Pastor Darcy
On July 23rd, we kicked off the sermon and faith formation series on the Lord's Prayer. We are using the book Pray Like Jesus: Rediscovering the Lord's Prayer, as a resource to explore the Lord's Prayer. This is a prayer that is simple yet bold, comforting yet challenging. It is an invitation for us to grow as committed disciples of Christ as we Gather...Grow...Give...and Go!
As we begin, how would you describe the Lord's Prayer? What has been your experience with this prayer? What questions surface as you focus on the Lord's Prayer?
Whether you are home or are traveling during this series, I encourage you to be intentional about your practice of prayer July 23rd - September 3 (Labor Day). First, pray the Lord's Prayer daily. Pray the words out loud! Pray them slowly or perhaps focus on a specific petition on different days. Pray as you write out the prayer. Or even color as you pray. (see link) Then I invite you to pray individually or as a family the following morning and evening prayers that are based on the Small Catechism.
Morning Blessing
You may make the sign of the cross.
I am a beloved child of God, marked with the cross of Christ forever.
Your mercies are new every morning. (Based on Lam. 3:23)
Thank you, gracious God, for the gift of this new day.
Awaken me to your abiding presence;
open my eyes to your creation;
open my ears to your promises;
open my heart to the needs of others.
Fill me with your Spirit and guide me this day
in works of kindness, justice, and mercy.
I ask this in the name of Jesus, the light and life of the world. Amen.
Evening Blessing
You may make the sign of the cross.
I am a beloved child of God, marked with the cross of Christ forever.
Come to me, all you that are weary . . . and I will give you rest. (Matt. 11:28)
Thank you, gracious God, for the gift of this coming night.
Restore me with your right spirit.
Calm my mind.
Quiet my heart.
Enfold me with your bountiful mercy.
Protect me from all harm, that I sleep assured of the peace found in you alone.
I ask this in the name of Jesus, who gives us rest. Amen.
Throughout this series, be aware of any new insights that you gain. What is challenging or easy for you?
How do you experience God during this time?
Praying with and for you,
Pastor Darcy
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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 are as excited as I am about all the wonderful missions and ministries we have at our church and in the community. As we begin our sermon series and our educational studies on prayer, in particular, the Lord's Prayer, I want to share part of a devotion I read recently. It is titled, "Generating Power" and comes from
Christ In Our Home. "Paul tells us we are God's servant's, working together."
"Faithful prayer partners are essential for successful ministries. The power to turn on a lamp is not a switch; it is the electricity. God is our power source. Prayer helps us to draw from God's power, but sometimes it is hard to know how or what to pray. Paul says that when we do not know how to pray, the Holy Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. God knows our hearts. Just as we flip the switch to tap into electric power, we tap into God's unlimited power when we pray. As we do, the Spirit is at work to help us stay connected to our power source."
Let's generate power as we pray for one another and for our mission and ministries. Prayer is vital as we go about serving God and in working in the community as Disciples of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We have so much to be grateful for here at LCOC. Please join me in thanking and praising God for all of our blessings which
all come from Him.
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 bless you all as you are a blessing to me and many others.
Love,
Jo Ann Rudy
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GATHER
to worship God and fellowship with the community
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 Worship
Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name.....
The sermon series on The Lord's Prayer has begun and we are thankful.
We can learn more about this powerful prayer in Adult Education on Sundays, 9:00 am. Please join us.
We had a great planning meeting recently and are excited about the upcoming opportunities here at LCOC.
Please join us as we worship and praise the Lord!
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Winery Trip 2017
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Fellowship
We had eight people come out for our winery visit on July 9th. We all enjoyed the tasting of a variety of wines and after had some wonderful fellowship time on the patio and enjoyed some delicious food.
On August 13th Fellowship will host an ice cream social following worship in the UFH. Bring that sweet tooth and enjoy some cool, refreshing treats on a hot August day!
blessings,
Tricia, Ray & Cindi
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| Prayer Breakfast |
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Our next meeting is August 12
at 7:30 am
in the DFH.
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| LCOC Prayer Garden |
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Community Prayer Group
The LCOC community prayer group meets the second 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 August 12 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
Pray Like Jesus:
Rediscovering the Lord's Prayer
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July 23
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The Lord's Prayer: On Our Knees
"Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name."
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July 30
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The Lord's Prayer: What would Jesus Do?
"Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven."
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Aug 6
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The Lord's Prayer: Daily Food
"Give us this day our daily bread."
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Aug 13
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The Lord's Prayer: How Can God forgive us?
"And forgive us our trespasses..."
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Aug 20
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The Lord's Prayer: The Unforgiven
"...as we forgive those who trespass against us."
