If you prefer to print the newsletter, you may download it here: Printable July 2026 . Here is also a printable calendar: 07 2026 Calendar
pastor’s perspective
“Hungry for god”
By Dave Hendrickson, Lead Pastor
What would you do if you made reservations at a nice restaurant, got dressed up, sat down at the table, looked over the menu, ordered your meal, paid the bill—and then the meal never came? Would the experience satisfy you?
You might still be able to talk about the ambiance, the politeness of the waiter, the beauty of the room, the impressive menu, the cost of the meal, and the good company around the table. But if the food never came, how would you feel? What would you think?
I wonder how often we do something similar in the Church. Over the past few months, the leadership at LvCC has shared how we intend to do life together as a community. The illustration we’ve used is of three streams. The Worship stream turns our hearts upward toward the Lord. The Discipleship stream is where community, pastoral care, and shared life are centered on Christ. And the Mission stream releases us outward to share the love, grace, and truth of Jesus in our community, workplaces, schools, and neighborhoods.
These streams are good. They help give shape and movement to our life together. But we must remember: the streams are not the source. Christ is the source.
The point of worship is not merely to have a meaningful service, sing familiar songs, or sit in a beautiful sanctuary. The point of worship is communion with the living God. Jesus says the Father is seeking worshipers who worship “in spirit and truth” (John 4:23–24). Worship is the stream that turns our hearts toward God, but the goal is to know and experience God Himself.
The point of discipleship and community is not simply to attend a group, enjoy fellowship, or gain more Bible information. Those are gifts, but the goal is to know Christ and be formed by Him together. Jesus says, “This is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent” (John 17:3). Our life together is meant to deepen our hunger for God, not replace it. The point of mission is not merely to keep programs going, serve the community, or invite people into church activity. The point is that others would “taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34:8). We go out because Christ has satisfied us, and we want others to know and experience the goodness of the Bread of Life.
Through worship, prayer, scripture, communion, repentance, service, Sabbath, and life together in community, we create space to know the love of the Father, the grace of the Son, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.
But those rhythms only become life-giving if we actually want the relationship to grow. We do not drift into deeper love. We hunger, we seek, we come, we taste, and by God’s grace, we find ourselves wanting more.
A.W. Tozer once warned, “The man is ‘saved,’ but he is not hungry nor thirsty after God…he is specifically taught to be satisfied and is encouraged to be content with little.”
That line should make us pause. Is it possible to be around the things of God, but not hunger for God? Is it possible to enjoy the menu, the room, the people, and the programs, but miss the meal?
Let us not find ourselves, as Tozer says, “God’s children starving while actually seated at the Father’s table.” Jesus says, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger” (John 6:35). So let us not miss the meal.
Let our worship lead us to the Father. Let our discipleship draw us deeper into life with Christ and one another. Let our mission send us out by the power of the Holy Spirit. But in all of it, let us come hungry for God.
The invitation of Jesus is not simply, “Come to church.” His invitation is, “Come to me.” And when we truly taste and experience His goodness, we will want to come back for more.
MEN’S RETREAT 2026: BAND OF BROTHERS
By Caleb Strom, Discipleship and Community Life Pastor
There is something powerful about walking through life alongside other godly men.
This September 18–20, the men of Longview Community Church are invited to gather for our annual Men’s Retreat as we explore this year’s theme: Band of Brothers.
Throughout Scripture, we see that God never intended for men to follow Him alone. We were created to encourage one another, challenge one another, carry one another’s burdens, and stand shoulder-to-shoulder in faith. In a world that often pushes men toward isolation, the church offers something different, a community of brothers who are committed to following Christ together.
Our Men’s Retreat will be a weekend filled with biblical teaching, meaningful conversations, worship, fellowship, great food, and opportunities to deepen relationships with other men from our church family. Whether you’ve attended every retreat we’ve hosted or this would be your first time joining us, this weekend is designed to help you grow in your faith and strengthen your connection with other men who are pursuing Christ.
