If you prefer to print the newsletter, you may download it here: Printable April 2025 Here is also a printable April calendar: 04 2025 Calendar
elder’s perspective
By Susie Kirkpatrick, Elder
As I come to the end of an extended time on the Board of Directors, Pastor Search Committee, Board of Directors again and then Elders, I wonder if I’d have agreed to do it if I had known it was going to amount to 12 years save a one-year break. I’m not sure; it might have seemed pretty daunting. But, as I reflect back on it, I am so grateful to have had this opportunity to work closely with others who seek God’s will in their decision-making. I have learned so much!
As the world around us seems to reflect Christianity and its values less and less, I appreciate the front row seat I’ve had working with people who depend on these values as they process the challenges of daily life in addition to the work we do together for our church. I’ve sat through hundreds of hours of meetings listening to developing thoughts and ideas and taken many, many walks around the lake hashing out issues that have come up over these years. I’ve learned from different perspectives and come to respect the opinions of people I value but with whom I don’t always agree. They’ve stretched me and I’m better because we walked through these issues together.
In 2016 we went looking for a pastor who would help us see opportunities to adjust what had worked so long and so well at Longview Community so we would not go the way of many mainline churches who are closing or being repurposed into coffee houses or brew pubs as they are in Europe. We went looking for a change agent – and we got one! But, over the years we’ve also been able to share the people and history of Longview Community Church with him and a new staff so they better appreciate the strong foundation on which we were built and that has carried us forward for a century. From that we hope to leverage the best of multiple perspectives to launch ourselves into our next hundred years.
Has it been easy? Not always. But is it worth it? YES! There may still be occasional times of tensions as we continue to shape our future but, done with respect and thoughtful consider-ation, we will continue to cultivate a strong path forward so Longview Community Church can continue to minister to our community and beyond for decades to come.
Think of all we’ve come through these last years. We’ve seen a total staff turnover, ushered in new governance, navigated the challenges of a world-wide pandemic, added online services, hung video screens up front, opened up the chancel/stage area, reacquired the Beech street property, housed a prayer ministry in our chapel, revived our apartment, celebrated our centennial, put into action the concept of “Family Fun Nights” at the lake, established a new “Trunk or Treat” tradition and developed a Monday Night food ministry to name a few. We’ve traveled a lot of mileage together as we’ve endeavored to find ways to help more people experience the presence of God and reach those who do not yet know the saving power of Jesus.
We all realize the world around us is changing – at a rate that seems to escalate each year. Determining how to deal with it is a challenge but so many people have demonstrated their amazing faith and commitment as we engaged those challenges. It has been a great testimony to me that has had a significant impact on my faith journey.
For that reason, I’ll take a bit of a break but then I’ll probably figure out where I can contribute next. I’ve realized service to the church has become an important part of my walk, in part because I have seen in you all so many examples of what it looks like to follow Jesus. Thank you, Longview Community Church, for these opportunities. It has truly been a blessing.
community corner
“understanding tenebrae: a service of shadow”
By Caleb Strom, Discipleship and Community Life Pastor
As we gather on Good Friday, we enter into one of the most solemn moments of Holy Week—the Tenebrae service. Tenebrae, meaning “shadows” or “darkness” in Latin, is a time of deep reflection on the suffering and death of Jesus Christ.
During this service, scripture readings recount the events leading to the crucifixion, and with each reading is the stripping of the communion table. This act mirrors Christ being stripped of His garments before the crucifixion (Matthew 27:28) and serves as a visual representation of His suffering, humiliation, and sacrifice. The removal of the table’s elements—bread, cup, candles, and cloths—reminds us of the emptiness and sorrow of Good Friday, as Jesus was abandoned and laid in the tomb.
Tenebrae is a service of mourning, but it is not without hope. As we sit in the darkness of Good Friday, we do so knowing that the light of Easter morning is coming.
