The Columbia Weekly

October 16, 2026

Columbia Friends,

This is a busy time of the year here at CPC. We are looking back and praising God for his faithfulness upon our church. We are hearing stories of how God is moving in our midst through your generosity – your generosity in talents, time, energy, creativity, finances, and other resources. And we are discerning where God is leading us next year, as we seek to expand God’s Kingdom here in Vancouver and beyond.

While we go through this Generosity Season together, it is important to remember why we are doing all this. Some people live out their lives seeking pleasures. Some people live for sense of achievement. Some people live for peace in their minds. What is it that you are living for?

This Sunday, you will hear about what we need to live for. What is our purpose, that ultimate end we need to live for as Christians? Or rather, who is our purpose? Come and find out.

See you all in worship.

Pastor John

To prepare for worship: Read Acts 17:16-31



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

Generosity Report

Our 2026 Generosity Report shares some of the ways we’ve seen Christ at work through the people of CPC this year, along with opportunities we’re looking toward in 2027. If you haven’t had a chance to read it, you can view the report here.

Announcements

Events with the Church Center icon require registration.

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

Fall Food Drive

Sundays, October 18 and 25, 8:15-11:30am

Saturday, October 24, 9:00am-12:00pm

This fall’s Food Drive will benefit Clark County Food Bank and Family Community Resource Center food pantries at Marshall Elementary, McLoughlin Middle School, and Heights Campus. Non-perishable food items and financial donations are welcome. (Checks may be made payable to CPC with “Food Drive” on the memo line.) Your donations help provide food and other essentials to families in our community.

The food pantries have requested the following items: canned meats, pasta and pasta sauce, canned tuna in oil, flour, rice, beans, cooking oils, granola bars, crackers, snacks, pancake mix and syrup, canned fruit, jam, cereal, non-perishable milk, Top Ramen, macaroni and cheese, chicken noodle soup, mashed potatoes, Rice-A-Roni, and condiments. They are also in need of toiletries, egg cartons, and grocery bags. Please check expiration dates before donating.

SOS Shelter Training

Sunday, October 18, 4:30-6:00pm

Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, 12513 SE Mill Plain Blvd, Vancouver

Interested in helping with the SOS (Satellite Overflow Shelter) this winter? This training covers both the Beautiful Savior and Immanuel Lutheran locations and is a great way to get started. The shelter season runs from November through March, and while CPC will again sign up as a group for Friday evenings in January at Immanuel Lutheran, individuals can volunteer at other times to prepare and serve meals, run showers, lead activities, or help behind the scenes. Watch for more information about volunteer opportunities.

Young Adult Care Package Encouragement Notes

Sundays, October 18 & 25, 8:45am-12:00pm

Gathering Area

As finals season looms before college students and young adults look toward winter, CPC wants to invite you to offer up some encouragement to them! Encouragement Notes are an intergenerational way to share affirmations, prayers, and wisdom with the young adults of our church family. Please take a few minutes Sunday morning to visit the table in the Gathering Area and write a few notes to be included in care packages that will be sent out in November to 18-22 year olds (you may also drop off pre-written notes).

Young Adult Address Updates

Do you have a young adult in your family? We would like to share some love with them as they approach finals & winter break, but we need their updated information! An email has been sent to everyone who has graduated from high school in the last four years, but there are many we still have not heard from. Please connect with your young adult and ask them to email Katie Mrochko by October 31.

High School Hang Out - Halloween!

Saturday, October 31, 6:00-10:00pm

Grice Family Home

Looking for a night of unending games, good food, friends, and Halloween fun? We've got just the place for you! Bring a friend or two or three to the High School Halloween Hang Out! Rain or shine we will be at the Grice Family Home where there will be a lot of fun and candy! Register by Monday, October 26. Register here.

Women’s Fall Gathering: Rooted in Prayer - Lord, Teach Us to Pray

Friday, November 6, 6:00-8:30pm

Fellowship Hall

This is an intergenerational evening for women and girls 6th grade and up, centered around the Lord’s Prayer. Through fellowship, small-group conversation, journaling, and learning from one another, we’ll explore how Jesus’ teachings can guide our thoughts and focus our hearts. Enjoy a potluck pasta bar and take home your own prayer plant. We invite attendees to sign up to bring a sauce, salad, bread, or dessert to share, or sign up to help with cleanup. Gluten-free pasta will be available. Childcare available. Register by Sunday, November 1. Register here.

Middle School Night of Unending Games

Saturday, November 7, 6:00-10:00pm

Youth Center

Do you know the best hiding spot at CPC? Can you outrun someone in the dark? Do you like snacks?! Middle Schoolers are welcome at Night of Unending Games! Bring a friend, eat some pizza, and have a blast! Register by Monday, November 2. Register here.

Parents' Night Out - The Great Who

Friday, November 20, 5:30-8:00pm

Parents enjoy a night out (or a nap!) while your kids (infant-5th grade) have an evening of fun exploring God's love and truth through the words of Dr. Suess. This is a screen-free night. We keep the kids busy! Dinner is included. Registration opens November 1.

Want to volunteer? Join a great group of volunteers for a night that is well-structured, organized and FUN. You don’t need plan a thing. Leave the world aside for an evening, and come hang out with some kids. All volunteers 18 and older require a background check. Contact Tifny Mathena.

CPC Cares

In Concern:

• Janet George - healing from a broken foot
• Ilona Kecskemethy - health concerns
• Fnot Kahsay - recovering from a broken knee cap
• Richard MacMinn - recovering from carotid artery surgery
• Annie Reid - recovering from back surgery
• Russ Parker - health concerns
• Carla Groce - treatment for breast cancer
• Shae Sobottke - health concerns
• Bill Prastka - on hospice
• 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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