The Columbia Weekly
February 2, 2023
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A Message from Pastor Matt |
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CPC Friends,
The past few weeks we have been looking at the Vision of CPC. We have chosen to renew our 3-part vision and are trying to get clearer on what that might look like. This last spring our Session (Elders) worked diligently to think of some medium-term goals that would help us get there. We chose a time frame of 3-5 years for these goals. We did this because we didn’t want to lock the next Head of Staff into them. But, we also didn’t feel like we needed to wait until the next Head of Staff arrived to do some work in getting more specific about what it means to be an intergenerational, disciple-making, and missional church. All of this is in the Interim Update #2 in the Gathering area, if you want to read it over. The program staff are now setting some objectives for those goals. The elders asked them to do so. We are nearly finished with that work. However, it’s good for you all to see the broad goals.
- Connect/Belonging - We want each person at CPC to have a shot at feeling connected to others in a meaningful way. Columbia has sometimes struggled with this. If you don’t know how to jump into things or aren’t at a place in life where you can volunteer to serve, it can be hard to break in at CPC. COVID only underscored this. Our goal is to work on this problem.
- Flourish - We want each person at CPC and the whole community to flourish. The sense here is that in order to do so, we will need to work hard to be a church the emphasizes discipleship in every age and stage of life and be a church that cares for all of our generations. The staff is talking about comprehensive learning plans for our kids and things like revamping our small groups.
- Serve - Here while we have recognized that our church has many people and programs that allow folks to be sent out into the world, we have noticed two holes. One, we don’t have many projects that allow a good number of us to serve together all at once and connect/belong while we serve (see Goal #1!). We also sometimes don’t ask enough folks directly to use their gifts in service. Because of that there are about 70-90 folks at CPC who get tapped for many things and others who wonder what their place is. We are trying to see if we can refresh and open that leadership picture.
Please pray for us in this process. These are not simple fixes. The habits we are confronting are a part of our church’s culture. Every organization has a “culture” and they are notoriously hard to shift. You might think and pray as to how you can be a part of us shifting these cultural reflexes. Can you help others connect, flourish, and serve?
Blessings on your week! We are praying for you!
Pastor Matt
The scripture for Sunday is Ezra 7:6-10 and Matthew 22:36-38
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Senegal Updates
The Senegal Go Team has been sending us updates with photos, we are posting them as we receive them on the CPC Facebook page. Even if you do not have a Facebook account, you can view the updates here: CPC Facebook page. |
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Kids & Youth – Communion Sunday
Beginning this Sunday, our children (K-5) and youth will be returning to the sanctuary to be present for communion. Youth will begin downstairs as usual and children will participate in the children’s message and then proceed to Sunday School as normal. Lead by their leaders, children (K-5) and youth will RETURN to the sanctuary BEFORE communion, either sitting with Youth and Children’s ministry staff or their families. A personal blessing will be offered to children who haven’t yet received communion. Children and youth will remain in the sanctuary for the rest of the service.
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CPC 2023 Lenten Devotional
You still have a chance to contribute. Do you enjoying writing? Does scripture inspire you to draw or paint? This year our Lenten Devotional will be comprised of writings and art authored and created by the talented congregants of Columbia Presbyterian. Click the button below to find a list of dates with corresponding scripture. Please prayerfully consider signing up for a date and verse. Contributions can be prayers, devotionals, thoughts, drawings or anything else that the particular verse inspires. ALL AGES are welcome to sign up and participate. Dates and verses will be assigned to those who request them first. A sign-up sheet will be available in the Gathering Area on Sunday, or you can email your desired date to Tifny Mathena. All submissions will be due no later than February 10. Thank you! |
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GriefShare
Fridays, 2:00-3:30PM
February 10 - May 5
This is a 13-week course where participants learn about grief-related issues and what the Bible says about grief. Classes will be held in the office conference room. Questions? Contact Mary Lange, 360-281-6978, or the church office.
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Movie Night
Friday, February 10
Chapel
Bring your own brown bag dinner at 6PM
Movie begins at 7PM
The February movie is Groundhog Day (1993), with wry, wisecracking Bill
Murray and sweet Andie MacDowell.
