THE CURRENT
CONNECT | SERVE | GROW
“Spring: a lovely reminder of how beautiful change can be.” - Unknown

“Spring: a lovely reminder of how beautiful change can be.” - Unknown
Spring is a season of anticipation. As the dark and wet Washington days slowly turn to glimmers of sunshine, we are reminded that we are entering into something new. Whether it be new yellow blooms on flowers or nearing the end of the school year, spring brings newness that kindles a sense of anticipation within us. For followers of Jesus, throughout centuries and across the globe today, the great anticipation of spring finds itself in the 40 days of Lent.
While not all followers of Jesus observe Lent today, there is something for us to learn from this ancient Christian practice. Just as Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness with prayer and fasting (Matt. 4:1-11), the Easter season calls us to refocus our hearts upon Christ. Traditionally, Lent is observed by intentionally setting aside time for prayer, fasting, confession, and giving—all actions that call us to consider the ways in which our own hearts have drifted from the cross of Christ. When we allow ourselves time for self-reflection, we are reminded of our shortcomings and need for the cross. We are reminded that we need Easter to come again— not because Jesus’ work on the cross was insufficient the first time, but because our own human hearts are insufficient to remember the life-changing reality of the resurrection.
So while we look forward with anticipation to this season, may we not focus primarily on the external change to come (weather, nature, end of school) but on the internal change God still wants to do in our hearts. We have so many ways you can connect with God and one another this Easter season at LC3.
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:19
Reese Carlson NextGen Disicipleship Pastor
Spring Session: April 15 - June 3 | Tuesdays, 7-8:30pm
Alpha explores the big questions we all ask, and guests from any background can unpack the basics of faith. Bring your questions; you’ll find you’re not alone. If you’re looking for a judgment-free space to ask hard questions and share your own opinion, there’s a place for you! Learn more at LC3.com/Alpha
Saturday, April 12, 9am
Join us for the 2nd annual Kaleo Klassic: A 5K fun-run to support our high school mission trip to Malawi this summer. Run, walk, or just hang out!
Thursday, April 24, 5-8pm
We welcome back Pastor Josh Schwartz of Olive Tree Ministries to lead a one-night Bible Prophecy event. We will discuss current world events and what the Bible says about the End Times.
Saturday, April 26, 7:30pm
Experience the transformative power of the Gospel in the lives of the next generation and stand with them in prayer as they grow in their walk with Christ. Join us in the gym for a time of worship, inspiring testimonies, and a joyful celebration of how God is shaping their hearts. Discover how you can prayerfully support and encourage them on their faith journey.
Pre-Service/Service Prayer Time
Saturdays, 5:30pm & Sundays, 8:30am | Worship Center
Ignite Hope Prayer Time
Third Sundays, 10:30-11am | Prayer Room
Ignite Hope invites anyone interested in abundant life for all to gather in prayer.
Turco-Russian Prayer Time
Third Sundays, 8am | Small Conference Room
Sunday, April 27, 4:30pm
Bring the whole family for an exciting Movie Night Fundraiser supporting MomCo! Enjoy a fun-filled evening while helping raise funds to send MomCo moms to MomCon 2025. Don’t miss this chance to make memories, support a great cause, and enjoy a fantastic movie night together!
Saturday, May 31, 9-12pm
Are you ready to take the next step in your faith journey? Attend our church Membership Class and learn what it means to be a part of the LC3 family! Learn about our mission, beliefs, and values, connect with others on a similar journey, and discover ways to grow and serve in the church. Whether you’re new to our church or have been attending for a while, this class is the perfect way to take the next step! We have a place for you!
Sunday, June 1, 6pm
Join us for our annual Senior Blessing as we celebrate and send off our high school seniors! Parents will share words of blessing over their graduates while our LC3 church family stands together in support and prayer. Don’t miss this special moment of encouragement and commissioning!
Sundays May 4, 11am and May 25, 9am
Join us for an informational meeting about the Colson Fellows Program, a transformative Christian worldview training experience. This session will provide an overview of the program’s structure, curriculum, and expectations, as well as the impact it can have on your faith and leadership. Whether you’re considering applying or simply want to learn more, this meeting is a great opportunity to ask questions and connect with others interested in the program.
