What Bike Hike is About

As a part of Bike Hike every year we’re in Idaho, everyone loads up into the vans and shuttles over to Silverwood Theme Park. As corny carnival music blares through the speaker, groups scatter in all directions to enjoy the day. Some students spent the day floating the lazy river, eating ice cream, riding stomach-dropping roller coasters, or all three throughout the day. 

About halfway through the day, I ended up with two students who wanted to ride some of the smaller roller coasters. One of the girls was hesitant to try one of the more intense rides, but after a few roller coasters, we convinced her to try it. The first time we rode it, she had her eyes closed the whole time. Then, after a few more roller coasters, she asked if we could go on it again. This time she had her eyes wide open and a grin on her face the whole time. Afterwards, she told me it was her favorite ride of the day and wanted to try even bigger rides.

To me, that instance perfectly encapsulated the week of Bike Hike. There were so many instances of students stepping outside their comfort zones, whether physically through the bike rides, socially through making unlikely friends, or spiritually through hearing intern testimonies. I think many of them found that being outside their comfort zone was a rewarding experience that became one of the highlights of their trip.

That’s why us interns go on Bike Hike. It’s to see kids arrive hesitant, sometimes not knowing anyone else, and leaving with other students phone numbers written on their arms. It’s to see students who come dreading the bike rides leaving having rode in the second fastest group the whole week. That’s what Bike Hike is about.

Audrey Grice

Lead Youth Ministry Intern

If you were a leader on this trip or one of the amazing volunteers that came in the day after to do the dishes, thank you for Kingdom work!

Film Fest

Wednesday, August 13

6:00PM

Fellowship Hall & Sanctuary

Join our students, interns and leaders as we take a look back at this summer’s events. Everyone is welcome! We will start with light snacks in the Fellowship Hall and then move to the Sanctuary to see slideshows from VBS, Work Camp, and Bike Hike. This is a really fun night and a wonderful way to be a part of the intergenerational life of CPC.

Maybe you are caring for a child or family member and it’s heavy on your heart. Or maybe you are getting ready to send your older kid off out into the world. For whatever reason, if you find yourself needing extra tissues lately… this one is for you.

It was another sunny and fun day at the park! Can’t wait to do it again next summer!

We love being together.

Wanted: Fall PreK-5th Grade Sunday School Leaders!

We are at risk of losing the ability to offer 10:30AM Sunday School. We are looking for high schoolers and adults who would be willing to teach in alternating two week blocks throughout the year. This is also a great way for a parents to team up with their teen and serve God’s kids! We had several families do this last year and it was incredibly successful! Please reach out to Tifny if you are feeling called to serve in this way.

Backpacks for Mac

We are currently headed into the last full week of our Backpacks for Mac drive. This is a joyful and important event in our ongoing partnership with Marshall Elementary and McLoughlin Middle School. We hope to collect as many new backpacks and shoes as possible so that we can have them sorted, stocked, and ready for pick up during back-to-school and orientation events in August. Contact Julie Mauer mauerjd@gmail.com or Nancy Johns nanjohns11@gmail.com for more information.

K2 Live is getting a new name! Introducing Grove 345! Just as a grove in nature is a group of trees planted and cultivated to bear fruit, our new name reflects a community of young people growing together in faith. Grove 345 will not change in structure or content. Our 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders will continue to encounter Jesus through games, small groups, interactive Bible stories, crafts, missions, and music each Wednesday night. Sign-ups for our 2025-26 program year are coming soon!

Young Adult Good-Bye Dinner

Tonight! Tuesday, August 12

6:00PM

Leonardo's Pizza

If you consider yourself a "young adult" please join us for our final gathering of the summer - pizza is on us! Leonardo's Pizza, 16505 SE 1st Street, Vancouver, WA 98684

Fall Fest 2025

Sunday, September 7

Outdoor Worship

10:30AM (One service only)

Please plan to be part of CPC’s 4th annual Fall Festival. We will celebrate with one outdoor service, beginning at 10:30AM, followed by wonderful food, games and crafts for little ones, and great fellowship for all. So mark your calendars to worship together and fellowship with others in the congregation and hopefully some of our church neighbors. And we’ll welcome - and need - volunteers! More details to follow!

Middle School Back to School Retreat

September 19-21

Camp Tadmor

The transition to Middle School is a big one and the Back to School Retreat is a great way to help your child find their niche with friends from church. Camp Tadmor is less that two hours away and is a fun and peaceful place to hang with friends - they have a giant gaga ball court (trust us, its fun) and a lake with all kinds of critters to find. Register here.

High School Back to School Retreat

September 26-28

Camp Tadmor

School is back in session and the Back to School Retreat at Camp Tadmor is an awesome way to reconnect with your church friends, enjoy some downtime in nature, and challenge your friends to a round of paintball! Register here.

High School Confirmation

Begins Sunday, October 5

9:00AM

Chapel

All High School youth are invited to participate in Confirmation - even those who have been through it before - as we will be using all new curriculum. For those who complete Confirmation, there is the option to publicly declare their faith through baptism or being anointed by oil (if already baptized). You may also choose to become a member of Columbia. Register here.

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, 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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