Children & Youth Ministries Weekly Update

Middle School Retreat

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks,

the door will be opened. ~Matthew 7:7-8 

Seeking Jesus means we can bring our questions about life, faith, the world, ourselves, everything to God. Not only can we bring them, God welcomes and wants our questions! This was the theme of Middle School Retreat two weekends ago at Camp Tadmor.  

Eleven middle school students, 4 courageous adult volunteers, 1 amazing high school leader and a crazy youth director gathered to worship, play, eat, gather salamanders and explore a place that exemplifies the beauty of God's creation. One student was overheard giving the weekend a 12 out of 10 at worship the following Sunday. Why? Because our time together was all about seeking - seeking adventure, seeking community, seeking Jesus - and in all of those spaces being greeted with kindness, love, hope and grace. This is one of my favorite things about retreats - it is a genuine space to build relationships with each other and God in all the different places and spaces of activity and rest. 

As you live out this week, know that your questions are welcome and that when we seek Jesus, although not always as expected, He always opens the door... 

Blessings, 

Pastor Sarah 

Weekly Schedule

Sunday Mornings

• 9:00 & 10:30am - Nursery & PreK-5th Grade Sunday School
• 10:30am - 6th-8th Grade Middle School Sunday School

Sunday Evenings

• 6:00-8:00pm - High School Youth Group - Youth Center

Wednesday Evenings - 6:00-8:00pm

• Grove 345 - 3rd-5th Grade - LL2
• 6th-8th Grade Middle School Youth Group - Youth Center
• Are you a leader or attending Wednesday evening Bible Studies? Register for childcare (ages birth - 2nd grade) here.

Announcements

Consecration Sunday

Sunday, November 1, 9:00 & 10:30am Services

Join us this weekend as we celebrate together all that we have and all that we can give. The children and youth will be discussing this in Sunday School and completing their own Giving Cards (shown above). You can prepare for this event with your children by discussing what are some ways we can be generous with our time and choices? We hope to see you there!

Women's Fall Gathering

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

Fellowship Hall

This Sunday is the last day to register for the Women's Fall Gathering, Rooted in Prayer: Lord Teach Us to Pray, on November 6. Click here for more details and to register!

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.

Youth Ministry Family Service Night

Middle School - Wednesday, October 28, 6:00-8:00pm

One of the principles of CPC Youth Ministry is "Service" - so we are living that out this year! Come as a family for an evening of serving with The Giving Closet and building community. Siblings 8 years old and older are welcome with a guardian.

Gather at the Youth Center for pizza and prayer.

Pick up at The Giving Closet (2804 NE 65th Ave, Vancouver, WA 98661)

Please be aware that since this is an off-site event, we need a current CPC Medical & Liability Release for all participants (a release is good September 2026-August 2027).

Grove 345 Harvest Party Family Night

Wednesday, October 28, 6:00-8:00pm

Fellowship Hall and Gym

Bring your whole family for a fun night of crafts, games and a chili dinner! Costumes welcome - please nothing scary or violent. Register here.

High School Hang Out - Halloween!

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

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 at the Grice's home - no matter the weather! 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 November 2 here.

Parents' Night Out

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.

Children's Bible Presentation Sunday

Sunday, November 22, 9:00am & 10:30am

Sanctuary

Please join us for Bible Sunday on November 22, at both services. This is a special Sunday when we gift a bible to our 2nd graders and any older siblings who have not yet received one from Columbia. If you have a child that would like a Bible and have not already been in contact with Tifny, please reach out!

Contemplative Yoga Classes

October 12 - November 19, Various Days & Times

Sanctuary

This is open to all and although the class is free, a donation of $10 per class is suggested.

Click here for the schedule and contact information.

Grove 345 & Middle School Christmas Party

Wednesday, December 9

Special Time: 4:45-7:00pm

Drop Off & Pick Up at the Youth Center

Grove 345 & Middle School Youth are ramping up to celebrate Christmas with the community through caroling at The Hampton Memory Care Community. We will carol during the residents’ dinner time then return to CPC for pizza and a party in the Youth Center. Bring a plate of cookies to share and wear your Santa hats or fun Christmas sweaters. Children under 4’9” need to bring a booster seat as per state law. Questions? Contact Anna Haagenson or Sarah Tunall. Registration required by December 8. Register here.

Tifny Mathena, Director of Children & Intergenerational Ministries

tifny@columbiapresbyterian.org

Sarah Tunall, Director of Youth Ministries

sarah@columbiapresbyterian.org

Anna Haagenson, Director of Grove 345 and Children's Music

anna@columbiapresbyterian.org

Viva Dennis, Administrative Associate for Children's Ministry

viva@columbiapresbyterian.org

Katie Mrochko, Administrative Associate for Youth Ministry

katie@columbiapresbyterian.org

Lindsey Wright, Childcare Coordinator

lindsey@columbiapresbyterian.org

Laura Ericcsen, Circle of Friends Preschool Director

laura@columbiapresbyterian.org

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