In August 2023, my family and I moved from northern Virginia to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, our fourth move in six years. As a military family, we’ve learned the importance of finding community wherever we’re stationed. Knowing my husband would soon leave for a 9-month deployment, we sought a church home and quickly found one at LC3, thanks to a friend’s recommendation. From our first visit, LC3 felt like a place where we could grow and be supported. LC3’s mission to Love God and Love People was clear, especially through its ministries. The children’s ministry and family ministry have been special blessings to us as we are in the thick of raising our four kids (ages 8, 6, 5, and 18 months).
As my husband’s deployment approached, I leaned into the church community for strength, knowing I’d need God’s help to navigate the challenges of solo parenting. In October, I joined the Deployed Spouse Ministry and found incredible support. The monthly gatherings have connected me with other military spouses who understand this unique season, while
Do you have a deployed family member? We have a team to support you. Email Info@LC3.com and our team will be in touch!
If you have arrived in the past six months, or plan on leaving in the next 6 months, find a pastor after service – we’d like to give you an LC3 coin!
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. For more information about this and other Bible studies, gatherings, and outings, contact RJ Prestwich at rj.prestwich@cadence.org.
my kids spend time with peers who share similar experiences. The ministry leaders—Christa, Deni, Tricia, and Pastor Marc—have poured out their time, prayers, and care, offering emotional and practical support that has been life-giving. Knowing the church is praying for us and walking alongside us has been a source of strength and encouragement.
LC3 and the Deployed Spouse Ministry have been more than a church—they’ve been a lifeline, a family, and a reminder that we’re not alone. I’m deeply grateful for the hope and resilience this community has given me during this season.
Michelle Kirk & Family
MAR 2025
Third Wednesdays, 12:30pm | Gathering Area
Gather with friends and connect with others for meaningful fellowship, God’s amazing Word, and a great lunch.
Sunday, April 13, 3pm | Worship Center
Come celebrate the joy of Easter with an uplifting afternoon of music and praise! Sing along to beloved hymns that celebrate the resurrection of Christ in a warm and welcoming community. All are welcome—bring your family, friends, and joyful hearts!
April 7 - May 29
Mondays, 6:30pm | Wednesdays, 9:30am | Thursdays, 9:30am
You are invited to our spring study, Encountering God , by Kelly Minter. We offer the same Bible study at all three times. Free childcare is available with advance registration.
May 2 & 3
Ladies, do you long to embrace your God-given identity with confidence and purpose? Join us for Flourish: Cultivate Your Identity in Christ, a life-giving women’s conference designed to help you grow in faith, walk in truth, and step boldly into who God created you to be.
Expect inspiring messages on embracing your identity in Christ, a welcoming community of women walking this journey together, and worship that refreshes your heart and soul. You are chosen, loved, and called—come discover the beauty of fully embracing your identity in Him!
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. (Previously called MOPS)
Third Fridays, 9am-2pm | Library Lobby
This is a vibrant ministry that serves as a time of fellowship, camaraderie, and giving back! The Stitching Sisters meet every 3rd 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 third world countries, and even burp clothes for our own MomCo ministry. Please bring a sack lunch.
Drop in! Both studies are held in the Large Conference Room Mondays, 6:30-8pm
Open to all men. Led by Gerald Rosenberg Thursdays, 9:30-11:45am
All men are welcome to join our Bible study examining the book of Philippians.
May 16-18, Seabeck, WA
Men of LC3, it’s time to get away! Join us for a powerful weekend at Seabeck Conference Center, where we’ll dive into this year’s theme: Guard Your Heart. Expect great fellowship, inspiring messages, and time to recharge. Don’t miss it! Sign up today!
Wednesdays, 6:30am | Zoom
Gather online every Wednesday for a brief time of prayer. Contact Marc Gauthier at Marc.Gauthier@LC3.com for info.
Mondays, 6-7am | LC3 Gym
Connect with other men to strengthen body, heart, and soul with a weekly workout and faith time.
Mondays, 6:30-8pm
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. A new session is beginning!
