The Columbia Weekly - April 25, 2025

The Columbia Weekly

April 25, 2025

A Message from Pastor Matt

Friends,

I hope you had a good Easter and post-Easter week. Earlier today I joined some other pastors, local law enforcement, and ESD 112 administrators for a meeting to decide whether our church can be an evacuation site in the event of a school emergency. I will tell you that while thinking about the ins and outs of a catastrophic incident or natural disaster is never an enjoyable experience, I felt like it was a glimpse of the Kingdom of God.

We encourage ourselves at CPC to go out into the community and look for signs that God is at work and consider how to join God in that work. I could see it in that room. For months security officers (several of whom are Christ followers) have been trying to think and plan forward to make sure that students and families will be re-united quickly with their loved ones during a chaotic time. The detail of the planning and the forethought around logistics was a sign of their love for our communities across Clark County. And it was good to see so many faith-based people willing to consider whether their facilities and volunteers could be mobilized in a pinch. It is a sign of love.

After the meeting a friend of mine who was there was sharing some of the burdens they were carrying that morning as they attended the meeting. It was a chance to stop, listen, and pray. Again, another sign that Christ was in the midst of what we might usually define as a non-religious activity. But Christ was there. His Spirit was present.

All of this fits with what we know of Christ and the Spirit. And all of this fits with what we will hear in our story this Sunday. This Sunday, on the same day He was resurrected, Jesus appeared to some people. He was in their midst, but at first they didn’t recognize it was Him. If you join us in worship this Sunday it will be a nice reminder to look for signs of Christ. He is always at work. He loves us even when we are clueless. Maybe we can get just a little better at naming it when we see Him.

Hope you are well! Have you seen Him this week?

Pastor Matt

Read Luke 24:13-35 to prepare for this week's message.

Looking Back at Holy Week

Holy Week at Columbia was a meaningful journey - from reflecting on Jesus’ suffering and sacrifice to celebrating His resurrection with joy and hope. These photos offer a glimpse into moments from our Maundy Thursday Seder Meal, Good Friday service, and Easter Sunday worship. Want to see more? Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more highlights from life at Columbia.

Seder Meal

Good Friday Service

Easter Services

APNC Update

The APNC Needs You!

Currently, the Associate Pastor Nominating Committee (APNC), is putting together a job description and a description of our church to submit to Session. Once this information has been reviewed and approved, we will submit it to the PC(USA) database. This process takes time and requires patience.

What do we need from you? Prayer. Prayer that the pieces come together. Prayer that we would be confident that God has called us to this process. Prayer that He will use it to help us find the Associate Pastor He will call to minister at CPC.

Announcements

Daddy & Me Day of Games

Saturday, May 3

12:00-2:00PM

Gym

Daddy & Me Day of Games & Fun is sponsored and organized by two of Circle of Friends Preschool's best and brightest dads (with a little help from Ms. Laura) as a fun way to kick off a new dads' group launching next year!

The group will be a space for connection, support, and community—just for dads and not just preschool dads, but ALL DADS!!! The group may host various events, some just for dads and some including the kids, plus casual social get togethers throughout the year. It’s a great way to build friendships and share the parenting journey together!

Come play with us, win prizes, meet other dads, and have a blast with your kids.

Please RSVP to Laura Ericcsen - so we can ensure we have plenty of supplies for everyone!

Calling All Singers!

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 Thursdays, May 8 and May 15 from 7:00-8:15PM in the Sanctuary. We will sing the anthem on Sunday, May 18 at the 9:00AM service. No experience needed, and no pressure as this is a group effort!

Movie Night

Friday, May 9

6:00PM - Bring your own dinner fellowship

7:00PM - Movie begins

This month's presentation will be "For the Love of the Game." Legendary Detroit Tigers pitcher Billy Chapel (Kevin Coster) has always been better at baseball than at love. His on-again, off-again girlfriend (Kelly Preston) finally tells Billy she is leaving him. With his career and love life in the balance, Billy battles against his physical and emotional limits as he plays the game of his life.

The Way of Jesus - No Class This Wednesday

Wednesdays, 6:15-7:45PM

Fellowship Hall

There will not be any The Way of Jesus class this upcoming Wednesday, April 30. We will reconvene for a final evening on Wednesday, May 7.

Red Cross Blood Drive

Monday, May 19

11:00AM-5:00PM

Fellowship Hall

About 29,000 units of red blood cells are needed every day in the U.S. You can help! Sign up for the Blood Drive which will be held on Monday, May 19 from 11:00AM-5:00PM, in the Fellowship Hall. Sign up through the church website, Church Center app or by emailing Chris Burns at bloodcolumbia@gmail.com.

Weekly Events

To see what's happening, Click Here .

Columbia Cares

In Sympathy:

The Drescher family on the death of Nancy Drescher on April 19.
Marilyn & Mike Roberts and family on the death of Marilyn's father, John Staton, on April 10.
Janet Robinson and family on the death of Janet's sister, Jeannine King, on April 5.

In Concern: