The Columbia Weekly
February 23, 2023
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A Message from Pastor Scott |
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Henri Nouwen spent hours sitting in front of Rembrandt's painting of the Prodigal Son, reflecting on the characters in the story, and seeing insight into this loving Father. At one point, Nouwen asks himself: “Had I, myself, really ever dared to step into the center, kneel down, and let myself be held by a forgiving God?”
In many ways the story of the Father and the two sons is one about learning to accept love, both from oneself and from others. Do we really love ourselves? Not in a narcissistic sense, but in a way that sees one’s deep brokenness and vulnerability, and is still able to love and show compassion toward the self. Nouwen helps us to see that truly loving oneself is a bigger task than we may realize, and a necessary step before we can truly love others.
The story of the Prodigal Son reveals a Father who loves unabashedly and without condition. He loves the most broken parts of his two sons: the younger one who seeks pleasure and independence, and the older one who sits in judgement. But the question remains: Can the sons love themselves? Can we love ourselves? If we can, then we will find the way into the Father’s home, where joy and celebration await our arrival.
Peace,
Pastor Scott
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Let’s Do Lunch on February 26
12:00PM
Fellowship Hall
If you are new to Columbia, whether you have joined the church or not, the pastors and staff would love to buy you lunch and get to know you better! Join us for an informal time of conversation and breaking bread together.
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Last Chance to Register for the Men's Retreat
March 3-5 - Registration closes @11:59PM - Sunday, February 26
Aldersgate Retreat Center, Turner, OR
The Men’s Retreat has been a great time for the men of Columbia to get away for some good fellowship and fantastic teaching in the relaxing atmosphere at Aldersgate Retreat Center. This year we welcome Rev. John Moser as our speaker. Using his love of scripture, humor, vulnerability, and the stories of people he has walked alongside, John invites us to grow and be balanced as followers of Jesus. First time retreat attenders will get a $25 discount! Click the button below to register.
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Ellen Torongo Scholarships
Applications due Wednesday, March 1
Since 1997 college scholarships have been awarded by the CPC Presbyterian Women’s Association to active members of our church community. This was named for Ellen Torongo, a former school librarian and Charter member of CPC.
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Scholarship #1 is open to women ages thirty or older, seeking to advance their education, acquire new skills, or update present skills.
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Scholarship #2 is for high- school- graduate children of single parents. Both applicants and their parent must be active members of Columbia.
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Scholarship #3 is to help first-generation college students between ages 18-24 pursuing an undergraduate degree at an accredited institution. “First generation” is defined as a person whose parent or parents have not obtained a post-secondary degree.
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Scholarship #4 is open to children of Missionaries who are/were active members of Columbia and whose mission is supported by Columbia.
Donations are welcome. Please make checks payable to CPC Presbyterian Women with ET Scholarships in the memo line.
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PW Gathering
Saturday, March 4
Noon - 2:00PM
Join us for a luncheon and program. Suggested donation is $12.00. Former airline attendants will share their interesting experiences. Sign up in the Gathering area on after service on Sunday.
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2023 Children & Youth Summer Internships
Applications Due: Sunday, March 5
High School students and college-aged young adults are invited to apply to be an intern for the summer of 2023. This 9-week internship gives you the opportunity to grow in your gifts and skills as they relate to ministry with children or youth. There are both paid and volunteer opportunities. Click Here for more information and a link to the application.
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High School Work Camp
Registration Deadline: Saturday, March 18
July 1-8
Montgomery, Alabama
Click Here to hear Pastor Matt share a bit about how this year's Work Camp came to be, some of the objectives of the trip, the importance of the Work Camp Auction, and an invitation to register. Click the button below to register now.
Parents, we need your hands-on help with the Work Camp Auction! Please Click Here to complete a survey on how you are able to help.
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More Work Camp Auction Donations Needed
Sunday, March 19
12:00PM
CPC Gym & Fellowship Hall
We are still in need of auction donations. Please consider helping by contributing a gift basket, items from local retailers, gift cards, handmade items, experiences, services, etc. We also are looking to borrow a few larger items that you may have access to: Pop-a-Shot Basketball game, Nerf gun targets, plastic flamingos, mini bowling set, or other “carnival” style games. If you have something to donate to the auction, there are auction donation slips in the church office and Gathering Area. Items can be dropped off in the church office or contact Amanda Stimmel to make alternative arrangements at awstimmel@gmail.com. Don’t forget to put March 19 at 12:00PM on your calendar for the Work Camp Auction – more information on how to register and what to look forward to will be coming to your inbox in March!
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Women’s Retreat - Save the Date
May 19-21
Aldersgate Lodge - Turner, OR
This will be a wonderful weekend full of great teaching, worship, music and fellowship. So reserve this weekend on your calendar now and plan to attend. More details will follow, so stay tuned to the Columbia Weekly.
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Go Team Report
Sunday, March 26
9:00AM & 10:30AM
Chapel
The Senegal Go Team is back from a fantastic trip after a 2-year COVID hiatus. What the team saw and heard was so encouraging and full of God moments! From a new church building to expansion of Bible stories across social media to small groups of non-believers meeting to learn more about the Word, things are happening in Senegal. Please join the Go Team for highlights of the trip and encouraging stories of God's love in Senegal. Two session will be held on Sunday, March 26 at 9:00AM and again at 10:30AM, in the Chapel.
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February is Healthy Heart Month
In this Healthy Heart Month, it is good to know where the closest Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is located when you are in a public building, such as Columbia Presbyterian. AED’s are used to revive someone whose heart has stopped. There are two at CPC—one behind the Welcome Desk in the Gathering Area, and one on the upper level in the warehouse by the Utmost gym. If there is an incident at church, you may be asked to get the AED. Once turned on, the machine uses voice prompts to direct actions. Of course, 911 should be called first and CPR started; the 911 operator may be able to give additional directions for using the AED. For more information about AED’s, click here:
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In Sympathy:
- John & Geo Plumberg and family on the death of Geo’s dad, Jay Stock, on February 8.
- Larry Peterson and family on the death of David Peterson on February 8. A service for David and Carol will be held in the Sanctuary on Saturday, March 11 at 1:00PM.
In Concern:
- Ilona Kecskemethy - health concerns
- Russ Parker - preventative cancer treatments
- Kay Thorpe - recovering from a stroke
- Jeannie Vanderwal - recovering from surgery
- Mary Carlson - health concerns
- 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
Thank You
- Thank you for your prayers and well wishes as I recover from my shoulder surgery. I am doing well. ~Trish Johnston
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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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