The Columbia Weekly

April 10, 2026

Columbia Friends,

Traditionally we call this season after Easter by the name “Eastertide.” Eastertide lasts until Pentecost, when we celebrate the arrival of the Holy Spirit in power. Part of the goal of this season is to sit in the wake of the resurrection. A lot of that wake is joyous! We are caught up in some really cool and dynamic new realities as the resurrected and rescued people of Jesus. Yet, we also sit in the midst of difficult things, even in light of the resurrection glory.

The early church understood this tension well. They were kind of citizens of two nations. One in heaven and one on earth. The earthly reality was pretty troubled and so they clung to the heavenly reality that they also believed they were a part of. This Sunday, we will look at how Peter tries to encourage these early communities he is writing to as they are citizens of two countries. How will they remain faithful? How will they hold onto their living hope in Jesus? How will they live their hope out amongst their neighbors?

It will also be an exciting Sunday as we formally introduce and pray for Pastor Sarah Tunall, who is our new Director of Youth Ministries.

We hope to see you there!

Pastor Matt

To prepare for worship: Read 1 Peter 1:1-10

Watch previous worship services on Church Center or listen to previous sermons on Spotify.

Announcements

Events with the Church Center icon require registration.

Need assistance? Call the church office (360) 694-7549.

Women's Retreat: Restored and Re-Storied

April 24-26

Aldersgate Lodge Turner, OR

Registration closes Monday, April 13. Gather together as we experience how God restores and re-stories our hearts. Share this opportunity with the beloved women in your life, space is limited! For those blessed by the ministry of Pastor Bruce Armstrong, there will be a time to honor his life on Saturday afternoon hosted by Mary Sisson. Scholarships are available, please contact Tifny Mathena. Register here.

• Full Retreat: $275
• Saturday Only: $100
• Commuter: $135 (meals included, no lodging)

Summer Internships

Application Deadline: Sunday, April 12

We are currently accepting applications for Children’s and Youth Ministry summer internships. Paid Lead Interns will focus on either Children’s or Youth Ministry and must have completed high school by the start of the internship. College-aged young adults are encouraged to apply. Students currently in 9th grade and older may apply to serve as Volunteer Interns and will gain experience in both Children’s and Youth Ministry. Interns will spend part of each day together as a large group for devotionals, training, and other activities, in addition to working on projects specific to their area of ministry. The internship lasts 9 weeks. Lead and Volunteer Interns must apply. Interviews will take place on Sunday, April 26. Apply here.

Wednesday Evening Women’s Bible Study

Wednesdays beginning April 15, 6:30-8:00pm

LL6

Join us as we explore the creeds and confessions of the Presbyterian Church, which declare what the church as a whole believes, and learn about the circumstances that led to their creation. Questions? Email Julie Wilcox.

Men's Breakfast

Saturday, April 18, 8:00-9:30am

Fellowship Hall

All men are invited to gather for breakfast, with good food, conversation, and time together. Pastor John will be sharing with us as our guest speaker. Please sign up in advance so we can plan accordingly. A suggested donation of $5 is appreciated. Register here.

Support for Dementia Care Partners

Wednesdays beginning April 22, 10:00am-12:00pm

Chapel

This weekly group, sponsored by HOPE Dementia and co-led by Pam Stover and Alan Masden, offers both education and support for care partners of those living with dementia. Along with learning about dementia, caregiving, and available resources, participants will have space to share experiences, offer encouragement, and connect with others who understand the challenges of caregiving. For more information and to register contact Pam Stover, (360) 910-4996.

DIY Obituary: An Opportunity to Review, Reflect and Write

Mondays, April 27 and May 4, 6:00-7:00pm

Chapel

Our lives are shaped and inspired by countless experiences, connections and ideas. Writing an obituary is an opportunity to capture the essence of a life with clarity and care. In this two-session workshop guided by memoir writer and past CPC member Sarah Coomber, you will receive support and tools for creating a meaningful obituary—a lasting story from your life or the life of a loved one. Cost: $10. Space is limited. Register here.

