The Columbia Weekly
December 29, 2022
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A Message from Pastor Ted |
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I remember reading the meditations for Advent by Anna Guillotzet last week and she touched on the Christmas story not being a “perfect” set-up where everything was organized and beautiful.
“I wonder where along the way we became obsessed with picture perfect Christmas. I suspect social media has played a role. In this story of Mary and Joseph, nothing is picture perfect. There was no painstaking preparation which included a birth plan and details flawlessly executed – a messy story of a pregnancy out of wedlock and a dangerous flight to Egypt.”
And then came Christmas Eve and Christmas day for the Portland/Vancouver area. Freezing rain and cold weather. Our services were canceled for both days. It was not a “picture perfect” Christmas. Ah, but God’s presence was, and still is, with us. We continue to celebrate the birth of the incarnate baby and His impact on all. No matter the circumstances, no matter the weather conditions, no matter whether we were not able to meet to celebrate Christmas, may our personal lives still become a “Bethlehem” for the Son of God. O God, help us to “hear the angels sing!”
Pastor Ted
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Children's Ministry
Children are invited to remain with their parents on New Year’s Day. Sunday school and childcare will resume January 8.
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Youth Schedule Reminders
- Youth Sunday school resumes January 8
- High School Youth Group resumes January 8
- Middle School Youth Group resumes January 11
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The adult Sunday morning class will resume on Sunday, January 8 at 10:30AM, in the Fellowship Hall.
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We all have friends or family members who are carrying difficult burdens, and it can be challenging to know what to say to them. On Sunday, January 15, Nancie Parmenter of the Health Ministry Team, will present “How to Talk to Those Who are Hurting” at 10:30AM in the Chapel. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about this important skill! |
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2023 High School Ski Retreat
February 17-20
Registration is now open for the High School Ski Retreat. Yes, even though Camas School District has changed their calendar to accommodate an earlier snow day, we are sticking with our original 4-day retreat. Costs vary depending on many factors, please read the options carefully. Register Here.
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Deacon Offering
The Christmas Eve offering is designated to the Deacon Fund. The Deacon Fund is used to provide financial support for members and friends of Columbia in great need. It is administered, confidentially, by officers of the Board of Deacons and the pastors of Columbia. Even though we did not have Christmas Eve services, you still have the opportunity to give to the Deacon Fund. Simply put “Deacon Fund” on the memo line.
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Contribution Deadline
All contributions for 2022 must be received in the church office by noon on Friday, December 30, OR postmarked by December 31. Contributions received or postmarked after the 31st will be posted to your account for 2023.
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2023 Offering Envelopes
Offering envelopes are available in the Gathering Area and weekdays (8:30AM – 4:30PM) in the church office.
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Tim's Bible Club - 2023
The New Year is coming and you are invited to join Tim Mauer and friends as they read through the entire Bible together in 2023.
Whether you’ve never read the Bible, or have joined every year, make 2023 the year to meet with God every day and get to know Him better through reading His Word.
Tim’s Bible Club is a virtual group that commits to read through the Bible in one year using a reading list for each day provided by Tim. There are no meetings or committees - just an occasional email of encouragement throughout the year to keep you motivated.
The reading list this year will be a traditional Old Testament to New Testament sequence with a narrative feel. You will be provided with a list of daily reading references, which will also be available on the church app and website. A paper printout of the reading list will be available in the Gathering Area.
If you are interested in joining, please send an email to Tim or sign-up in the Gathering Area. Reading begins on January 1. Your participation will be a blessing to you and to all the others who join.
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GIFT@Night
Wednesdays, 6:30PM
January 11 - February 15
in LL6
GIFT, a women’s study and fellowship group, invites you to explore the effect of hurriedness on our spiritual lives by studying John Mark Comer’s book, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry. Questions? Contact Stephanie Bisch or (360) 553-9871.
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LifeKeys
Wednesdays 6:30 - 8:00 PM
January 11 - February 22
Why are you here? What do you do best? What are you passionate about? What do you value? LifeKeys is a class that helps you explore these and other questions that will help you better understand your unique, God-given, blend of gifts, and how you can best use these gifts. Registration for LifeKeys is $14, and includes the LifeKeys work book. Click the button below to register for this class.
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Save the Date - The next ‘All Church Sale’ will be held August 10 - 12. Start saving your donations which can be brought to the church on August 6 & 7.
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The 2023 Senegal Go Team is continuing their preparations for the trip at the end of January. The team covets your prayers and will begin signing up Prayer Partners - folks who will pray for them during the final preparations, throughout the trip and once the team returns and processes what they have seen, felt, and heard. Sign up on Sundays in the Gathering Area January 8-22.
SAVE THE DATE - There will be a Senegal Dinner open to the entire congregation on January 28, from 6:00-8:00PM in the Fellowship Hall. It will be a time of sharing about the ministry, praying for those making the trip and for our Christian brothers and sisters in Senegal. We hope to see you there.
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In Celebration:
- Ted and Katie Buck on the birth of a granddaughter, Tobin Yazzie, on December 15. Parents are Allison & Brandon Voigt.
In Sympathy:
- Jeff & Anna Haagenson and family on the death of Jeff's dad, Jerry, on December 13.
In Concern:
- Kay Thorpe - recovering from a stroke
- Trish Johnston - recovering from shoulder surgery
- Jeannie Vanderwal - recovering from surgery
- Mary Carlson - health concerns
- Imogene Doden - on hospice
- David Peterson - receiving immunotherapy treatment for cancer
- Angie Staley - treatment for breast cancer
- Harry Kiick - recovering from heart surgery
- Sheila Hockley - recovering from a fall and surgery
- Jim Jacobson - recovering from surgery
- Judi Trist - undergoing cancer treatment
- Barbara Van Nostern - recovering from a fall
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Ways to Give:
- By Mail or Bill Pay through your financial institution
cccccccSend checks to:
cccccccColumbia Presbyterian Church
ccccccc8715 St. Helens Ave
cccccccVancouver, WA 98664
Other Types of Giving:
- Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)
- Required Minimum Distribution (RMD)
- Stock
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The submission deadline for Columbia Weekly articles is Wednesdays at 2:00PM. |
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805 Columbia Ridge Dr.
Vancouver, WA 98664
(360) 694-7549
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