If you prefer to print the newsletter, you may download it here: Printable June 2025 Here is also a printable June calendar: 06 2025 Calendar
elder’s perspective
By Jay Holland, Elder Chairperson
Many of us at Longview Community Church (LvCC) are old enough to remember the TV show, “Cheers”. It was on TV from 1982 – 1993 before the reruns took over. Cheers was a sitcom that centered around a bar where the patrons shared their experiences and lives (and a few beers). Right now, some of you are replaying the theme song in your head. The chorus of the theme song goes like this: “Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name and they’re always glad you came. You wanna be where you can see our troubles are all the same. You wanna be where everybody knows your name.”
This chorus is about a make-believe bar, but could it be describing LvCC? Is LvCC a place where everybody knows your name? A place where they’re glad you came? A place where you can see everyone’s troubles are all the same? A place to share your experiences and lives?
Jesus knows your name. Luke 9:4-5 tells about Zaccheaus: So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree beside the road, for Jesus was going to pass that way. When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. “Zacchaeus!” he said. “Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.” Not only did Jesus know Zacchaeus’ name, but he went to Zaccheaus’ house. I imagine that the gathering at Zaccheaus’ house was very lively, much like the Cheers bar…everyone knew each other’s name and they were glad all were there.
In Isaiah 43:1, God is speaking to Israel and says, “…I have called you by name, you are mine”. In John 10:3, we hear Jesus’ words as he talks about the Good Shepherd: “The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out”.
God knows your name! He knows the name of all 8 billion people living on earth. That is how personal the Creator of all of us is. God loves you enough to know your name. He knows you so well that God knows the number of hairs you have (Luke 12:7). He loves you enough to send His only Son to die for your sins. God loves you so much that He wants to spend eternity with you in heaven. Heaven will be a place where everyone will know your name and they’re really glad you came. And like the Cheers bar where our troubles are all the same, in heaven all our troubles will be the same because we won’t have any! It looks like heaven has some of the characteristics of the Cheers bar (except no beer).
Back to the original question. Is LvCC like the Cheers bar? No…nothing is like the Cheers bar this side of heaven. It is just make believe. But hold on. At LvCC there are Community Groups where the participants share their experiences and lives. Where you have a support system of fellow believers. Where you share each other’s troubles, and you find out they are the same as yours. Where everybody knows your name and they’re always glad you came. Community Groups are like the Cheers bar…except for the beer…I think.
community corner
“meet weylyn mae strom!”
By Caleb Strom, Discipleship and Community Life Pastor
Breanna and I are overjoyed to introduce you to the newest addition to our family—Weylyn Mae Strom! She was born on May 14th at 2:03 p.m., weighing 8 pounds, 6 ounces and measuring 20 inches long.
Weylyn’s name is both unique and deeply meaningful to us. Of Celtic origin, Weylyn is a unisex name that means both “child of the wolf” and “courageous fighter.” We chose it as a reflection of strength, resilience, and identity. It’s also a subtle nod to my own name, Caleb, which in Hebrew—כֶּלֶב (Kelev)—literally means “dog” and is often translated as “faithful.” In the Bible, Caleb son of Jephunneh stood out among the twelve spies sent into the Promised Land for his unwavering trust in God. While others saw only giants and obstacles, Caleb remained steadfast, believing in God’s promises, and was later commended for having “a different spirit” and following the Lord wholeheartedly (Numbers 14:24). We pray that Weylyn will grow up with that same courageous and faithful spirit.
Breanna and I are so thankful for the prayers, encouragement, and support we’ve received from so many of you throughout this journey. We truly feel blessed to be part of a church family that walks with one another through life’s most meaningful moments. I honestly couldn’t imagine starting a family without the connection of a supportive, Christ-centered, church community.
We’re excited for you to meet her in person soon and hope you’ll join us in praying for this new chapter as we grow into our roles as parents. We can’t wait to introduce Weylyn to the wonderful community that has already been such a blessing in our lives.
