The Columbia Weekly

September 12, 2025

Dear Friends,

There is a great deal to celebrate from our last week here at CPC and a good fall startup this week. Unfortunately, as has been common these last years, it appears that events have overtaken us in the public square. I think you know that we prefer to focus on God’s Word and the sacraments on Sunday mornings. We also do not preach politics from our pulpit. That will continue. But, I don’t think I can avoid speaking to the events of the last few years as your pastor.

As you likely know we had another school shooting and another round of political violence. The violence has been across the spectrum of politics and communities. As usual many people are making their opinions, political views, anger, and grief known. People are quick to name causes, offer blame, and morally absolve their own camps of participation in the cycles. I am alarmed that there are also those in my social media feed who seem to be beckoning further violence. I don’t have the power to resolve those games. Mostly I refuse to play it as a disciple of Christ.

What I know is that the gospel is remarkably clear when it comes to violence. All violence is an affront to God’s hopes for the created order. It is a denial of his will and sovereign authority. Periodically some of us might argue that violence is necessary at times from a human perspective, but that never makes it truly good or right. Those justifications ought to quake in the light of our God’s will.

By my count we are on our 6th or 7th obvious act of political violence in the last few years. I no longer recall how many school shootings we have had. This does not even touch on other forms of violence (racial, immigration, cultural, religious, sexual, verbal, etc.) that seem to be flourishing and even profitable. Our God is deeply opposed to all such violence. This violence is a sign of a deeply unhealthy society. The fact that it has become habitual and habituated only reveals the spiritual and social rot in our midst.

I think as Christians, who also happen to be citizens of a specific country, we have an important role in speaking and praying against all forms of violence. We must resist these evil impulses and trends with all of our gospel tools. I do not know what that might look like for you, but I would challenge you to think and pray about it.

I know that in scripture, God often enacts judgement on a people, or his people, simply by allowing them to walk down the roads they have doggedly chosen. I pray that we are not in such a season. If we are, there is only one course of action. Repentance. I find myself taking stock this week of what I need to turn from and turn toward in terms of my own thoughts, words, and deeds. I hope that you will do the same.

A society whose citizens and leaders are gleeful when it comes to various forms of violence or that makes exceptions, justifications, and caveats when it comes to violence deserves the judgements of our God. Our church must model a steady witness in this time. Each of us must consider what we are called to do and be inside and outside our homes. The witness of loving kindness, especially to so called enemies or strangers, has perhaps never been more important to God’s Kingdom and to our society than it is right now.

May the grace and wisdom of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

Pastor Matt

To prepare for worship:

Read Luke 2:39-51

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.

Name Badges

This Sunday, you'll notice a fresh new look for our name badges! We've replaced as many of the old name badges as possible with our new logo. If you've been keeping your name badge in your car or purse, please return it to the Welcome Desk and start using your new one. If we missed you, simply fill out a name badge request at the Welcome Center, and we'll have it ready for you by the following Sunday.

Fall Fest Thank You

ABUNDANT THANKS to the army of volunteers who made CPC's Fall Fest 2025 a smooth, enjoyable, and delicious event! On behalf of the planning committee, this could not have succeeded as it did without so much willing help. And another year's thanks to committee members who met and planned, purchased and cooked and grilled, and served and arranged: Barb and Jim Boyer, Cindy and John VanDinter, Cheri and Guy Allen, Erin Endreson, Carole MacMinn, Ilona Kecskemethy, Libby Agosti.

GriefShare

Wednesdays, 1:30-3:30pm

Conference Room

This small group runs through December 3. You can join anytime. We will be looking into areas of grief styles, grief “ambushes,” significant “firsts” one will encounter, and tracking one’s progress. Workbooks are $20. Register on the GriefShare website, here.

Adult Choir

Thursdays, 7:00-8:45pm

Sanctuary

Everyone who loves to sing is invited to join the Adult Choir. We rehearse weekly on Thursdays from 7:00-8:45pm in the Sanctuary and sing in the 9:00am traditional worship service. If you have any questions, feel free to email or call Jeff Haagenson in the church office, (360) 694-7549. We would love to see you there!

