Pastor Darcy
J
ohn 4:39-42 The Message (MSG)
Many of the Samaritans from that village committed themselves to him because of the woman's witness: "He knew all about the things I did. He knows me inside and out!" They asked him to stay on, so Jesus stayed two days. A lot more people entrusted their lives to him when they heard what he had to say. They said to the woman, "We're no longer taking this on your say-so. We've heard it for ourselves and know it for sure. He's the Savior of the world!"
The story of the woman at the well offers hope and comfort for all people as Jesus meets the woman where she is - alone, at the well, in the heat of the day. Jesus crosses the boundaries to encounter a person who was female (a vulnerable person in that society), a Samaritan (the other), and a woman who had been married 5 times. Jesus saw her for what she was, a beloved Child of God, and in doing so transformed her life and the lives of those with whom she shared the good news of her encounter.
At the same time, this story challenges us on several levels. Perhaps we wonder whether Jesus would come and sit with us when we feel alone, on the outside and as we experience the "heat" of life's challenges. Would Jesus still love us if he knew all of our struggles, pains, and mistakes? The good news is that YES, Jesus does!
This story also challenges and invites us to cross boundaries. To sit with the "other" - those who may look different, who may speak a different language, or who may not yet know about God's love. The Samaritan woman is an example of the power of telling the story of what God has done in her life - many lives were changed and many others came to believe because she was bold in telling her story.
God, through the life of Jesus Christ, and with the power of the Holy Spirit is present here at LCOC - in our joys, our challenges, and our hopes. You are invited to come to learn the story, live the story and share the story of God's abundant love for all.
What story of an encounter with Jesus can you share this week?
Whose story will you listen to this week?
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Council President
Sharing in God's Mission
at Lutheran Church of the Covenant
Dear brothers-and -sisters-in-Christ ~
"And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased". Hebrews 13:16
At Lutheran Church of the Covenant we can't be all things to all people. However, we have been called to open up our beautiful facility "God's House" to many community groups and others. You can see on our monthly calendar the number of groups and/or organizations that use our church, but I wanted to point them out. The following is a list of folks that use LCOC, some on a regular basis and some as needed (this list may not be totally inclusive):
Mustard Seed Church
TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly)
Woodbridge Community Choir
Friends of Horticultural Therapy Board
ACTS Board
Friends of Horticultural Therapy Volunteers
Lumen Christi Home School Group
Girl Scouts
Book Club
Immanuel Church Choir
Cloverdale Overlook HOA
Nikki's Christian Day Care
St. Margaret's Church
We have also agreed to have Lutheran Social Services (LSS) use space here at LCOC as they go about doing what they do best - assist in resettling/settling refugees. This will probably begin sometime this fall.
God's two greatest commandments are to love God and love others. To love everyone equally is a true sign of our love for God and our desire to live Christ-like. Hospitality is known as entertaining and welcoming guests or visitors. It is a genuine way to show love for others! Jesus calls us in Matthew 25:40 that whatever we do for others, we do for Him.
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
October 17, 7:00 PM
All are invited to a special service of
healing prayers and anointing.
October 28
Wear Red
We will remember loved ones who have died since November 4, 2017. The names will be read during the service and a bell will toll for each loved one remembered. Please sign up on the bulletin board or email your name and the loved ones name and relationship to you to the church office
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Fellowship
OKTOBERFEST AT LCOC
Please join us for the Oktoberfest Celebration on Saturday, October 20, 2018. We will enjoy traditional German fare, music, a cake walk, games, door prizes, gifts for raffling, and, of course, The Chicken Dance! Tickets are $15.00 for adults (13 and up) and $5.00 for children (12 and under) and are on sale now! Please plan on attending this exciting fundraiser - proceeds will go to offset the costs of a Mission Trip to WV to assist with the disaster relief following the floods of several years ago and our Rise Against Huger Event (both for 2019). Looking forward to seeing you there. Any questions, please see Jo Ann and/or Roger Rudy.
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Prayer Breakfast
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Men's Prayer Breakfast
Devotions - Mark Gimmi
Food - Roger Rudy
Attendance - 10
Topic - The
ABC's of overcoming anger.
The discussion included supporting bible passages that help in dealing with anger including:
- Acknowledging Anger
- Finding the origin of your anger
- Taking your anger to God
- Repairing the damage caused by anger
- Expressing your pain to a brother
The discussion was very engaging and included many shared personal stories. I am very thankful for my brothers in Christ and value their opinions. Next Prayer breakfast is on October 13th. Please join us.
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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
Topics Include:
Understanding and Countering fear
Crime, Race, Terrorism, and Politics
Failure, Disappointing others, Insignificance, and Loneliness,
Apocalypse, Change, Missing Out, and Finances,
Aging, Illness, Dying, and Fear of the Lord
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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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'Uncle' Mike, Ms Kristi and the High School students are eager to begin this academic season with content offered by Adam Hamilton in his "Unafraid" series. Through a series of readings and student discussion, Hamilton will help them overcome anxiety and fear, and move forward with courage and hope. They will address threats and calamities, and how havoc impacts our communities and relationships. But, regardless of these fears, they will learn to overcome them with joy and promise.
Ms Diane and Troy are beginning the Lutheran Confirmation adventure using the two year Augsburg Fortress 'Here We Stand' curriculum beginning with a study of the Bible.
Ms Stacey and Bailey are looking forward to another fun year of Sunday School. Check out their bulletin boards in the Sunday School room and hall for artwork and lesson info.
Youth education will sponsor the annual Fall Thrift Sale on Saturday, November 10th in the UFH. Please contact the Office or Ms Diane Degroodt for drop -off and set up times, and prayerfully consider helping out.
Thanks, Wilbur
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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!
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
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 14 - 12:30
New to LCOC? You are invited to a luncheon to discover more about the Mission and Ministry of LCOC! email Darla Ferris or Pastor Darcy to RSVP.
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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OCTOBER
2 Colette L.
8 Bailey Z.
9 Pam M.
14 Michael E.
15 Kaley P.
18 Troy S.
22 Ruth J.
29 Joan H
29 Jean Z.
31 Gudrun A.
31 Leslie B.
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Happy Anniversary
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Diane & Mark D.
October 5, 1991
Brian & Amy M.
October 12, 1999
Richard & Kendra S.
October 8, 2017
Brian & Wendy W.
October 26, 2002
Steve & Cyndi W.
October 22, 1998
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Baptism Anniversaries
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Heather H.
Cody K.
Addison L.
James M.
Arianna R.
Sarah S.
Seth S.
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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:
October 7
The Zamora family in celebration of Bailey's 8th birthday
October 14
Roger & Sonja W. in memory
of family members
October 21
Tilli S. in memory of her father
The Adams family. in celebration of Gudrun
's birthday
October 28
The Burroughs' family in celebration of Les & Karen's birthdays
The Rudy family in honor of Linda Dunn
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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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October 3rd
7:00 pm
NOTE: New Date!
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PHOTOS
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God's Work-Our Hands Sunday
September 9, 2018
 
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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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November 17th at 12:30 pm:
The Death of Mrs. Westaway
By
Ruth Ware
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
July 7-13, 2019
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