The Columbia Weekly

April 17, 2026

"Eschatological perspectives." I remember using this phrase in my preaching before the Committee on Preparation for Ministry, as part of my final assessment for ordination. I was a youth director at the time, and one of the committee members asked if I used such big words in my message to the youth. I told her that I do, and I do it on purpose. But I also take time to explain what it means and why it's so important. "Eschatology" is a study of end times. And as Christians, we need to have "end times" perspective in life. By this, I am not referring to seven year tribulation, mark of the beast, wars and disasters, etc. What I mean is that we need to understand that Jesus has already secured our salvation and the evil has been defeated. But of course, that's not the reality in which we live. We live in the world marked with suffering, hatred, evil, and uncertainties. But when we have an "eschatological perspective," we understand that there is a better reality breaking forth. God's kingdom is here and is spreading. And our lives ought to reflect the ever-increasing presence of God, until it is fully realized. 

This week, I will be sharing about what that might look like. Come join us this week, as we worship our God, who's kingdom is here through Christ.

Pastor John

To prepare for worship: Read 1 Peter 1:17-23

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.

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.

Men's Westside Bible Study

Tuesdays, beginning April 28, 7:00-8:00am

Peachtree Restaurant, 6600 NE Hwy 99, Vancouver

Looking for a simple way to stay grounded in your faith during a busy season of life? Now is a great time to jump into a morning group as we begin a new study using Earl Palmer’s Laughter in Heaven, focusing on the parables of Jesus. Join us for breakfast at the Peachtree, as we start a summer journey with Earl in Jesus' parables. Contact Bill Wheeler or Bob Hughes for more details.

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 looks like. Come, hear the story, values, mission, and vision of Columbia, and explore if Columbia may be your spiritual home. Register here.

Women's Coffee Gathering

Monday, May 4, 9:00-11:00am

Cariño Coffeehouse, 1002 Main St, Vancouver

All women are invited to join us for a relaxed time of community and conversation. Come and go as your schedule allows. There is no formal program, just a chance to connect. We will have a reserved table ready to welcome you, and Cariño Coffeehouse offers a variety of drinks and treats for you to purchase. More events will be offered throughout the year if you are unable to make this one. No registration needed.

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.

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. Register here.

Missions

Clean Water for Haiti Update

Leslie Rolling of Clean Water for Haiti will be in worship this Sunday April 19, to share an update on their work. Clean Water for Haiti (CWH) is celebrating 25 years of serving the people of Haiti through their biosand water filter program. While the situation in Haiti has been incredibly difficult and unstable in the past few years, CWH has worked hard to continue their support for the communities they work in. After a brief pause in work because of the insecurity and gangs controlling the area where CWH is located, CWH staff were able to go back to work this past week. We’re continuing to pray for the safety of staff and the families they are serving through these difficult times.

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:

• The family of Jake Roest, who died on April 12. 
• Angie Armstrong & family on the death of her husband, Pastor Bruce, on March 18. A memorial service will be held in the Sanctuary on Saturday, April 25 at 11:00am.

In Concern:

• Dave Hutson - recovering from gall bladder surgery
• 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
• 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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