If you prefer to print the newsletter, you may download it here: Printable November 2025 . Here is also a printable November calendar: 11 2025 Calendar
pastor’s perspective
“are you prepared?”
By Dave Hendrickson, Lead Pastor
As we enter the holiday season, one question seems to echo everywhere: “Are you prepared?”
Are you prepared for the holidays? Are you prepared to buy gifts, wrap them, and place them under the tree—anticipating the joy of the one who will receive them? Are you prepared to decorate your home, host family gatherings, and reconnect with friends you may not have seen for months?
Preparation fills our minds this time of year. But it’s not limited to the holidays. It’s a theme that touches nearly every stage of life.
Parents ask their children, “Are you prepared for college? For life on your own? For making wise decisions and living with the consequences?” Young couples ask, “Are we prepared for marriage? To live together, to share space, to put someone else before ourselves?”
(Philippians 2:3–4). New parents wonder, “Are we prepared to raise a child? To nurture, guide, and train them up in the way they should go?” (Proverbs 22:6).
As the years go by, the question shifts again: “Are we prepared for retirement? For a new season of life when the pace changes, when the schedule slows, and when we find ourselves asking—what now?”
Preparation is a constant part of the human life. Yet as we approach this special season of Advent, the question takes on a far deeper meaning.
Advent is not just about preparing for Christmas—the food, the decorations, or the giving of gifts. It is a season of the heart. A season that calls us to prepare for the coming of Christ—not as a baby in a manger, but as the King returning in glory (Revelation 19:11–16).
John the Baptist proclaimed, “Prepare the way of the Lord; make straight his paths” (Luke 3:4). His message wasn’t simply for those awaiting the first coming of Jesus—it still speaks to us today.
So let me ask: Are you prepared for Jesus to return?
We prepare for so many things—careers, marriages, holidays, and even retirement—but the most important preparation we can ever make is spiritual. Jesus said, “You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him” (Matthew 24:44).
One day, every one of us will stand before Him—whether through death or at His return (Romans 14:10–12). On that day, the answer to that question—“Am I prepared?”—will either fill us with hope, peace, love, and joy or with fear, uncertainty, and regret.
That’s the heart of the Gospel.
This Advent, my prayer for you is that you will not only celebrate the birth of Jesus but also look forward with confidence to His return. May you find hope in His promises (Jeremiah 29:11), peace through His presence (John 14:27), joy in His salvation (Luke 2:10–11), and love that never fails (1 Corinthians 13:8). And when you reflect on that timeless question—Are you prepared?—may your heart joyfully proclaim,
“Yes, Lord—I am prepared.”
elder meeting highlights
Jay Holland passed out prayer cards and the Elders prayed for those people.
Jaime Boaglio noted that expenses exceeded contributions. The YTD deficit is almost $90,000. This is partly due to several people still designating funds rather than giving to the General Fund, partly due to attrition from members moving or passing away. There is money in savings to cover it, but he’d prefer to not have to use that.
Jay reported that the Properties team responsibilities have been changed to Jay Holland Chair, Patty Howland Expense Tracking, Randy Sundberg Contract Liason and Bob Edstedt Work Party Coordinator. There were 19 people at the recent work party and several projects were accomplished. The Parent Lounge has been completed except for artwork on the walls. The Studio is still on hold due to another error with the carpet installation. If all goes as planned, more carpet will be installed Oct 29 and the studio equipment will be set up after that.
Ben West reported that the recent Missions meeting was spent mostly discussing the proposed budget. They will be changing the way funds are distributed. He shared that Patrick explained that the new vision is for Missions to be mission-driven. Rob Buckingham suggested that the new team have a “retreat” to develop goals and relationships.
Jaime distributed the 2026 Recommended Budget. He will be utilizing designated funds to help cover budgeted expenses and to make up the difference between expected contributions and expenses. He asked the Elders to pray about the proposed budget to be voted on at the November meeting. Rob also suggested considering if it supports the Vision and Mission of the church. Dave is pleased that the proposed budget has been balanced for the past couple of years.
