Pastor Darcy
How is God calling you to support the ongoing legacy of LCOC?
This summer I experienced the beauty of God's creation as I hiked and explored Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons. Each part of the parks offered something different and beautiful- water, mountains, animals, trees, waterfalls, rocks, geysers and more. What filled my heart with joy was that this was a place where people of all ages, abilities, languages, experiences, and cultures were able to come together to share in the awe of what God created. For over 145 years, this area has been a place where people come and are able to connect with God and nature. I give thanks for the vision of those who designated this land for protection and for the generosity of so many people over the years who have provided the funds to maintain and to expand the possibilities for more people to be reminded that we are connected, nurtured, and blessed to be a part of what God has done and is doing in this world. The financial generosity and time commitment of so many people throughout the years is a gift to the giver and to all of those who experience the beauty of these parks.
As I reflect on the ministry of LCOC that was established almost 50 years ago, I feel grateful for the vision of those who saw Cloverdale Road as a place for people to come and to be nurtured in faith. I feel grateful for the generosity (financial, time, and talents) that has supported and continues to support God's work through the mission and ministry of LCOC. What fills my heart with joy is that LCOC seeks to be a place where people of all ages, abilities, languages, experiences, and cultures can gather as a diverse family to be equipped as committed disciples of Christ.
Like, Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons, LCOC requires financial gifts and the time and talents of many people to maintain the ministry AND to expand the opportunities for those who are currently a part of this ministry and for ALL who will come to learn, live, and to share the stories of God's love. This is a place where people learn that Jesus loves them and a place where each week we are reminded that we are beloved children of God - and THAT changes everything!
Like most congregations in the summer, LCOC is challenged financially as people travel. At the same time, LCOC is still about God's work as we share God's transforming love with our various ministry opportunities throughout the year! As we return after summer experiences and the fall ministry plans begin, I invite you to prayerfully consider how God is calling you to support the ongoing legacy of LCOC with your financial gifts and your gifts and time and talent. Your generosity will change your life, those in the congregation, and those who have yet to come, see and be a part of the vibrant ministry at LCOC!
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Council President
Sharing in God's Mission
at Lutheran Church of the Covenant
Dear brothers-and -sisters-in-Christ ~
Our God loves us deeply and longs to be in a relationship with us in which we receive the spiritual and physical blessings He wants to give us. We, as individuals and churches, suffer great loss when we fail to ask God for these blessings. These blessings can change our lives, invigorate our churches, transform our communities, and even alter the course of history! Best of all, they are available to every believer and every church if we will only pray for them in faith and obedience.
My desire through the 40 Day Prayer Challenge is that we as God's people understand more fully that prayer is our lifeline to Him - our source of strength and abundant blessing. God has chosen prayer as his channel of blessing and is waiting to answer us and supply our needs. He uses our everyday troubles to remind us that we need him to intervene in our lives and that we need to take prayer seriously and call on Him passionately.
Please join our LCOC Church Family and hopefully others for 40 Days of Prayer starting on August 28th at 10:00 a.m. and August 29th at 6:00 p.m. What a wonderful opportunity to purposefully pray for one another, ourselves, our church, and the world and to stand back and witness what God will do!
Please also join us for "God's Work, Our Hands" Sunday on September 9th as we worship with the Mustard Seed Church, clean up Cloverdale, do inside projects for others, and have lunch together.
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 continue to bless us all as we share how important being a part of a Christian community is to our daily walk with Jesus and with one another.
Love,
Jo Ann Rudy
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GATHER
to worship God and fellowship with the community
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Worship
Hymn Sing September 2
at 9:30 am
Fall/Winter/Spring Worship
begins on
September 16th with 8:30 am & 11:00 am services
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Fellowship
Summer "Potluck" Luncheon
at LCOC
We experienced our second Summer "Potluck" Luncheon on Tuesday, August 21st in the Upper Fellowship Hall" at LCOC. We welcomed 32 church family members, friends, and neighbors to a wonderful meal, great conversation, and a fabulous presentation on "Tales from the Virginia Woods". Thanks so much to all who came, brought food, and especially to Brian Smith for helping us experience the beautiful birds and other wildlife right here in Prince William County and in neighboring areas. Thanks Brian!! We hope to continue these events into the fall and winter. If you know of someone who would be interested in or would like to do a presentation, please let Pastor Darcy or Jo Ann Rudy know. Stay tuned!
