The Columbia Weekly

May 22, 2026

Columbia Friends,

I am so excited for this Sunday because it is Pentecost! You may not exactly know what Pentecost is. More of you may not fully understand why it matters. Some of you may call it the birthday of the church, but it is way more than that. Pentecost is really a day that helps us understand the power of the Holy Spirit and that the Resurrection (which we have been celebrating) is just part of the story of how God is rescuing the world! A significant clue as to how God will do His rescue work is revealed on Pentecost. It is a day of fire, flame, joy, and bewilderment.

We certainly have lots to celebrate in our church’s life right now. We have had births, beautiful memorial services, baptisms, days of service, and new members joining the Body of Christ and publicly professing their faith! But, none of that is possible without the work of Christ and His ongoing presence through the work of the Holy Spirit! I hope you will come this Sunday just to focus on why this day matters so, so much. It is the most neglected day of the Christian year. We don’t have any special announcements this Sunday or dramatic events happening because we don’t need them on Pentecost. I am planning a BBQ and a bonfire at my house with my family for the evening! Wear something red, yellow, or orange IF you can!

See you there!

Pastor Matt

To prepare for worship: Read text Acts 2:1-21

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 - Memorial Day

In observance of Memorial Day, the church office will be closed on Monday, May 25.

Children's & Youth Leader Appreciation Breakfast - Help Wanted

Sunday, May 31, 9:00am

Fellowship Hall

Let’s celebrate our Children’s & Youth Ministry leaders with a festive breakfast — and you are invited to help! Please consider signing up to bring part of the meal and help make this morning extra special (and delicious). To see what is still needed and to sign up, click here.

Children and youth are invited to attend the 9:00am worship service and, following the Children’s Message, head downstairs to the Fellowship Hall to share breakfast with the leaders who have walked alongside them this year.

5th Grade Celebration

Sunday, May 31, 9:00am

Sanctuary

We will be celebrating our 5th graders in worship and want to make sure we haven't missed anyone. If you have a 5th grader, and have not received communication regarding our celebration on May 31 during the Children's Message, please email Tifny.

Grad Sunday

Sunday, June 7

9:00am and 10:30am services

We are excited to honor our graduating High School Seniors and give them an opportunity to participate in leading worship as well. Please have your Senior fill out the following form with their availability and interest in leading and to upload their graduation photo for the slideshow. To complete the form click here.

Vacation Bible School

Monday, June 29-Thursday, July 2, 9:00am-12:00pm

Registration is now open and fills quickly.

Step back in time to ancient Egypt as we explore the life of Joseph. Through worship, crafts, and an interactive marketplace, kids will discover what it means to trust God. VBS costs $35 per child. Financial assistance is available upon request by emailing Tifny Mathena. Children must be at least 5 years old by the end of August to register for VBS. Children register based upon the grade they are currently in (ex. a preschooler in May will register as a preschooler and a 5th grader in May will register as a 5th grader). Register here.

Supplies Needed for VBS

We are looking for several items to help VBS run smoothly this summer.

• Batting (Any amounts, any kind…we’ll take it! WE LOVE LEFTOVERS.)
• Tin Cans over 20 oz. (washed and label removed)
• Solid Colored Fabric/Muslin (large pieces to drape over pop-up canopy sides)

Questions? Contact Tifny Mathena.

Middle School Bike Hike - A New Direction... WEST!

July 26-August 1

Ocean Park, WA

Registration deadline is Monday, June 1

Due to the possibility of a significant fire season, Bike Hike Leaders and the Youth Team have decided to move Bike Hike to Ocean Park Camp & Retreat Center in Ocean Park, WA! We are excited about being a bit closer, playing in a new location, and worshiping on the beach. Plus biking, hiking and more! Please reach out to Sarah with any questions or if you are interested in serving as a leader for the week. Bike Hike is open to 6th-8th grade students. Register here.

Deacons' Summer Food Boxes Project

Saturday, May 30, 9:00-10:30am

Fellowship Hall

The Deacons are preparing for their second annual Summer Food Boxes distribution for 60 local families through partnerships with The Family Community Resource Centers of Marshall Elementary, McLoughlin Middle School, and The Heights Campus. This project supports families who experience increased food insecurity during the summer months due to reduced access to government-funded school meal programs. The Deacons welcome your prayers and help with assembling and packaging the boxes. No registration necessary to help, just show up.

Sermon Translation Services

We want everyone to feel welcomed, included, and able to participate fully in worship. We are now offering AI-powered translation services of the sermon in Spanish, Korean, and English. By scanning a QR code with your smartphone, you can select your preferred language and follow along with translated text in real time. Audio translation is also available when using headphones. We hope this tool helps remove language barriers and makes it easier for more people to connect, worship, and grow together. Brochures with instructions are available at the Welcome Center.

CPC Cares

In Sympathy:

• Gilda Powell and family on the death of her brother, Gale.

In Concern:

• Linda Calvert - recovering from pneumonia
• Carole Gibson - recovering from cancer surgery
• 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
• Nancy Frederick - recovering from a compression fracture in her back
• 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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