MAR 2025
MIDDLE SCHOOL MINISTRY
Upper Room
Tuesdays, 6:30-8pm | Gym
Students gather to learn about God, grow spiritually, and have fun.
Digging Deeper
Saturdays, 7:30-9pm | Kids‘ Main
Students meet in groups by grade and gender to dig deeper into what they learned about in Upper Room the previous Tuesday.
HIGH SCHOOL MINISTRY
Large Group & Small Groups
Saturdays, 7:30-9:30pm | Gym
Tribe Night
1st Tuesdays, 6:30-8pm | Off-site
Students meet in groups by grade and gender for extended time with their small group (or “tribe”!)
AWANA
Wednesdays, 6:30-8:05pm | Gym
Engage kids with the Gospel and build lifelong faith!
SUNDAY SCHOOL
9 & 11 am Services
3 mo - Grade 5
Kids are nurtured in their spiritual growth through age-appropriate lessons, activities, and worship.
LEAVENWORTH, WA FEB 2025
LEAVENWORTH, WA MAR 2025
Thursdays, 6:30-8pm | Kids Main
Re|engage examines God’s design for marriage and applies biblical principles to guide couples toward growth in their relationship with each other. This is a great opportunity for couples who are 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 provide a sufficient amount of workers.
April 7 & May 5, 6:30-8:30pm
A monthly meeting to troubleshoot challenges, share resources and ideas, and discuss all things homeschool!
Saturday, May 17, 9am-12pm
Curious about homeschooling? Join us for an informative session where a panel of LC3 homeschooling families will share their experiences and insights. Browse curriculum samples, ask questions, and take home a free resource packet to help you get started!
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.
Sundays, 7-9pm | Large Conference Room
Young men’s ministry. Gather to grow closer to Christ, know His Word, and find fellowship. Contact Daniel Shaffer at 253.765.1522 for more information.
English with Friends gives non-English-speaking new arrivals to the Tacoma area an opportunity to practice English. Coming from various countries in Asia, Africa, and South America, many are already followers of Jesus.
The evening starts with fellowship over food. Sometimes we have takeout pizza; other times new arrivals bring dishes showcasing cuisine from their home country (it’s delicious and gives us a chance to expand taste buds!). Occasionally, LC3 families and community groups deliver American food (thanks, guys – you know who you are).
Next comes Discovery Bible Study with Ali and Sela leading us through the book of Mark. New arrivals practice English by reading and discussing God’s Word and all of us grow in our walk with God, discovering new insights from people of other cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
The evening ends with prayer for one another (this is where it gets personal). Several months ago, one of the men shared with me about being arrested and imprisoned in Iran for several weeks for preaching the gospel. We pray that all of us can learn new relational skills and grow in understanding and compassion for people who are different from us but still need Jesus. For immigrant families, we pray that they learn to navigate American culture and the English language, and that God helps them find work to provide for their families. Most of all, we pray for all of us to be changed, to be more like Jesus in all we do and say.
Every week, we provide food assistance to over 180 families in need—but we can’t do it without YOU!
·Donate food & essentials
·Make a financial contribution
·Volunteer your time
Together, we can fight hunger and bring hope to families in our community. Every little bit makes a big difference! Contact Lucy Wise to find out how you can get involved. BreadofLife@LC3.com
Hospitality Hall
Every Thursday, the Hospitality Hall volunteers welcome Food Bank clients by offering a smile, free household items, and a sweet treat. Greet our community as they receive food for their families.
Community Garden
The Community Garden season begins soon on Veterans Drive behind the gym. We focus on growing food together with the neighbors who live close to the garden. Some beds are still available as of March 1. Volunteers are welcome to come for our workdays. The first workday will be the morning of April 12.
Kind Hearts
Wednesday, May 21, 2:30pm | Gym
The Neighborhood Center supports Greater Lakes Mental Health, 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!
Strawberry Social
Sunday, June 22, 12:30pm
Join us for a sweet summer celebration at the LC3 Community Garden’s Strawberry Social! Enjoy fresh-picked strawberries, meet your neighbors, and experience the beauty of our thriving community garden in the heart of Lake City. Come taste the freshness and grow connections with us! Everyone is welcome!
