Lutheran Church of the Covenant
June 2018 Newsletter

Welcome to the June monthly news highlighting what God is up to at LCOC! 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. Also bring others to come and be a part of these various ministry opportunities!

GATHER    GROW    GIVE    GO
Pastor Darcy
On June 3rd, Jillian, Mike, and Alexa will say YES to God as they affirm their baptism in the special rite of confirmation! Their YES to their choice to live their faith and to grow as a disciple of Christ. This is an exciting next step in their journey of faith!
While it is a special day for them and their families, it is also a special day for LCOC as a congregation. Part of being a child of God, means being a part of a community that shares the joys, struggles, and sorrows together. Confirmation Sunday is one of the joys. As a congregation, our commitment to these confirmands and to each child of God is to encourage, to pray for and with, and to walk together in faith.  Come and be a part of the celebration as we have a brunch at 9 am and then worship at 10 am.
What are they saying YES to? What do we say YES to as we live out our baptisms each day? We commit to continue in the covenant God made with us in holy baptism which includes:
  • To live among God's faithful people,
  • To hear the word of God and share in the Lord's supper,
  • To proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed,
  • To serve all people following the example of Jesus,
  • And to strive for justice and peace in all the earth.
Baptism and confirmation are not just one day events. They are a way of life. 
Let us pray...
Draw your church together, O God, into one great company of disciples, together following our teacher Jesus Christ into every walk of life, together serving in Christ's mission to the world, and together witnessing to your love wherever you will send us; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________



The Metro DC meets in Assembly on June 16th.  Richard Shock, Patti Beattie and Pastor Darcy will be attending for LCOC.  Check out this video that will be shown to all synods - We are Lutheran! 

What does it mean to you to be Lutheran?  


Council President

Sharing in God's Mission 
at Lutheran Church of the Covenant
Dear brothers-and -sisters-in-Christ ~
            I want to share with you the second part of Rev. Charles Stanley's sermon based on Hebrews 10:23-25. He spoke on "Why go to Church?" "In the atmosphere of worship and fellowship in God's house, we discover that we are not alone. We hear others talk about how the Lord has miraculously provided for them. One may describe the pain he suffered as a result of a loss. A new believer may tell her story of redemption, rejoicing in God's grace. As we listen to others recount God's work in their lives, something happens inside of us. We are spurred on to faithfulness and to praising God for His goodness
            The accountability and encouragement found in church anchor us against the tides that work to sweep us away. To neglect the regular assembly of fellow Christians is to miss out on this essential element in the development of our faith.
            Throughout the Bible, we find that one of God's principle desires is to have a close relationship with each one of us. By becoming active in a local church, you safeguard yourself against missing out on all that God has for you. Remember, when you drift away from the family of God, it is only a matter of time until you drift away from fellowship with God.
            Regular church attendance should never be viewed as something you do to gain God's merit. We are not saved by good works." Hearing the Word of God and learning about the principles in Scripture that demonstrate God's love, forgiveness, and grace is vital in our relationship with God. And remember that we all have a responsibility to actively use our spiritual gifts for the benefit of other believers.
            I hope this helps you as it has me, especially when we witness to others about "Why it is important for us to attend church".  
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


GATHER
to worship God and fellowship with the community
Worship

****MAY 27 -  SEPT 2 - SUMMER SCHEDULE
WORSHIP AT 10:00 AM

June 3 - Confirmation
June 10 - wear casual picnic attire 
Mission moment:  Thrivent Living Generously Award
June 24 - Youth Gathering Commission litany 

Fellowship

Annual Church Picnic
June 10th at 11:30 am
Locust Shade Park

Please join us Sunday, June 10th for the LCOC Annual Church Picnic at Locust Shade Park following the 10:00 am church service. Please bring along a lawn chair, friend, neighbor or fellow church member and a side dish to share! See sign up on bulletin board. Or use the online sign up below:



Marigold Pavillion
Marigold  Pavilion

Questions, please see Marlies Smith. 
Remember to wear your favorite picnic attire to church that day. 



Prayer Breakfast
Men's Prayer Breakfast   

 
Our next meeting is June 9th
at 7:30 am  in the DFH. 

LCOC Prayer Garden
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 June 9th at 7:30 am.

Matt. 21:13 - my house will be called a house of prayer,.....


GROW
in our relationship with God through prayer, Bible Study, and service

Adult Education
June 3
Confirmation Banquet
June 10
Presiding Bishop Eaton's Four Emphases Bible Study:  We are the Church
June 17
Lutheran Social Services:  Amy Meli, Anthony Campbell, Mamadou Sy
June 24
Presiding Bishop Eaton's Four Emphases Bible Study:  We are Lutheran
______________________________________________________________
Wednesday Bible Study Update:

The Wednesday morning Bible study will begin a "Summer Break" on June 6th . 

All are invited for a new group that will resume on 
TUESDAYS beginning  AUGUST 28TH AT 10:00 AM! 

The coffee and tea will be ready as we explore the 
Book of Romans!