Please join us on
September 9th for
God's work - Our Hands Sunday
Work day/Potluck Luncheon.
Help with the work day or indoor project in the Upper Fellowship Hall followed by the luncheon at 12:15 pm. A sign-up sheet is posted or use the online line sign-up below.
Please come and join us for food and fellowship.
Any questions please see June Jamieson.
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Prayer Breakfast
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Men's Prayer Breakfast
Devotions - Wilbur Snyder
Food - Mark Gimmi
Attendance - 7
Topic - Ephesians 4:25 - 5:2
A powerful passage about the Holy Spirit bringing unity and Peace. It is the Holy Spirit who empowers us to claim and live a new life in Jesus Christ through baptism.
Lessons learned -
- The actions of the individual impact the community - either for good or bad.
- Like old clothing, we are to discard and put away falsehood, stealing, slander, bitterness, wrath, anger, slander and malice.
- Its ok to be angry, but do not sin.
- Do not let the sun go down on your anger and do not make room for the devil.
- Let no evil talk come out of your mouth, but only what is useful, so that your words may give grace to those who hear.
- We are encouraged to imitate God, like a child imitates a parent, and live a life of love.
Thanks to Wilbur Snyder for a wonderful, thought provoking devotion
Our next meeting is September 8, 2018 at 7:30 am.
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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 8th 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
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Sep 2
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NO EDUCATION
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Sep 9
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Special Guest: Jennifer Brooks
Come and hear news from Neabsco Elementary
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Sep 16
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Special Guest: Beth Seidler
Come and learn more about how to be a part of the IWalk for ACTS and the difference this makes in people's lives
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Sep 23
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Understanding and Countering Fear
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Sep 30
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C
rime, Race, Terrorism and Politics
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Oct 7
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Failure, Disappointing others,
Insignificance and Loneliness
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Oct 14
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Apocalypse, Change, Missing Out, Finances
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Oct 21
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Aging, Illness, Dying, Fear of the Lord
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS AND INVITE YOUR FRIENDS - LCOC Youth Education will begin again at 9:00 AM on Sunday, September 9th in the downstairs classrooms, and then continue at 9:45 AM starting on Sunday, September 16th for the remainder of the year.
So far the dynamic teaching team includes:
- High School (our largest) led by Mike Riley and Kristi Stoller.
- Grade School led by Stacey Rosenquist and Diane Degroodt.
- Substitute teachers will include Patti Beattie, Jennifer Rice, Ray Sutton, Jon Schilder, and Wilbur Snyder.
- Confirmation and pre-school - TBD depending on numbers of children/youth in that age group
ALL, please sign up TODAY (even if you were part of Sunday school this past year). Also, please let us know of any prospective students at those levels.
Do you like to encourage children and youth in their faith development? Do you enjoy teaching, crafts or planning other educational opportunities? If so please email : [email protected].
Thanks, Wilbur
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Prayer Opportunities
Prayer Chain Ministry:
or call the Prayer Chain Lead at 571-210-1979
Free Ceaseless Prayer App:
THE LCOC 40 DAY PRAYER CHALLENGE
Do you pray as often and as boldly as you want to?
There is a way to experience a deeper, more passionate, persistent, and intimate prayer life. Be a part of this opportunity to grow deeper in your prayer life. There will be 5 sessions which will include a video, discussion (there is also a workbook) and time in prayer.
Starts: Tuesday, August 28th - 10:00 - 11:30 AM
OR Wednesday, August 29th - 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Cost for book and study guide: $12.50
Questions?
See Pastor Darcy, Jo Ann Rudy or Lorelei Ditton
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 Youth Group
- Youth education kicks off after a summer break on Sunday, September 9th at 9 AM, and then on September 16th moves to 9:45 AM when the two service schedule begins again.
- After two inter-generational presentations, on September 23d both High School and Grade School classes will begin a five week theme of 'Unafraid: Living with Courage and Hope in Uncertain Times' which parallels adult education with age-appropriate lessons.
- There are now firm student prospects for small Pre-School and Confirmation classes beginning in September. LCOC is seeking at least one or two more adult volunteers who are available to teach at least half-time (team teach) for this child and youth ministry.
SAVE THE DATE:
The Fall Thrift Sale will be on November 10th. Please bring in your items to donate and use the upstairs classroom to store until the sale. Thank you for helping with this fundraiser.
