If you prefer to print the newsletter, you may download it here: Printable August 2025 Here is also a printable August calendar: 08 2025 Calendar
elder’s perspective
By Leslie Wolff, Elder
My husband, Dave, and I have recently completed a total home reflooring project. This required us to empty the house of all the furniture, shelves, and anything else touching the floor. The dust from the demolition of tile, linoleum, and 20-year-old carpet was everywhere, resulting in the need for extensive cleaning prior to moving everything back into the house.
This seemed like an ideal time to sort and purge the things that we have collected over many years. However, Dave and I had quite different ideas about our approach to all these tasks. One of us wanted to sort and purge things both on the way out and then on the way in, cleaning everything before putting items back in the house. The other wanted to get things out of the house and back into the house again, as soon and efficiently as possible. We had to sit down and discuss the approach and respect each other’s needs, feelings, and attachments to different items that were being purged. This entire process created stress and frustration, especially since we have many other commitments that we were trying to work around.
I found myself reflecting on the similarities between this situation and all the changes that LvCC has been experiencing in recent years. It is hard to let go of things and traditions that hold strong memories and familiar routines. We were experiencing significant stress between the two of us. How much more have hundreds of members experienced between each other? While letting go of some of items that I have sentimental attachments to, I found myself having to remember that just because the items will be gone, I can hold the memories in my heart and mind. I am clearing out “stuff,” making way for a new chapter in our lives and this is the same for LvCC. But it is not without difficulties for each of us.
Romans 14 talks about stumbling blocks. We are not to pass judgement on one another or put any obstacles in each other’s way. Paul uses the analogy of those who eat meat and those who do not, but his point is that we need to be considerate of each other’s perspectives, memories, needs, etc., acting in love for one another as we go through this process of change to grow His kingdom. We are going to continue to have growing pains as we each let go of our sentimental attachments to the way things used to be. Hold onto the memories. Change does not erase them. As it says in verse 19, “So let us try as hard as we can to do what will bring peace. Let us do whatever will help each other grow stronger in faith.” (ERV)
community corner
By Caleb Strom, Discipleship and Community Life Pastor
You’re Invited: August 31st Fifth Sunday Potluck Lunch!
Longview Community Church is excited to invite you to our third Fifth Sunday Potluck Lunch of 2025 on Sunday, August 31st! After the 10:00am Testimony service, we will gather in the Fellowship Hall to enjoy food, fellowship, and fun. These potlucks are a wonderful way to connect with others and build deeper relationships within our church family.
August 31st Menu: Fried Chicken Feast: The church will provide fried chicken and dessert—bring your favorite summer side dish to share.
How It Works:
The church will provide the main dish (fried chicken) and dessert.
We ask that you bring a side dish—think potato salad, coleslaw, green beans, macaroni and cheese, or anything you love to make!
Please drop off your side dish in the Fellowship Hall prior to the service so it can be prepared and served smoothly.
This is a great time to invite a friend, neighbor, or someone new to the church. Let’s come hungry, share generously, and enjoy the joy 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
MEN’S RETREAT
The Men’s Retreat will be September 19-21 at Trout Creek Bible Camp in Corbett, Oregon! This retreat is for men in the church who are 18 years old and older. The theme this year is “Forged in Faith” and we will have large group sessions, breakout sessions led by men in our church, some “swag”, free time, and most importantly, fellowship with other men sharpening each other, as iron sharpens iron, and we are forged and molded into likeness in Christ. Registration opens August 1 using this form Men’s Retreat Registration, with Early Registration from August 1-17 for a reduced price of $200; from August 18-September 3, the cost will be $225. Partial scholarships are also available. In addition, the first twelve men to register and pay in full will receive an awesome laser-engraved 40-ounce metallic water bottle! Contact Caleb Strom at caleb@longviewcommunitychurch.org with questions. If you need help signing up, Patty or Caleb can assist.
elder meeting highlights
Jaime Boaglio reported that monthly contributions are starting to come up, although the YTD Income is -$80,195, but Expenses remain lower than budgeted. He also presented a proposed change to the Fiscal Management Policies and Procedures regarding money counters, changing the frequency of counting to twice per month and the number of counters needed to two, including the Bookkeeper, which the Elders approved.
Jay Holland shared a mid-year Properties report from Randy Sundberg. He also mentioned we received a $10,000 grant to help with the cost of the exterior painting project at 20th & Beech.
The Elders approved the slate for the Missions Team that consists of Patrick Allen-Leader, Ben West-Missionary Visit and Mission Education, Lorraine Little-Mission Opportunity and Resource, Israel Rutherford-Local Mission and Service Projects, and Jan Ferguson-National and International Mission and Service Projects. Two more people are still needed to be responsible for Records and Mission Communication.
Caleb Strom reported on the Worship Leader Internship with Jedediah Rutherford, some preaching schedule revisions, the upcoming Men’s Retreat and 5th Sunday potlucks.
this and that
There will be a Men’s Breakfast on Saturday, August 16 from 7-9am in the Fellowship Hall. Start your morning off with great food and fellowship!
The Prayer Retreat on August 9 at the home of Mary Ross has been cancelled. The next retreat is scheduled for September 13.
Looking for some good, clean fun on a Friday night? Then head over to the 20th & Beech Community Center on August 15 for Pure Light Karoke, hosted by the Little’s community group! They sing both Christian and secular music using Karafun. Lyrics and content are family-friendly, and children and teens are welcome! Door opens at 6:45pm.
The Blessing of the Backpacks will be during the service on August 24! Students, teachers, and administrators be sure to bring your backpack or bag and receive a blessing as you prepare for the new school year! There will be a bouncy house and activities after the service.
Don’t miss the SAM (Senior Adult Ministry) Picnic at Willow Grove on Thursday, August 14 from 12-3pm! Denny Boaglio and David deVidal will be leading the music! Chicken, beverages and table service will be provided, but please sign up before or after church to bring a salad, side or dessert.
At End of Life presentation at Canterbury Park in July, an informative brochure was distributed about planning a Celebration of Life Service at LvCC. Additional copies of the brochure are available in the Lobby and the Church Office.
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 several weeks. Stop by to get your photo taken or to get help signing up for the Directory.
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.
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.
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! There are no August over-90 birthdays in our database! Let us know if you know of anyone who should be included!
JUNE FINANCIALS
YTD CONTRIBUTIONS: $ 200,809
YTD OTHER INCOME $ 5,397
YTD EXPENSE: $ 286,401
YTD NET INCOME: -$ 80,195