Cowlitz Valley Community of Christ

Cowlitz Valley Community of Christ This page was created for the Cowlitz Valley branch of the Community of Christ church. Our church is located at 2020 Delaware Street in Longview, Washington.

We proclaim Jesus Christ and promote communities of Joy, Hope, Love, and Peace. Our services start at 10:00. All are welcome!

On this Sunday, Sharon spoke on Acts 2:1–21. Even before the scripture was shared, Carol helped set the tone during the ...
05/31/2026

On this Sunday, Sharon spoke on Acts 2:1–21. Even before the scripture was shared, Carol helped set the tone during the Good News and prayer requests by inviting us all into a Spirit-filled time of worship and community.
Sharon first read the passage from Acts and then, as she so beautifully does, guided us through the history and events that led to this powerful moment of Pentecost. She reminded us that Pentecost was more than a dramatic event of wind and fire—it was a brand-new beginning. Through God’s grace and mercy, the Holy Spirit was poured out upon ordinary people, bringing courage, hope, and a new sense of community.
Sharon shared that because of the gift of the Holy Spirit, we are never alone. Each of us is invited into a personal relationship with God, and through the Spirit we are called to live with compassion, unity, and love for one another. Just as people from many nations heard the message in their own language, Pentecost reminds us that God’s love is meant for everyone and that all voices matter in the community of Christ.
Thank you once again to all those who shared their time and talents in today’s service. Your faithfulness and willingness to serve are deeply appreciated. Thank you to Tom, Erica L., Butch, Becky, Abram, and Donna for helping make the service so meaningful, and special thanks to Donna for sharing the beautiful flower arrangements.

On this Sunday, the World Church theme was “Amplify All Voices” based on Acts 2:1–21.In Acts 2, the Holy Spirit came upo...
05/25/2026

On this Sunday, the World Church theme was “Amplify All Voices” based on Acts 2:1–21.
In Acts 2, the Holy Spirit came upon ordinary people and immediately moved them outward toward community, compassion, and shared purpose. Pentecost was not simply a dramatic moment with wind and fire—it was the birth of a new kind of community. People from different backgrounds suddenly understood one another, and their faith became action.
The Spirit did not gather the disciples simply so they could feel inspired privately. The Spirit gathered them so they could become a blessing to others.
It is our prayer that whenever we gather as a congregation to prepare meals for members of our community, we also become a blessing. While we did not hear rushing wind or see tongues of fire, the Spirit still showed up—in the sound of laughter in the kitchen, in the volunteers who faithfully bring food donations, in the hands working around the preparation tables, and in meals shared with dignity and love.
Sometimes we expect the Spirit to appear only in dramatic moments but Acts 2 reminds us that the Spirit creates living communities shaped by love, generosity, hospitality, and hope.

If you’re curious, our busy hands prepared beef and bean burritos with sour cream and salsa, chip bags, and applesauce in addition to the utensil wraps that our friends use over several weeks.

Thank you again to everyone who helps make these Sundays possible, and to our friends at Food for Change for allowing us to share in their outreach and ministry.

On this Sunday we were blessed to have Susan Oxley join us to bring the morning message. Leonard Warnock joined us also ...
05/18/2026

On this Sunday we were blessed to have Susan Oxley join us to bring the morning message. Leonard Warnock joined us also to contribute to the service as Harry presided with the help of Emily. The focus was on the 24th chapter of Luke which was read from the First Nations version of the scriptures.

Susan shared a personal story of God's blessing emphasizing that God can catch you even when you’re not expecting it! She explained how Jesus’ followers lost him twice but while the first loss led to despair, his ascension blessed and empowered them to share his message and bless others, and we are called to do the same. We all fall short of this calling in many ways but God fills in the gaps.

Thank you to all participants including Becky who played the piano and Mike who assisted with the service.

Today started with a spiritual practice walk led by Keri and relfection time. On this communion Sunday, Sharon shared a...
05/03/2026

Today started with a spiritual practice walk led by Keri and relfection time. On this communion Sunday, Sharon shared a thoughtful morning message based on John 14:1-14. Thank you to Keri, Butch, Becky, Elizabeth, Sue, Tony, Chuck, Abram and Harold.

