Pastor Darcy
The Metro DC Synod Assembly this year included the election of a new Bishop. As part of this process, the assembly had the opportunity to ask questions and to listen to the nominees' ideas for leading the synod in the next six years (the term of a Bishop). One of the questions that was asked was "
What do you see as the principal challenge to this synod in the next six (6) years, and how would you address it?"
I think that this question is relevant for LCOC as we celebrated the milestone of 50 years of ministry and as we pivot to moving forward with courage and hope. Here is my brief answer to this question:
The joy for the synod and LCOC in the next six years, is that God is calling us to proclaim the Good News that Christ is Risen! The challenge is to proclaim this Good News with the divisions and anxiety in our society and in our congregations. The challenge is to navigate the shifts that are happening in society and in the churches and to be a synod with congregations that thrive and not merely survive.
While there are no quick fixes and growing is messy and sometimes painful, some ways that I invite LCOC to address this challenge are:
- Focus on God
- Provide intentional prayer opportunities
- Build on the work of the New Connections campaign with equipping people to invite others to be a part of God's mission through our congregations and to share the story of God's love with others and to grow in our financial support for God's mission through our congregation
- Explore ways to develop and support congregational leaders
- Foster a learning environment for faith formation
- Develop process for learning from ministry experiences
- Equip people in Biblical storytelling and sharing stories of where we have experienced the grace and love of God
- Celebrate the success and lament the losses that happen with change and growth
- And have FUN!
Together and with God, LCOC will continue to be a place where all can connect to God's story as we know, live and share the story of God's love for all!
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Council Retreat at Benedictine Pastoral Center, Bristow, VA
Planning for New Connections
as we move forward with
Courage and Hope
July 27 at 9 am
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Cou
n
cil President
LCOC was blessed to have Rev. Dr. Neal R. Davidson as the worship leader on June 23rd while Pastor Darcy was on vacation. We thank him for his inspiring sermon and words of encouragement about asking God to free us from our bonds to go on to the life of service He has for us.
With summer here, and classes and services reduced, there is still opportunity to meet together and study God's Word in the Sunday adult education hour at 9 a.m. with the current study coming from the book of Proverbs. All are welcome as we study about wisdom and seeking to make God's standard our standard. We are all at one time or another in need of the right words to guide us. Come join us and you may hear just what you need to help you and enable you to be a blessing to someone else.
Upcoming education sessions will delve into Proverbs chapters 1 and 31. My favorite verses from these passages include:
" For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm." Proverbs 1:32-33
and
"Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate." Proverbs 31: 30-31
I pray for the Lord's peace and wisdom for each of us and for LCOC. Please feel free to call on me if I can be of help to you.
In thanks,
Randy
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GATHER
to worship God and fellowship with the community
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Prayer Breakfast
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Men's Prayer Breakfast
Striving each week to look to the past, present and future watching and waiting for the return of our savior.
The next Prayer breakfast is scheduled for July 13th.
Please join us.
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Community Prayer Group
The LCOC community prayer group meets the seco
nd
Saturday of each month from 7:30 am to 9 am in the Work Room. All are welcome to this time when joys, concerns and hopes are lifted in prayer.
Next gathering: July 13 at 7:30 am.
Matt. 21:13 - My house will be called a house of prayer,.....
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Worship Committee
SUMMER WORSHIP AT 10:00 AM
A time to connect with God, with our neighbors, and be encouraged in the journey of discipleship!
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GROW
in our relationship with God through prayer, Bible Study, and service
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ADULT EDUCATION
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July 7
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Proverbs: God's Standard or Gold Standard?
Are We Raising God's Standard?
Proverbs 31:10-31
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July 14
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A VERY Brief History of Sacred Music
Join Rene and Kurt in a time-traveling adventure through the ages as we look at the evolution of sacred music in the church! Starting in the Middle Ages and moving all the way up through the present day, we'll take a look at how music has changed and evolved while being a huge influence on the church as a whole.
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July 21
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God's Work-Our Hands! Come and hear the stories of God at work through the LCOC Mission trip team!
July 7-13, Denise W., Patti B., Kathy P., Jennifer R., and Pastor Darcy traveled to NC with LutheranHands to serve those who are still recovering from the Hurricanes
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July 28
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The Gift of Prayer...
Take a fresh look at the Lord's Prayer. How does this prayer center, encourage, and challenge us in our journey as disciples?
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Take a look at our web site
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The Tuesday morning Bible study will resume on September 3rd with the study of Luke.
In the meantime....
July Bible Reading challenge:
There are 31 chapters in the Book of Proverbs and 31 days in July. Read 1 chapter each day in for the next 31 days.
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save the date:
9/8 - God's Work-Our Hands Sunday
9/15 - Education Kick-Off
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Youth Group
Mark Your Calendars:
Youth are hosting an ice cream social after worship on August 18th!
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GIVE
of our resources, time, and talents in response to
God's extravagant generosity towards us
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Stewardship
Sunday June 9th was the scene of another time of celebration at Lutheran Church of the Covenant: Pentecost-the birthday of the Church, as well as Legacy Giving Day.
We were joined by Yvonne Jones Lembo, Regional Gift Planner with the ELCA, as our facilitator. Yvonne spoke at the adult education hour, joined us for worship service, and then made a presentation after service at a working luncheon where attendees learned about gift planning and tools and resources available.
Those in attendance found the presentation and handouts very informative. Thanks to Thrivent Financial for providing for the luncheon and materials. The presentation and discussion were part of our Evangelism and Stewardship team's work to keep the education and leadership development, and giving to the work of our synod.
