The Columbia Weekly
November 3, 2022
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A Message from Pastor Scott
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Generosity is about sharing the love of God with one another. We have seen this in the Sunday video stories about God’s generous work in the lives of people here at Columbia: the secret pal relationship between Sally Stalnaker and Erin Brown that started years ago and keeps on producing blessings in their lives; Jun Jeong, Chris Keinath and others at Utmost who give time and energy to mentoring and sharing Christ; Kathie Lasater’s story of God’s call to generously share her gifts through Parish Nursing and Health Ministries; and the Youth Interns who, under Lydia Tombarelli’s leadership, experience a deepening of faith and grow in exciting new ways. When we all give of ourselves good things happen, seeds of faith are planted and growth in Christ is the result. You can watch the generosity videos by clicking here.
This Sunday, we celebrate the generosity of God in our lives by consecrating our gifts and offerings to the Lord. Please prayerfully consider what you can give for 2023, complete a pledge card, and bring it forward during worship. Your pledge is between you and God, the pastors do not see the pledges, nor do we want to see them. At the end of each service, we will joyfully celebrate with food and fellowship in the Gathering Area. Let’s make this a time of celebration and connection as we rejoice and give thanks for what God has done in our lives.
Grace and Peace,
Scott
Bring your offerings and sacrifices, your tithes and special gifts... There, in the presence of the Lord your God, you and your families shall eat and shall rejoice in everything you have put your hand to, because the Lord your God has blessed you.
Deuteronomy 12:6,7
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Daylight Saving Time Ends
Reminder we turn our clocks back one hour this weekend.
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Thanksgiving Food Boxes
Thanksgiving shopping is coming up on the morning of Saturday, November 19. We will be providing food to approximately 30 families from Marshall Elementary, McLoughlin Middle School and Circle of Friends Preschool. If you would like to help with shopping or bagging groceries, please come sign up in the Gathering Area between services on Sundays, November 6 & 13. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Beth Burton at 360-909-8829.
Here’s what being a shopper looks like:
- Arrive at the WinCo on 136th Ave. at your assigned time.
- Greeters from Columbia Presbyterian will meet you at the front of WinCo to give you the family information and shopping list.
- Fill your cart with the designated items according to the list.
- Come to the designated register at the front of the store and have the groceries bagged by our awesome team of baggers.
- Load the groceries into your car.
- Call the family to let them know you are on your way (they are expecting you).
- Deliver the groceries to the family.
- Everything is paid for by our church.
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Volunteer Opportunity in Columbia's Neighborhood
Looking to support ministries in Columbia's neighborhood, Deacons asked Immanuel Lutheran down the street how we can help with their Satellite Overflow Shelter. It runs Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday nights from November 13 - March 17. Outsiders Inn staffs the shelter.
How can you help? Several ways:
- Meal volunteers drop off a meal at 5:45pm.
- Evening volunteers, two per night. One works from 5:30-8:30pm to serve and clean up the evening meal and keep an eye on things in the eating/sleeping room. The other works from 6-9pm to oversee showers.
- Morning volunteers work from 6-8:30am to help the staff serve breakfast, assist guests as they depart, and clean up afterward.
- Sign up for any of these shifts at volunteersignup.org/F97HR or contact Immanuel Lutheran Church at 360-694-3661.
Donations are also welcome and needed. Paper products, hygiene supplies, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and first-aid supplies, food supplies, and other items can be dropped off at Immanuel between 10am and 3pm.
An orientation for volunteers is Wednesday, November 9, from 7-8pm at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 8310 MacArthur Blvd.
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Have you ever had a family member (or yourself) in a situation where they need blood? It’s one medical resource that can’t be manufactured. You have the opportunity to save as many as three lives when you sign up for the Deacons’ Red Cross Blood Drive Monday, November 21, from 11:30am to 4:15pm. We have 52 slots to fill. Free snacks! Email Barbara Miller to reserve your slot.
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Elders and Deacons Needed
The Nominating Committee is looking for candidates to serve as Elders and Deacons. Are you feeling called or nudged by the Lord to serve? Elders oversee the ministries of the church, discerning God's call on Columbia; Deacons serve as our hands and feet to our congregation and others. Both provide a critical role in serving and leading Columbia Presbyterian Church.
Submit your name or your candidate's name (with their approval) by Wednesday, November 30 by emailing Nancy Johns, or calling her at 360-624-6598. You may also contact any member of the Nominating Committee (Will Pollard, Jerry Brown, Jerry Hofer, Alix Iverson, Tim Mauer, or Bob Sisson).
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Fall Food Drive Recap
The spring food drive brought in $3,380. The fall food drive brought in $6,200. Wow, Columbia! Your generosity will touch so many lives. Thank you!