We invite you to join us for this powerful time of worship on April 18 at 7pm in the sanctuary as we reflect on Christ’s sacrifice and prepare our hearts for the joy of the resurrection.
children’s ministry
By Sarah Fix, Director of Children’s Ministry
I don’t know about you, but after the “fake spring” we had in February, I am so ready for spring and sunshine to come and stay! I know many of you have been curious about what we are doing this summer for kids and family ministry. So far, the plan is to do similar events to what we did last year, but instead of having them on four consecutive Wednesday nights, we’re doing one event a month, June through August. We will be calling it “FFE (Family Fun Events)”, instead of “FFN (Family Fun Nights)” like we did last year, since some of the events this summer will be held during the day. The dates are June 20th (First day of summer!) from 5-7:30, July 12th from 2-5, and August 1st from 5-7:30. We will be having these events at either 20th and Beech or our church lawn and inviting the community and neighbors to join. The first FFE will be at 20th and Beech with the Reptile Guy and a food truck, second on our church lawn for “Splash Day”, and the third FFE location is TBD, but will be Superhero themed! I will let everyone know more details, volunteer needs and donation opportunities soon, but I just wanted to get everyone some dates so you can save them in your calendar! We will also have a couple church family activities: one family get-together in Bob Koenig’s backyard/shop, and a swim party at the Gaither Pool. Dates and times for these will be announced.
On Palm Sunday (4/13), Community Kids (ages 4 & up welcome) will be playing handbells at the beginning of the service. If you can have your children to the Sanctuary by 9:30 to practice, that would be great!
As I plan and anticipate this summer, I’m reminding myself that God is always working in our efforts…whether it’s trying to get your toddler to eat the same meal they loved yesterday but not today, or driving to yet another practice or event, we know that God sees us and honors our efforts to glorify him, even when it feels monotonous or “not enough”. I’m looking forward to seeing how God uses the coming months to unite us to share our love and light with those around us!
fish report
By Shirley Edstedt for FISH
FISH had another successful, busy week at the end of March! March FISH Facts: families served: 239 representing 895 people served. Also, since January FISH facts missed the Newsletter, here are the Facts: served 251 families representing 1015 people. As always, FISH can use egg cartons, paper bags and volunteers! But most importantly, please continue to pray for this vital ministry.
elder meeting highlights
At the March 18 meeting, Jaime Boaglio reported that contributions were low in February. Expenses are holding pretty well. We are at -$9300 for the month, and YTD income is down -$19,000, which is similar to two years ago.
The walk-in cooler needs to be fixed or replaced. One estimate to fix is about $3000, to replace would be $9500. Missions might be able to help pay for it. It was originally purchased with a grant that FISH applied for from Weyerhauser, and LVCC agreed to house and maintain it. The kitchen freezer also needs to be replaced. It would cost about $600 just to repair, so the Elders agreed it could be replaced with a new residential freezer for about the same amount. Properties will take care of replacing it.
Dave told the Elders about a recent conversation with Monica Seidl from the Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments. He explained that she is a “bridge” person to match community needs with organizations or spaces that could meet those needs. Dave sees her as a potential connection point with the community.
Jay Holland reported that Elaine Theriault submitted a grant request for $14,000 to help with the exterior painting of 20th & Beech, and should hear the result in May.
Jay also mentioned that the tree farm recently planted 2500 cedar trees and provided protection for the young trees. The cost will be split between Merrill Ring and the Trustees.
Ben West reported that the Missions team had hoped to complete their Procedures revisions last week but the meeting was cancelled and will be rescheduled for next month.
