Pastor Darcy
Faith is a living, daring confidence in God's grace, so sure and certain
that a man could stake his life on it a thousand times. - Martin Luther
2019 is a milestone ministry year for LCOC as we celebrate the privilege and joy of serving in ministry in the Dale City area for 50 years.
Milestone years are unique opportunities to celebrate ministry over the years and also to be intentional about steps towards the future.
Looking back we celebrate that:
Together we have shared ups and downs, and joys and sorrows.
Together we have celebrated faith and life milestones such as baptisms, confirmations, weddings, funerals, and ordinations.
Together we have tried ministry ideas that have worked and others that did not or were beneficial for a time and then needed to die so that that new ministry ideas could be birthed.
Together and with God, amazing experiences have been possible.
The LCOC ministry has been possible for 50 years because of God's call to serve in this community and because of the willingness of the people to serve in ministry, to share their ideas, to try new things and to reach out to invite and welcome new people. It is not always easy to share an idea or to say yes to serving or to invite someone to a ministry event. Sometimes we feel afraid that our idea will not work, or that we do not have the gifts or time to serve or that our invitation (and we personally) will be rejected. Yet it is by sharing, serving, and inviting that we grow in our relationship with God and with each other.
As we look forward, we create opportunities to position LCOC for ministry for the next 50 years. To accomplish this, we are developing a "New Connections Campaign" which includes a financial giving goal and also a goal to invite and engage 50 new people in the LCOC ministry.
Together and with God we can reach these goals! Stay tuned for more details. In the meantime, let us start this new year with the sure and confident hope as we:
- Pray for the people and ministry of LCOC.
- Invite your neighbors, families, friends and acquaintances to the upcoming events and services
- Serve in a leadership role and/or on a ministry team
- Increase your giving in 2019. Review the attached guide to proportionate giving to determine your current level of giving. Prayerfully consider taking the next step by increasing your giving by 1-5%.
Together and with God, LCOC will continue to be a place where
"Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home[b] and ate their food with glad and generous[c] hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved." (Acts 2:46-47)
I give thanks for the ways that God has guided LCOC in the past and present and I look forward what God is up to as we celebrate and grow in ministry in 2019 and beyond.
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Council President
Sharing in God's Mission
at Lutheran Church of the Covenant
Dear brothers-and -sisters-in-Christ ~
"And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you". 1 Thessalonians 3:12
I want to share with you a recent devotion that continues to resonate with me. It is based on the above scripture - Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians. The author of this writing shares that "when Paul bids the Lord to "increase and abound" the Thessalonians' love for one another, he's praying they will be able to forgive one another, to consider the other's well-being as more important than their own. Such love doesn't come easily, or even naturally. This is why Paul hopes the Lord will do this work in them. Such love does not come easily for us, either, but the same Lord is faithful. With Christ, we can overlook each other's faults and failures, even as the Lord has overlooked ours. And then perhaps we will see each other as the Lord sees us - precious children of God."
If we are full of God's love, it will overflow to others. It's not enough merely to be courteous to others, we must actively and persistently show love to them. Our love should be growing continually. It should bring great joy to a Christian to see another person come to faith in Christ and mature in that faith. Paul experienced that joy countless times. He thanked God for those who had come to Christ and for their strong faith. He also prayed for their continued growth. If there are other Christians who have brought you great joy, thank God for them as they continue to grow in their faith.
Perhaps this could be one of our resolutions this coming year. How exciting it is to think about rejoicing with our brothers and sisters in Christ, in lifting them up, putting their well-being ahead of our own, and seeing all people as precious children of God.
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. May your New Year be joy-filled and may you look for opportunities to express God's love every day.
Love,
Jo Ann Rudy
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GATHER
to worship God and fellowship with the community
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Worship
Many thanks to the worship planners, church decorators, worship leaders, readers, communion preparers and assistants, ushers, musicians, those who organized the Christmas dinner, and all of those whose presence added to the joy of the Advent and Christmas Services!
Thank you for making this season extra special!
The joy continues as we begin the season of Epiphany beginning with Epiphany Sunday on January 6th.