Check out the photos below—because let’s be honest, she’s already got us wrapped around her tiny fingers, and we’re pretty sure she’ll capture your hearts too!
elder meeting highlights
At the Elders meeting on May 20, the Elders elected new officers. They are Jay Holland-Chairperson, Rob Buckingham-Vice Chairperson (also Personnel Chairperson), Jaime Boaglio-Treasurer, and Laura Powers-Secretary.
Jaime explained that April was not good financially because monthly giving was still down. The YTD income is negative at almost -$47,000, although there is money in Cash on Hand (savings) to cover the deficit. There are also funds for capital projects.
Jay reported that the bell tower roof project will begin the first week of June and should take about a week. The boiler will be shut down for the summer on June 2 and regular maintenance done it at that time. He reported that there was a pretty good turnout at the recent Work Party and they accomplished quite a bit. Also the lead abatement and painting at 20th and Beech are completed.
Dave distributed a Strategic Plan document regarding the Implementation and Execution of LvCC’s Vision and Mission explaining the concepts of the Church as a Personal Space (Community Groups), Intimate Space (Commitment Group), Social Space (Congregational Gatherings) and Public Space (Celebration Gathering) with members being part of all spaces. Dave will be focusing on establishing Community Groups as the primary space for people to experience the presence of God. He presented specific goals about this. He also briefly explained about upcoming Faith in Action events.
Dave also informed the Elders of the Summer Office Hours from June 9-August 28 which will be M and W: 9-2, T and Th 9-12, F-Closed. The staff may be available at other times by appointment.
The next Elders business meeting is scheduled for June 17 at 5pm in the Fireside Room.
fish report
By Shirley Edstedt, FISH volunteer
Total numbers of people served: under 2 yrs: 28, ages, 3-17: 300, Adults to age 54: 393 Over age 55: 138
Total number of households: 225; Total number of people served: 859
The largest percentage, by far, of people FISH serves are working but still in need of common daily food necessities. But all of FISH’s efforts are in jeopardy. With funding to food distribution centers being cut and the price of all food going up, it has become much more expensive for the distribution sites, such as Longview Community Church.
Here is a list of just some of the things that LvCC distributes to those in need: eggs, milk, butter, hamburger and other cuts of meat, hotdogs, bread, canned chili, canned tuna, assorted canned vegetables, cereal, boxed meals such as macaroni and cheese, diapers, feminine products, tooth brushes and toothpaste, bar soap, laundry soap, and dry dog and cat food. We also distribute fresh fruit such as apples or oranges and fresh vegetables such as potatoes and carrots.
So, you must be thinking, what can I do to help? First, we would love DONATIONS of non-perishable items like canned vegetables and fruit, boxes of cereal or macaroni and cheese. The next time you are at the store pick up a can or two (or more) for FISH. There are donation boxes in the Narthex, in the hall by the kitchen, and by the office. We are also always in need of egg cartons and grocery bags.
Also, you can VOLUNTEER! We need all kinds of help, from answering the phone to loading bags of food into people’s cars. Having volunteered myself, I can attest to how much fun we have. But it’s not just fun with a fun group of people – it’s a blessing beyond measure to see the gratitude from the people we serve. You can volunteer for one day per week or any number of days. One time or every time. We would just like to see your smiling face!!
youth and young adults
“spring – a season of…everything”
By Matt Avalon, Interim Director of Youth and Young Adults
This has been the busiest season of the year in many ways! Spring has been a busy season of work and ministry- between wrapping up the school year, getting ready to switch grade levels at the school, and preparing for summer youth activities and camps. Camp season is my personal favorite, as it combines my two favorite things – Jesus and fun (and food and coffee… so I guess it’s truly my four favorites). Youth from all around our area, both “churched” and “unchurched” descend upon the beach for a week to be loved on, prayed for, and covered in the Word. Though it is my busiest three weeks of the year and requires so much prayer and build up, I am overwhelmed with joy as I continue to pray and wait to see what God will do through his ordinary vessels this July.
Spring has also been very busy outside of work, as I officially finished up my Master’s Degree this March. There have been so many in the church that prayed, encouraged and supported me through my education, and I truly could not have finished without all of it.
