If you prefer to print the newsletter, you may download it here: Printable January 2026 . Here is also a printable calendar: January 01 2026 Calendar
pastor’s perspective
“walk in the light with lvcc as we bring in the new year”
By Dave Hendrickson, Lead Pastor
As we enter 2026, I invite you to join us on Sunday mornings at 10:00 a.m. as we begin a new sermon series on 1 John entitled “Walk in the Light.”
The Apostle John’s first letter was written to early disciples living in a confusing and divided world, sound familiar? False teachings were spreading, fellowship was strained, and believers needed reassurance about what it truly meant to follow Jesus. Unlike the Apostle Paul, whose letters are often rich in theology and more “heady” in nature, John wrote from the heart of a spiritual father. His words are warm, direct, and deeply pastoral. John called believers back to the heart of the gospel: faith in Christ, lived out in truth and love.
At the center of 1 John is the proclamation, “God is light, and in him there is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5). John reminds the church that faith is not merely something we believe, it is something we walk. To walk in the light begins with a living relationship with the Lord through prayer, devotion, and obedience (1 John 2:3–6). This message assured the early church that their fellowship with God was not based on works or perfection, but on abiding in Christ and trusting in His faithful forgiveness.
John also emphasizes that true faith expresses itself through obedience and love. John connects knowing God with loving others: “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love” (1 John 4:8). For John, love is not sentimental or passive; it is active, sacrificial, and modeled after Christ Himself. Yet for “true” love to be expressed by a follower of Jesus, it must first flow from a wholehearted love for the Lord, loving Him with all our heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37).
Another theme in John’s letter is assurance. He writes, “that you may know that you have eternal life” (1 John 5:13). In a time of uncertainty, John wanted believers to be confident, not fearful. Eternal life is not only a future hope, but a present reality shaping how followers of Jesus live, serve, and bear witness in the world.
This message reflects the vision and mission of Longview Community Church: Empowered by Christ, Equip the Saints, Seek the Lost. Like the early disciples, we are empowered by Christ to walk in the light, relying on His grace rather than our own strength. As we equip the saints, John reminds us that spiritual maturity looks like obedience, truth, and love lived out in community. And as we seek the lost, we reflect the heart of a God who loved us first and invites all people into fellowship with Him.
As we begin this new year together, I invite you to take a step forward. Join us on Sunday mornings as we read God’s Word and share opportunities to experience the presence of God through worship, prayer, and community. Commit to walking in the light by being present, engaged, and open to how the Spirit is shaping your heart. Invite a friend, neighbor, or family member to join you, creating space for others to encounter God’s love and truth.
Ask the Lord where He may be calling you to deepen your prayer life, grow in obedience, or serve within the body of Christ. Let’s walk in the light together empowered by Christ, strengthened in community, and sharing opportunities for others to experience the presence of God in Longview and beyond as we enter 2026!
community corner
By Caleb Strom, Discipleship and Community Life Pastor
In 2026, we invite you to take part in a year-long Biblical Missions Bible Study centered on the book When Helping Hurts by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert. This once-a-month gathering will meet on the third Sunday of each month from 9:00–9:45 AM, offering a thoughtful, Scripture-based approach to understanding missions, compassion, and meaningful help.
Throughout the year, we’ll walk through When Helping Hurts alongside the Bible, exploring how good intentions can sometimes cause harm, and how God calls His people to serve others in ways that restore dignity, foster healthy relationships, and reflect the heart of Christ. Each session will connect key themes from the book to Scripture, practical examples, and discussion, helping us to truly consider how we engage in both local and global mission work.
This study is designed for anyone who wants to grow in wisdom and faithfulness when it comes to helping others, whether you’re actively involved in missions, community outreach, or simply desire a deeper understanding of biblical compassion. The monthly format allows space for reflection and practice between sessions, making this a sustainable and meaningful rhythm for the year.
Mark your calendar for the third Sunday of each month at 9:00 AM and plan to join us for this intentional journey in 2026. Come ready to learn, wrestle with Scripture, and be shaped into a church that serves with humility, love, and wisdom. We will meet in the Journey Room, and the study materials will be provided at no cost. Please let me (Pastor Caleb) know if you plan to attend so I can order materials for you.
