The Columbia Weekly

October 3, 2025

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Do you ever feel like everything is a trap? I feel that way sometimes. I feel like each conversation, headline, and item in my online feeds…might just be a trap. It is probably just the result of our times. You will hear, this Sunday during worship, about one of the traps that was set for Jesus in times that were exceedingly high stakes and divisive. He was often having to navigate this sort of moment with people who truly were (in his case) out to get him. I cannot imagine what it was like.

I know that things might feel pretty crazy in our world, or in your life, right now. The last few weeks have reminded me of all the things that you all bear and endure in your day-to-day lives. My hope is that you always know when you are a part of CPC that it is never a trap or a game. We hope that you have a sense this is a place where you are loved, that you belong, and that we all gather each week to just receive from our God…together. He has no gimmicks. There are no ploys. If there is an agenda it is only that we would come to see that our lives have purpose and that we are dearly loved.

You might need that reminder this week. We hope to see you at the table. The Gospel of Matthew has a great story about traps for us. Jesus is creative. He kindly drops some truth bombs. And then he reminds people what they are to be about in the midst of crazy gospel times.

Hope to see you here.

Pastor Matt 

To prepare for worship: Read Matthew 22:15-22

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.

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.

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.

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.

Youth Ministry Opportunities

High School Confirmation

Sundays, 9:00-10:00am, beginning October 5

Chapel

High School Confirmation starts this week, October 5, 9:00-10:00am in the Chapel. This is a space for students to ask the question(s): is it time? Is it time for me to take the next steps in my faith? What is faith? What questions do I have? Confirmation is designed to ask questions, learn, and engage in scripture and faith deeper. Students do not have to get confirmed or baptized at the end of this class. Students who have already been confirmed are also welcome to join! Register here.

Middle School Sunday School - NEW TIME!

Sundays, 10:30-11:30am, beginning October 5

LL6

Starting this Sunday, we are experimenting with having Middle School Sunday School during the 10:30am worship service. We are excited about the involvement of several parents to help co-lead this class at its new time and we hope your 6-8th grader will join us!

Mission Connections

Help build a home with Evergreen Habitat for Humanity

We invite you to join us on the build site for a rewarding volunteer day with Habitat for Humanity. Your support helps us provide safe and affordable housing for families in our community, offering them hope and a path to a brighter future.

No experience is necessary! Our friendly and experienced staff will guide you through all the tasks, whether you're a seasoned builder or have never picked up a hammer before. By the end of the day, you'll have been a part of something truly transformative.

Event Details:

• What: Volunteer Build Day
• When: Saturday, October 18 from 8:30am to 3:00pm
• Where: Washougal Build Site, nestled in downtown, off of H street.
• What to bring: A positive attitude and willingness to work! Remember to wear layers that you don't mind getting dirty and closed-toe shoes are required. We'll provide safety gear, tools, and water.
• Contact: If you have any questions about the registration process, please email Miranda Martin.

How to Sign Up:

Ready to make a difference? You can register for this volunteer opportunity​ through the Evergreen Habitat for Humanity website link below:

Columbia Presbyterian Volunteer Registration Link  

• You will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. 
• Not all information is required. All required information will be indicated in parentheses. 
• Review and sign both the waiver and volunteer code of conduct documents. 
• Scroll down and select ‘join team’. 
• FYI: do not click ‘volunteer opportunity: Washougal Group Builds’ at the top...you will join the wait list instead of the team. Go back and select ‘join team.’ 
• You’re done! 

We believe that everyone deserves a decent place to live, and with your help, we can make that a reality for more families. We look forward to seeing you on the build site!

In Concern:

• Carla Groce - treatment for breast cancer
• Bob Barnett - recovering from a broken hip
• Shae Sobottke - recovering from brain surgery
• Fnot Kahsay - recovering from eye surgery
• Sharon Franklin - recovering from hip surgery
• Deane Green - recovering from foot surgery
• Bob Weller - treatment for cancer
• Beth Burton - recovering from ankle surgery
• David Hammock - recovering from foot surgery
• Nancy Frederick - recovering from a compression fracture in her back
• Todd Carroll - on hospice
• Jeanene Polete - return of lung cancer
• Hank Polete - vertigo
• Kris Collier - treatment for cancer
• Jim Hudson - health concerns and recuperation
• Kay Thorpe - ongoing health concerns

In Person:

Checks or Cash

in the blue Offering Boxes

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.