On this Sunday, we gathered downstairs—not for a traditional service, but for something just as sacred. Together, we rol...
04/27/2026

On this Sunday, we gathered downstairs—not for a traditional service, but for something just as sacred. Together, we rolled up our sleeves to help our friends at Food for Change. The kitchen filled with energy and purpose as we prepared a hearty meal of potato casserole and ham, garlic bread, fruit cups, and the ever-popular silverware wraps.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed—those who donated food, those who came to prepare it, and those who simply showed up with willing hearts. Each act, big or small, became part of something much greater.
This outreach continues to be a true blessing for our congregation. It gives us a visible, tangible way to live out the Enduring Principles we hold close. Grace and Generosity, Worth of All Persons, and the Blessings of Community were especially present among us—but you could also sense the others quietly woven throughout the experience, just beneath the surface.
More than 100 people were served through this shared effort. But beyond the numbers, what lingers is the spirit of connection, compassion, and purpose. In serving others, we found ourselves drawn closer—to one another, to our community, and to the heart of Christ’s mission.

On this Sunday, Tom centered our worship around the theme “Living Invitation.” We began the service today by sharing goo...
04/19/2026

On this Sunday, Tom centered our worship around the theme “Living Invitation.” We began the service today by sharing good news, lifting up prayer requests, and participating in Disciples’ Generous Response—grounding ourselves in gratitude, community, and God’s ongoing movement among us.
Tom then offered a special ministry of music, singing “Emmanuel—God With Us.” There was a depth of feeling in his voice that went beyond the notes themselves; you could sense the truth of the message settling into the room. It wasn’t just a song—it was a reminder that God is not distant, but present, near, and moving among us.
From there, Tom invited us into the story of Christ’s encounter with two travelers on the road to Emmaus. He helped us see how, even when the disciples didn’t recognize him, Christ was walking beside them—listening, teaching, and ultimately revealing himself in a moment of shared presence. Through this story and others in scripture, Tom drew us into a deeper understanding: Christ’s invitation is not limited or exclusive. It is extended to all, and we are called to carry that invitation forward—to meet people where they are and share the good news of God’s love.
Tom left us with a simple but meaningful challenge: to pray our church’s mission prayer each day—and more importantly, to live it. To become people who are awake to the Spirit, willing to respond, and courageous enough to be a blessing in new and unexpected ways.
God, where will your Spirit lead today?
Help me be fully awake and ready to respond.
Grant me courage to risk something new,
and become a blessing of your love and peace.
Amen.
Thank you to all who shared their gifts and talents to make this service meaningful—Becky, Joel, Carol, and Charlie. Your contributions helped bring this message of invitation to life in a beautiful way.

On this Sunday, we had the great pleasure of welcoming Ron and Claire Smith to Cowlitz Valley.Debbie gently guided us in...
04/12/2026

On this Sunday, we had the great pleasure of welcoming Ron and Claire Smith to Cowlitz Valley.
Debbie gently guided us into a time of both personal and communal reflection. Those who wished to participate were invited to write down a burden or heaviness they were carrying and bring it forward, placing it on a table at the front of the sanctuary. Later, we were invited to come forward again—this time to read aloud a card written by someone else. This simple yet powerful exchange became a moving reminder that we are one body, sharing in one another’s lives, struggles, and hopes. It was a beautiful expression of community and compassion.
Debbie then centered us in scripture, reading 1 Peter 1:3–9 several times, each time inviting us to listen more deeply for what might be speaking to our hearts.
Ron continued with that same passage, bringing it vividly to life. Through his own spirit of joy, he reminded us that these words were not only meant for those in Peter’s time, but for us here and now. God invites us into lives marked by laughter, play, and deep, abiding joy. Ron shared personal stories that illustrated how faith in Jesus brings strength, love, hope, and joy—even in difficult moments—and how that faith continually points us back to Love, the Creator of all.
Following the service, we gathered for a wonderful potluck. Thank you to everyone who brought dishes prepared with care and love. The room was filled with laughter and connection—something that felt especially meaningful after Ron’s message about the importance of joy in our lives.
A heartfelt thank you to all who shared their time and talents in making this day so special—Emily, Norreen, Joel, Addy, and Abby—and to everyone who stayed to help clean up afterward. Your generosity and spirit of service continue to be a blessing to this community.

