Toys overrunning your home? Summer is great time to take a look at all the “stuff” surrounding our kids in their daily lives; finding an intentional moment to discern what needs to be kept and what needs to be gently let go of. This is a great way to help clear the clutter, but also to have important conversations with our kids about discipleship, and what it looks like to live generously. 

“What should we do then?” the crowd asked.

John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.”

Luke 3:9-11

Luke didn’t actually say, “Kids, nobody needs THAT many dinosaurs, dollies or Duplo blocks.” But it’s still a good starting point. As many kids are beginning to grasp (and wrestle with) the concept of sharing, it’s good for them to know that they have the power to make discipleship choices, even at a very young age. And for some kids that might mean clearing out some of the toys that work and are great and useful, but that another child might enjoy more.

Don't worry if your kids aren’t quite ready for that and you need to clean out the toy bin like a stealth ninja. Either way, with kids outside and tired from days in the sun, now is a good time to do it.

If you have items that might be better used, loved or treasured by others, please consider donating them to the Summer Sale.

Tifny Mathena

Director of Children & Intergenerational Ministries 

Donations Accepted:

• Sunday, August 4, 12:00PM-5:00PM
• Monday, August 5, 9:00AM-5:00PM
• Drop off donations at the back of the church. There will be people there ready to help you unload your car.

Donation Guidelines:

• We need a variety of gently used or like new items that are clean, without tears or stains.
• We cannot accept: car seats, cribs, high chairs, infant carriers. For a complete list, click here.

Donation Purposes:

Your generous donations help community members during difficult economic times. Funds raised are used for educational scholarships as well as local and international charities. Unsold items are given to various local non-profit organizations.

Summer Sale Shopping Hours:

• August 8 & 9, 9:00AM-5:00PM
• August 10, 9:00AM-12:00PM - Everything 1/2 Price, 12:00PM-1:00PM - Closed, 1:00PM-2:00PM - "Everything must go"

Another opportunity for generosity is CPC's annual Backpacks for Mac drive. We hope to collect as many new backpacks and shoes as possible so that we can have them sorted, stocked, and ready for pick up during back-to-school and orientation events in August.

Here are the priorities for this year’s back-to-school drive:

1. BACKPACKS!
2. Other school supplies: colored pencils, composition notebooks, highlighters, student pencil sharpeners
3. NOT needed: #2 pencils
4. You may financially contribute to support both schools in multiple ways by giving to CPC and designating “Marshall/McLoughlin Ministry” in the memo line.
5. We will also be collecting new athletic shoes (suitable for running, gym, and PE classes). Men's size 7-9; Women's size 5-8. Shoes are a constant need at Mac and having actual shoes on-site makes it easier to distribute them to families as needed.

Backpack donation boxes are located in both the CPC Gathering Area and the upper office lobby. Contact Julie Mauer or Nancy Johns for more information.

(Save the Date: A special McLoughlin Middle School informational gathering will be held at CPC after both services on Sunday, August 25. Come learn more about our involvement and partnership with Mac.)

Communion on August 4

Children will be invited forward for the Time with Young Disciples and then proceed to Sunday School as normal. Our interns will escort students (K-5th Grade) back to the Sanctuary before communion and they may sit with their families or with the Children and Youth staff. Children who have not yet received communion are welcomed and encouraged to come forward for a personal blessing. 

Guys & Kids Campout

August 9-11

Cape Lookout State Park, Tillamook, OR

We’re camping at the coast this year! This is our 8th annual campout for dad’s (or grandpa’s) and kids. We’ll have plenty of beach time, hang out with friends old and new, enjoy s’mores over a campfire and fall asleep to the sound of waves coming ashore. Bring your sunscreen, your sand castle-making skills and get ready for some fun in the sun! For more details and to reserve your spot Click Here. 

Youth Film Fest – All Invited

Wednesday, August 14

6:00PM-8:00PM

Fellowship Hall

Everyone is invited to come celebrate all that God has done in and through the lives of our middle and high school youth this summer. We will start in the Fellowship Hall with light snacks and watch two short films sharing pictures and video from Work Camp and Bike Hike. If you have digital photos of either Bike Hike or Work Camp that you'd like to share, please Click Here to upload them.

The Columbia MomCo

MOPS has rebranded, and the registration for 2024-2025 Columbia MomCo is open! We look forward to diving into this year's theme of Wild Hope, together. We are limited by the amount of childcare we can provide, and are already over half-full, so register today to save your spot! 

Click Here to register for 2024-2025 MomCo.

Fantastic Fall Fest

Sunday, September 8

10:30AM - Outdoor worship (One service only)

12:00PM - Food, Fun & Games

The Fantastic Fall Fest is getting closer. This all-church festival is an opportunity for both services to worship, share a meal and fellowship together. Plus, hopefully meet some of our church neighbors in the area.  

There are lots of fun activities planned for children including face painting, crafts, and a bounce house. Don't worry - we will have kid-friendly food as well!

As with any good party, assistance is needed in a variety of areas: chair/table set ups, food prep, serving food, providing a dessert, and especially cleanup and breakdown. From teens to seniors, there's an opportunity to lend a helping hand. Please stop by the table in the Gathering Area on August 4 or 11 and see where you are called to serve during this event. If you can't make it by the table, you can reach out to John Van Dinter (360) 601-8411 to see what spots are still open.

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

Laura Ericcsen, Circle of Friends Preschool Director

laura@columbiapresbyterian.org

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