The Columbia Weekly

April 24, 2026

What would this world look like if we were God’s holy presence? I shared this past Sunday that we may not be able to impact the whole world, but we are able to impact those around us. Our immediate community, our neighborhood, our schools, our family, and so on. What if we can be God’s holy presence in those areas?

What does “holy presence” mean anyway? The word “holy” in Hebrew is Kadosh. It means “set apart,” “separated,” or “distinct.” It is not just morally pure, but it is about living a different, set apart life for God. We are to be different than the rest of the world, so when they see us, they will know that there is something different about the God we serve.

That’s the life God calls us to live. We need to live into a different set of values than the values of this world. This world is all about “me, myself, and I.” It’s all about my rights, my things, my ways, etc. To be God’s holy presence in this world, we need to perhaps set our rights and our wants aside, and live the life Jesus modeled for us. That self-giving life that endures. What does that look like and how can we live it? Come and hear what that might look like this Sunday. Would you answer the invitation of God, who so freely gave His own Son for us, to worship Him?

Hope to see you and worship with you.

Pastor John

To prepare for worship: Read 1 Peter 2:19-25

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.

High School Parent Meet & Greet

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 high school youth. Join her at Leonardo's Pizzeria for a causal meal - pizza is on us!

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, registration closes on April 26 at 7:00pm. Register here.

Men's Westside Bible Study

Tuesdays, 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.

Calling All Singers!

Practices - Thursday, May 7 and 14, 7:00-8:15pm

Sunday, May 17, 9:00am Service

Sanctuary

The adult choir would like to invite anyone who is interested to join us for one Sunday as we sing “Fairest Lord Jesus.” Practices are Thursday, May 7 and May 14 from 7:00-8:15pm in the Sanctuary. We will sing the anthem on Sunday, May 17 at the 9:00am service. No experience needed and no pressure as this is a group effort!

Red Cross Blood Drive

Wednesday, May 13, 11:00am-4:30pm

Fellowship Hall

A transfusion of blood is the most life-giving medicine there is. But it's only made possible by donors like you. Please note that the spring blood drive is a on a Wednesday instead of a Monday. Sign up here. 

LIFT Day

Saturday, 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. Register here.

Middle School Bike Hike

July 26-August 1

Farragut State Park

Bike Hike is open to all youth who just completed 6th-8th grades. Registration deadline is Monday, June 1. Register here.

Auction Results

Thank you to everyone for your donations and support with the High School Work Camp Auction. We are excited to announce that we raised $31,000!! Twenty percent of those funds will be donated evenly between McLoughlin Middle School and The Giving Closet, with the rest providing support for the students and adults serving with Experience Mission in East Tennessee in early July. Thank you so much!

If you are interested in learning more about the three areas these funds will benefit, check them out here: The Giving Closet, McLoughlin Middle School, Experience Mission - Hurricane Relief.

CPC Cares

In Sympathy:

• 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.
• The family of Jake Roest, who died on April 12. A memorial service will be held in the Sanctuary on Saturday, May 2 at 2:00pm.

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
• Russ Parker - health concerns
• 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

You are receiving this email because you or your child participated in a program or event at Columbia Presbyterian Church. At any time, you may click on "Update Profile" in the email footer to subscribe/unsubscribe from specific distribution lists such as The Columbia Weekly, Children's Ministry, High School Ministry, etc. Only choose "unsubscribe" if you wish to receive no communication from Columbia Presbyterian Church at all, now or in the future. We would also be happy to edit your preferences for you, just email any staff member or call the church office at (360) 694-7549.