The Columbia Weekly

March 27, 2026

A Message from Pastor John

Friends,

 

From shouts of “Hosanna” to “Crucify him.” From sharing a meal to a betrayal. From learning from him to denying him. From praising him to mocking him. Events of the final week of Jesus’ life are as intense and chaotic as ever.

 

Where do we stand in all this? Here at CPC, we have many services and gatherings planned this Holy Week, as we reflect upon the life of Jesus and think about how we fit in the grand redemptive story of God. This Sunday is Palm Sunday, where we remember the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. On Maundy Thursday, we will gather together, celebrate the Holy Communion, and think about Jesus’ mandate to us – to love one another. On Good Friday, we will spend time praying and reflecting on Jesus’ work on the cross. As we look towards Easter, we need to think about where we stand in all this.

 

Knowing where we are in all this begins with answering this one critical question about Jesus: “Who is this?” The crowd asked this question 2000 years ago, when Jesus entered Jerusalem. We need to ask and answer this question ourselves today, because how you view Jesus will impact your life.

 

Join us this Sunday, as we ask this question together. “Who is this?” Hope to see you there.

 

Pastor John

To prepare for worship: Read Matthew 21:1-11


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

Holy Week at Columbia

Palm Sunday

March 29, 9:00am & 10:30am


Worship services observe the celebration of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem with special participation from the kids and followed by an Egg Hunt in Sunday School (Pre-K through 5th grade).


Maundy Thursday

April 2, 7:00pm


Please join us for a service observing the Last Supper which will include a sermon, scripture readings, singing, choir anthem and communion.


Good Friday Prayer Vigil

April 3, 5:00-8:00pm


The Sanctuary will be designed to help us focus on the seven last words of Christ. We will have a guided meditation that you may use to direct your prayers. Come and go as you please.


Easter Sunday - Join us as we celebrate the resurrection! Nursery care available at all services.

  • 7:30am Traditional Service with the Adult Choir
  • 9:00am Traditional Service with the Adult Choir
  • 10:30am Contemporary Service
 

Announcements

Events with the Church Center icon require registration.

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

 

Spring Food Drive

Saturday, March 28, 9:00am-12:00pm

Sunday, March 29, 8:15am-11:30am


This year's drive will again benefit Clark County Food Bank and Family Resource Center food pantries at Marshall Elementary, McLoughlin Middle School and Heights Campus. Non-perishable items and donations by check are welcomed. The school pantries are in need of canned meats, pastas and pasta sauces, flour, rice, beans, cooking oils, granola bar snacks, seasonings, condiments, and toiletries. Reusable egg cartons and grocery bags are also appreciated. Your donations help make a difference for families in our community. Please remember to check the expiration date on donations.

 

One Great Hour of Sharing

Around the world, millions of people lack access to sustainable food sources, clean water, sanitation, education and opportunity. Each gift to this offering helps to improve the lives of people in these situations. This PC(USA) offering is the single largest way Presbyterians come together to work for a better world. Special offering envelopes are available at the Welcome Center for those who choose to participate in this offering.

 

Men's Breakfast

Saturday, April 18, 8:00-9:30am

Fellowship Hall


All men are invited to gather for breakfast, with good food, conversation, and time together. Pastor John will be sharing with us as our guest speaker. Please sign up in advance so we can plan accordingly. A suggested donation of $5 is appreciated. Register here.

 

Support for Dementia Care Partners

Wednesdays beginning April 22, 10:00am-12:00pm

Chapel


This weekly group, sponsored by HOPE Dementia and co-led by Pam Stover and Alan Masden, offers both education and support for care partners of those living with dementia. Along with learning about dementia, caregiving, and available resources, participants will have space to share experiences, offer encouragement, and connect with others who understand the challenges of caregiving. For more information and to register contact Pam Stover, (360) 910-4996.

 

Women's Retreat: Restored and Re-Storied

April 24-26

Aldersgate Lodge Turner, OR


Gather together as we experience how God restores and re-stories our hearts. Share this opportunity with the beloved women in your life, space is limited! For those blessed by the ministry of Pastor Bruce Armstrong, there will be a time to honor his life on Saturday afternoon hosted by Mary Sisson. Scholarships are available, please contact Tifny Mathena. Register here by April 13.


  • Full Retreat: $250
  • Saturday Only: $100
  • Commuter: $135 (meals included, no lodging)
 

Summer Internships

We are currently accepting applications for Children’s and Youth Ministry summer internships. Paid Lead Interns will focus on either Children’s or Youth Ministry and must have completed high school by the start of the internship. College-aged young adults are encouraged to apply. Students currently in 9th grade and older may apply to serve as Volunteer Interns and will gain experience in both Children’s and Youth Ministry. Interns will spend part of each day together as a large group for devotionals, training, and other activities, in addition to working on projects specific to their area of ministry. The internship lasts 9 weeks. Lead and Volunteer Interns must apply. Applications are due by Sunday, April 12, and interviews will take place on Sunday, April 26. Apply here.

 

LIFT Day – Save the Date

May 16, 1:00–6:00pm

Fellowship Hall and Various Off-Site Locations


Join us for our first LIFT Day on Saturday, May 16, as we serve together in our community. We’ll begin at 1:00pm with a brief time of prayer, then head out to a variety of local ministry sites supported by CPC. Service opportunities will include helping at Habitat for Humanity ReStore, spending time with children at Open House Ministries, making cards at Columbia for older members of our congregation, and more. We’ll return to the church in the evening to share dinner together and reflect on the day. More details will be shared soon. For now, please save the date - we hope you’ll be part of this day of serving and connection.

 

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 19 tent sites ( that could hold up to 20' camper without utilities) and 2 RV sites (with utilities) reserved. 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 and Pierce counties are also close at hand. Use this time to slow down, recharge, connect with friends and family, and enjoy God’s beautiful creation. Hamburgers, hot dogs and all the fixin's for Friday and Saturday nights will be provided. Coffee is provided in the mornings. Please bring a side dish to share for each dinner.$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.

 

CPC Cares

In Celebration:

  • Congratulations to Bob & Mary Lou Williams on the birth of their 8th great grandchild. Finn Anthony Barcia was born on March 23. Parents are Paige & Nick Barcia.


In Sympathy:

  • Angie Armstrong and family on the death of her husband, Pastor Bruce. A memorial service will be held in the Sanctuary on Saturday, April 25 at 11:00am.
  • The Zeamer family on the death of Kathy’s mother, Mary David, on March 19.
  • Carla Groce, on the death of her partner, Todd Carroll, on March 24.


In Concern:

  • Bill Wheeler - undergoing radiation therapy
  • Annie Reid - recovering from back surgery
  • Patsy Hamlin - upcoming pacemaker procedure on April 2
  • Shirley Waltz - recovering from shoulder surgery
  • Scott Longacre - recovering from knee surgery
  • Russ Parker - health concerns
  • Jake Roest - health concerns
  • Susan Randolph - dementia and broken leg from a fall
  • Carla Groce - treatment for breast cancer
  • Shae Sobottke - recovering from brain surgery
  • Nancy Frederick - recovering from a compression fracture in her back
  • Jim Hudson - health concerns and recuperation
  • Kay Thorpe - ongoing health concerns
 

Connect with Columbia

Columbia Presbyterian Church

805 Columbia Ridge Drive

Vancouver, WA 98664


Office & Mailing:

8715 St Helens Ave

Vancouver, WA 98664


Church Office: (360) 694-7549

 

How to Give

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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