We look forward to growing together as we seek to help in ways that truly heal.
mission of the month: Joseph and lynne with one ummah
We are grateful to highlight the faithful work of our missionary partners, Joseph and Lynn, and the ministry they helped form, One Ummah. Their calling has led them to serve in India, where they are walking alongside Muslim communities with compassion, respect, and a deep commitment to education and human dignity.
Through One Ummah, Joseph and Lynn work to address a significant educational gap faced by many Muslims whose formal learning often does not extend beyond religious instruction in the Qur’an. While honoring faith and culture, One Ummah seeks to provide broader educational opportunities, including literacy and critical thinking that help individuals and families thrive within their communities.
Education is a powerful tool for transformation. By expanding access to learning, One Ummah opens doors to greater economic stability, healthier communities, and new possibilities for future generations. Joseph and Lynn approach this work relationally, building trust, listening well, and serving in ways that reflect Christ’s love through humility and presence. Through this work and the relationships they have formed, they can be a witness for Christ to the heavily Muslim population.
Please continue to pray for Joseph and Lynn, for wisdom, protection, and fruitful relationships, and for the students and communities they serve. Also, be praying for their new son and third child, Ayan, who was born this past December! We also thanks for the ways God is using education to bring hope and opportunity in India.
We are honored to partner with Joseph and Lynn and to support the mission of One Ummah as they faithfully serve where God has called them.
elder meeting highlights
The Elders spent time praying for the prayer cards from Prayer Sunday, followed by devotions based on John 1:1-5 and 9-14.
Jaime Boaglio distributed a proposed balanced budget for 2026 which was approved.
Jay Holland reported that the Chapel basement flooded in October due to a plugged sump pump. Weatherguard fixed the immediate issue and proposed an upgrade with a second pump and larger pipes. Also, Church Mutual is requiring the replacement of four electrical panels in order to renew our property insurance policy. Other Properties updates include work that is underway for the stage transition between flooring and walls, Vern Palmrose completed an electrical inspection form for 20th and Beech, and Jonathan Thorsvik removed moss from a portion of the roof.
After meeting with potential members, Jaime and Karen recommended Ron Wentz for membership and Rob and Jay recommended Rob Levy for membership. Both were approved.
Dave reported that the Rose of Sharon event at the community center went well. Attendance was estimated at 40-50, including adults, youth and children from the Highlands neighborhood and other churches. The Rose of Sharon team was very thankful for the use of the facility and cleaned up thoroughly afterward. A debrief meeting will be held with the organizers to discuss the event and future plans.
The next meeting is scheduled for January 20 at 5pm in the Fireside Room.
fish report
By Shirley Edstedt, FISH Volunteer
During Thanksgiving week FISH at LvCC served:
191 families comprised of
477 adults and 295
That breaks down to 64 families daily or 159 adults, 98 children
Every day was a record-breaking day. FISH is always looking for volunteers to help in many different ways. And as always, PRAY for donations, the volunteers and those who are recipients of FISH help.
The next FISH week will be January 26-30.
Celebrating New FISH Leadership—Effective February 1, 2026
We’re excited to share some wonderful news about the FISH mission. Beginning in February, several team members will be stepping into new leadership roles.
- Caleb Strom—FISH Chair
- Sara Clark—Purchasing
- Jeff Inman—Operations
- Norm Krehbiel—Materials Handling
We’re grateful for their dedication and thrilled to see the energy and expertise they’ll bring to these positions!
youth news
“new beginnings”
By Matt Avalon, Interim Director of Youth and Yound Adults
As many of you know, Ella and I welcomed our son at the beginning of November, a few weeks early. While I may be biased, I have to say that he is the greatest thing to ever happen. The past few months we have been enjoying getting to know our son, and relaxing from our otherwise busy work lives. With this new development, God has made it explicitly clear to me that it is time for me to transition away from youth ministry to have more time at home. While I will miss spending time with our youth, I know that God will continue to work great things in the lives of our youth as Israel takes over – and I could not be more excited to leave this ministry in his leadership. And – I am not going anywhere! I look forward to still seeing everyone around the church on Sundays, and whatever service God calls Ella and me to next.
