About The Latah Valley Presbyterian Church:

Latah Valley is a threshold.  And we mean that in a variety of ways.

First, we are a community of faith which remains open and eager to engage all the questions and seemingly obtuse experiences of people who aren’t used to thinking about faith or God or church. 

Second, we are concerned with a specific place—the southern entrance into the vicinity of Spokane, Washington.  Route 195 cuts through a swath of historically rich terrain.  Along the banks of the Latah Creek, for example, approximately 27 native leaders were hanged on the orders of General George Wright in 1858.  Subsequently, the meandering stream came to be known as Hangman Creek.  We abhor that designation and seek to reclaim the geographic region as a place of reconciliation, hope and harvest.  The Nez Perce word, Lah-tah, refers to the place of the pines.

Third, we are representatives of the Reformed Tradition and the Presbyterian Church (USA) which means that Latah Valley is deeply connected to the theological precept, “Ecclesia reformata, semper reformanda” or “The church reformed, always reforming.”  Already established congregations who support our ministry include First Presbyterian Church on Cedar Street, Manito Presbyterian on 29^th Avenue and Hamblen Park Presbyterian on Crestline…

Fourth, we are Missional in the sense that our newly forming community exists as a way of demonstrating God’s effusive love for the whole creation, and in particular the men, women and children of the Latah Valley.  The “Missio Dei,” or “Mission of God,” implies that we are a sent people, who do not exist for ourselves, but sacrificially for those who remain alienated, embittered and lonely.

Fifth, we are just now Emerging from a social mindset in which churches have either operated as museums or market-driven enterprises.  Latah Valley aspires to be neither one.  Instead we intend to position ourselves at the threshold of the revelation of the God in the person of Jesus of Nazareth.  From there we will venture out and welcome others to enter in.    

Sixth, we are an intergenerational cross-section of ethnic groups, income levels and diverse passions.  We emphasize, encourage and include the spiritual gifts that you as an individual have been called to exercise for the common good.

Seventh, we are hospitable and edgy at the same time.  Expect new people and expect us to create new forms of worshipping and serving in light of those new people whom God directs our way.  Moreover, if we ever fall into the rut of self-absorption, expect a kick in the caboose, or expect a reinvigorating baptism in the waters of Latah…