At Longview Community Church, we want to be men who are empowered by Christ, equipped for the works of service, and sent into mission. Retreat weekends like this help create space to hear from God, encourage one another, and return home renewed for the work He has called us to.
Mark your calendars for September 18–20 and begin making plans to join us at Trout Creek Bible Camp. More details and registration information will be available soon.
elder meeting highlights
The Elders began the June 16 meeting by discussing a podcast, “Boomers Can’t Save Us Forever: The Hard Truth About Church Demographics”. They recognized that our congregation reflects what was described and the points made were not surprising based on demographics. Questions asked and discussed included:
- What emotions does this conversation about church demographics stir in you: concern, grief, urgency, hope, defensiveness, resolve, or something else?
- What part of this topic feels most uncomfortable or difficult for us to name honestly as Elders?
- When you think about LvCC 10–20 years from now, what do you hope will still be true of us?
- How do we honor and steward the wisdom of Boomers and older members while also making real room for younger leaders, families, singles, youth, and new believers to shape the future of LvCC?
- What specific decisions should the Elders begin making now so LvCC is not surprised later by attendance, giving, leadership, facility, or ministry sustainability challenges?
Treasurer Jaime Boaglio explained that May Net Income was -$18,000; May 2025 was very similar, although 2026 was slightly more. YTD Income is -$62,000.
Jay Holland shared an update on Capital Projects-The gutter repair and flat roof sealing will happen in July; Chapel re-piping will cost less than expected and will begin next week, although gutter repair will cost more than expected. Dave shared that there is a team working on researching, purchasing and installing security cameras around the property here and at 20th & Beech. Jay commented that most Properties expenses are staying in line with the budget.
Ben West shared that at the last Missions meeting Joelle Durben shared about her ministry in Thailand and will be sharing more on Sunday.
The 20th & Beech Renaming poll originally had 49 responses, The Gathering Place had 31 (63%); Beech Street Commons had 16 (32%), and Neighborhood Commons had 2 (4%), although ultimately there were 65 responses with roughly the same distribution of votes.
Dave has been using ChatGPT to update the logo and has sent it to Diana Boaglio for more input; the intent is to use it on signage not only at the main church, but 20th, Sylvan Lodge, Tree Farm and even community groups to provide continuity and recognizable “branding” throughout the community.
Dave received a request about LvCC providing a location for a children’s grief class offered through Hospice twice a month. Rob Buckingham mentioned that this could be a good service to provide even for our own congregation. The Elders agreed with Dave pursuing more information.
The next Elders business meeting will be on July 21 at 5pm.
marriage retreat
Save the Dates: Jan 29-31, 2027, Cannon Beach Conference Center
We’re thrilled to share that reservations are now secured for the 2027 marriage retreat, hosted again at the beautiful and historic Beachfront property of the Cannon Beach Conference Center. Couples will enjoy comfortable lodging, three delicious meals, worship, and a thoughtfully designed program—along with plenty of free time to relax, explore, and connect with one another. The event starts Friday evening and ends with morning worship and communion on Sunday.
More details and registration information will be coming in the Fall.
While our core leadership team is already in place, we warmly welcome additional hands and hearts. If you’re interested in helping with planning, fundraising, hospitality, music, speaker connections, or would like to contribute to the scholarship/childcare fund to make the retreat more accessible—especially for newer couples—please contact Patty in the main office as soon as possible, or Steve Meharg at stevemeharg@gmail.com.
mission of the month: you!
By Caleb Strom
When we hear the word “missionary,” many of us picture someone serving in another country, learning a new language, and sharing the gospel in places where Christ is not yet known. While we celebrate and support those who are called to that work, Scripture reminds us that every follower of Jesus has been sent on mission.
This month, our Mission of the Month is you.
God has uniquely placed each of us in neighborhoods, workplaces, schools, families, and communities where we have opportunities to represent Christ every single day. You may never stand behind a pulpit or travel across the world, but you have been entrusted with something just as significant: living as an ambassador for Jesus right where He has planted you.
Sharing the gospel is certainly about the words we speak, but it is also about the lives we live. People notice our patience when circumstances are difficult. They experience Christ’s love through our generosity, compassion, forgiveness, and humility. Our conduct often gives credibility to the message we proclaim.
