Pastor Darcy
So let's do it-full of belief, confident that we're presentable inside and out. Let's keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let's see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.
Hebrews 10:22-25 The Message (MSG)
While I must admit I feel sad that the summer has gone by so quickly, I am excited for what God has in store for LCOC and I cannot wait to connect with God and YOU as we begin our fall ministry plans.
This fall, we say farewell and Godspeed to Kurt as our choir director. We give thanks for his ministry at LCOC these past 4 years. In addition, we are beginning to pivot in our ministry focus. We began this 50th anniversary year looking back and giving thanks for all the people and experiences that have shaped the LCOC faith family. Now we are beginning to look forward and live into the ministry that God has in store for us. The Good News is that because of God's faithfulness, we are confident that God will use this time to prepare us to for the best that is yet to come.
I feel grateful that LCOC, along with the Metro DC Synod, is intentionally taking steps to reverse the trend of decline in the mainline churches. This process will not be easy, a linear process, or will happen overnight. Yet it is possible and something that together and with God, LCOC will continue to be a place where people can be nurtured and challenged in the Good News, that God loves ALL people and that God wants everyone to experience the life abundant.
How are we going to do this? First, through prayer. Second, through time in the study of God's Word to discern what God is calling us to do and be at this time. Two immediate opportunities are the study of Luke on Tuesday mornings at 10 am and the study of Biblical Stewardship on Sundays at 9:45. All of this supports the "New Connections" focus where over the next THREE years we will have, at least, 50 new, actively engaged people in the LCOC ministry. We will also have a financial campaign to raise funds to equip LCOC to move forward in ministry. Stay tuned for more details from the New Connections team.
In the meantime, let us keep a firm grip on God's promises to be with us in the joys, sorrows, challenges and possibilities of life and ministry. Let's have fun as we encourage each other to personally and as a congregation grow in our relationship with God.
Dear People of LCOC - let's DO it! Dear People of LCOC - we CAN do it - as we are confident in God's promises and God's faithfulness and as we are creative in encouraging and loving each other.
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In August, the ELCA churchwide assembly was held in Milwaukee. Below are some links with information from the assembly. The topics and actions were varied. The ELCA seeks to live our faith in the world and to encourage congregations to explore how they are called to walk with and care for those in need in their communities. Please call or email me with any questions.
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Cou
n
cil President
Fall is almost here and shortly we will see the artful hand of God in the colors of the changing leaves. Fall also means football season. Being from the deep South, this is a wonderful time for me, not so wonderful a time for my wife.
Like the leaves and the seasons, life is ever changing. After celebrating 50 blessed years, LCOC will also be changing and moving ahead. One of the ways we will be doing that is through the three-year New Connections Campaign we are readying to launch in October. Your leadership has already put many hours into planning for this initiative which will work towards connecting with 50 new people engaged in God's work at LCOC, and funds to better share God's love, connect with others, and help them grow in their faith through education/leadership development, and with enhanced facilities.
As time marches on and LCOC moves towards what God has in store for us in the future, pray for him to show you your part in this amazing growth. Isaiah 2:5 tells us, "Come, house of Jacob, and let us walk in the light of the Lord." Meditate on his word and share your time, talents, and resources as we make even more new connections.
In thanks,
Randy
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GATHER
to worship God and fellowship with the community
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Prayer Breakfast
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Men's Prayer Breakfast
Striving each week to look to the past, present and future watching and waiting for the return of our savior.
The next Prayer breakfast is scheduled for September 14th.
Please join us.
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Community Prayer Group
The LCOC community prayer group meets the seco
nd
Saturday of each month from 7:30 am to 9 am in the Work Room. All are welcome to this time when joys, concerns and hopes are lifted in prayer.
Next gathering: September 14 at 7:30 am.
Matt. 21:13 - My house will be called a house of prayer,.....
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Worship Committee
This fall there are lots of opportunities to connect with God and each other in worship! These are special opportunities to bring your neighbors and friends - especially those who have recently moved to the area!
SEPT 1
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The Favorite hymn sing begins at 9:30 and continues with worship at 10:00 am!
