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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MESSAGE FROM PASTOR DARCY |
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On Transfiguration Sunday, we buried the “Alleluias” and throughout the season of Lent we have refrained from singing or saying Alleluia! I am so looking forward to singing, shouting, saying “Alleluia” on Easter Sunday again. In new ways, I am reminded of how poignant and meaningful this word is and what it means to be able to proclaim this word with joy. It does not mean that everything is easy, and that life includes only the positive and “good” things. It does not mean that we never experience heartache, rejection, fear, grief, or doubt. Rather, alleluia means that we know that Jesus died on the cross for us. It means that the tomb is empty, and that Christ is alive. It means that we are given the confidence and reassurance that Jesus is with us in all seasons of our lives! Alleluia!
The Gospel readings for the seasons of Lent, remind us that:
· Jesus meets us in our doubts and questions – Alleluia!
· Jesus opens our minds and sends us forth to be witnesses – Alleluia!
· Jesus is the good shepherd - Alleluia!
· Jesus is the true vine - Alleluia!
· Jesus loves us - Alleluia!
· Jesus prays for us – Alleluia!
You are invited this Easter season to come and explore what Jesus has done and is doing for the world AND what our responses are to the Good News of Jesus Christ!
Let us join together on Easter Sunday and in the days ahead to shout, to say, to sing – Alleluia, Christ is Risen!
Pastor Darcy
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MESSAGE FROM
DENISE WILDER, COUNCIL PRESIDENT
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Spring looks especially bright and beautiful this year, don’t you think? The buds on the trees have burst forth in white and pink blossoms. The grass is greening up. Parents are assembling Easter baskets for their children. Don’t you love the colorful plastic and/or dyed eggs, a lovely reminder of Jesus breaking free of death? And did you know traditional Easter Egg rolls commemorate the stone being rolled away from the tomb? What a sweet tradition.
As I write this, we have just celebrated Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week. Thank you to all who attended and especially to all who participated as characters in our Processional Gospel. Jesus’ journey this week certainly travels an emotional roller coaster. Palm Sunday provides excitement and joy. Maundy Thursday gives us the age-old tradition of gathering for Passover, but quickly devolves into confusion, fear, and sadness. Good Friday sinks us further into despair and stunned disbelief. How could God let this happen? Then, wonder of wonder, Easter Sunday dawns, and the whole world becomes brighter and more glorious than ever before. We get it now! We understand. God’s BIG promise has been fulfilled. WOW!
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that we may have eternal life.”
May God bless you this Easter season and inspire you to share the story of His gift of salvation with family, friends, and strangers.
In Christ,
Denise Wilder, Council President
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In March, LCOC received and accepted René Milam's resignation. Since 2017, LCOC has been blessed by the music that she provided. We wish René and Henry all the best.
As we reevaluate the organist's position description and begin our search for a new musician, Bonnie MacHenry, the Music Director from Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Woodbridge, has agreed to record music for LCOC.
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PRESIDING BISHOP ELIZABETH EATON'S EASTER MESSAGE |
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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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MAUNDY THURSDAY
APRIL 1 - 7:30 PM
GATHER IN SILENCE
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This evening our Lenten observance comes to an end, and we gather with Christians around the world to celebrate the Three Days of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Tonight we remember Christ’s last meal with his disciples, but the central focus is his commandment that we live out the promise embodied in this meal. As Jesus washed his disciples’ feet, so we are called to give and receive love in humble service to one another. Formed into a new body in Christ through this holy meal, we are transformed by the mercy we have received and carry it into the world. Departing worship in solemn silence, we anticipate the coming days. |
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To add to your worship experience at home, you are invited to have these items available:
For confession:
· Notecard and pen/pencil
For washing of feet/hands:
· Bowl with water and towel
For Communion:
· Bread and wine/grape juice
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Options to add to your worship experience:
- you may dim or turn off the lights in the room you will gather for this service.
- you are invited to have 8 candles + 1 white pillar
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GOOD FRIDAY
APRIL 2 - 7:30 PM
GATHER IN SILENCE
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Life and death stand side by side as we enter into Good Friday. In John’s passion account, Jesus reveals the power and glory of God, even as he is put on trial and sentenced to death. Standing with the disciples at the foot of the cross, we pray for the whole world in the ancient bidding prayer, as Christ’s death offers life to all. We gather in solemn devotion, but always with the promise that the tree around which we assemble is indeed a tree of life. We depart silently, and we anticipate the culmination of the Three Days in the Easter Vigil. |
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EASTER SUNDAY - APRIL 4
9:30 AM - GATHER WITH JOY IN FELLOWSHIP
9:45 - CHILDREN'S TIME
10:00 AM - WORSHIP
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Christ is risen! Jesus is alive, and God has swallowed up death forever. With Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome, we may feel astonished and confused, unsure of what to make of the empty tomb. But this is why we gather: to proclaim, witness, praise, and affirm the liberating reality of Christ’s death and resurrection. In word and feast, we celebrate God’s unending love, and depart to share this good news with all the world. Alleluia! |
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The next Worship Team meeting will be on Saturday, April 17, at 9:00 a.m. |
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LEARNING AND PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES |
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TUESDAY MORNING BIBLE
10:00 AM
VIA ZOOM
A New study begins on
April 6th - May 25
Come and explore 1, 2, and 3 John and Jude
All are welcome and no previous experience required!
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April 10 at 9:00 am
Lower Fellowship Hall
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Virtual Small Groups Starting April 12 for Youth,
Grades 6-12
Register by April 7
Youth in grades 6-12 are invited to register for virtual small groups led by members of our synod’s Lutheran Youth Organization. Our small groups will gather under the theme of “Beyond Grace: Now What?,” and there is no charge associated with registration.
Small groups will meet over Zoom on Monday nights from April 12-May 17, 2021. Youth can learn more and register online by April 7. This is a great opportunity for your youth to meet peers from across the Metro D.C. and Delaware-Maryland Synods to talk about their experience of faith!
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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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We would like to said thanks to all the people who gathered together “God’s Work Our Hands” Cloverdale Cleanup.
LCOC made a big impact in the community!
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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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SEE WHAT IS HAPPENING AT LCOC |
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Take a look at the new overhead projectors in the sanctuary.
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Check out our technology team! |
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Interested in technology? |
We are excited about these new tools that will enhance both our in person and online worship experiences. To explore how your gifts can be used as part of the LCOC Tech team,
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Brian Richard took these photos of the cardinals outside of LCOC. |
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Lutheran Church of the Covenant presents a tour of the gardens and flowers located on the church grounds narrated by JoAnn Rudy
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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
11 Wes C
20 Denise W
23 Rachel R
23 Alexa W
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ANNIVERSARIES
1 Jim and Kathy O
6 Mark and Heather G
18 Coy and Gudrun A
26 Jared and Stacey R
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BAPTISM BIRTHDAYS
3 David W
18 Darcy T
25 Ethan D
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SERVING IN THE MILITARY
Tyler R.
Tom M.
Ryan L.
Samuel B.
Xavier D.
Kevin B.
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