The Columbia Weekly

August 14, 2026

As we wrap up the summer, I have been reflecting on the amazing adult volunteers who gave so much time and energy to invest in students. From VBS to Bike Hike to Work Camp, the adults selflessly loved students and demonstrated in word and action what it looks like to be a disciple of Jesus. It has been beautiful and transformative, for myself and our Interns, serving alongside each volunteer leader. Thank you to each of you for all you gave!

One volunteer opportunity that we experimented with this summer was Intern Prayer Partners. Twelve adult volunteers committed to meeting weekly with an Intern, prayed for them throughout the summer and together shared stories of what God is doing in life and ministry. We started and ended the summer with a dinner together, two events that drew a picture of how strangers become family when we intentionally share life as brothers and sisters in Christ. Stories emerged throughout the summer of Interns sending pictures from trips and vacations, Prayer Partners sharing books that had been impactful in their faith journey, an Intern making a meal for a Prayer Partner solo parenting, and Prayer Partners sending texts to remind our Interns they are not alone. The Prayer Partner Experiment transformed lives across generations and began life-long friendships, giving our Interns and adults a glimpse into kingdom-centered community. 

Grateful doesn't feel like an adequate word to sum up how I feel after my first summer at CPC. It has been healing, joyful, and transformative to come alongside a group of passionate and loving young adults, not alone, but surrounded by fantastic adult followers of Jesus who served, prayed, played and loved selflessly.  

Blessings,

Pastor Sarah

Pastor Scott Peterson will be joining us for worship this Sunday as our guest preacher - we look forwarding to worshipping together.

To prepare for worship: Read 1 Peter 1:3-9



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.

Backpacks for Mac - Last Week to Donate

Collection Drive: now through August 16 (School begins August 24)

Drop-Off Locations: Gathering Area & Church Office

Help local students start the school year ready to learn! Once again, we're partnering with McLoughlin Middle School by collecting backpacks (all colors accepted, but black is the most requested color by the students) and college-ruled composition books or spiral notebooks. No other supplies are needed this year. You can also provide a monetary donation designated for "Mac" in the memo - mail to the church or place it in the offering box at the back of the Sanctuary.

More than 70% of McLoughlin students qualify for free breakfast and lunch, and many families need extra support as they prepare for a new school year. By providing these basic school supplies, we can help ensure students arrive on the first day focused on learning—not worrying about whether they have what they need. Columbia Presbyterian Church is grateful to partner with McLoughlin throughout the year, supporting students, families, and staff at our neighborhood school of 900 6th–8th grade students.

Questions? Contact Nancy Johns at 360-624-6598, or Julie Mauer at 360-521-0945.

Red Cross Blood Drive

Monday, August 17, 11:00am-5:00pm

Fellowship Hall

The American Red Cross has declared the second national blood crisis in its history. Blood donations are now at a four-year summer low. All blood types are needed, but the situation is especially dire for type O. Donors are asked to take action. You can sign up at redcrossblood.org or email Pat Henderson.

Summer Lunch Event

Tuesday, August 18, 11:30am-1:00pm

Fellowship Hall

Looking for meaningful conversation and connection this summer? Bring your own lunch and join us for an engaging discussion with fellow church members. This gathering will feature a facilitated conversation on Community, giving participants the opportunity to reflect and prepare if they wish. Bring your own lunch and beverage (water will be provided) and enjoy a relaxed time of fellowship and thoughtful discussion. Hosted by the Health Ministry Team.

Prayer Night

Wednesday, September 2, 6:00-7:30pm

Sanctuary

Gather for an evening of prayer with the CPC family as we prepare to kick off the 2026-27 school year. There will be spaces to pray in small groups, individually, and for all of the ministries at CPC. The evening will end with a time of blessing and communal prayer in the Sanctuary.

GriefShare

Wednesdays beginning September 2, 1:30-3:30pm

Conference Room

A GriefShare support group is a safe, welcoming place where people understand the difficult emotions of grief. We will be looking into areas of grief styles, grief “ambushes,” significant “firsts” one will encounter, and tracking one’s progress. Participants may join anytime. Workbooks are $25. Register here.

Women's Coffee Gathering

Friday, September 11, 10:00am-12:00pm

Jebale Coffee at the Portal, 2007 E 12th 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 are hoping that Feluine Fall of Senegal will be able to join us. We will have a reserved table ready to welcome you, and Jebale Coffee 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.

High School Fall Retreat

September 25-27

Camp Tadmor in Lebanon, OR

Do you love hanging out with friends, worshipping around a campfire, exploring nature, playing paintball AND you're going to be in high school this school year? If so, come to High School Fall Retreat! Tomorrow is the last day to save $25 on your registration. Register here.

Middle School Fall Retreat

October 16-18

Camp Tadmor in Lebanon, OR

We'd love to spend a weekend with you at Camp Tadmor in Lebanon, OR. We will play lots of games, eat good food, hang out together - and you can sign up to play paintball on Saturday if you want! Registration is open with a discount for all who sign up before September 5. Register here.

Columbia Presbyterian Foundation:

Make-A-Will

Did you know that August is National Make-A-Will Month? If you have not drafted a will or trust, this is a reminder to consider doing so. Or if you do have a will or trust, it might be time to update your documents if situations such as changes in your family, estate value, or tax law have occurred. Your financial advisor or estate planning attorney should be able to help.

As part of your planned giving - in either a will or trust - we encourage you to consider including the CPC Foundation. Legacy giving adds an extra dimension to your stewardship and becomes an expression of gratitude and thanks to God for all that you have been given and enjoyed.

“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give..." 2 Corinthians 9:7

The Foundation is a charitable 501(c)(3) organization formed to provide long-term financial support for the church’s future. The Foundation manages the gifts and bequests it receives in an active portfolio. This year Foundation funds assisted CPC in funding ADA-compliant door operators and internal and external security cameras. If you wish to know more about the Foundation, please contact one of its board members: Connie Kearney, Bruce Farnsworth, Ward Cook, Ken Kirn, Jody Brown, Russ Garrow and ex-officio Pastor Matt.

CPC Cares

In Concern:

• Jay Langsdorf - on hospice
• Linda Markee - recovering from open heart surgery
• Annie Reid - recovering from back surgery
• Russ Parker - health concerns
• Carla Groce - treatment for breast cancer
• Shae Sobottke - health concerns
• Bill Prastka - on hospice
• Joan Prastka - receiving care for dementia
• Jim Hudson - health concerns
• Kay Thorpe - 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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