Children & Youth Ministries Weekly Update | |
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Last year was our first December attending CPC and I was newly hired. When it came to the Advent Festival, we were merely along for the ride. I honestly could not figure out what the Advent Festival truly was. Sure, it was described in the bulletin, (which I don’t think I read). Sure, everyone here at CPC was talking about it and planning for it, (including me, kind of). But my brain was just uncertain of what we would be DOING.
Now I know.
That morning the church wasn’t just decorated for Christmas, but had beautiful artwork displayed throughout the Gathering Area. The youth had set up a photo booth adorned with twinkle lights and were chatting away with the couple getting their picture taken. The Fellowship Hall was full of tasty treats and happy people. I spent most of my time in the craftastic Gym with adults and kids making things worth keeping (or even gifting). At one point, I snuck away to see the Children’s Choir sing during the 10:30 concert. I’m not sure what I was expecting. Maybe “just church” with more music? But that’s not what I got.
I did not expect a candle-lit Sanctuary. I did not expect the moment of pause I was given that morning, in that softly lit space. I did not know how badly my spirit needed to disconnect from the busyness of Christmas and reconnect with the power of its message. There was something about the voices and the calm, the scriptural Christmas story, the music and the poetry, that left me needing Kleenex before heading back downstairs.
And then, as if that wasn’t enough, it started snowing.
I can’t promise snow this year. But I can tell you that it is only December 5th, and I already feel that longing in my soul for quiet and a reconnection to the Most Real Things. The magic of last year’s Advent Festival is something that snuck into my back pocket, and stayed there all year. I hope we can share in that experience together this weekend. Maybe that magic, the kind that comes with the truth of the season, will sneak into your back pocket, too.
-Tifny
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Advent Wreath Making & Dinner | |
Our youth and kids were joined by almost 150 people at the dinner and Advent Wreath making event! Thank you to the Italian Chefs for the delicious meal, and the Plumberg, Nie, Sisson and Jensen families for the greenery, and everyone that helped prepare, serve or clean up after the event. You are appreciated! It was a wonderful evening! | |
First Sunday of Advent - The Candle of Hope | |
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The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.
Isaiah 9:2
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Communion Class
On January 21st we will be offering a Communion Class led by Pastor Matt Overton and Tifny Mathena. This class is for any child (or adult!) that feels ready to partake in this sacrament and would like to have a greater understanding of what exactly communion is and why the sacrament matters! Registration for this event will open the first week of 2024.
MOPS
December meeting is next Wednesday, December 13.
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Giving Tree Donations
Thank you so much to those who took tags for families at Open House Ministries and YoungLives. We will be collecting items through this Sunday, December 10.
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K2 Live & Children's Choir
Christmas Caroling & Party
Wednesday, December 6
Special Time! 4:45pm-7:30pm
K2 Live and the Children’s Choir will be caroling at the Hampton Alzheimer’s Care Facility. We want to carol during the residents’ dinner time, therefore we will need to leave Columbia at 5:00pm. Please plan on arriving at 4:45pm. We will be taking vans to the Hampton and returning for pizza at the church at about 6:00pm. Families can join us at 6:30pm for dessert and games (please bring a plate of cookies to share). We will be done at 7:30pm. This will take the place of our regular choir rehearsal. Please RSVP here. (Remember, children under 4’9” need to bring a booster seat as per state law.)
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Youth Christmas Parties
6:00-8:00PM
High School - Sunday, December 10
Middle School - Wednesday, December 13
Bring an unmarked, wrapped gift to place under the tree. Gifts can be items found around the house or purchased for no more than $10. We will play Christmas-themed games, eat lots of junk food, and have a White Elephant Gift Exchange - get ready to steal and be stolen from!
Reminder: these are the last youth group meetings for 2023. Middle School Youth Group begins again on Wednesday, January 3 and High School Youth Group begins again on Sunday, January 7.
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Young Adult Christmas Dinner
Sunday, December 17
5:00-7:00PM
Dig out your tackiest, most outrageous holiday sweaters – the uglier, the better – and prepare for an epic White Elephant Gift Exchange. Bring the quirkiest, funniest, or most outrageous gift you can find! It's all about the thrill of the steal and the joy of the reveal. We will have a pizza dinner, enjoy time together and play some games. Everyone who has graduated from high school in the last 4-ish years is welcome to attend! RSVP to Lydia so we have enough food.
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High School Ski Retreat
February 16-19
Registration Deadline: January 1
Whether you're into skiing, snowboarding, or prefer a more relaxed vibe off the mountain, we've got something for everyone. Picture playing "signs" in the evening, talking with friends on the ski lift, and the beauty of Mt. Bachelor covered in snow. It's not just about the slopes; it's about creating lasting memories. Secure your spot now and be part of the winter adventure! Cost varies based on which activities you choose. Register here.
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High School Work Camp
July 6-13
Registration Deadline: March 16
Registration is now open for Work Camp 2024. We will be returning to Tijuana, Mexico to build houses with Amor Ministries. Last Sunday we had an informational meeting for students, parents and adult leaders. Download the packet here and officially register for Work Camp here (all participants should register).
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What are your kids learning? | |
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Wednesdays
Children's Choir
Special Time! 4:45pm-7:30pm
5:00-5:30PM, Chapel
Grades: 2nd-5th Grade
K2 Live
Special Time! 4:45pm-7:30pm
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
No Sunday school this week due to the Christmas Concert & Advent Festival.
9:00AM, Education Wing
Grades: Pre-K through 5th Grade
Middle School Sunday School
No Sunday school this week due to the Christmas Concert & Advent Festival.
9:00AM, LL6
Grades: 6th-8th Grade
High School Kairos
No Kairos this week due to the Christmas Concert & Advent Festival.
9:00-10:00AM, Chapel
Grades: 9th-12th Grade
High School Youth Group
6:00-8:00PM, Youth Center
Grades: 9th-12th Grade
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Preschool, Children & Youth Staff | |
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