If you prefer to print the newsletter, you may download it here: Printable June 2026 . Here is also a printable calendar: 06 2026 Calendar
elder’s perspective
By Karen Pritchard, Elder
I cannot believe that a full year has passed since receiving the honor of my calling to be an Elder. In reflecting on that year and the previous 8 years of my living here, I felt moved to share with you what time has brought both in our church life and personally. I hope my recollections will reflect the faithfulness of our God.
At the time of my arrival at LvCC, the church was undergoing internal changes. Funny thing is change is happening all the time large and small but these were monumental changes for our church family. A pastor search was ongoing, changes to the by-laws became necessary, and a brilliant associate pastor took a position at another church. Later COVID became a very real part of our lives both personally and how we worshipped. In faith by-laws were modified, our Associate Pastor, Mary Ross was relieved of her faithful duty as our interim Pastor as a new Pastor, Dave Hendrickson became our Shepherd bringing with him his lovely wife and 3 beautiful sons. Some time passed and a building was purchased and is now becoming a community center. LvCC is growing both in congregational size (thanks to new members and new babies) and as we expand our outreach into a greater community presence.
My own journey during those same years brought monumental change to my life. My husband became physically challenged, we moved into a home to help take care of my mother-in-law who was progressively becoming more and more physically challenged. My alcoholic stepson moved into our home – making it truly a multi-generational family home. In 2022 my husband became ill with COVID and died, 6 months later my mother-in-law died and I sold our family home and moved. And now I am an Elder serving you.
So where was God in all of this and where is He now?
I confess it has been a challenge. But the Word tells us that God is trustworthy, consistent, unchanging and a promise keeper. He never leaves us or forsakes us and helps us carry all of our burdens. Our Scripture reminds us throughout the Old and New Testament of the assuredness of the promises. Starting in Genesis, and particularly in Deuteronomy 31:6 and throughout the Psalms into Lamentations and into the New Testament up through Revelation these promises are reiteraed. Day by day as I lean into these promises I am reminded to be faithful to Him, asking for help as changes and challenges appear. Our church family is a big factor in supporting me, as it supports one another, through all of life’s changes. For me the Widows Together Group and my community group have been invaluable. Prayer, study and play support me as I travel this road.
We are one in the Spirit and through leaning on and supporting one another we navigate what each day brings. God is good and He is good all of the time. Let me close with a hymn that came to me this morning.
Great is Thy faithfulness Oh God our Father. Morning by morning new mercies I see. All I have needed Thy Hand hath provided. Great is Thy faithfulness Lord unto me.
elder meeting highlights
At the May 19 meeting, the Elders prayed for LvCC leadership and the needs of the congregation and distributed prayer cards to be signed.
Jay Holland reported that there was a good turn out on Saturday for the work party. The entire property was edged, cleaning done, and removal of the stage in the Big Room. The shingles on 20th & Beech have been repaired. Randy Sundberg will be coordinating projects between contractors this summer to save some money by sharing a rented lift.
Ben West shared that at the last Missions meeting, Dan Durben reported about the cold weather shelter. They did a debrief on the meal with Ephraim and Joyce and also the upcoming mission trip to Uganda. We gave out all of the bottles for the Premiere Choice fundraiser and will be getting more. Ben shared that he enjoyed the recent Perspectives class that he attended, and will attend a training class in July for starting new Perspectives classes.
The Elders spent a large portion of the meeting debriefing the recent Elder Roundtables and Annual Meeting. The following is an AI-generated summary of their comments:
Roundtables
Recent roundtable discussions covered a wide range of topics and were generally viewed as a positive step toward building trust and improving communication within the church community. Participants noted that while some attendees were hesitant to openly share concerns or questions, the meetings still created valuable opportunities for dialogue.
Several suggestions focused on improving communication between leadership and the congregation through more frequent and informal gatherings. Monthly discussions were proposed as a way to encourage ongoing conversation and strengthen relationships, with the possibility of using existing open Sunday mornings on the calendar to make scheduling easier. It was also noted that more regular meetings could require less preparation than larger, Roundtable events.
There was broad agreement that continuing opportunities for open discussion would be beneficial and that communication efforts should remain approachable and relational in tone.
