Pastor Darcy
There was such energy, excitement, and joy at LCOC this summer as we experienced, once again, how much is possible as we connect with God's mission to grow as disciples and to care for others. What happened? We grew in the practice of prayer as we explored the Lord's Prayer during worship and adult education. We shared the gift of hospitality as we welcomed the community for a fun afternoon of games and food. We gave generously to provide 5,744 pounds of food for those in need and to equip 102 students at Neabsco Elementary school to star the year off right with backpacks and school supplies.
Now the energy, excitement, and joy continues as we get begin the fall ministry plans. What is God up to this year at LCOC? Read through this newsletter and stay tuned for more information about how you can CONNECT with God, each other, and the community this year. The following is a quick snapshot:
- Many faith formation opportunities beginning with the Fall series on What Christians believe and why - exploring the Apostles' Creed.
- An LCOC team is walking for and donating to ACTS through the IWalk to support the mission of caring for people in need.
- The Youth are preparing to go to the ELCA Youth Gathering next June in Houston - they will gather with approximately 30,000 other young people from around the world and also serve in Houston. This will be especially important after Hurricane Harvey.
- Plans are underway to pack 30,000 meals for Rise against Hunger in March 2018.
- And more...
All of these plans are opportunities for you personally to grow as a committed disciple of Christ. These are also openings for you to encourage and invite others to be a part of this incredible journey that we are on together with God.
Together, with God, we can do and be more than we can every imagine!
Peace,
Pastor Darcy
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ELCA: Lutheran Disaster Response
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We continue to pray for all of those impacted by Hurricane Harvey. The relief efforts will be ongoing and long-term. 100% of any donations to Lutheran Disaster Response will support some of these needs.
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Council President
Sharing in God's Mission
at Lutheran Church of the Covenant
Dear brothers and sisters-in-Christ,
I hope that you are as excited as I am about all the wonderful missions and ministries we have at our church and in the community. As we continue to live generously, I thank and praise God for all of you, especially helping to reach the goal of providing over 5,000 pounds of food for ACTS (please continue to bring in food) and over 100 backpacks for Neabsco Elementary (please start bringing in food for the kids at the school again). What a gift to be able to deliver all the food and backpacks and be welcomed in both places with open arms. Please join me in the upcoming ministries and be a part of all that God is calling us to do here at LCOC and out in the community. Some of these awesome opportunities include: God's Work, Our Hands Day; IWalk for ACTS; Oktoberfest; Fall Festival; Operation Turkey; Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus; UnTrim-A-Tree and so much more. How exciting it is to serve God and others in a variety of ways.
Please know that I will continue to pray for all of you, and I ask that you pray daily for all your brothers and sisters here at LCOC and that we are carrying out God's will for us in this place, in the community, and in the world. I ask that if you have any questions, concerns, suggestions, comments, etc. that you feel free to talk to me (in person, by phone (703-670-8365), or through email [email protected]). But more than anything, I ask that we all remember never to limit what God can do through us in carrying out our mutual missions!
May God bless you all as you are a blessing to me and many others.
Love,
Jo Ann Rudy
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GATHER
to worship God and fellowship with the community
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Worship
Fall has arrived and with it a return to our
regular Worship Service Schedule.
Beginning September 17th we will have two services again.
Fall/Winter/Spring Worship Schedule:
8:30 am Worship 9:45 am Education for all ages 11:00 am Worship
Musical Gifts and Talents:
If God has blessed you with a musical gift or talent, whether instrumental or vocal, we invite you to share them with us as Special Music during our worship services. All are welcome. We particularly would like our youth and young adults to participate. Currently, opportunities are available during the second service on October 1, October 22, November 19, December 3, and 17. If you are interested or have a friend who may be interested, please contact Kurt Hoffman at [email protected] or René Milam at [email protected].
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| Ice Cream Social |
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Fellowship
Fellowship hosted an Ice Cream Social on Sunday, August 13th. We hope you enjoyed a refreshing, cool treat on a hot August day!
Mark your calendars for our Annual "God's Work, Our Hands" clean up and luncheon day, Sunday September 10th. Join us after the clean up and service project for a Hot Dog Bar Luncheon beginning between 1:00 pm and 1:30 pm.
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| Prayer Breakfast |
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Our next meeting is September 9th
at 7:30 am
in the DFH.
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| LCOC Prayer Garden |
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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 offer this time to the community and congregation to join us for prayer, openly or privately. We will meet again on September 9th at 7:30 am.
Matt. 21:13 - my house will be called a house of prayer,.....
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GROW
in our relationship with God through prayer, Bible Study, and service
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Adult Education
You are invited to our Fall Series as we explore What Christians Believe and Why.
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Sep 10
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What Christians Believe and Why: God
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Sep 17
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What Christians Believe and Why: Jesus Christ
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Sep 24
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What Christians Believe and Why: Holy Spirit
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Oct 1
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What Christians Believe and Why: The Church at the Communion of Saints
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Oct 8
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What Christians Believe and Why: The Forgiveness of Sins
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Oct 15
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What Christians Believe and Why: The Resurrection of the Body
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Join us, the coffee is ready!