Jesus calls us to be the light of the world, not simply inside the walls of the church, but wherever we go throughout the week. Every conversation, every act of kindness, every opportunity to serve, and every moment we choose to reflect Christ becomes a testimony to the transforming power of the gospel.
As a church, we have the privilege of supporting missionaries around the world, but we also have the privilege of sending one another into our own mission fields every Sunday morning. When our worship service ends, our mission continues.
This month, I want to encourage you to pray each day, “Lord, help me see the people You’ve placed in front of me today. Give me the courage to love well, to serve faithfully, and to speak about You when the opportunity comes.”
You don’t have to travel across the globe to be a missionary. God has already placed you exactly where He wants you to be.
Let’s be a church that is empowered by Christ, equipped for the works of service, and faithfully sent into mission, one conversation, one act of love, and one faithful day at a time.
fish update
By Caleb Strom, FISH Coordinator
Thank you all for the Chili donations for our May FISH week! We are incredibly grateful for your support and partnership to provide food for those who need it. For our July FISH week, we are looking to collect 125 boxes of cereal to hand out. We prefer to give “healthier” cereal options when available, so we would appreciate it if you avoided what we call “sugar bomb” cereals. We would also appreciate it if you avoid the big bags of cereal and donate a standard “box” of cereal. You can bring donations either to the FISH boxes in the main office, kitchen, and sanctuary or bring them in to the church office and we will get them to our inventory.
this and that
Mark your calendar for the Women’s Bunco Night on Friday, July 24 from 6:30-9pm in the Youth Room! Please bring either a snack or dessert to share. Use the form in the Church Center app or call the Church office at 360-423-6380 to sign up!
Come watch the Go Fourth parade on July 4 along Washington Way from 8am to Noon and help us greet our neighbors and hand out bottled water and otter pops! There will be a bouncy house, bubbles and sidewalk chalk for kids so bring the whole family!
There will be a Marriage Retreat at the Cannon Beach Conference Center on Jan 29-31, 2027. More details and registration information will be provided in the fall, but save the dates on your calendar today!
The Family Camp will be August 6-8 at Lewis and Clark State Park just north of Toledo. The campsites have all been reserved, but everyone is welcome to come up for the afternoon and evening on Friday, Aug 7 for dinner and fellowship! Details are still being confirmed, but there will be a potluck (main dish provided), a campfire with s’mores, and possibly a softball game. Please bring a salad, side dish or dessert to share. Use this form Family Camp Potluck Sign Up or call the Church Office if you will be joining us on Friday to help us know how much food to provide. Parking is limited, so carpooling is encouraged. Also, drivers will need to either have a Discover Pass or purchase a $10 day pass (cash or check only) at the campground for parking.
There will be a Celebration of Life for Don Armstrong in the Sanctuary on Saturday, July 18 at 1pm.
Volunteers are needed to help with the FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) All-Abilities Camp on Aug 15 that is from 9:30am-12:30pm at Kelso High School (volunteers arrive at 8am). The camp is designed to provide modified sports experiences to All-Abilities campers with a focus on valuing every athlete the way Jesus does. See the display in the Lobby to register to be a camper buddy, sports station helper or floater. Volunteers must attend one of two required trainings on either August 6 or 11 from 6-7pm at New Horizons Church. Contact Israel Rutherford at irutherford@fca.org with questions.
Refresh and reflect at the July 11 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. 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 by July 8 at (360) 636-3771 to reserve your spot or for more information.
There will be a Men’s Breakfast on July 18 from 7-9am in the Fellowship Hall. This is a regular event on the 3rd Saturday of the month. 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!
Jul 1 Dorothy Walker 92
Jul 30 Millie Grocott 92
MAY FINANCIALS
YTD CONTRIBUTIONS: $161,173
YTD OTHER INCOME $119,084
YTD EXPENSE: $242,587
YTD NET INCOME: $ 37,669
(Without $100,000 special donation and $15,000 Trustee donation, the YTD Net Income would be -$77,330)