pastorgrace@lcocdalecity.org

571-202-0178

The Rev. Grace Casola came to Lutheran Church of the Covenant in January 2024, shortly after completing a year of pastoral internship in Charlestown, Rhode Island, and becoming ordained.

She was happy to return to Virginia because she grew up in Roanoke and completed her Undergraduate and Master education in the state. She graduated from the University of Virginia in 2017 with undergraduate degrees in Cognitive Science and Religious Studies. After graduation, she served as the children, youth, and family ministry coordinator at a Lutheran church and decided she loved the work of ministry. She then attended Virginia Theological Seminary (VTS) in Alexandria from 2019-2022 and earned her Master of Divinity. While in seminary, she served as the youth director for a Lutheran church in Springfield, VA. Through these studies and experiences, Pastor Grace developed enduring special interests in Biblical languages and in working with ecumenical ministry partners.

Pastor Grace has worked as a youth director, medical scribe, swim coach, college test preparation tutor, and seasonal ham salesperson.  When she isn’t working, she enjoys spending time at the library, visiting historical sites, playing pickleball, crocheting, and learning new words.

Pastor Grace enjoys visiting with both parishioners and members of the wider community. If you have joys or sorrows to share, please be in touch. 

office@lcocdalecity.org

703-670-4242

Noris came to Lutheran Church of the Covenant in 2019. After moving from El Salvador and obtaining citizenship in 2009, she set out to pursue her dream of working in an office. To reach this goal, she became involved with Literacy Volunteers of America (LVA). She started as a student, but was offered an office job as a volunteer based on her performance. Her experience with LVA included a 10-hour training to become a certified Tutor, which she completed while also working as a teacher assistant.

Later, she applied and was accepted into Training Futures, a northern Virginia workforce development program that aims to provide people with training for professional careers. There she acquired more office skills, and,  after six-months, earned her certificate in Administrative Support.

In her words, "now that I am working for Lutheran Church of the Covenant, I feel that my dream has come true. I am not just working in an office; I also feel that I can be someone meaningful to other people by spreading the Word of God."

Noris is married and has two sons and a daughter. She loves spending time with her family and learning new things.

thomas.yearsley.music@gmail.com

Thomas Yearsley joined the LCOC staff as Organist in April 2024. Thomas brings years experience as a performer and music educator to his work at LCOC, having served as Pianist at St. Timothy's Episcopal Church in Rancho Penasquitos California (2012) and Organist and Music Director at St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church in Livermore, California (2013-2017).

Thomas earned a BA in Music from the University of California at Berkeley and will complete a MA in Music Education from San Jose State University in the Summer of 2024. Thomas is a credentialed music educator and has taught Band in public schools since 2015. He currently works as a Band Director in Prince William County Public Schools. Thomas also teaches private piano lessons in his home in Stafford County.