We want our children to know the most important story the world has ever known. But when we take a look at the sequence of events, the reality of the details, we learn that the whole story is far from G-Rated. In fact, when one takes the time to focus on the days before Easter, it’s not only heartbreakingly sad, it’s gruesome.

And yet, it is a story that every heart needs to hear and every soul depends on.

One of the most powerful moments I have experienced in Children’s Ministry was the night Anna Haagenson told the story of Christ’s death to the 3^rd-5^th graders during a lesson at K². The kids in K² have squirrely energy, and usually by the time they gather for the bible story at the end of the night, keeping their attention takes a minor miracle. But that evening, you could have heard a pin drop in the room. She explained the events simply and without drama or explicit details. 

Their attention was captured and they listened intently not only because it was told in a way that they were able to understand, but because it is a story that we were literally created to know.

In looking for suggestions on how to appropriately tell this story to kids of different ages, we found this very helpful website. Click on the blog below to see suggestions on how to discuss the story of Christ’s death and resurrection with children of all ages, toddlers to teens. 

https://loriwildenberg.com/2023/03/16/how-to-effectively-talk-with-littles-to-teens-about-easter/

Blessings to you and your families during this most Holy of weeks, heading towards the most glorious of days.

-Tifny

Holy Week and Easter Sunday Childcare Updates

Childcare will be provide at both the Maundy Thursday Experience (5:00pm-7:00pm stay, pray, and depart at your discretion) and the Good Friday Service (7:00pm).  

We want all children and volunteers to have the opportunity to worship with their families in the Sanctuary on Easter Sunday, so there will not be Sunday School for any age that morning. The nursery will be open and staffed during the 9:00am and 10:30am.

What a Wonderfully Full Sunday!

Our Children’s Choir led us into the service with a beautiful Hosanna and many children brought palms up front for an active children’s message!

During Sunday School, many of our middle and high school youth hid eggs filled with treats for their younger friends to find!

(pics)

We also celebrated the retirement of beloved Pastor, Ted Buck. We have been blessed beyond measure by the way Pastor Ted lives out his faith. Hundreds gathered after the 10:30am Service to celebrate his life of service.

Parent's Night Out

Almost 50 kids and 25 volunteers stayed and played on Friday night during our Spring Parent’s Night Out. THANK YOU to all the volunteers that gave of their time and talents to create a really fun evening for the kids. We had many happy parents picking up loads of happy kids, one little one suggested that we do this WAY more often! Twice a year, kiddo. Twice a year. 😉

Secret Pal Reveal Night

The kids of K² were finally were able to meet their secret pals last Wednesday night! Look for next week’s Rooted to see more pictures and read more details about this cherished event. Thank you to all who participated!

Come Play and Serve!

Extra Volunteers Needed at Open House



Open House Ministries (OHM) and the Columbia Play Project and are collaborating to provide an opportunity to play together. The Columbia Play Project is seeking volunteers to help at OHM on Tuesday, April 2.

Needed:

• Adults to help set-up at 2:00PM in the OHM gym. 
• K² Live kids and their parents, middle schoolers, and high schoolers to play and hang out with OHM kids and families from 3:00PM-5:00PM. All are welcome!
• Adults to help pack up after the event.

Contact Mary Sisson, sissonrm@gmail.com, if you can volunteer.

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.

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

3.28 - Maundy Thursday Experience, drop in between 5:00PM-7:00PM

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

4.19-20 - 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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