If you prefer to print the newsletter, you may download it here: Printable September 2026 . Here is also a printable calendar: 09 2026 Calendar
pastor’s perspective
“7 year reflection”
By Dave Hendrickson, Lead Pastor
As I reflect on the past seven years of serving as Lead Pastor, two words continue to come to mind: seeking and faithfulness.
From my first meeting with the staff and Elders, I shared a verse I wanted us to live by as we led Longview Community Church. Jesus says in Matthew 6:33, “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
For LvCC to be fruitful for the Kingdom, one of our most important responsibilities as leaders has been to seek the Lord.
There will always be temptations to make other things primary—to balance budgets, create ministries, maintain buildings, solve problems, and keep everything moving. Those things matter, but they can never become the source of our confidence or the center of our leadership. Our priority needed to be, and continues to be, seeking the Lord.
We learned quickly that sometimes seeking the Lord was all we could do. As the Elders stepped into new responsibilities, and as I learned what it meant to serve as Lead Pastor, we needed the Lord’s wisdom to navigate significant transition. Then, less than a year later, the pandemic changed almost everything about how we gathered, worshiped, cared for one another, and led the church.
Seeking the Lord became not simply a leadership principle, but at times a daily and even hourly practice.
Again and again we were reminded of Proverbs 3:5–6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.”
And through it all, the Lord was faithful.
Through seasons of uncertainty, loss, difficult decisions, transition, and growth, God has continued to direct His church. As leadership has sought to listen, obey, and follow, the Lord has shown us how to faithfully follow Jesus in this generation while preparing LvCC for the generations that follow.
Seeking the Lord has also required us to ask difficult questions about worship, discipleship, mission, leadership, pastoral care, stewardship, and how our structures best serve what God is calling us to be. Those conversations have not always been easy. Transition rarely is. Sometimes we have had to loosen our grip on familiar ways of doing things so that we could more clearly ask, What is Jesus calling us to be?
Increasingly, we are understanding LvCC not simply as a place where people attend church, but as a community of disciples centered on Jesus. Jesus is the Source of everything we do.
Worship draws us toward God. Discipleship forms us together as followers of Jesus. Mission sends us outward to join God where He is already at work.
Jesus says in John 15:5, “Apart from me you can do nothing.” Our future does not depend primarily upon better programs, stronger personalities, strategies, or resources. It depends upon remaining connected to Christ and faithfully following where He leads.
There are still challenges ahead, but I am genuinely encouraged about our trajectory. I believe God has spent these years preparing the soil. Some things have been pruned. Other things have been planted. New shoots are beginning to emerge.
As we move forward, my prayer is not that LvCC would simply become busier, larger, or more successful. My prayer is that we would become increasingly faithful—more rooted in Scripture, more dependent upon the Holy Spirit, more deeply formed as disciples of Jesus, more loving toward one another, and more courageous in sharing the hope of Christ with our community.
elder meeting highlights
The Elders opened the August 18 meeting praying for the Prayer Sunday prayer cards.
Caleb Strom spent time teaching about the Spiritual Gift Assessment the Elders recently took. He read from 1 Corinthians 12 about the use of spiritual gifts. He explained that the assessment is the beginning step in assisting others to determine their gifts and how to use them. Caleb acknowledged that the lower-ranked gifts tend to be challenging areas for him. He challenged the Elders to consider how God is equipping them to help equip others (especially those with similar gifts to them). He noted that people can be highly gifted but spiritually immature. Others may be spiritually mature but not using their gifts. Walking alongside someone is important to also determining their spiritual maturity. All of the gifts are used for the betterment of the body. We need to help others develop their gifts and use them to serve, and to help equip others.
Jaime Boaglio shared that member contributions were about where they have been, and expenses are doing well. This year vs. last year member contributions and expenses for July were similar. Jaime also noted that approximately $33,000 have been received so far for the 100th Anniversary Campaign.
Jay Holland reported that all of the radiators have been recently cleaned, that the gutters were cleaned, and the gutters and turrets will be repaired next week. He also shared that we received a $10,000 grant from the Price Foundation to go towards the repairing of the gutters and turrets.
Ben West shared that the Missions team received several thank you notes from missionaries for the additional funds they received. Israel Rutherford gave an update about the All Abilities camp, and said that it went well. Ben has been looking into the Perspectives Classes and proposed using a similar schedule in 2027 to what Vancouver uses of 6 hours on the 3rd Saturday. He also suggested that the church provide ½ scholarship for any members and also provide for paper and making copies. The Elders agreed for the Missions team to move ahead with planning for the classes.
The regular portion of the meeting adjourned at 7:22pm. The Executive Session adjourned at 8:15pm per Laura Powers, Elder Secretary.
Lvcc Financial Status update
By the LvCC Elders
God Is Faithful!
From time to time, rumors and concerns circulate within any community. Recently, the Elders have heard concerns that Longview Community Church is in financial trouble or is close to running out of money. We want to clearly reassure you: LvCC is financially stable and remains in a viable position for ministry.
