If you prefer to print the newsletter, you may download it here: Printable July 2025 Here is also a printable July calendar: 07 2025 Calendar
pastor’s perspective
Location = mission (faith in action at lvcc)
By Dave Hendrickson, Lead Pastor
How many of you have ever sold or bought a house? I am sure many of you have. Whether buying or selling a house, what is the #1 determinant of the price? Location, Location, Location! Why am I talking about Location? No, it’s not because we’re thinking about selling the church. The Locations of Longview Community Church and the Community Center (20th and Beech) give LvCC a unique opportunity to really live out our mission “to share opportunities to experience the presence of God”.
On June 20th, Community Kids hosted a “Wild Night” at the Community Center. During the evening around 300 children, parents, grandparents, and neighbors from the Highlands and St. Helen’s neighborhoods came through to participate in our Family Fun Event. There was food, crafts, temporary tattoos, air powered rockets, a prayer tent, bubbles, Legos, and the big attraction, The Reptile Road Show!
Our vision is to be a church that is Empowered by Christ, Equips the Saints, and Seeks the Lost. As your church leaders, we believe that one of the most powerful ways to live out this mission and vision is by serving together, putting our faith into action in real, tangible ways that bless our community.
Therefore, we are excited to invite you to join us to link arms with church leadership and fellow members as we step outside the walls of our building and live the gospel through several other upcoming events.
4th of July Parade (8am – 12pm): The LvCC Mission Team will provide bouncy castles, cool water, and Otter Pops for all families that will be sitting along the parking of Washington Way anxiously awaiting the community parade to arrive. Come and help us be a “good neighbor” by welcoming and inviting our neighbors to join in the fun and activities at LvCC. Who knows, you might see someone you already know from the community.
Faith in Action Day/Family Fun Event July 20th (11:30pm – 3pm): The Mission Team is hosting LvCC missionary, Jon Banke as he shares with us his missionary adventures in Niger, Africa to the Fulani people. Donuts and pastries will be provided. After our time with Jon, we will then put our Faith into Action right here at the church. We will support the Community Kids Ministry as they offer their second of three summer Family Fun Events. The theme is Summer Splash Day.
There will be sign-up sheets at church for you to volunteer for a specific role or position during the Summer Splash Day. If none of those positions seem to fit with you, that’s ok. We need people who are willing to just say, “hi” and greet our neighbors. Being present is a way in which you can share your faith. A smiling face, an encouraging word, a point in the right direction for someone who is looking for something are all easy ways for us to be “good neighbors” to those who come!
There will be NO Sunday morning worship on July 20th.
When we serve together, we grow together. Faith in Action Day isn’t just about the work we do—it’s about being empowered by Christ to represent Him well, equipping one another with the confidence and compassion to serve, and seeking the lost through kindness that opens doors to spiritual conversations.
As leadership, we’re not asking you to serve alone—we’re inviting you to serve alongside us. This is a chance to be part of something larger than yourself, to meet needs, build relationships, and help others experience the presence of God in everyday moments.
Let’s make our faith visible. Let’s put our mission into motion.
Let’s live a Faith in Action.
community corner
welcome our new worship leader intern: Jedediah Rutherford
By Caleb Strom, Discipleship and Community Life Pastor
We are excited to introduce Jedidiah “Jed” Rutherford as our Worship Leader Intern for the months of July, August, and September. Jed will be stepping into a more integrated role on Sunday mornings as he interns under Pastor Caleb, working closely with him to shape and implement the Praise portion of our weekly worship services.
Jed brings with him a heart for worship, a growing passion for church leadership, and a desire to learn and serve in a hands-on environment. Throughout his internship, you’ll see Jed leading songs, coordinating with team members, and helping enhance the flow and focus of our worship gatherings. His role is not only musical—it’s deeply spiritual and collaborative.
In addition to his Sunday responsibilities, Jed will also be professionally assisting with the planning and implementation of this year’s Men’s Retreat. His creativity and servant-hearted attitude will be an asset as we prepare for this impactful weekend of fellowship, teaching, and renewal.
