September 2021 Newsletter |
Greetings!
Welcome to the monthly news. There are many ways for you to connect with God and with our neighbors at LCOC and beyond. You are invited to share this news with new neighbors and others who may be interested in hearing what God is doing through the people and ministry of LCOC.
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HOW TO REACH THE OFFICE... |
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Please note: office will be closed on Monday, September 6th, for Labor day!
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MESSAGE FROM PASTOR DARCY |
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One my joys this year is being outdoors, walking and taking pictures of God’s beautiful creation. In June I finished virtually walking 480 miles of the Camino de Santiago in Spain. Currently, I am walking, biking, and swimming to complete the 312 miles of the St. Francis Way in Italy.
This time has become a part of my practice of Sacred Rhythms as I pray (praying does not need to only be in a sitting or kneeling position), listen to various podcasts or the Bible, or simply to be still and to be aware of God’s presence. The question for this time is, “what am I seeing, hearing, smelling, and feeling?”. On a recent walk around Burke Lake, I had just asked this question and I looked up and saw this heart on the tree (see the picture in this article). My heart expanded in awe and in gratitude as I was reminded that God’s love is everywhere, and we get to be a part of it – both in the giving and the receiving.
As we move forward in ministry, let us continue to be a part of God’s love, both in the giving and the receiving. This year we have shared a lot of love as we have supported families in their time of grief. We have shared God’s love with families as we provided food and school supplies. We are loving the foreigner as we welcome and support the Afghan Allies who are being resettled in this area. We give and receive love as we plan and participate in the various worship, learning, fellowship, and service opportunities at LCOC. And we share God’s love simply being present with and for each other as we walk together in our journey of life and faith.
Praying for and looking forward to the ministry before us as we grow deeper in our love for God and for our neighbor!
Pastor Darcy
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HOW CAN LCOC SUPPORT THE RESETTLEMENT OF THE AFGHAN ALLIES? |
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Families from the Afghanistan airlift are arriving in our community and we have a wonderful opportunity to be God’s hands in welcoming them into our community, into their new home and new life. The love and support we offer today has the potential to change lives forever – ours and theirs alike. LCOC has offered to serve as a depot for Lutheran Social Services (LSS) accepting donations from our community, which involves staffing the donation site at LCOC on specified donation days. If you would like to participate as a volunteer for this activity, or have any questions regarding LCOC’s support to the Afghan Allies, please email Kathy Panther.
There is an urgent need for gift cards and settling in gift baskets for the refugee families. We at LCOC are excited to take part in helping provide these necessities to our new neighbors. Please see the guidance on specific needs below provided by LSS, as we want to ensure that we help meet the most immediate needs of the Afghan arrivals.
1.GIFT CARDS
Gift cards ($25-30) [at this time LSS is only accepting gift cards from: Visa, Giant, Safeway, Target, Walmart, Harris Teeter, Lotte, Uber, Lyft, and Aldi]
2.SIM CARDS (the mint mobile wireless plan available on Amazon is a good option)
3.WELCOME HOME GIFT BOXES
How to donate a welcome home gift box
- Choose one or more types of gift boxes shown below.
- Purchase or collect the items listed for that box with your friends, family, or community group.
- Ensure the items are new or in excellent condition.
- You can use boxes, laundry baskets, or other containers to deliver the items.
5. When you assemble your box, please clearly label the box, laundry basket or waste basket per the instructions for each gift box so we can make sure the family receives everything you have donated for them.
6.Deliver to LCOC at the times designated.
Volunteers will staff the LCOC drop-off location on designated days and times. These days and times may change as needs and the situation evolve, and we will keep the congregation informed of any donation drop-off day/time changes. Please do not drop off donations during times not listed here. As of September 1, 2021:
Wednesdays, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Saturdays, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Listed below are the household supplies LSS provides a family on their first day. Thank you for helping welcome new neighbors to this country with items that are of nice quality, will last, and convey we are glad they are here. Your gift makes a difference on a first day!
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KITCHEN SUPPLIES BOX
Set of large pots with lids
Set of large frying pans
(at least one 12”)
Mixing / serving bowls set
(include one large)
Set of kitchen utensils
(spatula, serving utensils)
Wooden spoon set
Set of clear baking dishes
Set of knives
(bread, paring, chef, serrated)
Can opener
Please assemble in box(es) clearly labeled Kitchen Supplies Box – Box 1 of 3, 2 of 3, 3 of 3, etc.
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KITCHEN TABLEWARE BOX
Flatware set for 6
(knives, spoons, forks)
Kitchen plates set for 6
Set of mugs – 4
Glassware set for 6
Kitchen towels – 4
Dish soap
Please assemble in box(es) clearly labeled Kitchen Tableware Box – Box 1 of 3, 2 of 3, 3 of 3, etc.
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LINENS BOX
Sets of sheets
(top, bottom 2 pillowcases) for
each bed (2 queen; 2 twin)
Blankets – 4
Pillows – 4
Alarm clock
Laundry basket
Please assemble in Laundry Basket(s) clearly labeled Linens Box – Box 1 of 3, 2 of 3, 3 of 3, etc.
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CLEANIING SUPPLIES BOX
All-purpose cleaner
Laundry detergent
Sponges and scrubber
Cleaning rags
Paper towels
Waste baskets – 2
Trash Bags
Please assemble in Waste Basket(s) clearly labeled Cleaning Supplies Box – Box 1 of 3, 2 of 3, 3 of 3, etc.
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HYGIENE/TOILETRIES BOX
Toilet paper – 1 pack
Shampoo & Conditioner – 1 each
(not travel size)
Soap – 2
Toothbrush – 6
Toothpaste -2
Personal hygiene items (deodorant, body lotion, razors and feminine hygiene products - please do not include tampons)
Please assemble in box(es) clearly labeled Hygiene/Toiletries Box – Box 1 of 3, 2 of 3, 3 of 3, etc.
