If you prefer to print the newsletter, you may download it here: Printable March 2025 Here is also a printable March calendar: 03 2025 Calendar
pastor’s perspective
“adventures and strategic plans”
By Dave Hendrickson, Lead Pastor
As you read this article, there are three questions I would like you to ask yourself:
- What do I hear God saying to me?
- What am I going to do about it?
- Will you join us as LvCC takes the first steps?
The Corps of Discovery Expedition began on May 14, 1804, from Camp Dubois in Illinois. However, before its official launch from Illinois, Meriwether Lewis began his journey from Pittsburgh, PA, in October 1803 (I had to get that in there!). Over the next twenty-eight months, Lewis and Clark navigated the upper plains of their newly founded country under the leadership of Thomas Jefferson.
Lewis and Clark had a strategic plan as they set off on their new adventure. They spent plenty of time preparing and planning by studying maps, geographical surveys, and existing knowledge of the Eastern United States up to the Mississippi River. Because of this institutional knowledge, Lewis and Clark assumed they would face similar conditions and topography west of the Mississippi River. They quickly realized they could not have been more wrong…as they stared at the Rocky Mountains!
Unfortunately, many congregations and leaders take the same approach when it comes to church. While churches are not trying to move across the United States, the culture, neighborhoods, and neighbors right outside their doors are very different from what they were 20, 50, or 100 years ago.
As Tod Bolsinger says in Canoeing the Mountains, “Christian leaders today are sitting in meetings, reading reports, and conversing with colleagues about the brutal truth: All that we have assumed about leading Christian organizations, all that we have been trained for, is out of date…some of us face ‘the most terrible mountain we have ever beheld.’”
If we, as a church, want to move forward to seek the lost, we need to adjust and adapt. If not, “the church will die,” as Bolsinger states.
What adaptations is LvCC working on?
Over the next few weeks and months, we will try some things differently. As Jim Collins puts it in Good to Great, we aim to “put people in the right seat on the bus” for this season. As with any adventure, things may shift and change, but that’s okay—we trust the Lord will direct us as we seek Him.
- Patty, as the Executive Director, has taken on more responsibilities beyond answering phones, making copies, and managing my schedule. She, along with the Properties Team, will oversee the logistics, scheduling, care, and upkeep of the facilities and buildings. She also organizes and schedules (via Planning Center) the different volunteer teams for our services and events. Patty’s gifts go well beyond just being a “secretary.” To assist her on this adventure, she is looking for people who would like to help by answering phones, welcoming visitors, and—most importantly—talking to Dave, so she doesn’t have to be interrupted!
- Caleb is taking on more Sunday morning worship responsibilities. Over the past few weeks, we have seen that he is a clear communicator and teacher of God’s Word! He is working with the worship teams to bring more cohesion and clarity to our services. He is also developing events to help us “equip the saints” throughout the year. Several opportunities will be announced in the coming weeks and months. Additionally, he will continue investing in and mentoring new teachers for our adult discipleship time on Sunday mornings. Caleb is also transitioning into the role of pastoral oversight for the Missions Committee. To help Caleb adapt, he is looking for people who have tenacity and can help him with the details of the events he is planning.
- Sarah continues to do amazing things with our Children’s Ministry. She has many new adventures planned, one of which has already launched. On Wednesday afternoons, she has partnered with Bob Koenig to provide an after-school Lego Club at the Community Center (20th and Beech property). She is also preparing several other exciting initiatives for this spring and summer. To walk with Sarah on this adventure will you consider serving once a month with our Community Kids on a Sunday morning?
- Matt is pressing forward with Youth Ministry and has seen growth after taking the adventurous step of separating the middle school and high school programs last fall! He is also preparing for a busy summer filled with activities and camps for the youth of Longview. To support Matt on the adventure can you give an hour or two on a Sunday evening to play ping-pong or pool with a few students?
- Bill and Sylvia Hale have agreed to take on the role of Head Deacons for our pastoral ministry. With their extensive wisdom and experience in pastoral ministry, they understand the importance of this role and will be leading the Deacons as they continue the adventure! Will you consider joining Bill, Sylvia, and the Deacons, making phone calls to our homebound or helping serve communion?
- The Missions Team is working hard to update LvCC’s policies and procedures for missions. Over the past few decades, missions and missionaries have had to adapt, which means their approach to local churches is different from what it was 20 years ago. I am excited to see how our Missions Team prepares LvCC for missional work locally, nationally, and globally. There are currently opportunities to join this team…are you being called?
As for me…
I am excited to lead LvCC into the future! In Canoeing the Mountains, Bolsinger states: “Leadership is not the title or position…leadership is different from management. Leadership is not running good meetings, keeping good books, overseeing good programs, and making good policies…Leadership is focused on what can be or what must be…Leadership is about an organization fulfilling its mission and realizing its reason for being.”
