Lutheran Church of the Covenant
August 2016 Newsletter
Dear 

Welcome to the August monthly news highlighting what God is up to at LCOC! 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 invite others to come and be a part of these various ministry opportunities!

GATHER          GROW         GIVE         GO
Pastor Darcy 
In July, I enjoyed a trip to Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park.  Being in those places filled my heart with awe for the magnitude, diversity, and beauty of God's creation.  One of my adventures included an eight mile horse ride into and out of Bryce Canyon.  Yes, the horses were trained to walk on the edge of the path which at times caused a little fear and uncertainty and I wanted to hold on tight rather than trust in the horses' ability.  While the guide reassured the group that the horses knew what they were doing - I did not want to be on the first horse that slipped on the edge.  Throughout the adventure, as I relaxed and enjoyed the ride more and more, I experienced and understood more clearly the freedom, joy and peace of letting go and trusting the horse!

This experience reminded me of the reassurance that we receive daily from God as our guide.  God reminds us over and over in scripture that we do not need to be afraid.  God is with us as we go down into the canyons and up out of the canyons of our lives. We experience freedom, joy and peace as we trust God in the twists, turns, ups and downs of life. 

Where have you seen and experienced God this summer?  What are you learning about God?  Send your pictures and stories to [email protected] so that we can create a special enews at the end of the summer.


Council President
I find it difficult to find topics to address in this newsletter.  What can I tell you that is not already addressed by someone else?  I encourage you to read all the items in the newsletter so you will know what has been happening at LCOC and what is new.  I, again, applaud all those who share their gifts and time accomplish our missions.  The leadership of the council and all of those involved in the various ministries make it possible to have a worship service, enjoy a time of fellowship, learn in our educational periods, have a building and grounds that are maintained, and more.  I salute all of you for your dedication.
 
We are approaching the annual meeting (November) where we will be electing new council members to lead us in the future.  Is God calling you to serve at this  time?  Are you willing to serve and be the "face" of a committee, knowing that others will be assisting you?  We will have some key positions open on council.  You may be exactly who the congregation needs in one of those positions.  Contact anyone of us on council to say that you are available to serve where needed.
 
In the meantime, LCOC is getting ready to welcome the children from Nikki's Christian Daycare in August.  To prepare for this, there is some construction and painting happening in the hall leading to the fellowship hall.  I invite you to take a look at it.  While this will be providing income in the fall, we have had to expend some additional funds for this work.  Please keep your giving up to date this summer to support and expand the mission and ministry at LCOC. 
 
Les Burroughs
Council President
Gather, Grow, Give, Go

News from the ELCA
Freed and Renewed in Christ: 2016 Churchwide Assembly

Members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) will gather Aug. 8-13 in assembly in New Orleans. Meeting under the theme "Freed and Renewed in Christ: 500 Years of God's Grace in Action," the assembly's business will include preparations for observing the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in 2017. The assembly - the highest legislative body of the ELCA - will be composed of 980 voting members serving on behalf of the 3.7 million members of the ELCA.

People not attending the assembly can follow #ELCAcwa on social media for updates and access live video of plenary sessions at ELCA.org/ChurchwideAssembly
.


GATHER
to worship God and fellowship with the community
Pentecost  2016
Worship
Worship Highlights- August 2016

* LCOC worship in August includes the 19th thru 22d Sundays after Pentecost.

* The summer schedule continues with education for all at 9 AM and one worship service at 10AM.

* We continue to be blessed by special music as the choir remains on break through the summer.

Lectionary notes:

* August 7th reminds us of God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 15, to the early church in Hebrews 11, and of Jesus' invitation to live with no fear in Luke 12.

* August 14th identifies Jerimiah as a true prophet in chapter 23, continues describing the "cloud of witnesses" to faith in Hebrews 11, and tells of the hostility and rejection to be expected in the following way of the cross in Luke 12.

* August 21st tells of new beginnings in Isaiah 58, presents a vision of the new covenant in Christ through the life of Moses in Hebrews 12, and Jesus redefines the meaning of the Sabbath in Luke 13.

