For in this hope we are saved.  

Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if you hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. 

Romans 8:24-25

There are big thoughts and heavy things going around this season; complicated relationships, losses, life transitions, farewells, health struggles, and worries about those we love. Even the foot of the cross, the focal point of our church, is decorated with bare branches. 

As Pastor Matt often reminds us, when things get heavy, one question we can always ask is, “Where is God in all of this?” The reality being, sometimes we have trouble seeing Him. If you were to ask one of the preschoolers at CPC over the next few weeks, however, they might give you a surprising answer…He’s in the plastic jar at Sunday School. 

In an effort to explain the waiting in Lent and the transformation that takes place between Good Friday and Easter, the preschool class is caring for a small jar of caterpillars. We are hopeful that the little creatures, after spending a couple of weeks in their chrysalises, will transform into new things; winged and wonderful. We are also hoping that they WILL NOT all turn into butterflies on a Monday morning, needing to be released before the kids get to see their transformation (feel free to add that to your prayer list).

Don’t worry, we aren’t teaching the children that Jesus is living in a jar. But we are teaching them about change; from one thing to something even better (even when you can’t see it right away)! Jesus knew what it meant to anticipate the heaviest things, and surely he is with us in our heaviness. He’s in the bare branches as much as he will be in the beautiful lilies replacing them at the end of the month. We see him in the caterpillar and the butterfly.

For we are saved by hope.

VOLUNTEER FOR Parent’s Night Out!

Twice a year we give the parents of up to 50 kids the opportunity to spend a little time, kid-free. This month the registration filled up faster than ever. PNO is a valued ministry, but can only happen with the help of many wonderful CPC volunteers (like you!).

Why Volunteer: It’s fun! Everything is planned for you; gym time, bouncy house, story time, scavenger hunt, arts and crafts and a communal supper for the kids in the Fellowship Hall! Plus, it’s a great way to get to know some of the younger members of our church and preschool community.

When: Friday, March 22 from 5:00-8:30PM (dinner provided)

I have questions: Email tifny@columbiapresbyterian.com

I AM IN! To volunteer, click here!

*All volunteers working with children will need to complete a full background check, provided and paid for by CPC. 

THANK YOU!!!

Bike Hike Parent/Student Information Night

Tonight! Wednesday, March 6, 6:00PM

All middle school parents and students are encouraged to attend an informational night for Bike Hike this evening. Parents and adults interested in volunteering for Bike Hike will have their first meeting immediately following the informational portion.

Work Camp Auction - Register Now!

Sunday, March 17

12:00PM

Fellowship Hall and Gym

Registration is now open for the 2024 Work Camp Auction! RSVP for lunch, purchase raffle tickets, and help sponsor an element of the auction now. Return to the auction website over the coming days to view auction items. Bidding on Silent Auction items will begin the week before through the auction website and app. Bidding on Live Auction items will happen on March 17 at the Live Auction event. An email with further details was sent earlier today.

Below you will find three items that will be part of our Silent Auction - a tabletop projector perfect for movie nights with the kids, a brand new Coach purse for mom, and an assortment of Mexican pantry staples from Trader Joes!

Do you have a vacation home? How about an experience you could share?

We are still in need of auction donations - especially larger items for the live auction such as a stay at your vacation home or an experience. If you have something to donate to the auction, there are donation slips in the church office and Gathering Area and on the Youth Ministries webpage. Items can be dropped off in the church office or contact Amanda Stimmel to make alternative arrangements.

Meet the Staff Lunch

Sunday, March 10

Approximately 11:45AM

Have you recently started attending CPC or recently returned? Join us for an informal lunch in the Fellowship Hall after the 10:30 service on March 10. A delicious lunch will be provided and children are more than welcome! Come and chat with us!

Additional Information for each of these camps and retreats can be found on their respective registration sites.

Scholarships

At Columbia, we never want money to be the reason a child or youth misses a retreat or camp. Please let us know if you need financial assistance. We have money in our budget set aside and we will keep your request confidential.

K² Live

Wednesday, 6:00PM

We are traveling to Japan for our unit learning about Responsibility. Through Responsibility, kids will discover the importance of being responsible. We will explore these questions:

Who counts on me? Will only my best do? Can I ever quit? Does God count on me too? What’s the reward?

We’ll “visit” Japan, where we’ll meet Terry Yummy, a chef wannabe who doesn’t realize the importance of being responsible. In spite of herself, Terry begins to understand that being responsible is an important life skill.

Our Life Verse: Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for people. (Colossians 3:23, NIV)

The Point: You can count on me!

Children's Sunday School

Sunday, 9:00AM

Pre-K

Preschool began their unit titled Jesus Died and Rose Again, and began their study of butterflies!

Kindergarten-5th Grade

This past Sunday K-5 learned about the Pharisee and the Tax Collector from Luke 18 and then joined their families in the Sanctuary for communion.

Weekly Programs

Wednesdays

Children's Choir

5:00-5:30PM, Chapel

Grades: 2nd-5th Grade

K² Live

6:00-8:00PM, Chapel

Grades: 3rd-5th Grade

Middle School Youth Group

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

Youth Sunday School

9:00AM, LL6

Grades: 6th-12th Grade

High School Youth Group

6:00-8:00PM, Youth Center

Grades: 9th-12th Grade



For Your Calendar

March

3.17 - Work Camp Auction + Mexico Registrations are Due

3.20 - K2 Secret Pal Night

3.22 - Parent's Night Out

3.24 - Palm Sunday - Children's Choir sings at 9:00AM Service

3.29 - Good Friday Worship Service, 7:00PM

3.31 - Easter Sunday, Services at 7:30AM, 9:00AM and 10:30AM

April

4.1-4.7 - Spring Break - No Programs

4.6 - Minecraft Club, 5:00PM-7:00PM

4.19-20 - K2 Spring Retreat

4.19-21 - Middle School Spring Splosion Retreat

4.25-27 - Men's Retreat

May

5.5 - Children's Choir sings at 9:00AM Service

5.8 - Last MOPS (registration for next year opens)

5.8 - Last K2

5.12 - Mother's Day

5.17-19 - Women's Retreat

5.19 - Last Youth Sunday School and Last High School Youth Group

5.22 - Last Middle School Youth Group

June

6.2 - Grad Sunday

6.9 - Children's Ministry Volunteer Breakfast and Last Sunday School

6.16 - Father's Day

6.19 - Summer Middle School Youth Group Begins

6.23 - Summer Sunday School Begins and Summer High School Youth Group Begins

6.24-6.28 - Vacation Bible School

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

Catherine Feeny, Youth Ministry Worship Leader

catherine@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

Laura Ericcsen, Circle of Friends Preschool Assistant Director

laura@columbiapresbyterian.org

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