New Connections is in the works...with many opportunities to help enhance our facility, further develop our education and leadership programs, and add technology...all ways to help us gather, grow, give, and go....forward.
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Additional Ways to Give:
Giving when you shop online through:
Vanco online giving:
Thrivent: Benefit Members are eligible for two action teams/year which provides $250 of seed money for various projects. Associate Members are eligible for one action team/year.
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GO
forth to serve others and share the story of God's love for all
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Evangelism
June 2, 2019 was special not only for being a day that the Lord hath made, but also as the celebration of 50 years of God's blessings on Lutheran Church of the Covenant.
The 50th Anniversary Celebration included: a joyful worship service full of congregational singing, special music with trumpet, bells, and choir and a sermon of Gratitude and Vision by Metro DC Synod Bishop Richard Graham; members from years past reuniting and joining newer members in sharing moments depicted wonderfully on memory boards throughout the building created by the history committee; followed by a great time of fellowship with lively conversation, food by Carrabba's of Woodbridge, and the clear harmonies of special music by The Bull Run Troubadours. What a wonderful celebration of gratitude for 50 years, and a looking forward to many more years of service to our Lord in this community and beyond.
Thanks to Pastor Darcy Tillman for her leadership, an extremely dedicated anniversary committee and council for all their hard work, and for the generosity of the congregation, and especially to Thrivent Financial for their support of this event and many other LCOC ministries.
We were privileged to have previous LCOC Pastor Jim Thacker, and interim Pastor Tony Carpenter and a member who went on to a pastor, Pastor Stacey Brady participating in the service as well as members of the family of LCOC's founding pastor, Pastor Kent Lang. Also on hand to offer congratulations were Mrs. Ernestine Jenkins, wife of the late Neabsco District Supervisor John D. Jenkins, current Neabsco District Supervisor Victor Angry, Aide to Congressman Gerry Connolly, Marlon Dubuisson, Dave and Kate Strand and Steve and Diane Liga from ACTS.
We want to plan one or two summer family activity days and need to hear back from ALL of the LCOC family. Some ideas being considered include an ice cream social, movie night, and outdoor fun day with games, etc. Creativity and a team are needed-many hands make light work and add to any project. Please, let us hear from YOU.
With thanks,
Patti
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Prayer Opportunities
Prayer Chain Ministry:
or call the Prayer Chain Lead at 571-210-1979
Free Ceaseless Prayer App:
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As of June 28th, LCOC has received $8,046 (including monies for the luncheon) for the 50th anniversary celebration. The luncheon cost $1,223.30 and so the net amount to be used for ministry is $6,822.70. THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY!
Haven't had a chance to make your gift yet? Make a donation to TODAY to
support the current LCOC ministry needs and build a strong foundation
for the next 50 years, including....
Metro DC Synod New Connections
Faith Development and training opportunities
Technology for worship and education
Building improvement and enhancement
Please make your check payable to LCOC and
write "IHO 50th anniversary" in the memo line
Thank you - your gift will help to transform lives!
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Birthdays
02 Steve Wichelt
03 Susie Rush
06 Katie Boivin
08 Tricia Schilder
14 Georgiann Thompson
14 Sonya Wichelt
15 Harriet Richard
16 Linda Staudinger
16 Fay Yentsch
17 Douglas Strack
17 Sandy Strychowski
17 Jennifer Rice
17 Brielle Wichelt
24 David Wilder
26 Wyatt Overman
29 Gene Ward
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Anniversaries
01 Roger & Jo Ann Rudy
23 Brian & Marlies Smith
26 Katie & Jason Phillips
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Baptisms
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04 Jackson Morse
08 Winston Ward
19 Sarah Gimmi
27 Shannon Rose
23 Monica Wilder
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Homebound Members
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Ruth J.
Jean J.
Mary S.
Virginia S.
Linda S.
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Members in the Military
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Tyler R
Tom M
Ryan L
Samuel B
Xavier D
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.
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Flower Calendar
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The altar flowers for this month are given to the glory of God and contributed by:
July 7
Fay Yentsch in recognition of Tom Pennington's birthday.
Roger and Jo Ann Rudy in honor of Susie Rush and
in recognition of the anniversary of Pastor Darcy's ordination
July 14
Fay Yentsch in celebration of her birthday and
the Buttery family in honor of Georgiann Thompson's birthday.
July 21
The Wichelt family in celebration of Sonya's birthday and
the Adams family in memory of Stella and Bruce Adams.
July 28
Mark Gimmi in celebration of his birthday.
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50th anniversary celebration
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Synod assembly &
Churchwide assembly news
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July 7-13, 2019
This year's LCOC mission team heads to North Carolina. Please keep Patti Beattie, Kathy Panther, Jennifer Rice, Denise Wilder, and Pastor Darcy in prayer as they travel and serve.
Come hear their stories on July 21st at 9am.
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OTLWB Book Club
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The next book club meeting is September 9th at 12:30 pm
If you would like more information,
please see Sandy S. or Diane D.
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Office Hours:
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Monday - Friday
9:00 am - 2:00 pm
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Thank you Marlies for bringing joy to Mary through an opportunity to garden!
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STEWARDSHIP (financial and through acts of service) IS A YEAR ROUND
SPIRITUAL PRACTICE...
SIGN UP TODAY TO
GIVE ONLINE or THROUGH Y
OUR BANK TO DIRECTLY SEND YOUR DONATION WHILE YOU ARE ON VACATION!
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