THE CURRENT
CONNECT | SERVE | GROW
“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.” - 1 John 1:7
“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.” - 1 John 1:7
When my wife and I lived in New England, our favorite part of fall was watching the changing colors of tree leaves. Often, when folks think of leaves changing color before falling off completely, people think of death. But the reality is that changing leaves speak to the lifecycle of trees, the circle of life. God tells His people this in Deuteronomy 11:14 “I will provide rain for your land in the proper time, the autumn and spring rains, and you will harvest your grain, new wine, and fresh oil.“
Just as trees have a lifecycle, so too does the church calendar. Fall is the season where all of our ministries kick off after a summer of rest. This issue of The Current has all of the major events, activities, and ministries for the fall. In fact, Sept-Dec is our busiest time of year. There are so many ways for you to engage in the life and ministries of the church.
So enjoy the changing seasons - both weather-wise and ministry-wise. And remember, we are only a few short months until Christmas...
Lead Pastor
If you aren‘t in a Community Group, September is a great time to jump in. New groups are starting and existing groups are kicking off a new season! Community Groups are a great place for fellowship, spiritual growth and support, and connection. Email Community@LC3.com for more information or to join a group.
Thursday, September 19, 6pm pie, 7pm prophecy
Join us for prophecy and pie! Christian author Steve Miller is back to do a Bible Prophecy update. Learn how current world events line up with the Bible and enjoy some pie!
Sundays: Sept 22, 9am & Sept 29, 11am
Large Conference Room
God calls all believers to make a public declaration of their belief in Jesus as their Savior. If you’d like to be baptized during services on October 12/13, please attend one of these classes.
Tuesdays, Sept 24-Nov 12, 6:30-8:30pm
Alpha is a series of conversations about things we all question in life: Why do bad things happen to good people? What‘s the purpose of life? What‘s next? If you‘re looking for a judgment-free space to ask hard questions and share your own opinion, there‘s a place for you! Volunteers needed. Learn more at LC3.com/Alpha.
YOUR ETERNAL REWARDS
Thursdays, Sept 26-Nov 21, 7pm | Worship Center
The Bible is full of promises about God’s rewards for His children. One day every child of God will stand before Him and discover how He is going to reward our faithfulness. Join our Thursday night Bible class to uncover fascinating truths that can dramatically impact your experience in heaven.
Sunday, September 29, 6pm
Join us for an evening centered around worship & prayer.
Pre-Service Prayer Time
Saturdays, 5:30pm & Sundays, 8:30am | Worship Center
Service Prayer Time
Sundays, 9am | Prayer Room
Ignite Hope Prayer Time
Second Sundays, 10:30-11am | Prayer Room
Ignite Hope invites anyone interested in abundant life for all to gather in prayer.
KAN (Turko-Russian) Prayer Time
Third Sundays, 8am | Small Conference Room
Niger Prayer Time
Sundays vary, follow LC3 calendar for dates!
Tuesdays, Oct 8-Dec 3, 6:30-7:30pm | Online
Understand your personal finances; create a plan to stop living paycheck to paycheck; build wealth so you can give generously; or simply understand God’s way of handling money.
Saturday, October 12, 9-12pm
God calls us to community. Learn about LC3, what we believe, and how you can be part of the LC3 community. We have a place for you!
Sunday, September 8, 9am | Lg. Conf. Room & 11am | Gym
W2Connect is a vital ministry that pairs two women as a mentor and mentee to grow in their relationship with the Lord. This ministry is “pair specific” meaning that each mentee will set goals for growth and the mentor will help her work toward them. W2Connect has a high commitment level: twice monthly face-to-face meetings, weekly check-ins, and commitment to pray. A beautiful aspect of this ministry is that both women grow and mature in their relationship with Christ. W2Connect runs from fall to spring. To find out more about this opportunity, join us at this informational meeting.
September 9-November 21
Mondays, 6:30pm | Wednesdays, 9:30am | Thursdays, 9:30am Ladies are invited to deepen their relationship with the Lord while connecting with other women in our fall Bible Study season. We’ll be studying the Book of Colossians.
