New Sunday prayer list ministry:
* Someone will be available in the main entrance hallway before each service to take prayer requests to be included in during worship.
* We list only the person's first name and do not include details. The list may also include joys or concerns of the surrounding communities (such as Neabsco Elementary School, the military, county, state, national, and global events.)
* Unless notified with more information, names added to the Prayer List will be automatically taken off the list after three weeks of publication.
* Please take the Prayer List bulletin insert home to include these people in your daily prayers. 

Prayer Chain Ministry:
Please send an email to prayerchain@lcocdalecity.org
or call the Prayer Chain Lead at 571-210-1979
     

Free Ceaseless Prayer App:
         Ceaseless Prayer
 

Youth Group

 
For any questions please contact: 
Katie Boivin ( kc.morse12@gmail.com)     
Dale Casey (broncosfan2@verizon.net)


GIVE
of our resources, time, and talents in response to God's extravagant generosity towards us

Stop Hunger Now 2016
Stewardship
We're coming up on a very busy season of GIVING IN GRATITUDE!  Thanksgiving, then Christmas, then in January we'll be having our THIRD ANNUAL Stop Hunger Now Event on the 14th. 
 
During November, we'll be collecting food for Neabsco Elementary students again.  Here is a list of the foods we'd like donated:
Green beans                    sweet potatoes               box pie crust
Boxes of mac & cheese          corn                          biscuit mix
Stuffing mix                      pumpkin pie mix             mashed potatoes
Gravy packets or jars                                                cranberry sauce
           
During December, we will be doing our Untrim-a-Tree program that we have done for many years.  Watch for the board with all the tags to appear.
 
On January 14, 2017, we will join together again to assemble 10,000 meals for Stop Hunger Now.  We've had so much fun the past two years with this event, and we were much more efficient this year than last.  Maybe we can pull off this 2 hour production line in even less time in 2017!  As you may remember, the 10,000 meals ingredients cost us $.29 per meal, or $2900 total.  In 2015, we used a portion of our 40th Anniversary Appeal to defray the cost, and in 2016, we had an anonymous donor contribute $2800 toward the event.
 
2017's EVENT IS DIFFERENT. We need to come together as a congregation to raise the money.  The food for our annual meeting on November 13th will be provided for the congregation through a Thrivent Action Team.  We only ask that you donate a free will offering for your meal!  We will also be collecting free will offerings during each of our Advent teas this year.  With the generosity our congregation demonstrates time and again I'm sure we'll have the money for SHN in no time at all.
 
Many thanks!
Denise Wilder and Brian Richard, Stewardship Co-chairmen
__________________________________________________________________
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OKTOBERFEST AT LCOC

When we choose to give our time, energy and talents to serve others, we are taking part in God's work to share the love of Christ and give God glory.  With God working in us and through us, we can "make a difference".  On Saturday, October 22, 2016, the Oktoberfest Thrivent Action Team gave of their time, energy and talents to serve others at our LCOC fundraiser and thereby, making a difference in the lives of the students at Neabsco Elementary.  The menu of traditional German food (brats, rolls, potato salad, sauerkraut and desserts) was extra special, but the fun and fellowship was extraordinary.  Thanks to all who attended this special event.  Thanks to all who contributed door prizes (Jo Ann Eberle, Eileen and Carl Eicher, Marty Cox of Thrivent, El Charro Restaurant, and Wilbur Snyder).  Thanks to all who donated prizes for the raffle (Gudrun Adams and Susie Rush, Kathy and Mark Lamboni, Hazel Tiede, Cindi and Ray Sutton, Fay Yentsch, and the Rudys).  Congratulations to all the winners of the door prizes and the raffles!!  Enjoy!  Thanks to Harriet Richard, Annette Stafira and Lilo Thomas who also made great potato salad.  My heartfelt thanks to my wonderful Thrivent Action Team (Gudrun Adams, Pastor Darcy, Heather Gimmi, Mark Gimmi, Nina Kunkel, Mark Lamboni, Ralph Morse, Phil Overholt, Brian Richard, Jo Ann Rudy, Susie Rush, Wilbur Snyder, Cindi Sutton and Ray Sutton).  Without all of these generous individuals who came together to make this event so successful (from consulting to making potato salad, sauerkraut, desserts, grilling brats, buying and serving beer and wine, serving the food, setting up and cleaning up, managing the cake walk, the package game, the chicken dance, being the MC for the evening, to praying for our efforts) this fundraiser would not have been possible.  The Oktoberfest raised around $2500.00 to be divided equally between our outreach to Neabsco Elementary and our needs at LCOC.  May God bless you all as you are all blessings to me.

