If you prefer to print the newsletter, you may download it here: Printable Mar 2020 Here is also a printable March calendar. 03 2020 Calendar
Pastor’s Perspective
“Lent: What Is It Good For?”
By Dave Hendrickson, Lead Pastor
As the writer to the Ecclesiastes says, “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven”. So just like there are seasons within nature, winter, spring, summer, fall, the church identifies several seasons throughout its calendar. Of the six seasons most churches recognize, two of them are more commonly known. First there is Advent. Advent is the four Sundays and weeks before Christmas. The second commonly known season is Lent. Lent is the forty days (excluding Sundays) beginning with Ash Wednesday and ending Easter Sunday. The forty days remind us of the forty days after the baptism and before the ministry our Lord as he was tempted in the desert. It also points us back to the forty years of the Israelites wandering in the desert during the Exodus. More often than not, many of us would rather forget about Lent because of what is associated with…fasting or giving something up! But quite honestly, I really appreciate (I didn’t say enjoy) Lent.
What’s the deal with Lent? According to the historians, Lent did not become a common practice in the church until around the 4th century. During the early church, Lent was a very important time in the life of the church and its members. First, for the catechumens (old school term for student or one in training) Lent was a forty day fast in preparation of their baptism and membership into the church. This was a very exciting time for the student. For some of these catechumens it was the beginning of the end of a three-year catechesis (discipleship/membership) process. Just imagine if LvCC had a three-year membership class!
Secondly, Lent was significant for those who were deemed “grave sinners”. Because of their grievous sin or sins, these people were excluded from the fellowship of the church. But Lent gave the “grave sinner” an opportunity to go through a reconciliation process of penitence and forgiveness. If he/she were found properly repentant (I don’t know how they decided this), then they would be restored back into the congregation.
Finally, Lent was and is the time for the church to prepare for the death and resurrection of Jesus by means of prayer, fasting, reflecting, and other disciplines.
So, what is Lent good for? It is good for us to be reminded that we are mere humans. “From dust you came, and to dust you will return” (Gen. 3:19). We are broken, disobedient, and lost. “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). In a culture that says, “You can do whatever you want! Be whoever you want! Get to wherever you want!”, as followers of Jesus, Lent provides us the time to “re-center” our compass towards TRUE North, JESUS! If before going into ministry, it was important enough for Jesus to go into the desert to spend time with the Father, practicing different disciplines of the faith…prayer, fasting, scripture memorization, listening, etc., it should be good enough for us to do!
As a church, I encourage all of us to use the season of Lent to take on a discipline which will help us “re-center” our lives, “…let us also lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith…” (Hebrews 12:1-2).
Youth: “Plugged In”
By Kyle Beasley, Interim Director of Youth
What Are We Talking About in Youth Group?
Worth It
Easter is a time of joy and celebration, but that’s not the whole story — because, before we can celebrate the joy of Jesus’ victory, we have to first remember the pain of Jesus’ suffering. In this series, we’ll look at Jesus’ final days, death, and resurrection, as well as the experiences of the early Church, as we see how the Jesus who suffered suffers with you and the Jesus who lives now lives in you.
Youth Auction—Sunday, March 29, 11:30pm
After a combined service, there will be an Auction Preview & hors d’oeuvres in the Youth Room followed by lunch and the Live Auction in the Fellowship Hall. We’ll take a trip to the sea with our theme “Let Your Light Shine.” Tickets will be on sale all month and can be purchased before or after services on Sunday morning or online. Here is the link for Youth Auction tickets:
https://longviewcommunitychurch.breezechms.com/form/Auction2020
Illusionist Zak Mirzadeh—Tuesday, April 14
The Youth Pastor’s Roundtable is hosting this free event at the Roxy Theater. Zak uses his gift as an illusionist and his background as a Muslim to share the gospel. Please pray for this event and invite any teens to attend.
Camp Attitude—July 11-17
Now is the time to get registered! Camp Attitude is our summer missions experience. We provide a camp experience for kids with special needs and their families. All ages are needed to go and serve. You can register on the Camp Attitude page of the church website or just click on the following link.
https://longviewcommunitychurch.breezechms.com/form/ca2020application
Summer Camps
This summer we are doing something new with our Middle School group. We will be going to The Dunes in Long Beach with several area churches. The dates for MS are July 6-11. Here is the link to register for The Dunes: https://www.dunesbiblecamp.com/middle-school-camp-1
Our High School group will be going to Tilikum in Newberg, OR for their High Adventure Camp. The dates for HS are July 27-31.
