If you prefer to print the newsletter, you may download it here: Printable October 2025 . Here is also a printable October calendar: 10 2025 Calendar
elder’s perspective
“god loves a cheerful giver”
By Jaime Boaglio, Elder Treasurer
Giving is one of the most beautiful ways we reflect the heart of God. Scripture reminds us, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). When we give generously, we are not simply meeting needs—we are worshiping God and demonstrating our trust in Him.
Generosity is not limited to money. While giving a portion of our earnings back to the Lord is an important act of worship, our calling goes much deeper. God asks us to give our time, our talents, and our service as well. “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace” (1 Peter 4:10). Whether it’s helping a neighbor, volunteering at church, or encouraging someone who is weary, every act of service is a form of giving.
When we tithe or give offerings, we acknowledge that everything we have belongs to God. “The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it” (Psalm 24:1). By returning a portion to Him, we are saying, “Lord, I trust You to provide for all my needs.” This is why giving is an act of faith. It’s not about the size of the gift, but about the heart behind it.
Jesus Himself reminded us of this in the story of the widow’s offering: “This poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on” (Luke 21:3–4). Her small gift, offered in faith, was more precious in God’s eyes than the larger amounts given without sacrifice.
As followers of Christ, we are invited to live with open hands. Giving is not a burden but a blessing. Proverbs 11:25 declares, “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” When we give cheerfully, God multiplies our joy and uses our offerings—whether time, talent, or treasure—to advance His kingdom.
So, let’s be a church family known for open hands and open hearts. Let’s give with joy, not obligation—whether it’s money, time, service, or simply kindness. When we give cheerfully, we reflect the heart of our generous God, the One who has given us everything—His Son, Jesus Christ.
community corner
By Caleb Strom, Discipleship and Community Life Pastor
The September Men’s Retreat was a great time! We had 16 men attend for the weekend as we “Forged our Faith”, learned what it meant to be “Built to Last”, and had opportunities to learn from different men from the church through several breakout sessions. We have the camp reserved next year for September 18-20, so mark your calendars! We had great fellowship, amazing food (thank you Rick and Steve), and opportunities to grow more in our faith and lean into what God has for us as men of faith. Check out some of the photos below of our squad and some of the delicious food!
fish report
By Shirley Edstedt, FISH Volunteer
Every FISH week at Community Church proves once again just how much of a servant’s heart our volunteers have! Beyond providing food and basic necessities, volunteers went above and beyond by providing rides and other assistance to our underserved neighbors.
As always FISH is in need of canned goods such as tuna, vegetables, chili, soups and condiments. Peanut butter, jelly and cereal are always welcome. Also TP, toothpaste, and even dog and cat food. Also volunteers too! For one day or even more. It is such a blessing to help our community in this important program.
And most importantly, FISH and the community we serve needs your prayers! We have a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate the love of our Lord in such a tangible way.
FISH facts for September
People served – 960
Total # of families – 243
elder meeting highlights
Because treasurer Jaime Boaglio was out of town, Dave brought the Financial Report. Member contributions for August were $38,737 plus an estate donation of $10,000. Property expenses were high because of annual elevator maintenance. There also was a large change in the gas bill budget plan payment. The YTD deficit is slightly more that $80,000.
Jay Holland reported there will be a Work Party on Oct 4 from 9-12. He also said the boiler would be activated on Sept 17. Leslie Wolff explained that the Parent Lounge project is moving ahead, although the carpet installation was delayed due to a back-order.
Ben West shared that the new Missions team met recently. They discussed the new forms that will be used to process mission support requests. It will help the team to see trends of how funds are being used. They will be reinstating a Mission of the Month beginning in 2026, focusing on needs of specific missions to provide information and feedback to the congregation. Ben will be putting up a calendar in the Lobby for the congregation to participate in Octoburger.
Dave informed the Elders that Caleb Strom will be on paternity leave for the month of October.
Dave shared some plans from the Staff regarding holiday events. The congregational Thanksgiving dinner will be the 5th Sunday meal in November, which is also the 1st week of Advent. Rather than having the four weeks of Advent activities prior to worship, we are considering having a 2nd Sunday evening carol sing, with the 3rd week being the SW Symphony concerts, and Lessons and Carols will be the 4th Sunday.
