Lutheran Church of the Covenant
August 2019 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

The tag line on our new logo is "A Place to Connect". As LCOC moves forward in ministry, you will hear the word "connect" associated with our goals of engaging more people in ministry and of raising funds to support LCOC to encourage and equip people to become committed disciples of Christ.

What does connect mean? According to dictionary.com, it means:

to join, link, or fasten together; unite or bind

Why is this important for LCOC to be "A Place to Connect"? Being "A Place to Connect" offers us the opportunity to grow deeper in all our relationships and experiencing how we are a part of God's story. As a community of faith, we our united and bound together because of our relationship with God. This connection with God and with each other than equips us to go forth to share the Good News of God's love with all our neighbors.

What will this look like at LCOC? This is a work in progress. Some ways that we already connect are through worship; choir; bell choir; Sunday education; Bible studies; mission trips and local building projects; youth events; providing meals and food for Neabsco, ACTS, and Hilda Barg Homeless Center; community events such as Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus and the Easter Bunny; Men's Prayer breakfast; Community Prayer and more. Being "A Place to Connect" will also mean new events that will be possible as each person shares ideas and time and talent to make things happen. What are your suggestions for ways to connect with God and with our neighbors?

How can you be a part of this? Connect with our commitment through the LCOC covenant to worship; pray; participate in one or more of the ministry opportunities; lead or be a part of a ministry team; engage in at least one study opportunity; and financially support the overall mission of LCOC.
 
Let us join together as we grow as "A Place to Connect" with God and with each other!
____________________________________________________________________


Ideas? Questions?  Email the council  
On July 27th, the LCOC council gathered for a retreat and planning session at the Benedictine Pastoral Center!  



Cou n cil President

For those of you who have not noticed, it has been an extremely hot summer. Just like life, the weather has its ups and downs. As we go through the ups and downs of life, I'm sure all of us question at some point if we are on the right track, serving God on this earth according to his purpose for us.

There are some certainties in life-the hot weather will get cooler, and as we pray and ask God for his purpose in our lives, he will answer. Consider this verse from Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Please join me in praying for LCOC and all our members as we seek to discern God's purpose and plan for us as we move forward, beginning with our upcoming New Connections Campaign to enhance LCOC in order to welcome all, share God's love and hospitality, and offer spiritual education and development.

In thanks,
Randy 

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 August 10th.  Please join us.


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: August 10 at 7:30 am.


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



Worship Committee

During Worship on September 1st, we will include as many of your favorite hymns as possible.  
What is your favorite Hymn? Email worship@lcocdalecity.org
or add your favorite hymn to the list on the bulletin board by the office  by August 15!

Upcoming special services are:
 
Sept 1 - Blessing of the Back Packs
Sept 1 - Favorite Hymn Sing
Oct 6 - Pet Blessing
Oct 16 - Healing Service
 
Reminder - September 15 we return to two services 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
 
Next meeting of the Worship Committee is Saturday, Aug 3, 9 a.m. in the LCOC Workroom.  Please join us and share your ideas for creating more worshipful services.

GROW
in our relationship with God through prayer, Bible Study, and service
August Adult Education
August 4:   The Gift of Prayer:  Take a fresh look at the prayer.  How does this prayer center, encourage, and challenge us in our journey as disciples?
 
August 11:  The Gift of Prayer:  Take a fresh look at the prayer.  How does this prayer center, encourage, and challenge us in our journey as disciples?
 
August 18:   The Gift of Stories:  Come and explore the Stories behind our favorite hymns
 
August 25:  The Gift of Stories:  Come and explore the Stories behind our favorite hymns 

Take a look at our web site
The Tuesday morning Bible study will resume on September 3rd at 10 AM 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.

Education

save the date:
9/8 -   God's Work-Our Hands Sunday
9/15 -  Education Kick-Off


BOOK BAGS & SUPPLIES 
FOR
NEABSCO ELEMENTARY

It's not too soon to begin planning to make the upcoming school year as exciting and productive as possible for the children and families at Neabsco Elementary. Please share God's love by purchasing and filling a backpacks with supplies or by donating a portion of the items on the list below:


pocket folders (3 per pk)
red plastic folders
blue plastic folders
doz. pencils
spiral notebooks
composition books
soft pencil bags
hand held pencil sharpeners
pks of 5 subject dividers
child safe scissors
pks black dry erase markers
three ring binders
five subject notebook folders
single subject notebooks
sets of six glue sticks
pks of highlighters
pks of colored pencils
pks of crayons (24 per pk)
 
Supplies are needed by the third Sunday in August to allow time to finish organizing, blessing, and delivering them to Neabsco Elementary before school starts.  

Youth Group

Mark Your Calendars:
Youth are hosting an ice cream social after worship on August 18th!
 

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

Stewardship  
Thanks go out to five of our members who were able to share their time and talents on a mission trip to NC in July, joining LutheranHands and Baptists on Mission help 11 homeowners restore their homes after hurricane flood damage.

