The Columbia Weekly

December 5, 2025

Columbia Friends,

We started our new sermon series last week that is meant to guide us into and through the Advent season this year. The goal of the Truthful Advent series is really to help us do two things during this season as disciples. First, we are trying to enjoy the warmth of this season. We should if we can! All of us need times to get lost in the comforting aspects of the Christ story and all the other fun parts of the Christmas season that we love. This Sunday we will certainly be doing that as we enjoy our Christmas concert during worship at 9:00am and 10:30am, eat treats, fellowship together, and do crafts in the gym.

But, we also seek to balance that with some honesty about the harder parts of our life and the world we live in. There are many years where we approach this season and struggle to enjoy its light in the midst of other darkness. This is the natural rhythm of discipleship. We praise and proclaim while we also grieve and press on. As I started today, I was balancing those things too.

Last week we were invited to keep becoming disciples of Jesus as we head into Advent. Advent invites us into a process of waiting for Jesus in the future and, even now, when he is sitting in front of us in the form of various people and situations. Jesus shows up. When I started the day I read these words from 1st Corinthians 15 and it reminded me to keep waiting, preparing, and becoming this week:

“Therefore, my beloved, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”

Whether you labor in this season or are just waiting, praying, and discerning, I hope you know that it is not all in vain. It points to the 2nd Advent of Christ that is coming. Whatever good you do, you do it to and for Christ and with the power of his spirit. We hope to see you Sunday for some warmth and beauty.

Pastor Matt

Watch previous worship services on Church Center or listen to previous sermons on Spotify.

Events with the clickable Church Center icon require registration.

Need assistance? Call the church office (360) 694-7549.

Christmas Concert and Advent Festival

Sunday, December 7 will be a celebration of Christmas and Advent! Here is the rundown of the morning’s festivities:

• Sanctuary: 9:00am and 10:30am Christmas Concert during worship
• Gym: (beginning at 9:00am) Advent Festival crafts & photo booth
• Fellowship Hall: (beginning at 9:30am) Refreshments and food.

There will be No Sunday school or adult classes.

Please participate by bringing a plate of Christmas cookies, or a fruit/veggie plate to share. Plates can be brought to the Fellowship Hall when you arrive before each service. 

Giving Trees

We have begun our annual Giving Tree event and there are a few tags left.

Please:

• Feel free to take a tag, write your name on the bottom portion, tear it off and leave it in the basket.
• Return your gift card or wrapped gift (with the tag attached) no later than Sunday, December 14. 
• Consider donating food items, personal hygiene items and cleaning supplies through December 14.

Gifts, gift cards, and donated items will be shared with local families including those at Stepping Stones, the Satellite Overflow Shelter at Immanuel Lutheran and children at Vancouver Public Schools.

Lessons in Carols with Father Rick Ganz

Fridays, December 5, 12 and 19, 10:00-11:30am

Fellowship Hall

Long-time CPC friend, Father Rick Ganz, will present class in Advent called “Lessons in Carols.” Come enjoy this wonderful examination of the history, theology, and poetry of some of the most beloved Christmas carols

Service of Remembrance 

Sunday, December 14, 3:00pm 

Sanctuary

The holidays can be a difficult time for many of us, as they remind us of those who are no longer present to join with us in the celebration. Whatever the cause for grief, the Service of Remembrance is a time to gather with others in a spirit of worship to remember those loved ones and to take comfort in the goodness and faithfulness of God. 

Announcements

Elder & Deacon Nominations

Do you know members of CPC who might make good Elders and Deacons? Or are you feeling nudged by God to serve? Brochures that describe the different roles and responsibilities of Deacons and Elders are available in the Gathering Area.

The Nominating Committee is searching now for people who would like to be considered for those important roles. If chosen, they would start serving three-year terms beginning in May. Elders oversee the ministries of the church, discerning God’s call on Columbia; Deacons serve in a ministry of caring and nurture for people at Columbia and in the community.

Please submit nominations to the Nominating Committee by emailing or calling Andy Woodrow or 210-913-1200, or any other committee member: Brian Randolph, Natalie Lund, Diana Gage, John Van Dinter and Sharon Franklin. Make sure you have the nominee’s permission to submit their name for consideration.

Movie Night

Friday, December 12

6:00pm - Bring your own dinner fellowship

7:00pm - Movie begins

Chapel

This month we will be watching A Christmas Story. This is the tale of Ralphie and his desire for a Red Ryder BB gun.