At this point in 2026, LvCC has received approximately $25,000 more than we have spent. A significant reason for this is that the church received two extraordinary, one-time gifts. We are tremendously grateful for this generosity and recognize these gifts should not be viewed as normal annual income.
At the same time, regular giving continues to be below what was projected in our annual budget. Without these extraordinary gifts, our expenses would currently be running ahead of regular giving. This is something the Finance Team and Elders are watching carefully, but it is not a financial crisis.
Historically, a significant portion of LvCC’s annual giving comes during the final months of the year, and we anticipate that pattern will continue. In addition, through the generosity and foresight of previous generations, LvCC has healthy financial reserves available when needed. The Elders take seriously their responsibility to faithfully steward these resources and the finances entrusted to the church. Our Bylaws specifically entrust the Elders with the church’s fiduciary responsibilities and oversight of the annual budget and major expenditures.
We also recognize that the financial landscape of churches is changing. As older generations transition into retirement and younger generations participate in church differently, churches across the country will need to think carefully about stewardship, ministry, facilities, staffing, and other resources. The Elders and Finance Team are aware of these realities and are prayerfully seeking the Lord’s wisdom for LvCC’s future.
Most importantly, thank you for the many ways you faithfully give to LvCC, not simply through finances, but through your time, service, prayer, generosity, and participation in the life of the church. Scripture reminds us that “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7), and we are grateful for the generosity and willing service that continues to characterize our church family.
If you ever have questions about the financial health or future direction of LvCC, please speak with one of the Elders. We welcome the opportunity to provide clarity and understanding.
We are grateful for every gift entrusted to LvCC, but ultimately our confidence is not in a bank account. Our confidence is in the Lord and His faithful provision. As David declares, “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you” (Psalm 16:2). God is faithful.
mission of the month
marie and daniel adams with intervarsity christian fellowship
By Ben West, Missions Team
The InterVarsity movement began among students dedicated to prayer, Bible study, and evangelism at the University of Cambridge, England in 1877. From there, it spread to college campuses all over the world.
InterVarsity Christian Fellowship USA was founded in 1941 via InterVarsity staff from Canada, and now operates on hundreds of campuses, courageously proclaiming Jesus as Lord and Savior, engaging in discipleship around Scripture, and loving people of every ethnicity and culture.
For over a decade, Marie Adams has been on staff with InterVarsity in Boston with the support of her husband Daniel and their kids Jonathan, Caleb, and Annabelle.
She currently serves as co-Area Director of Greater Boston, where she oversees a team of 15 staff serving college students and faculty in 14 InterVarsity chapters in Greater Boston.
Marie longs to see God’s Kingdom advance across college campuses in Boston so every college student has opportunities to experience and follow Jesus. She loves seeing college students graduate as leaders living with Kingdom values in their family, workplace, and community.
youth news
By Israel Rutherford, Youth Director
This summer has been an exciting time for our youth group! We’ve spent time together playing pickleball, going bowling, riding bikes, and doing many other fun activities. With the weather being so nice, we wanted to take advantage of the summer and focus on simply doing life together.
One of my favorite parts of this summer has been getting to know each of the students on a more personal level. It has been a blast spending time with them outside of our normal youth group setting, hearing their stories, laughing together, and building relationships. These simple moments have given us opportunities to grow closer as a group and build relationships that go beyond just meeting once a week.
As we look toward the fall, I am especially excited for what is ahead! We will be kicking off our regular youth group meetings on September 13th with an FCA Game Changers event. This is an exciting opportunity for our youth to come together, have fun, build relationships, and most importantly, hear about how Jesus can change their lives.
I am so excited to see what the Lord has in store for our youth group this year. I truly believe God is doing something special in the lives of our students, and I am looking forward to seeing how He continues to work—not only in our youth group, but throughout our city. My prayer is that our students would grow deeper in their relationship with Jesus, grow closer together, and become young people who are willing to live out their faith wherever God has placed them.
community kids
By Sarah Fix, Director of Children’s Ministry
Community Kids and families had a WONDERFUL time at Family Camp 2026 and we’re already excited for and planning the next one! It was a great time of relaxation, fun and amazing fellowship together. The campground was perfect and the kids made so many fun memories together playing in the creek, biking, hiking, making bracelets, lounging in hammocks and playing games. On Friday evening we played a rousing game of wiffle ball altogether before we enjoyed a potluck dinner with some extra friends from church! Gathering to pray and eat delicious breakfasts and dinners together (thanks to Jay and Laura Holland preparing food for us all!) was one of my favorite parts. I hope you enjoy the pictures!
Coming up:
September 12th starting at 3:30pm- Family fun, food and campfire at the Hicks’ property! There’s a creek, swimming hole if it’s warm that day, zipline, and something like 20 acres of wide-open beauty! We will bring plenty of pizza, watermelon and snacks. The campfire will depend on fire bans at the time, but we’ll do s’mores too, if possible! 75174 Conyers Creek Rd Clatskanie, OR 97016
September 13th– Community Kids classes- pre-k through 5th grade will start back up during the service!! If you are interested in volunteering on a monthly or 6- week basis, please let Sarah Fix know! I would love to have some new faces come to see what Community Kids is all about!