Will you continue to pray for our youth as we head into summer? Many face uncertainty with loss of routine and the safe people in their world over the summer. Many will also be faced with a great opportunity to go deeper in their walk with the Lord.
women’s retreat
There’s still time to register for the Women’s Retreat on June 27-29, but your registration must be in and paid for by June 8! The cost of $200 includes two nights lodging, 5 meals, linens and materials. There is a $50 Saturday only option that includes lunch, dinner, and materials. Partial scholarships are also available, so don’t let cost be a deterrent!
The retreat is always a wonderful time to get away, relax (there’s a 17-person hot tub!), and get to know other women from the church. Here are a few comments from last year:
“I loved the fellowship the most. Getting to know our church family better is so valuable.”
“Location was beautiful and restful.”
“I enjoyed the time together at meals and walks during free time. I love the intergenerational nature of this group. I could feel God working through our table discussions, too.”
“I enjoyed being grouped with people I don’t spend a lot of time with and getting to answer questions together and praying together; I feel I know these women at a more intimate level and I can continue to pray for them.”
“I really enjoyed the video sessions-it was nice to have different speakers with different dynamics.”
“Thank you for all the retreat team did to make this a place of connection, learning and love.”
As you can see, those who attended last year had a great time. The only thing that would make it better this year is if YOU are there! Please join us, and register today! Click here for more info or to register Women’s Retreat or you may pick up a paper form in the Lobby and turn it into the Church Office with your payment.
this and that
Dear Church Family…
A huge “Thank You” to the church family for all the prayers, cards, flowers and phone calls as we went through the bouts of pneumonia and other health issues that required hospitalization. God has been faithful in healing, maintaining His presence with us and sustaining us. Our sons have seen that we are in an appropriate place, healthy meals are provided and we can still keep in contact with our friends. May God bless you as you continue to bring pastoral care to those around you. ~ Elizabeth and Joe Jacobsen
Recognition Sunday will be on Father’s Day, June 15. We will be honoring anyone with a “life event” since last June including graduates of pre-school, 2nd grade, 5th grade, Middle School, High School, College, and those who were married, had a first baby, or were retired. Please contact the Church Office to let us know if you qualify for any of these categories so we can be sure to recognize you!
Check out the display in the Lobby for the Family Fun Events this summer and sign up to help! We also will be needing LOTS of 8oz (small) bottles of water and individually packaged bags of chips. Please bring donations to the Church Office. Questions? Please contact Sarah Fix at sarah@longviewcommunitychurch.org.
Refresh and reflect at the Prayer Retreat with 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 taking a further look at John 17-The High Priestly Prayer. Join us on June 14th at Mary Ross’ house at 395 Mill Creek Road. The retreat starts at 9:30am and ends following a short, casual lunch at 12:30pm. Call Mary Ross at (360) 636-3771 to let her know you are coming and for more information.
Save the Date for Faith in Action on Sunday, July 20 from 1-3pm! There will be NO worship service that morning, allowing us instead to minister together to our community and church family. More details to follow soon!
Summer Office Hours:
The Church Office will only be open from 9-12 on May 27-29 and June 2-4 when Patty is gone on vacation. There will be volunteers covering the office during the mornings. Beginning June 9 through August 28, the summer office hours will be:
M and W 9-2 and T and Th 9-12, closed on Fridays. Staff may be available in the afternoons by appointment.
Join us in the Chapel on Sunday mornings from 9-9:45am through June 8 for “Breakfast with Leadership”. Dave and other leaders will be discussing Faith, Culture and the Church, and how our Vision and Mission are relevant in an ever-changing world. Bring your questions and join the conversation!
If you’re interested in becoming a member at LvCC, 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!
June 2 Rex Davis 91
June 7 George Hext 96
June 10 Bob Guide 92
June 13 Sondra Bates 91
June 14 Lois Brudi-Conrod 94
June 19 Cec Conner 92
APRIL FINANCIALS
YTD CONTRIBUTIONS: $ 138,175
YTD OTHER INCOME $ 5,293
YTD EXPENSE: $ 189,209
YTD NET INCOME: – $ 45,742