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NEW Wednesday Bible Study beginning September 20th:
Not able to attend in person? You can now "dial in" and join the conversation. 641.715.3580 code 333-631
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Story Time VBS 2017
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Education
LCOC Child and Youth Education
September 2017
- Youth Education begins again on September 10, 2017 from 9:45 AM to 10:45 AM, between 8:30 AM and 11:00 AM worship.
- With expected participation, class levels will be:
- o High School (9th-12th grades)
- o Confirmation (6th to 8th grades with Pastor's approval)
- o Younger Children (Pre-school to 5th/6th grades)
- 2017-2018 Youth Education Objectives:
- Increasing child and youth participation (possible expansion of Younger Children into two age groups as in past years)
- Team teaching for all class levels
- Inter-generational education/sharing opportunities for other adult LCOC members
- Making LCOC child and youth education more purposeful, interesting and fun
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Curriculum
- Through mid-Oct, "Creed- What Christians Believe and Why" for all levels
- After Oct, Confirmation continues with 'Colaborate Lutheran'- 2 year program
- Congregational Support Needed For LCOC Child/Youth Education Program:
- Two rotating adult teachers for all three class levels from Sep 2017 to May 2018 (i.e. regularly scheduled to switch off by week or month)
- Additional adult volunteers who can fill class levels 2-4 times a year (when both of the regularly schedule teachers are not available)
- Other adult members who can share a passion or skill on a one-time basis
- Your continued prayers and interest in LCOC youth education
- Draft LCOC Child and Youth Protection Policy was provided to the Pastor for review
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Confirmation Corner
Welcome Back!!
Looking forward to this year!
See you all on Rally Day, September 10th.
Wilbur Snyder
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Prayer Opportunities
Prayer Chain Ministry:
or call the Prayer Chain Lead at 571-210-1979
Free Ceaseless Prayer App:
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As we begin to prepare for the Youth Gathering in Houston next summer, we look for your participation in our fundraising efforts. We want all the youth to be able to come and experience this amazing event.
Proceeds to support the Youth Group:
Annual Cloverdale Closet Thrift Sale on September 30th for Chrysalis
Oktoberfest on October 21st, 1/2 proceeds to Youth Gathering
Annual Congregational Meeting on November 12th to Youth Gathering
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New Security Lights September 10th
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GIVE
of our resources, time, and talents in response to God's extravagant generosity towards us
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| Stop Hunger Now 2017 |
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Stewardship
As of this writing, we are nearing the 100-mark for filled backpacks for Neabsco Elementary! That is truly amazing and was possible due to your generosity in response to the Holy Spirit's leading. Thanks so much to everyone in the congregation who participated and to those who also involved friends and colleagues-what a great way to not only provide items to enrich students' school experience, but to also engage and network in the community. These are all important connections.
Plans are in the works and details are being provided on many opportunities to serve and enjoy fun and fellowship and experience the wonderful rewards that come with them. Be ready to use your gifts in the upcoming ministries and help with Fall Festival (aka Trunk or Treat), Operation Turkey, Breakfast with Santa and Christmas Gifts for those in need later in the year and our Rise Against Hunger meal packing event (going for 30,000!) in March of 2018. Please contact me at 703-200-3077 or via email at [email protected] for more details on any or all of these exciting efforts. Join in the teams being formed to make these successes as well.
Thanks for everyone's great support in providing over 5,000 pounds of food for ACTS. Our partnership and efforts are truly appreciated there and we will have many more opportunities for engagement with ACTS as the 50th Anniversary Year Celebration in 2019 approaches.
Thank you also for your generosity in your financial commitment and consider using the Vanco option which can be accessed online at: https://www.eservicepayments.com/cgi-bin/Vanco if you haven't already done so. Please consider becoming a Thrivent member as well and if you already are a member and use Thrivent products, make use of the Action Team funds that are available to help fund LCOC's ministry projects. This seed money really makes a difference and helps us increase the scope of our service projects.
Enjoy all the excitement of Back-to-School, approaching fall weather and events and be sure to join in fellowship opportunities at LCOC.
Finally, please enjoy and take a moment to think about this quote to get you in the mood for the coming change of season:
"Summer ends, and Autumn comes, and he who would have it otherwise would have high tide always and a full moon every night; and thus, he would never know the rhythms that are at the heart of life." ~Hal Borland
In love and peace,
Patti Beattie
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Amazon Smile:
Amazon members can help support LCOC while you shop! Click on the link below and pick Lutheran Church of the Covenant as your favorite organization and start shopping! We will receive a percentage of the sale.
Good shop:
Support Lutheran Church of the Covenant when you search the Web at goodsearch.com or shop online with Goodshop.com.
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GO
forth to serve others and share the story of God's love for all
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| IWALK for ACTS 2016 |
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Evangelism
IWALK for ACTS
Join us on Saturday, October 7, 2017. Registration is open for the 7th annual IWALK for ACTS featuring a 5K walk/run and festival
at Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center.