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Aug 27
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The Lord's Prayer: Tempted by What
"And Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil."
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Join us, the coffee is ready!
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Story Time VBS 2017
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Education
We hope you are enjoying your summer!
The Education committee begins preparations for our September 10th kick off to the Christian Education Year with "God's Work, Our Hands" work day.
See you in September!
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 Confirmation Corner
Confirmation classes for the 2017-18 year will begin on September 10th. Have a great August and see you in the fall!
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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 we begin to prepare for the Youth Gathering in Houston next summer, we look for your participation in our fundraising efforts. We want all the youth to be able to come and experience this amazing event.
More information coming soon!
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 Property
A brutal summer thus far has left us reeling with excess heat and excess expenditures with regard to Air Conditioning. But like all things, God will use this to his purpose. What a blessing it was to have a cool space for the Community Fun Day. On other fronts, we have completed the replacement of all emergency lighting with newer LED fixtures and The Rudy's continue to brave the heat to keep the church grounds looking sweet. Finally, It takes the diligence and the eyes of many to protect and maintain our church. When it comes to noticing something out of place, If you see something, say something.
Blessings,
The Property Brothers
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GIVE
of our resources, time, and talents in response to God's extravagant generosity towards us
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| Stop Hunger Now 2017 |
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Stewardship
A great big thank you to everyone who helped with Vacation Bible School last month! Whether it was helping gather the needed materials, cooking, serving food, leading assemblies, telling stories, sharing craft and science fun, or supporting the event through prayer and planning, you are all God's Heroes and have helped share that message with the twenty or so young people who attended and will carry your example of God's love in memory for years to come.
The backpack drive is in full swing now with over 40 grade level list strips signed out and being filled by spirit filled members, some backpacks already brought in and over $400 donated for us to purchase more backpacks and supplies. The impact of your efforts is far reaching as more children from Neabsco Elementary will be prepared to enter another year of learning with excitement through your generosity. This really does fit our theme of Gather, Grow, Give and Go as we gather the supplies that will help young people grow and as we give so that they may go out into the world and carry on the serving spirit. Please continue to help obtain the backpacks and required school supplies as we carry this initiative on through the second Sunday in August and then bless and organize them for delivery to the school where counselor Jennifer Brooks can distribute them. It is also noteworthy that LCOC is networking with other groups in the community on this effort, an additional way we can increase our outreach.
Be ready to use your gifts in the upcoming ministries and help with Fall Festival (aka Trunk or Treat), Operation Turkey, Breakfast with Santa and Christmas Gifts for those in need later in the year. Please contact me at 703-200-3077 or via email at
[email protected]
for more details on any or all of these exciting efforts.
Let's form some teams to make these successes as well.
LCOC continues to be a supportive partner to ACTS as well as we work towards our goal of 5,000 pounds of food for that critical service organization by mid-August. It is so heartwarming to see the love and generosity of our congregation as the boxes are filled over and over to share with brothers and sisters in the community. Let's keep that goal marker moving up as we share what we have been so blessed with. We are also preparing to challenge ourselves to build a larger I Walk for ACTS team with an increased sponsorship donation to that event on October 10th. I am privileged to be a part of the committee organizing the 50th Anniversary Year Celebration events for 2019 and we will be engaging more in that shortly, especially since 2019 is the 50th anniversary of LCOC too!
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.
Enjoy some relaxation and refreshment during these summer months.
Finally, please enjoy and take a moment to think about these quotes:
"Kindness in words creates confidence, kindness in thinking creates profoundness, kindness in giving creates love." Lao Tzu
"Remember that the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more."
H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
In love and peace,
Patti Beattie
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Amazon Smile:
Amazon members can help support LCOC while you shop! Click on the link below and pick Lutheran Church of the Covenant as your favorite organization and start shopping! We will receive a percentage of the sale.
Good shop:
Support Lutheran Church of the Covenant when you search the Web at goodsearch.com or shop online with Goodshop.com.
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GO
forth to serve others and share the story of God's love for all
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| 4th of July |
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Evangelism
Evangelism team: Had a great turnout for the 4th of July parade Family Fun festival! Approximately 12 congregation members came and supported our efforts..
5,000 Pounds of Food for
ACTS Challenge
We continue the Quest to provide 5,000 pounds of food for ACTS by August 15th. As of July 27th we have delivered
1474.6 lbs and the folks at the ACTS Food Pantry continue to welcomed us and the food with open arms. There is always less food in the summer, but the need is greater because the children (from Neabsco School and other areas) who were getting a free breakfast and lunch at school will be coming to ACTS for their food since they are on break. Please pick up a shopping list in the entryway and continue
the LCOC extravagant generosity.
