CPC Friends,

Come and join us this Sunday for the start of the Advent season. This Sunday we will be returning to the lectionary (assigned passages each week) to preach from. I like this way of preaching as it allows the pastor to focus on the passage rather than fighting the temptation to make the text match some part of a sermon series.

You will also get to hear a brief update on the Columbia Future Forge. The Missions team has encouraged us to share about what is going on with the Forge and there are important things to share.

Last, if you look below, we are starting to put a devotional Psalm in the Columbia Weekly each week as another reading option. A congregant had suggested this after the series on the Psalms last summer. Each Psalm will have a few sentences to guide you into prayer, journaling, etc. We are going to cycle through the Psalms in order.

Pastor Matt

Sunday Reading: Isaiah 64:1-9

Weekly Psalm: Psalm 1 (The Way God Knows)

Psalm is exhortation through positive and negative examples to adopt a fruitful life rooted in God. It seems to be a guide for the life of a disciple. Psalm 1 is often read not just as the first Psalm, but as a preface to the entire book of Psalms. Perhaps it can be the preface for you this week.

Advent Devotionals

The Eternal King Arrives is the name of this year’s Advent Devotional. As we “wait for the blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13), this devotional can help us get ready for His arrival. Pick up a copy in the Gathering Area this Sunday and read it daily to reflect on how the Lord might be speaking to you during this season of His coming.  

“Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God,  

be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen”  

1 Timothy 1:17 

High School Work Camp Information Meeting

Sunday, December 3

6:00PM

Youth Center

All students, parents, and adult leaders interested in attending Work Camp 2024 to Mexico are strongly urged to come to an informational meeting on Sunday. The student and parent portion should last about an hour, followed by a short time for those adults interested in coming as leaders. Come ready with any questions you may have about building homes in Mexico, travel & crossing the border into Mexico, safety, food, accommodations, fundraising or anything else. We will also be joined by a representative from Amor Ministries (the organization we partner with to build homes). Participants of any age, please register here.

Giving Tree Donations

Thank you to all who are participating in the Giving Trees this Christmas season, as we share the love of Christ in a tangible way with YoungLives and Open House Ministries. Donations may be placed in the collection boxes in the Gathering Area by Sunday, December 10.

Movie Night

Friday, December 8

6:00PM Dinner, 7:00PM Movie

Our December movie will be Joyeux Noel (Merry Christmas). It is a true-life story of the spontaneous Christmas Eve truce declared by Scottish, French, and German troops in the trenches of World War 1. Enemies leave their weapons for one night as they bond together in brotherhood and forget about the brutalities of war.

Christmas Concert and Advent Festival

Sunday, December 10

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 & devotionals
• Fellowship Hall: (beginning at 9:30AM) Food and refreshments
• Advent Photo Booth in the Gathering Area after each worship service
• 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.

2023 Reimbursement Deadline - All requests for reimbursement of expenses for 2023 must be submitted to the church office by 4:00PM on Wednesday, December 13. Expenses submitted after that date will be reimbursed in 2024.

2023 Contribution Deadline - All contributions for 2023 must be received in the church office by noon on Friday, December 29, or postmarked by December 31.

2024 Offering Envelopes will be available in the Gathering Area beginning Sunday, December 30, and weekdays (8:30AM – 4:30PM) in the church office.

Young Adult Ugly Christmas Sweater Party

Sunday, December 17

5:00PM-7:00PM

Youth Center

Dig out your tackiest, most outrageous holiday sweaters – the uglier, the better – and prepare for an epic White Elephant Gift Exchange. Bring the quirkiest, funniest, or most outrageous gift you can find! It's all about the thrill of the steal and the joy of the reveal. We will have a pizza dinner, enjoy time together and play some games. Everyone who has graduated from high school in the last 4-ish years is welcome to attend! RSVP to Lydia so we have enough food.

GriefShare

Wednesdays, 2:30-4:00PM 

January 3 – March 27 

Office Conference Room

When a loved one dies, it can feel like you are alone. Come and find a safe, comforting place where you can talk with others about your grief. This support group will meet for 13 weeks, beginning January 3. Each week you can expect to view a 30-minute video, discuss grief-related issues, and gain personal recovery tips through a personal workbook. Discussions are led by Ted Buck and Mary Lange. Brochures are available in the brochure rack near the church library. Contact Ted Buck by email or phone 360-694-7549.

High School Ski Retreat

February 16-18, 2024

Registration Deadline: January 1

Whether you're into skiing, snowboarding, or prefer a more relaxed vibe off the mountain, we've got something for everyone. Picture playing "signs" in the evening, talking with friends on the ski lift, and the beauty of Mt. Bachelor covered in snow. It's not just about the slopes; it's about creating lasting memories. Secure your spot now and be part of the winter adventure! Cost varies based on which activities you choose. Register here.



Annual Needs Drive

Every November, the preschool does a needs drive. We collect, food, clothing,

blankets, and personal hygiene items for local programs that serve our community. This year, items were shared with Mac & Marshall schools, Share, and the food bank. This sweet little preschool blessed so many families.

Preschool Christmas Program

Please join us as we celebrate the season. Tuesday, December 5 or Thursday, December 7 at 1:00PM, in the Sanctuary. Come and enjoy precious little ones perform as they share their holiday cheer.

In Sympathy:

Brad Carlson and the Field and Fisher families on the death of their wife/mother, Mary Carlson, on November 28.

In Concern:

• Nicole Webb - undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer
• Sharon Mast – healing from corneal transplant
• Abigail Clement, a four-year-old student at Circle of Friends, and her parents, Madelyn & Graham. Abigail is undergoing surgery for the return of brain cancer.
• Joyce Goodale - compression fracture recovery
• Duane Hamlin - cancer treatment
• Dick Malin - strength building in rehab
• Natasha Rezhenkov - recovering from surgery
• Pauline Wolfe - hospice care at home
• Bonnie Laughlin - recovering from a medical procedure
• Bob Weller - mild cognitive impairment
• Mary Anne Paradise - recovering from surgery
• Dan Zeamer - cancer treatment
• Susan Tjahjadi - new treatment plan for eyes
• Kay Thorpe - recovering from a stroke
• Judi Trist - cancer treatment



Checks or Cash in the

Offering Box at

back of the Sanctuary

Credit or Debit Card via

CPC Mobile App or

Text GIVE to 360-409-7809

Credit or Debit Card, ACH Transfers and other giving opportunities at www.columbiapresbyterian.org

By Mail or Bill Pay through your financial institution

Send checks to: Columbia Presbyterian Church

8715 St. Helens Ave, Vancouver, WA 98664

Other Types of Giving:

For information on the following giving options, email Marilyn Roberts:

• Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)
• Required Minimum Distribution (RMD)
• Stock