Story Time VBS 2017
Education
 
  • The culminating Sunday Youth Education class for school year 2017-2018 was held on May 20, 2018. Youth Education classes will begin again after Labor Day 2018. Please spread the word to your neighbors, friends and families, and let us know about any prospective new students for school year 2018-2019.
  • Please join the LCOC family at 9 AM on Sunday, June 3rd, for a brunch in honor of our three confirmands- Alexa White, Michael Eberle, and Jillian Rosenquist, who will formally reaffirm their baptism at the 10 AM worship service that day. A sign-up sheet for food at the brunch remains on the narthex bulletin board.
  • LCOC will host Family Faith and Fun nights on four Thursday evenings- July 12, 19, 26 and  August 2, 2018 from  6 PM to 8:15 PM.
    . Please invite your neighbors, friends and families to attend, and contact the church office if know if any LCOC adults or teenagers can assist or for questions.  
  • Youth Education continues to search for a new committee lead, additional team teachers, and curriculum ideas for next year.
Confirmation
Confirmation Brunch
The members of LCOC and Confirmand families will honor Alexa White, Michael Eberle, and Jillian Rosenquist at a brunch in the Upper Fellowship Hall at 9 AM on Sunday, June 3, 2018, immediately prior to their Confirmation Service at 10 AM in the sanctuary.  

Please come to help celebrate this momentous occasion.

Prayer Opportunities

              Prayer List Ministry                 

Prayer Chain Ministry: 
Please send an email to [email protected] 
or call the Prayer Chain Lead at 571-210-1979      
Free Ceaseless Prayer App:   

Youth Group
 It's almost here! Stay tuned for stories of the adventure!!

Looking for other ways to help with the Gathering?  Click Here

GIVE
of our resources, time, and talents in response to 
God's extravagant generosity towards us

Stewardship   
               






Amazon Smile:  Click on the link below and pick Lutheran Church of the Covenant as your favorite organization and start shopping!   smile.amazon.com

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. 

GO
forth to serve others and share the story of God's love for all

Evangelism

LCOC'S 2nd Annual Food Drive 
For 
ACTS

          The month of May has been our 2nd Annual 5,000 Pounds of Food Drive for ACTS. Thanks to all of our LCOC family members who brought in food. On Saturday, May 19th, we partnered with Shoppers Grocery Store in Dumfries' Fortuna Plaza where we offered the community the chance to give back as well. Thanks to Sherman Basinger, Mark and Heather Gimmi, Mark Lamboni, Ralph Morse, Georgiann Thompson and Jo Ann Rudy for helping with the drive and delivering the 4,780 pounds of food to ACTS that same day. Please check the thermometer in our Narthex to see the total amount (which currently is well over our goal). Please remember the ACTS Food Pantry this summer as well. Thanks for living and giving generously as our Lord has called us to do.     Roger Rudy
 

In Nature at LCOC


Treasurers Report
This month at a glance
Happy Birthday to you!
JUNE

                3    Toi L.  
                4    Ray S.
                5   Ryan L.
                5   Dave Z.
                7   Andres K.
                7   Julia K.
                7   Amber R.
                8   Jon S.
                9   Joshua C.
              11    Rita K.
              11   Roger R.
              12   Madison K.
              16   Darla F.
              17   Lauren P.
              20   Melanie H.
              24    James O.
              26    Cody K.
              26    Lauren L.
              26    Melissa M.
              26    Jillian R.
              28    Paul G.
              28    Marie H.
Happy Anniversary
Kelly & Ryan W.
June, 17, 2017

Marcie & Rich C.
June 20, 1981

Eileen & Carl E.
June 5, 1965

Mary & John K.
June 5, 1965

Amber & Shawn R.
June 7, 1996

Baptism Anniversaries
Michael A.
Emily D.
Darla F.
Paul G.
Carla K.
Toi L.
Kathy L.
Ryan L.
Lauren P.
Jessica R.
Mary S.
Homebound Members
Ruth J.
Jean J.
Mary S.
Virginia S.
Members in the Military
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.

Flower Calendar
The altar flowers for this month are given to the glory of God and contributed by:

June 3
Diana D. in honor of 
her mother Dorothy H.'s birthday

Liela O. in honor of our
Confirmands and Angels

Georgiann T. in memory of mom's birthday

June 10
Roger & JoAnn R. in memory of Jim S.

Kvenberg family in celebration of Rita's birthday

June 17
Lloyd & Colette L. in celebration 
of their anniversary

OPEN


June 24
OPEN

OPEN
Kids Page

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!

PHOTOS


Senior Quilts 2018


 Blessing Series Photos

Carrabas Dinner Photos

News & Notes


2018 Thrivent Living Generously Award recipients - Roger and Jo Ann Rudy

In 2017, the East Region Thrivent Member Network created and established the "Living Generously award. The Thrivent Financial Dulles Group nominated LCOC's own, Roger and Jo Ann Rudy for this award.

In January of 2018, The East Region Thrivent Member Network board met to review and vote on the recipients of the 2018 Living Generously Award. Here are a few words from Thrivent shared with Roger and Jo Ann, "With a unanimous vote and much enthusiasm, the board members believe that you capture the heart of Thrivent by how you give selflessly, inspire many and provide consistently. By utilizing your Action Teams and Choice Dollars you have been a model for love and generosity in your local community."

Congratulations, Roger and Jo Ann - thank you for living generously and for inspiring others to do the same!

Thrivent will recognize them at worship 
on June 10th!

______________________________________
Dear Quilting Ladies,
Thank you so much for the awesome quilt! It is perfect and you all are amazing for putting in the time to think about me. I can't wait to use it and will always remember you when I leave.

Thanks,
John Eberle



Mend-A-House  
Project Mend-A-House  





Thank you to all the members who camre out to help us with the April 21st clean up.



Would you like to participate in the next project? 
contact Ralph M.


OTLWB Book Club


June 11th at 12:30 pm:

The Child
by Fiona Barton

If you would like more information, 
please see Sandy S. or Diane D.
Contact Us
Take a look at our web site
Office Hours:
Monday - Friday 
9:00 am - 1:30 pm
Ministry Quick Links
Metro DC Synod
DC Young Adults
Metro DC Youth