The Columbia Weekly

October 10, 2025

A Message from Pastor Matt

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

I hope this finds you well this week. This Sunday we will be gathering around a Question that does not come from Jesus but from our God to one of his prophets. It’s a good story for us because it can be read in a few different ways.

One way to read the story is to read it devotionally. It is a story of comfort and of God’s voice speaking softly to us. But, another way of reading it is as a story of tiredness or exhaustion. Elijah is worn out as a prophet and he has to come to terms with his life and with parts of God’s plan. God cares for Elijah and cares for the future of His people, but Elijah just needs to pass the torch.

I feel like it is a good story for this Sunday and the present season. We find ourselves at turns hopeful and comforted as well as exhausted and worried. Elijah is all of those things within this classic story from our Bible. We can be all of those things together in worship. Bring what you are. God will supply what is needed for the moment.

I hope you will join us this Sunday.

Pastor Matt

To prepare for worship: Read 1 Kings 19:1-16

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

Staff Update

Meet Scott Longacre

Scott is filling a new position here at CPC that we are calling “Congregational Care & Missional Caseworker.” It is a long title but it represents an exciting new role for something that we have been praying about for the last few years. Scott will be coming along side to help people with particular needs and assist them in navigating community and church resources that can help them get through a difficult time of life transition. He will also be making pastoral visits and occasionally assisting in worship. Here is what Scott says about his family, life, and faith journey...

I grew up in a small ranching community in Texas and have many fond memories of Sunday School in the Presbyterian church, though I didn’t really understand what it meant to be a Christian disciple until I was a teenager. My high school history teacher invited me to his home to participate in a small group Bible study. It was there that I came to a redemptive relationship with Jesus Christ and dedicated my life to following Him.

I studied religion and business at Whitworth College in the 80’s and since that time have worked as a business consultant and have volunteered in multiple ministry opportunities. I worked with youth for many years, served as a Presbyterian elder since 1993 and taught adult Bible class for almost 20 years.

My wife, Karen, loves the Lord and is a very thoughtful and encouraging person. We have been married since 1989 and live in Beaverton, Oregon. Our three children are grown. They are fun, busy, and are walking with the Lord. We enjoy spending time together as a family.

I retired from business consulting in early 2025 and learned of the opportunity for ministry here at Columbia Presbyterian Church. My responsibilities include both Congregational Care and Missional Casework. I have a lot to learn but am thrilled to be a part of a team of warm and capable ministers, and I look forward to following God’s leading in bringing value to others.

Announcements

Events with the clickable Church Center icon require registration.

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

Journey

Sunday, October 12, 10:30am-2:00pm

Fellowship Hall

Learn more about Columbia Presbyterian Church: Who are we and what kind of people is God calling us to be? Whether you are simply interested in learning more about Columbia or you are considering membership, we hope you'll join us! Childcare is available by advance reservation for children 5th grade and younger. Lunch is provided. Click here to register.

Young Adult Care Packages

Every year CPC likes to send small care packages to young adults in their first few years out of high school. If you would like to write a small card to be sent with these packages, see the tables in the Gathering Area for the list of students and place your written notes in the basket provided this Sunday, October 12.

Men's Ministry Breakfast

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

Fellowship Hall

Scott Longacre will be speaking at our upcoming breakfast gathering! Join us for a great time of food and fellowship and invite a friend. Click here to register.

Blood Drive

Monday, November 10

11:00am-5:00pm

Approximately 29,000 units of red blood cells are needed every day in the United States, according to the Red Cross. Your unit can help reduce that number! Click here to make your appointment.

Fall Food Drive and Shred Day

October 19 and 26 - Food Drive

October 25 - Food Drive and Shred Day

Donate non-perishable food and give cash donations to be distributed to the Clark County Food Bank and the Family Community Resource Centers at McLoughlin Middle School, Marshall Elementary and the Heights Campus. Collections will be made on Sundays, October 19 and 26 outside the front doors of the church.

On Saturday, October 25 from 9:00am-noon, we will have a shred truck from Shred-It located in the upper parking lot (along St. Helens Ave) for people to bring their shredding. All shredding will be done onsite, so you do not have to worry about private docs being viewed or taken off site for shredding. There is no cost for shredding, but we encourage donations to the Fall Food Drive.

Canned goods of vegetables, fruits or meat, dry beans, rice, pasta and peanut butter, as well as basic toiletries can always be counted on as worthy and desirous donation items our partners are grateful to receive.

Movie Night

Friday, October 10

6:00pm - Bring your own brown bag dinner

7:00pm - Movie begins

This month’s presentation will be "Irma LaDouce," starring Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine.

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.

Columbia Cares

In Concern:

Kris Collier - on hospice
Carla Groce - treatment for breast cancer
Bob Barnett - recovering from a broken hip
Shae Sobottke - recovering from brain surgery
Deane Green - recovering from foot surgery
Bob Weller - treatment for cancer
Beth Burton - recovering from ankle surgery
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

Thank you:

Thank you for all the prayers and cards during my eye surgery recovery. It means a lot and I am doing very well even though I am not at 100% vision. It will take a while and I have to be patient.

~Fnot Kahsay

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

www.columbiapresbyterian.org

email: info@columbiapresbyterian.org

How to Give

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located in the Sanctuary

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Columbia Presbyterian Church

8715 St. Helens Ave

Vancouver, WA 98664

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