Pastor Darcy
Happy New Year! A new church year has begun with the season of Advent with new opportunities to grow deeper in our relationship with God and our neighbors. To start us off with this new year, here is a brief overview of the church year. There are six seasons: Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, and Pentecost. In the sanctuary (worship center) the paraments (i.e. banners, altar cloths) will change colors. The color of Advent is blue which symbolizes hope
(click here for explanation of the church colors) and there is an advent wreath
(click here for an explanation of the wreath). The Gospel readings will shift this year to the Gospel of Luke. The church has a three year lectionary (readings cycle) with Year A being the Gospel of Matthew, Year B the Gospel of Mark and Year C is the Gospel of Luke. The Gospel of John is interspersed throughout all three years.
So how do the seasons of the church year shape us? We are on a faith journey and these seasons provide us an intentional rhythm to grow deeper in our relationship with God who created us, with Jesus who frees us and shows us how to live the life abundant that God desires for us, and the Holy Spirit who calls, gathers, enlightens and makes us holy.
So what does this mean for you personally and for the congregation? At our annual meeting, we recommitted to the vision to grow as a congregation. What will this look like? Each of us engaging in and inviting others to be a part of the LCOC mission to:
Gather to worship God and fellowship with the community
Grow in our relationship with God through prayer, Bible Study, and service
Give of our resources, time, and talents in response to God's extravagant generosity towards us
Go forth to serve others and share the story of God's love for all
Why do we do this? Why is it important to gather, grow, give and go? Because the season of Advent prepares us for the good news of great joy that:
6 For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)
You are invited to be renewed in this good news throughout the opportunities of Advent and Christmas. AND this news is too exciting to keep to ourselves so go and share this hope and joy with others and invite your neighbors, friends, family to come and hear that Christ was born for them!
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Council President
Sharing in God's Mission
at Lutheran Church of the Covenant
Dear brothers-and -sisters-in-Christ ~
I hope that you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! As we look forward to Advent and preparing to celebrate the Birth of Christ once more, I am drawn back to sharing with you some more insights I have learned regarding being a good steward. I believe it is a pivotal time here at LCOC and it is critical that we look at what God is calling us to do.
I challenge you to see your role as a spouse, parent, employee, team member, and as a Christian from the perspective of a steward. You have probably heard stewardship applied most often when the church is asking for money, but stewardship is not just about money, but about all the gifts that God has given us.
Acknowledge All as Gifts from God
This applies to our spouse, our children, our money and possessions, our responsibilities at work and school, and our duties as a follower of Christ and member of His Church. All of these gifts God has freely lavished on us as His beloved children, AND until we recognize that, we can't become a good steward. We will see our loved ones as created specifically for us by God. Our pursuit of money will change, because we will see it as God's money that He has given us charge over.
Take Responsibility
When we treat things and people under our care as gifts from God, we will see that we approach them differently. We will make a stronger effort to care for them, to nurture them, and to make them grow. We want the best for our children. We want to be successful at work. We want to live our Christian faith to the fullest. As a good steward, we will constantly challenge ourselves to be a better steward
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Enjoy Our Reward
In the parable of the good steward (Matthew 25:14-30) who took responsibility of caring for his talents his master had given him charge of, and multiplied them, in the end received praise from his master.
"Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let's celebrate together."
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
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GATHER
to worship God and fellowship with the community
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Worship
Wednesday, December 12 at 7pm
Are you experiencing a difficult loss, transition, or life change? Are you struggling to find employment or experiencing depression or a family crisis? Or are you simply needing a quiet space in the middle of this busy holiday season?
You are invited to this quiet service of healing and comfort!
Worship at 5 pm and 8 pm
5 pm is a Family Candlelight service
for the young and young at heart.
8 pm is a Candlelight service with choir
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Communion offered at both services.
Everyone is welcome, invite your family, friends, and neighbors!
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Prayer Breakfast
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Men's Prayer Breakfast
The next Prayer breakfast is scheduled for December 8th.
Please join us.
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LCOC Prayer Garden
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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. 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 September 8th at 7:30 am.
Matt. 21:13 - my house will be called a house of prayer,.....
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GROW
in our relationship with God through prayer, Bible Study, and service
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ADULT EDUCATION
Will enjoy the Advent Coffees/Teas at 9:45
All are invited
Dec 2 - Scandinavian
Dec 9 - German
Dec 16 - Italian
Dec 23 - Melting Pot
Dec 30 - NO EDUCATION
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BIBLE STUDY
TUESDAYS AT 10:00 AM
All are welcome to come and explore
the Book of Romans!
No previous experience required!
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In the Grade School class Bailey and Ms. Stacey continue to discuss how to live "Unafraid" through courage, hope, peace, love, and faith.
In the Confirmation class, Ms Diane has just one confirmation student this year, Troy Sweatman. He is a very diligent pupil, eager to learn, and a joy to teach. They started the year by discussing the Bible in general, and are now covering some of the more familiar stories in the book of Genesis. The curriculum, "Here We Stand", has also been connecting these stories with the articles of the Apostle's Creed.