Wednesday Adult Class - Forgiveness

Wednesdays, 6:15-7:45pm

Fellowship Hall

Each week in worship, we pray for God to “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” Do we know what we are saying when we pray this prayer for forgiveness? Do we forgive others? Do we know how to forgive others? What is forgiveness anyway and how does it square with justice? These and many other questions will be addressed in our Wednesday evening study. Using Tim Keller’s book “Forgive: Why Should I and How Can I?” we will gather each week and explore why forgiveness is central to our Christian faith, the reasons why it is so difficult, and how we can engage in the self-giving and self-sacrificial act of forgiveness. Purchase the book and register here. 

Movie Night

Friday, September 12

Bring your own dinner at 6:00pm; Movie begins at 7:00pm

Chapel

This month we will watch "Analyze This" with Robert DeNiro and Billy Crystal. Crystal, a psychiatrist has just a few days to turn his mob boss-patient into a happy, well adjusted gangster. This movie is described as "drop-dead funny." All are welcome. Future movie ideas for the coming year are always welcomed.

Sunday Adult Class - The Letters of John

Sundays, 10:30-11:30am, beginning September 14

Chapel

Syncretism is the fusion or merging of different religious beliefs and practices. An example would be of a Christian who believes in and practices fortune telling. The practice of syncretism is everywhere in the Bible, and it is what John writes about in his 3 New Testament letters. John’s letters are relevant for us today because Christians still get caught up in merging their faith with other ideologies and practices. Just bring your Bible and a notepad. Advanced registration is not required for this class.

Dementia Friends Awareness Presentation

Monday, September 15, 6:00-7:30pm

Chapel

Perhaps someone you know is experiencing dementia or you may wonder about memory loss—is it “normal aging” or something else? The Health Ministry Team invites you to a presentation to learn more. Lynn Crawford and Julie Donovan from Dementia Friends Washington will help us learn more about dementia in general and some of the specifics for relating to someone with dementia. Join us—light refreshments will be available. 

Stepping Stones Teen Parenting Ministry

First & third Thursdays, 5:00pm

Fellowship Hall

This ministry supports teenage parents by providing a welcoming environment where volunteers serve and share a monthly "family meal" with these parents and their children. After dinner, volunteers lead children to the nursery so the teens can hear a Scripture reading and discuss with a leader. It’s a chance for them to ask questions about Jesus, in hopes of fostering their faith development.

Get Involved with Stepping Stones

If you are interested in participating in this ministry, there are various ways to contribute. We need childcare providers, donations of meal items, assistance with food preparation, and help with cleanup. Volunteers can commit to a regular monthly schedule or assist on an intermittent basis, depending on their availability. For more information or to sign up, please contact Geo Plumberg at (503) 329-6501 or via email. Your involvement can make a meaningful difference in the lives of these families, providing both practical support and Christian encouragement.

Mental Health First Aid

Saturday, September 27, 8:30am-5:00pm

Conference Room

Have you ever wished you could help someone having a tough time? Well you can if you have the knowledge and tools! Mental Health First Aid gives you the tools and training to start supportive conversations and be the helping hand for someone experiencing mental health or substance use challenges. Cost of the participant manual is $20.

Join Linda Maddy and Pam Stover to learn more about mental health and substance use challenges and how you can support people with these issues. For questions about the class, you can email Pam Stover. Register here.

Make and Take Card Class

Saturday, September 27, 9:00am-Noon

Fellowship Hall

This is the last chance of the season to make cards while enjoying fellowship with others from the church. Join Katy Graham, Ann Ferguson and Terry Hurley as we make 4 beautiful cards. Everything is provided. Suggested donation is $5. Register here.

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.

Children & Youth Ministry Opportunities

Children's Choir

Wednesdays, 5:00-5:30pm, beginning September 10

Chapel

Music enhances language, memory, and problem-solving skills. It instills discipline, self-regulation and self-confidence and improves social skills, emotional expression and regulation. Singing in a church choir also fosters a child’s faith and provides a sense of community and connection. There is a unique joy in making music with others to the glory of God. As we approach the beginning of the new program year, I hope you will consider having your 2nd - 5th grader be a part of the Columbia Children’s Choir. Kids in Grove 345 (formerly K2 Live) are invited to bring a sack dinner to eat before the program starts at 6:00PM. Contact Anna Haagenson if you have questions. Register here.

