The Spiritual Buffet

A decade ago Vickie and I spent three weeks in a third world country, St. Vincent, West Indies, teaching students heading into ministry. I have often imagined the amazement some of those folks would feel if they could stand in one of our supermarkets. How would they choose from such abundance when they were used to so little?

Longview Christian Church offers an abundant menu to help feed your soul. We believe that God's Word, the Bible, really helps us know our Lord deeply. Therefore, teaching from the Bible is central in our offerings. Let me provide a little guidance about what is offered. It will not be all inclusive but may be helpful. Sunday mornings start with our Foundation Studies. Foundation Studies are 6 to 8 week elective studies for adults on basic Bible topics. New classes start every two months. Some will be repeated in the future. They are not designed to provide community as ongoing Sunday School classes of previous times used to do. There are still Sunday School classes for children and youth during this time that coincide with ages and school grades. These educational offerings are at 9:15 on Sunday mornings.

Care Groups meet during the week throughout the area where LCC families live. Care Groups are designed to produce community and fellowship. Fellowship basically is sharing life with one another. Often Care Groups share a meal together, study the topic of the Sunday morning sermon little more deeply, join in service projects together when possible, and just plain have fun. Care Groups take on their own personalities. Our Family Minister, Troy Bayne, can help find a Care Group fit for you.

The Sunday Morning Worship Gathering meets at 10:30 each Sunday morning. Led by a praise team and worship band everyone is led to focus on the majesty of our Lord and our relationship with Him. The central part of our gathering is to remember Jesus' great sacrifice for us on the cross by having Communion together. This is done weekly after the pattern of early believers. The morning message is delivered by one of the preaching team members. Children, first through fourth grade, can join in an age specific worship service called Kids Worship in the Big Room. Nursery and Wee Worship (toddlers) is also available.

Other offerings are like desert. There are youth groups for junior and senior high students, Shift 214 for young adults, Women's Ministry, Men's Ministry, LCC Fit, and much more. There is no reason for any of us to go spiritually hungry—we just have to come to the table.

See you soon,

Bob Sieh

Teaching Minister