Sunday, June 8, 5:30pm
Join Table of Nations for an evening of delicious international food, fellowship, multilingual worship, and, most importantly, the Nations honoring the only One found worthy, King Jesus - The Lord of the Harvest!
This February, Table of Nations took a trip to the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma, one of the nation’s largest immigrant detention centers with capacity to hold 1,575 detainees. The purpose of this visit was to seek ways for LC3 to engage locally with our international neighbors. What we found was a wide-open door of opportunity.
Detainees hail from all over the world, spurred on by the hope of a better life. They await their judge’s decision: deportation or grant of asylum. The waiting period can last from weeks to years, and detainees are lonely, bored, and far from anything familiar. Many are from unreached people groups* (UPG) in desperate need of the Gospel. LC3 regularly prays for and sends Gospel workers to UPGs like this, and they’re right here in our own backyard!
Many detainees, if not most, never receive visitors. One Arabic speaking woman we visited in February burst into tears saying, “I have been here for four months, and you are the first person to ever visit me!” Another detainee fled from a Muslim country where she was persecuted for her Christian faith and now seeks asylum in the US. Having Christians visit and pray with her and speak Scriptures in her language is a great source of encouragement to her.
Being imprisoned in a foreign country is an unforgettable time in a person’s life. What if Jesus’ followers met them there, planted seeds of truth, hope, and love in their lives during their detainment? If they are deported, perhaps they’ll go back to their home countries with hope and the Gospel. If they’re granted asylum, they’ll remember it was Jesus followers who were the first to welcome them in their new homeland.
‘...I was in prison and you came to Me.’ Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You a drink? And when did we see You a stranger and welcome You, or naked and clothe You? And when did we see You sick or in prison and visit You? And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these My brothers, you did it to Me’ (Matt. 25:36-40).
Learn more: tableofnations@LC3.com or apply to join us:
*Unreached people group: an ethnolinguistic group of people with less than 1% indigenous believers among them to evangelize their own people group.
October 10-19, 2025
Over 15 years ago, members of LC3 took action to slow the orphan crisis in Ethiopia by supporting families trapped in extreme poverty. Conditions were so desperate that some mothers, unable to provide for their children, left them in villages, hoping others would feed them.
God led Jeff Butler and Family Hope International (FHI) to help these families—often single mothers—stay together and work toward independence. A monthly donation of $50 to FHI provides food, medicine, clothing, and shelter, allowing mothers to care for their children. Additionally, small loans empower these women to start businesses, supplementing the support they receive from FHI.
Through partnerships with local Ethiopian churches, which identify families in greatest need, our support is transforming communities and opening hearts to the Gospel.
In 2015, a team from LC3 traveled to Ethiopia to meet the women and children they had been supporting. Seeing firsthand the impact of their generosity was life-changing. Wouldn’t you love to meet the family you’ve helped?
From October 10–19, 2025, Jeff Butler is leading another vision trip—an incredible opportunity to connect with these precious women and children. If you’ve ever wondered how your donations are making a difference, this is your chance to witness it firsthand!
Use the QR code to find more information.
Rescuing, Redeeming, and Restoring Orphans, the Vulnerable & Their Communities
Over 20 years ago, Eric and Julie Von Barnau Sythoff visited Malawi and were deeply moved by the overwhelming needs they encountered. Their desire to help led to the founding of the Passion Center for Children (PCC). Today, two decades later, PCC has grown beyond their original vision! Under strong Malawian leadership, PCC now operates a Pastoral Training Center, hosts Youth Conferences, trains communities in Community Health Evangelism, builds homes for ChildHeaded Households, supports children with disabilities through Champions Clubs, and much more.
Two years ago, LC3 sent a team of high school students and their adult leaders to Malawi, where they:
· Visited widows
· Hosted a Marriage Conference
· Led a Women’s Conference
· Organized a Youth Conference
· Ran VBS-style programs in multiple villages
This June, LC3 has been invited to send another high school team to Malawi! But just like any mission, it takes a broad team effort to make it happen. Here’s how you can be part of it:
· PRAY – Lift up the students and adults preparing for this journey.