By delegating more of the management responsibilities, I will have more time to shepherd the transition to implement LvCC’s strategic plan. Along with the staff and elders, we have developed a 10-year strategic plan to prepare for our journey ahead. However, we also recognize that it is just a plan—we may need to make adjustments along the way. But, as I’ve said before, we trust the Lord to guide us.
What’s next?
- I will be working more closely with our existing and potential Community Groups (CGs) as the primary spaces in which we do ministry. As culture shifts, there is a growing need for smaller, more relational, and welcoming groups rather than large programs. I will equip our CGs to understand how they fit into LvCC’s new vision and mission.
- I will also be organizing a new group of young (lay) leaders to invest in and train. The next generation of church leaders is less likely to pursue formal education and is instead being trained within their local churches under pastoral leadership. Honestly, we have many great young leaders at LvCC, and I don’t want to miss the opportunity to invest in them!
- I will continue to provide pastoral care for LvCC during difficult times, such as the loss of a loved one, tragic events, or major life transitions. My commitment is to tend to the needs of our congregation while also equipping our Elders and other leaders to understand and fulfill their roles in pastoral care.
As we make these adaptations, we believe they will help LvCC build on an already solid foundation as we transition into the next 100 years of ministry.
Lewis and Clark had to rely on the help of several indigenous groups to help them cross the country to their final destination. LvCC will rely on focusing on Jesus and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us to our destinations as we journey on this adventure!
What have you heard God say? How will you respond and partner with LvCC as we step into a new century of ministry and missions?
community corner
By Caleb Strom, Discipleship and Community Life Pastor
You’re Invited: March 30th Fifth Sunday Potluck Lunch!
Longview Community Church is excited to invite you to our first Fifth Sunday Potluck Lunch of 2025 on Sunday, March 30th! After the 10:00am service, we will gather in the Fellowship Hall to enjoy food, fellowship, and fun. This is a wonderful opportunity to share a meal, connect with others, and strengthen the bonds of our church family.
March 30th Menu:
Chili & Cornbread: Warm up with a hearty bowl of chili, paired with delicious cornbread. A perfect way to enjoy the last bit of winter together!
How It Works:
The church will provide the chili, cornbread, and dessert.
We ask that you bring a side dish to share—salads, vegetables, casseroles, or anything you enjoy making!
Please drop off your side dish in the Fellowship Hall prior to the service so we can set up for lunch.
This potluck is a wonderful time to invite friends and neighbors to experience the warmth of Longview Community Church. So, let’s come hungry, share generously, and enjoy this time of fellowship together!
We look forward to seeing you there!
“They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.” – Acts 2:46
new lenten adult discipleship study
Join us at 8:45 during the Lenten season in the Fellowship Hall for Discipleship Time led by Ethan Davis. We will cover the scriptural theme of “Fasting and Feasting” so join us for study and discussion! Childcare is available for children 5th grade and younger; older children may attend the class with their parent(s).
lent and easter services and events
Mar 5 6pm Ash Wednesday Service (in the Chapel)
Mar 8 8:45am Adult Class begins on Fasting and Feasting
Apr 13 10am Palm Sunday Worship
Apr 17 7pm Maundy Thursday Service (in the Chapel)
Apr 18 12pm KLMA Good Friday Service
Apr 18 7pm Tenebrae Good Friday Service
Apr 20 8:45am Easter Breakfast (in the Fellowship Hall)
Apr 20 10am Easter Celebration Service
elder meeting highlights
Jay Holland called the February 18 meeting to order at 5:02 p.m. and welcomed Joseph and Lynne and gave them the opportunity to share about their ministry. The Elders then prayed for the congregational prayer cards from the previous prayer Sunday.
Jaime Boaglio shared that contributions for January were not as high as expected but expenses were also low; this January was better than last January. He also noted that $5,000 was disbursed from Missions for the Los Angeles fires.
Jay reported that they found someone to begin mowing the church lawn in the spring and summer. Elaine Theriault is working on procuring a grant for the preservation of historic buildings to use toward the painting of 20th & Beech.
Lorraine Little reported that some of the Elders, along with Jeff Inman, Dave and Caleb met to begin the process of discussing and revising the Missions procedures.
Jaime said that the Nominating Committee has started discussing a few potential people for Elder but haven’t yet received any applications.
Dave shared that he and Patty met with Rick Little to get his input regarding costs and the pastoral side of helping a family with Celebration of Life service planning, and then updated a brochure that was previously handed out. He is also considering offering a class on end of life management, including planning one’s own service.
Jay explained that he and Dave met to discuss the agenda for the Annual Meeting, and considered focusing on the future. They also discussed using the service time on Sunday to focus on the vision for the future. Dave said he would prefer to have written, not oral, staff reports this year.