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Prayer Breakfast
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Men's Prayer Breakfast
At the last prayer breakfast, the devotion was an explanation of the four candles and the Christ candle during Advent. Striving each week to look to the past, present and future watching and waiting for the return of our savior.
Mark Lamboni provided Biscuits and Gravy we shared stories of those we remember.
The next Prayer breakfast is scheduled for January 12th.
Please join us.
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LCOC Prayer Garden
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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. 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
- Jan 6 - Love our neighbor
- Jan 13 - Guest Speaker: Christine Connell, CEO, Lutheran Social Services/National Capital Area
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Jan 20 - 50th Anniversary kick-off brunch
Steve Liga, CEO ACTS - Thank you to LCOC for being a founding church of ACTS
- Jan 27 - Christianity and other Religions: The Wise Men
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BIBLE STUDY
TUESDAYS AT 10:00 AM
All are welcome to come and explore
the Book of Romans!
No previous experience required!
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You are invited to come and grow in faith
through the Sunday learning opportunities
for all ages at 9:45 am!
Bring your friends and neighbors!
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Youth Group
Thank you LCOC, for your support and encouragement of the youth!
Thank you, Diane D for accompanying Alexa, Jessica, and Emily to Chrysalis!
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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!
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
Breakfast with Santa & Mrs. Claus
"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 and through us, we can make a difference."
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| Breakfast With Santa and Mrs Claus 2018 |
We did make a difference on Saturday, December 15th, as we greeted close to 150 parents and children who came to see our very special Santa and Mrs. Claus! What a humbling experience as we welcomed these lovely people, provided them breakfast, fun, gifts, and lots of love! What great elves that came to help the Clauses before and after their arrival! Special thanks to Pastor Darcy, Patti Beattie, Mel and DeLoris Bellinger, Lorelei Ditton, Eileen Eicher, Darla Ferris, Heather Gimmi, Debbie Hamilton, Pierce Johnson, Liela Onorato, Daniel Owusu, Laurie Poff, Jennifer Rice, Rachel, Jessica and Jillian Rosenquist, Roger Rudy, and Tricia Schilder who greeted people, portrayed the Clauses, read "The Night Before Christmas" and other stories, made hundreds of pancakes, assisted the children in the Activity Room, served food and drinks, took pictures, and helped decorate. Thanks also to all who bought candy, coloring books, and crayons for the children! Yes, we all worked to make this event feel very special for each participant! What a blessing for all of us who were a part of this great time and we pray that we were a blessing to all who attended! Thanks again to Thrivent Financial, our wonderful LCOC congregation, and 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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Birthdays
4 John M.
5 Gwyneth H.
6 Mary S.
9 Brayden J.
10 Victoria G.
13 Roger W.
15 Elliott H.
15 Nathaniel O.
17 Heather W.
24 Sarah G.
28 Gwen B
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Baptism Anniversaries
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Troy S.
Heather G.
Ryan S.
Joseph H.
Annmarie B.
JoAnn E.
Matthew M.
Jennifer R.
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Homebound Members
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Ruth J.
Jean J.
Mary S.
Virginia S.
New Address for Ruth J:
Harbor Chase
14080 Central Loop, Woodbridge, VA 22193, room 1119
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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:
January 13
The Wichelt family in celebration of Roger's 79th 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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Thank you, LCOC!
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The ministry of LCOC makes a
difference in people's lives!
Watch these short videos of gratitude for what God is doing through you and the LCOC ministry!
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Dear People of LCOC,
Thank you for your generous Christmas gifts
and your partnership in ministry!
I give thanks for YOU and wish you joy and peace in 2019!
Pastor Darcy
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Project Mend-A House
Congratulations Ralph and Bob for being recognized as Volunteers of the Year! Thank you for the time and talents you share to build up the community!
Would you like to participate in the next project?
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OTLWB Book Club
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January 14th at 12:30 pm:
Where the Crawdads Sing
By
Delia Owens
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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NOTE NEW HOURS:
Monday - Friday
9:00 am - 2:00 pm
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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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Save the date:
Mission trip to North Carolina
for Hurricane Florence Relief
July 7-13, 2019
Looking for more info?
Come to lunch at LCOC on
January 27th, 2019 at 12:30 pm!
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