Grove 345

Wednesdays, 6:00-8:00pm, beginning September 10

Chapel

K2 Live is getting a new name! Introducing Grove 345! Just as a grove in nature is a group of trees planted and cultivated to bear fruit, our new name reflects a community of young people growing together in faith. Grove 345 will not change in structure or content. Our 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders will continue to encounter Jesus through games, small groups, interactive Bible stories, crafts, missions, and music each Wednesday night. Contact Anna Haagenson if you have questions. Register here.

Wanted: Grove 345 Leaders!

Grove 345 is looking for leaders for our Wednesday night program for 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders. Weekly responsibilities would include co-leading a short small group discussion based on the night’s large group teaching (all questions provided) and shepherding kids to the nightly activities. Relationship building, mentorship, and being a positive faith influence in a child’s life is the most important part of serving as a Grove 345 leader. Contact Anna if you are interested in volunteering.

Middle School Back to School Retreat

September 19-21

Camp Tadmor

The transition to Middle School is a big one and the Back to School Retreat is a great way to help your child find their niche with friends from church. Camp Tadmor is less than two hours away and is a fun and peaceful place to hang with friends - they have a giant gaga ball court (trust us, it's fun) and a lake with all kinds of critters to find, and you can also sign up to play paintball! Contact Lydia Fitzpatrick if you have questions. Register by Monday here.

High School Back to School Retreat

September 26-28

Camp Tadmor

School is back in session and the Back to School Retreat at Camp Tadmor is an awesome way to reconnect with your church friends, enjoy some downtime in nature, and challenge your friends to a round of paintball! Contact Lydia Fitzpatrick if you have questions. Register here.

High School Confirmation

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

Chapel

All High School youth are invited to participate in Confirmation - even those who have been through it before - as we will be using all new curriculum. For those who complete Confirmation, there is the option to publicly declare their faith through baptism or being anointed by oil (if already baptized). You may also choose to become a member of Columbia. Contact Lydia Fitzpatrick if you have questions. Register here.

Women's Ministry Opportunities

Tuesday Morning Women's Bible Study (GIFT)

Tuesdays, 9:30-11:30am

Chapel

An exciting year is planned for the Tuesday morning Bible study group. We’ll start off the year with a 12-week study on “Daring Women of the Bible.” A study about real women, real trials and real triumphs; it offers valuable insights for our current lives. The videos are led by various popular leaders with some of our favorites and also new faces. Women of all ages are welcome and childcare is provided with advance registration.

Wednesday Evening Women's Bible Study

Wednesdays, 6:30-8:00pm

Room LL6

Back by popular demand, Kristi McLelland's Bible study, "Jesus and Women: In the First Century and Now." Join us for 7-DVD sessions that will transport us back to Jesus’ world, following in the footsteps of the women who came face-to-face with the Living God. For more information, email or call Alix Iverson, (360) 281-8475.

Friday Morning Women's Bible Study

Fridays, 10:00-11:00am

Office Conference Room

This group meets each Friday morning to strengthen their understanding of the Word and it's meaning for each of us. This fall, we will begin the season reading and discussing the book, "Knowing the Holy Spirit Through the Old Testament" by Christopher Wright. For more information, contact Marilyn Kimble, (360) 718-2411.

Friday Afternoon Women's Bible Study

Fridays, 12:30-2:30pm, beginning September 19

Library

To make faith-growing opportunities available to even more women at CPC, we are launching a pilot Bible study on Friday afternoons during the school year. Our goal is to grow in our relationship with Jesus by engaging Scripture through study, conversation, and prayer together. This fall we will dig into Paul’s letter to the Philippians using some basic self-study methods. We will try to accommodate childcare as needed. Interested? Email or call Mary Jensen, (360) 903-0296 or Nicole Webb, (414) 418-1640. Register here for childcare.

In Concern:

• 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
• Pat Page - recovering from a compression fracture in her back
• Todd Carroll - on hospice
• Jeanene Polete - return of lung cancer
• Hank Polete - vertigo
• Carla Groce - vertigo
• Kris Collier - treatment for cancer
• Jim Hudson - health concerns and recuperation
• Kay Thorpe - ongoing health concerns

Thank You:

• I want to thank the congregation for 17 months of serving as your Pastoral Care Pastor. It was an unexpected opportunity and blessing to be a part of the staff at Columbia. I also want to thank everyone for the thoughtful plaque and the gift card. God Bless, Pastor Steve

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Columbia Presbyterian Church

8715 St. Helens Ave

Vancouver, WA 98664

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