The Columbia Weekly

October 23, 2026

Columbia Friends,

In just a couple Sundays, on November 1, we will be celebrating the generosity of our God on what we call Consecration Sunday. To consecrate something really just means to set it aside for a special purpose. Some people get a little nervous when we do something different at church. Others get nervous or feel pressure when it comes to the idea of financial giving. So, we thought it might be a good idea to share with you what Consecration Sunday will look and feel like. Overall, we hope it just feels like a joyous Sunday. Here is what you should know:

First, it will largely be a normal worship service. We will come and do all of the regular fellowship, worship, singing, preaching, and prayer that we usually do. But, we will have an extended offering time where you will be able to pray and bring forward pledge cards. One card is where those who choose to pledge financially write down their financial offerings for 2027. And another card is where you are encouraged to write down other commitments and callings that you feel the Lord is calling you to participate in. The two cards are because we want to make sure that all of us have a way to devote ourselves to the Lord, even if time or money is a struggle right now. You might put both cards in the basket up front. You might put just one. It's really up to you. There is no pressure here. Sometimes physical actions can underscore commitments. We hope you will participate in some fashion.

Second, after each service we will have a celebration of our symbolic commitments with some wonderful treats in the Gathering Area. Again, part of the purpose of the day isn't just to pledge ourselves to God but to recognize and celebrate that whatever we have is a gift from God. God has been generous with us. Let's celebrate His harvest with some food.

Hopefully you have received a letter with the two cards. You might take some time to think and pray about each of the cards and what they represent before Consecration Sunday. If you didn't receive the cards, we will have them available on Sunday, November 1. We have a wonderful church and I really believe God has blessed us these last years. Let's celebrate the Lord's faithfulness... together.

We hope to see you there! God is on the move.

Pastor Matt

p.s. Pray for our elders and staff as we have our Session Dinner and Workday. We are pondering the future of our church and trying to discern where God is leading all of us.

To prepare for worship: Read Philippians 2:1-11



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

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

Sunday, October 25, 8:15-11:30am

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.

Young Adult Care Package Encouragement Notes

Sunday, October 25, between services

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.

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.

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 Sympathy:

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

In Concern:

• 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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