Downriver Dispatches

Churches in the Westend

As the covid-9 fiasco and the governor’s edict closed many businesses throughout the county, churches have been affected as well, with many churches closed altogether or they have their services online.

Many residents of the community have addressed some of their concerns to me as to their right to worship God under the 1st amendment of the United States Constitution in spite of the pandemic. Below is a list of some of the churches that have their services online for those who want to have a way to worship:

· Naselle Assembly of God, Lead Pastor Kyle and Hanna Higginbotham came to Naselle Assembly of God in 2012 to serve as associate and youth pastors. After five years of serving the youth of our community they transitioned into the lead role in 2017. After meeting at bible college, they got married in 2009 and have three children; Jackson, Blakely, and Henry. Associate Pastor Rick and Sydney Seavey joined Naselle Assembly of God in 2018 as associate and youth pastors after spending most of their lives in Spokane. They’ve known each other since childhood and have been married since 2008 and have two children, Judah and Selah. They were planning on having a day of prayer at the church; however, in response to recent restrictions they will be moving their day of prayer to wherever you are. You can join their online services on Sunday at 11 a.m. at the Naselle Assembly of God on Facebook or on Youtube. The church’s address is 278 Knappton Rd, Naselle, WA 98638. You may contact them at PO Box 26 Naselle, WA 98638, Email: naselleag.church@gmail.com, or phone them at (360) 484-3817.

· Grays River Methodist Church, located at 3624 SR4 W is closed until further notice.

· Naselle Evangelical Lutheran is located at 308 Knappton Road in Naselle. Virtual worship is at 9 a.m. with coffee hour following. You may contact the church at PO Box 100 Naselle, WA 98638 or phone them at (360) 484-3826, or e-mail at nasellelutheranchurch@gmail.com.

· Valley Bible Church located at 4723 SR 4 W in Rosburg is open to the public with Sunday services from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Rick Ballif and his wife Kelli have pastored Valley Bible Church since 1983. They have their services online as well as at the church. The goal of their website is to highlight the worship, fellowship and service opportunities available. Their services online can be found on Facebook. For more information contact Pastor Rick Ballif at (360) 465-2425. Valley Bible Church’s mailing address is 4723 State Route 4 West, Rosburg, Washington 98643.

Westend News

Last year’s Dress a Girl around the World was a huge success. Although Johnson Park is closed due to Governor Inslee’s mandate to close the community center until further notice, the Johnson Park Sewing Room is open the first Monday of each month from 10 a.m. until noon for those who are working on a dress. For information concerning the dress making contact info is at dressagirlpearl@gmail.com. Masks are required as well as social distancing. The sewing room may be closed as well, so anyone wishing to use the facility may contact Shonda Ware at the Westend Food Pantry at Johnson Park. The phone number of the Pantry is (369) 465-2344. The Westend Food Pantry is open every Thursday from 1-5 p.m. Food is brought out to your car while you wait.

Rosburg Store

Many local businesses have been drastically hurt by this pandemic. The Rosburg Store is still open to the public; however, there is no dine in service. Masks are required to enter the store. Those of the community who like to imbibe in alcoholic beverages will now be able to purchase these at the store. We would like to welcome their new pizza chef, Matthew Keilwitz from Skamokawa and another local chef, Jeremy Smith from Rosburg.

Appelo Archives Center

This Christmas season is a perfect time to help support the Appelo Archives Center located at 1056 SR 4 in Naselle by buying one of their beautiful Noble Fir Christmas trees for only $45 or one of their wonderfully hand made wreaths for only $25. Don’t forget that this Saturday from 12 noon until 3 p.m., Santa will be visiting the center to have pictures taken with him. Come and browse their handmade crafts, art, antiques, books, and more (find unique & special gifts that also help support your local historical museum). This year’s Santa Lucia selection is Clara Davis. Appelo’s Archive Center also is offering a Hot Chocolate & Popcorn ‘Drive-Thru' Station. They are open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. The Archive Café is open for take-out only and limited seating outside. For additional information or questions contact Annika Kay at (369) 484-7103.