SEPT 8
- God's Work-Our Hands Sunday
We will praise God together with our brothers and sisters from the Korean and Spanish Churches that meet at LCOC. This will be a mini-Pentecost service with a reading done in each of the represented languages - Korean, Spanish and English. There will be special music.
SEPT 15
- LCOC returns to two Sunday morning services - 8:30 and 11:00
SEPT 29
- PET BLESSING - 2 pm
Oct 16 - HEALING SERVICE - 7:00 pm
COMING SOON - A new special area for young children in the sanctuary
FLOWER CHART
There are several Sundays available to sponsor flowers.
THANK YOU -
Kathy Panther and Brian Richard for your skillful portrayal of a praying person and God in the Lord's Prayer skit.
SEPTEMBER 7 AT 9:00 AM - WORSHIP TEAM MEETING
You are invited to be a part of this dynamic team and to share your ideas for additions/enhancements to the worship services.
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GROW
in our relationship with God through prayer, Bible Study, and service
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Fall Education Series:
Stewardship means "belonging to God" - all that we are and all that we have comes from God. We are grateful to God for it all, and responsible to God for how we use it. There is a connection between stewardship and spirituality: generous giving as a spiritual discipline helps us to grow in Christ.
Duty and delight are both motivating factors for giving - doing what we ought to do as responsible church members, and making cheerful sacrifices out of love for God.
The overarching theme of this course is, "This is good news!" The biblical message of financial stewardship is:
* promising and encouraging;
* not (usually) guilt-inducing;
* a way of life;
* for many of us, it just may be the way to a better life.
See you on Sept 15
as we continue to grow in the Biblical understanding of stewardship and how this can lead us to a better life!
September Adult Education
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September 1: Labor Day -
NO EDUCATION
All are invited to the Favorite Hymn Sing which starts at 9:30 am
September 8: Start off the school/ministry program year in prayer
September 15: Biblical Stewardship: Belonging to God
September 22: Biblical Stewardship: What is a Steward?
September 29: Biblical Stewardship: Treasures and Hearts
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The Tuesday morning Bible study will resume on September 3rd at 10 AM with the study of Luke.
All are welcome!
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save the date:
9/8 - God's Work-Our Hands Sunday
9/15 - Education Kick-Off
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GIVE
of our resources, time, and talents in response to
God's extravagant generosity towards us
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Stewardship
The Lord delights in blessing his children and wants us to share that delight in giving and being a blessing.
Thank you for living generously and being part of God's work here at LCOC and beyond.
Additional Ways to Give:
Vanco online giving:
Thrivent: Benefit Members are eligible for two action teams/year which provides $250 of seed money for various projects. Associate Members are eligible for one action team/year.
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GO
forth to serve others and share the story of God's love for all
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Youth Group
Ice Cream Social
Mark your calendar for the Thrift Sale - November 2nd.
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Evangelism
School bells ringing, temperatures showing signs of decreasing....signs not only that fall is almost here, but that LCOC is busy with several of the ministries that allow us to connect with many people and share God's love with them. Thanks to the generosity of LCOC members, Thrivent Financial, and donations from our friends at Literacy Volunteers of America-Prince William and the Korean Mustard Seed and Hispanic Iglesia Palabra Vida congregations, we collected 117 backpacks with supplies and five huge boxes of extra supplies for the children at Neabsco Elementary. When these were delivered, new counselor Lisa Jackson said, "what a blessing this is and perfectly timed as they have had a number of families reaching out for help with the supplies that really make a difference in a student's success in class."
On the heels of the annual backpack drive is God's Work/Our Hands Day on September 8th when members of LCOC and the Korean and Hispanic congregations will join together to worship, enjoy great food, and do Cloverdale Clean-up and decorating bags and boxes for packing snacks and household supplies for ACTS shelters. Please be sure your hands are part of this ministry that really connects us in service.
Then as fall really blazes with color and crisper air, LCOC will have a team to be part of the group of several thousand people joining in the I Walk for ACTS event at Stonebridge on October 5th. There are booths, music, and lots of just plain fun to be had that day. Be sure that you and your family and friends all sign up to be part of the LCOC team, put on your walking shoes and be part of something bigger.
Join in and invite others to share in God's love, connect with each other and our community and beyond, and grow in faith.