Second & Fourth Tuesdays, 9:15-11:30am
Moms, this is a fantastic ministry to walk alongside other moms in the same life stage you are experiencing. Come for fellowship, relationships, and dialogue about current mom-topics, and enjoy hot coffee AND a hot breakfast all while your children are cared for in our children’s ministry. (formerly called MOPS)
Third Fridays, 9am-2pm
This is a vibrant ministry that serves as a time of fellowship, camaraderie, and giving back! The Stitching Sisters meet every third Friday of the month to work on sewing projects for various ministries, including pillowcases for Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital, stockings for the Stuff-a-Stocking ministry, hygiene kits for women and girls in developing countries, and even burp cloths for our own MOMCo ministry. Please bring a sack lunch.
LC3 Women‘s Conference
F3: FITNESS, FELLOWSHIP & FAITH
Mondays, beginning September 16, 6-7am | LC3 Gym
Connect with other men to strengthen body, heart, and soul with a weekly workout and faith time.
Mornings, 10am | Evenings, 6:30pm
Thursdays, Sept 12-Dec 19, 9:30-11:45am
All men are welcome to join a 12-week fall Bible study examining the Apostle Paul’s Epistle to the Ephesians. Register on LC3.com/Events.
WARRIORS PRAYER TIME
Wednesdays, 6:30am | Zoom
Gather online every Wednesday for a brief time of prayer. Contact Marc Gauthier at Marc.Gauthier@LC3.com for info.
Wednesdays, Sept 18-Nov 20, 6:30-8pm
The Conquer Series is a powerful cinematic study that is transforming the lives of men around the world. This study contains biblical teaching and proven principles to help men conquer porn and walk in freedom.
Are you interested in having a mentor? Men in their 20s and 30s are invited to join LC3 Men’s brand new mentoring ministry starting this year. Young men will be paired with older men to walk with them through life. Contact Dan Durr if you’re interested: Dan@FirstWesternProperties.com.
Mondays, beginning September 9, 6:30-8pm
Men, take your next faith step and join other brothers seeking to grow through our Every Man a Warrior small group study. Become the man of God you were born to be.
3rd Wednesdays, 12pm | Gathering Area
Gather with friends and connect with others in your church family for lunch and an engaging speaker.
Nov 1-3 | Cannon Beach Conference Center
Retired? Semi-retired? Dreaming about retirement? This is such a beautiful location and it was so fun last year. Call 800-745-1546 or visit this link to register: cbcc.net/2024-conferences. Contact Pastor Jim once you register at Jim.Kennington@LC3.com. We hope to see you at Cannon Beach in November!
Tuesday, December 10, 12-2pm
Save the date! Join us for a special lunch in the beauty of the Tacoma Golf and Country Club decorated for Christmas. We will sing carols and enjoy a devotional.
Tuesdays, Sept 17-Dec 3, 6:30-8:30pm
If you are serving or have served in the military and trauma is a part of your story, consider attending Military Reboot. This is a 12-week, Bible-based course to bring hope, healing, and community. Spouses are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Cadence International provides a home away from home for single service members. We strive to create a community centered around God and His Word. We meet every Friday for dinner, Bible study, and fellowship. To get more information about this and other Bible studies, gatherings, and outings, contact RJ Prestwich at rj.prestwich@cadence.org.
Our family was attending another church in 2010 but were searching for something different, although we were not sure what that was. I was a member of the YMCA at the time and had the opportunity to meet Pastor Jim and Jaci there. Pastor Jim has had a huge impact on my life and over the years we have developed a wonderful friendship. Our family decided to give Lake City Community Church a try back in 2010, and we have been attending ever since. In November of 2022, my wife of 64 years passed away. Pastor Rich, Pastor Jim, Nancy, and the church family were all very supportive and helped me and our daughter, Lourie, through this difficult time.
