Pastor's Messages

 
SVCC

20 January 2021

How are you communicating with others? Relationships can be a difficult thing to navigate, especially during a pandemic, where you may be spending more time together. Here is a good resource to read through to help you walk through ideas on better ways to communicate with others. Communication is the key to healthy relationships with a spouse, roommate, sibling, best friend, or child. Here's a free resource that may help you in the process of being a better communicator: How To Talk About Your Relationship (Without Feeling Awkward) - Prepare/Enrich (prepare-enrich.com)
             This Sunday we will complete our study of one Peter chapter four. Last week we looked at the idea that we display the Gospel when we use our gifts. I've attached last week's sermon below. This week our main idea is Don't let suffering stop you from living out the Gospel. Come ready to walk through this passage by reading ahead. 
 
 
Link to Sermon
Picture of meeting

Annual Meeting

Our annual meeting will be held on February 6th. The meeting will take place in the sancturary during the Sunday school hour.

I look Forward to seeing your smiling face on Sunday.
--
Jonah Lanclos
Pastor

O:360.978.6184
E:
W:svcchurch.com

Shoestring Valley Community Church

"Our mission is Christ's mission - extending his kingdom by sending out his people to reach the world with his gospel"

The church is located HERE




14 January 2021

This Sunday we are continuing our sermon series in 1 Peter titled: A Legacy of Hope. The main idea is we display the gospel when we use our gifts. Last week we talked about living out the gospel in the Spirit. If you were not there last week, see the video below for review. This week if you know anyone that has been locked away for two years due to the virus, reach out to them via phone, email or letter and encourage them with scripture. I love John 16:25-33:

“I Have Overcome the World” (Jesus).

25 “I have said these things to you in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures of speech but will tell you plainly about the Father. 26 In that day you will ask in my name, and I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; 27 for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. 28 I came from the Father and have come into the world, and now I am leaving the world and going to the Father.”

29 His disciples said, “Ah, now you are speaking plainly and not using figurative speech! 30 Now we know that you know all things and do not need anyone to question you; this is why we believe that you came from God.” 31 Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? 32 Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. 33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Shop Improvement Project

Email from the Elders:

“We are excited to share that the elders have provisionally approved a renovation project for the existing shop building, and we are inviting congregational input. For some time, we have been looking at ways to provide better storage and processing space for the Shoebox ministry without impacting classroom space. We explored a variety of options (including storage containers/temporary buildings, etc.) before deciding the best approach will be to remodel and expand the existing shop. This solution not only provides a dry/protected/insulated space for the Shoebox ministry, but also expands classroom space by one large or two small classrooms (see specifics below). This project changed over time to a "more major decision" due to the total expected cost of $61,000, thus the reason for seeking congregational input. We have paid for and initiated the environmental study required. Also, an advanced $10k for building supplies that we have been warned will go up drastically soon. But if the Lord leads through congregational input to discontinue, we expect to be able to recover most of the costs. Generous contributions already made to the SVCC ministry will allow us to complete this project for cash while retaining our targeted 6+ month reserve of cash.”

The Plan:

“The first (12'x24') bay will have the capability of one large classroom -or- two smaller ones with a removable divider. It would also have two windows and two-man doors. It would be fully insulated and have drywall, paint, trim, overhead lighting, wall heat and outlets. The second (12'x24') bay will also be fully insulated & drywalled with overhead lighting, wall heat, and outlets. An additional bay will be added at the south end of the shop to accommodate existing lawn & building maintenance items. The project will be rounded out with a new 20'x48' concrete apron and a 4'x60' concrete walkway to the main building. Your generosity as a congregation allows us to complete this ministry project for cash while retaining a 6+ month reserve of operating funds.”

Your Input:

“Please let us know what you think or ask any questions by simply replying to this email. Pastor Jonah will track the responses and route any questions to the best person to answer. Please respond by January 19th.”

I look forward to seeing your smiling face on Sunday.

Jonah Lanclos

Pastor

O:360.978.6184

E:

W: svcchurch.com

 

Shoestring Valley Community Church

“Our mission is Christ’s mission – extending his kingdom by sending out his people to reach the world with his gospel."

The church is located HERE

31 December 2021

 Happy New Year! (Almost...)