With thanks,
Patti
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Office Hours:
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Monday - Friday
9:00 am - 2:00 pm
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Birthdays
01 Eberle, John
03 Miller, Amy
04 Ward, Veronica
08 Owusu, Venus
08 Schilder, Lucas
10 Sweatman, Greta
11 Jones, Erica
23 Jones, William
26 Mehr, James
28 Sweatman, Sarah
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Anniversaries
04 Brian & Harriet Richard
05 Michael & Kristi Stoller
09 Britt and Jason Pritchett
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Baptisms
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03 Victoria Gimmi
06 Georgiann Thompson
07 Melissa Mehr
29 Allison Pritchett
29 Tyler Pritchett
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Homebound Members
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Ruth J.
Jean J.
Mary S.
Virginia S.
Linda S.
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Members in the Military
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Tyler R
Tom M
Ryan L
Samuel B
Xavier D
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 1
Roger and Jo Ann Rudy honoring Pat Smith
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September 8
Fay Yentsch in memory of Tom Yentsch and in celebration of Isabella & Greta's birthdays and
Les and Karen Burroughs in celebration of their granddaughter Hannah's birthday.
September 15
Georgiann Thompson in memory of Fred's birthday.
September 29
Sweatman family in celebration of Sarah's birthday and
the Degroodt family in celebration of Mark & Diane's 25th wedding anniversary.
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FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY IS BACK....
SEPTEMBER 15- NOV 10
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A Musical Evening with
the Bull Run Troubadours
A SEPTEMBER 10TH AT 7:30 pm
A free will offering wil be received to support the
ACTS IWalk!
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September 8 - God's Work-Our Hands Sunday
October 5 - ACTS IWalk
October 12 - Installation of Metro DC Bishop, Leila Ortiz
October 16 - Healing Service
November 17 - Annual Meeting
December 11 - Advent Service of Hope |
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OTLWB Book Club
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The book club resumes meeting on September 9th at 12:30 p.m. for a discussion of
The Alice Network by Kate Quinn. Looking ahead, October's selection is
Carnegie's Maid by Marie Benedict, and November's selection is
Dear Mrs. Bird by A J Pearce.
If you would like more information,
please see Sandy S. or Diane D.
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The Baptism of Madelyn Mae Moniz
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Prayer Opportunities
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:
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UNITY IN THE COMMUNITY
The International Day of Prayer for Peace
September 22
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FELLOWSHIP |
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One way that we connect and have fun at LCOC is through Fellowship opportunities. Dale Gallentine and I are developing a Fellowship team and we invite YOU to come, have fun and meet to plan some upcoming events. Sign up in the Narthex to be a part of this team or email us at
fellowship@lcocdalecity.org
with questions or ideas. We would greatly appreciate your support for this team! We look forward to working together to create new connections through fellowship. Thank you!
Blessings on you,
Darla Ferris
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Property Breakdown
Before giving a report of actions taken with respect to improvement of the Lutheran Church of the Covenant grounds and buildings, I would like to take the opportunity to thank members of the Church who have helped maintain and improve the grounds and buildings of Lutheran Church of the Covenant.
Marlies, Tricia and JoAnn have been and continue to weed, mulch and trim trees and hedges found on the Church's property. In addition each has spent time cleaning parts of the Church buildings and especially organizing and cleaning the storage shed beneath the Narthex.
With regard to the Church buildings, some of the repairs and improvements which have been made include replacement of a sump pump in the utility room underneath the fellowship hall, repair of a urinal in the men's bathroom of the fellowship hall, placing a no trespassing sign in the breezeway, sanding and painting the steel support I-beams in the breezeway, replacing filters for the heating and cooling unit, repairing thresholds for entry doors, replacing the belt for the major heating and cooling unit, repairing the video monitoring system for the breezeway, installing a grab bar in one of the stalls of the Narthex women's bathroom, adding fire evacuation signs throughout the buildings, replacing a cutoff valve for one of the fixtures in the Narthex women's bathroom, and replacing two motion detector lights.
Ground maintenance is of course a continuing thing as will be future repair of plumbing, structural and electrical infrastructure.
Peace be with everyone,
Sherman Basinger
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