Dave shared that Caleb introduced him to two men from “Rose of Sharon” who have been doing ministry at the HNA building, including a couple large outside concerts. They are interested in holding an inside event at 20th & Beech on Nov 15. They will be bringing in a group of Christian rappers for the concert, and Dave will give a message.
Dave also shared that Steve Meharg approached him months ago about closing the counseling center as of the end of 2025 due to more insurance-covered counseling opportunities being available and a subsequent decrease in need, along with a decrease in trained counselors.
The next Elders business meeting is scheduled for November 18 at 5pm.
advent/christmas 2025 events
Mark your calendar and join us for these events and special worship services!
Dec 5 6:30-7:30pm Christmas Carol Sing in the Sanctuary
Dec 13 7-9pm SWWA Symphony and Chorale Christmas Concert
Dec 14 3-5pm SWWA Symphony and Chorale Christmas Concert
Dec 19 5:30-7:30pm Community Kids Christmas Party
Dec 21 10am Lessons and Carols Service
Dec 24 4pm Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Be watching for more details about these events.
completed parent lounge
Thanks to the work of the Elders, Staff and several parents the new Parent Lounge is almost completed (only artwork remains to be procured)! The former Library was transformed into a lounge where parents may take restless toddlers or for nursing mothers to have a private place to nurse their baby. It includes a couple comfortable couches, recliner, tables, rocking chair, and a small table and quiet toys for children. There is also a large t.v. mounted on the wall where the worship service is live-streamed so parents don’t miss out on the service! If you haven’t seen it yet, please stop down after worship and check it out!
this and that
Don’t forget to “fall back” when Daylight Savings Time ends on Sunday, Nov 2!
There is a new donation-based exercise class taught by Elizabeth McMullan on Thursday mornings called “Fit for All Ages”! It meets in the Chapel basement from 11:15-11:45am and is geared for men and women 70 and older looking to work on balance and mobility.
Sign up by Nov 2 for the Women’s Holiday Craft Night on Friday, Nov 7 from 6:30-8:30pm! You will have the opportunity to create three different types of Christmas ornaments to keep for yourself or to give as gifts. Cost is $10 per person, which includes all supplies and dessert. This will be a fun fellowship time and a great opportunity to meet other women! Sign up with a credit/debit card using this link Holiday Crafts Registration or with cash or check in the Lobby after church.
Our facility will once again be used by local law enforcement for K-9 unit training on Wed Nov 12 from 2-8:30pm. The entire campus will be utilized, so please keep this in mind when planning meetings or other events.
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 Nov 8th 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.
Rose of Sharon Ministries will be hosting an event at 20th & Beech on Sat Nov 15 from 3-8pm. There will be a free spaghetti dinner followed by a concert featuring several Christian “rap” artists. Dave Hendrickson will be bringing the message. Pray for the impact of this event on the local Highlands and St Helens communities and feel free to drop by!
Mark you calendar on Nov 30 for the fourth 5th Sunday Potluck Lunch of 2025! This one will have a Thanksgiving theme. After the Testimony Service, we will gather in the Fellowship Hall to enjoy food, fellowship and and a Thanksgiving meal! This is a great way to connect with others and build deeper relationships with our church family. The church will provide turkey, stuffing, potatoes and gravy, and dessert. Please bring your favorite salad or side dish to share. Bring items to the kitchen prior to the service so they may be kept warm/cold and set out at the appropriate time.
Join the “Write Your Own Story” group that meets on Wednesdays from 11-12pm, usually in the Chapel Conference Room. What better treasure to pass on to your family than your remembrances of what happened “back in the day”. Contact Sharon Kuroda, 360-431-2097 or Clark Carroll, 360-442-0685 for more information.
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! We’re also always looking for friendly people to join our Welcome Team! 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!
Nov 1 Shirley James-Garcia 94
Nov 4 Dorothy Gevers-Wojtowych 99
SEPTEMBER FINANCIALS
YTD CONTRIBUTIONS: $ 317,526
YTD OTHER INCOME $ 20,577
YTD EXPENSE: $ 427,605
YTD NET INCOME: -$ 89,502