Happy New Year!
                2021 is coming to an end! I can't believe all that has happened in the last two years. What a whirlwind. Here is the thing, even though we have all been through the ringer, God is still sovereign, and he still has a plan for the local church. What a great time to share the gospel message with your next-door neighbor, co-worker, and or school friend. He gave his life to redeem those that hated him and more importantly, he rose from the dead, proving he was the messiah. Those that have faith in Jesus, will have this abundant life, now and forever. What a story! I don't know another one like it. As we approach 2022 let us live out the hope that we have in Jesus. Let’s tell more people about Jesus and what he accomplished in the resurrection this coming year than we have ever in the past years. Let us love God by loving others in word and deed.
                This Sunday we get the privilege to worship together! We are only offering one service time at 9am. Also, just after the service, we will be celebrating Gale Van Diest’s many faithful years of service as an elder. Gale and Jean, thank you for serving the Lord at SVCC. Be sure to personally thank Gale and Jean on Sunday.
                Please take precautions and stay home if you are not feeling well, RSV and Covid are very contagious. Most people don't know this, RSV is the covid for babies. Please be mindful when you are interacting with families with young children. If you have a sore throat, upset stomach, headache or you are not feeling 100%, stay home and rest.
I look forward to worshiping Jesus with you next year,

--
Jonah Lanclos
Pastor
 
O:360.978.6184
E:
W: svcchurch.com
 
Shoestring Valley Community Church
 
“Our mission is Christ’s mission – extending his kingdom by sending out his people to reach the world with his gospel."
 
The church is located HERE
 

25 December 2021

Good Christmas Day Brothers & Sisters,

Church is cancelled tomorrow

We pray you have enjoyed and are continuing to enjoy this blessed "White Christmas"!  As it has continued to get even "whiter", we've decided to cancel our service for tomorrow, Sunday December 26th.  
 
You have probably also seen the earlier email indicating a potential COVID exposure.  With both of these considerations, we think it most prudent to forego assembling together tomorrow.  Please take this opportunity to practice family or individual worship in your homes and we'll look forward to meeting together again next Sunday.
 
May Jesus bless you and keep you as you seek and serve Him.
 

22 December 2021

Are you ready for Christmas?Many people don't know the meaning of this, and some get offended by the saying, “Merry Xmas.” Some think that the X is canceling out Christ, hence the reason to be offended, but that is not the case. The X is the Greek alphabet for the English letters CH. In Greek, the way Christ is spelt is “Χριστός.” The X is the abbreviation for Christ. So next time you see “X-mas” know that the X stands for Christ.                I am excited for this Friday, we have the privilege to worship Jesus during our Christmas Eve service. Please give a big thank you to Amy Larson for organizing this event and to all that are a part of making this event happen. The service will begin at 6pm. We have the opportunity to celebrate that God became flesh and dwelt among us. At the end there will be a quick message followed by the lighting of the candles. I want to encourage you to invite friends and family.                This Sunday we are continuing our sermon series in 1 Peter called, “A legacy of hope.” This Sunday the passage will be on 1 Peter 3:13-22 and our main idea is “let us live out the hope that is in us.” The way we live out the hope that is in us: take confidence in Jesus, live in the Spirit and understand that Jesus is victorious. I hope to see you this Sunday as we unpack these truths in their contexts and learn how we can apply them to our lives every day. Remember, we will only be offering one service this Sunday at 9am.

I look forward to see you on Friday,

Jonah Lanclos
Pastor
 
O:360.978.6184
E: 
W: svcchurch.com 

 

Shoestring Valley Community Church

“Teaching and Living the Truth of God’s Grace”

The church is located HERE

17 December 2021

 Greetings church family,

 I am happy to say Momma and Boone are flourishing! We are so grateful to be parents. We love this new role of parenthood. However, we also know that this is not the ultimate state of life. The ultimate state of life is making disciples of Jesus (being spiritual parents). All of us should be raising up spiritual children. Jesus gave us a great example of what this means. His mission was to do the father’s will and he accomplished it by redeeming his church to himself. Let us all, regardless of our earthly familial status, fulfill the great commission by making spiritual children (disciples of Jesus) (Matthew 28:19-20).

I am so excited for this Sunday, we have the privilege to worship our king, Jesus. The sermon series is on “a legacy of hope.” This Sunday we will cover 1 Peter chapter 3 verses 10-12. It will be a light section, but packed with amazing truths on how we should pursue peace by doing good. We also have the privilege to prepare our hearts for Christmas. This Sunday is the fourth advent Sunday. Please join me in thanking those who have given up their time to serve the body in leading the advent services.

A quick reminder, we will be having a candlelight service on Christmas Eve, stay tune for more details.  Also, mark your calendars for our Christmas service on the 26th and our New Years’ service on the 2nd. We will only have one service time at 9am for both Sundays. I want to encourage you to reach out to someone this week and invite them to hear the gospel.

 

I look forward to see you this Sunday!

Merry Christmas, 
Jonah Lanclos
Pastor
 
O:360.978.6184
E:
W: svcchurch.com

Shoestring Valley Community Church

“Teaching and Living the Truth of God’s Grace”

 The church is located HERE

 

26 November 2021

Greetings SVCC,

I want to thank you all for the warm welcomes you have extended to Carly and I. We are beyond blessed by all the many gifts and friendships we have established here in Onalaska! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

I am excited about our new series we are going through these next nine weeks. The series is called, “A legacy of hope.” How are we preparing ourselves and the next generation to learn and extend the gospel to the next generation. We are already three weeks deep into this series and we have been reminded of so many truths of scripture. I look forward to this Sunday as we talk about how our lives should be beacons of God’s glory.

