The Columbia Weekly

August 21, 2026

Columbia Friends,

I hope your summer is finishing out well. Some are still finishing up their summer travels, while many are in high gear getting ready for school to start, with pictures and orientations. Others are simply holding onto the weather. Wherever you are, I hope the Lord's peace is with you. I think, from the church's perspective, this has been an excellent summer. The student internships, opportunities for service, and our Vacation Bible School all went so, so well.

If you are able to join us for worship this Sunday, we will continue on in our series called "One Thing." Each of the pastors are preaching on just one thing that we would tell our church, or a congregant, or someone in the community about our faith. If you join us this Sunday, I am going to be sharing my one thing which is "What is the gospel?" Gospel is a word or phrase that we throw around a lot, but I am not always sure we have really stopped to think about what it means. More importantly, how we define what the gospel is has massive implications for how we build our lives, our churches, and how we serve our neighbors. So, as the summer is winding down, come join us. Maybe the Spirit can help you center yourself for the fall just a little bit.

Pastor Matt

To prepare for worship: Read Acts 2:22-39



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.

Fall Fest 2026 - Volunteer Sign Up This Sunday

Sunday, September 13, 10:30am-2:00pm

Main Church Parking Lot

Join us on September 13 as we celebrate together! We'll gather for a combined outdoor worship service at 10:30am, which will include the installation of Pastor John Yu, followed by delicious food, games and crafts for children, and plenty of time to connect with one another and our church neighbors. John & Cindy Van Dinter will be available on Sunday, August 23 in the Gathering Area to help sign up volunteers.

Growing Together: Fall Opportunities

Sunday, August 30, 10:00-10:30am

Gathering Area

Looking for a Bible study this fall? Want to grow in faith, connect with others, and dig deeper into God’s Word this fall? Representatives from Columbia’s many Bible-based study groups will be there to help you discover a group that fits you. Come explore the opportunities Columbia has to offer for spiritual growth this fall. We’d love to help you find a place to connect and grow!

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

Beginning Wednesday, 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.

Adult Choir

Beginning Thursday, September 10, 7:00-8:45pm

Sanctuary

Everyone who loves to sing is invited to join the Adult Choir! No experience is necessary—just bring your love of singing. The choir rehearses weekly and sings in the 9:00am traditional worship service. We’d love to have you join us! Questions? Contact Jeff Haagenson or 360-694-7549.

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.

Senegal Go Team

Applications Due: Tuesday, September 15

Columbia will be sending a team of up to six people to travel to Senegal in late January/early February to connect with our ministry partners there. The "Go Team" will bring encouragement, strengthen relationships, and learn from our Senegalese friends - including Feluine Fall who will be in Vancouver in early September. Returnees and newcomers are welcome to apply - please pray about this life-changing opportunity. Questions? Contact Mary Sisson. Apply here.

Wednesday Evening Women's Bible Study

Beginning Wednesday, September 16, 6:30-8:00pm

Room LL6

This fall, explore the story of Deborah, one of the most unlikely and remarkable leaders in the chaotic and morally complicated era of the Book of Judges. Through an eight-session study with beloved scholar Dr. Sandra L. Richter, discover Deborah’s story through archaeology, history, geography, culture, and the realities of ancient warfare—and consider where God may be calling you to expand his kingdom in your own sphere of influence. The study runs September 16-November 11. Contact Alix Iverson for additional details and study guide information.

Friday Afternoon Women's Bible Study

Beginning Friday, September 18, 1:00-3:00pm

Chapel

Join us for a 10-week study of the parables of Jesus using Dallas Willard's "The Scandal of the Kingdom." The study meets from 1:00-3:00pm, but you're invited to come at 12:30pm with a brown bag lunch for extra fellowship. Childcare is available by reservation beginning at 1:00pm. For more information, contact Nicole Webb or Mary Jensen. Register by September 11 here.

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! 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.

Stepping Stones Volunteer Opportunities

2nd & 4th Thursdays, 6:00-8:30pm

Fellowship Hall

Stepping Stones comes alongside young adults who became parents in their teens and their families, providing a welcoming space centered on the love of Jesus Christ. Each month, volunteers share a family meal with these young families while parents have an opportunity to study Scripture, talk with leaders, and grow in their faith. Volunteers can help by providing childcare, donating meal ingredients, or assisting with food preparation, serving, and cleanup. Regular and occasional volunteers are welcome. For more information or to volunteer, contact Geo Plumberg at 503-329-6501.

Health Ministry Survey

The Health Ministry Team invites you to complete its Health Assessment Survey. Your feedback will help the team better understand your interests and needs, including potential health education topics, as it plans activities for 2026–2027. To complete the survey online click here, or a paper version is available in the Gathering Area on the table beneath the Health Ministry brochure rack. The survey will be available all summer, but early responses are appreciated. Thank you for your support!

Backpacks for Mac Thank You

Over 100 backpacks and boxes full of spiral and composition notebooks were delivered to Mac and Marshall on August 18, just in time for the Back-to-School orientation events. Our FCRC (Family Community Resource Center) coordinator, Marisol Garcia, was thrilled to receive them! Your generosity will indeed be a blessing to many families. The drop-off also provided an opportunity for updates and information regarding future partnerships, support, and collaboration. If you would like to be added to the mailing list for volunteer opportunities, both ongoing and single events, please contact Nancy Johns. Please keep all of our students (from preschool to college), staff, and teachers in your prayers over the coming weeks as the 2026-2027 school year begins!

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 Sympathy:

• The Langsdorf/Johnson/Lacy families on the death of Jay Langsdorf on August 17. A memorial service will be held at Columbia on Saturday, October 10 at 1:00pm.

In Concern:

• 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

Thank You:

• Thank you so much for the many beautiful, thoughtful, and fun cards and the warm hugs and greetings at church. I praise God for 100 good years and for YOU, my church family. ~Shirley Howard

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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