* August 28th sets the standard of humility in Proverbs 25, concludes the letter to the Hebrews with the tenets of a holy life in chapter 13, and provides Jesus the opportunity to teach about self-denial and hospitality to 'the other' in Luke 14.

blessings, Wilbur


Back to school
 
Blessing of the Backpacks
Invite all children, grand children, friends and neighbors to the Blessing of the Backpacks August 28th at our 10:00 am
worship service. It will be followed by a "Back to School" luncheon to celebrate our children and get their school year started on the right foot. 
All are welcome!

Church Picnic 2016
Fellowship
Thank you to those who came to enjoy our BINGO! with  favorite hors d'oeuvres after worship on July 31.

This month we have two fellowship events coming up. First, on August 14th following worship, join us for a fabulous cool treat, Ice Cream! Boy, we could all use a little cooling down! All the toppings you can dream up will be there with plenty of ice cream to add them to!

Then, on August 28th we will have a "Back to School" Luncheon to celebrate our children and get their school year started on the right foot. Please invite all the children you know to bring their backpacks and joins at worship for a backpack blessing and stay after for a delicious lunch. See you all there!
blessings,
Tricia , Cindi & Ray


Prayer Breakfast
Men's Prayer Breakfast  

 



Our next meeting is August 13th at 7:30 am in the DFH. 

LCOC Prayer Garden
Community Prayer Group
The LCOC community prayer group meets the second Saturday of each month from 7:30 am to 9 am. We share prayers of concern and numerous praises along with a strong cup of coffee. We invite anyone who has concerns or praises to make them known to Colette L., Rita K., JoAnn R. Or Lorelei D. We offer this time to the community and congregation to join us for prayer, openly or privately. We will meet again on August 13th, at 7:30 am.


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


GROW
in our relationship with God through prayer, Bible Study, and service
Adult Education
(Summer Schedule 9:00 am)

We meet at 9:00 am in the upper fellowship hall. 
Come and hear our guest speaker on August 7th and then continue with the "Chuck Knows Church"  video series .

August 7
Guest speaker:  Jennifer Brooks, Neabsco Elementary
Come and learn about our local elementary school and 
opportunities to support the families in the community.
August 14
Chuck Knows Church:  Discipleship System
August 21
Chuck Knows Church:  Innovation
August 28
Chuck Knows Church:  Small Groups

Join us, the coffee is ready!

"Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God."
Hebrews 13:16 

Please join us on Sunday, August 7th at 9:00 a.m. in the upstairs fellowship hall as we welcome Jennifer Brooks, Professional Counselor from Neabsco Elementary School.  Ms. Brooks will be sharing the ways that we can continue to support the students at this great school.  Since reestablishing our relationship with Neabsco, and through your extravagant generosity, we have provided food for Thanksgiving, gifts at Christmas, food for the children during spring break (Thanks to Emily DeGroodt's wonderful efforts!), breakfast with the Easter Bunny, money to purchase books, and operation backpacks.  Let's find out what else we can do to help at Neabsco Elementary!  
Thanks so much.  Jo Ann

Education           
Looking forward to seeing you on August 28th as Pastor Darcy will be blessings your backpacks and then we will have a delicious  lunch following worship. Invite your friends to bring their backpacks and join the fun!
Enjoy the rest of your summer vacation. We start Christian education classes on Rally Day, September 11th.

 Shekinah  2016
Confirmation Corner

Confirmation class will begin again on September 11th.
See you all then and keep cool this August!

Project Mend-A-House
Youth Group
For any questions please contact:  
Katie Boivin ([email protected]   
or 703-470-5749)    
Dale Casey ([email protected]   
or 703-670-5223)

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

Stop Hunger Now 2016
Stewardship
Even while you are away this summer, ministry at LCOC is still happening. Please remember to keep up your giving.

Your Stewardship team has a few things coming up:


September -You will have an opportunity to attend the Financial Peace University course this Fall beginning on Sept. 18th.  

October - In October, we will engage the Adult Education participants in a four-week long series titled Live Free. Weekly topics will be: Free From The Money Trap, Free To Be Rich, Free From The Uncertainty of Riches, and Free To Take Hold Of Life. 

November - In November Stewardship will coordinate Operation Turkey, which provides Thanksgiving meals for folks in our community as well as families associated with Neabsco Elementary School.

December - In late November and early December we will coordinate Un-Trim-A-Tree, which provides gifts for folks in need in our local community.

