Faith in Action
Outward-Looking
COL has developed a strong international mission focus. We have been privileged to support 4-5 long-term missionaries on a continuous basis for 8 years. We have sent and supported 1-2 short term mission trips yearly for over 10 years. Mission is a vital part of God’s call to COL regardless of our size. Most of the mission funding came from congregation members above and beyond the regular tithe.
Community Outreach has included: Vacation Bible School, special children’s’ parties such as All Saints’ Eve, dinner groups, couples’ dance class, Alpha courses, support for families in need at Thanksgiving and Christmas, and single mother’s outreach.
Discipleship
Cell groups are a basic component of our congregation. We have 5-6 groups meeting weekly or monthly including women’s groups, men’s group, mixed groups. The cell groups are not limited to members of the congregation. A Saturday morning men’s group has been meeting for 20+ years, longer than COL has existed. The groups can be fluid with participants changing groups to meet their discipleship needs.
Women’s ministries include cell groups, an annual retreat, and baby showers or other celebratory get-togethers.
Men’s ministries include participation in PromiseKeepers, Anglican men’s retreats, men’s retreats, and the men’s cell group.
Children’s and Youth Ministries are primary areas of focus for discipleship. Sunday morning programming is staffed by volunteers within the congregation. Our youth ministry is currently in a partnership program with Lorton Community Church for a Thursday night program led by LCC’s youth pastor, aided by volunteers from both churches. Over the years, the Middle and High School Youth group has led the way for numerous short term mission trips.
Structural Ministries
These include the groups responsible for Sunday morning Worship: acolytes, lay readers, prayer teams, ushers, Lord’s Table Preparation, music and sound board, and hospitality.
