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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MESSAGE FROM PASTOR DARCY |
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When I was younger and my family would go on road trips, I think each of my siblings and I took turns saying, “Are we there yet?” As this time of the pandemic continues, I hear myself and others using this question to say, “are we able to meet in person yet? Can we get back to ‘normal’?” We all are yearning for the time when we can look at the pandemic through the rearview mirror to the time when we can do what we are used to doing: gathering with family and friends, going to church, school, work, and even being able travel.
While none of us knows when we will be “there” and what “there” will look like, this can still be a fruitful time in our relationship with God and each other. This year the Gospel readings focus on Matthew where we hear that God is always with us. This is woven throughout the Gospel. In the beginning, Matthew 1:23 says, “Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.” At the end, Matthew 28:20, says “And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
I feel comforted that we are not alone as we take this road trip through the pandemic and as we navigate the roads to remain connected with God, with each other and with our neighbors. The "roads" of prayer, worship, education, fellowship and other ministry opportunities will equip us to “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 3:18)”
Pastor Darcy
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Updates from
Denise Wilder, Council President
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The LCOC council continues to navigate the evolving ministry needs in response to the changes needed because of the pandemic. Here are some of the highlights from the July meeting:
- decided to suspend the choir director search until the end of the year as currently the choir is unable to meet in person
- approved space for a greenhouse which is being provided by the Friends of Horticultural Therapy
- approved a quarterly service contract with Pope Air Conditioning and a new furnace for the Upper Fellowship Hall - a generous donor in the congregation provided funds for these needs.
- at this time, no date has been set for LCOC to gather in-person for worship. The council has approved the meeting of the Korean and Hispanic churches with the expectation that they will follow CDC and State guidelines for gathering.
We appreciate the prayers and participation of the people of LCOC as together we continue to BE the church and to BE a beacon of light in this community!
In Christ,
Denise Wilder, Council President
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HOW TO REACH THE OFFICE... |
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The office email and phone continues to be monitored during this time.
NOTE: Pastor's is off on Friday, yet is available for emergencies.
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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 WORSHIP - 10:00 AM
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On August 9th, we will include both the Word and the Sacrament of Communion during our Zoom worship service. If you choose to take part in this sacramental part of worship, we invite you to have some bread/cracker and wine/grape juice available before the service. |
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Sept 19 - Cloverdale Rd Clean up
Oct 14 - Healing Service
Dec 9 - Advent Service of Hope
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The Men's Prayer breakfast has decided to pause the Saturday morning gatherings. Stay tuned for future opportunities.
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August 8 at 8:00 am
via free conference call
712.770.5505 code 333631#
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The Metro D.C. Synod Racial Equity Team provided an opportunity for people of all ethnicities, especially white allies, to attend a new Racial Equity series of listening sessions. You are invited to listen to these important conversations.
Recordings of Previous sessions:
Additional learning opportunities:
Listen to a dialogue with
Let us pray…
"Grant, O God, that your holy and life-giving Spirit may move every human heart; that the barriers dividing us may crumble, suspicions disappear, and hatreds cease; and that, with our divisions healed, we might live in justice and peace; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen." (Evangelical Lutheran Worship, p. 79)
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TIME FOR FUN AND FELLOWSHIP |
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LCOC Spelling Bee
August 22 @ 7:00 PM
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Be a part of the fun as LCOC gathers for a Spelling via zoom.
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Another Opportunity for Outdoor Fellowship
Wednesday, August 12 @ 7 PM
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please join our youth for a blessing of their backpacks, a send off to our college students, and an ice cream social (ice cream will be prepackaged). We didn't want to let Covid-19 prevent us from holding these treasured events so we're combining them into one outdoor service. We'll have chairs in the parking lot spaced so that everyone is socially distanced. There will also be room for those members who prefer to stay in their vehicles. Everyone is required to wear a mask. We hope to see you all that evening!
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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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Feeding the Homeless
On August 16 and 17
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LCOC will be feeding the residents of the Hilda Barg Homeless Shelter.
Due to COVID, we will not be entering the building. Meals will be left at the front door. This means that everything will have to be prepared in my home and the Gimmi's home.We may be asking for help making and delivering sandwiches and desserts.
Thank you for your continued support.
Blessings,
Sandy Strychowski and the Gimmi Family.
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Thank you Jo Ann Rudy, Diane DeGroodt, Debbie Hamilton, Marlies Smith, Emily DeGroodt, Sherman Basinger, and Roger Rudy for your help in packing and delivering these supplies. |
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THANK YOU, LCOC, FOR YOUR GENEROSITY OF SUPPLIES FOR THE 4TH GRADERS AT NEABSCO!
Your generosity provided almost 40 large boxes of supplies, along with some gift cards for the teachers and staff!!
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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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BIRTHDAYS
2 Jo Ann R
5 Susie R
7 Mark Y
8 Richard S
8 Diane D
8 Heather H
12 Phil O
20 Brett L
22 Victoria G
22 Tyler R
24 Lloyd L
31 Elliot O
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ANNIVERSARIES
13 Venus and Daniel O
26 Darla and Brian F
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BAPTISM BIRTHDAYS
21 Jillian R
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SERVING IN THE MILITARY
Tyler R.
Tom M.
Ryan L.
Samuel B.
Xavier D.
Kevin B.
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