Many of you are spending time with family and friends this weekend. I pray that this is a blessed Thanksgiving for you and your loved ones. May we all be thankful for the many blessings we have in Jesus and his church. May we remember to make our Thanksgiving holiday around Jesus and the life he has called us to live. As you celebrate Thanksgiving, make it a point to reach out to your neighbors and friends who don't know Jesus. We never know what others are going through in this time of hardship: losing loved ones, suffering with covid, and an abundant of other difficulties. May we reach out with love and with open eyes and ears to the needs of others around us. Let us continue to make a mark for Jesus in Onalaska, WA.

May we give thanks to God for all he has done.

Psalms 136

I am excited to see you all this Sunday!

--

Jonah Lanclos 

Shoestring Valley Community Church
104 Frase Rd., Onalaska, WA 98570
(360) 978-6184

svcchurch.com

31 October 2021

Good Friday Church Family,
 
Here are the updates for this week.
 
Soup & Rolls for Shoebox Ministry Thank-you to everyone who is helping raise funds for shipping costs in this way!  Don't forget to pick-up and pay for your orders this Sunday.
 
Thanksgiving-Welcome Dinner Nov. 7th  There is still time to sign up for the Dinner that will take place on Sunday, Nov. 7th, right after 2nd service to help welcome the Lanclos to SVCC.  The Church will provide turkey, dressing, potatoes and gravy.  There is a clipboard on the table in the foyer for your names and also what items you plan to bring.  (Someone mentioned something about blueberry always being a good dessert genre, but since it might be considered inappropriate to mention it, I've decided not to.)
 
Jonah, Carly and Baby-On-Board Boone are "In the House"!  Well, actually in the SVCC parsonage.  They arrived safe & sound Thursday afternoon to a house well stocked with food and furnishings ... thanks to your generosity and the coordination efforts of Sarah Johnson and Jeff & Laura Oien.  Though their belongings have not yet left Louisiana, their cross-country camping adventure went well and they are glad to be here.  We are grateful to be able to provide a well-furnished parsonage that will take the pressure off finding a place to live while they settle into a new ministry and life in our community.  Thank-you to all who prayed for safe travel and please keep praying for a smooth transition and safe delivery for Boone around Thanksgiving.
 
Lewis County Commissioner District #3  You may be aware that the former Commissioner for the East County district of Lewis County, Gary Stamper, recently passed away.  Please pray for his family as they grieve this loss.  To fill this important position, the Precinct Committee Officers (PCOs) met and selected 3 finalists from which the other two Commissioners are tasked to appoint Mr. Stamper's replacement.  According to Romans 13, those in government are, "minister(s) of God" appointed to uphold good and put down evil.  So in a government system where we have the privilege to participate in the selection of our "ministers" through voting; it follows that we should do what we can to see that those selected understand and uphold God's perspective on good and evil (at a minimum).  We are thrilled to announce that SVCC member Kevin Emerson was the top vote-getter and is one of the three potential appointees.  Though citizens will not be voting in this appointment, we want you to consider three things.  1) If you are unsure whether Kevin is the best candidate for this role, please reach out to him and perhaps the other candidates who are finalists.  2) If you believe he is the best candidate, please express your support for him by sending a brief email to   to let the other commissioners know your thoughts.  3) Pray that "God's will be done" and that He will bless Kevin and his family for stepping forward to serve Him in this way ... no matter the outcome (I Timothy 2:1-4).

 

22 October 2021

Good Friday Brothers & Sisters in Christ,
 
Just two updates for this week.
 
Jonah, Carly & Boone on their way!  Jonah, Carly, and "yet-to-be-born" Boone are on their way to Washington, camping as they go.  Please pray for safety and as much enjoyment & relaxation as possible on their cross-country journey.  Thanks to the hard work of Jeff & Laura Oien, Jim Curtis, Cristina Nicholson, Sara Petersohn, Steve Frase and others, the parsonage is cleaned up and ready for their arrival ... with a new heat pump ready to keep them cozy this winter!  We'll be hosting a potluck after 2nd Service on November 7th to welcome them; and Sarah Johnson is graciously leading the charge to make the parsonage even more cozy with a stocked refrigerator and pantry.  Please see the earlier prayer chain announcement if you would like to help with the stocking; or contact Sarah Johnson by phone (Home # 360-978-5369  Cell# 360-520-5083). 
 
Scheduling SVCC Facilities  We have a great problem ... the facilities at SVCC are seeing more and more usage!  But with more usage comes the increasing likelihood of "double-booking".  Before you plan any usage of any of the SVCC facilities, please contact Sarah Petersohn to confirm availability and reserve the space you intend to use.  It is best to email your request - including date(s), time(s) and room(s) needed - to her at as the church office/phone is not always staffed.  Thank-you for helping us with this great problem! 
 