Kids’ Ministry:
By Mary Gronseth, Interim Children’s Ministry Director
Game Night was the best!! We had about 65 come for tacos and to play games. It was a true intergenerational event for our church family.
VBS: I am starting to recruit for VBS. If you have a favorite spot you love, see me soon so I can get you placed in that spot. If you’re new to VBS or don’t know where you might like to serve, come talk to me and I can help you figure that out. We have a place for everyone and I’d love to help you find yours. Save the dates of June 22-26 from 9-12:00.
Sunday Morning: I have an immediate need for a helper during the 10:00 on Sunday morning hour. This is a helper position, no teaching. It could even be shared with someone so you wouldn’t do every Sunday. Please let me know if you can help our kids out.
Upcoming Events:
March 20: All Church Family Night. Watch for details as they are still in the works, but save the date.
June 22-26 – Vacation Bible School: Rocky Railway: Jesus Power Pulls us Through. 9:00 – 12:00. We will be having a closing program on Friday the 26th at 11:30 with lunch to follow.
Elder Meeting Highlights
The Elders “vision” meeting was on February 4, and Dave asked the Elders to begin thinking about potential community outreaches. He also shared that we will be hosting the community Good Friday service on April 10. The Elders also met on February 18 for the regular “business” meeting. Treasurer Randy Sundberg shared that cash-on-hand was normal for January and expenses were under budget.
Kyle Beasley shared about the plans for the Youth Auction to be held on March 29, following the 5th Sunday combined worship service. They will be scaling back on donation requests this year, focusing only on Live Auction items. The goal is to raise $8000. Kyle also shared about the changes to locations and costs of summer camps this year. The youth will once again be doing the Go Fourth parking lot fundraiser, possibly extending the hours. The Elders unanimously approved the youth fund raisers.
Representatives of the Women’s Fellowship suggested changing the annual Christmas bazaar fundraiser to only include the breakfast and bake sale and to hold a separate arts and crafts fair in the summer. The Elders approved the change.
The next Elders business meeting is scheduled for March 17 at 7 p.m. in the Conference Room.
Senior Adult Ministries (SAM):
Senior Adult Ministries (SAM) offers many opportunities for fellowship activities, spiritual encouragement and growth, as well as programs for the development and nurturing of friendships in our church and community. Anyone is welcome to participate in outings!
Sign up during Coffee Hour or call the Church Office.
Upcoming SAM Events:
- Mar. 10, 9:30 a.m., SAM Meeting
- Mar. 18, 12 p.m., Pizza and Games, bring a
favorite game - Mar. 26, 2 p.m., Pinochle
- Apr. 15, 10 a.m., Visit Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden in Portland, bring a sack lunch (water provided). $10 for admission & gas
- https://www.portlandoregon.gov/parks/finder/index.cfm?action=ViewFile&PolPdfsID=1901&/PPR_CrystalSprings_brochure_2018_FINAL_web.pdf
History: Meet Our Church Staff
Note: The History Committee has prepared a new exhibit in the Fellowship Hall display case featuring our incredible staff! We invite you to take a look and become better acquainted with these people who are so very special to us. As a way of introduction to this new exhibit, we asked Connie Bartold, our choir accompanist, to give us a little glimpse into her life. Thanks, Connie, for writing this article!
I was blessed with a mom who prayed and played classical music for me before I was born. My crossed left eye and hip issues at birth led to a diagnosis of “mild cerebral palsy affecting all four limbs.” Having godly parents who heeded the eye doctor’s instruction to “never treat her like she is handicapped” fostered in me a strong independent spirit.
I was raised in San Jose, California. At age four, when I began plucking out melodies by ear, it was discovered that I had been gifted with perfect pitch. I desperately wanted piano lessons, so my mom taught me for my first year at age five. Then God provided a godly wise teacher, Mrs. Helen Rawson, who managed to teach me to read notes and allowed my mom to do odd jobs in exchange for lessons. Another of my great piano teachers was my college music professor, Dr. Larry Crummer, who taught me specialized piano technique enabling me to express my heart through my hands. In all I had about 14 years of private piano instruction.
