Worship Services
5:00 PM Saturdays
9:00 & 10:30 AM Sundays

Phone: (360) 694-7549

The Columbia Weekly
July 29, 2021
A Message from Pastor Danie
Transition… again!

I hear it often. And I know. CPC is impatient, and wants the interim process to be over. Because I realize that “Transitional Ministry” was not explained to the Session and congregation, I will again offer this information.

“Transitional Ministry” helps provide leadership in the “interim time” – the time of a pastoral vacancy – but also has some specific tasks to be completed for the health of the congregation.
It is, therefore, a great time for a congregation to take a deep breath, and think through the calling of a new pastor. Sometimes such replacement may take as much as 18 months to two years.

Tasks of Transitional Ministry
  1. During this interim period the congregation needs to explore their values, purpose and mission, and provide a continuation in ministry.
  2. Transitional Ministry is about seeking effective ways to organize for ministry, recruit, train and develop new leadership.
  3. It involves assessing the way decisions are made in the church and determining if there are more inclusive ways to handle this task.
  4. This is a time to look at how the community of faith relates to one another, the surrounding neighborhood, and the wider church.
  5. Finally, this is a time for a congregation to discover their identity apart from the pastor of the church.

Is it necessary to say that I can only lead these tasks, which have to be worked through by the leadership and congregation, and I cannot complete any of them? This is an opportunity for the congregation to develop a vision that will help meet the spiritual needs of members and enhance their ministry beyond themselves.
With this kind of clarity, the congregation can find a new leader who will equip them to follow what they believe to be God’s will, direction and purpose.

When a congregation has developed a shared vision for its future and has sought to call the right pastor to serve the congregation in its pursuit of that vision, there will be a commitment both to the new pastor and the vision for the future.

You are welcome to talk to me!

Sincerely,
Danie
Worship Reminders
  • Columbia continues to offer 3 weekly worship services, 5:00 PM Saturday, 9:00 and 10:30 AM Sunday.

  • The link to join the livestream is available on the homepage of our website. Look for the red "Watch Live" button in the upper right corner.

  • For those who are unable to worship with us in person or join the livestream, the Sunday worship services will be recorded and made available on our website approximately 30 minutes after each service concludes. Scroll down the Livestream website page to locate the desired service.
Updated Mask Guidance
Facing rising COVID-19 cases, Clark County Public Health is recommending that everyone, regardless of vaccination status, resume wearing masks indoors to help prevent the spread of the disease. Columbia Presbyterian Church respectfully asks that everyone wear a facial covering indoors. This guidance is not mandatory. We will rely upon voluntary compliance.     
Announcements
All Church Potluck Gathering
Everyone is invited to a casual all-church gathering at Crown Park in Camas, this evening from 5:30-8:00PM. This is an evening of fun, fellowship and food. The interns will BBQ hamburgers and hotdogs. Please bring a side dish or dessert to share.
Guys & Kids Camp Out
It's not too late to register! Boating and water sports, exploring the Ape Caves, s’mores over a campfire (fire permitting), hanging out and making new friends; these are just a few of the things that we will do together at the Guys and Kids Camp Out. Be sure to reserve your spot by registering here.
Kid's Morning Out
August 4 will be our final Kid's Morning Out of the summer. We will be spending time outside playing in the water. Bring your kids, ages 0-5th grade. (BYO sack lunch). The event is from 10:00AM-12:30PM. Pre-registration is required - Register here.
Prayer Ministry 
Did you know that we have a prayer ministry team at Columbia? Every Monday evening this team gathers on Zoom to intercede on behalf of the church, community, and world. Anyone can join us on Mondays, 7:00-7:45PM. Just click on this link. Remember, every heartfelt prayer is holy and aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaiiispecial to God. Prayer is for everyone!
Columbia Choir - Potluck Dinner and Informational Meeting
Garnet Hayes will host a dinner and informational meeting on Thursday, September 9 at 6:00PM, in the Fellowship Hall. Please bring a dish to share. This will be a great time to catch up with each other, talk about the choir season, ask any questions you might have, and pick up your folder and music.

Regular rehearsals will start on Thursday, September 16, and we will start singing at the 9:00AM service on Sunday, September 19. Everyone is invited, no previous experience necessary.

At this time, singing is deemed to be a safe activity for vaccinated individuals. Since rehearsals include singing for up to 90 minutes, we will be extra cautious by having our rehearsals socially distanced with singers spread throughout the Sanctuary. Please contact director Jeff Haagenson at the church office if you are interested in singing and are not vaccinated, or if you have any other questions.


All Church Summer Sale
Out of an abundance of caution with the latest increase in Covid-19 cases, it has been decided to cancel the summer sale.
Blood Drive
The Red Cross has been sending urgent pleas for blood, and Columbia is prepared to respond.

Please join us Monday, August 16, for the Deacons' quarterly blood drive and give the gift of life. Appointments are available from noon to 5:00PM by emailing Barbara Miller, [email protected]. Red Cross has given us 55 slots to fill, so let's show them we're up to the task!
A Message from the Health Ministry Team
One of the most heartbreaking Covid-19 stories of the past week was that of a young patient who begged for a vaccine just as the doctor was about to intubate the patient. The doctor had to say that it was too late for a vaccine.
 
