If you prefer to print the newsletter, you may download it here: Printable October 2026. Here is also a printable calendar: 10 2026 Calendar
pastor’s perspective
“built together on the right foundation”
By Dave Hendrickson, Lead Pastor
One of the beautiful things about the church is that Christ does not simply save isolated individuals. He gathers us, joins us together, and builds us into something that displays His presence to the world.
Ephesians 2:11–22 gives us that picture. Paul tells us that Jesus has torn down the dividing wall of hostility and made believers into one people. Then he says we are “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.”
That matters for us at Longview Community Church because our mission is “to share opportunities to experience the presence of God.”
Ephesians 2 reminds us that the church itself is meant to be a place where that presence is known, because in Christ we are being “built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.” But every building depends on its foundation. For the church, that foundation is not our preferences, traditions, personalities, or programs. It is Christ and the truth He has given us.
That foundation is anchored in essential truths.
- We are all sinners in need of grace. Romans 3:23 says that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” None of us comes to Christ from a position of superiority.
- Jesus Christ is our only Savior. We are brought near “by the blood of Christ” (Ephesians 2:13). Jesus says in John 14:6 that He is “the way and the truth and the life.”
- God’s Word is our authority. Scripture instructs us how to love God, how to treat one another, and how to order and live our lives. 2 Timothy 3:16–17 tells us that Scripture is God-breathed and equips us for every good work.
These truths form one foundation, with Jesus Christ as the Cornerstone. And then Christ does something remarkable: He builds us together into a holy temple. We are not the foundation. Christ is. We are the people He is shaping, joining, and placing together so that His presence is made known among us.
That means the church should be a place where Christ is preached, God’s Word is obeyed, and sinners experience the grace of Jesus. Not truth without grace and not grace without truth. But a people being formed by Christ, grounded in His Word, and living together as a dwelling place for His Spirit.
As we continue to grow together at LvCC, I hope this is the kind of church we are becoming: a church that knows its foundation, keeps Christ at the center, takes God’s Word seriously, and makes room for sinners to encounter the grace of Jesus. And when I say “sinners,” I include myself. I appreciate the way Eugene Peterson puts Paul’s words in 1 Timothy 1:15 in The Message: “Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. I’m proof—Public Sinner Number One.” That kind of humility should shape the church we are becoming—not a gathering of people who have arrived, but a community of sinners who have been met by the grace of Jesus and want others to experience that same grace.
My prayer is that when people come, they do not simply notice our programs, our building, or our activity. I hope they encounter a people who are being shaped by Christ and, through us, are given real opportunities to experience the presence of God.
That is something worth building together.
elder meeting highlights
At the September 15 Elder meeting, treasurer Jaime Boaglio reported that member donations were good in August. YTD Net is $16,692 (including large previous gifts). This August compared to last year is very similar. The General Fund has about $140,000, and the Endowment Income Fund has $236,657 available, as needed.
Jay Holland reported that we have a new ice machine. We will be installing a gate between the shed and the building to prevent people from camping back there. Dave Wolff has serviced the sump pumps. Charis Counseling has begun decorating the counseling space.
Ben West shared that at the last Missions team meeting Israel Rutherford presented a video of the All Abilities Camp and also gave future plans for Anchor and other FCA events. They also discussed the Adopt a Missionary program more, especially about Lorraine’s River Sisters group communicating with Joelle Durben.
Rob Buckingham distributed a summary document of the Assimilation Process handout with submitted Elder responses. He asked for input from the Elders regarding the analysis. They noted that Worship Planning received good results, practices associated with Assimilation received poor results. Rob said we need to determine what areas we think are important to work on. Dave commented that this is helpful for him in evaluating and restructuring the roles and responsibilities for current and future Staff members. He agrees that some systems are working well and others need work. Rob noted the main focus of our systems should still be on Jesus and spiritual formation.
monthly mission focus: local mission organizations
Compiled by Ben West, Missions Team
Community House on Broadway: 1105 Broadway St; 360-425-8679; https://choblv.org
Vision: At Community House on Broadway, we are dedicated to providing vital assistance to homeless individuals and families as they strive to overcome the difficulties of homelessness. Our shelter provides a safe place to stay, meals, clothing, and other essentials in a clean, substance-free environment. Our objective is to empower individuals to improve their own situation and lead them towards a brighter future.
Beth’s Place – Youth Shelter: 1340 12th Ave; 360-800-2818; bethsplace@choblv.org
FISH of Cowlitz County: 360-636-1100; https://fishofcowlitzcounty.org
Call FISH beginning at 9 a.m. weekdays to learn the times and location of the church distributing food.
A phone volunteer will ask for each caller’s name and number of people in the household so that churches provide enough food for each order. Call early. Churches have limits on the number of households they can serve. We pay for meat, milk, eggs and other essentials. Our 18 partner churches and regional nonprofit food banks also contribute food.