Journey

Saturday, May 2, 9:00-11:00am

Chapel

If you are new or want to learn more about this faith community, please join us for Journey. This is a welcoming space to reflect on your relationship with Jesus Christ and discover what life and community here at Columbia Presbyterian Church looks like. Come, hear the story, values, mission, and vision of Columbia, and explore if Columbia may be your spiritual home. Register here.

LIFT Day

May 16, 1:00–6:00pm

Fellowship Hall and Various Off-Site Locations

Join us for our first LIFT Day on Saturday, May 16, as we serve together in our community. We’ll begin at 1:00pm with a brief time of prayer, then head out to a variety of local ministry sites supported by CPC. Service opportunities will include helping at Clark County Food Bank, spending time with children at Open House Ministries, making cards at Columbia for older members of our congregation, and more. We’ll return to the church in the evening to share dinner together and reflect on the day. More details will be shared soon. For now, please save the date - we hope you’ll be part of this day of serving and connection.

High School Work Camp - Registration Deadline Extended

July 4-10

Newport, TN

Several spots are still available for those interested in participating in Work Camp 2026. We will be doing Hurricane Helene relief in Tennessee. Current 9th-12th graders are encouraged to come. There is a mandatory meeting this Sunday, April 12 at 6:00pm in the Youth Center for all students and adult leaders. Register here.

Middle School Bike Hike Parent Information Meeting

Wednesday, April 15, 7:30pm

Conference Room

Parents are encouraged to join Sarah for the last 30 minutes of youth group to hear about Bike Hike - come ready with your questions. We will still have normal Middle School Youth Group from 6:00-8:00pm. Bike Hike is July 26-August 1. Register for Bike Hike here.

Youth Parent Meet & Greets

Middle School Parents - Friday, April 17, 6:00pm

High School Parents - Friday, April 24, 6:00pm

Leonardo's Pizzeria

Pastor Sarah Tunall, our new Director of Youth Ministries, is excited to get to know the parents of our current middle school and high school youth. Join her at Leonardo's Pizzeria for a causal meal - pizza is on us!

Middle School Night of Unending Games

Saturday, April 18, 6:00-10:00pm

Youth Center

Games, games and more games! We are excited to have the middle schoolers come hang out with us at the church for a fun evening of games. Please pre-register here.

Missions

MAC Spring Update

This year, thanks to partial funding from CPC and the creation of a match for other community donors, the MAC (McLoughlin Middle School) 8th graders will be able to take a special end-of-year field trip to the Mount St. Helens Science & Learning Center at Spirit Lake. This means over 300 students and accompanying adults will be able to hike, learn, and experience all that is Mount St. Helens. Few of these students have had an opportunity to get out of Vancouver and go to a place of note in our area. Thanks to everyone who has supported Columbia's work with MAC over time. Funds primarily collected during our Back to School campaign make this kind of support possible. Stay tuned for the opportunity to volunteer to go on this trip. Dates will be May 20, 21, 22. Transportation will be provided by Vancouver Public Schools.

CPC Cares

In Sympathy:

• A memorial service for Steve Stipe will be held in the Sanctuary this Sunday, April 12 at 2:00pm.
• Carol Johnston, on the death of her partner, Michael Roberts, who died on April 7. A graveside service will be held on a date yet to be determined.

In Concern:

• Carole Gibson - cancer diagnosis
• Bob Nunnelley - surgery for skin cancer
• Bill Wheeler - undergoing radiation therapy
• Annie Reid - recovering from back surgery
• Patsy Hamlin - recovering from a pacemaker procedure
• Shirley Waltz - recovering from shoulder surgery
• Scott Longacre - recovering from knee surgery
• Russ Parker - health concerns
• Jake Roest - health concerns
• Susan Randolph - dementia and broken leg from a fall
• Carla Groce - treatment for breast cancer
• Shae Sobottke - recovering from brain surgery
• Nancy Frederick - recovering from a compression fracture in her back
• Jim Hudson - health concerns and recuperation
• Kay Thorpe - ongoing health concerns

In Person:

Checks or Cash

in the Offering Box

located in the Sanctuary

Electronically:

Credit or Debit Card

and ACH Transfers

Give Now via Church Center

By Mail or Bill Pay:

Columbia Presbyterian Church

8715 St. Helens Ave

Vancouver, WA 98664

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