See you all this Sunday! 
--

 

 

15 October 2021

Good Friday Brothers & Sisters in Christ,
 
Just a few quick updates for this week!
 
Missions Fair This Sunday The "GO Team" (Global Outreach) has been working hard to prepare for this year's Missions Fair.  Please plan on joining us in the Fellowship Hall during the Sunday School hour for an informal time of talking with and learning more about many of the missionaries and ministries supported by your generous giving to SVCC!  Snacks will be provided!
 
Pastor Dean Preaching  We are blessed to announce that Pastor Dean will be preaching this and the following two Sundays on the topic of, "Mission - God's grand overarching plan to redeem some for himself from every tribe and language and people and nation." (Rev 5:9)  Come prepared to be both challenged and encouraged to learn of God's plan for the world ... and your part in His plan!
 
New Pastor Jonah Lanclos Update Jonah and Carly have spent the past several weeks packing and putting their affairs in order in Louisiana for their move to Lewis County.  Their moving van should arrive within the next week or so and they are still hoping to arrive on or before November 1st.  Jonah's first week of preaching is expected to be November 7th.  Please pray for the many logistical, emotional, and spiritual realities that they will be navigating.  Pray especially for protection for Carly and baby Boone whose birthday is expected to be right around Thanksgiving!
 
See you all this Sunday!
--

17 September 2021

Good Friday Brothers & Sisters in Christ,
 
Just a couple of quick things for this week.
 
October 3rd - SVCC and Community Worship Services  The annual Onalaska Community Worship Service, held in conjunction with the Apple Harvest Festival will be conducted October 3rd.  Last indication is that it will be held outside near Carlisle Lake around 10am, but details are still being finalized.  Because our recent congregational poll indicated little enthusiasm for meeting outside with weather concerns; and because the 3rd is also the scheduled start of our adult class; we will also host our normally scheduled services at SVCC.  We'll just have another option for worship that day! 
 
New Worship Song this Sunday  Justin will be leading worship this week and will be introducing a great new worship song Christ Our Hope in Life and Death by Keith & Kristyn Getty.  To help us be prepared to worship together, below is a link to the song on YouTube, and below that are the lyrics.
 

What is our hope in life and death?
Christ alone, Christ alone
What is our only confidence?
That our souls to him belong
Who holds our days within his hand?
What comes, apart from his command?
And what will keep us to the end?
The love of Christ, in which we stand

O sing hallelujah!
Our hope springs eternal
O sing hallelujah!
Now and ever we confess
Christ our hope in life and death

What truth can calm the troubled soul?
God is good, God is good
Where is his grace and goodness known?
In our great Redeemer's blood
Who holds our faith when fears arise?
Who stands above the stormy trial?
Who sends the waves that bring us nigh
Unto the shore, the rock of Christ?

O sing hallelujah!
Our hope springs eternal
O sing hallelujah!
Now and ever we confess
Christ our hope in life and death

Unto the grave, what will we sing?
"Christ, he lives; Christ, he lives!"
And what reward will heaven bring?
Everlasting life with him
And we will rise to meet the Lord
Then sin and death will be destroyed
And we will feast in endless joy
When Christ is ours forevermore

O sing hallelujah!
Our hope springs eternal
O sing hallelujah!
Now and ever we confess
Christ our hope in life and death

O sing hallelujah!
Our hope springs eternal
O sing hallelujah!
Now and ever we confess
Christ our hope in life and death
Now and ever we confess
Christ our hope in life and death
 
Please help get the word out by sharing this information with anyone you know who may not be receiving our email communications! 
 
In His Service with you!
 
SVCC Elders
 
--

10 September 2021

Good Friday Brothers & Sisters,
 
As Pastor Dean often says, "I can't help but smile when I think about the people we are blessed to serve at SVCC."  This couldn't be more true even in these unusual times.  And I couldn't help but smile as I read through many of the responses you all sent to our recent inquiry.
 
A sincere "Thank-you" to the 45 respondents who took the time to answer the recent inquiry about preferred worship service options.  As has been the case since last fall, most still prefer our current approach of leaving decisions about masking, distancing (and vaccination) to individuals and family leaders.  Also, there was very little enthusiasm for outside services especially as our thermometers begin to drop.  
 
We will resume in-person worship services this Sunday at the normal times (8:15am, 10:45am).  Children's Sunday School will also begin meeting this Sunday (9:35am).  However, the adult class will be postponed with an expected start date of October 3rd.
 
We will continue to provide the north side of the Fellowship Hall as an overflow area for anyone who wishes to attend in-person, but wants more social distance than is available in the main sanctuary.  Thanks to Duane and Brian, we'll continue to record and post the services on our web-site as well.
 
