If you prefer to print the newsletter, you may download it here: Printable March 2024 Here is also a printable March calendar: 03 2024 Calendar
serving as an elder
By Sarah Rundell, Nominating Committee
(Editor’s Note: Instead of the usual Pastor’s or Elder’s Perspective, this article was provided by the Nominating Committee to provide information about the responsibilities of an Elder)
As you know, it is the time of year when we prayerfully seek new Elders to serve three-year terms. Many people have asked what all is involved so I thought I’d share a little bit with input from others.
According to the church bylaws, Elders will consist of eight congregational members elected by a vote of the congregation as prescribed in Articles VII and IX. The Elders and Lead Pastor will set the vision and direction for the church. They will oversee the pastoral care, discipleship, mission, and discipline of the church. They will seek to rely on the Lord as they devote themselves to lead the church into fulfilling the Great Commission.
What does this look like in terms of actual duties? Elders:
- Pray and read/listen to the Bible and other Christian resources
- Participate in church activities at a level that provides opportunity to interact closely with members of the congregation and stay in tune with how ministries are running and how people are responding to the direction of the church
- Attend two regular meetings each month—leadership and vision on the first Tuesday (discipleship, mission, vision, direction), business on the third Tuesday (financial, administrative, properties, decision-making)
- Respond to God’s calling according to gifting—teaching, finance, listening, vision, organization, worship, facilities, personnel management, etc.
- Meet with their designated staff members for prayer, connection, and encouragement
- Write for the newsletter once or twice per three-year term
- Take turns moderating Sunday morning services (more on that below)
- Share duties with staff to take turns carrying the after-hours emergency phone
- Respond to people and circumstances as needed
Are you prayerfully considering applying to become an Elder but intimidated by the idea of moderating Sunday services? Here are some tips from current Elders:
“There is a pattern to the Sunday service so you get used to knowing what you have to do and preparing for it. You don’t have to be a great spontaneous prayer. I’m not. I have to sit at home a while and think about what I believe God is telling me to pray … Then I write it out and take it up front with me.”
“I looked to the other Elders for inspiration, watching previous services that others had moderated.”
“Pray! Keep track of the prayer requests from the office for material. The first time is a struggle, but after that it just kind of falls in place. There are a lot of examples on the internet on ‘call to worship’, ‘pastoral prayers’ and ‘benedictions’ to use. It is out there to be used. Why else would it be there?”
One Elder reflected, “All of us are called to serve in a ministry, to be a part of the body. …Is your current service to the church body now maximizing the gifts God gave you? Has God blessed you with a secular job that gives you experiences and knowledge that can cross over to using your talents and gifts for the greater glory to God at LvCC?” If God calls you to serve as an Elder, please complete an application by March 29th. Applications are available here Elder Qualifications and Application 2024 or in the church office.
community corner
“The journey of lent: a guide to holy week services”
By Caleb Strom, Discipleship and Community Life Pastor
As we enter the season of Lent, a period of reflection and preparation for Easter, our church offers a series of special services to guide us on this spiritual journey. Here’s a look at what each service signifies:
Ash Wednesday: This service marks the beginning of Lent. It’s a time for repentance and acknowledging our human frailty. Often, we receive ashes on our foreheads, a symbol of mortality and a call to turn towards God.
March 24th: Palm Sunday: We celebrate Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, waving palm branches as the crowds did long ago. This day marks a shift from reflection to the events of the Passion Week. We plan on involving Community Kids in our celebration of Christ’s Triumphal Entry.
March 28th: Maundy Thursday: This service commemorates the Last Supper, where Jesus shared his final meal with his disciples. We often participate in foot-washing ceremonies, echoing Jesus’ act of humble service. This service will be at 7 pm in the Gebert Chapel.
March 29th: Tenebrae Good Friday Service: “Tenebrae” means ‘darkness’ in Latin. This solemn service focuses on the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus. The Communion Table is gradually stripped of its elements, symbolizing the fading light of hope as Christ faces his death. This service will be at 7 pm in the LvCC Sanctuary.
March 31st: Easter Sunday: The pinnacle of our faith! We celebrate Christ’s resurrection, the triumph over sin and death. It’s a day of jubilation, filled with joyous music, flowers, and the proclamation “He is Risen!” We will have an 8:30 am Easter Breakfast in our Fellowship Hall followed by an Easter Celebration service at 10 am.
How to Participate
These services provide profound opportunities for spiritual growth. Consider attending as many as possible to fully experience the richness of this season.
May this Lenten season be a time of renewal and deepening your relationship with God. As we journey with Christ through his suffering and triumph, may we find grace, forgiveness, and the hope that Jesus’ resurrection brings.
lvcc youth/young adults ministry
By Matt Avalon, Interim Director of Youth and Young Adults
I recently had the joy of attending a conference in Newport Beach, where the theme was simple- “God created us to connect”. While this was for an outside organization, this is a core principle of our Youth and Young Adults ministries. Our Youth are wrapping up a series on the Character of God and our Young Adults are diving into a new series on the Trinity-but both nights always with our God-given need to connect and be in fellowship. So, here are some of our young adults talking about life over a fast-paced, overly-competitive card game, coupled with our youth in a fierce round of charades.