Sincerely,
Roger Rudy  

New Classroom 
Property
Property on the Inside
 
Environmental stewardship refers to responsible use and protection of the natural environment through conservation and sustainable practices. Here at LCOC we are looking for ways to be more environmentally responsible by reducing power consumption.
Some of the actions we are taking:
  • Swapping out incandescent lightbulbs with LEDs where possible
  • Responsible use of Air Conditioning and Heating thru the use of Programmable thermostats
  • Installation of proximity switches in bathrooms and classroom spaces that automatically turn on/off by detecting people in that space.
The added benefits are better security for the building and reduced maintenance not to mention significant cost savings over time. Do you have any ideas on how we can be better stewards to the environment? Your Property Committee would love to hear about them.
 
Property on the Outside
The Rudy's will start fall planting in the new gardens located in front of the church. Roger and Jo Ann will be planting Iris' along with some other beautiful low growing plants that will be easier to maintain and add plenty of beauty and curb appeal without obscuring the lighted Church sign. Would you be interested in using your hands to do God's Work? Contact Roger or Jo Ann to find out how you can help.
 
Psalm 24:1 "A Psalm of David. The earth is the Lord's
and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein."

Your Property Committee,
Mark & Roger

GO
forth to serve others and share the story of God's love for all
OPPORTUNITIES TO USE OUR GIFTS
AT LCOC AND BEYOND
We are fortunate to be able to use our gifts that God has provided us through a variety of ways.  Ongoing ways to use your gifts are to sign up to be a part of supporting Neabsco Elementary in many ways and in being a part of the gardening team at LCOC to help keep our landscape beautiful.  Future experiences involve Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus, Breakfast with the Easter Bunny, (If you have questions, please see Jo Ann Rudy), and helping with Vacation Bible School  - (all at LCOC). 
When we choose to give our time, energy and talents to serve others, we are taking part in God's work to share the love of Christ and give God glory.  With God working in us and through us, we can make a difference!

Outreach to Neabsco Elementary School
          Thank you all so very much for the abundance of food you have brought in for the students at Neabsco.  Two large deliveries have been made this month and we will continue to collect.  Mrs. Jennifer Brooks (from Neabsco) is always overwhelmed when we arrive with all these gifts that represent "such an outpouring of love".  As we continue to strive to "make a difference" in the lives of the children at this nearby school, we hope to do some extra special things in the coming months.  Thanks again for faithfully using your gifts to serve our Lord and the children at Neabsco in this way.

Gratefully,
Jo Ann Rudy

I WALK for ACTS
Evangelism


We raised more than $500 for ACTS with our participation in the Walk. Thanks to all who participated and donated. God Bless, Darla

Trunk or Treat 2016


 

Thanks again for all your support of the Evangelism Team here at LCOC.  Darla 

Mend-A-House
October 8, 2016 
Project Mend-A-House

At the Taste of the Town for Project Mend-A-House LCOC was given the Community Partner of the Year award. Way to go LCOC! 








