Pastor Darcy
At our services on Christ the King Sunday, the question was asked "what are you most grateful for about Jesus?" There were some wonderful responses such as "that Jesus died for me, because I can trust him, forgiveness, love, humility, mercy, and grace". In addition, I feel so grateful that Jesus came to "connect" us with the love of God and to show us how to "connect" with others because God first loved us.
Over the next three years, LCOC will be focusing on making "New Connections". What does it mean to connect? Dictionary.com defines connect as "to join, link, or fasten together; unite or bind; and to establish communication between." Jesus modeled for us what it means to connect and to make connections as he listened to people's stories, and as he showed them compassion and understanding through his teaching and presence. He met people where there were in life and engaged with people of different backgrounds as he simply walked and ate with them.
What are some ways that we can be about making "New Connections" during Advent?
- PRAY for others
- INVITE your friends, neighbors, and family to the various ministry opportunities during Advent
- SHARE your stories and LISTEN to people's stories during the Advent teas
- What are YOUR ideas?
As you connect with the story of waiting, of preparing the way, and then the actual birth of Jesus during this season, I pray that you may experience more fully the peace, love, joy, and hope that is possible as the angel said:
"Do not be afraid; for see-I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11 to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah,[a] the Lord." (Luke 2:10-11).
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Introducing the 2020 council:
President - Randy Beattie
Vice President - Denise Wilder
Treasurer - Doug Strack
Secretary - Marlies Smith
Worship - Sonya Wichelt
Stewardship - Daniel Owusu
Evangelism - Patti Beattie
Youth - Diane DeGroodt
Property - Sherman Basinger
Thank you to the outgoing Secretary, Lorelei Ditton
for her faithful service in this role!
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Cou
n
cil President
First of all, I really want to thank everyone for their help over this past year. The end of the year is upon us. I love this time of year-the atmosphere, the Christmas music (for the first week or two anyway). Everyone is a little nicer to each other. If only every day could be like Christmas. Of course it could be, if we all put Christ first in our lives and cared for each other as He commanded.
There are many projects and opportunities at LCOC this month. I'm sure that there is a part of one that is just for you. Remember, it is better to give than to receive.
Please enjoy the following Christmas poem with best wishes for a blessed holiday.
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 December 14th at 7:30 am. All are welcome!
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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: December 14 at 7:30 am.
Matt. 21:13 - My house will be called a house of prayer,.....
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Worship Committee
ADVENT is here
....
This is the first session of the church year and includes the four preceding Sundays leading up to Christmas. Advent is a time of preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus at Christmas.
Advent Evening Vespers - Wednesday, December 11 at 7 pm
This is a special service for those who need a quiet service of healing and comfort and peace in the midst of this busy holiday season.
Christmas Eve Worship services
5 pm - Family Service for the young at heart
8 pm Candlelight Service with choir
Both services include communion and candlelight!
6:15 pm - in between the Christmas Eve Services
December 29 - ONE service at 10:00 am Lessons and Carols
Did you know....
Christian Symbols - the letter X
Dating back to the 16th century and earlier, the letter X has been used as an abbreviation for Christ's name. The X comes from the Greek letter Chi which is the first letter of the Greek word Christos, which became Christ in English. The word Xmas, as an abbreviation for Christmas, has been used for centuries. Using the word Xmas does not mean taking Christ out of Christmas.
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: January 4th at 9 am
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GROW
in our relationship with God through prayer, Bible Study, and service
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December 1, 8, 15, 22 - the Adult Education will participate in the Advent. All are invited to come and enjoy some wonderful food and fellowship!
December 29 - No Education
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Upcoming Advent Bible Study
Tuesdays at 10:00 am
Dec 3, 10, 17
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We're not that different from Joseph. True, we may not be part of a story that will be remembered for all time, but like Joseph, we encounter circumstances that we'd never choose for ourselves. At times, it can be tempting just to walk away, but Joseph provides us a great example of humbly obeying God even when we don't understand, faithfully moving forward in the strength that God provides. The story of Joseph provide us a great example of humbly obeying God even when we don't understand and faithfully moving forward in the strength that God provides.
All are welcome!