Lourie has always been very involved in ministries with LC3 and I decided it was time to become more involved myself. I am presently involved with the Old Timers Bible study (I qualify at age 85!), a Community Group, Prime Timers, accountability weekly meetings with my Christian brothers, am in my second year assisting with ALPHA, and I also enjoy being a greeter. Being warmly greeted and welcomed to LC3 is one of the things that initially drew our family to the church. I enjoy being a part of welcoming others to our church family. I love the Bible teaching and dedication of our pastors, staff, and congregation. I feel blessed to have so many LC3 Christian friends and the opportunity to enjoy their love and friendship every week. We are very thankful that God led us to LC3.
Thursdays, 6:30pm
Re|engage examines God’s design for marriage and applies biblical principles to guide couples towards growth in their relationship with each other. This is a great opportunity for couples having relationship challenges as well as couples looking to grow and strengthen their relationship. Re|engage is open to newcomers! You can join at any time during this year-round, ongoing ministry. Please register for childcare so we can provide a sufficient amount of workers.
Thursdays, Oct 3-Dec 5, 6:30-8:30pm
If you are engaged, dating or single, or interested in learning more about the covenant of marriage, check out Merge! An 8-week course taught by LC3 pastors and staff designed to strengthen your understanding of biblical marriage.
First Mondays, beginning Sept 9, 6:30-8:30pm
A monthly meeting to troubleshoot challenges, share resources and ideas, and discuss all things homeschool!
EVENT INFO
If you are a parent, or in the role of mentoring and influencing children, you will want to take advantage of our mini-courses. This ongoing resource will address important and highly-relevant topics parents face today. This fall we’ll have two mini-courses.
Sundays, Sept 22-Oct 13, 11am
Learn tips and ideas for parenting your pre-adolescent kid(s) using biblical principles from a family with lots of experience – Peter and Abby Johnson have nine kids and have learned a lot along the way.
Sundays, Oct 20-Nov 10, 11am
In our current culture, mental health is a real concern for parents. What principles from God’s Word can we apply as we disciple our children today?
Upper Room
Tuesdays, beginning Sept 17, 6:30pm | Gym
Students gather for games, fellowship, and teaching. Digging Deeper
Saturdays, beginning Sept 28, 7:30-9pm | Kids‘ Main
Students go in-depth on the topics discussed in large group on Tuesdays.
Large Group & Small Groups
Saturdays, beginning Sept 21, 7:30-9:30pm | Gym
Tribe Night
1st Tuesdays, beginning in October, 6:30-8pm | Off-site
Students meet in groups by grade and gender for extended time with their small group (or “tribe”!)
Mondays, 8:30am-12:30pm | LC3
Agape Co-Op is a group of families called and devoted to homeschooling our children to the glory of God! We have academic and/or extracurricular classes for kids. We also host worship, a momma’s Bible study and prayer, and experience God and community for all! Registration will close as classes reach capacity, 2yrs-Grade 12.
Packets for the Homeless Donation Drive, September 28/29
Donate clean, dry socks for Greater Lakes Mental Health to distribute in homeless encampments.
Introduction to Neighborhood Evangelism
Sunday, November 10, 12:30-2:30pm
Does your heart yearn to tell your neighbors about the gospel of Jesus? Are you unsure how to get started? The Neighborhood Center invites you to an introductory workshop to learn more. Taught by Carol Wylie.
Kind Hearts
Wednesday, November 20, 2:30-4:30pm | Gym
The Neighborhood Center supports the local police who visit our homeless neighbors by assembling homeless packets with donated dry socks, water, hygiene items, caps, and soft snacks. Help put the packets together!
BREAD OF LIFE FOOD BANK
Thursdays, 1-5pm \ Gym Lobby
If you or anyone you know could benefit from receiving free food, drop on by!
Bread of Life Food Bank is a ministry of LC3 that serves our local community. Our faithful volunteers meet every week to inventory new food, organize and stock the shelves, and on Thursdays transform the Gym Lobby into a food bank. We serve 160 households every week from our community. In addition to groceries, our volunteers are serving friendly smiles, welcoming hearts, and listening ears.
