Pastor Grace wants to hear your joys and sorrows!

Here are a few ways to contact her:

Email: pastorgrace@lcocdalecity.org

Text or call her work cell phone: (571) 202-0178

What a joy my first few weeks at LCOC have been! These are a few of the exciting things I’ve done so far:

1.Learned to pray while tying knots in quilts with the Piecemakers (when I’m not stabbing myself with the needle)

2.Met with Council and its faithful members who realize that keeping the church running smoothly is about growing towards God and accepting God’s grace, not just business matters.

3. Had more delicious lunches with the Stihl Cadets, Friends of Horticultural Therapy, and other church members than I can count (and ate this amazing cake pictured here)!

4. Planned some wonderful worship services with the worship committee 

5. Got all my different church account log-ins straightened out (maybe?! Hopefully!!) 

6. And, most importantly, met many of you either in worship or in visits!

As we move into the season of Lent beginning with Ash Wednesday on February 14, however, it’s a time to reflect not on what WE have accomplished, but rather on what Jesus has accomplished for us on the cross. 

Lent is actually my favorite liturgical season. There is a deep beauty and grace in this season. Lent does not require us to “do more” self improvement, but to contemplate and rest. Lent asks us to rest from all the busyness that the world tells us is necessary to be good, competent humans, and instead dwell in our relationship with God. Jesus died on the cross so that we can be close to God, and Lent is a time to quietly reflect on that wonderful gift.

This Lenten season, I invite you to not feel pressure to have to “do more,” because God has already taken care of what we need and made us whole. Instead, sit quietly at the feet of Jesus, listening. 

• What is God saying to you, and what would you say to God? 
• Is there anything you need to apologize for? 
• How has God used you to show love to others? 
• How do you share your time, expertise, or money in ways that reflect Jesus’ sacrificial giving on the cross? 

I believe that if you sit with these questions and are honest with yourself, you will hear God speak to you. If tools like fasting (from certain foods or social media or anything else) help you quiet yourself to hear what God has to say to you, don’t hesitate to use them. I often refrain from sweets and social media—two things that can consume my time and attention—in order to hear God more clearly. 

We are on this 40-day, reflective journey together. Let’s lean into God’s Word and Table, and luxuriate in the promise that God has done it all and loves you more than you could ever know. 

Pastor Grace

Welcome 2024! I am honored and humbled to be your Council President. I want to thank Lee Schumacher for his leadership as Council President last year, and we welcome him back as Evangelism Chair. We’re happy to have Kathy Panther as our incoming Vice President, Marcia Morse continuing as Council Secretary, and Daniel Owusu as Stewardship Chair. I also want to thank Brian Richard for all he has accomplished over the last four years as Chairman of the Property Committee: LED lights for the sanctuary, ion scrubber, HVAC, countless plumbing and electrical issues and alarm responses. While he will not be on Council, Brian promises to help on property issues. I thank Sheila Kober for having chaired the Worship Committee which will now be co-chaired by Faye Yentsch and Tricia Schilder. I would also like to thank Stacey Rosenquist for assuming duties as the Financial Secretary and David Zamora for stepping up as Lead Usher.

We are especially optimistic with the arrival of Pastor Grace Casola! She has already inspired us with her weekly messages and her humble but passionate leadership. We look forward to working together with the Council and the congregation to build up LCOC. We have had our first and very productive Council meeting. Brian Richard discussed security measures resulting from the Prince William County Police Department survey, contracts with the churches sharing our spaces, utility company contacts, and the LCOC Constitution approval process. We also discussed a planned Worship Committee meeting with Thomas Yearsley, the organist, to determine his responsibilities and compensation. We discussed dates and times for Pastor Grace’s Installation service. We also discussed potential fellowship opportunities.

I am encouraged by the unity of purpose that moves us to openly discuss current LCOC issues and our willingness to arrive at an agreeable solution. I intend to keep the congregation apprised of the Council’s plans and decisions. With Christ’s help we can navigate the turbulent currents of 2024. God is always with us.

In Christ,

Jon Schilder

Miss Grace Casola, our new pastor at LCOC, officially became Pastor Grace Casola in a beautiful Ordination Ceremony on Saturday, January 6, in Salem, VA. A small group of LCOC members braved the winter storm warnings to represent LCOC at the ceremony, which everyone agreed was very moving and spiritually uplifting. The Presiding Minister was the Reverand Dr. Phyllis Milton, Bishop of the ELCA Virginia Synod. We look forward with great joy to Pastor Grace joining the LCOC family on January 15, and pray for God's guidance and grace as we move forward in our ministry together.. 

Click here for more pictures

The Worship committee had its first meeting with Pastor Grace and our new council members. We have such a strong, wonderful team of experienced ladies who work hard to make our worship experience so meaningful. This Lenten season, we will be joining with local Lutheran churches to rotate pastors for each midweek Lenten service. These services will be held at 7 pm each Wednesday in Lent. More information about the theme and texts will be published in the weekly e-news.

Blessings,

Tricia Schilder and Fay Yentsch

Angela Payne

University of Mary Washington

Thank you all for your cards! It means so much to me that I have your support here at Mary Washington. So far my classes are great and I am acing all of them. I even have a 100% in statistics! One of my classes, scene painting, also gave me the opportunity to paint scenes for the play Matilda which was really exciting. When I’m not doing school work I enjoy playing soccer, practicing piano, and going to church. I’ve also joined a couple clubs such as botany club and Big Brother Big Sister. All in all it’s been a busy and fun semester. Thanks again for all the cards. <3

Jillian Rosenquist

University of Mary Washington

Thank you for all the cards you’ve sent! You all will be happy to know I am studying hard and excelling in all my classes with a 102% on my last geography exam! I’ve also joined lots of clubs like botany, Environmental Action and Awareness, and Campus Programing Board which plans big events like Mary Rock and smaller, weekly events like Bingo (which I get to call for!). I was also accepted in to a job position for the UMW catering at a whopping $15.50 an hour! Overall, I’m having a fantastic time at Mary Washington and appreciate your continuous support.