Annual Meeting
Discussion following the Annual Meeting highlighted both encouragement and areas needing continued conversation. Feedback indicated that, despite difficult topics, the meeting remained respectful and orderly, and many appreciated the overall procedures and tone.
At the same time, some attendees expressed confusion about meeting rules and concerns about the direction of certain proposed doctrinal wording changes. Leaders emphasized that the proposed changes were intended to more clearly reflect biblical teaching and address questions frequently raised by prospective new members, while others voiced concern about preserving the church’s historic sense of diversity and unity.
Additional comments stressed the importance of treating all feedback and concerns respectfully, maintaining careful communication when discussing changes, and continuing reconciliation efforts in a spirit of love and humility. It was also noted that most existing beliefs remained unchanged, though attention naturally focused on the few revisions being proposed. Overall, participants affirmed the importance of ongoing dialogue, grace toward differing viewpoints, and unity within the church community.
The next business meeting is scheduled for June 16 at 5pm in the Fireside Room.
fish highlights
By Caleb Strom, FISH Coordinator
Our FISH ministry has recently been “changing things up” a little, and we’ve already seen some meaningful opportunities come from it.
Instead of serving under the outdoor tent, guests are now walking through the Bell Tower entrance and down into the Fellowship Hall. While it may seem like a small change, it has created more natural moments for conversation, hospitality, and connection throughout the church building.
Several volunteers have already shared encouraging testimonies from these new interactions. One person mentioned, “I was able to see and talk to people that I didn’t get to before.” Another shared how a little girl wanted to see the “pretty paintings” in our sanctuary, which opened the door for volunteers to give her family a tour of our stained glass windows and the sanctuary space.
These moments remind us that ministry is often found in simple conversations and unexpected opportunities. By creating more “touch points” with people as they move through our church, we are finding better opportunities to share the presence of God, extend hospitality, and build genuine relationships with those in our community.
Thank you to everyone who continues to serve faithfully through FISH and help make Longview Community Church a welcoming place for all who walk through our doors.
mission of the month: kameel and rachel kilada (MEMO)
By Julie O’Connor, Missions Team
Kameel and Rachel Kilada represent Middle Eastern Missionary Organization (MEMO). It has been in existence for almost 40 years. Kameel established a Masters Degree Program with emphasis on missions and has translated ten Bible college courses into Arabic. This provides education for students in those countries where instructors aren’t available. Their whole mission is to equip nationals to do the work of ministry.
When in Egypt he preaches in various churches in the entire region. During his last trip he preached twice in the church where he became a Christian. When stateside they host Arabic-speaking immigrants for fellowship.
They are very grateful for our prayers and support. Prayer requests are:
1) Safe travel for Kameel June 23-July 28 while in Egypt. Pray for wisdom as he works with his team.
2) Pray for new pastors in his home church, David and Rania, for patience and wisdom as they build relationships with the neighborhood.
3) Pray for the Middle East that their suffering will be alleviated and they will have hope as many are turning to Jesus in Iran. May God be glorified through MEMO.
community kids
By Sarah Fix, Director of Children’s Ministry
Rainforest Falls Family Adventure Night Gift Basket Donations Needed!
As we prepare for Rainforest Falls: Family Adventure Nights, we’re looking for help creating several fun family gift baskets that will be given away through a raffle system on the last evening of the event!
These baskets are a simple but meaningful way to bless families in our community and create excitement throughout the weekend.
We’ll be putting together themed baskets such as:
• Family Game Night
• Movie Night
• Rainforest Explorer
• Sweet Treats & Snacks
Before buying, please stop by the display in the Lobby to sign up for specific items or baskets you’d like to help with. They will be items such as these below:
• Board games
• Family-friendly snacks/candy (movie theater style boxes)
• Small outdoor toys (bubbles, chalk, jump rope, etc)
• Blankets
• Flashlights/binoculars
• Gift cards (Sweet Spot, Dairy Queen, Walmart, Target, Movie Theater)
• Movie night items
• Fun jungle/rainforest-themed items
If you have an unused, in like-new condition Bible you’d like to donate as well, I’d love to include one in each basket.
Please have any donations returned to the office by June 18th.