As I listened to the new vaccination requirements announced yesterday by President Biden, as well as the variety of responses to them, I was reminded of the need for us as believers to resist attempts to polarize & divide us over what Romans 14 calls "disputable matters".  I suspect we all know solid followers of Jesus who believe that getting vaccinated is wrong; and solid followers of Jesus who believe not getting vaccinated is wrong ... and the same for masking, etc.  In my lifetime, I've seen nothing as polarizing within communities, churches and families as have been the decisions on how to properly respond to COVID.  If you've not read through Romans chapter 14 for a while, I encourage you to do so.  We should have strong convictions on important issues ... but also humbly make room for the equally strong convictions of others.  It is our sincere hope & prayer that no-one will ever feel stigmatized by the personal health choices they make while attending (or choosing not to attend!) any SVCC function.  Based on many of the comments sent back with the surveys, you all feel the same ... and that makes me smile.
 
To the Praise of the Glory of His Grace!
Ted for the SVCC Elders

08 September 2021

Good Wednesday Brothers & Sisters in Christ,
 
Over the past 18 months it has been our ambition to serve as many as possible as safely as possible while respecting individual & family decisions on what health risks they are willing to accept.  We're at another crossroads where we want to hear from as many as possible to help us decide how to proceed.  Please answer the following questions via a "Reply" (  ) to this email (for 2-5, indicate all options you might attend):
 
  1. Are you planning to attend Sunday School (adult and/or childrens)?
  2. What is your preferred service?  1st, 2nd, or either one.
  3. Would you attend a mask-optional, indoor service?
  4. Would you attend a mask-optional, outdoor (Tent) service?
  5. Would you attend a mask-required, indoor service?
  6. Would you attend a mask-required, outdoor (Tent) service?
  7. I'm not comfortable attending in-person services at this time.
Thank-you for helping us navigate this challenging time together.
 
--
 
 
 

02 September 2021

 

Good Thursday Brothers & Sisters in Christ,
 
Here is the update for this week!
 
Jonah Lanclos is the new "Teaching Elder" of SVCC!  At our Zoom meeting with him last night, Jonah enthusiastically accepted our call to serve the Lord as the lead pastor of SVCC.  He asked us to share this with you all:

Carly and I are very excited to join you all in service to our God and King, Jesus. I am honored to accept the call from the elders and the congregation as the next teaching elder of SVCC. I am deeply humbled to accept this role and to begin our new journey of continuing the mission of SVCC in reaching Onalaska, Washington State, the USA and the world with the Good News of Jesus.
 
Through our personal interactions with him over the past weeks; your feedback & input; and no small amount of seeking the Lord in prayer, we were convinced He was leading us to invite Jonah into this role.  We are thrilled to see what the Lord has ahead as we continue to work together in building His Church for His Glory!
 
We are so thankful for your patience and perseverance in prayer during the past year, and for your devotion to unity during a time when our enemy would have loved to sow discord.  We are truly blessed to serve among such a caring family of believers who give of their time & treasures generously, love fervently from the heart, and consider others more important than themselves.  As we move forward with a new pastor, today's reading from a devotional by Joel Beeke provides timely encouragement for all of us to "excel still more" in kindness and humility during this upcoming season for the Body of Christ here at SVCC:
 
Let us remember, therefore, that in cultivating kindness toward others, we must begin with humility.  Where do rudeness, pride, and disdainful language toward others arise?  Where do quarrels, insults, and reproches originate? Are they not what results when people carry love of self and their own interests to excess?
 
We know it is the heart and spirit of each of us to see Christ exalted as we enter this next chapter in the life of SVCC, let's keep each other accountable to resist any attempts by His enemy to disrupt the unity we have all worked together to build.
 
The tentative start date for Jonah in this role is November 1st, but it could be before or after that date.  We'll keep you all posted.  Jonah and Carly have a lot of logistics to work through for their relocation from Louisiana to Onalaska, and we're doing all we can to help.  They will be living in the parsonage, most likely for a year or so, to help smooth the transition.  
 
Online Worship - September 5th  With many of our leaders either still recovering from COVID or wanting to keep vulnerable family members extra safe ... and since it is a holiday weekend where attendance is normally reduced ... we have decided to forego in-person worship another week.  We are expecting to be able to resume in-person services the following Sunday, September 12th and will keep you all posted.  The Bowes' worship team and Pastor Mark have recorded an online service that Duane Davenport is editing and will post on the SVCC website.  He is also attempting to post it on YouTube in case that is easier to access for some.  He will send an email with links before Sunday.  
 
Please help get the word out by sharing this information with anyone you know who may not be receiving our email communications! 
 
In His Service with you!
 