BOXED PASTA RICE
BOXED/CANNED SOUP
CANNED FRUIT CANNED
VEGGIES
PASTA SAUCE
CANNED TUNA
I’ve had the joy and privilege of getting to know a family that fled from Afghanistan as refugees earlier this year and have since become part of our LC3 family. They regularly attend Saturday night services at LC3, and recently welcomed a new baby into their family. One week, when the mom was home recovering after the birth of the new baby, I took the two elementary-aged daughters and the one-year-old son to church with me on a Sunday morning. The girls loved it so much that they wanted to keep coming to church on Sunday mornings with me, in addition to their regular Saturday night church attendance!
Since then, we have had some very sweet times together, as I brought them and their little brother to church. It is delightful to see the girls’ excitement for
“church days,” where they get to learn about God and the truth and love that is found in Him, sing worship songs, and see their friends. (Yes, you read that correctly – these girls choose to go to church twice a week because they love it so much!)
Revelation Chapter 7:9-10 describes “a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!’” God calls people from all nations, tribes, peoples, and languages to his fold. Yet we don’t always have to go far to meet and to serve the nations.
CANNED CHICKEN
SPAM
CAKE/BROWNIE MIXES
PEANUT BUTTER
JELLY/JAM
CEREAL
SNACK BARS
Elizabeth Fitzgerald
Since 2018, the LC3 Turco-Russian “KAN” Team leads our church’s outreach to unreached people groups in Central Asia, with an emphasis on the Kumyk, Akkin, and Nogai (KAN) people groups.
We support both in-country field workers and regional mission agencies. Get involved in some or all of our local activities by:
• Join the KAN Prayer Team! Commit to pray 30 minutes each week. You will receive a weekly prayer list for prayer needs. Email Walt and Edith Hanline at whanline@nationalleadership.net.
• Join the monthly corporate KAN Prayer Time in person or virtually: Third Sundays at 8am | Small Conference Room (Nov. will meet the 16th at 10am).
• Joining the Team: Third Mondays at 7pm | LC3 Library
• SAVE THESE DATES: November 16-17 for an LC3 Prayer and Celebration Weekend with Curt Chanda! We are prayerfully considering a LC3 Prayer/Vision/Service trip to Central Asia in 2025. Please consider joining us! Email Lourie Hunt at louriehunt@gmail.com if you’re interested in learning more.
Sunday, November 17, 6-8:30pm
SAVE THE DATE! Learn what the Lord is doing in the TurkoRussian region and how LC3 plans to grow our ministry to that region. It’s a fun opportunity to learn how God is moving and how you can support God’s work.
Want to get involved with your international neighbors? Contact TableofNations@LC3.com or scan the QR code to apply to be a volunteer!
God has called LC3 to bring His love and the message of His Gospel to unreached people groups - people who have never heard of Jesus.
The following is a letter from missionaries we support in one of these distant locations. Names and locations have been changed for their safety.
We must praise the Name of the Lord for His blessings among the nomads of the desert despite the challenges and difficulties.
Amastan has made more trips this month. At the beginning of the month, he and ten other brothers visited a well-populated area where
they preached three messages to the people.
Meanwhile, news was received from a mountain village where the New Testament reading school is located. You may remember that the former Koranic school there was closed when the teacher came to Christ after reading the New Testament. Six young men in New Testament school completed their course, reading through the entire New Testament in their language (printed in Arabic). A special celebration was planned for this momentous occasion, including celebrations held in ten villages where the parents of these young students live. I gave a special message to these students commending them for their hard work. Beginning with 2 Timothy 3:16-17, I pointed out the importance of the Word of God they now have in their possession, for God‘s Word is a treasure beyond compare! Words that are from the God who created them and gives them breath! God Himself has spoken to them and continues to speak through His Word, which is
alive and powerful! These words from God are eternal truth and will NEVER change, worth more than anything this world could give them. And God‘s Word will never change! “Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.“ Mark 13:31
Large crowds attended these special celebrations. Everyone wanted a copy of my message to download onto their phones or MP3 players. Each of the young men who had completed their reading course preached a message. They also stated that they now have work to do! I asked Amastan about the work they had in mind. He told me these young men now wish to start reading schools in different villages. They plan to teach other young people how to read the New Testament! Praise the Lord!