October 18th from 4:30-6:30/7 – Pizza and pumpkin carving at Bob Koenig’s shop/house! Bob has awesome play structures for the kids and an open shop with tables we’ll set up for pumpkin carving. Rain or shine, this will be a great time to gather and enjoy fellowship and our tradition of pumpkin carving together! 2508 34th Ave Longview
Please let me know if you will be able to make it to either of the above events for food count purposes!
women’s news
By Valerie Stein, Women’s Bible Study Leader
Ladies’ Bible Study, Fall 2026: “The Epic of Eden – Understanding the Old Testament as Your Story, by Dr. Sandra L. Richter”
What is your reaction to the words, “Old Testament?” Is it, “full of good stories, but largely irrelevant now that Christ has come?” “Too lengthy” or maybe “problematic,” or, does it have too many hard-to-pronounce names and is therefore hard to understand? Or rather, do you hunger to know the Full Word of God that is OUR heritage as we live out faith like Abraham’s? Would you appreciate learning meaningful insights that could give you a deeper respect and love for Jesus? In this study Dr. Richter brings to life the real people, real places and real faith that unfold before us in this treasure we can hold in our hands.
Ladies, please join us for our Fall term bible study of The Epic of Eden, a book and video study by Dr. Sandra Richter as she engages us in an in-depth look into the Old Testament world.
Led by Valerie Stein, the Thursday Morning Ladies’ Bible Study meets at our 20th and Beech street building, the “Gathering Place.” We’ll meet each week from 9:30am to 11:30am for twelve sessions beginning October 1st, until December 3rd, when we’ll take a recess over the Holiday season. We will resume January 7th for the three final sessions, ending January 21st.This is our 4th study with favorite author and video presenter Dr. Richter. Down-to-earth Sandy has admirable credentials, and is an expert in ancient Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations. She has taught for decades, and has spent a significant amount of time in the Holy Lands doing archaeological research. We never fail to find fresh, helpful and surprising insights in Sandy’s studies that keep us coming back for more!
In our first session, we’ll receive our books and the syllabus, watch the introductory video, get to know each other and have a prayer before we adjourn. We will be assigned only three days of workbook pages each week, ahead of the next video session, which seems to be just about right in all our busy lives!Participants may purchase one of the 15 pre-ordered workbooks for $20 by contacting Valerie Stein. Otherwise please obtain your own copy online, but do BE SURE you purchase the latest edition of this study, available new this Fall, (cover photo should be the colorful landscape scene with words “Twelve-session Bible study guide + Streaming Video” above the author’s name).
To sign up, please contact Patty in the Church Office, or Valerie Stein directly at her cell: (541) 972-0147.
this and that
The Church Offices will be CLOSED Monday, Sept 7 in honor of Labor Day.
There will be an important required training meeting for all Community Kids volunteers on Thursday, Sept 3 from 6:30-7:30pm in the upstairs “Big Room”. Please contact Sarah Fix if you are unable to attend so she may make other arrangements for you to receive the training.
Community Kids classes for children pre-K through 5th grade will resume during the Worship service on September 13. There is also Nursery available for children age 2 and younger. If you are interested in volunteering on a monthly or 6-week basis, contact Sarah Fix.
For our September FISH week, we are asking for your continued partnership in collecting 10.75 ounce cans of condensed soup. Any soup will do but for ease of storage we do ask for that size. You can bring the cans during August and September to any of the FISH boxes in the Fellowship Hall, Sanctuary, or Church Office.
Save the Date! Join us for the Fall Work Party on Saturday, Oct 3 from 9am to Noon. Meet in the Chapel conference room for donuts and assignments. There will be outdoor and indoor projects. All helpers are welcome!
It is respite time for the Prayer Retreat folks. There will not be a Prayer Retreat during September. The next Prayer Retreat will be on Saturday, October 10.
Newer to the church? Do you have questions you’d like answered? Join Pastor Dave and Caleb for “Pizza with the Pastors” in the Fellowship Hall after church on October 18! Please sign up in the Lobby at the Welcome Center so we know how much pizza to order.
There will be NO Men’s Breakfast in September because of the Men’s Retreat that weekend. The next breakfast will be on October 17 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!
We invite every member and regular attender to prayerfully consider participating in the Centennial Capital Campaign. Whether through a one-time gift, a pledge, or a special anniversary contribution, every gift helps preserve our building as a ministry resource for future generations. Brochures with more info are available at the Welcome Center or by calling the Church Office.
If you would like to contact the Elders with questions or concerns, or to set up a meeting to talk, you may email them at
elders@longviewcommunitychurch.org and they will be in contact with you.
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!
Sep 11 Clara Ralph 95
JULY FINANCIALS
YTD CONTRIBUTIONS: $239,588
YTD OTHER INCOME $125,227
YTD EXPENSE: $339,157
YTD NET INCOME: $ 25,658
(Without $100,000 special donation and $15,000 Trustee donation, the YTD Net Income would be -$89,342)