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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
Thank you to all those who have already pledged and/or donated to the New Connections Campaign, getting us on our way to bringing in 50 new people to be actively engaged in God's work and raising $250,000 to allow us to share God's love, invite and connect with more people, and help all who come through LCOC in their faith development.
Funds will be used to enhance our facilities to make them even more welcoming and accessible, as well as to upgrade technology to help support education, worship, and faith growth, and to support our synod in building and serving congregations.
Thanks also for those who have helped with mailings, creating displays, and developing videos and support processes for the New Connections Campaign. Please continue to be in prayer for this campaign and what God is leading you to commit not only in pledges, but also in sharing your time and talents to fulfill the ministries.
A link for New Connections Campaign giving through Vanco is in place along with the regular online giving option.
Christmas blessings to you and your family.
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GO
forth to serve others and share the story of God's love for all
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Youth Group
Thank you to all who helped or contributed to the thrift sale on November 2nd. Our youth were able to raise $845.
On December 7th from 5 to 9 pm our youth
will be hosting a fellowship even t which will include a worship service and dinner, followed by board games. We've invited other youth groups from ELCA congregations in Woodbridge and Fairfax County to join us. It should be a fun
evening for all!
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Evangelism
Thanks to everyone who generously shared food items to make for a more blessed Thanksgiving holiday meal in partnership with ACTS for neighbors in our community. In addition to LCOC members and their families and friends, our brothers and sisters from the Korean Mustard Seed and Iglesia Palabra congregations and Giant at Center Plaza generously took part. Our Celebration and Gratitude Brunch on November 24th also provided an opportunity to carry out our purpose for being part of God's family by sharing his bounty, inviting others and fellowshipping together.
Please be sure to pick up the name, wish list, and information on a local child who needs your love and generosity to have a special Christmas. The informational tag attached need to be brought in no later than 12/15 so that the gifts can be delivered to Volunteer Prince William for distribution.
This holiday season invite someone to join you to celebrate the birth of our Savior with song, prayer, worship, and fellowship at Advent Teas, Advent Services, Breakfast with Santa, and Christmas Eve Service and supper. Please plan your new year to include ways to be part of our moving forward in ministry with opportunities like Rise Against Hunger Meal Packing and many other ways to serve.
Your council members welcome your ideas for ministries, and your assistance and leadership
on the various teams that are moving us forward to Gather/Grow/Give and Go into 2020 and beyond. Have a blessed Christmas and New Year!
With thanks,
Patti
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Birthdays
3 Willem S
5 Cooper S
6 Ethan D
6 Lorelei D
7 Mickie K
7 Kassidy R
7 Sydney R
13 Eileen E
15 Karen S
16 Heather G
16 Angela Z
18 JoAnn E
27 Jeffrey M
27 Marlies S
30 Allison P
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Anniversaries
17 Roger & Sonya W
19 JoAnn & Nate E
24 Patti & Randy B
28 Doug & Lilo S
30 Karen & Les B
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Baptisms
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1 Tyler R
4 Alexa W
8 Diane D
9 Ruth J
20 John E
26 Britt P
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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:
December 1
Susanna Rose in honor of Sarah Melendy &
the DeGroodt family in celebration of Ethan's birthday.
December 8
The Lyngdal family in memory of William Peterson.
December 15
The Burrough's family in honor of granddaughter Samantha & the Wichelt family in celebration of Roger and Sonya's 59th anniversary
December 22
Susanna Rose - Happy Birthday Jesus.
December 29
The Strack family in celebration of Doug and Lilo's 45th anniversary.
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December 11 -
Advent Service of Hope
December 21 - Breakfast with Santa & Mrs Claus
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OTLWB Book Club
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The book club will meet on December 16th at 12:30 p.m. for a discussion of
A Town Like Alice
by Nevil Shute.
If you would like more information,
please see Sandy S. or Diane D.
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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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FELLOWSHIP |
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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
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Learn more about how LCOC is already making connections and the plans to make more connections over the next 3 years...
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We want to thank everyone, especially Pastor Darcy, for all the prayers and get well wishes following Coy's hip replacement surgery. We are truly blessed to be part of the caring and loving LCOC family.
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Office Hours:
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Monday - Friday
9:00 am - 2:00 pm
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