SVCC Elders
 

31 August 2021

Good Tuesday Afternoon SVCC,

 
With many of our leaders either still recovering from COVID or wanting to keep vulnerable family members extra safe ... and since it is a holiday weekend where attendance is normally reduced ... we have decided to forego in-person worship another week.  We are expecting and praying to be able to resume in-person services the following Sunday, September 12th and will keep you all posted.
 
Please help get the word out by sharing this information with anyone you know who may not be receiving our email communications!
 
Pastor Mark will be recording a message to share online and our worship team will endeavor to do so as well.  A link will be distributed once these are available.  If you experienced delays or technical difficulties accessing the video service last week, you may want to either listen to or download the audio-only version -or- view the video either before or after normal service times when the server should have more bandwidth.
 
As we continue to navigate these extraordinary times as individual believers and as a local church, we encourage you to meditate on passages like Psalm 37 that remind us that no matter what is going on around us, our simple duty is to, "Trust in the Lord, and do good"!
 
Elder Board

29 August 2021

Good Lord's Day Morning SVCC!
 
Just a couple of quick updates.  Hopefully you have seen the Prayer Chain email from early this morning that an online worship service is available on the SVCC website at this link.  A great deal of effort went into recording the message (Jonah), recording the worship music (Justin), and putting it all together (Duane).  Please join us in thanking them for making this happen; in Jonah's case, even with a hurricane bearing down on him!  Let's all take advantage of this opportunity to worship together even when we're apart!  (Please also remember to pray for Jonah, Carly and all of the people in the path of this very dangerous hurricane Ida.)
 
The end of the congregational input period in regards to Jonah's Teaching Elder candidacy concluded on Thursday.  We are in the process of preparing an offer to him so please continue to pray with us that the Lord would provide continued confirmation and clarity to both Jonah and us as we proceed!
 
Gratefully serving Him with you all!
 
SVCC Elders
 
--

23 August 2021

Good Monday Shoestring Family,
 
Thank-you for continuing to pray for the several SVCC individuals and families who are currently fighting COVID infections and other illnesses.  The Larson family is now experiencing symptoms.  Since the picnic was to be at their property, and with the current rate of spread, the elders have decided it is prudent to forego in-person meetings this week.  It will be up to the discretion of small group and Bible study leaders to decide whether and how to continue to meet this week, but there will be no all-church, on-site activities this Sunday.
 
Teaching Elder candidate, Jonah Lanclos, has agreed to prepare a recorded message and we're also attempting to record some worship music to share for in-home worship.  We are planning to post both to the SVCC FaceBook page as well as to our website.
 
I was reminded of one of the things Steve MacLurg shared in his message yesterday, "We (Christians) live by promises, not by explanations".  Here is a promise to live by from He who numbers the days of his beloved Sons and Daughters:
 
Psalm 91:1-3  He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!"  For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper and from the deadly pestilence.
 
Whether His deliverance is in life or ultimately through death, we will fix our hope in His goodness, mercy and loving plan for His people!
--

21 August 2021

Good Saturday Afternoon Brothers & Sisters in Christ,

I know many of you have seen the prayer requests and have been praying for those in our congregation who have recently been affected by COVID.  Please continue to do so and to take whatever precautions you believe are necessary to keep yourselves and your loved ones as safe as possible.

For now, we anticipate no changes to our services, and will continue to support the personal health decisions you all believe are best for yourselves and your families.

 

--

19 August 2021

 Good Thursday Brothers & Sisters in Christ!

 

Please share this communication with any member or regular attender of SVCC who may not be receiving our e-mails.

 

Teaching Elder Candidate Jonah Lanclos  We are continuing to seek the Lord in regards to the candidacy of Jonah Lanclos for our next Teaching Elder.  In addition to regular prayer for wisdom, discernment, and unity; we are corresponding by email and meeting by Zoom over the next week+ through August 26th.  We hope to be able to make and announce a decision by the end of this month.  Please send any questions or feedback you have via reply to this email.  We welcome your input and appreciate your prayers! 

 

Annual Picnic - August 29th - 12:45pm  We have decided to change the format of our picnic this year to reduce the logistical work.  We will conduct both Sunday worship services at the church building at the normal times of 8:15am and 10:00am.  The potluck picnic will be held at the Larson property on the southeast corner of Hwy 508 and Coughlin Road.  The only formal service will be a baptism service for anyone who successfully completes the Baptism Class this Sunday (see below).  There will be no grilled food, just a good old fashioned, bring-what-you-wish potluck ... along with warm fellowship, a cool river to swim in, and some hot volleyball action!  There are some picnic tables, but you're encouraged to bring camp chairs, folding chairs, and/or a blanket to sit on ... in case the tables fill up.  If you want to bring and set up a pop-up canopy, you're welcome to do that, too.  We'll be praying and start eating at 1:00pm sharp ... so you're encouraged to arrive a bit early to add your dish(es) to the assortment so we'll be ready to eat.  As always, desserts with blueberries are strongly encouraged!  Plates, cups, napkins, and plasticware will be provided.

