Children & Youth Ministries Weekly Update | | Through the Eyes of our Interns | |
- My favorite part of the summer internship was Bike Hike. I loved getting to be able to establish real relationships with the kids while also ministering to them at the same time. Seeing the growth in each of the middle schoolers throughout the week was really special to be a part of. -Kyler
- This summer has been an incredible time for me to experience Christ-centered community. I saw the interns come together to pray, lift each other up selflessly and share generously. The community we were able to foster really reminded me of the early church in Acts and I feel incredibly blessed to have been a part of the internship this summer. -Audrey
- The internship has grown and stretched me in ways I didn’t know I was capable of. I’ve learned how to lead in different ways, I’ve learned the importance of listening to others and how to work as team. The internship has blessed me with some amazing memories and an unforgettable summer. -Kaitlin
- Every one of my prayers that I had coming into this summer were answered, even ones I didn't even know I had that were deep in my heart. I have grown as a leader, and I have found a community that lives every day like God is real. I understand God in a whole new light, and I am beyond excited to go back to college with everything I have learned. I am grateful for Sarah for fostering an environment where I was able to grow in these ways and for her pushing/inspiring me to do what I didn't think I could do. This was one of the best summers of my life and I can't wait to see what the future holds. -Beau
- This internship was an incredibly formative and impactful experience for me. Thanks to people like Sarah, Tifny, and my prayer partner Steve Klump, I was able to be mentored by extremely wise and loving people who poured into me as I poured into the students. Because of this summer, my passion and love for youth ministry-and ministry as a whole-was reignited! The retreats, events, and everything in between was incredible thanks to the amazing team of interns that we had and the amazing leadership of Sarah. Overall, I am so grateful that I did this internship again; God used it for incredible things for everyone involved! -Zach
- This internship gave me the strangest day of my life. I never thought I’d be able to say that I unicycled across the Steel Bridge, crossed a highway to hike 7 miles in the heart of Portland, rode the OHSU sky tram, or gave strangers painted rocks on the MAX. One day, two phones, eleven interns, thirteen miles and zero adult supervision. Best day ever. -Anna
- This summer internship helped me gain the confidence to share and speak about my walk with Christ in front of others, helped me build relationships with younger and older age groups and gave me the opportunity to create deeper friendships with the other interns. Some of my favorite memories of the summer being moments I spent with my peers doing simple tasks around the church! -Addie
- The internship was one of the most profound moments in my spiritual journey. The community of interns, led by the lead interns and ministry directors, was amazing to work with and be a part of. One of my favorite memories from this internship was Bike Hike, where I shared my testimony, watched a beautiful sunset, and experienced something that became a new part of my testimony! This has been an incredible summer and I am so grateful for everyone I shared it with. -Tyler
- This summer has easily been the best few months of my life, with the most significant part being the internship. Every day I was able to drive to CPC and be in a community of some of the most genuine, Jesus-loving people I have ever encountered. From the adventures on the intern retreat to our service in Tennessee to ministering to middle schoolers at Bike Hike, this has been such a blessing in my life. -Thomas
- I did so many fun things this summer and grew so much. I unicycled across the Steel Bridge and hung out with a bunch of awesome middle school students and kids! Hearing my fellow interns’ testimonies was one of my favorite parts of the summer. -Stella
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Students Called to Lead!
It’s the time of year when we start looking towards fall, praying and planning for all the things ahead!
If you are a high school student interested in leading children or middle schoolers, please take a look at our online application for more information! We are excited to partner with and disciple high school youth through these leadership opportunities. Each area of service provides different experiences and opportunities to grow, learn and lead.
High schoolers in 9th grade and above, consider serving in Children’s Ministry Sunday School or our mid-week program, Grove 345.
As well as Children’s Ministry, junior and senior high school students are also invited to lead our middle school youth as a CORE leader in our middle school program.