Even among those who have survived the virus, many are suffering long-term effects, known as “long Covid.” Symptoms include brain fog, fatigue, headaches, dizziness, and shortness of breath, among others. These symptoms can persist for long periods and often among those who were very healthy prior to becoming sick.
 
In the face of staggering percentages of those hospitalized who have not been vaccinated, I would be remiss if I did not urge you to at least have a serious conversation with your physician if you are unvaccinated. Don’t trade a political principle or an unchallenged assumption about the vaccine for your health and safety.
 
Kathie Lasater, Faith Community Nurse
Marshall Elementary and McLoughlin Middle School Family/Community Resource Center (FCRC) Updates:
Last year the beautiful new Marshall/Mac campus opened and this fall students will finally fill the buildings as schedules return to full capacity. During COVID, the Deacons and Marshall/Mac team have been actively communicating with Brenda Andrade (FCRC at Marshall) and Marisol Garcia (FCRC at Mac) and have been able to offer a wide range of support for students, families, and school staff. Thanks so much for your generosity! It is with great joy and anticipation for the upcoming year, that we happily resume our annual Backpacks for Mac drive.
 
Brenda and Marisol have identified the items that are most needed. Here are the priorities for this year’s back-to-school drive:

  1. BACKPACKS!
  2. Other school supplies: highlighters, colored pencils, and composition notebooks.
  3. You may financially contribute to support both schools by giving to CPC and designating “Marshall/Mac Ministry” in the memo line.
 
A backpack collection box is located in the church Gathering Area, as well as the church office. Let’s fill it up and, as we’ve come to say over the years, “attach some love” to Marshall and Mac students!
Compassion Vancouver
The Compassion Vancouver Clinic will be held at Northcrest Community Church, 5602 E Mill Plain Blvd, on October 9. It will be a much smaller clinic and serve about 50 to 60 guests. The clinic will need about 50 volunteers. The clinic services will include basic medical (including vision and foot care), dental with the MTI – mobile dental van and potentially two off-site dental offices. Please call or email Debbie Engley if you are interested in volunteering, 360-852-2768 or [email protected].

Do you have eyeglasses you no longer use? You may bring them to the drop off location in the Gathering Area for use by the Compassion Clinic.
Dunamis Project II—In the Spirit’s Power
October 20-23, 2021

CPC is excited to be hosting the Dunamis Project. This is a 6-part series developed by PRMI (Presbyterian Reformed Ministries International) that supports CPC’s purpose of “encouraging you to encounter God, to enter into a life-changing relationship with Jesus, and to allow the Holy Spirit to show you your place in God’s work.” The courses are offered twice yearly and you can join in at any time! This is not exclusive to the CPC congregation so please invite those who may worship at other congregations, too.
 
PRMI provides teachers and leaders who volunteer their time to serve these events. Many are taking time off from work and have travel expenses, too. We are hoping that our CPC community can help welcome and support these folks. Some areas of need include:
  • Lodging (which may include breakfast)
  • Transportation to and from CPC
 
Other volunteer opportunities include:
  • Food preparation at CPC (with caterer)
  • Serving lunch and/or dinner at CPC
  • Meal cleanup
  • Coffee and snack service
 
We request that you prayerfully consider helping out during the event. Please contact Ilona Kecskemethy at [email protected].
Senegal Go Team 2022. 
Based on world events with Covid and the fact that Senegal is still a developing country that is largely unvaccinated and has limited medical care, the Senegal Ministry Team has decided to modify the 2022 Go Team. We are planning to send a small team of experienced travelers who are actively involved and very familiar with the Senegal ministry vs the normal team composition of experienced travelers and travelers new to the ministry. By sending such a team, we can wait until late December or early January to make the final determination if sending a team is still feasible. With experienced Senegal travelers, this eliminates the need for training and trip preparation required for new travelers. We pray that we will be able to send the small team this year and that the way would be clear to resume sending normal Go Teams in early 2023. Stay tuned for more info on this important mission.
Weekly Events July 29 - August 4

To see what's happening this week, Click Here
Columbia Cares
In Sympathy:
  • The family of Rosemarie Chun, who died on Tuesday, July 27. In lieu of an in-person service the family is putting together a compilation of video messages. If you would like to contribute a message, contact Rosemarie's son, Gene, at 805-636-8718.

In Concern:
  • Todd Carroll - treatment for cancer
  • David Difford - on hospice
  • Helen Byler - on hospice
  • Pat Wheeler - depression/anxiety treatments
  • Carol Peterson - health concerns
  • Larry Barnes - health concerns
  • Judi Trist - receiving cancer treatment
  • Ida Beth Freitag - recovering from surgery
  • Doug Stokesberry - recovering from surgery
  • Jeanene Polete - health concerns
  • Dottie Scott - health concerns
  • Barbara Van Nostern - lower back issues
  • Jim Hudson - health concerns
Giving Options
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:
For information on the following giving options, email Marilyn Roberts, [email protected].

  • Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)
  • Required Minimum Distribution (RMD)
  • Stock
805 Columbia Ridge Dr.
Vancouver, WA 98664
(360) 694-7549