If you don’t already know Jed, be sure to say hello and introduce yourself! He’s eager to get to know our church family better and serve alongside us during this season. Please join us in welcoming him and praying for him as he grows in his calling and gifts.
Welcome to the team, Jed!
elder meeting highlights
At the July Elders business meeting, Jaime Boaglio shared that contributions were low, but at least expenses are in line. The YTD deficit is -$64,283. The disbursement from the General Fund of $66,000 was for painting at 20th & Beech, which was under the amount budgeted.
Jay Holland reported that the bell tower roof was completed last week. The Chapel stage remodel is finished thanks to Jonathan Thorsvik and children and Alan Lovelace and children!
Vote on Missions Policy and Procedures. Motion to approve the Missions Policy; there was a majority vote with no dissenting votes. Motion to approve the Missions Team Procedures; there was a majority vote with no dissenting votes.
Jay also informed the Elders that the Trustees awarded a scholarship to Ian Rutherford for the pursuit of a Master’s of Divinity Degree; the Elders supported this decision.
Pastor Dave shared with the Elders several summer community mission opportunities in which they may participate. These included the Family Fun Event at 20th & Beech on June 20, July 4 on the lawn, Faith in Action/Family Fun Summer Splash Day on July 20, Family Fun Western Night on August 1, and the Blessing of the Backpacks on August 24.
CityServe is dissolving, so they donated their podcast audio/visual equipment to LvCC. Dave wants to quickly find a place for it and a way to use it. Rufina, the CityServe technical producer, will help us set it up and use it. Dave hopes that other ministries or businesses in the community would be able to utilize the equipment also.
The next Elders business meeting is scheduled for July 17 at 5pm in the Fireside Room.
women’s news
By Patty Howland, Women’s Ministry Leader
Fifteen women recently enjoyed a weekend at the Women’s Retreat at Falls Creek Conference Center. They enjoyed good teaching, interesting crafts, fun games and many meaningful conversations with the other women there. Although there were a small number of women, it allowed for a more relaxed “family” feel for the group. One of the highlights was the “Random Connections” which randomly matched up women to then spend 30-45 minutes talking and getting to know each other on a deeper level. The women ended the weekend with an impactful communion service in the Chapel in the woods that was led by Lorraine Little. Thanks to Sharon Kuroda for providing photos! These and more will be posted on the Women’s Ministry page of our website.
youth news
By Matt Avalon, Interim Director of Youth and Young Adults
It’s officially summer – which means school is out and camp season is here! As I said last month, 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. While it is a crazy and full season, it is a season of so much growth in the lives of both the students and volunteers. Whether you are attending camp, have a kid attending, or know someone attending (i.e. me), we would love and appreciate your prayer for the month of July! I will be at camp July 5-25, so there are many days and over 400 kids that need prayed over. Will you join me in starting right now?
Also – here are some highlights of our annual Burger Bash at Lake Sacajawea! This is a city-wide youth event that has been going on for over 20 years, where youth gather together, eat, fellowship, play games and get to experience the presence of Jesus!
children’s ministry
By Sarah Fix, Director of Children’s Ministry
Wow-I always forget what a whirlwind the end of the school year and start of summer is! Such a big adjustment for our family, as I’m sure many can relate to. On June 20th we hosted our first family fun night of the summer at the Community Center down at 20th and Beech! It was such an awesome night! The weather forecast was up and down all week/all day which had me really trying to surrender that to the Lord, and the weather totally held out during the event with only a couple sprinkles; the SUN even came out! Fun worship music filled the air as Jaime and Diana welcomed families and gave tickets out for all the kids to get a free meal from the food truck! Parents and families enjoyed food under tables outside and inside while kids played at Bob Koenig’s Lego table or blasted rockets into the air with a huge stomp!
We had many wonderful volunteers (truly an AWESOME and supportive team) who made booth signs and helped kids and families at their tables- we had several reptile crafts, temporary tattoos, make-your-own pom-pom launchers, a gummy worm catching game, and others. The Reptile Roadshow was there as well, and families lined up to see reptiles and even get a snake around their neck at the photobooth! We fed about 190 kids, and I estimated we saw about 300 come and enjoy the evening! Lorraine and Karen prayed with about 10 people who voluntarily came to the prayer area asking for prayer. Many people commented they were very excited about having that building being used and were very thankful for the event!