At age 8, I was saved and committed my life to the Lord. That same year, my accompanist experience began when Mrs. Rawson organized a small kids singing group which would perform at rest homes. I would continue to be an accompanist for several choirs, soloists, and small singing groups.
While attending a 2-year Bible college after high school, I felt called to work with Youth With A Mission in the Netherlands. During the 2 ½ years I spent there (Jan 1979 to July 1981), I learned the language and culture, helped establish 2 bases in the red light district of Amsterdam, The Cleft, and Samaritan’s Inn, and was a cast member of the gospel drama, Toymaker and Son, which performed in the Netherlands, Berlin, and Greece.
Mid 1980’s, I began pursuing a Music Theory degree believing I was to do “ethnomusicology” with Wycliffe. I graduated in 1990 with a BA degree in Music Theory from San Jose State University.
In 1990 after graduation I married professional trumpet player, Warren Bartold. We were divorced in 2009.
While attending college, as the ethnomusicology door slammed shut, God began opening doors for me to play professionally for weddings, receptions, dinner parties, etc., including a job at San Jose Country Club where I played members’ musical favorites for over 14 years. My professional music career lasted over 17 years.
July 2002, after moving to Kelso, I soon started attending Longview Community Church. In 2003 after playing for my dad’s Celebration of Life service in Gebert Chapel, Roberta Baird approached me regarding filling the future need for a choir accompanist. I became choir accompanist in October 2003.
My language studies include French, Greek, and Dutch, and linguistic studies in college. My exposure to other languages and peoples has enriched my life providing me with extensive cross cultural experience.
For fun I like to watch cooking shows and read recipes even though I don’t do much cooking.
My prayer and heart’s desire has always been that God would use my music to touch lives. My favorite quote is: “The aim and final end of all music should be none other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul.” J.S. Bach
Musically His and Yours, Connie Bartold
“This and That”
LENT AND EASTER SCHEDULE:
March 15, 6:30 p.m. Taizé Contemplative Prayer Service, Chapel
April 9, 5:30 p.m. Maundy Thursday Meal and Service
April 9-10, 24-hour Prayer Vigil (sign up for an hour of prayer)
April 10, 12 p.m., Community Good Friday Service, Sanctuary
April 12, 8:45 and 11 a.m., Easter Sunday Worship
GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT-ITALIAN POTLUCK AND MOVIE:
Women of all ages are encouraged to attend on Friday, March 13 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. in the Youth Room. We will be watching “Under the Tuscan Sun” on the big screens as we enjoy excellent food and fellowship! Please sign up in the Lobby or call the Church Office to indicate what potluck item you will be bringing.
COMBINED WORSHIP AND BAPTISMS:
There will be a Combined Worship Service with baptisms on March 29 at 10:30 a.m. Please contact Dave or Phil if you, or someone you know, is interested in being baptized.
MARCH LUNCHEON:
Travel with us on the road to the tomb of Christ on Wednesday, March 11 at Noon in the Fellowship Hall as members of Mary Martha Circle present a reading of “Early One Morning”. There is a natural resting place on the road where the women stop to rest and talk about their friend Jesus. It is just before daybreak, on the first Easter morning.
A delicious lunch will be served followed by the drama. You will not want to miss it! Bring a friend or guest for them to enjoy the lunch and fellowship with each other. A donation of $3 is appreciated.
DEAR CHURCH FAMILY:
Thank you so much for the cards and prayers on the loss of my mother. She passed one year after my father. They were married for 70 years, now back together.
I had a great upbringing by these two with lots of love and nurturing. Mom was a mother to many people that were relatives and friends. She would fix a meal for anybody at any time of the day or night.
Your thoughts and prayers have been uplifting and an emotional support for me.
Thank you all, Bob Koenig
MARCH MISSIONS FOCUS:
Hector Rodriguez, Pastor of the Hispanic Evangelical Church in Hillsboro, Oregon
JANUARY FINANCIALS:
YTD INCOME: $53,189
YTD EXPENSE: $55,283
DIFFERENCE: -$2,095
ONLINE CALENDAR:
Click here to access the online calendar: https://www.longviewcommunitychurch.org/events-1/
(Use arrows at top of calendar to advance from month to month)
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