So, you can see that you have been on our minds all year long, God bless you!
Your Stewardship Ministry Team, Denise and Brian

___________________________________________________________________
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. 



New Classroom Construction
Property
Roger Rudy and Rich Cook completed the replacement of the acoustic ceiling in the Conference room. They even managed to use leftover lighting from the Nikki's daycare project. Well Done, Guys.

The Nikki's daycare Project is almost complete. Roger, Heather and myself are busy painting and expect the room to be ready on time. The school will begin setting up their desks and supplies mid-August.
 

 Thank You to The Rudy's and all others who continue to keep the Church grounds beautiful.


GO
forth to serve others and share the story of God's love for all
Hilda Barg Shelter
Feeding the Homeless

GATHER...GROW...GIVE...GO

We will be serving at the Hilda Barg Homeless Shelter on August 21, 22, and 23. Our committee will be providing all the meals so you do not have to do any cooking. We will post a menu with spaces for monetary donations only. Please sign a space, put your name on an envelope, and include your donation in the envelope. You may put the donation in the Sunday offering plate or give it to the Gimmis or to me. Thank you for your continued support.
Blessings, Sandy Strychowski
 
Please click on the following link to see how this shelter has been serving the homeless for 25 years. LCOC has been providing meals since the shelter opened.


West Virginia Flooding Supplies Delivered
Here are the kids that helped unload the truck. 

A very special shout out to LCOC Lutheran Church of Dale City for all of their support in the aid to West Virginia. They took my challenge to fill the truck and exceeded anything I would have imagined. God Bless you all.

                   Again, thank you all for the donations and your prayers.
Richard & Kendra

P Nats Baseball
Evangelism

Thank you to all for the assistance with contributing water bottles and helping after church with the bottles assemblage for the 4th of July parade.  Special thank you to Tricia, Warren, Felecia and Pastor Darcy for their support during the Parade.  Also to the families who supported the PNats with their presence at the game on July 9th. 
 
We will strive to support ACTS  by participating in the IWALK for ACTS 6th annual walk/run at the Stonebridge in Potomac at *8:00 am for registration and 9:00 am for the start of the walk or run. We have set a goal of 25 congregants to participate in this fund raiser for ACTS.  Please go to the IWALK FOR ACTS website to register for this event on October 1st. Please join my team, " Darla's LCOC Team", signup with my team. And submit your payment.  If you join as a team member it is $15 per person, If you join as a family, it is $50. for you to sign up that way.  Thanks for your support.  We will not be having a table at the event but we would ask that you wear your LCOC shirt to represent.  Thanks again for all your support of the Evangelism Team here at LCOC.  Darla 


Mend-A-House June 4, 2016 
Project Mend-A-House
Project Mend-A-House is an organization that is making a positive impact on the lives of the less fortunate in Prince William County. And we at LCOC are making a difference! Volunteers from our church have cleared overgrown lots and have made repairs to homes to ensure safety. While our volunteers have pitched in willingly, numerous requests for assistance remain. We will be posting a chart with categories of the kind of help that is needed. Please consider sharing your talent and/or efforts. In advance, thank you! 
    -  Ralph Morse

NOTES & News
Colette & Lloyd
A Note of Thanks

What can we say? Recently we learned that the Sixtieth Anniversary of our Ordination was upon us. With that news, Pastor Darcy and the congregation created a celebratory event for us. Greetings were extended, songs were sung and, of course, a beautiful cake was shared.

Our favorite hymn, Children of the Heavenly Father, was sung by Kurt Hoffman, Brian Richard, Sarah Melendy and Gari Carter. It will never be forgotten. The decorations for the gathering were provided by JoAnn Rudy. Using his skills as a draftsman, Roger Rudy designed a pictorial history of our pastoral ministries.

Chaplain Eric Wester presented a Certificate of Appreciation from ELCA Leadership, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth A. Eaton and Bishop of the Metropolitan Washington D.C. Synod, Richard H. Graham.

Additionally, thank you for the congratulatory cards and kind words received from you. We shall cherish them.

What can we say? A genuine and heartfelt gratitude and love to you for your kindnesses. You mean more to us than you will ever know.