· PROVIDE – Donate medical supplies and materials for the VBS programs.
· GIVE – Support students financially to help make this mission possible.
Our team will be taking much-needed medical supplies to Malawi. Please bring donated items to the Missions Counter, where a designated collection box will be available.
Also, don’t forget to pick up a Malawi Team Prayer Card at the Mission Counter and join us in prayer for God’s provision and guidance!
For a list of requested Medical Supplies, scan the QR code.
Sunday, March 30, 6:00pm
Join us as we lift our hearts and voices to the Resurrected King: the King of kings, the One who reigns over all creation, and Ruler of an everlasting Kingdom
Monday, March 31 & Tuesday, April 1, 12:00 - 8:00pm
Start your Easter preparation by experiencing our dynamic, interactive Prayer Mosaic. There will be multiple prayer stations including Praying Hands, Wailing Wall, and Interceding for our Community and the World. Childcare offered from 6-8pm with childcare reservation.
Sunday, April 13, 3pm | Worship Center
Come celebrate the joy of Easter with an uplifting evening of music and praise! Sing along to beloved hymns that celebrate the resurrection of Christ in a warm and welcoming community. All are welcome—bring your family, friends, and joyful hearts!
Friday, April 18, 4:00 &, 6:00pm
Join us as we reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus, the King who gave His life for us. Through scripture, worship, and prayer, we’ll remember the depth of His love and the power of His sacrifice.
Saturday, April 19, 10:00am
Easter Egg Round-up for kids ages 0-11; face-painting, prizes, candy, food and fun! Kids released by age groups, youngest to oldest, so everyone has fun.
Saturday April 19: 4 & 6pm | Sunday April 20: 8, 10am & 12pm
Come as you are and experience the true meaning of Easter: hope, renewal and the joy of Christ’s resurrection! Bring your family, bring your friends—let’s celebrate together.
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.
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.
Thursdays, 6-8pm
Young women experiencing an unplanned pregnancy can find support.
Contact IgniteHope@LC3.com to receive help or volunteer
The Pregnancy Support focus within LC3’s Ignite Hope ministry supports unexpectedly pregnant women and couples who face the pressure to abort. They provide 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.
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
• Start a weekly support group which uses a Christ-centered recovery process under the guidance of a certified facilitator
• Provide support, encouragement, and information
In summer 2023, I tearfully said goodbye to the public library. I told the librarians I couldn’t allow my kids to browse there anymore because of the LGBT agenda of so many of the picture books. Now we just do curbside pickup.
That’s why I’m so grateful for the church library! Most Sundays my family gathers there after the service. My kids gleefully pull picture books and DVDs off the shelves. I keep a bag in my purse and pack them in. By the end, it’s often so heavy I can’t carry it by the handles.
The library materials are carefully chosen, which takes the burden off me. I love being in a place where I can say, “Yes,” to every item my children request. My eldest flies through books, so sometimes he’ll check out an entire series from the youth section. Having so much trustworthy material available is a relief to both of us.
Our kids enjoy the well-known DVDs, like VeggieTales, but they’ve also come across some new favorites, like
Auto-B-Good and Wild Brothers. My husband Jon and I have benefited from the nonfiction adult books that cover a range of topics, like parenting, creation, and spiritual warfare.
And we’ve discovered many series that the whole family has enjoyed—which can be challenging! We’ve loved watching the Torchlighters biographies and listening to the Brinkman Adventures CDs in the car. These true stories of God working in missionaries’ lives have helped us see Him working in our lives. The church library is a treasure trove of vetted materials. It enriches our family’s life and faith in so many ways.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” Matthew 5:3-10
Romans 15:13
Tung Le, Lead Pastor
Reese Carlson, NextGen Discipleship
Marc Gauthier, Adult Discipleship
Dr. Jim Kennington, Pastor Emeritus
David Pritchard, Family Discipleship & Congregational Care
Steve Schroeder, Adult 55+ Discipleship
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
Rachel Arbogast, 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
Carisa Schmidtke, Nursery Coordinator
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.