Join or donate to the LCOC Team:
5,000 Pounds of Food for
ACTS Challenge
Thanks to Lutheran Church of the Covenant Members and Shoppers Food Customers who helped provide 5,744.7 pounds of food for the ACTS Pantry during our Food Drive this summer. What a humbling experience to partner with a local food store and to engage with all the generous people who helped us to not only "Fill the Truck for ACTS", but also three other vehicles! Thanks to all of you who brought in so much food that we went over our goal of 5,000 pounds. Sometimes God helps you to think outside of the box in order to do His will. It can be an awesome and daunting privilege to watch Him work through the power of the Holy Spirit. Please continue to bring in food for ACTS and for the children at Neabsco Elementary. Please join me in praising God from whom all blessings flow.
In His service,
Roger
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Hilda Barg Homeless Shelter |
Dear Church Family,
Thank you for your continued support to our outreach program at the Hilda Barg Homeless Shelter. Because of that support we had the funds to purchase all the food for the meals for August. LCOC served meals on August 20, 21, and 22. We serve again in February 2018.
Blessings in Christ
Sandy Strychowski.
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Happy Birthday to you!
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SEPTEMBER
1 John E.
1 Warren R.
1 Brady V.
3 Amy M.
4 Veronica W.
8 Venus O.
8 Lucas S.
10 Greta S.
11 Ray S.
19 Fred T. Jr.
20
Erica J.
22 William H-B.
23 William J.
23 Addison L.
26 James M.
26 Cindi S.
28 Sarah S.
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Happy Anniversary
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Brian & Harriet R.
September 4, 1964
Michael & Kristi S.
September 5, 2015
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Baptism Anniversaries
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Mark G.
Victoria G.
Jeffery M.
Melissa M.
Allison P.
Tyler P.
Georgiann T.
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Homebound Members
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Ruth J.
Jean J.
Mary S.
Virginia S. |
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Members in the Military
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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.
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Flower Calendar
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The altar flowers for this month are given to the glory of God and contributed by:
September 3
Roger & JoAnn R. in honor of Pat Smith
Susanna R. and family in appreciation of teachers
September 10
Jon & Tricia S. in celebration of Lucas' birhtday
Fay Y. in memory of Tom.
September 17
Jon & Tricia S. in celebration of
Marloes' 2nd Birthday
Mark & Kathy L. in memory of Kathy's Dad
September 24
Mark & Kathy L. in celebration of
Mackenzie's 3rd birthday
Mark & Kathy L. in celebration of
Addison's 6th birthday
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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.
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!
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OTLWB Book Club
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The Book Club Summer Selection
Meeting on September 11th
The Rosie Effect
by Graeme Simsion
Other recommendations Summer 2017 :
The Columbus Affair by Steve Berry
A Piece of the World by Christina Baker Kline
The Town that Died: A Chronicle of the Halifax Explosion by Michael J. Bird
If you would like more information,
please see Sandy S. or Diane D.
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| Mend-A-House |
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Project Mend-A-House
Click to read:
Would you like to participate in the next project?
contact Ralph M.
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Dear Faith Community,
We wanted to again thank all who participated in your 5000 lb. Drive , for your generosity and selflessness. The kindness that was shared is a reflection of God's abiding grace and love for all His children, especially those in need.
May we all continue to be lights in the paths of others, always for His glory.
Blessings & Peace,
Melissa Napora
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Dear Ones,
Thank you for all your prayers during my illness. I am doing much better now.
The Prayer Shawl is so beauitful and is such a comfort for me. God bless you all.
Rita K.
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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 is happening as summer winds down and fall is on the horizon:
- The Crepe Myrtles continue to bloom profusely as we pause to take in their beautiful flowers of light pink, dark pink, rose, and purple blossoms.
- We see the elongated purple flowers of the butterfly bush blowing gently in the breeze as they continue to provide sustenance for the butterflies and insects that stop by for their meals.
- The majestic Mahonia is starting to take on hues of red-orange as they remain a refuge for our resident birds. The nearby Heavenly Bamboo is starting to become weighted down with green berries that will be turning a brilliant red in late autumn.
- Black-eyed Susans and coneflowers have all gone to seed much to the delight of the Gold Finches and other birds who relish these tasty treats. Mr. Joe Pye Weed's blooms are still providing yummy nectar for butterflies, birds, and bees.
- As we pause to rest in a chair on the patio, we are entertained by a pair of catbirds that are chattering loudly and flitting back and forth in front of us. During our brief respite, we also notice the fall anemones are budded and ready to burst forth in their pretty white.
- The maples are now dressed more fully in shades of red, yellow, and orange.
- Another sign that fall is near are the beautiful purple spikes of the liriope as they emerge from their grassy mounds.
- As we finish our time in the outer sanctuary, we notice the rustling leaves dancing across the parking lot and are reminded that each new day is a gift from God and we are to rejoice and be glad.
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 be into the fall season and looking forward to all the cooler days and spectacular colors this new season will have to offer.
"Whilst August yet wears her golden crown,
Ripening fields lush-bright with promise;
Summer waxes long, then wanes, quietly passing
Her fading green glory on to glorious Autumn."
Michelle L. Thieme
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Take a look at our web site
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Office Hours:
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Monday - Friday
9:00 am - 1:30 pm
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