Children & Youth Ministries Weekly Update

One of the hardest things about raising children right now, is showing and surrounding them with things THAT ARE REAL. There are many wonderful Christmas traditions that we share with our children, but we know these amazing, spirited little human beings will eventually outgrow many of them. As adults, we are all aware of how quickly time passes.

 

I was sharing this with the Circle of Friends families while welcoming them at the beginning of the Christmas Preschool program. I had just picked up my nineteen-year-old from the airport an hour before. He is home for Christmas after his first semester away at school, and having him back reminded me of something. If I were to ask him what he was MOST looking forward to, what held the most magic for him at Christmas, he would say, without hesitation or delay, “Silent Night by candlelight.” 

 

Because it’s real. Christmas Eve together is not something we outgrow. In fact, it’s often something that we long for.

 

My son was actually standing in the back of the Sanctuary while I was speaking, and afterwards he told me he almost yelled out, “SHE’S RIGHT!”

 

We all need reminders of what’s real in this world.

 

Jesus. Lord at thy birth.

 

We hope to see you on Christmas Eve.

Christmas Eve Services

Our Christmas Eve service times are as follows:


  • 4:00pm - An interactive service designed for families with young children (Silent Night by glow stick light!)
  • 7:00pm - Traditional candlelight service with the Adult Choir.
  • 9:00pm - Contemporary candlelight service with the Praise Band.

The Fourth Week of Advent: Love

‘For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son.’ — John 3:16

On Sunday we celebrated the retirement of Pastor Scott Peterson. Children and Youth Ministries are grateful for the many ways he has supported our kids and teens in his years at Columbia. He will be missed!

Announcements

High School Ski Retreat

February 13-16

Bend, OR


We're heading to Mt. Bachelor again this winter. Whether you want to ski, snowboard, or just hang out, you're welcome to join. We'll spend time on the slopes, play games in the evenings, and enjoy the mountain together. Cost depends on what activities you sign up for. Registration closes Monday, January 19. Register here.

Reminder!!!

NO SUNDAY SCHOOL ON DECEMBER 28 (Childcare is still available)

For Your Calendar



December


12.24 - Christmas Eve (Church office closes at noon)

  • 4pm Christmas Eve Service for Families with Young Children
  • 7pm Traditional Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
  • 9pm Contemporary Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

12.25 - Christmas (Church office closed)

12.28 - No Children's Sunday School

12.31 - New Year's Eve (Church office closes at noon)



January


1.1 - New Year's Day (Church office closed)

1.4 - Children's and Middle School Sunday School resumes

1.4 - High School Youth Group resumes

1.7 - Grove 345 and Middle School Youth Group resumes

1.11 - Confirmation Sunday

1.23 - Middle School Night of Unending Games


Preschool, Children & Youth Staff

Tifny Mathena, Children and Intergenerational Ministry Director

tifny@columbiapresbyterian.org


Anna Haagenson, Director of Grove 345 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, Administrative Associate for Children's Ministry

viva@columbiapresbyterian.org


Katie Mrochko, Administrative Associate for Youth Ministry

katie@columbiapresbyterian.org


Lindsey Wright, Childcare Coordinator

lindsey@columbiapresbyterian.org


Laura Ericcsen, Circle of Friends Preschool Director

laura@columbiapresbyterian.org

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