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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
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Amazon Smile:
Click on the link below and pick Lutheran Church of the Covenant as your favorite organization and start shopping!
smile.amazon.com
Good shop:
Support Lutheran
Church of the Covenant when you search the Web at goodsearch.com or shop online with Goodshop.com.
GoodShop
Thank you also for your generosity in your financial commitment and consider using the Vanco option which can be accessed online at:
VANCO Giving Link
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.
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GO
forth to serve others and share the story of God's love for all
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Evangelism
I want to thank all the individuals that contributed to the Family,Faith and Fun nights at LCOC. We all had a wonderful time.
Darla Ferris
Mark your calendar:
OCT. 6 -
ACTS IWalk - Be a part of the LCOC in ACTion team and invite friends and neighbors as we have fun and care for those in need through the mission of ACTS.
OCT. 27th -
Fall Festival at LCOC - Joins us as we invite the neighbors to celebrate the changing season with food , games and craft activities. Invite your friends!
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Mark your calendar for 2019
LCOC 50th anniversary celebrations
January 20th- Kick off brunch at 9:45
June 2nd - Worship Celebration/lunch - Bishop Graham guest preacher
Nov 24th - Moving forward in Mission Celebration Brunch
The initial planning team includes: Roger and Jo Ann Rudy, Mel Bellinger, Diane DeGroodt, Patti Beattie, Pastor Darcy
Stay tuned for more details and for ways to be involved in the planning for this special year!
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Happy Birthday to you!
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SEPTEMBER
1 John E.
1 Brady V.
3 Amy M.
4 Veronica W.
8 Venus O.
8 Lucas S.
10 Greta S.
11 Ray S.
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 2
Roger & JoAnn R. in honor of Pat Smith
Brian & Harriet R. in celebration of their
54th wedding anniversary
September 9
Les & Karen B. in remembrance
of their daughter, Cassandra
OPEN
September 16
Georgiann T. in memory of Fred's birthday
Stacey R. in celebration of her
brother, Don William's birthday
September 23
Mark & Kathy L. in celebration of Addison's 7th birthday
Mark & Kathy l. in celebration of Mackenzie's 4th birthday
September 30
Diane & Mark D. in honor of their anniversary
OPEN
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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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As you walk through the different areas of LCOC, you will see signs that indicate what is expected when you are using our wonderful church. These are not only for non-members who meet in our facility for a lot of reasons, but for all of us who use the space regularly or only occasionally. Please help us keep our church clean and in order for all! Thanks!
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In the Community
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September 26th
7:00 pm
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News & Notes
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Dear partners in ministry,
Here at Bethlehem Lutheran, we are still so moved by your incredible show of support last Wednesday evening "United Against Hate", and I want to thank you again for all your presence and prayers. For standing with us through these choppy waters, I give thanks to God. Your wisdom and friendship have been such lights for me in the darkness.
Our church is now officially overflowing with quilts and blankets :) which was a perfect illustration for last Sunday's scripture text on the feeding of the 5000 -- abundance!
As you communicate with all your networks, please do let them know how grateful and full we are with plenty of glorious coverings for our pews and beyond.
Now we begin the work of sewing some of them together into a beautiful tapestry for our congregation, adorning our walls with new images of love-conquering-hate, and mostly re-distributing these quilts to those places and people who will need them the most when the weather turns colder. We are but vessels, yes?
We are also in the process (i.e. dreaming at this point) about a follow-up event with speaker Daryl Davis. We've got a contact to make it possible. Perhaps you'd like to partner with us, as we continue to unite against racism, hatred and violence? Let's keep in touch...
While none of us, of course, ever wanted this terrible thing to happen to any of our holy spaces, it has brought us together even sooner and closer, and for that I give thanks again.
Grace and peace amid all the storms,
Pastor Dan
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Thank you to my LCOC family for a wonderful "thank you" reception on Sunday, August 26th. I appreciate everyone who took time to attend and offer your kind words as well as signing the print! It has truly been a blessing for me to be your Administrative Assistant for the last 5-1/2 years.
blessings,
Tricia Schilder
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| Mend-A-House |
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Project Mend-A-House
Would you like to participate in the next project?
contact Ralph M.
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OTLWB Book Club
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September 10th at 12:30 pm:
The Keeper of Lost Things
By
Ruth Hogan
If you would like more information,
please see Sandy S. or Diane D.
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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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