 

Want to help?  We'll need people for the following tasks:  

  • Pick-up ice
  • Bring paper goods from the church 
  • Set-up potluck tables 
  • Parking attendants
  • Greeters 

If you want to volunteer, please send an e-mail to Roy and Amy Larson at   

 

Baptism Class  One of the things that makes our Annual Church Picnic particularly special is that we often have baptisms.  Baptism doesn't make a person a Christian.  Rather it is an outward sign of an inward change, and a first step of obedience for followers of Christ.  If you would like to know more, plan to attend the Baptism Class led by Pastor Dean on Sunday, August 22nd, in the Fellowship Hall, from 9:45-10:30 am.  We have attached a copy of The Basics of Baptism which briefly describes the Biblical teaching on baptism that we follow at SVCC and will discuss in more detail during the class.

 

Sunday School Resumes September 12th  Mark your calendars!  We are planning to resume Adult and Children's classes beginning September 12th.  Children's classes will be organized by age as has been the case in the past.  There will be one adult class offered in the Fall; a "restart" of the Organic Outreach class that was very well attended before adult classes were paused in 2020.  More to come!


Free Stuff!  The following items are sitting next to the church garage, on the south (creek) side and are no longer needed by the church.  If you can use them, they are free to whoever can pick them up ... first come, first served! 

  • 4" drain pipe - about 8 pieces
  • Chain link fencing - about 75' plus posts and top rail
  • Railroad ties - 3 not in great shape
  • Pallets 2
  • Portable basketball goal

 

Grace and Peace to you and we'll look forward to seeing you this Sunday!

The SVCC Elders --

Elder Board

Shoestring Valley Community Church
104 Frase Rd., Onalaska, WA 98570
(360) 978-6184

svcchurch.com

06 August 2021

Good Friday SVCC Church Family!

 

Just a quick reminder about the visit this week by our teaching elder candidate.  Please share this communication with any member or regular attender of SVCC who you believe may not be receiving our e-mails.  Please pray with us for mutual clarity and wisdom from our Lord as we and Jonah seek His will in this matter.  We not only welcome, but encourage any feedback you would like to share with us from either the materials below or your observations from Jonah's visit with us  this week.

 

Teaching Elder Candidate Jonah Lanclos  Johan and Carly Lanclos have graciously offered to spend their planned vacation visiting with and getting to know SVCC better on August 4th - 10th.  Jonah will be preaching on August 8th.  

 

Becky Jacobson and Laura Oien are coordinating the potluck Welcome Luncheon after 2nd service on Sunday, August 8th.  Here are the details from the bulletin board announcement Becky sent out earlier this week:

 

We are happy to announce that there will be a potluck "Welcome Luncheon" for pastoral candidate Jonah Lanclos and his wife Carly this upcoming Sunday, August 8th,  immediately following second service. (Approximately 11:30 am.) This will give us opportunity to get to know them a bit better while enjoying a light lunch and fellowship together.  We hope to have sandwiches, veggie trays, fruit trays, chips and desserts. 

 

Could you please RSVP that you plan to attend and also share what food item you could bring along to share, this way we can better plan and have enough.  Just a quick "I'm coming and will bring _____" to  , or 360-880-2726.

 

Thanks! It's exciting that we'll soon get to meet Jonah and Carly.  -Becky

 

For those who would like to find out a bit more about Jonah, we have attached his resume to this email; and below are links to a variety of sermons he has delivered at different times and in different venues:

 

https://fourthmem.sermon.net/fourth_memorial/EzraRe-establishingWorship/21319946

Take Hope in God's Providence

Jonah is the 10th sermon down: That Alien Life (ourparishchurch.com)

Jonah is sermons #2, #4, #5, #8, and #10:  Stand Alone (ourparishchurch.com)

 

--

Elder Board

Shoestring Valley Community Church
104 Frase Rd., Onalaska, WA 98570
(360) 978-6184

svcchurch.com

29 July 2021

 

Good Thursday Brothers & Sisters in Christ!

Please share this communication with any member or regular attender of SVCC who you believe may not be receiving our e-mails.

Teaching Elder Candidate Jonah Lanclos  As mentioned last Sunday, we are excited to continue seeking the Lord for our next Teaching Elder by hosting Johan and Carly Lanclos August 4th - 10th.  They have graciously offered to spend their planned vacation visiting with and getting to know SVCC better, and Jonah will be preaching on August 8th.  We are thankful for the work of the Pastor Search Team which has recommended three very good candidates to the elders to this point, and we are currently focussing our attention on Jonah.  Jeff and Laura Oien will serve as "tour guides" for the Lanclos' while they're here and will be working with small groups to schedule their time.

We are planning a reception, which may turn into a potluck luncheon after 2nd service on Sunday the 8th ... more info to come!


