The Columbia Weekly

October 30, 2026

Dear Columbia,

As you probably know by now, we have an important Sunday this week. It is a Sunday where we are reminded to give thanks to God for His generosity with us and also to rededicate ourselves to our faith and to our neighbors. You likely received your two offering cards in the mail this past week. If you didn't you can find them in the Gathering Area on Sunday morning.

Last weekend our elders and program staff gathered for our annual Session retreat and workday. It was a wonderful time. We had dinner Friday night and then Saturday began asking what kind of church our God calls us to be over the next 5-7 years. We asked questions like: "What is the work of a church? Who does CPC exist to serve? Why has God placed us in this county?" In a lot of ways it was our sermon series!

I hope to share with you in the coming weeks some of the thinking and goals we set, though we still have some work to do as a Session and staff to get a bit more specific about some of our ministry objectives. But the fellowship, prayer, meal, and conversation were another exciting sign that our God seems to be on the move at CPC. God really and truly has blessed us as a church.



This Sunday we will hear a Bible story that I think ties this all together. It is a story where people make sacrifices for others that God has called them to. They do this in the midst of great difficulty, loss, and suffering. The main character clearly has found "the Who" that God has called her to. And at the end of the story? There is a small sign of hope that God's generosity will win out.

Pastor Matt

To prepare for worship: Read Ruth 1:1-22



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

Consecration Sunday



We will joyfully celebrate God’s generosity among us as we bring our pledges of finances, talents, and heart to God during worship this Consecration Sunday, November 1.

Pledge cards were mailed out last week, so please bring your completed card to worship. Extra cards will also be available for anyone who needs one. If you can’t attend in person, or prefer to pledge electronically, visit us on our website for an electronic pledge card -www.columbiapresbyterian.org/give.

After each service, we’ll share food and fellowship as we celebrate God’s faithfulness and the ways we’re growing in life together through our shared ministry as Columbia Presbyterian Church.

Announcements

Events with the Church Center icon require registration.

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

Young Adult Address Updates

Do you have a young adult in your family (high school graduating classes of 2026, 2025, 2024, and 2023)? 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.

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.

Dementia Friends Class

Monday, November 2, 4:30-6:00pm

Fellowship Hall

Learn how you can make a difference in the lives of people living with dementia and those who care for them. Through interactive activities and information, you’ll discover how the condition affects people and how small actions can help create more understanding and supportive communities. This class, presented by representatives of HOPE Dementia Support, introduces Dementia Friends USA, part of a global movement changing the way people think, act, and talk about dementia. Anyone can become a Dementia Friend by turning what they learn into action. With about 125,000 people living with dementia in Washington State, we all have a part to play in creating dementia-friendly communities.

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.

Surviving the Holidays

Saturday, November 14, 1:00-3:00pm

Chapel

This class offers help for the holiday season for those who have lost a loved one recently or over the last few years. It is an opportunity to meet and receive insights, tips, support, and hopefully, direction to navigate this holiday time in a healthy way. Books are $12. Register by November 12. 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. Register here.

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.

Thanksgiving Service Opportunity

Saturday, November 21, 8:00–11:30am

WinCo, 905 NE 136th Ave, Vancouver

Columbia will be providing Thanksgiving groceries for 40 families from Marshall Elementary and Mac Middle School. Volunteers are needed to shop for food and bag groceries (we will pick up the bill). This is a fun service event that any age can participate in. Sign up in the Gathering Area between services on Sunday, November 8 and 15. Questions? Contact Beth Burton at (360) 909-8829.

CPC Cares

In Sympathy:

• The LeBlanc Family on the death of Frank's son, Lonnie, on October 16.

In Concern:

• Tom Wallenborn - recovering from surgery
• Sherry Bergez - recovering from surgery
• Janet George - healing from a broken foot
• Fnot Kahsay - recovering from a broken knee cap
• 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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