Preschool through elementary Community Kids just finished our month series called “Full Battle Rattle” which refers to all of the armor and weaponry that a soldier wears and carries into action. As followers of Jesus, the Bible teaches us to suit up in the Full Armor of God. The kids learned about each piece of armor and how it relates to their own lives. Each lesson always points it back to Jesus and the hope of the Gospel!
Memory Verse: Ephesians 6:13a “Put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground.”
The kids played a race relay where they had to put on each “piece of armor”, run to the other side of the room and back, then take the armor off for the next team member to put on! Lots of excitement!
momco update
By Laura Powers, MomCo Coordinator
As stated in my newsletter article in April, my heart has been considering the future of MomCo (formerly MOPS). Renee Thorsvik, Mary Gronseth and I have had many conversations over the years brainstorming how to keep MomCo as a thriving mission
outreach of LvCC. For the last almost 50 years MOPS and MomCo have impacted 1000’s of mothers and their families in our community offering friendship, spiritual growth, learning, support, leadership opportunities, a safe place for their kids to be loved on by our volunteers and so much more.
Over the last 8 years it has been increasingly challenging to find moms who are willing and able to be in leadership. Simultaneously we have experienced a decline in attendance. In 2013 we had 6 full tables of moms coming to our Tuesday meetings. This year Tuesdays often struggled to fill one table. These small groups have been equally as meaningful and important, but it creates a challenge for the leadership team to plan and organize the meetings.
After prayerful consideration and purposeful discussions we feel it is time to pause our ministry of MomCo here at LvCC. We have several moms who will be continuing to meet as a playgroup and use our campus. LvCC leadership is very willing to continue to serve moms and, should the opportunity arise in the future to restart MomCo, we would love to do so.
In reviewing past documents and photos it is remarkable to remember the amount of people who have been involved with MomCo over the years. Please come and help us celebrate the ministry of MOPS/MomCo and honor the impact it has had for so many years at a special celebration on June 20th at 10am in the Fellowship Hall.
If you have past photos or know of someone that should be invited please let me know. Have you been a part of the leadership team, mentor mom, regular attendee, childcare volunteer, or attended as a child yourself? Please join us to celebrate!
this and that
Recognition Sunday will be on June 14. We will be honoring anyone with a “life event” since last June including graduates of pre-school, 2nd grade, 5th grade, Middle School, High School, College, and those who were married, had a first baby, or were retired. Please contact the Church Office to let us know if you qualify for any of these categories so we can be sure to recognize you!
There will be a Celebration of Life Service for Darlene Bradburn on Saturday, June 13 at 1pm in the Sanctuary, followed by a reception in the Fellowship Hall.
Family Adventure Nights will be held during the evenings of June 25-27 from 5:30-7:30pm at 20th and Beech! There will also be a Celebration during our regular 10am worship service at LvCC on Sunday June 28, with our congregation and everyone who attended the FAN. Please be in prayer for the leaders, volunteers and for the families who will be attending that they will truly experience the presence and love of God during this outreach event. You may also help by selecting an item to donate for the themed gift baskets that will be given away. See the display in the Lobby.
Our Middle School students will be attending the Dunes MS Camp #1 on July 5-9. You may register your child or grandchild on the Dunes website at dunesbiblecamp.com. The cost is $285 but scholarships are available through LvCC. Contact Israel Rutherford for more information at israel@longviewcommunitychurch.org.
Refresh and reflect at the June 13 Prayer Retreat. As a refresher from last month, Mary and Randy Sundberg will share ways we can use Lectio Divina to hear God. Mary and Randy will prepare scripture and steps to practice Lectio Divina during our personal time, and there will be a discussion time before lunch. Join us at Mary Ross’ home at 395 Mill Creek Rd. The retreat 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 will be a Men’s Breakfast on June 20 from 7-9am. This is a regular event on the 3rd Saturday of the month. This month the men will be meeting in the Chapel basement. Start your morning with food and fellowship.
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 know 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!
Jun 7 George Hext 97
Jun 10 Bob Guide 93
Jun 13 Sondra Bates 92
Jun 19 Cec Conner 93
APRIL FINANCIALS
YTD CONTRIBUTIONS: $131,874
YTD OTHER INCOME $119,029
YTD EXPENSE: $194,585
YTD NET INCOME: $ 56,318
(Without $100,000 special donation and $15,000 Trustee donation, the YTD Net Income would be -58,682)