Circle of Friends celebrated the conclusion of another wonderful year. This past week the festivities were especially meaningful as Ms. Sharon, Director of Circle of Friends is retiring after 30 years. The culture that she has created has resulted in not only numerous awards, but also multi-generational families, growing up and returning with their own children.

Parent after parent have stated that the decision to send their child to CoF ultimately came down to one deciding factor: I walked in and it felt like home. There is a trust built early on at CoF. When parents leave their child at the school, they will not just be taught educational fundamentals; but they will be comforted if they are sad, they can get a hug if they feel lonely, they will be encouraged to dance and sing, laugh and play, all with the underlying message that they are precious, honored and loved by God, each child created with purpose and intention.

This is the legacy that Sharon Wallenborn leaves behind at Circle of Friends. This promise of warmth and care is what makes those who have worked, attended or volunteered here feel like they have been a part of something special; not just a preschool, but a family. So, after more than three decades of Muffins with Mom, Donuts with Dad, dance parties, Christmas Eve nativities, field trips, and countless other traditions…we say THANK YOU and GOD BLESS YOU on this next chapter in life, Ms. Sharon.

To Ms. Laura, who has been a part of Circle of Friends for over thirteen years and will be taking the helm as the new Director, we say WELCOME! Thank you for answering the call to shepherd this special place into the next 30 years. We are so excited to be a part of your love and leadership.

See you in the fall, Circle of Friends families!

Families persisted through wet weather to continue with the beloved tradition of the

CoF Last Day Parade!

Thank you to the entire Circle of Friends staff for a beautiful year.

In May the Book Fairy read A Good Day by Kevin Henkes. Bad days can get better, and God is with us no matter what kind of day we are having!

Grad Sunday is June 2nd. Please pray for our graduating seniors as several prepare to lead us during this special services. We lift up all families with students who are in the midst of this this very busy, emotional and exciting time. May Christ be in the middle of their planning, the source of their comfort and the fuel for their joy.

Sunday School Volunteer Appreciation is during the 9am service on June 9th.  If you’d like to say thank you to our volunteers with a breakfast item, please click here to sign up! We are so grateful for our generous church family and all the ways they bless one another!

Columbia MOPS wrapped up their first year together with prayer, lots of flowers, lots of laughs and maybe even a few tears. MOPS has rebranded, and the registration for 2024-2025 Columbia MomCo has opened! 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.

Registration for VBS opens on Tuesday, May 28th!

REGISTER HERE.

To volunteer, get more information on take-home decoration kits, or to hear other ways you can help, email Tifny!

We need your lids! 

A variety of sizes is great; jar lids, paint can lids, bottle lids...ANY LIDS! Trying to create a few large, colorful sea animals! You can place them in the bin in the Gathering Area marked “VBS”

Sunday School

9:00AM, Education Wing

Pre-K

Preschool continued their God Is the Greatest Treasure lesson. 

Kindergarten-5th Grade

K-5 studied the Pentecost. Click below to watch the two short videos the kids got to see before heading to their classrooms for time with their friends and teachers.



https://vimeo.com/105261521

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMQKy1Mx49M

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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