Grace Kostrzebski

Virginia Tech

Although it’s been tough being so far away from my family, I’ve been having lots of fun at Virginia Tech. I’ve joined many different clubs here at Tech, even becoming part of the Dining Services Student Advisory Committee here where I get to taste test all the new food going into the dining halls. Frankly, I thinks that’s been the highlight of my freshman year. I’ve also been hard at work in my classes helping create a museum exhibit focusing on the history of Virginia Tech and Kentland Farms. It’s been great fun! Thank you so much for the support you all have given me! It wonderful to get cards in the mail and know someone cares. :)

Sarah Sutton

University of Kansas

After spending my freshman year at Drake, I transferred to the University of Kansas to further my rowing career. On the rowing team, I was selected for a leadership position within the first month I was there. I also was on the travel team the entirety of the season which culminated with Big 12s. I hold a leadership position in Athlete Ally, an athletics club which is committed to support LGBT+ student athletes on and off the field.

I am a Religious Studies and Jewish Studies double major. I have maintained a 4.0 gpa. Currently, I am learning Hebrew and starting to prep for Grad school applications. Academics is by far my favorite part of college and I hope to pursue a doctorate after I graduate.

Drew Perkoski

Temple Law School

Drew is in their second year of law school at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. Their focus is on housing law, working on projects covering rent regulation and the Fair Housing Act. They have completed clinical work with the Urban Justice Center and AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania and look forward to joining Mobilization for Justice this Summer.

Seth Sutton

Roger Williams University

Hello. First wanted to say thank you so much for the letters. It means so much to me when I go to the mail center and see a letter from LCOC! Academics are going great and my swimming is the best it’s ever been. I acquired an internship for next summer with PwC (an accounting firm) that I am really excited about. I can’t believe I am more than half way done with college, it flys by fast. Thanks for everything!

Jessica Rosenquist

Virginia Tech

Hello everyone! My name is Jessica Rosenquist, I’m a senior at Virginia Tech majoring in Sports Media and Analytics, with one minor in International Studies, and a second minor in Cinema. College has been one of the most stressful experiences of my life. I am part of a non denominational campus ministry called Cru where I also joined a Bible study group this past semester organized just for senior girls within Cru, as well as a student at Luther Memorial Lutheran Church. I am part of a club called 3304 which is for sports broadcasters at Tech. Throughout college I have been part of the Leadership and Social Change Residential College, Hokie Fight Club(which I can’t talk about)- this club teaches students mixed martial arts like boxing and jiu jitsu, I worked as an RA during my sophomore and junior years, as well as worked in Hokie Vision- a broadcasting organization run by the school and the ACCN, I have also been freelancing for other ESPN and other broadcasting networks like HBCUGO for college football and basketball games. I have made several great friends at school, but I still miss those back here at home. The LCOC church has been amazing at sending their love to me while away the past 4 years. I don’t get very much mail and appreciate everything that is sent by you all. I miss my home community very much sometimes, especially when attending church services. Everyone is extremely friendly and kind but it’s not the same when I walk into a room full of people I’ve grown up with like I have at LCOC.  Thanks for never leaving me even when I leave. Love you all and thank you for the many kind words, prayers, and SNACKS! Thank goodness for the snacks you send me!

Xavier Davis

NOVA Community College

I began learning in January 2023 at Northern Virginia Community College pursuing an education in global affairs with a minor in informational technology. My first semester was learning college-level English and math with a credit in basics in information technology. I took a summer class which boosted my credits and kept me occupied throughout the summer months. I finalized my year by completing all my basic courses and will pursue the next year with electives and another language class. I finished this year with a 3.9 GPA and over 30 credits under my name. I will hopefully transfer to George mason by the fall of next year and complete my final year there before I enter the workforce for the Department of state.

Alexa White

NOVA Community College

College has been fun, I still go to NOVA. I'm currently a sophomore and my major has changed multiple times. I was an Engineering student, then a General Studies student, and now I'm a Sciences student. My favorite part about college is being able to choose my class times and my professors. I've only had one class I don't like, but I haven't had any other problems in school so far. I still play volleyball when I have time, but I didn't try out for the school team this season, I hope to fall. I recently started a new job at a hair salon and will start an apprenticeship to become a Stylist in Late January/Early February. I'm planning to graduate from NOVA with an A.S. in Sciences and then go to GMU to get a Bachelor's in Biology or Astronomy.

The LCOC Stihl Cadets spent a Wednesday in January cleaning and organizing the following areas at the Church: workroom, Pastor's office, (along with Kathy and Diane), and the janitor's closet. See pictures of the janitor's closet before and after. Click here for after pictures.

Neither rain, sleet, or snow deters the Stihl Cadets from helping at LCOC.

Click here for more pictures.

Roger and Jo Ann deliver supplies to Dale City Elementary in Memory of Mia Jo.

Ways to give:

• Online – www.lcocdalecity.org
• Mail your check to LCOC:

       15008 Cloverdale Road

      Dale City, VA 22193

February Treasurer's Report

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!

Lutheran Church of the Covenant

703.670.4242

office@lcocdalecity.org

lcocdalecity.org

Connect with us