It is impossible to overstate the value and importance of the work the Search Team has done over the past year to locate, evaluate and recommend qualified candidates.  Please join us in personally thanking Steven & Sarah Johnson (leaders), Caroline Bowes, Bob Jerke, Jeff & Laura Oien, Ben & Lacey Simons, and Brian and Amie Smith for all they have done to get us to this point.  We are not yet certain the work of the team is finished, but want to recognize the sacrifices and investments they have made for the Lord on behalf of SVCC and our community!

For those who would like to find out a bit more about Jonah prior to their visit, we have attached his resume to this email; and below are links to a variety of sermons he has delivered at different times and in different venues:

https://fourthmem.sermon.net/fourth_memorial/EzraRe-establishingWorship/21319946

Take Hope in God's Providence

Jonah is the 10th sermon down: That Alien Life (ourparishchurch.com)

Jonah is sermons #2, #4, #5, #8, and #10:  Stand Alone (ourparishchurch.com)

Annual Picnic  We have identified Sunday, August 29th as the date for our 2021 picnic.  The Larsen family has graciously offered to host it on their property this year and we're looking to identify a leader to coordinate the logistics of this great event.  Please save the date!  Also, if you or someone in your family has recently (or even not-so-recently!) committed their life to Jesus and is wanting to follow Him in believer's baptism, please reply to this message with name(s) and ages(s).  We will plan a Baptism class and interviews with all candidates prior to August 29th.

ABC Memory Verses  It's not too late to join with other adults and young people in the enriching and essential practice of scripture memory this summer!  The first of the 26 alphabetized verses reminds us, "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life" ... and there is no better guard to post at your heart than God's powerful, encouraging, unchanging, infallible Word!  A copy of the list of verses is attached, or you can pick one up in the foyer next Sunday.

Grace and Peace to you and we'll look forward to seeing you this Sunday!

The SVCC Elders

--

Elder Board

Shoestring Valley Community Church
104 Frase Rd., Onalaska, WA 98570
(360) 978-6184

svcchurch.com

-----------------------------------------------------------

25 June 2021

Good Friday All,

Due to the extremely high temperatures, we have decided to cancel the work party originally scheduled for this weekend.  We're working on a new date and will get back to you all when it has been planned.

See you all Sunday!

 --

17 June 2021

Good Thursday Brothers & Sisters in Christ! 

We pray you all are doing well as we enjoy the blessings of rain, sun and all of the beauty that comes from both!  His works, as well as His Word, are good medicine for our souls (Psalm 19)!  Please share this communication with anyone you know who may not be receiving our e-mails.

10:00am Start to 2nd Service - Beginning June 27th  With Sunday School on break and the new members' class wrapping up this Sunday, we will return to an abbreviated time between services the following Sunday, June 27th.   Starting on the 27th, second service will begin at 10am until Sunday School resumes in the Fall.

Pastor Search Update  The search team is excited about several new candidates the Lord has brought to them over the past weeks.  They are continuing to prayerfully and carefully evaluate each before deciding which, if any, to recommend to the Elders for consideration.  We are grateful to Steven and Sarah Johnson, Caroline Bowes, Bob Jerke, Jeff & Laura Oien, Ben & Lacee Simons, and Brian & Amie Smith for the time and sacrifices they have made to identify the next full-team Teaching Elder for SVCC.  Please take time to thank them for their efforts on behalf of the Lord and His people ... and continue to pray with and for them in this process!

Pulpit Supply  We have been blessed by the teaching ministries of Pastor Chuck, Gale Van Diest, Jamie Mead, and Mark Elefritz since Pastor Dean retired last fall.  As he has shared, Pastor Mark and his wife are in Lewis County primarily to care for his aged parents, so he is not able to teach every Sunday this summer, nor is Jamie Mead.  So this coming Sunday and periodically over the rest of the summer, we will be blessed by the teaching of another pastor, Mike Sandberg.  Mike is a semi-retired pastor from Summit Church in the Puyallup area who is still ministering through training pastors in Africa.  We are grateful and excited to have him share with us this Sunday!

Father's Day  This Sunday is a special day to thank the Lord for the faithful fathers He has given us!  Since none of us are, nor have had, a perfect father it is also an opportunity to thank God for His perfect faithfulness in our lives.  

Please return your filled baby bottles from the "Baby Bottle Boomerang" in support of Possibilities Women's Center.  

Justin Watilo will be leading worship and has provided this link to a new song he will be leading so that we can become familiar with it before Sunday morning:  "I Have a Hope" by Tommy Walker (based on Psalm 42).  We'll also be blessed by a special worship song Justin will sing/lead with his son, Leif, in honor of Father's Day.

Grace and Peace to you and we'll look forward to seeing you this Sunday!

The SVCC Elders

--

Elder Board

Shoestring Valley Community Church
104 Frase Rd., Onalaska, WA 98570
(360) 978-6184

svcchurch.com