The Columbia Weekly
January 26, 2023
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A Message from Pastor Scott |
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Last Sunday in worship we heard a report from the PNC (Pastor Nominating Committee), the group who is searching for a new Head of Staff Pastor. They cited a few very interesting numbers: they have met 51 times since late November, 2021; they have received 33 applications; and there are 30% more churches looking for pastors than there are pastors looking for church positions. Yet what struck me most about their presentation was how much they have learned and grown in the process, how certain they are that God is in charge, and how reliant they have been on the Holy Spirit and prayer. It has been an amazing journey of discipleship for all of them. You can watch their report here.
The PNC’s journey this past year is instructive for us all: discipleship is often more of slog than a sprint; it takes patient endurance to keep at it; and it takes deep faith to trust that God will bring us to the place of His choosing. We are coming up on the 3-year anniversary of the beginning of our slog through COVID. We have experienced loss, change, disruption, isolation, and so much more! Yet we have also seen God at work, have patiently endured the masks and mandates, and have rejoiced when we have come back to the House of the Lord after long absences. We still do not have a Head of Staff Pastor, but it is starting to feel like we have turned a corner and are coming out of our interim “40 year wilderness wandering” and are at the edge of entering into a new day in the “promised land”. Some of us are feeling a sense of excitement and anticipation for what God is doing and what He is about to show us.
Where do you belong in the new picture that God is creating? Joining a small group or Bible study? Serving with one of our local mission partners? Joining a ministry team? These are a few of the many ways to join with what God is doing in our midst. I invite you to pray about your discipleship journey and ask God to show you where He is calling you to join with what He is doing.
Peace,
Scott
For this reason, since the day we heard it, we have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, as you bear fruit in every good work and as you grow in the knowledge of God.
Colossians 1:9-10
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Kids & Youth – Communion Sunday
Beginning February 5, 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
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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Wednesday Dinners
Wednesdays, 5:30-6:15PM
Fellowship Hall
Everyone is invited to join us for dinner on Wednesdays. The weekly cost of dinner is $7/per adult, $5/per child, $20/family.
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Utmost Sunday Workout Group
Sundays, 12:30-1:45PM
Utmost Gym
Everyone, age 13 years and up, are invited to join in a weekly workout in the Utmost gym. Basic mobility and balance are required, but appropriate modifications can be made for all abilities. Workouts are designed to be strenuous and are best suited for those willing to be consistent with their participation. We are offering a free trial session on January 29 at 12:30PM, so you can come check it out. Then, a suggested donation of $40/month will begin in February. Please eat a snack before you come, wear your workout clothes (laced sneakers are required), and join us indoors at the upper level gym! To sign up, please contact Anne Overton at 530-635-1672 or email Utmost Athletics.
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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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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 5PM . Just email Barbara Miller to set your time.
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High School Ski Retreat
February 17-20
Registration Deadline: January 31
Now is the time to officially register for the 2023 High School Ski Retreat! Come to ski, come to board, or come as a non-skier for a fun weekend away complete with shopping and other fun activities! There are many variables to pricing, so check out the online registration! If you need a scholarship, please register and select the option to pay offline, then contact us about financial assistance. Adult leaders, please register online as well.
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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 Donations Needed
We are so excited that this year we will be back IN PERSON for our Annual Work Camp Auction. 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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Men’s Retreat: A New Balance on Life
March 3-5
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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Qualified Charitable Contributions
For those of you who made a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your Individual Retirement Account (IRA), thank you for your generosity in bringing the good news of Jesus Christ to the world.
You will see a change when you look at your year-end giving statement, which will be mailed mid-January. Under the column called Tax, which means the donation was tax deductible, you will see the word No. It’s a No because it’s not a tax deduction, but instead reduces your gross income. That is a better option than listing it as a tax-deductible contribution when it comes time to file your taxes. We make this notation for donations that are identified as a QCD.
A QCD comes to the church from your IRA administrator, and the administrator will provide the documents you need to file your taxes. Columbia’s statement acknowledges receipt of your gift.
If you have any questions, we encourage you to contact your IRA administrator or tax professional.
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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 5:30-8:30 PM on Wednesday, February 8, Thursday, February 9, and Friday, February 10.
- Morning volunteers serving breakfast and engaging with guests from 6-9AM 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: tooth brushes, tooth paste, 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, cup of oatmeal, crackers, butter packets, coffee (regular and decaf), Gogurt, cheese sticks, pancake mix, syrup, peanut butter, jam, apple sauce 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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Alternative Christmas Market - 2022 Recap
Thank you for your generous gifts to the CPC Alternative Christmas Market. We raised an total of $10,307 for Haiti Foundation of Hope, Open House Ministry, and Evergreen Habitat for Humanity. Praise God!
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Health Ministry Resources
The Health Ministry Team is pleased to announce there is a new resource rack, located between the Gathering Area bathrooms and the library. The rack was gifted in memory of Richard Dixon and holds resources for a variety of different mental health issues and classes, (e.g., grief, suicide, Alzheimer’s, Mental Health First Aid). We all can learn more about mental health to help each other and ourselves in these challenging times.
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The 2023 Senegal Go Team is continuing their preparations for the trip at the end of January. The team covets your prayers and will begin signing up Prayer Partners - folks who will pray for them during the final preparations, throughout the trip and once the team returns and processes what they have seen, felt, and heard.
Senegal Prayer Partner Dinner - There will be a Senegal Dinner open to the entire congregation on January 28, from 6:00-8:00PM in the Fellowship Hall.
A traditional Senegalese dish - chicken yassah - will be provided. Please bring one of the following items, depending on your last name:
- A-H - Dessert
- I-P - Salad
- Q-Z - Side Dish
This will be a time of sharing about the ministry, praying for those making the trip and for our Christian brothers and sisters in Senegal. We hope to see you there.
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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.
Wednesday, January 25, starting at 9:00AM.
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Alumni Registration for former families Wednesday, February 8, at 9:00AM
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New Family Registration (open registration), 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:
- Marc & Wendy Hartquist and family on the death of Marc’s father, on January 4.
- The family of Imogene Doden, who died on January 14.
- Barbara Hayden-Wahl and family on the death of her husband Jim, on January 15.
In Concern:
- Bob McFarlin - recovering from surgery
- 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
Thank You:
- Thank you for your prayers, cards, and concern for Larry. They are much appreciated. ~Carol & Larry Barrett
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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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