We praise the Lord for this very encouraging progress! This is the same region visited by a powerful, rich Islamic imam in 2019. The imam spoke with the chief of one of the larger villages in the area. He tried to pressure and make
promises to persuade the chief telling him, “We will build you a prominent, imposing worship center (mosque) right here in this mountain village. It will be beautiful and phenomenal, bringing greatness to you and the region!“ The village chief responded, “Even if you build it, no matter how beautiful the structure, it will remain empty and unattended. All these people you see here in this village belong to Jesus Christ!“ The imam became angry, stormed off, and got into his vehicle. Furious, he sped off in a cloud of dust, making quite a show. Praise God, His Word prevailed and will continue to do so!
several examinations, the doctors declined surgery. They have advised him to be very careful and if he experiences severe pain, he should immediately go to the hospital. But Akim lives in a palmleaf tent about four miles out of town.
Akim has distributed 40 radio/ MP3 audio New Testaments this month. He travels 30 miles round trip in the desert where many of his friends and relatives live. He reports they are very sincere and serious about their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and the Word of God. Akim has also begun to teach his children to read the New Testament.
Meanwhile, many of the believers have continued to distribute God‘s Word. In July alone, 250 audio New Testaments and 70 printed New Testaments were distributed!
Pray for Akim. He has been very ill with a hernia but, after
Pray also for Badis who has distributed 80 audio New Testaments this month and 50 printed New Testaments. Badis had to help his elderly father move to a desert village eight miles out of town. Brahim made a profession of faith in the 1980s and was baptized on May 14, 1989.
After declaring his faith in Christ, he was ostracized by friends and relatives. At his new village in the desert, he has many elderly friends who have also come to Christ in recent years. Badis’s older brother, Gwafa, also lives in the village and is a believer.
We have been concerned about the rain this season and have been praying the Lord would allow good rain. The rains have been sparse and sporadic until the last ten days. The intense heat has somewhat subsided, and rains have begun at last. Food remains scarce and very expensive. Leaders in our area continue to cause even worse conditions. Pray concerning these difficulties. Islamist terrorists continue their murderous attacks on the country. A missionary friend spoke to me of recent attacks over 750 miles to the southwest of the country where there are many believers of different tribal groups. Because of these attacks, many of the believers had to flee their farms and homes. Please pray for them.
Pray that the Lord will give me wisdom as we continue to encourage the nomad believers in the northern desert regions. Pray especially for the new believers. Pray for the dozens of desert villages where small and large groups of believers meet to call upon the Name of the Lord and study His Word. Pray for the evangelistic radio programs that continue being broadcast on three stations.
“. . . the word of the Lord endureth forever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.“
1
Peter 1:25
Friday Nights, 6-9pm | The Wylie‘s Home
Gather with other singles ages 18-25 to connect, study the Bible, and enjoy fun opportunities together.
Sunday Nights, 7-9pm | The Wylie‘s Home
A Bible study for young adult women (18-30) looking for a community to dive into the Word. For more info, contact Samantha Becker at Samantha.Becker@LC3.com.
Sundays, 7-9pm | Large Conference Room
A ministry for young men ages 18-25. Gather to grow closer to Christ, know His Word, and find fellowship. Contact Daniel Shaffer at 253.765.1522 for more information.
Saturdays, 10-11:30am | Large Conference Room
Fresh Hope is a peer-to-peer Christ-centered wellness approach for those who suffer from a mental health challenge and for their loved ones.
Thursdays, Sept 9-Dec 12, 6-8pm | Upper Gym
Support for young, single women experiencing an unplanned pregnancy (childcare registration available).
