If you prefer to print the newsletter, you may download it here: Printable Oct 2021 . Here is also a printable October calendar: October 2021 Calendar
pastor’s perspective
By Dave Hendrickson, Lead Pastor
Messiness…You can ask almost anyone in my family, “what is one thing Dave has a difficult time navigating?” and they will tell you, “clutter, dirt, a sink full of dirty dishes, toys on the floor, things out of place.” In short, MESSINESS! I am someone who does not like messiness. I was the parent who wiped away every drip of ice cream off a child’s hands so they wouldn’t get sticky and attract more dirt. I was the one who would tell my boys when they were young to not play in the dirt! Don’t touch that, don’t walk there, watch where you’re going…all to avoid some type of messiness.
With that being said, this past weekend I power washed our sidewalk, driveway, and back patio to prepare for the coming winter weather. Truth be told, this was the first time I used a power washer. Therefore, I had no idea what I was really getting myself into. Honestly, it is quit satisfying seeing the immediate difference between the dirty concrete and the cleaner, brighter concrete. Things were working out just fine as I worked my way from the garage towards the street. The high velocity water was pushing the dirt, dust, and other collected grime down the driveway in a clean neat orderly fashion.
Now my driveway consists of about six 10’ x 10’ concrete slabs. As I approached the end of my first section of concrete, I noticed how nicely the water and dirt were draining down into the crack between the two slabs. This was perfect! Whatever dirt and grime didn’t wash over, the crack would hide nicely between the two slabs.
And then it happened!!! I took all 3200 PSIs with a 15o spray head and sprayed it in the crack! My world turned upside down! The uniformed, precise, crisp clean driveway quickly looked like a Rorschach Test (one of those psychological “inkblot” tests). There were mounds of dirt, mud, rocks, plant shrapnel all over the driveway and me! Some of the dirt mounds and rocks made a smiley face! (I might need Dr. Steve to help me analyze the psychological impact it had on me!)
MESSINESS was introduced into my “perfectly cleaned” driveway!
The same thing happens in our spiritual lives, doesn’t it? We try (or dare I say, pretend) to walk through life with clean, white, pristine driveways, but then all of a sudden, we hit a crack. Our lives are turned upside down and our spiritual lives don’t look so spiritual!
Here’s the truth of the matter…we will get messy! Our spiritual walk will be messy! The church will be messy! Ministries will be messy!
As Paul puts it in Romans 3:10, “None is righteous, no, not one.” Here’s my paraphrase, “No one is innocent and clean, not even you, you are all messy!”
So, as we walk together in our spiritual lives, ministries, worship, and church, let us remember it will be messy! Trust me, I constantly must remind myself that ministry is messy! But I know that through our messiness, dirtiness, and unrighteousness God is in control and he can navigate (unlike me) the messiness we produce! “The righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:22-24)
elder meeting highlights
At the Elders’ business meeting on September 21, Jaime Boaglio, Church Treasurer, shared that August had been the best month of giving for 2021 so far, and was the highest August in the past three years! Because of the faithful giving of so many people, our finances are back “in the black”! Jaime also shared that he has submitted budget worksheets to the Staff and ministry leaders and hopes to have a preliminary 2022 budget ready for discussion at the October meeting.
Randy Sundberg brought an update on the replacement of the outside sanctuary doors for added safety and security and to make them ADA accessible. He presented a few design options to the Elders and will move ahead with getting pricing bids before the next meeting.
Jaime Boaglio, as head of the Deacons, shared that Earlene Isaacs has asked to step down. The Elders agreed and expressed their appreciation for her faithful service. Tim Spromberg has been asked to replace Earlene.
thank you, denny!
After many years serving as the Worship Director at LvCC, Denny Boaglio is stepping down. He was honored at a reception after church on September 26th. Thank you, Denny, for faithfully sharing your heart for worship with us for so many years! Denny is looking forward to seeing where God will use him next.
community in action
As space allows, this new column will feature various ministries at LvCC. This month’s ministry is the Deacons! The Deacons are currently led by Jaime and Diana Boaglio. Other deacons are Roberta Baird, JoAn Gallagher, LeeAnn Googins, Dolphine Mack, Stan Noteboom, Tim Spromberg, and Charlotte Yarbrough. Diana Boaglio shares more below about the ministry of the Deacons.