Would you like to participate in the next project? 
contact Ralph Morse  

NOTES & News
Food for Thought

 

Heavenly Bamboo
 
In Nature at LCOC
Dear LCOC Family Member ~
            If you've never spent time in any of the outside sanctuaries surrounding our church, you are missing an opportunity to feel God's awesome peace and His presence.  Allow me to take you on a walk through some of the gardens as we explore what happens in early to mid-autumn:
  • Earlier in October, bright yellow autumn crocuses greeted you as you entered the LCOC parking lot. 
  • Now in mid-autumn, these crocuses have finished blooming, and the Sycamores have finished dropping their leaves and the Maples are almost finished.
  • The Gums are just starting to put on their show of color.  If you look closely into one of these stately beauties, you'll see a large nest - the squirrels have been very busy.
  • As you continue your walk, you'll see that the Heavenly Bamboo is bending down with berries that almost touch the ground.
  • The Burning Bush is ablaze with color and it really does make you think of Moses.
  • You'll see our Dogwoods bursting with color and developing their red berries which will provide food for birds and squirrels in the coming months. 
  • If you were in the gardens just a couple of weeks ago, you may have seen several royal Monarchs flitting around looking for what nectar might be available to sustain them on their long trip to warmer areas. 
  • Although a few flowers remain on the Butterfly Bush it is the teeny tiny butterflies that hang on to these sweet blossoms.
  • Ornamental grasses are coming into their own and stand tall as they await the first snow fall. 
  • In some areas of the landscape, you can barely walk for the number of acorns that have carpeted the ground. 
  • The LCOC outdoor sanctuary is also a haven for all kinds of wildlife.  You most assuredly will see the resident hawk gliding overhead; lots of crows cawing as they fly from tree to tree (a real sign of autumn's presence); and if you're really fortunate, you may see a small herd of female deer grazing around the hollies.      
You are encouraged to take a self-guided tour through our wonderful landscape here at LCOC.  But be ready - you are going to experience God's peace and presence - so enjoy this special time with our Creator!  Next month, we'll see what's happening as the temperatures grow colder and the days much shorter. 
 
Autumn . . .
        The air is crisp.  The sky is clear.  The trees are ablaze with color.  As the lovely leaves of autumn fall, they dance with one another. 
                                                ~ by Debra Mills

This month at a glance
Happy Birthday to you!
NOVEMBER

                3  Karen B.
                3  Thomas M.
                9  Rick B.
              10  Jennifer H.
              11   Joseph M.
              12   Kyle S.
              13   Leslie C.
              13   Hunter W.
              14   Marcie C.
              15   Tyler P.
              16   David J.
              20   Monica W.
              22   Hunter S.
Happy Anniversary
Jon & Tricia S.
November 9, 1985

Ray & Cindi S.
November 26, 1993

Baptism Anniversaries
David B.
Kevin B.
Joshua O.
Lucas S.
Bailey Z.
Homebound Members
Ruth J.
Jean J.
Mary S.
Members in the Military
Tyler R.
Tom M.
Ryan L.
Samuel B.

Please remember to keep our service members and their families in your prayers as they serve our country. If you have someone to add to this list, please contact the office.

Flower Calendar
The altar flowers for this month are given to the glory of God and contributed by:

November 6
Roger & JoAnn R. in memory
of Freda R.

Les & Karen B. in celebration 
of their birthdays


November 13
John & Rita K. in celebration of Michael's birthday

The Rosenquist family in celebration of LCOC Sunday School teachers 
& students

November 20
Tilli S. in memory of her Mom & husband's birthdays

Roger & JoAnn R. in honor 
of Carroll R.

November 27
Rick B. in celebration of 
Sarah M.'s birthday

Ray & Cindi S. in celebration of their 23rd anniversary
Kids Page

OTLWB Book Club

The Book Club is meeting on           November 10th
(at 12:30 p.m. in the workroom)
 to discuss 
Truly Madly Guilty
by
Liana Moriarity

If you would like more information, please see Sandy S. or Diane D.
Contact Us
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9:00 am - 1:30 pm
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