Continue to lift up our youth in prayer with me.
By Israel Rutherford, Director of Youth
Hello everyone! My name is Israel Rutherford, and I’m excited to announce that I will be stepping into the role of Youth Pastor here at Longview Community Church. As many of you know, I also serve with Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). FCA’s mission is to lead every coach and athlete into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church and friends, that is truly my heart as well.
My passion is to build meaningful relationships with students and athletes and to help point them back to the Church. I love that this also allows students to see a familiar face when they walk into youth group, making church feel more welcoming and like home. All that to say, I am incredibly excited and honored to step into this role and to serve the youth of our church and our city in the best way possible. Thank you so much for the opportunity and for your support. I can’t wait to see what God is going to do!
women’s news
New River Sisters Community Group: Come to the River to Pray (Acts 16:13)
In the early church, the river was often a place where women would gather, to talk, to work and to pray. This community group will be a place for women who are seeking to develop the mind of Christ to gather, to learn God’s Word, and to pray. Together we will use scripture-prayer to allow God to fill our minds with His thoughts instead of our own. We will seek the Holy Spirit to breakdown strongholds that inhibit our daily walk with Christ. Through friendship, fellowship, the word and prayer we will strive together to become more like Jesus.
Our focus will be to:
Enjoy friendship and fellowship with each other
Read the scriptures, God’s Word
Pray through the scriptures, pray using God’s Word
Pray for each other, our families, and our communities
Group Leader: Lorraine Little
Meetings will be held on the first and third Thursdays, from 6:00-7:30 at Longview Community Church in the Journey Room next to the fellowship hall. Enter through the back parking lot basement entrance.
Schedule:
February 5th, 19th
March 5th, 19th
April 2nd, 16th
May 7th, 21st
June 4th, 18th
You may request to join the Group using the Church Center app, or contact Lorraine at lorrlittle20@gmail.com for more information.
women’s bible study
There will be a new Thursday Women’s Bible Study beginning on Jan 8! The 8-week study will be using “Deborah-Unlikely Heroes and The Book of Judges” by Dr. Sandra Richter. The group will meet on Thursdays from 9:30-11:30am at our 20th & Beech Community Center location (416 20th Ave). This will allow for nearby parking and only a few steps to the entrance with a ramp inside, and kitchen and restrooms located on the same floor. This location will better accommodate those with mobility concerns. Please purchase your book prior to the session or let Valerie know if you would like her to order the book for you. Contact facilitator Valerie Stein at 541-972-0147 or sandvstein@gmail.com for more information.
this and that
Dear Church Family…
Thank you to our church family for the love and prayers for Dan following his recent stroke. He is working to recover his speech. Gratefully, he had no physical impairment. Please continue prayers as he receives speech therapy. ~The Gallagher Family
There will be a Men’s Pancake Breakfast on Jan 17 from 7-9am. This is a regular event on the 3rd Saturday of the month. Start your morning with pancakes and fellowship!
Save the date! On Sunday, Jan 25, there will be a Lay Counselor Recognition during and after the service, honoring those who served over many years as part of the Lay Counseling Center.
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 continue exploring the presence of God by focusing on the peace God provides us. The retreat will be on Jan 10 at the home of Mary Ross at 395 Mill Creek Rd. It starts at 9:30am and ends following a short, casual lunch at 12:30pm. Call Mary at 360-636-3771 to reserve your spot or for more information.
There is a new prayer-focused community group for women called River Sisters beginning in February. Lorraine Little will be the leader. See the article in Women’s News for more details.
There will be a Memorial Service for Wally Knowles in the Chapel on Saturday, Jan 24 at 1pm.
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.
Looking for some good, clean fun on a Friday night? Then head over to the 20th & Beech Community Center on January 23 from 7-10pm for Pure Light Karaoke! 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.
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!
Jan 1 Odetta Yeager 94
Jan 10 Carolyn Feasey Kirkpatrick 93
Jan 15 Vera White 93
NOVEMBER FINANCIALS
YTD CONTRIBUTIONS: $ 411,241
YTD OTHER INCOME $ 39,671
YTD EXPENSE: $ 516,860
YTD NET INCOME: -$ 75,948