If you prefer to print the newsletter, you may download it here: Printable September 2025. Here is also a printable September calendar: 09 2025 Calendar
pastor’s perspective
“the book of ruth: from ruin to restoration”
By Dave Hendrickson, Lead Pastor
The Book of Ruth tells how God’s presence can be found in hardship. Beginning with famine and then loss (of three husbands), the story follows Naomi and her daughter-in-law Ruth. Even though she is a Gentile who is not from Israel, Ruth remains faithful and loyal to stay with Naomi as she moves back to Bethlehem. Ruth’s commitment to Naomi and faith in God creates opportunities for her to experience God’s presence in her life. As Ruth states, “For where you go I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God.” (Ruth 1:16-17)
Ruth meets Boaz, as she is out picking barley from one of Boaz’s fields. Boaz shows kindness and compassion towards Ruth, even though she is a stranger, by giving her extra provisions and offering to take care of her. As we learn through the story, Boaz and Ruth marry. It is through the lineage of Boaz and Ruth that Obed is born, “Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the Father of David the king” (Matthew 1:5-6). This lineage leads us to the ultimate redeemer, Jesus.
At Longview Community Church, our mission is to experience the presence of God, not just in worship, but in everyday life. And the Book of Ruth invites us to do just that: to recognize that God is present in our losses, in our faithfulness, in our waiting, and in our hope. He is not distant. He is with us, working through even the most ordinary circumstances to bring about extraordinary redemption.
As we begin our new sermon series, “From Ruin to Restoration,” we invite you to join us in reading and reflecting on this story. Together, we’ll explore how the same God who walked with Ruth and Naomi is still moving today: restoring families, renewing hope, and inviting us to experience His presence more deeply.
Whether you’re in a season of uncertainty, transition, or renewal, there is room for you in this story. Come join us as we discover how God brings restoration to our lives and how, through His presence, nothing is ever truly lost.
If you would like to read ahead, the Scripture passage for each week will be:
Sep 7 Ruth 1:1-5
Sep 14 Ruth 1:6-22
Sep 21 Ruth 2:1-13
Sep 28 Ruth 2:14-23
Oct 5 Ruth 3:1-11
Oct 12 Ruth 3:12-4:12
Oct 19 Ruth 4:13-17
Oct 26 Ruth 4:18-22
elder meeting highlights
At the August 16 Elder meeting, Jaime Boaglio reported that July was $2100 in the black. The YTD deficit has been reduced to -$78,000. Jaime also said that we continue to receive significant designated donations to FISH, in addition to what is received from Sylvan Lodge. A thank you was sent to the foundation providing the $10,000 grant for the painting project at 20th & Beech.
Leslie Wolff reported there was a meeting with some young families to discuss the use of the former library as a Parent Lounge. She shared they discussed what is going well with the current childcare situation, and what is needed, both by current families and new visiting families, in addition to budget, safety, and technology needs. Ideally the intent is to have the space ready for use by the end of September.
Jay Holland reported the kitchen refrigerator thermostat needed to be replaced at a cost of $800. We were told by the technician that the refrigerator will now probably last for a while.
Dave shared that the studio has been painted and all of the recording equipment is here, waiting to get everything set up. It is still to be determined how the equipment will be used, by the church and the community.
Ben West reported that there was a preliminary meeting with the new slate of Missions voting members, with Patrick Allen explaining the purpose and procedures of the new team. Moving forward, they plan to meet on the second week of the month in order to make decisions prior to the monthly Elders meeting. Some of the former team members expressed that they are still interested in being involved even though not as a voting member.
Jay explained there are still many people on the membership list. He proposed categorizing the remaining people, sending letters, making phone calls, or just keeping them as members. He, Jaime, and Leslie will go through the list to do this.
Jay asked the Elders to continue to review the originally submitted Bylaws, that were not adopted by the former Board of Directors, to see if there are any things they would like to see added or changed in the current Bylaws. Dave said any changes should be done by February 2026 to allow time for communication and discussion with the congregation prior to the Annual Meeting in May.
The Elders approved Alan Lovelace and Jim Mury as new Trustees. Crytal Allen will be the new chairperson.
SAM (Senior adult ministry) picnic
By Darlene Little, Past SAM Team President
The weather was perfect, the food was delicious, the music was grand (thank you Dennis), and those who came to the picnic on Thursday, August 14 at Willow Grove had a great time. This event was sponsored by the SAM team and this will be our last event. Thanks to all who attended and thanks to all who have been to our various functions over the years. It has been my pleasure to serve as President for several years. Thank you for the lovely potted plant, cards, and good wishes!
May the blessings of God surround you to keep you safe today
May the comfort of angels guide you and help you along the way
May the words of friends reassure you in kindness as they speak
May love, joy and laughter be with you every day of the week
(SAM photos courtesy of Sharon Kuroda)
youth news
By Matt Avalon, Interim Director of Youth and Young Adults
What a busy summer it has been! Thank you all for your prayers. We had over 400 middle schoolers from the area, as well as over 300 elementary and high schoolers attend camp and experience the presence of God at Dunes Bible Camp this July! This year our theme was thinking about the Kingdom of Heaven, and helping kids get their minds set on things eternal. Between the games, beach time, and (seemingly) endless snack food, what always strikes me the most is how our middle school students engage with the living God. I love getting the opportunity to talk and pray with these students in the midst of their curiosity and hunger for more. I cannot speak enough to the amazing work done in each of these students’ lives.