Thanks also to all those who made special  anniversary gifts, leading into the future as we begin the New Connections Campaign where we will give generously to enhance our facility and provide even more opportunities to welcome and serve those around us as well as continue to offer education and leadership development for all. Prayerfully consider how you can support LCOC ministries with your time, talents, and resources. The Lord delights in blessing his children and wants us to share that delight in giving and being a blessing.

Watch for updates in your bulletins and weekly news and be part of Financial Peace University, and other New Connections opportunities. Thank you for living generously and being part of God's work here at LCOC and beyond

_____________________________________________
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.  

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

Evangelism  

Think back to the most memorable spiritual experience you have had. Chances are in addition to God's presence, there will be a person who comes to mind who was important to that experience.

You can be that person in someone's life by sharing your story, offering God's love through your smile/kind word/helping hand, and inviting others to be part of God's family here at LCOC.

Please consider all the events and ministries here as opportunities to do just that. As LCOC moves forward and seeks to bring on 50 actively engaged new people over the next three years, share the excitement and invite others to worship, fellowship, grow, and serve.

Who knows, the worship service, Walk for ACTS, Breakfast with Santa, Rise Against Hunger meal packing or other event you invite someone to may be that amazing, life-changing spiritual memory for them-and you.

Blessings as you share love and invite others.

With thanks,
Patti


 
July 7-13 - Mission Trip - Rose Hill, NC

The 2019 LCOC mission team (Patti B, Denise W, Jennifer R, Kathy P, and Pastor Darcy) joined 97 other Lutheran volunteers from Pennsylvania to be a part of the LutheranHands Mission trip to Rose Hill, NC. 


This is an area about an hour from Carolina Beach in NC which was devastated by flood waters from hurricane Florence in the fall of 2018.  We had the joy to be God's hands as we helped families to begin to rebuild after the damage from the storms.


Many thanks to the endowment fund from Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Gaithersburg, MD for the grant of $2,000 for this trip and to each of you for your prayers and encouragement during this trip.

 

Check out the slide show from the projects of which LCOC was a part and also the videos that were created by the folks from LutheranHands. 


Treasurers Report

 

July 10 th marked my 20 th anniversary of ordination. I give thanks to God for all of the people, places and experiences that have been a part of the variety of adventures in ministry.
Thank you for helping me to celebrate this milestone with a lovely reception after worship on July 14 th and most importantly for the privilege and joy of serving with you in ministry at LCOC.


This month at a glance
Birthdays
2 Jo Ann Rudy
5 Susanna Rose
6 Susan Zinn
7 Mark Yentsch
8 Diane DeGroodt
8 Heather Hornauer
8 Richard Shock
12 Phil Overholt
19 Annmarie Bellinger
20 Brett Lembke
22 Victoria Gimmi
22 Tyler Riley
22 Nicole Swecker
24 Lloyd Lyngdal
31 Elliot Overman
Anniversaries
13 Venus and Daniel Owusu
26 Darla and Brian Ferris 
Baptisms
           21 Jillian Rosenquist            
Homebound Members
Ruth J.
Jean J.
Mary S.
Virginia S.
Linda S.
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:
August 4
Roger and Jo Ann Rudy in memory of Mia Jo Rudy and
the Burrough's family in celebration of the birthday of their daughter Kathryn, Les's mom and great granddaughter Lily.

August 11
 Venus and Daniel Owusu in celebration of their wedding anniversary.
          




FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY IS BACK....
SEPTEMBER 15- NOV 10

It's the class that teaches you how to:

Pay off Debt

Budget

Save Money

Give Generously

 

Sign up Today for the class at LCOC 

 

Email Daniel Owusu for more information 


50th anniversary celebration




 
September 8 - God's Work-Our Hands Sunday

October 5 -
ACTS IWalk

October 12 - Installation of Metro DC Bishop, Leila Ortiz

October 16 - Healing Service

November 17 -
Annual Meeting

December 11 - Advent Service of Hope


 

 
SERVING THE HOMELESS
 
We will be serving meals at the Hilda Barg Shelter for two evenings, August 18th and August 19th. Please prayerfully consider a monetary donation so our committee can buy the food and prepare the meals.


OTLWB Book Club
 
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.
Contact Us
Office Hours:
Monday - Friday 
9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Mary Seikel sponsored the planting of Crepe and Myrtle trees, bordering the rear of the church parking lot, and dedicated them to the memory of her husband Oskar.
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!
AUGUST 11th
HOT DOG LUNCHEON
AFTER WORSHIP







Stihl Cadets & Gardening Ladies will be hosting a hot dog luncheon in the downstairs fellowship hall and on the patio. There will be hot dogs, toppings, chips, drinks and fellowship.


Prayer Opportunities

              Prayer List Ministry                 



Prayer Chain Ministry: 
Please send an email to prayerchain@lcocdalecity.org 
or call the Prayer Chain Lead at 571-210-1979      
 Free Ceaseless Prayer App: 



 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 fellowship@lcocdalecity.org 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