Communion Prep/Serving This has really changed during COVID! We now provide tiny plastic cups that have the elements in a self contained package that each person takes at their spot in the pews instead of coming up to the altar. We are discussing how this method will evolve in the future.
Seasonal Visitations (often with flower delivery) We deliver around 50 flowers with a visit when possible to our elderly and homebound and those who have lost loved ones. This year we have delivered February Primroses, September Mums and will keep with our annual tradition of delivering December Poinsettias. We often include a copy of the Daily Bread Devotional book.
Love Food We provide meals to church members and friends in need of caring love and help. This often occurs during times of illness or recovery after surgery. We have a large Love Food team that prepares and delivers wonderful meals. During M25:35 Deacons delivered around 30 meals each week.
Homebound/Hospital Visitation We reach out to and keep in touch with those who are not able to attend church so they know they are loved and remembered. We also have wheelchairs and other medical equipment to lend if needed.
Home Communion We often take home communion to those who are not able to attend church in person.
Please let us know if there is someone who would like to receive a home visit, love food or home communion. Our goal is to try to love our congregation in the way that Christ loves each of us!
youth: “plugged in”
By Patty Howland, Editor
The big “Youth” news this month is the birth of Azlynn Ruth on September 16 to Nathaniel and Charity Duscha! Azlynn was born at 9:09 a.m., weighed 6 lb 14 oz and was 18 inches long. Congratulations to the Duscha family!
Between having a newborn and being in the process of purchasing their first home, Nathaniel had more pressing things to do than write a newsletter article this month. We completely understand! Please join us in welcoming Azlynn to our church family, and be praying for Nathaniel and Charity as they navigate this new adventure of being parents!
kidmin
By Sarah Fix, Children’s Ministry Intern
Happy beginning of Fall, friends! As the school year starts, we are introducing a new curriculum to our kiddos for discipleship time. It’s called “Simply Loved” with the goal of teaching them all about God’s love throughout the Bible. We do need more volunteers for our preschoolers for this time. Please let Mary or Sarah know if you could use your gifts in this way to serve our kids. We also have a few painting projects we need volunteers for. We will most likely have a Saturday paint party soon so keep your ears open for that announcement if you would be interested in helping!
With Halloween coming up, we are doing a Trunk or Treat event on October 31st! What a great opportunity to have a presence in our community and to show them love. We will need people to decorate their trunks and/or make candy donations. There will also be a fire pit and food! With music playing, and lots of candy and informational flyers to hand out, there’s sure to be fun and fellowship! Please let Sarah Fix know which way you would like to get involved. We will start accepting donations of candy in the back of the sanctuary and in the office the first week of October. Looking forward to a great month ahead!
women’s news
By Patty Howland
The Women’s Retreat was a wonderful time of refreshment for the women who attended! There was a great intergenerational mix of women who enjoyed learning more about God’s grace and getting to know each other better. We were blessed to have been “upgraded” to nicer accommodations!
Several women’s study groups started toward the end of September but it’s not too late to join a group! Contact Patty in the Church Office or see the Women’s page on the website for more information.
The Women’s Fellowship circles have also resumed. Elizabeth Jacobsen, Women’s Fellowship President, shares more below:
Have you ever wished you could be a part of a women’s friendship group? You now have your chance to join a Women’s Circle who meet monthly for friendship, fellowship, spiritual growth, and service as we carry out the Vision, Mission, and Values of Longview Community Church. Currently there are three circles and they are in full swing as we enter the Fall and holiday season. Each circle welcomes all women to come and join with them. Here are some details:
Louise Arnett Circle: Meets on the 1st Thursday at 2:00 PM in the Journey Room. President: Dolphine Mack
Mary Martha Circle: Meets on the 1st Monday at 6:30 PM in the Chapel Conference Room. President: Earlene Isaacs
Ruth Circle: Meets on the third Monday at 1:00 PM in the Journey Room or a designated home. President: Peggy Reibe
The circles also provide luncheons for all the women of the church and community during the year with a program, devotional, and special themes. Are you curious or interested? Call Elizabeth Jacobsen (360-577-1059), one of the circle Presidents, or Patty at the Church Office and we will find you a circle group that will fit your schedule. The Women’s Fellowship, which coordinates the circles, also invite you to consider developing a new circle. We will work with you to make this happen. Make that call and join us as we nurture friendships of women. (The Women’s Fellowship and circles are part of “Women’s Ministries”, led by Patty Howland).