Would you consider coming to join in connection with us? As we seek to do the Lord’s will and facilitate the harvest of youth, we need more God-fearing adults willing to be goofy and present for our youth. “Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”- Matthew 9:38
children’s ministry
By Sarah Fix, Director of Children’s Ministry
I don’t know about you, but this week has made me really hoping for Spring to come! I know there is special beauty in each season, but for me, I must search a little harder to see that during wintertime! I’ve been thinking and researching a lot to hopefully be prepared to do ministry well this summer in our culture that is ever-changing. It’s no secret that much of the negativity we see in society is due to the crumbling structure of the family unit. Families do not exist as they used to. Kids are greatly affected by this since parents and caregivers are (usually) the main influence in their child’s lives. Many families are looking for support and events to help them have a structured time of togetherness in the midst of their busy lives. I’m really excited to focus more on ministering to families in our community this Summer. We will be doing things a little differently, but these are things that the Holy Spirit has put on mine and my team’s hearts to do so we will follow faithfully! I am excited to see how God uses us this Summer in kids ministry! Be looking forward to more details and fun announcements coming soon! Some more things to look forward to: kid’s Palm Sunday re-enactment and Easter handbells, led by Sylvia Hale and performed by the kids!
this and that
There are only a couple weeks left to register for the IF: 2024 Gathering for women! Join us on Mar 15 & 16 for this international, pre-recorded event. The cost of $40 includes registration, 3 meals and materials. More info is available in the digital announcements and here is a link to register, IF 2024 Registration or you may call the Church Office. Don’t wait…register today!
Lent/Easter Schedule:
Mar 24 10am Palm Sunday Worship
Mar 28 7pm Maundy Thursday Service
Mar 29 12pm KLMA Good Friday Service
Mar 29 7pm Tenebrae Good Friday Service
Mar 31 8:30am Easter Breakfast
Mar 31 10am Easter Celebraton Service
We would like to have a Easter Choir to help lead the worship celebration on Easter Sunday if enough singers are interested. There would be 2-3 rehearsals, probably at 7pm on the Wednesdays prior to Easter. If you would like to sing in a choir, please contact Patty Howland in the Church Office by March 6.
As has been the custom for several years, there will be a “flower cross” on Easter Sunday. Please bring a flower from your yard or that you have purchased to add to those provided. Let’s fill the cross with a beautiful floral reminder of new life and Spring!
Dave and Millie Grocott were married at LvCC 71 years ago and recently celebrated their 71st Anniversary on February 22! If you would like to bless them with a note or card, their address is: 2005 Tibbetts Dr, #203, Longview, WA 98632.
New name for MOPS! MOPS International has changed the name to The MomCo, short for The Mom Community, to bring more clarity to what they do and to better reflect their original mission of creating opportunities for moms to encounter Jesus. You will notice updates on our calendar and other promo to reflect this change.
Whitworth University has set up a John F. Williams Memorial Scholarship. To make a gift to the scholarship or obtain additional information, please contact Dave LejaMeyer in the Whitworth Advancement Office: phone 509-777-4363, email dlejameyer@whitworth.edu or mailing address 300 W. Hawthorne Rd, Spokane, WA 99251.
The new community group, “Cast Your Cares Knit and Crochet Group” has moved to the Chapel Conference Room to make it easier for those with mobility issues. It meets on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month from 10am-Noon. It is for ages 13 and older, is open to guys and gals and is for anyone from the community, so invite a friend or neighbor.
The Friday Fellowship adult dinner group will “visit” Cuba and Bequia with a potluck and slideshow presented by Dave and Gail Hicks on Friday, Mar 8 from 6:00-8pm in the Fellowship Hall. Plan to bring either an entree, side dish, salad, bread or dessert from one of those countries and join us! Bring a friend!
The upcoming 12-16 week training class on listening and helping skills led by clinical psychologist Dr Steve Meharg, will begin on March 10, shortly after the church service, at 11:15 for one hour. There is no obligation to join the Lay Counseling ministry upon completion, but participation is required to become a lay counselor. If you are interested in this class, there is still time to sign up! Contact Elaine Theriault at 360-560-9698 or Steve Meharg at smeharg@cfmal.com
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.
After-Hours Emergency Phone The number to call or text is 564-244-5608. Please save this number in case you need to refer to it later.
90+ Birthdays This Month
To honor our most senior members and attenders, we will be listing their birthdays each month using the records in our database. If you or someone you know is 90+ years of age and has an upcoming birthday, please contact the Church Office by the 20th of the prior month so we may be sure to include it!
Mar 31 Ausma Pakalns 97
JANUARY FINANCIALS
YTD CONTRIBUTIONS: $ 25,360
YTD OTHER INCOME $ 608
YTD EXPENSE: $ 36,235
YTD NET INCOME: -$ 10,267