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OPPORTUNITIES TO CONNECT ONLINE |
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NOTE: currently all of our events use the same information.
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WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
SUNDAY
FELLOWSHIP - 9:30 AM
WORSHIP - 10:00 AM
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September 5, 2021
ONLINE ONLY
September 12, 2021
BEGINS WEEKLY HYBRID SERVICES
Masks will be required for the Hybrid services!
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Thanks to the generosity of the Rudys and Schilders, we have this beautiful Chair and Bench. |
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Butterfly chair dedicated in memory of Mia Jo Rudy.
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Bench dedicated in memory of Willem Schilder.
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Yes, you too, can be a part of the LCOC Broadcast Team!
Have you played music for someone else on your computer?
Have you ever used Power Point to present a briefing or slideshow?
Are you the family “videographer” taking videos at family events?
Then you are a candidate for the LCOC Broadcast Team!!
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Did you know that when we participate in our Sunday services at LCOC on Zoom, people from New Jersey and North Dakota were “at our services” with us?
And, when we broadcast live on YouTube, folks from all over the country enjoy the service just as we do. There have been up to 40 “hits” on YouTube for our service videos. This is an amazing outreach from our congregation to others in and around our community and the country; and all of this became possible because we had to adapt to the conditions imposed due to the COVID pandemic.
This capability did not arrive at LCOC out of the blue. A team of dedicated LCOC members, led by Mr. Tom Pennington, assembled the equipment into a system that allows us to do the following:
- Use Zoom to participate in meetings and church services,
- Incorporate sung music in the church services,
- Live stream and record the services on YouTube,
- And, still have a service in our sanctuary and do all the above simultaneously. That is termed a “Hybrid Service.”
For LCOC to continue this capability into the future, we need additional members to join our “Broadcast Team.” All functions performed by the team members are easy to learn. The set up will eventually become more streamlined and we hope to prepare dedicated space for a booth where everything will remain in place and the system will just have to be turned on.
Please consider this LCOC outreach mission. Volunteer to use your gifts as part of our Broadcast Team so that LCOC can make an impact around the world.
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The next Worship Committee meeting will be on Monday, September 27, at 9:30 AM. |
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LEARNING AND PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES |
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September 11 at 9:00 am
Lower Fellowship Hall
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TUESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY
RESUMES SEPTEMBER 7 AT 10:00 AM
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Fall study: The Book of James
September 7 - October 5
To kick off the Fall Tuesday Morning Bible study, we will read the book of James. This book is 5 chapters so we will explore a chapter each week.
NOTE: the epistle reading from August 29 - Sept 26 will be from the book of James.
Grab your coffee/tea and be a part of this time of fellowship, learning, and fun as our hearts and minds are opened to God's Word and love.
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TUESDAY MORNING BIBLE
10:00 AM
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The next racial equity session will be on September 20th at 7pm - hybrid
in-person or online.
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Youth Gathering
July 24-28, 2022
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Inviting all youth who will be rising 9th graders in 2022 through 2022 high school graduates to be a part of the '22 Youth Gathering.
Stay tuned for more information...
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WAYS TO SUPPORT GOD'S WORK
THROUGH LCOC
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Ways to give:
15008 Cloverdale Road
Dale City, VA 22193
LCOC is a beacon of light in this community.
Your financial support will equip LCOC to BE the church so that we can offer care, hope, and peace in these uncertain times - Thank you!
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CARING AND OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES |
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LCOC sending love to our college students |
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Dear LCOC Family and Friends ~
We delivered 64 backpacks to Neabsco Elementary filled with supplies for Kindergarten through 5th Grade yesterday (see more pictures). We also delivered some additional backpacks and lots of extra supplies as well. Allison, who is one of the school counselors, was very grateful for our generosity! SO thanks again to all who contributed to this project and to Thrivent Financial for our Action Team (thanks to DeLoris Bellinger for allowing us to use her Action Team). THANKS AGAIN TO DIANE, EMILY AND MARK DEGROODT AND DEBBIE HAMILTON ~ without these wonderful shoppers we couldn't have done this!!!
Lovingly,
Jo Ann
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Project Mend-a-House has done a few small projects during this time of COVID-19. Thank you, Ralph, for keeping us connected! Email Ralph for more information!
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Please mark your calendars for the youth group's annual thrift sale on September 18th from 8:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. The proceeds will go toward covering the cost of attending the 2022 ELCA Youth Gathering. We are currently accepting donations, and they can be brought to the church. We will also need volunteers to help with set-up on Friday evening, the 17th, and then on the 18th to help with the actual thrift sale. If you'd like to help or have any questions, please contact either Stacey Rosenquist or Diane DeGroodt. Thank you!
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A few God sightings from Pastor Darcy's trip to the Smoky Mountains... |
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Noris' trip to the South Carolina Ripley Aquarium. |
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IN SEPTEMBER WE CELEBRATE |
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Please email Noris, with any additional birthdays, baptismal birthdays, or wedding anniversaries. We want to celebrate YOU!
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BIRTHDAYS
1 Joey B
1 John E
3 Amy M
8 Venus O
8 Isabella Y
8 Greta S
10 Sarah S
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ANNIVERSARIES
4 Harriet and Brian R
9 Britt and Jason P
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BAPTISM BIRTHDAYS
3 Victoria G
3 Jeffrey M
6 Georgiann T
7 Melissa M
16 Mark G
29 Allison P
29 Tyler P
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SERVING IN THE MILITARY
Tyler R.
Tom M.
Ryan L.
Samuel B.
Xavier D.
Kevin B.
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