Lorraine suggested that the Elders consider attending an upcoming online Apologetics Conference because of the challenge of discerning the Truth from almost-truth in today’s culture with Artificial Intelligence and how it impacts the church.
elder nominations
The Nominating Committee is prayerfully seeking two new people to serve as Elders to replace two Elders who will be completing their terms in May 2025. If you feel God has called you to serve as an Elder, please complete the application (available here Elder Application or by picking up a paper copy in the office) no later than March 31, 2025. If God has placed the name of someone else on your heart, please encourage that person to apply and/or provide the name to one of the Nominating Committee members (Karen Pritchard, Lisa Som, Denny Boaglio, Laura Powers or Jaime Boaglio). Please pray for the current and future leadership of Longview Community.
trustees scholarships
The LvCC Trustees are accepting scholarship applications for the 2025-2026 school year. The Trustees manage an endowment fund that provides scholarships for people interested in exploring service in Christian ministry. Eligible for scholarships are students of all ages beginning with high school graduates. Residents of Cowlitz County and Columbia County, Oregon, may apply. Earnings from an endowment established in 1954 support the scholarship program. The scholarships fund only people pursuing studies to equip them for Christian service. Trustees have defined that term broadly. Past scholarship recipients have ranged from pastors pursuing advanced degrees to high school graduates taking “gap year” programs at Christian institutions. Trustees prioritize scholarship applicants as follows: Church staff first, seminary and post-graduate students second and undergraduates third. While the applicant pool has been expanded to people outside the church, priority will be given to applicants affiliated with Longview Community Church if funds are limited. To apply, print and complete this application Scholarship Application 2025-2026 or pick one up in the Church Office and return it by April 18, 2025. Call or email Jonathan Ferguson, Trustee chairman at 360-506-2673 or
jferguson2006@gmail.com if you have questions.
this and that
There have been several inquiries recently about becoming members at LvCC. If you’re interested, you may contact the Church Office to have a membership packet emailed, or you may pick up a printed copy in the office.
Parent’s Afternoon Out! This event is a ministry towards families supported by volunteers to give parents a break for an afternoon and provide fun for kids! Go on a date, take a nap, take a walk, etc.! The kids will be having a “snow” themed afternoon! Event is Saturday, March 8th from 12-4pm. Lunch is provided for kids in the fellowship hall from 12-1. Lunch will be brought up to the nursery if your child is 3 and under. Drop-off any time before 1 and pick-up anytime within that time slot. We hope this opportunity will bless you and your children!
Refresh and reflect at a Prayer Retreat for time to discuss and share intention and gratitude for daily prayer, time for personal meditation and reflection, and time to praise God. During this retreat, we will be discussing the Beatitudes (Matthew 5: 2-12). Join us on March 8th at Mary Ross’ house at 395 Mill Creek Road. The retreat starts at 9:30am and ends following a short, casual lunch at 12:30 pm. Call Mary Ross at (360) 636-3771 to reserve your spot and for more information.
Once again we will be hosting the NCFCA Debate tournament at LvCC on March 13-15, 2025! Because they will be using the entire facility (except the Counseling Center), all regular church meetings and events are cancelled those days. Community judges are needed and appreciated! It requires about a 3-hour commitment per round, and you may sign up for as many or few as you’d like, but any amount helps! Click here https://ncfca.org/judge for more info and/or to register to be a judge.
Royal Family Kids are sponsoring a St. Patrick’s Day party for area children in foster care on Saturday, March 22 and volunteers are needed! Set up will be from 5:30-7:30pm on Friday, March 21 and the party (including a 1 hour training beforehand) will be on Saturday from 7:30am-12pm. If you would like to volunteer, complete an application at bit.ly/March2025Volunteer before March 9.
The women of the church are invited to a Baby Shower for Breanna Strom on Saturday, April 5 at 10am in the Chapel Basement. Please RSVP by March 30 to Renee Thorsvik at 215-527-8341. Bre is registered at https://my.babylist.com/breanna-strom.
Calling all singers! There will be an choir/ensemble for Easter under the direction of Denny Boaglio. Rehearsals will be after worship team rehearsals on Wednesdays at approximately 7:30pm on April 9 and 16. Contact Denny or the Church Office if you are interested in singing.
The next Friday Fellowship adult potluck dinner group will be meeting on the 1st Friday, March 7, because we are hosting NCFCA on the 2nd Friday. Dave and Gail Hicks will be sharing photos of Viet Nam Please bring an entrée, side dish,
salad, bread or dessert from Viet Nam and join us at 6pm in the Fellowship Hall for a fun evening of interesting cultural food, friends, and fellowship! This season we are viewing slides or digital photos from various attendees. If you have travel photos you would like to share, please contact the Church Office.
If you haven’t yet created a profile in our private Online Directory to share your contact info with others in our congregation and to be able to view theirs, please consider doing so. Contact the Church Office to receive an emailed invitation to the Directory.
Medical Equipment Available If you or someone you knows needs medical equipment, i.e. walker, wheelchair, commode, etc, please contact Roberta Baird at 360-430-8402.
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 30 Ausma Pakalns 98
JANUARY FINANCIALS
YTD CONTRIBUTIONS: $ 33,757
YTD OTHER INCOME $ 63
YTD EXPENSE: $ 43,606
YTD NET INCOME: -$ 9,786