The Columbia Weekly

November 21, 2025

Whenever our family celebrates a birthday, we always go around the dinner table and say what we appreciate about the person whose birthday it is. It feels both humbling and affirming to have everyone in the room give you so much love. Giving love to another may be the most powerful thing that we can do for people. Love lifts up and transforms and helps us to reach new heights. But it is also important that we love the right things, and that our loves are in the right order.

The question that Jesus asks in John 21:15 is a challenge to correctly align our loves. We can easily love other things more than God. And the things that we love most will end up defining and shaping us, and we will end up worshiping that which we love. If we love Jesus the most then He will define and shape us, and we will worship Him. But other desires and loves often get in the way, and when this happens, our lives get out of sync with God.

This Sunday we will explore what our loves are and the challenge to love God first. Come and share in the community of people who are growing in life together.

Scott

To prepare for worship: Read John 21:15-17

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.

Advent Wreath Making and Dinner Event

Sunday, November 30

5:45-7:30pm

Fellowship Hall & Gym

Registration closes at 4:00pm on Tuesday, November 25.

Prepare your heart for the Advent season through a shared meal and create an Advent Wreath to take home. Only one registration needed per family. Please let us know how many will be joining us for dinner so our chefs are prepared and if you plan to make a wreath.

• Dinner begins at 5:45pm in the Fellowship Hall (gluten-free & vegetarian options available).
• Wreath making begins at 6:30pm in the Gym (don't forget your clippers and gloves)
• Wreath blessing at 7:20pm in the Sanctuary.

All ages are welcome. This is an all-church event. There will be no other church programming the evening of November 30. Please join us! Help us ensure there are enough supplies, register here.

Advent Devotionals

Pick up a copy of this year's Advent devotional "Darkness then Light" in the Gathering Area.

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. 

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 a 3-part lesson in Advent called “Lessons in Carols.” Save your Friday mornings for this wonderful examination of the history, theology, and poetry of some of the most beloved Christmas carols.

Announcements

The office will be closed from noon on Wednesday, November 26 - Friday, November 28 for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Tuesday Morning Women’s Bible Study

November 25-December 15

9:30am

Chapel

After a very intriguing study of various women in the Bible, we will do a 4-week Advent study, The Marvel & Miracle of Advent, before breaking for Christmas. The study is led by Lisa Harper and Christine Caine, very popular authors, and includes a book ($19) and a video. All women are welcome. Childcare is available with advance reservation.

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 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.

Volleyball Anyone?

Do you enjoy volleyball? We are looking to create at co-ed, all-age, volleyball night at Columbia. If you are interested, email Tami Calais.

In Sympathy:

• The family of Alice Smith, who died on October 29.

In Concern:

• 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
• Kris Collier - on hospice
• Carla Groce - treatment for breast cancer
• Bob Barnett - recovering from a broken hip
• 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

You are receiving this email because you or your child participated in a program or event at Columbia Presbyterian Church. At any time, you may click on "Update Profile" in the email footer to subscribe/unsubscribe from specific distribution lists such as The Columbia Weekly, Children's Ministry, High School Ministry, etc. Only choose "unsubscribe" if you wish to receive no communication from Columbia Presbyterian Church at all, now or in the future. We would also be happy to edit your preferences for you, just email any staff member or call the church office at (360) 694-7549.