This weekend, our congregation began its journey with a meaningful Good Friday service. Keri and Emily thoughtfully crea...
04/06/2026

This weekend, our congregation began its journey with a meaningful Good Friday service. Keri and Emily thoughtfully created an experience that helped draw us into the depth of what Christ and his disciples endured on the night of betrayal. Through their care and creativity, many in our congregation were invited to actively participate, making the service especially personal and moving. Thank you, Keri and Emily, for opening that space for shared ministry.
Then, on this Resurrection and Communion Sunday, the day began with a beloved tradition—the West family’s Easter morning breakfast. Held downstairs at the church this year, it was a time filled with delicious food, warm conversation, and joyful fellowship. Thank you to the West family for bringing us together in such a welcoming way and helping us begin the day as one family in Christ.
As the service began, Carol reminded us of the simple and powerful truth of the day: He is risen—this is our hope. Sharon then beautifully wove together several scripture passages, guiding us through the events from Friday evening to the discovery of the empty tomb. She brought to life the wonder of the resurrection and the moments when Christ revealed himself to his loved ones and disciples.
Sharon gently invited us to carry one central truth with us: to remember God’s extraordinary gift of love, and to follow Christ’s example by extending mercy and love to all we encounter.
We then shared in Communion, holding in our hearts a spirit of deep gratitude and abiding love.
Thank you to all who offered their gifts and presence in today’s service—Becky, Butch, Harold, Emily, Brody, Charlie, and Abram—and to everyone who helped make this sacred weekend so meaningful.
A special thank you to Debbie for creating a beautiful meditation area that guided us throughout our Lenten journey, offering a quiet space for reflection and prayer. That sacred space helped prepare our hearts—so that today, we could more fully receive the joy, hope, and new life of the resurrection.

On this Palm Sunday Elizabeth challenged us to consider 3 questions about our discipleship journey before reading the Ma...
03/29/2026

On this Palm Sunday Elizabeth challenged us to consider 3 questions about our discipleship journey before reading the Matthew 21 story of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. She examined how his humble entry was planned to be the opposite of Pontious Pilot’s show of strength.

She then encouraged us to become Christlike peacemakers by making simple moves within complex systems and extending Christ’s peace to all people.

Thank you to Elizabeth for your thoughtful unpacking of a familiar story. We’d also like to recognize Sue, Brenda and Mike for their contributions to today’s service. Please also take a minute to consider the painting of Jesus on the c**t that Sharon contributed.

As you prepare for Easter week we hope you will take the time to consider the week 6 reflection in today’s pictures.

On this Sunday, we were honored to welcome guest minister Kim Naten, who centered her message on John 9:1–41.Kim began b...
03/22/2026

On this Sunday, we were honored to welcome guest minister Kim Naten, who centered her message on John 9:1–41.
Kim began by offering helpful background on the context in which John was writing and the audience he was addressing, giving us a deeper understanding of the scripture before us. She then thoughtfully guided us through the passage, breaking it into three meaningful sections that invited us to see the story in a new and more personal way.
As she concluded, Kim left us with questions that continue to linger:
Are we faithfully working to overcome our own blindness?
Are we faithfully living out what Christ has shown us through his ministry?
These were not just questions to hear, but invitations to reflect and respond.
It was also a special joy to welcome back two of our former pastors, Ron and Jackie Rodgers, who joined us from out of town. Jackie, the first female pastor of this congregation, offered the invocation, and Ron shared the benediction—both meaningful contributions that made the morning even more special.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped bring this service together. We are blessed by such a caring and dedicated group—Jackie, Brenda, Ron, Butch, Charlie, Abram, and Mike.
And a special thank you to the West family for preparing a wonderful coffee and pastries breakfast, helping us warmly welcome back Ron and Jackie, and our guest minister Kim.
Be sure to take a moment to see the picture for Week 5 of our Lenten Devotional—it offers another meaningful way to reflect as we continue this journey together.

Address

2020 Delaware Street
Longview, WA
98632

Opening Hours

9:15am - 11am

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