The High School class with 'Uncle' Mike and Ms Kristi continues to follow the "Unafraid" curriculum and has discussed our need to be engaged and understand the relevance of how failure, disappointment and loneliness can affect our lives; the impact of peer pressure on these topics; why we should not be afraid to take risks.
They also discussed what happens when we fail, don't please others and feel alone, and how our support of ACTS, and the Neabsco ES demonstrate God's love to those who fear failure or loneliness
Thanks, Wilbur
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Youth Group
Chrysalis 2018
Please keep in your prayers our youth as they attend the Metro DC Chrysalis event in Front Royal this weekend. Attending this year are Emily D., Jessica R., Alexa W., and Diane DeGroodt.
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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
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Amazon Smile:
Click on the link below and pick Lutheran Church of the Covenant as your favorite organization and start shopping!
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.
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GO
forth to serve others and share the story of God's love for all
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Evangelism
Santa Claus is Coming to LCOC
And he is bringing Mrs. Claus with him
! On Saturday, December 15th from 9:00 till noon, the Clauses will be in the Upper Fellowship Hall welcoming children and their parents to a morning of food, fun, crafts, presents, pictures, and fellowship. Santa needs some elves to help him and Mrs. Claus make this another special event. If you can help, please sign up on the poster in the narthex. If you can't be an elf, please bring in a bag of candy and/or a coloring book and crayons. Each child will get these treats to take home with them to help make their Christmas brighter. Thanks so much. Merry Christmas to all! Any questions, please see or call Jo Ann Rudy (703) 670-8365.
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Save the date:
Mission trip to North Carolina
for Hurricane Florence Relief
July 7-13, 2019
Looking for more info?
Come to lunch at LCOC on
January 27th, 2019 at 12:30 pm!
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Mark your calendar for 2019
LCOC 50th anniversary celebrations
January 20th- Kick off brunch at 9:45
June 2nd - Worship Celebration/lunch - Bishop Graham guest preacher
Nov 24th - Moving forward in Mission Celebration Brunch
The initial planning team includes: Roger and Jo Ann Rudy, Mel Bellinger, Diane DeGroodt, Patti Beattie, Pastor Darcy
Stay tuned for more details and for ways to be involved in the planning for this special year!
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Happy Birthday to you!
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DECEMBER
3 Willem S.
3 Ilse T.
5 Cooper S.
5 Kristi S.
6 Ethan D.
6 Lorelei D.
7 Jessica J.
7 Mickie K.
7 Kassidy R.
7 Sydney R.
8 Reagan D.
13 Marie E.
15 Nancy L.
15 Karen S.
16 Heather G.
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Happy Anniversary
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Ilse & Walter T.
December 12, 1960
JoAnn & William E.
December 19, 1987
Nathan & William E.
December 19, 1987
Elliott & Melanie H.
December 22, 2008
Patti B.
December 24, 1993
Karen & Leslie B.
December 30,1967
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Baptism Anniversaries
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Reagan D.
Gwyneth H.
Tyler R.
Alexa W.
Diane D.
Ruth J.
Blake J.
John E.
Thomas M.
Jennifer H.
Britt P.
Veronica W.
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Homebound Members
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Ruth J.
Jean J.
Mary S.
Virginia S.
New Address for Ruth J:
Harbor Chase
14080 Central Loop, Woodbridge, VA 22193, room 1119
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Members in the Military
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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.
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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:
December 2
The DeGroodt family in celebration of Ethan's 20th birthday
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December 9
The Richard's family in celebration of Scott's birthday.
The Kvenberg family in celebration of John's birthday.
December 16
The Gimmi family in celebration of Heather's birthday.
Roger & Sonya Wichelt in celebration of their 58th anniversary
December 23
In memory of Judy Strack.
December 30
In celebration of Les & Karen's anniversary
In celebration of Doug and Lilo's anniversary
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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!
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Congratulations to the Morse family!
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Tom and Mariam Morse welcomed Jameson Crawford on November 19, 2018 in Florida.
Grandparents are Ralph and Marcia Morse.
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Thank you, LCOC!
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The ministry of LCOC makes a
difference in people's lives!
Watch these short videos of gratitude for what God is doing through you and the LCOC ministry!
Thank you for your wonderful food and gift cards that you lovingly gave to our families in need.
The generosity that you have shown to us is wonderful. We truly appreciate all of you and could not imagine a better partnership.
Thank you for the bottom of our hearts.
Neabsco Elementary School
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Project Mend-A House
Congratulations Ralph and Bob for being recognized as Volunteers of the Year! Thank you for the time and talents you share to build up the community!
Would you like to participate in the next project?
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OTLWB Book Club
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December 17th at 12:30 pm:
Where the Crawdads Sing
By
Delia Owens
If you would like more information,
please see Sandy S. or Diane D.
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Take a look at our web site
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Office Hours:
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NOTE NEW HOURS:
Monday - Friday
9:00 am - 2:00 pm
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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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