As the month of August has quickly come and gone, I ask for your prayers for our students this coming school year. This week was our first youth gathering of the year, as well as our first few days of the school year. We ask for prayers as students head back to school that they would find boldness to share their faith, and that they would experience the presence of God both in the church and with other believers in their schools this year.
children’s ministry
By Sarah Fix, Director of Children’s Ministry
Wow, I can’t believe the school year is here. I want to thank each and everyone of you who played a role in helping with family fun nights. Whether it was shopping for hundreds of hot dogs, setting up chairs and tables, planning games, serving food, preparing crafts, welcoming guests, decorating, and much more, I couldn’t have done it without you. It was so encouraging to see everyone come together to love on kids and families of our community and show the love of Jesus through our actions. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU! I pray that the seeds of joy, love and light through God’s people will continue to grow in the hearts and minds of those we touched.
As we begin a new season of Community Kids class (starting September 7th during the sermon and through the end of service), we are in need of volunteers to help our kids learn and grow in Jesus and His word. I am excited to be using a curriculum I think will be relevant to kids and help them to grow deeper in their faith wherever they’re starting from. We have a great core group of leaders and helpers who have been loving on our kids the past couple years in class—I would love to have you join! The commitment is small but the impact is great. Our kids need to hear the truth of the gospel and have examples from the family of God living in His kingdom! I truly believe we have those people in our community and would love to see it grow. Please contact me with any questions or interest in joining the rotation on Sunday mornings.
Save the date for a pumpkin carving party on Sunday evening, October the 19th! I will be praying for each of you kiddos who are starting school! Blessings on this year!
women’s news
By Patty Howland, Women’s Ministry Leader
Save the dates for these upcoming Women Together Events: Women’s Movie Night on Friday, Oct 3 from 6:30-9pm and Women’s Holiday Craft Night on Friday, Nov 7 from 6:30-8:30pm. More info about the events and registration will be coming later in September!
The Thursday Morning Women’s Bible Study will cover the beloved Book of Ruth, in a short, 6 week term. Each session begins with a half-hour video followed by book discussion. Facilitated by Valerie Stein, the first session will be held on October 9th from 9:30 to 11:30 (room TBD), with the final session on November 13th. This study by Dr. Sandra Richter, an expert in ancient Near-Eastern languages, is sure to hold fresh insights, Informed by her extensive Holy Lands archeological experience. Valerie will be ordering books through Dr. Richter’s publisher, “Seedbed.” They are $15 each and the deadline for ordering will be September 15th. See Valerie to pre-pay if you would like a book. (After September 15th, all books must be purchased on an individual basis. However, books purchased elsewhere may be older editions with slightly different page numbering or content than the version we will be purchasing directly from Seedbed).
swat training
On August 20 our entire facility was utilized for training by the Lower Columbia SWAT Team. The Lower Columbia SWAT Team is a regional tactical unit comprised of members from the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office, Longview Police Department, Kelso Police Department, and Castle Rock Police Department. Trevor Wolff, son of Dave and Leslie, is an officer with the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Department and suggested using LvCC for the training. Not only did it provide great training for the officers, but it also familiarized local law enforcement with our facility in the event of an emergency. We are always glad to have our facilities used as a resource to bless our community!
this and that
The Church Office will be closed on Monday, September 1 in observance of Labor Day.
Beginning September 2, the new permanent Office Hours will be:
9am to 1pm, Monday through Thursday
Closed on Friday
Staff members may be available at other times by appointment. Someone will usually be in the building between 9 and 4:30,(M-Th) but not necessarily near the front door. Phone calls will be forwarded to a cell phone, so you may still call the church between 9 and 4:30 (M-Th).
There will be a Fall Work Party on Saturday, Oct 4 from 9am-Noon. There are several outside and indoor projects and cleaning to be done, so your help taking care of our amazing facility would be greatly appreciated! Please join us for as long as you are able.
Do you have musical or technical abilities that you would like to use to serve the Lord? We would love to chat with you about possibly getting involved with serving on the worship or tech teams! Please contact Patty Howland in the Church Office for more information.
FISH Facts from July
In July we served:
Households 232
Seniors (over 55) 165
Adults (up to 54) 428
Kids 386
Total served 979
23 of the families served are homeless. The next FISH week is September 22-26. Donations of items are always welcome, especially toilet paper, chili and tuna. Please bring them to the FISH box located inside the front door by the office.
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 is $225. Partial scholarships are also available. Contact Caleb at caleb@longviewcommunitychurch.org with questions. PLEASE REGISTER BY SEPT 3RD using this link: Men’s Retreat Registration
Looking for some good, clean fun on a Friday night? Then head over to the 20th & Beech Community Center on September 26 (and every 4th Friday) for Pure Light Karaoke, 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.
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 you may stop by the Church Office to get your photo taken or to get help signing up for the Directory.
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!
Sept 11 Clara Ralph 94
JULY FINANCIALS
YTD CONTRIBUTIONS: $ 240,148
YTD OTHER INCOME $ 10,480
YTD EXPENSE: $ 328,633
YTD NET INCOME: -$ 78,004