Longview United Methodist Church

Rev. Dr. Lydia Istomina is the first woman pastor in Russia—and a force to be reckoned with. After a career in engineering and nearly a decade as Executive Branch Manager of the Russian nonprofit association Znanie (“Knowledge”), she co-founded the Institute of Management for local entrepreneurs in partnership with Ural State University.

In 1990, Lydia founded the First Methodist Church in Sverdlovsk (now Yekaterinburg), Russia during a time of immense political and spiritual upheaval. Her book, Bringing Hidden Things to Light, captures that journey—telling the story of former Soviet citizens and American Christians dreaming together of a world without the iron curtain, suspicion, or hatred. Her church became a beacon of hope, serving as a hub for education, publishing, and compassionate outreach.

As Director for Russia and the C.I.S. at the General Board of Global Ministries, Lydia organized key humanitarian partnerships, including negotiating use of the AN-124 military aircraft to deliver urgent aid during Russia’s most vulnerable years.

She earned her Doctor of Ministry from St. Paul School of Theology in 2016, focusing on organizational health and workplace justice. Lydia has served on the Strength for Service Board and mentored emerging leaders through the Regnier Institute at UMKC’s Bloch School of Management.

Now Co-Pastor of the Western Columbia River Cooperative alongside her husband, Rev. Scott Kiddle, Lydia is passionate about collaborative leadership and nurturing inclusive, vibrant churches in Oregon and Washington. She is an active member of a national network of clergy and organizers, helping to plan justice-focused rallies, worship gatherings, and concerts that celebrate the sacred worth of all people.

Rev. Dr. Istomina is the recipient of the Sojourner of Truth Award for courage and justice, the Arlon O. Ebright Award for leadership, and the Unity Award from the Missouri Conference for community development. She believes the Church is called to be a sanctuary for all—and is committed to proclaiming God’s radical love with no exceptions.

Scott Kiddle, a devout Christian and seasoned minister, has dedicated his life to serving God and spreading the gospel. Born and raised in the Chicago area, Scott obtained his undergraduate degree in Pastoral Training from Moody Bible Institute and his master's degree in Christian Studies from Columbia Evangelical Seminary. His journey of faith began in 1974 when he embraced Jesus Christ as his savior during high school. Shortly after, in 1977, while studying music, Scott felt a strong calling to ministry that he has faithfully followed ever since.

Throughout his decades-long career in Christian ministry, Scott has held various roles, including pastor, minister of music, and Bible teacher, and has served communities throughout the Midwest. In 1985, he co-founded a lay school of ministry in Winterset, Iowa, and in 1991, he joined a Christian league of composers at a large church in Kansas City, where he wrote all the musical selections for the church choir for three years.

In 2002, Scott joined the United Methodist Church, where he has served in a lay capacity as a Sunday school teacher, Bible study leader, and musician. However, in 2018, Scott felt a renewed calling to serve as a pastor in the UMC and has been serving as a Licensed Local Pastor ever since. His current role is as a part-time co-pastor of the Western Columbia River Cooperative. 

Scott's passion for ministry is matched only by his dedication to his family. He and his wife, Lydia Istomina, a UMC elder since 2004, are blessed with five children and seven grandchildren. They currently reside in Rainier, OR, where they continue to live out their faith and spread God's love to those around them.

Linda joined the UMC staff in May 2024 as Administrative Assistant. Linda and her husband moved to Longview, Washington, after retiring in Arizona in 2021 to be closer to family and currently attend a church in Woodland, Washington. After retirement, she wanted to continue to utilize her office and organizational skills and decided to return to work part-time, working two part-time jobs three days a week. Linda enjoys playing the piano, spending time with family, and exploring her new home state of Washington.