A HUGE THANK YOU to all who participated, helped, decorated, ran a booth, set up tables and tents, etc! It was such a fulfilling night for me, personally, as I LOVE to see families making memories together, and actually living out faith and sharing the light and joy of Jesus that this world so desperately needs. We also handed out a flyer explaining what the heart is behind Family Fun Events, and all were invited to learn more about our church and/or to come back for the next one on July 20th! This Sunday we’ll be passing around a sign-up sheet to help in specific ways on July 20th for our Faith in Action Sunday. Please consider helping- you’ll be so glad you did! See you in July!
recent renovations
There have been several projects going on at 20th & Beech and at Washington Way. The roof of the bell tower was recently repaired and made water-tight. The property at 20th Beech had the exterior lead paint removed/remediated and then was painted. The stage and stairs in the Chapel were extended after the removal of the organ and piano, (which were donated to good homes!). New electrical boxes were installed in the stage, new carpet was laid, and the surrounding walls painted. Thanks to the Thorsvik and Lovelace families for their help with this project! Most recently, the back room of the library is being converted to a place to store and utilize the recently donated media equipment from CityServe. The front room of the library will be cleaned up and used as a cry room and place for parents to bring restless children during the worship service. In addition to comfortable seating and a play area, there will be a t.v. to allow for watching the online service.
this and that
Come watch the Go 4th Parade on July 4 along Washington Way in front of the church and help us greet our neighbors and hand out bottled water and otter pops! There will be a bouncy house, bubbles and sidewalk chalk for kids so bring the whole family!
Join us for Faith in Action on Sunday, July 20 from 11:30-3pm! Visiting missionary, Jon Banke, will be sharing about his ministry in Niger, Africa at 11:30 under the tent. After that will be the Summer Splash Day event for our community. There are many opportunities for you to help and a sign up sheet will be passed around during the worship service on July 6. There will be NO worship service on July 20, allowing us instead to minister together to our community and church family.
Are you in our online Church Directory? If so, do you have a current photo so others can put your name with a face? You may upload your own photo, or we will be taking photos in the Lobby before and after the service for the first couple of weeks in July. Stop by to get your photo taken or to get help signing up for the Directory.
During the months of July and August, children 1st grade and older will remain with their parents during the service. There are activity bags available in the Lobby. Childcare is available in the nursery for Kindergarten and younger. Parents of K and younger may drop their children off before the service or take them to the nursery at any time during the service.
There will be a Celebration of Life service for Pastor Jim Conrod here on Saturday, July 19 at 1pm, followed by a reception.
Summer Office Hours:
Mon and Wed 9-2
Tues and Thurs 9-12
Closed on Fridays
Staff may be available at other times by appointment.
FISH will be at LvCC the week of July 28 through August 1. Contact Peggy Reibe at 360-636-5097 for info about how you can help.
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!
July 1 Dorothy Walker 91
July 23 Dan Gallagher 93
July 30 Millie Grocott 91
MAY FINANCIALS
YTD CONTRIBUTIONS: $ 164,051
YTD OTHER INCOME $ 5,348
YTD EXPENSE: $ 233,683
YTD NET INCOME: -$ 64,283
The following was shared by one of the women attending the recent Women’s Retreat:
“And God Said No”
I asked God to take away my pride. God said, No, it is not for me to take away, but for you to give it up. I asked God to make my handicapped child whole. God said, No, his spirit is whole, his body is only temporary. I asked God to grant me patience. God said, No, patience is a byproduct of tribulations; it isn’t granted, it is learned. I asked God to give me happiness. God said, No, I give you blessings; happiness is up to you. I asked God to spare me pain. God said, No, suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me. I asked God to make my spirit grow. God said, No, you must grow on your own, but I will prune you to make you fruitful. I asked God for all things that I might enjoy life. God said, No, I will give you life, so that you may enjoy all things. I asked God to help me LOVE others, as much as He loves me. God said…Ahhh, finally you have the idea! By Claudia Minden Weisz