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Many thanks to this year's Generosity Team for all of the good work they have done to show us what God is doing at CPC. Generosity Team members are; Lori Brown, Matt Hoffman, Carol Cate, Collin Votrobeck, and Pastor Scott.
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Pastor Nominating Committee Update
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It’s been 11 months since the Pastor Nominating Committee was formed, and we are still working hard and prayerfully to discern who God is calling to Columbia. When will we know? Only God knows that!
We’ve conducted a couple of rounds of first and second interviews, and PIFs (Personal Information Forms) from pastors are still rolling in, each of which we prayerfully consider.
What can you do? Your job is to pray! Pray for the candidates, even though you don’t know their names. Each one is seeking God’s leading. Pray for the PNC — Andy Woodrow, Beth Burton, Chris Keinath, Connie Warner, Dan Zeamer, John Van Zytveld, KT Teng, Mary Sisson, Matt Hoffman, Ron Prill and Wendy Ovall — as we listen for the Holy Spirit’s voice. And continue praying for our pastoral staff and lay leaders as they carry on the ministry of Columbia while we wait for God’s timing for the next Head of Staff.
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Children's Ministry Director
Exciting news! We have found our new CM Director! Learn more about her below.
My name is Tifny Mathena and I am a native of the Pacific Northwest. As a military spouse, my family and I have moved seven times in the past ten years, and are thankful to be settled back home. I received my Master’s degree in Social Work from Portland State in 2006. I bring a diverse range of experience in parent-child education, therapeutic preschool, foster care and pregnancy resource ministries, working with at-risk youth, military family and spouse support. I have known my husband Aaron since high school and we have been married for seventeen years. Our son, Max is a sophomore at Camas High School and our daughter, Stella is in eighth grade at Liberty Middle School. My primary job for the past several years has been helping our kids settle in after every move, turning unfamiliar places into somewhere that feels like home. We also have a three year old lazy labradoodle named Grizzly that steals our socks.
God has led me all over the place, and I’ve worked with all kinds of people. I am so thankful that He has led me here, right now, to serve the children and families of Columbia. I can’t wait to meet you all, and I can’t wait to get started.
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Circle of Friends Preschool - Moving into the holiday season
It is hard to believe there is only five weeks to practice and prepare for our Christmas celebration program. We quickly change gears from one holiday season to the next. The costumes are put away and the Needs Drive is set into motion. All of this happened within a 24-hour period.
Every November this sweet little preschool program sponsors a drive to collect items for McLoughlin Middle School, Marshall Elementary, Share House, Open House Ministries and the Clark County Food Bank. Last year we filled the orange classroom with an array of donations. We invite our church family to participate in the gathering of food, warm clothing, and hygiene products as well. You can drop items off at the preschool or in front of the preschool office door.
The goal behind this life lesson is to teach the little ones the importance of being empathetic, compassionate and to have a grateful heart.
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Schedule Reminders & Updates
Due to the MS Back to School Retreat this weekend, there will be NO Youth Sunday School or HS Youth Group on November 6.
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Opportunity for visiting!
For the past two years, the Health Ministry Team has delivered WeCare gifts twice a year to those of our congregation who are mostly isolated from us, and sometimes, family and friends. In November, we’ll be making those deliveries again and also checking in to see how our recipients are faring and if they have needs we can help with.
If you would like to participate, you would need to:
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Email Kathie Lasater or call her at 503-975-8220 to let her know of your interest by Monday, November 7
- Watch a short video describing a home visit, including what to look for
- Pick up the gifts for specific congregants on Wednesday, November 9, or make an arrangement to pick it up
- Deliver the gifts before Thanksgiving
- Write and email a brief, two sentence report about each recipient so we can follow up as needed.
Couples and singles of all ages are welcome to participate! It is a blessing to bring joy to those who are unable to come to us and may feel disconnected.
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Mental Health First Aid Class
Sundays, November 13 & 20
12:00 - 4:30PM
A class to become certified in mental health first aid will be held November 13 & 20. Mental health nurse practitioner Pam Stover and Pastor Ted Buck are teaching the class and we invite you to attend. For details, please check out this flyer. There will be a free lunch served both Sundays, and costs are deferred except for a $20 materials printing charge. Please let Pam know of your interest no later than Sunday, November 6 (see flyer for email address). If you know of those who would benefit or be interested, they are also welcome.
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In Sympathy:
- Gary Stewart and family on the death of his mother, Jean Stewart, on
vvvvvOctober 4. A service will be held in the Sanctuary at 2:00PM on Friday, aaaaaNovember 11.
In Concern:
- Sheila Hockley - recovering from a fall and surgery
- Jim Jacobson - recovering from surgery
- Carol Peterson - hospitalized with an infection
- Angie Staley - treatment for breast cancer
- Jim Waltz - health concerns
- Harry Kiick - recovering from heart 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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