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Annual Congregational Meeting
Sunday, February 12
11:45AM
Please plan to attend this important meeting. The agenda includes the Pastor Nominating Committee report, financial report, and the Pastoral Terms of Call. We will also be sharing about our Vision & Goals for 2023 and a few key stories that illustrate where God has been at work. Please plan to attend either in person or by Zoom. The Zoom link will be available in the February 9 edition of the Columbia Weekly.
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Red Cross Blood Drive
Monday, February 13
Noon - 5:00PM
A single car accident victim can require up to 100 units of blood. You have the opportunity to contribute some of yours so people can live! Blood donation appointments are available from noon to 5:00PM . Just email Barbara Miller to set your time.
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Men’s Retreat: A New Balance on Life
March 3-5 - Register by February 20
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.
The retreat will be on March 3-5 and registration is now open! First time retreat attenders will get a $25 discount! Click the button below to register.
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Ash Wednesday Service
Wednesday, February 22
6:00PM
Please join us for a worship service which will mark the beginning of the season of Lent. The service will include intergenerational leadership and includes prayer, songs, and a brief message. The service will be about thirty minutes long and includes the imposition of ashes.
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Work Camp Auction
Sunday, March 19
12:00PM
CPC Gym & Fellowship Hall
Please save the date for the Work Camp Auction and consider donating. An email with more detailed instructions regarding the auction (including how to register) will be coming soon. If you'd like to donate, popular donations include: the use of vacation homes, unique experiences, gift cards or items purchased from local businesses, the donation of your unique talents and skills. Please no “rummage sale” items – donations should be new or in like-new condition. If in doubt, please contact Amanda Stimmel regarding your donation.
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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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Ellen Torongo Scholarships
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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Satellite Overflow Shelter (SOS) - Homeless Shelter at Immanuel Lutheran Church
CPC is volunteering February 8-11 at the Satellite Overflow Shelter at Immanuel Lutheran Church on Lieser and MacArthur.
Volunteers needed at Immanuel Lutheran Church:
- Drop of dinner foods for 18 on Friday, February 10 - salad, rolls and dessert.
- Evening volunteers serving dinner and engaging with guests from 5:30-8:30PM on Wednesday, February 8, Thursday, February 9, and Friday, February 10.
- Morning volunteers serving breakfast and engaging with guests from 6:00-9:00AM on Thursday, February 9, Friday, February 10 and Saturday, February 11.
Donations needed:
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Paper products: toilet paper, paper towels, napkins, facial tissue, paper lunch bags
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Hygiene supplies: toothbrushes, toothpaste, hand soap, body soap, feminine hygiene products, and razors.
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Personal Protection Equipment: masks, disposable gloves, band-aids, antibacterial ointment, and cough drops
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Food supplies: granola/protein bars, instant oatmeal cups, crackers, butter packets, coffee (regular and decaf), Gogurts, cheese sticks, pancake mix, syrup, peanut butter, jam, applesauce pouches and fruit cups.
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Miscellaneous: batteries (AAA, AA), blue tape, Sharpies
Thank you for helping care for people God loves! To volunteer contact Connie Warner.
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Health Ministry Resources
The Health Ministry Team has been working to discover resources for those of us dealing with grief. Stephen Ministry and the upcoming GriefShare program are resources that are available within our faith community.
We recently discovered a community resource that is FREE to all in Clark County, thanks to the generosity of some community members. Hope Bereavement Services through PeaceHealth provide one-on-one grief counseling (up to 6 sessions) as well as support groups (up to a year) for adults, teens, and children. These are offered free of charge, regardless of your insurance. For more information, call 360-696-5120.
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Circle of Friends Preschool |
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We are barely into the new year and it is time to start thinking about preschool registration for the 2023-2024 school year. Please visit our website for additional information,
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In-House Registration for families currently enrolled begins
Wednesday, January 25, starting at 9:00AM.
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Alumni Registration for former families opens Wednesday, February 8, at 9:00AM
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New Family Registration (open registration) begins Friday, February 10, at 9:00AM
Contact the school if you have any questions or wish to schedule a tour via email or phone 360-696-9926.
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In Sympathy:
- The Phelan family on the death of Kyle's father on January 15.
In Concern:
- Kay Thorpe - recovering from a stroke
- Trish Johnston - recovering from shoulder surgery
- Jeannie Vanderwal - recovering from surgery
- Mary Carlson - health concerns
- David Peterson - medical issues from cancer treatments
- 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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