This ministry provides meals for families in our church that are exeriencing a challenging time. If you would like to be a part of the team, please contact Brandy Beekman at Brandy.LC3@gmail.com.
Contact IgniteHope@LC3.com to receive help or volunteer.
The Pregnancy Support focus (Life Guards) within LC3’s Ignite Hope ministry supports unexpectedly pregnant women and couples who face the pressure to abort by providing hope, accurate information, judgment-free compassion, and connection to healing resources for women and men who have been touched by reproductive loss in the past. What we do:
• Rescue: the lives of unborn children; women from emotional damage
• Support: material and friendship
• Disciple & Mentor: connect women with Bible studies and support groups
At LC3 we believe God has called the local church to come alongside foster families by providing support to them as they open their hearts and homes to children in need. Statistics show that when a foster family has support, they are more likely to continue fostering children in need of families. What we do:
A group of 4-8 people, on a rotating schedule, give tangible support to foster families through providing meals, helping with tutoring, childcare, transportation, laundry, yard work, etc.
Our mission is to empower those with mental health challenges to access strong support systems and care. We also want to educate those affected by these challenges in our church and the community to remove the stigma associated with mental health. What we do:
• Approach mental health recovery from a hope and faith-filled perspective
• Offer a weekly support group which uses a Christ-centered recovery process under the guidance of a certified facilitator
• Provide support, encouragement, and information
November 16-December 8
Support our food bank families by providing Christmas gifts for their children. Grab a tag off the tree and return the gift for their Christmas Party!
Rehearsals Wednesdays
Nov 6-Dec 11, 6:30-8pm
If you enjoy singing and Christmas, please join our Christmas Choir. Six Wednesday rehearals. We will lead worship in December 14/15 services.
Sunday, December 15
Children of all ages are invited to participate in our annual Nativity play!
Multiple Services on Tuesday, 12/24
CHRISTMAS EVENTS
Friday, December 6 at 6:30pm Saturday, December 7 at 11am
Usher in the beauty of the Christmas season with LC3 Women’s Events. We are hosting a Friday night dessert and a Saturday morning brunch. Invite a friend and plan on attending one of these festive gatherings.
Sunday, December 1, 6-8pm
Join us as we usher in the Christmas season with songs of praise for the new born King.
“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Colossians 3:17
Tung Le, Lead Pastor
Reese Carlson, NextGen Discipleship
Marc Gauthier, Adult Discipleship
Dr. Jim Kennington, Pastor Emeritus
David Pritchard, Family Discipleship & Congregational Care
Mark Wilkening, Worship Arts
Brian Anderson
Jeremiah Durr
Peter Johnson
Jim Kennington
Tung Le
Randy Madson
John Schock
Jared Beadle, Events & Facilities Director
Krystal Beadle, Early Childhood Coordinator
Samantha Becker, Technical Arts & Media Assistant
Chris Bucher, IT Director
Logan Brown, Director of Middle School Discipleship
Mary Clark, Bookkeeper
Kate Evarts, Director of Communications
Todd Gathany, Technical Director
Christa Gauthier, Systems Administrator
Sabrina Kelly, Discipleship Administrator
Tyler Knack, Director of Operations & Logistics
Michelle Kuhlmann, Graphic Design
Debbie Le, Director of Women’s Discipleship
Christa Lippert, Receptionist
Julie Morley, Children’s Discipleship Assistant
Joshua Núñez, Director of Missions
Nicole Oury, Director of Children’s Discipleship
Nancy Shaffer, Office Manager
Janet Spingath, Executive Director, The Neighborhood Center
Annie Stelly, Office Administrator
Rick Wells, Business Manager
Our mission as a church is to advance God’s Kingdom by making fully-devoted followers of Christ in Lakewood and the world. This mission comes out of the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 where Jesus commanded His followers to make disciples of all nations. And that is what a fully-devoted follower is: a disciple. Every ministry at LC3 is geared towards making and developing disciples.
If you would