Messiah's second site moves to golf-course clubhouse

By Rachel Pritchett, communicator

RIDGEFIELD, NORTH CLARK COUNTY — Planners at Messiah Lutheran Church of Vancouver had a strong hunch a second site in fast-growing Ridgefield would draw local worshipers.

What they didn't know two and a half years ago was that families would drive to Messiah's North County Campus not just from Ridgefield, but from outlying areas many miles away. Some 50 came each Sunday from places like Woodland, Kalama and Longview to the north, and from Battle Ground to the east, since there was no Lutheran church in the region.

Messiah had invited them using direct-mail post cards, according to the Revs. Peter and Kathleen Braafladt of Messiah.

Meeting in an office building close to Interstate 5, the newcomers brought a lot of new energy and fresh leadership. Three sit on the Messiah Church Council, which serves both sites.

"We've really emphasized the fact that we're one congregation with two places," Peter said.

Last fall, the North County Campus lease came up, and a new agreement could not be reached. The North County Campus moved to the clubhouse at the nearby Tri-Mountain Golf Course. 

The transition "zaps your energy" for a while, Peter said. Some of the newcomers switched to Hazel Dell, so attendance at the North County Campus dipped slightly, but went up at Hazel Dell.

The new location also is near I-5, and curious golfers are milling around and popping their head inside. 

"We're getting a lot more exposure," Kathleen said.

The clubhouse arranged eating discounts for Messiah members at the North County Campus, and members have added to clubhouse business at the struggling county-owned golf course.

The clubhouse rent is easier to swallow. 

"I actually feel freed up; we're not house poor," Kathleen said, adding that more money now is available for ministries.

Leaders aren't sure how long the North County Campus will stay at the golf course; they're open to where God leads them. 

The Braafladts' advice for other new mission starts is try different things, and if they don't work, it's not failure.

"Don't be afraid to experiment," Kathleen said.

Sunday worship at Messiah's North County Campus is at 10 a.m. Tri-Mountain Golf Course is at 1701 NW 299th St., Ridgefield, Exit 16 off I-5. All are invited.

Pictured: Kathleen and Peter Braafladt