Applications are due TODAY and applicants will receive a response no later than August 30.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to Sarah, Tifny or Anna with any questions!
| | ADULT LEADERS NEEDED...for Sunday School, Grove345, and Middle and High School Youth Group. WE NEED YOU. Without more help, some of our most beloved and impactful programs may not be able to start this fall. Please reach out to Sarah or Tifny for more information. | | |
Backpacks for Mac - Final week to donate
Collection Drive: End August 16
Drop-Off Locations: Gathering Area & Church Office
Help local students start the school year ready to learn! Once again, we're partnering with McLoughlin Middle School by collecting backpacks (all colors accepted, but black is the most requested color by the students) and college-ruled composition books or spiral notebooks. No other supplies are needed this year. You can also provide a monetary donation designated for "Mac" in the memo - mail to the church or place it in the offering box at the back of the Sanctuary.
More than 70% of McLoughlin students qualify for free breakfast and lunch, and many families need extra support as they prepare for a new school year. By providing these basic school supplies, we can help ensure students arrive on the first day focused on learning—not worrying about whether they have what they need. Columbia Presbyterian Church is grateful to partner with McLoughlin throughout the year, supporting students, families, and staff at our neighborhood school of 900 6th–8th grade students.
Questions? Contact Nancy Johns at 360-624-6598, or Julie Mauer at 360-521-0945.
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Prayer Night
Wednesday, September 2, 6:00-7:30pm
Sanctuary
Gather for an evening of prayer with the CPC family as we prepare to kick off the 2026-27 school year. There will be spaces to pray in small groups, individually, and for all of the ministries at CPC. The evening will end with a time of blessing and communal prayer in the Sanctuary.
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Middle School Youth Group Kick Off
6th-8th Graders
Wednesday, September 9, 6:00-8:00pm
Youth Center
We are excited to invite your Middle Schooler to youth group! We are working hard to make sure this mid-week group is engaging for your student through activities, games, discussions, and worship. Please note that we would like all youth to be dropped off and picked up at the front of the Youth Center (this is different from previous years when students would be picked up in the Gathering Area).
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Grove 345
3rd-5th Graders
Wednesdays, beginning September 9, 6:00-8:00pm
Chapel
Just as a grove in nature is a group of trees planted and cultivated to bear fruit, our name reflects a community of young people growing together in faith. 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders will encounter Jesus through games, small groups, interactive Bible stories, crafts, and music each Wednesday night September to May. Register here.
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Columbia Children’s Choir
2nd-5th Graders
Wednesdays, beginning September 9, 5:00-5:30pm
September-May
There is a unique joy in making music with others to the glory of God. Singing in a church choir fosters a child’s faith and provides a sense of community and connection. As we approach the beginning of the new program year, I hope you will consider having your 2nd - 5th grader be a part of the Columbia Children’s Choir. We have the opportunity to present our songs in worship about every six weeks. Kids in Grove 345 are invited to bring a sack dinner to eat before the program starts at 6:00pm. Let us make a joyful noise to the Lord together this year. Register here.
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High School Youth Group Kick Off
9th-12th Graders
Sunday, September 13, 6:00-8:00pm
Youth Center
Come to the Fall Fest in the morning and then return later that night for our first high school youth group of the season. Through games, discussion, worship, and prayer we will grow closer to Christ and each other. We can't wait to see what God will do in your life this year.
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High School Fall Retreat
September 25-27
Camp Tadmor in Lebanon, OR
Do you love hanging out with friends, worshipping around a campfire, exploring nature, playing paintball AND you're going to be in high school this school year? If so, come to High School Fall Retreat! Tomorrow is the last day to save $25 on your registration. Register here.
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Middle School Fall Retreat
October 16-18
$150 (Save $25 automatically if you register by September 5)
Registration is now open for the Middle School Fall Retreat! We'd love to spend a weekend with you at Camp Tadmor in Labanon, OR. We will play lots of games, eat good food, hang out together - and you can sign up to play paintball on Saturday if you want! Register here.
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