Call FISH between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays for help with financial emergencies. These include helping people who need auto parts, footwear or work clothes they need for a new job. We also buy children’s shoes, monthly bus passes, birth certificates, prescriptions and more.
Since 2022, contributions from a variety of sources have accounted for 64% of FISH of Cowlitz County’s operating income. The donors include individuals, businesses, local family foundations, civic groups, non-profits and churches. Grants from large foundations and agencies, including the United Way, contribute 35%; Federal government 1%.
FISH at LvCC serves every other month on the last week of the month. We serve an average of 50 households per day the weeks we serve.
LvCC Contacts: Caleb Strom – caleb@longviewcommunitychurch.org, Patrick Allen – novara94@msn.com,
Monday Meal Ministry of LvCC:
We provide a rich, balanced meal every Monday evening at 5:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall. The door opens at 4:30 with coffee and cold water while guests wait. We maintain a safe, friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Volunteers can mingle or take a meal and sit with guests to welcome and get to know them. We look for opportunities to testify and to pray with individuals.
We have an average of 30 – 50 guests per night.
Roles: Leader, Cook, Hall Setup, Server, Security, Dish Clean Up, Hall Clean Up, Prayer Team
We currently have 38 volunteers on our list, needing 15-20 per Monday.
Contact: Dan Durben – dan.durben@swissmail.org
charis counseling update
After several months of emptying, cleaning, prepping, and painting, the former Lay Counseling Center was made ready for Charis Counseling to open an office at LvCC! Charis is a non-profit organization based out of a church in Vancouver. There are currently four additional offices at churches in Ridgefield and Camas in Washington, and Portland and Tualatin in Oregon. One of their counselors will begin meeting with clients here beginning in October, with the expectation of adding one or two more counselors as the local client-base grows.
fish update
By Caleb Strom, FISH Coordinator
Thank you all for your donations of canned soup! With Thanksgiving coming up our goal is to collect 175 boxes of stove top stuffing mix to add to our normal food distribution. You can leave them either in the FISH boxes or main office and we will get them stored.
this and that
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 to do. All helpers are welcome!
There are many ways YOU CAN HELP with the Trunk or Treat community outreach on Oct 31! We need LOTS of candy, so please bring packages of individually wrapped candy to the tubs in the Lobby or by the Church Office. Also, we need several people to Host a Trunk, be a Hospitality Host, and Candy Runners. Use this link to register your car or volunteer to help: Trunk or Treat Helper
There will be a Women’s Movie Night on Friday, Oct 16 from 6:30-9pm in the Youth Room! We will be watching “Sheep Detectives”. Popcorn and beverages will be provided, but bring a snack to share if you’d like. Join us for a fun, relaxing evening with other women. Please sign up using this link: Women’s Movie Night.
Registration for the Marriage Retreat is open! Join us for the 2027 Marriage Retreat Cannon at the beautiful and historic beachfront property of the Cannon Beach Conference Center on Jan 29-31, 2027! Couples will enjoy 2 nights comfortable lodging in ocean-front or partial-view rooms, 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. The guest speaker for the weekend will be Christian marriage expert Sabrina Walters. https://corevaluescounseling.com/sabrina-walters-counseling/ The Standard Registration (partial view) per couple is $400 (Premium rooms have all already been reserved), with a $50 deposit due at the time of registration to reserve a room, and the remainder due by Dec 15, 2027. There are a few partial scholarships also available. Register in Sign Ups on the Church Center app or use this link: Marriage Retreat Registration
Everyone is welcome to join the Pizza and Pumpkin Carving on Oct 18 from 4:30-7pm at Bob Koenig’s shop/house at 2508 34th Ave in Longview! 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! Let Sarah Fix know if you plan to attend.
Join us on October 10th for a Prayer Retreat 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 reserve your spot and for more information.
All singers are invited to join the choir which will be singing during worship on Nov 1, with rehearsals in the choir room at 7:30pm the three Wedesdays before on Oct 14, 21 and 28. Contact Karen Pritchard at karenp@olypen.com with questions.
The Thursday Women’s Bible Study begins Oct 8 at the Gathering Place (20 & Beech) from 9:30-11:30am. They will be using the book/video study “Epic of Eden”, by Dr. Sandra Richter. Please purchase your own workbook prior to the study. Contact leader Valerie Stein at 541-972-0147 for more information.
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.
The Men’s 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!
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!
Oct 7 Clarence Blaine 94
AUGUST FINANCIALS
YTD CONTRIBUTIONS: $281,320
YTD OTHER INCOME $125,578
YTD EXPENSE: $390,205
YTD NET INCOME: $ 16,692
(Without $100,000 special donation and $15,000 Trustee donation, the YTD Net Income would be -$98,308)