OCTOBER 2025
New Colors, New Memories
September is nearly behind us, and I sense our Cooperative’s big ship moving into deeper waters—waters of stability. That doesn’t happen without the steady hands of Sandy Storment and the pastors who stepped into pulpits when needed. Together, they’ve helped this rocking boat grow more confident.
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” —Psalm 133:1
What is our goal for the Cooperative? After 30 years of ministry, I’m not driven by ambition for numbers or grand designs. I’ve learned not to do this work alone. What I pray for is simple: that we create a ministry model filled with joy and renewal. Attendance may not right away, but if we keep learning, sharing time together, and encouraging one another, we’ll be building something far more lasting.
Scott and I were blessed by the interdenominational picnic in St. Helens and the fellowships in Rainier and Kalama. We invite everybody to join us for Sundaes on a Saturday, hosted by the Longview SPPR team. Ministry is not only about worship but also about laughter, friendship, and ice cream.
At the annual United Women in Faith meeting in Kalama, I witnessed again the strength of women working together. Debra Kerstein welcomed Sherry Evans from Rainier, who carried back the UWF reading list to share with Rainier UMW group. Our women remind us how much we gain when we share across communities.
At the Kalama’s weekly senior lunch, I had the privilege of meeting Joanna Boatman, the first woman mayor of Kalama. Her story inspired me to interview her. Encounters like this remind me that every person who comes through our churches carries history and tradition. We are here to listen and to weave those voices into the tapestry of our unity.
I encourage you to visit one another’s churches, watch streamed services from Kalama, Longview, and St. Helens, and follow each congregation’s Facebook page. We have so much to learn from one another as we seek balance and renewal.
God brought us together to shape a new ministry. What kind of ministry? Not one driven by ambition, but by joy. One that proves sustainable and replicable. One that shows others what it looks like to love and support each other. If we can embody that, we’ll already be teaching by example.
Also, Scott and I restarted our Coping Live Talk Podcast. It is streamed to each church’s Facebook page and YouTube. Join us on Saturdays at 5 PM to continue talking on the important life questions.
Grateful for each of you,
Pastor Lydia