The Elders discussed the agenda for the Annual Meeting. In an effort to limit the length of the meeting the pastoral address will take the place of the sermon during the service, and outgoing Elders/Nominating Committee members will also be recognized during the service, and the staff reports will be written. New members will be introduced at the meeting.
thank you from joseph and lynne
(This note was found in the apartment after Joseph, Lynne and the boys left)
Words can not describe how blessed we were by your church, from the overwhelming hospitality, to the fellowship we had personally with many of you. The Lord used you to touch our life through this difficult season we have been in and we thank you for being His hands and feet. As Metthew the apostle instructed in Matthew 10, “When you enter a city or village, search for a worthy person and stay in his home until you leave town…If it turns out to be a worthy home, let your blessing stand…”
So as we leave to go back to our field assignment today, we pray over this church and this apartment. We pray the Lord strengthen you and keep you. May He bless you and give you peace. May this apartment be a shelter for many who are in need. Thank you again for everything. We are eternally grateful. Please remember us in your prayers. We wait for the day when we can see you all again. ~Joe, Lynne, Obed and Asher
new use for apartment
Beginning in April, the Cowlitz Chaplaincy will semi-regularly be utilizing the apartment as a space for decompressing and/or completing reports during their shifts. It will also be used occasionally as overnight accommodations for chaplains from out of town. Please respect the Please Do Not Disturb/Welcome Please Knock sign on the door.
this and that
Following a time of teaching and meditation at the Prayer Retreat on April 12th, we will commemorate the Jews’ miraculous exit from Egyptian slavery more than 3,000 years ago, by presenting the Seder. The Seder is the traditional Passover meal that includes reading, drinking 4 cups of wine, telling stories, eating special foods, and singing. Join us at Mary Ross’ house at 395 Mill Creek Road. The retreat starts at 9:30 am and ends following the Seder at about 1:00 pm. Our space for this presentation is limited to 20 people. Due to this limitation, you will have to make your reservation by April 5th for the meal. Call Mary Ross at (360) 636-3771 to reserve your spot.
Calling all singers! There will be a choir/ensemble for Easter under the direction of Denny Boaglio. Rehearsals will be before or after worship team rehearsals on Wednesday, depending on what works best for most people. They will be on April 9 and 16 and Easter morning prior to the service. Contact Denny or the Church Office if you are interested in singing.
Our Missions team is sponsoring tables for 8 at both Community House (May 3, 5-8pm) and Cowlitz Chaplaincy (May 17, social at 5:30pm, dinner at 6:30pm) fundraisers. Both events will be at the Expo Center. Contact Shannon Inman at 360-747-3633 or inmanshannon9@gmail.com to reserve a seat at one or both events.
Holy Week Services and Events:
Apr 13 10am Palm Sunday Worship (kids bells)
Apr 17 7pm Maundy Thursday Service (Chapel)
Apr 18 12pm KLMA Good Friday Service
Apr 18 7pm Good Friday Tenebrae Service
Apr 20 8:45am Easter Breakfast (Fell Hall)
Apr 20 10am Easter Celebration Service
There will be a Celebration of Life service for Dave Grocott on Saturday, April 26 at 1pm in the sanctuary.
The next Friday Fellowship adult potluck dinner group will be meeting on Friday, April 11 at 6pm as Denny and Sue Boaglio present slides from their trip to Italy with Rick Steves! Please bring an entrée, side dish, salad, bread or dessert from Italy and join us 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. 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.
The Senior Adult Ministry (SAM) will be attending the play “Harvey” at Stageworks Northwest on Sunday, May 4 at 2pm, followed by dinner on your own at a location TBD. Cost is $18. Sign up before or after church!
There will be a Fitness Class Open House on Thursday, May 1 from 11:15am to 1pm in the Lower Chapel. Come see the newly updated space and find out more about the fitness classes that are being offered. Invite a friend!
Volunteers are needed to help with the Royal Family Kids in-town SpringDay Party on Saturday, May 17 from 7:30am-noon. There will be breakfast, volleyball, basketball, crafts, woodshop, and a whole lot of fun. Go to
https://bit.ly/SpringParty2025Volunteers by May 4 to apply to serve.
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.
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!
Apr 7 Joe Jacobsen 90
FEBRUARY FINANCIALS
YTD CONTRIBUTIONS: $ 62,655
YTD OTHER INCOME $ 5,177
YTD EXPENSE: $ 86,966
YTD NET INCOME: -$ 19,134