"I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers (and sisters) of mine, you did for me." Jesus
Thank you all so very much, Roger Rudy
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Hilda Barg Homeless Shelter |
Dear Church Family,
Thank you for your continued support to our outreach program at the Hilda Barg Homeless Shelter. Because of that support we have the funds to purchase all the food for the meals this month. LCOC will be serving meals on August 20, 21, and 22. Come and see God working through us.
Blessings in Christ
Sandy Strychowski.
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Happy Birthday to you!
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AUGUST
2 JoAnn R.
5 Susanna R.
6 Susan Z.
7 Mark Y.
8 Diane D.
8 Heather H.
8 Richard S.
12 Phil O.
12 Eric W.
19 Annmarie B.
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Sarah S.
19 Seth S.
20 Brett L.
21 Joshua O.
22 Victoria G.
22 Tyler R.
22 Nicole S.
24 Lloyd L.
31 Vicki B.
31 Elliot O.
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Happy Anniversary
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Darla & Brian F.
August 26, 1978
John & Rita K.
August 29, 1964
Daniel & Venus O.
August 13, 2016
Gene & Wendy W.
August 26,2012 |
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Baptism Anniversaries
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Joshua C.
Betsy L.
Jillian R..
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Homebound Members
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Ruth J.
Jean J.
Mary S.
Virginia S. |
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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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Community Food & Fun Day BBQ
COMMUNITY FOOD AND FUN DAY
Sponsored by a Thrivent Action Team
And Team Council (LCOC)
What a wonderful time we had on Saturday, July 22, 2017, when members of the Lutheran Church of the Covenant's (LCOC) Council hosted our neighbors and our church family to a Food and Fun Day.
This special event was held in the upper fellowship hall which was decorated in a summer theme of green, purple, and yellow (tablecloths, streamers, flowers, and balloons). The council provided side dishes (baked beans, meatballs), beverages (water and soda), and desserts (popsicles and ice cream sandwiches). The Action Team Seed Money was used to purchase hot dogs, buns, condiments, ice cream, and balloons.
We had two beautiful signs advertising the event, one designed by one of our council members and one from Thrivent. Council members were also responsible for delivering invitati
ons door-to-door; shopping for and purchasing food; shopping for and purchasing supplies; setting up for the fun day; greeting our neighbors; grilling hot dogs; serving our guests; playing games with our visitors; and helping folks to feel welcome. We served over 60 people, including our team members. What a privilege to feed our neighbors both physically and spiritually, as we showed our love for them and our Lord. We look forward to the next opportunity to be disciples for Christ!
Thanks again Team Council and Thrivent Financial!!
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Photos
Congratulations to Brian S. for his photos
being chosen for display at
the Montclair Community Library.
The water color class painted from his photos.
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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:
August 6
Roger & JoAnn R. in memory of Mia Jo
Les & Karen B. in celebration of Les' mother & daughter Casey's birthdays
August 13
Daniel & Venus O. in celebration of
their 1st anniversary
Susanna R. & family in memory of Oskar S.
August 20
Mark , Heather & Sarah G. in celebration
of Victoria's 22nd birthday
Ray, Cindi & Ryan S. in celebration of Seth & Sarah's 14th birthday
Mel & DeLoris B. in honor of
Annmarie's 3rd birthday
August 27
John & Rita K. in celebration of
their anniversary
Phil O. in memory of Cheryl
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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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OTLWB Book Club
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The Book Club Summer Selection
(see you in September!)
The Rosie Effect
by Graeme Simsion
Other recommendations Summer 2017 :
The Columbus Affair by Steve Berry
A Piece of the World by Christina Baker Kline
The Town that Died: A Chronicle of the Halifax Explosion by Michael J. Bird
If you would like more information,
please see Sandy S. or Diane D.
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| Mend-A-House |
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Project Mend-A-House
Would you like to participate in the next project?
contact Ralph M.
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NEWS & Notes
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Dear LCOC,
Thank you for the graduation quilt as well as for your prayers. I'm looking forward to starting college ad appreciate you thinking of me at this time.
Sincerely, Ethan
Thank you so much for the graduation quilt. The quilt will be put to good use as I prepare to go off to college this fall. I am sincerely grateful for the support,
Kyle S.
To the Congregation of LCOC,
Thank you so very much for the gift card to the Outback Steak House and the lovely card. Bill and I used some of the amount of the gift card after church. Your generosity was greatly appreciated. I was blessed to be your interim organist. God bless you as you continue to worship together, serving your community and bringing others to Christ.
In his Love and Service,
Laurie Cognetta
Interim Organist
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Take a look at our web site
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Office Hours:
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Monday - Friday
9:00 am - 1:30 pm
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