The next Elders business meeting is scheduled for October 21 at 5pm.
kids news
By Sarah Fix, Director of Children’s Ministry
Happy fall! I can’t believe how fast time is moving. I hope everyone is staying healthy and enjoying the season of routine!
Community Kids is off to a great start. I have taught class the past couple weeks just to help things get stared and to help train volunteers with a new curriculum and I have been really enjoying it! We are using LIFT curriculum, and I love how easy and fun it is, yet it conquers talking about deep biblical concepts in a kid-friendly way. Each week, in whatever the lesson is, it always ends by pointing back to Jesus. This month, we’re learning about Job and it has been SO fitting for the world we are living in. This past week I was so encouraged by the questions the kids were asking and the engagement they showed. Our memory verse is John 16:33, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” It’s been playing in my head over the events of the past couple weeks and I pray it will be a reminder playing in your children’s minds as well!
You are invited to a family-get-together this Friday in Bob Koenig’s backyard-awesome play structures, trampoline, and a zipline! We had a blast last year and want to do this again- come join Oct 3 from 5-7:30pm. Hot dogs, chips and fruit/veggies will be provided. Parents are invited to come and fellowship but drop off is available for older kids- just please contact me about this first. We will host our annual pumpkin carving party on Sunday, Oct 12 from 4:30-6:30pm in the fellowship hall. This is for all ages—please join if you want to carve a pumpkin with friends! Pizza will be provided so please let me know if you will be able to attend. Also, don’t forget to save the date for Trunk-or-Treat on Oct 3! Please get in contact with me or any of the staff if your family would like to host a trunk.
Finally, if you are available to help with Community Kids once a month, please let me know! We need more volunteers, and I work hard to make this as simple as possible so our whole church family can grow and be great stewards of the amazing gift we’ve been given through our children. Thank you!
this and that
The women are having a Women’s Movie Night on Friday, Oct 3 from 6:30-9pm in the Youth Room. We will be watching “Moms’ Night Out”. There is no charge, but feel free to bring your favorite snack to share! Popcorn will be provided.
The women of the church are invited to an informal baby shower in the new Parent Lounge after church on October 5 for Ella and Matt Avalon as they anticipate the arrival of Miles in November! Stop by for a cupcake and to share a favorite verse or words of wisdom in a memory book. If you would like to bring a gift, please bring it unwrapped before the service and place it on the display table provided. There will also be a box for cash or check gifts toward a couple larger items that are still needed.
Everyone is invited to the Pizza and Pumpkin Carving Night on Sunday, Oct 12 in the Fellowship Hall from 4:30-6:30 pm! Contact Sarah Fix at sarah@longviewcommunitychurch.org if you plan to attend so she will know how much pizza to order.
We are again hosting Trunk or Treat on October 31 and we need LOTS of candy! Please bring donations of individually wrapped candy to the tubs in the Lobby or by the Church Office. Also, if you would like to decorate and host a trunk, please use this link to register your vehicele Trunk Host Registration, or contact Sarah Fix (see above) or the Church Office at 360-423-6380.
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. Meet in the Chapel Conference Room at 9 for donuts and work assignments!
Refresh and reflect at the Prayer Retreat for 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 exploring the presence of God, and how it makes a difference in our lives. Join us on Oct 11th 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.
It’s Octoburger! Fall is upon us, and that means Octoburger is here again. For each day of the month of October, we’re seeking volunteers to donate 5 lb (or more) of ground beef to Community House as they serve their residents. In the church lobby is an October calendar. Please take the sticky note for the day you wish to claim, and then bring your beef to Community House at 1107 Broadway St, Longview on or about the day you selected. Thank you for showing the love of God to a hungry world! Isaiah 58:10.
There is some aged apple wood available (great for barbecues!) for free at the Sylvan Lodge. Contact Lou Locke at 360-636-3772 for details or to make arrangements to pick it up (you haul away).
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.
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!
Oct 7 Clarence Blaine 93
AUGUST FINANCIALS
YTD CONTRIBUTIONS: $ 278,885
YTD OTHER INCOME $ 20,530
YTD EXPENSE: $ 379,818
YTD NET INCOME: -$ 80,403