February 2020 Newsletter

  

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. Also bring others to come and be a part of these various ministry opportunities!  

GATHER    GROW    GIVE    GO






Pastor Darcy

   
When: February 23, 2020
Where: LCOC
                           Time:   9:00 am education; 10:00 am  Worship; 
11:15 Assets, Wows, and Needs Luncheon
What to Bring: A dish to share, your ideas, & your open ears, heart, and mind
 
God has blessed and guided LCOC in ministry for over 50 years. As we move forward in ministry, it is important to intentionally pause and reflect on what is working well and what is needed in order to be a vibrant, healthy congregation for those who are already connected and those who are yet to be engaged in God's work through LCOC.

To help us in this reflection, the council has planned a special luncheon on February 23rd. Each person and organization has assets, wows, and needs. These shape who we are and what we can do, either as an individual or as a congregation.
  • Assets (which include the broader list of assets, gifts, and passions) are those things we have access to and can use in new ways to do things that matter.
  • Wows are the good things that God is already doing in and through us.
  • Needs are those things that we have that require attention or help.
The focus for our time together will be to help everyone who comes have a chance to share some of the assets, wows, and needs they have as individuals and also to look at these in the life of the congregation. The patterns for the answers of the individuals and the consensus about the needs of the congregation will help us as we plan the next steps for LCOC. This event will be a part of what we are doing throughout this year to listen, learn, and invite input to grow us followers of Jesus and to make New Connections.

Your input is needed and valued. A brief questionnaire will be available shortly, either online or in the entrance hallway.

We invite your continued prayers and input as we work together to glorify God through the ministry of LCOC!
_______________________________________________________________
 

Ideas? Questions?  Email the council  


Cou n cil President

As we enter into the month of February, we know that regardless of how cold it is springtime is just around the corner. It will be a time of rebirth of nature, and a time of planting.
Just as in our lives, God is with us to help to be reborn. He gives us courage to carry on thru trials and tribulations. He is there to protect us, listen to our prayers and forgive us when we often fall short if we just ask.
I am looking forward to spring with the leaves and flowers blooming. Some spring cleaning, and a renewing of life.
February is also the month for Valentines. Where we look for love, and we give love. In today's society love and faith can sometimes be hard to come by. So let someone know that you are thankful for them in your life, or that you are there for them if they need someone in their life.
So no matter how very hard it is to get out of that warm bed in the morning, or go outside in the cold. Spring and a new beginning is just around the corner.
One of my favorite verses is John 15:12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.
Randy S. Beattie, President
LCOC Council

GATHER
to worship God and fellowship with the community

Prayer Breakfast
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 February 8th at 7:30 am. All are welcome!


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: February 8 at 7:30 am.


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



Worship Committee  

Special Upcoming Services  
                    
 
February 5, at 7:00 pm  - Taize Service - This is a simple, short, contemplative service that offers a quiet time to connect with God.

February 26th at 7:00 pm



 
This cross, which is created by combining a Greek cross (a cross with the two beams being the same length) with the first letter of Christ in Greek (X), is called the baptismal cross.This symbol represents new life

The search continues for a new choir director. If you know of anyone who may be interested in this position please have them send their resume to [email protected]

NEXT WORSHIP PLANNING SESSION:  February 1st  at 9 am

EPIPHANY SERMON SERIES

February 2 - The Gift of Poetic Challenge
February 9 - The Gift of Public Witness
February 16 - The Gift of Outrageous Grace
February 23 - The Gift of the Unpredictable Jesus

GROW
in our relationship with God through prayer, Bible Study, and service
Adult Education:
Experience the joy of sharing God's love as you grow in being 

THE INVITATIONAL CHRISTIAN

Which in turn will support LCOC's mission to

MAKE NEW CONNECTIONS!

This series will include prayer, scripture, and practical ideas!  

