Columbia Friends,

Welcome to week 2 of Revelation! We had a great start last week and also had the joy of hearing about a refreshed ministry to teen moms and dads at CPC called “Stepping Stones.” This week we will continue our introduction to Revelation by looking at how Revelation has often been used as a tool to manipulate others while missing its core message. This often happens the most when different cultures, countries, and individuals find themselves in a season when it seems like everything is coming apart. We continue to believe that Revelation is a useful part of God’s word and that it was never meant to be read in this extreme way.

I mentioned last week that as a way to help you understand the book, we would be including some key resources in the CW each week to help you understand the letter better. This week you will find two key items below. First, there is a list of resources that we are leaning on to prepare each week for this series. Each resource has a difficulty rating so you can think about what sort of learning you can engage in. Don’t take the numbers too seriously. They are just estimates by your pastor. Second, I asked our Communications Lead, Katie Mrochko, to create a Playbill to show you the different characters that are “on stage” in Revelation (text from Scot McKnight's Revelation for the Rest of Us). This will help you understand who the key figures are in the book and what role they play in the struggle between good and evil. I am also including two links below to versions of the first song that you can listen to about Revelation. We will begin the musical tracks with a song by Delta Blues legend Son House. It is one of the oldest songs about Revelation that I know and has been covered by dozens of musicians. It’s background is Revelation but it touches on a number of other stories and figures in the Bible. The second track is by a more modern female artist group named Larkin Poe covering the Son House version. You do not have to like each piece of music, but I hope that it will broaden your understanding of Revelation and the different ways (words, images, songs) that we can speak about God and have God revealed to us alongside scripture. Maybe use it as background as you read Revelation 22.

May God reveal something to you this week! Maybe the Lord already has!

Pastor Matt

Psalm for the Week: Psalm 16 (God is Support and Refuge) 

A psalm of confident resting in God, an expression of confidence and joy. Who is God to me? Who is this LORD God who is mine? Our assurance is wholly in God, our portion and our cup. We are empowered in him to find the path of life within and through painful times.  

Becoming the People of God: A Study on Exodus  

Sundays at 10:30AM  

Chapel  

Join us in our study of the book of Exodus and the story of how God delivers and shapes His people. This Sunday we will study the last chapters of Exodus, 35-40, which covers the construction of the Tabernacle. This is our final class and we will summarize the book and draw conclusions for our lives. Everyone is welcome!  

All-Church Gathering (Picnic)

Thursday, June 20

5:30-8:00PM

The burgers and hotdogs are provided, but we would love it if you could bring a side to share! Hosted in Vancouver at LeRoy Haagen Park picnic shelter, the park is located off NE 136^th Avenue & LeRoy Haagen Memorial Drive. This event has no cost. Everyone is invited. Bring your own chair.  

Vacation Bible School

June 24-28

9:00AM-12:00PM

Children ages 5 years (by Aug. 31) through current 5^th graders are invited to join us on an amazing undersea adventure where they’ll experience the ever-flowing, never-ending love of God. Only a few spaces remain. REGISTER NOW! Register Here

Work Camp Prayer Partners and Encouragers Needed

Support a student or leader going to Work Camp in Mexico this year through prayer! Grab an encouragement note at the table in the Gathering Area after worship on June 23 or 30, and write a note that they'll receive during the week in Mexico, or sign up to become a prayer partner for one of the attendees & pray for them during the week.

Make and Take Card Making

Saturday, June 29

9:00AM - 12:00PM

Chapel

Stamps and papers and inks – oh my! Join Katy Graham and Terry Hurley for a morning of fellowship and card making in the Chapel on Saturday, June 29, 9:00AM-noon. Everything you need to make 4 beautiful cards is provided. Space is limited so reservations are required – email Katy & Terry. Suggested donation - $5.

Middle School Bike Hike

July 28 – August 3, 2024

Farragut State Park, Athol, Idaho

Bike Hike is open to all youth who just completed 6th-8th grades. Registration deadline for Bike Hike is Monday, July 1. Click here for more information and to register.

Church Photo Directory is coming!

Put on those SMILES for the CPC directory. It’s almost time for the photographing of members and attendees! On Saturday night, you will receive an email from CPC with the details, including a signup link, to schedule your appointment to be photographed.

Here is the important info:

·        Registration will be open on Sunday morning, June 16th

·        Photos will be taken on various days of the week and different times of the day from July 7th through August 4th

·        Sunday: June 16, June 23, June 30, July 7, there will be a table in the narthex to get assistance with scheduling your appointment online with a member of the directory team. 

·        We ask that if you are flexible, please schedule your appointment Monday through Saturday and leave the Sunday appointments for those with limited mobility or transportations challenges that will already be at the church attending service.

·        Photos will be taken at the church, If you are unable to come to church but would like your photo included in the directory, please contact Geo Plumberg at 503-329-6501 or email her to schedule an onsite appointment at your place of residence.

More info along with the link to the registration page will be in a future communique in the CW and bulletin.

Movie Night

Friday, June 14

6:00PM Dinner, 7:00PM Movie

Chapel

Kevin Costner is a legendary Detroit Tigers pitcher facing career decisions at the lend of a disappointing season. He battles physical and emotional limits as he plays the game of his life. "For the Love of the Game" is a drama about love, life and the perfect game.

Men's Breakfast

Saturday, July 20

Save the Date for our next Men’s Breakfast for Saturday, July 20. More details to coming soon! 

Guys & Kids Campout

August 9-11

Cape Lookout State Park

Have you marked your calendars for the Guys & Kids Campout? It’s happening August 9-11 at Cape Lookout State Park in OR. Registration opens mid-July, so keep an eye out for that announcement.

Circle of Friends Preschool is again a finalist in The Columbian's Best of Clark County contest. Please take a minute to vote for this ministry of Columbia Presbyterian that touches so many families in our community with love and learning. Think of your vote as a way to honor Sharon Wallenborn, who is retiring after 30 years as director, and encourage incoming director Laura Ericcsen.

In Sympathy:

• Richard & Carole MacMinn, on the death of Richard's brother-in-law, Gene Chose, on May 28.

In Concern:

• Johnnie Brown - recovering from back surgery
• Tom Hill - recovering from back surgery
• Viva Dennis - recovering from breast cancer surgery
• Sharon Mast - healing from corneal transplant
• Kay Thorpe - recovering from a stroke
• Judi Trist - cancer treatment

Thank You:

To all my friends and family here at Columbia, I am overjoyed with your outpouring of support. It comforts me to know that you also recognized what a wonderful man we all shared, in many different ways, in my husband Ed Demko. My daughter, son, and I are immensely grateful for your cards of sympathy, attendance at the memorial service and charitable contributions made in Ed's memory. Many thanks. God bless you all. ~Karen Demko

Checks or Cash in the

Offering Box at

back of the Sanctuary

Credit or Debit Card via

CPC Mobile App or

Text GIVE to 360-409-7809

Credit or Debit Card, ACH Transfers and other giving opportunities at www.columbiapresbyterian.org

By Mail or Bill Pay through your financial institution send checks to:

Columbia Presbyterian Church

8715 St. Helens Ave, Vancouver, WA 98664

Other Types of Giving:

For information on the following giving options, email the Bookkeeper, Debbie Smith:

• Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)
• Required Minimum Distribution (RMD)
• Stock