In Christ,
Colette and Lloyd Lyngdal 

Dear Pastor Darcy and Lutheran Church of the Covenant Community,

Thank you for your support. My Eagle Scout Project was a big sucess. We collected more than 900 items and distributed all of the items to over 250 children and families in Eastern Prince William County, through my project beneficiary, St. Francis House. I hope you enjoy the project brochure. Your support helped make my project a success!

Sincerely,
James Dumoulin


Coneflowers
 
In Nature at LCOC
 

Dear LCOC Family Member ~
            If you've never spent time in any of the outside sanctuaries surrounding our church, you are missing an opportunity to feel God's awesome peace and His presence.  Allow me to take you on a walk through some of the gardens as we explore what happens in late summer:


  • A few daylilies still welcome you as you enter the church parking lot.
  • Some like it hot - especially the brilliantly colored portulaca at our main entrance. 
  • Coneflowers and a few remaining daylilies greet you as you approach the part sun/shade gardens.  Ferns and hostas say hello as you near the patio.  A sure sign of autumn closing in are the swollen buds on the fall anemones.  The butterfly bush is alive with butterflies of various sizes and colors, especially Yellow and Black Swallowtails. 
  • Another sign of autumn approaching are the beautiful white oak leaf hydrangeas.  They are changing from their pure white to lime green and before you know it they will be a brilliant dark pink.  (You can find them next to the patio and near the Children's Garden).  Even though the weather has been extremely hot, the beautiful birds that call our outside sanctuary home continue to go about their day making a "Joyful Noise to the Lord".
  • In the Children's Garden the black-eyed Susan's are still standing strong.  The two common milkweed plants are going to seed and are specifically there to attract the Monarch Butterflies (which should be migrating through our area soon).
  • Nearby you'll find more coneflowers in pink and white, along with black-eyed Susan's.  A dwarf brilliant pink crepe myrtle is really putting on a show in this same garden.
  • The gorgeous crepe myrtles which stand guard along the side of the parking lot and at its end are doing a great job showing off their pretty colors.
  • One more sign of late summer making way for fall are a few of the maples in the church parking lot.  There are hints of them changing color and by the end of August (if they are true to form) they will be displaying their beautiful fall colors.
You are encouraged to take a self-guided tour through our wonderful landscape here at LCOC.  But be ready - you are going to experience God's peace and presence - so enjoy this special time with our Creator!  Next month, we'll see what's happening in early autumn and what awaits us as harvest time approaches.

 "Flowers are the sweetest things God ever made and
forgot to put a soul into."

Henry Ward Beecher, Life Thoughts

This month at a glance
Happy Birthday to you!
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.
              19   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.
Happy Anniversary
Darla & Brian F.
August 26, 1978

Gene & Wendy W.
August 26, 2012

John & Rita K.
August 29, 1964

Baptism Anniversaries
Betsy L. 
Joshua C.
Jillian R.
Homebound Members
Ruth J.
Jean J.
Mary S.
Members in the Military
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.

Flower Calendar
The altar flowers for this month are given to the glory of God and contributed by:
August 7
Sarah M. & Rick B. in honor 
of Susanna R.

Roger & JoAnn R. in memory 
of Mia Jo

Susanna R. in memory of Oskar S.

Fay Y. in celebration of Mark's birthday

August 14
Les & Karen B. in celebration of Ann B. & Casey's birthday

Warren R. in memory of 
Warren H. R.'s  birthday

August 21
Mark & Heather G. in celebration of Victoria's 21st birthday

Mel & DeLoris B. in celebration of Annmarie's 2nd birthday!

August 28
John & Rita K. in honor of Kristin R(M.)
Kids Page

OTLWB Book Club

The Book Club is taking the summer off and will meet again on September 15th (at 12:30 p.m. in the workroom)
 to discuss 
The Nightingale 
by Kristin Hannah.  

Looking ahead, October's selection is Miller's Valley by Anna Quindlen, and we will meet on October 3rd. 

The selection for November is 
Truly Madly Guilty by Liana Moriarity, 
and we have not yet set a date 
for this meeting.  

Have a wonderful summer, and happy reading!

If you would like more information, please see Sandy S. or Diane D.
Contact Us
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Monday - Friday 
9:00 am - 1:30 pm
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