Topics include:  A Changing World;  Why Should Anyone Come?;  Quality Matters;    Knowing Our Story;  Address their fears;  Give them tools;  The Importance of With;  Following Up


Tuesdays Morning Bible Study 
 at 10:00 am
All are Welcome
your insights and questions are encouraged as, together, 
we explore Jesus' parables!
Explore a fresh and timely interpretation of Jesus' most popular teaching parables.  Jesus knew how to tell a story. He knew that in order to get his message across he needed to relate to the people who gathered to listen-first century Jews-who lived in a very different world than the one in which we live today. In Short Stories by Jesus, author Amy-Jill Levine takes you back in time and explains how original audiences understood Jesus' parables. You'll learn how new interpretations of the parables continue to challenge and provoke contemporary readers two thousand years later.
GIVE
of our resources, time, and talents in response to 
God's extravagant generosity towards us
STEWARDSHIP
Learn more about how LCOC is already making connections and the plans to make more connections over the next 3 years...







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











The Youth and their families invite you, your friends and
your neighbors  to this fun and delicious pancake supper.
There will be a free will offering to for the Rise Against Hunger Event
 and for our youth ministry events.  

Evangelism
 
March 28 at 9 am
The goal is to pack 40,000 meals

SUMMER 2020 MISSION TRIP

Treasurers Report

February  Treasurer's Report
 
This month at a glance
Birthdays
                 
3 Britt Pritchett
4 Michael Adams
5 Coy Adams
7 Nathan Eberle
14 Tilli Smith
15 Arianna Rose
17 Katie Phillips
17 Erika Zamora
22 DeLoris Bellinger
22 Brian Richard
28 Mel Bellinger
Anniversaries
14 David & Denise Wilder
Baptisms

     1 Michael Eberle
   4 Kassidy Riley
   4 Sydney Riley
                                                5 Angela Zamora                                                 12 Sarah Sweatman
15 Amy Miller
     16 JIm Olenik
     24 Kaley Phillips
         25 Nicole Swecker
27 Tilli Smith
Members in the Military
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.

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

February 2
Stacey Rosenquist in memory of Willem Schilder, 
the Schilder family in memory of Willem and 
the Rose family in celebration of Arianna's birthday.

February 9
Kathy Panther in memory of Dennis Panther and on what would have been his 70th birthday.

February 16
The Zamora family in celebration of Erika's birthday and
the DeGroodt family in memory of Charlotte Harbold
Create a family blessing jar

 
February 2 - Feeding the Homeless-Hilda Barg Shelter
February 5 - Taizé Prayer Service
February 23 - Special Transfiguration Sunday   
February 25 - Shove Tuesday Pancake Supper
February 26 - Ash Wednesday
March 28 - Rise Against Hunger Event


 

Chili Cookoff



 FELLOWSHIP
One way that we connect and have fun at LCOC is through Fellowship opportunities.  Dale Gallentine and I are developing a Fellowship team and we invite YOU to come, have fun and meet to plan some upcoming events. Sign up in the Narthex to be a part of this team or email us at [email protected] with questions or ideas. We would greatly appreciate your support for this team!  We look forward to working together to create new connections through fellowship. Thank you!

Blessings on you,
Darla Ferris
Ministry Quick Links


 
Feeding the Homeless
It is our turn to provide meals on February 2nd and 3rd for the residents at the Hilda Barg Homeless Shelter. Please prayerfully consider a monetary donation so that we may purchase the food. We will do all the cooking.

Blessings, Sandy Strychowski


OTLWB Book Club
 

On February 10th we will meet to discuss The Stranger Inside  by Lisa Unger. On March 9th, we're meeting at 12:00 p.m. to watch "A Town Like Alice." In April, we'll meet on the 13th to discuss Olive Again by Elizabeth Strout.


If you would like more information, 
please see Sandy S. or Diane D.
Contact Us
Office Hours:
Monday - Friday 
9:00 am - 2:00 pm
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: 


Dear LCOC members,

We have been asked by Kendall's family to thank the congregation of LCOC. As some of you know, a 13 year old relative of ours was critically injured in an automobile accident at the end of December and remains hospitalized with serious injuries at Children's Hospital in Boston. After 3 weeks in a coma, Kendall has started to show positive signs of recovery.

The talented hands of Mickie and Harriet created a quilt for Kendall. Many of you prayed over this quilt when it was placed on the communion rail. Kendall's family told us that they believe in the power of prayer and are thankful for the heartfelt prayers from the members of LCOC. We ask that you continue to pray for Kendall as she begins the long road to recovery.

With grateful hearts,

Marcia and Ralph Morse