Children & Youth Ministries Weekly Update

Celebrating the Season Together

Holding God


Imagine

holding God

on that first night.


A whisper

on a baby’s cheek,

tucking yourself

between cold night

and Jesus,


feeling the infant pulse

of heaven in your hands

as it ripples

across the quiet stillness

of infinity.


If you can imagine 

such a thing,

even for a fleeting second

then you know it’s Christmas 


and that God,

is actually 

holding you.


~Scott Poole, 2023


Advent Festival & Christmas Concert

On Sunday we gathered in two very full services to worship together. We were lead by the Adult and Children’s Choirs, art displays, and poetry and scripture readings (including the one above), all telling the story of Jesus’s birth. After the concerts, our gym, fellowship hall and gathering area were full of regular attenders and visitors; snacking and crafting, laughing and chatting. It was a church full of God’s kids together, and it felt like Christmas.  

K2 and Children's Choir Caroling

Kids, youth and adult leaders sang for over an hour on Wednesday evening for those living at the Hampton and Ashley Inn Memory Care Community. Many residents sang along! The group received many “thank yous” including one resident who smiled and declared, “I’m in tears!” with a smile. It was a special night for everyone that participated.

MOPS

MOPS met for the last time of 2023. We are so grateful for a God that gives us friends and calls us family. Truly fellowship is one of His most special gifts. Merry Christmas, MOPS mamas!

Second Sunday of Advent - The Candle of Peace

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given,

and the government shall rest upon his shoulders. 

And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 

Isaiah 9:6

Announcements

Communion Class

On January 21st we will be offering a Communion Class led by Pastor Matt Overton and Tifny Mathena. This class is for any child (or adult!) that feels ready to partake in this sacrament and would like to have a greater understanding of what exactly communion is and why the sacrament matters! Registration for this event will open the first week of 2024.



Giving Tree Donations


THANK YOU to all of those who took tags off our Giving Trees. Over 70 tags were on those trees, all of them were taken and 99% of them were returned with gifts!!! Over $750 in gift cards were collected for the families of YoungLives and we had cars overflowing with gifts for those at Open House Ministries.  


Middle School Christmas Party

Wednesday, December 13

6:00-8:00PM


Bring an unmarked, wrapped gift to place under the tree. Gifts can be items found around the house or purchased for no more than $10. We will play Christmas-themed games, eat lots of junk food, and have a White Elephant Gift Exchange - get ready to steal and be stolen from!


Reminder: this is the last Middle School Youth Group for 2023. Middle School Youth Group begins again on Wednesday, January 3 and High School Youth Group begins again on Sunday, January 7.



Young Adult Christmas Dinner

Sunday, December 17

5:00-7:00PM


Dig out your tackiest, most outrageous holiday sweaters – the uglier, the better – and prepare for an epic White Elephant Gift Exchange. Bring the quirkiest, funniest, or most outrageous gift you can find! It's all about the thrill of the steal and the joy of the reveal. We will have a pizza dinner, enjoy time together and play some games. Everyone who has graduated from high school in the last 4-ish years is welcome to attend! RSVP to Lydia so we have enough food. 



High School Ski Retreat

February 16-19

Registration Deadline: January 1


Whether you're into skiing, snowboarding, or prefer a more relaxed vibe off the mountain, we've got something for everyone. Picture playing "signs" in the evening, talking with friends on the ski lift, and the beauty of Mt. Bachelor covered in snow. It's not just about the slopes; it's about creating lasting memories. Secure your spot now and be part of the winter adventure! Cost varies based on which activities you choose. Register here.



High School Work Camp

July 6-13

Registration Deadline: March 16


Registration is now open for Work Camp 2024. We will be returning to Tijuana, Mexico to build houses with Amor Ministries. Last Sunday we had an informational meeting for students, parents and adult leaders. Download the packet here and officially register for Work Camp here (all participants should register).

What are your kids learning?

K2 Live

Wednesdays, 6:00-8:00pm


Last Wednesday was the K2 and Children's Choir Christmas Caroling party. That was the last K2 of 2023, K2 will resume on Wednesday, January 3.

Children's Sunday School

Sundays, 9:00am


Kids (PreK-5th Grade), please join us for the last Sunday school in December at 9:00am.

Older elementary students, don't forget your bibles!

Weekly Programs

Wednesdays


Children's Choir - No Children's Choir this week.

5:00-5:30PM, Chapel

Grades: 2nd-5th Grade


K2 Live - No K2 Live this week.

6:00-8:00PM, Chapel

Grades: 3rd-5th Grade


Middle School Youth Group - White Elephant Gift Exchange

6:00-8:00PM

Drop Off: Youth Center, Pick Up: Main Church Building

Grades: 6th-8th Grade


Sundays


Children's Sunday School

9:00AM, Education Wing

Grades: Pre-K through 5th Grade


Middle School Sunday School - No Sunday school this week.

9:00AM, LL6

Grades: 6th-8th Grade


High School Kairos - Make up day for those who missed any previous classes.

9:00-10:00AM, Chapel

Grades: 9th-12th Grade


High School Youth Group - No youth group this week.

6:00-8:00PM, Youth Center

Grades: 9th-12th Grade

For Your Calendar


December


12.13 - Middle School White Elephant Christmas Party & Last Youth Group

12.17 - Service of Remembrance, 3:00pm

12.17 - High School White Elephant Christmas Party & Last Youth Group

12.24 - Christmas Eve Service at 10:30am, no Sunday School

12.24 - Christmas Eve Services at 4:00pm, 7:00pm, 9:00pm

12.31 - No Sunday School



January


1.3 - Children's Choir, K2, and Middle School Youth Group begins

1.7 - Sunday School for all ages and High School Youth Group Begins

1.10 - MOPS

1.19 - Middle School Night of Unending Games

1.24 - MOPS



February


2.2-4 - Columbia Faith & Life Conference

2.7 - K2 Valentine's Party

2.11 - Annual Congregational Meeting

2.11 - No High School Youth Group (Superbowl)

2.14 - MOPS

2.14 - Ash Wednesday, 6:00pm

2.16-19 - High School Ski Retreat

2.28 - MOPS

Christmas

at Columbia


Service of Remembrance

Sunday, December 17

3:00pm

Sanctuary


Fourth Sunday of Advent

Worship Service

Sunday, December 24

10:30am

Sanctuary


Christmas Eve Services

Sunday, December 24

Sanctuary

4:00pm - An interactive service designed for families with young children

7:00pm - Traditional

9:00pm - Contemporary

Preschool, Children & Youth Staff

Tifny Mathena, Children and Intergenerational Ministry Director

tifny@columbiapresbyterian.org


Anna Haagenson, Director of K2 Live and Children's Music

anna@columbiapresbyterian.org


Lydia Fitzpatrick, Youth Director

lydia@columbiapresbyterian.org


Viva Dennis, Children's Ministry Administrative Assistant

viva@columbiapresbyterian.org


Katie Mrochko, Youth Ministry Administrative Assistant

katie@columbiapresbyterian.org


Lindsey Wright, Childcare Coordinator

lindsey@columbiapresbyterian.org


Sharon Wallenborn, Circle of Friends Preschool Director

sharonw@columbiapresbyterian.org

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