The Columbia Weekly
February 9, 2023
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A Message from Pastor Matt |
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Columbia Friends,
This week is an important week in the life of our church. Not only are we talking about being a missional church as a part of our vision sermon series, we also have our annual meeting. Being a missional church is more than a part of our vision at CPC. Being the sent people of God is a central part of the entire identity of the church. It isn’t something we do, it is something we are. I know full well that you lead busy lives and that the notion of a meeting this Sunday is not likely going to get you rubbing your hands together in excitement. But, whether you are a “member” of Columbia or regularly part of our life, it is important to have you participate online or in person.
This year we will be tying the meeting to what we are preaching about during the service and giving you a picture of why it matters that God has allowed this community of people to forward the gospel. I have a sense that we don’t always fully understand how much CPC matters. We have tried to put together some new pictures and numbers this year that I think you might find interesting and even compelling. The staff has also gathered just a sampling of stories that illustrate what it looks like when CPC is living out our various callings. You will, of course, hear about new nominated officers, remember those who have passed away, and vote on a few items.
If you can, please consider engaging with this. It’s a great chance to pray for our church, celebrate its ministry, ask questions, and engage in a pretty democratic process. In order for all that to be healthy and good we need you there. You matter to us and we need you thinking and discerning about our church.
Are you coming?
Blessings on your week,
Pastor Matt
The scripture for Sunday is Isaiah 43:11, Acts 1:8, Jeremiah 29:4-9
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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. Click here to join the meeting by Zoom.
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Red Cross Blood Drive
Monday, February 13
Noon - 5:00PM
You’re someone’s type, so share the love at the Deacons’ Red Cross blood drive the day before Valentine’s Day! To set up your appointment, contact Barbara Miller. Show your love and help save a life. It’s the sweetest gift you can give!
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Let’s Do Lunch on February 26
12:00PM
Fellowship Hall
If you are new to Columbia within the last 6 months or so (whether you have joined the church or not), the 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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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 services on Sundays.
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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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Former and Current Deacons and Elders
Please check your email (and junk email) at the beginning of each month for an email from Beth Burton asking for volunteers to serve communion for the upcoming month. We want everyone who is eligible to serve, to have the opportunity to do so. If you are interested in serving, you will need to respond to that email, when it comes. Thank you! If you have any questions, please reach out to Beth at 360-909-8829.
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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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Circle of Friends Preschool |
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Circle of Friends Preschool is honored and grateful to receive this award for 10 consecutive years.
If you know of anyone looking for a Christ-centered early learning program, we currently enrolling for the 2023-2024 school year. For the safety of our students, tours are available by appointment. Please contact the preschool to arrange a visit, sharonw@columbiapresbyterian.org or 360-696-9926 Additional information is available on our website, cof-preschool.org
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The Linen Closet
Providing Comfort, Hope, and Dignity through Linens
The Linen Closet is collecting new twin sheets for transitional shelters the next two Sundays, February 12 & 19, as part of our second annual Love Your Neighbor campaign.
- You can drop off new twin sheet sets in the Gathering Area at the Missions table. Your donations provide comfort, hope and dignity to people in crisis.
- Please include your name and email address on the sheets you donate so we can send a thank you letter and receipt.
Follow us on instagram @thelinenclosetloves to see the impact of your donations in communities. We are on a mission of love! Won't you join us?
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February is American Heart Month
Did you know that heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women, and people of most racial and ethnic groups in the US? About 20% of deaths are heart-related, whether heart failure, congenital anomalies, or heart attacks (also known as myocardial infarctions) when blood flow (oxygen) is severely reduced to the heart. It’s important to recognize the 5 major early warning signs and symptoms of a heart attack in yourself, someone you live with or someone at church—chest pain, weakness or nausea, with or without sweating, pain in the jaw, neck, or back; pain in one or both arms and shoulders; shortness of breath. Click here to learn more about the differences of symptoms between men and women as well other facts about heart attacks.
Throughout the month, watch this space for information about how heart health, you, and CPC are connected.
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In Sympathy:
- The Phelan family on the death of Kyle's father on January 15.
- 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 - breast cancer surgery on February 15
- Russ Parker - preventative cancer treatments
- Kay Thorpe - recovering from a stroke
- Trish Johnston - recovering from shoulder surgery
- 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
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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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