Children & Youth Ministries Weekly Update | | Grove 345 - New Curriculum | | |
Columbia’s midweek ministry to elementary aged kids (Grove 345) is fairly unique in our area. Very few churches offer this kind of ministry to this age group other than traditional Sunday School. In addition to kids from CPC families, we frequently have kids from other churches without a midweek program and a lot of kids are excited to bring friends.
Our current curriculum has been in use for almost 20 years. In addition to being out of print, it is also out of date! There were so many things I liked about the format and for the last several years (yes, years!) I have been on the lookout for something to replace it. At last, we have a go! Literally! Introducing the Go! Curriculum!
This dynamic, chronological curriculum is designed to bring the Bible to life for kids by connecting their story with God’s Big Story.
Here is a quick look at what makes GO! so special:
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A Journey Through the Bible: Kids will travel chronologically through Scripture over the course of the year. This helps them see how every story connects to God's big plan.
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Active, High-Energy Storytelling: Say goodbye to sitting still! GO! gets kids out of their seats and physically into the story through interactive elements and creative drama.
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The E.A.T. Method: Every lesson focuses on Education (knowing God’s Word), Application (living out faith in the real world), and Transformation (developing a lifelong relationship with Jesus).
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Family Connection: Resources to continue the conversation and discipleship at home.
Many of our current program favorites will remain the same: Gym time, Crafts, Connecting Activities, Secret Pals, Memory Books, and Worship will all still be a part of our night. We are so excited to see how God will work through this new curriculum to help kids grow in their faith.
Anna – Director, Grove 345
| | ADULT LEADERS NEEDED...for Sunday School, Grove 345, and Middle and High School Youth Group. WE NEED YOU. Without more help, some of our most beloved and impactful programs may not be able to start this fall. Please reach out to Sarah or Tifny for more information. | | |
Prayer Night
Wednesday, September 2, 6:00-7:30pm
Sanctuary
Gather for an evening of prayer with the CPC family as we prepare to kick off the 2026-27 school year. There will be spaces to pray in small groups, individually, and for all of the ministries at CPC. The evening will end with a time of blessing and communal prayer in the Sanctuary.
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Middle School Youth Group Kick Off
6th-8th Graders
Wednesday, September 9, 6:00-8:00pm
Youth Center
We are excited to invite your Middle Schooler to youth group! We are working hard to make sure this mid-week group is engaging for your student through activities, games, discussions, and worship. Please note that we would like all youth to be dropped off and picked up at the front of the Youth Center (this is different from previous years when students would be picked up in the Gathering Area).
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Grove 345
3rd-5th Graders
Wednesdays, beginning September 9, 6:00-8:00pm
Chapel
Just as a grove in nature is a group of trees planted and cultivated to bear fruit, our name reflects a community of young people growing together in faith. 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders will encounter Jesus through games, small groups, interactive Bible stories, crafts, and music each Wednesday night September to May. Register here.
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Columbia Children’s Choir
2nd-5th Graders
Wednesdays, beginning September 9, 5:00-5:30pm
September-May
There is a unique joy in making music with others to the glory of God. Singing in a church choir fosters a child’s faith and provides a sense of community and connection. As we approach the beginning of the new program year, I hope you will consider having your 2nd - 5th grader be a part of the Columbia Children’s Choir. We have the opportunity to present our songs in worship about every six weeks. Kids in Grove 345 are invited to bring a sack dinner to eat before the program starts at 6:00pm. Let us make a joyful noise to the Lord together this year. Register here.
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High School Youth Group Kick Off
9th-12th Graders
Sunday, September 13, 6:00-8:00pm
Youth Center
Come to the Fall Fest in the morning and then return later that night for our first high school youth group of the season. Through games, discussion, worship, and prayer we will grow closer to Christ and each other. We can't wait to see what God will do in your life this year.
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Senior Brunch
Sunday, September 20, 9:00am-10:30am
Fellowship Hall
High School Seniors are invited to a celebration of YOU as you kick off your final year of high school. We will share a meal with a community of senior adults, enjoying time building relationships and discuss upcoming high school senior opportunities for discipleship, community and adventure. Wear your casual Sunday "best." Register here.
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High School Fall Retreat
September 25-27
Camp Tadmor in Lebanon, OR
Do you love hanging out with friends, worshipping around a campfire, exploring nature, playing paintball AND you're going to be in high school this school year? If so, come to High School Fall Retreat! Tomorrow is the last day to save $25 on your registration. Register here.
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Youth Mental Health First Aid
Saturday, October 3, 9:00am-4:00pm
Main Conference Room
Youth Mental Health First Aid is a skills-based training for any adult who cares about or works with young people ages 12–18. Parents, caregivers, teachers, school staff, neighbors, and health and human services workers are all welcome. The training teaches participants how to identify, understand, and respond to an adolescent who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge. This class is facilitated by Diana Gage, school psychologist, and Dr. Amanda Weatherby, clinical psychologist. Complimentary lunch provided. Pre-registration is required by September 26. Register here.
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Middle School Fall Retreat
October 16-18
$150 (Save $25 automatically if you register by September 5)
Registration is now open for the Middle School Fall Retreat! We'd love to spend a weekend with you at Camp Tadmor in Labanon, OR. We will play lots of games, eat good food, hang out together - and you can sign up to play paintball on Saturday if you want! Register here.
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