The Columbia Weekly

July 3, 2026

Friends,

There is a lot going on this week/weekend in our country as well as in the life of Columbia. It’s Independence Day Weekend. People are busy traveling (it’s seems like every time travel news comes out they say it’s going to be the busiest travel season ever). Fireworks of all kinds will keep us up not only on July 4th, but for many days past it.

For our church, we had an amazing week of Vacation Bible School. Many kudos to all the volunteers, interns, and staff that make this happen. All the people working hard to share God’s amazing love through the story of Joseph! All the children singing, dancing, playing, making, learning, and experiencing God’s love! We also have the high school youth and adult volunteers heading to Tennessee on Work Camp, to share the blessings God has bestowed upon them. And we are also celebrating the Holy Communion this Sunday – visible means of God’s amazing grace.

In the midst of all the busy-ness around our lives, I believe it is important to pause, take a moment, and think about what this life is all about. This Sunday, we are beginning a new sermon series – Sermon on the Plain. We will spend the next several weeks on Luke’s account of the Beatitudes and Jesus’ call to live out our lives in a way God designed it. As Genesis called us to go out and be blessing to others, the Sermon on the Plain will help us see what that life looks like in a practical way.

So, come and join us. Let’s find out together what the life God wants us to live looks like.

Pastor John

Friends, I just wanted to thank you for your prayers and concern. For the past week we have been dealing with some health issues related to our oldest daughter, Clara. While a number of scary possibilities have been ruled out there seems to be no clear answer as to what exactly has been going on with her health. Her breathing has been greatly affected by an unknown cause and she is currently in the hospital. It has been a scary and exhausting experience so far. I am not yet sure whether I will be in worship or not this Sunday. I expect I will be there on my own. You are welcome, of course, to talk with me about this, but I would greatly appreciate it if you would refrain from talking about this with either of my daughters or with Anne. As you can imagine, it has been a very difficult and emotional week for us all. I appreciate your willingness to respect their privacy.

Pastor Matt

To prepare for worship: Read Luke 6:17-19



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.

Office Closed

The church office will be closed in observance of Independence Day on Monday, July 6. We hope you have a safe and happy 4th of July!

Parking Lot Closure

Monday, July 6-11

The parking lot project has been rescheduled once again. During this time the main church parking lot will be closed for repair and repaving. The upper parking lot and lower east parking lot will remain open. Access to the church building will be limited to the lower south entrance or the east entrance. Flyers with all the details and instructions are available at the Welcome Center.

Summer Lunch Events

July 10 and 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. Each gathering will feature a facilitated conversation, giving participants the opportunity to reflect and prepare if they wish. July 10's topic will be on gratitude. 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.

Women's Coffee Gathering

Sunday, July 12, 1:00-3:00pm

Thatcher's Coffee, 104 Grand Blvd, Vancouver, WA 98661

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'll have a reserved table ready to welcome you outside on the patio, weather permitting. Thatcher's Coffee offers a variety of drinks and treats available for purchase. If you're unable to make this gathering, more events will be offered throughout the year. No registration is needed.

Make & Take Card Making Class

Saturday, July 18, 9:00am-12:00pm

Fellowship Hall

Come create beautiful handmade cards with Katy Graham, Ann Ferguson and Terry Hurley for a morning of fellowship and cardmaking. Everything you need is provided to make four cards. Space is limited to 24, so reservations are required. Suggested donation to be collected at class is $10. Register here.

Men's Breakfast

Saturday, July 25, 8:00–9:30am

Fellowship Hall

Come enjoy good food and meaningful fellowship as we hear from Jesse Wallace, who will share about his time in the US Coast Guard. Mark your calendar and invite a friend! Register by 4:00pm on Thursday, July 23. To help offset costs, a $5 donation is suggested. Register here.

All Church Camping Adventure

August 14-16

Millersylvania State Park

Registration is now open for our all church camping weekend at Millersylvania State Park just south of Olympia. We have reserved 30 tent sites and 2 RV sites. Spend your days swimming and enjoying non-motorized boating on Deep Lake, relaxing by the water, or exploring the hiking and biking trails in the park and nearby. Other attractions in Thurston County are also close at hand. Use this time to slow down, recharge, connect with friends and family, and enjoy God’s beautiful creation. We will provide dinner meat and fixings for Friday and Saturday, and coffee in the mornings. $60 for the first adult and $10 for each additional human (no pets please). Registration is first come, first served. Once the spots are gone, they are gone. Register here.

Prayer Warriors Needed

We are looking for prayer warriors for our Children's & Youth Ministry summer activities! Throughout the summer, students and leaders will be playing, serving, camping, biking, hiking, and learning about Jesus. Intergenerational Prayer Warriors is a "text prayer chain" for those who want to receive specific prayer requests from Sarah Tunall and Tifny Mathena. Text “prayer” to (360) 800-4427 to be included.

ADA-Compliant Door Openers

The next time you visit the church or stop by the office, you may notice a new addition: ADA-compliant automatic door openers have been installed at several key entrances, including:

• The far-right door at the church’s main entrance

• The men’s and women’s restrooms on the first floor

• The south entrance on the lower level of the church

• The entrance to the administrative office building

These improvements were made possible through generous funding from the Columbia Presbyterian Church Foundation, along with a Barnabas Grant awarded to CPC by the Presbytery of the Cascades. This investment provides a lasting benefit by enhancing accessibility, promoting inclusion, and supporting ongoing engagement for all members of our community.

CPC Cares

In Concern:

• Linda Markee - open heart surgery on July 9
• Annie Reid - recovering from back surgery
• Shirley Waltz - recovering from shoulder surgery
• Russ Parker - health concerns
• Carla Groce - treatment for breast cancer
• Shae Sobottke - health concerns
• Bill and 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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