library notes
By Dee Dalgarno, Library Director
This month’s featured book is Sea Fire written by Irene Martin.
Part detective story, part history, part Biblical study, Sea Fire is filled with the author’s observations of the fishing occupation and her insight into life in New Testament times.
Author, Irene Martin, is a retired priest at the Cathlamet WA Episcopal Church. She and her husband have been commercial salmon fishermen on the Columbia River and in Alaska for over 30 years. Based on her fishing experience and her Biblical scholarship, she has crafted a passionate account of how Jesus recruited his disciples in the same way fishermen recruit their crews. He used their boats, nets, and maritime gossip networks to further His message. Topics include women’s role in maritime communities, the Roman impact on the fishing business and the calling of the disciples.
In the past year we have received several boxes of books donated by church members. Due to a shortage of space and staff, we can no longer accept large numbers of used books. If you have two or three that you believe would be a good addition to our collection, we would be happy to accept them. Please check with us to be sure that we don’t already have the book on our shelves.
The Library is open for self check-out any time the church offices are open and on Sundays after the worship service.
this and that
New Members Class
There will be a class on Saturday, Oct. 23 from 9 am-12pm for anyone interested in learning more about LvCC and what it means to be a member. Please contact the Church Office to sign up so we now how many materials to prepare.
The month of October is Octoburger at Community House on Broadway. They use up to 6 pounds of hamburger per day and appreciate whatever is donated. Contributions may be taken to Community House at 11th and Broadway, or brought to the church kitchen refrigerator for delivery.
The Chosen gathering at Renewal City Church continues on Wednesday nights from 6-8 pm. Join us as we watch Season 1 of The Chosen and then have a discussion afterwards. Child care through Grade 2 is available.
SAM (Senior Adult Ministry) will be going to the play “Shadowland” at the Columbia Theater on Saturday, Nov. 6 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $23 each and will be available for purchase on Oct. 10, 17 and 24. There is a limit of 30 people. They will be going out to dinner (on your own) afterwards. More details to follow in the November newsletter.
100th Anniversary Planning There will be meetings on either Sunday, October 17 at 11:30 a.m. in the Bride’s Room or Tuesday, October 19 at 6:30 p.m. in the Chapel Conference Room for everyone interested in helping to develop this centennial celebration and the re-launching of our next 100 years. If you can’t make either meeting but would like to be part of the planning, contact either Karen Pickett, 360-560-3082 or kpickett2411@gmail.com, or Sandy Rountree, 360-423-7351 or sandytree2@comcast.net.
Dear Church Family… I would like to give all of you “many thanks” for your generous donation of school supplies for St. Helens School! We are in great need of all the school supplies for our kids. I truly appreciate all you do and your support of our school. Many blessings!
~Cynthia Hansen, St. Helens Liason
Trunk or Treat Please bring candy donations to the tubs in the Lobby or by the Church Office during the month of October. If you would like to host a “trunk”, contact Sarah Fix for more info.
Medical Equipment Available If you or someone you knows needs medical equipment, i.e. walker, wheelchair, commode, etc, please contact Roberta Baird at 360-636-3848.
Our Daily Bread Regular-print edition for Sept/Oct/Nov and the Large-print for Oct/Nov/Dec are now available. Stop by or call the Church Office to get a copy.
AUGUST FINANCIALS
YTD INCOME: $355,973
TRUSTEES VISION: $8,000
YTD EXPENSE: $361,259
DIFFERENCE: $2,714
OCTOBER MISSIONS FOCUS:
Octoburger for
Community House on Broadway