Christmas Joy Offering PC(USA)

This offering distributes gifts equally to the Assistance Program of the Board of Pensions and to Presbyterian-related schools and colleges equipping communities of color. The Assistance Program provides critical financial support to church workers and their families. Presbyterian-related schools and colleges provide education and leadership development while nurturing racial and ethnic heritage. Offering envelopes are available at the Welcome Desk for those who wish to contribute to this special offering. 

Retirement Celebration for Scott Peterson

Sunday, December 21, 11:45am-1:30pm

Gym



Our friend and pastor, Scott Peterson, will retire at the end of December. During the worship services we will formally thank Scott for his faithful service to CPC and pray for him in this next phase of life.

After the second service, there will be a party downstairs in the Gym for Scott. We will have finger foods and beverages. We will have tables for standing as well as sitting, so we can simply eat, talk, mingle, and say thank you.

If you would like to participate in a love gift, checks may be made to CPC with “Scott's Retirement” on the memo line. Cards for Scott may also be sent to the church office.

High School Work Camp Parent, Student & Leader Informational Meeting

Sunday, December 7, 6:00-7:00pm

Youth Center

Anyone interested in attending Work Camp this summer is invited to an informational meeting. Work Camp 2026 will focus on hurricane relief efforts in North Carolina and Tennessee, July 4-10. We will discuss the trip, projects, goals, fundraising, and a tentative schedule. Registration is open and closes on Sunday, March 15. Register here.

Young Adult Christmas Dinner & White Elephant Gift Exchange

Sunday, December 21, 5:00-7:00pm

Youth Center

Young Adults (post-high school age) are invited to a Christmas dinner and White Elephant Gift Exchange (gifts should be under $5). Please RSVP to Lydia Fitzpatrick by text (509) 981-7703.

High School Ski Retreat

February 13-16

Bend, OR

We're heading to Mt. Bachelor again this winter. Whether you want to ski, snowboard, or just hang out, you're welcome to join. We'll spend time on the slopes, play games in the evenings, and enjoy the mountain together. Cost depends on what activities you sign up for. Registration closes Monday, January 19. Register here.

Slow Theology 

Wednesday Evenings

Beginning January 7, 6:15-7:45pm

Fellowship Hall

This winter, join Amanda and Ben Stimmel, to explore A. J. Swoboda and Nijay Gupta’s book: Slow Theology. Over this eight-week class, we will listen, study, and consider each of the eight spiritual practices discussed and work towards creating our own goals for sustained spiritual practices to strengthen our connection with God and our neighbors. We will reflect on these words: savor, pursue, slow, mystery, tension, lament, community, and perseverance. To register & purchase your book ($18), click here.

Amazon Book Summary: “In our fast-paced world of outrageous headlines and knee-jerk reactions, we struggle to hear God's voice amid the noise. Despite constant connectivity, our lives lack true spiritual connection and depth.” Slow Theology offers a “practical theology guide for building resilient faith through Christian discipleship.”

Women's Ministry

Join us as we gather together in 2026 to experience how God restores and re-stories our hearts. Please save the dates for these two events and share them with beloved women in your life! See the church website for details.

• Saturday, January 31, 9:00-11:30am - Women’s Gathering at CPC

• April 24-26, 2026 - Women’s Retreat at Aldersgate Retreat Center

In Sympathy:

• Steve Flabetich and family on the death of his wife, Kris Collier, on December 1.
• Garnet & Chris Hayes and family on the death of Garnet's mother, Rachel Alegado, on November 29. A service will be held in the Sanctuary on Saturday, January 17 at 2:00pm.

In Concern:

• Bob Barnett - recovering from a heart attack
• Russ Parker - recovery from cancer treatments
• Bob Randolph - on hospice
• Susan Randolph - dementia and broken leg from a fall
• Shirley Waltz - recovering from Watchman heart procedure
• Judy Falk - recovering from broken arm following surgery
• Julie Mauk - recovering from spinal surgery
• Terry Healy - recovering from knee surgery
• Carla Groce - treatment for breast cancer
• Shae Sobottke - recovering from brain surgery
• Bob Weller - treatment for cancer
• David Hammock - health concerns
• Nancy Frederick - recovering from a compression fracture in her back
• Todd Carroll - on hospice
• Jeanene Polete - return of lung cancer
• Hank Polete - vertigo
• 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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