What to expect
You are welcome here.
We know life can be a lot. And no one does it perfectly. Whether you’re juggling kids and careers, adjusting to a difficult season, or just looking for something steady, we’re glad you’re exploring Columbia.
We’re a thoughtful, Christ-centered community that walks with you through every stage of life. If you’re wondering what to expect, we’ve got you covered.
GATHERING TO WORSHIP.
GROWING IN FAITH.
Together.
Each service lasts about an hour and centers on music, prayer, Scripture, and moments of community. We gather not for a performance, but to worship God together, grounded in tradition, open to curiosity, and welcoming to all.
Sundays at CPC
Two Services, One Purpose
Traditional Service – 9:00am
Our 9:00am service includes hymns led by organ, a unison prayer of confession, a warm greeting time, and a special message for kids before they head to Sunday School.
You’ll hear thoughtful teaching (around 20–25 minutes), community prayer, announcements, and a musical offering from the choir.
The service ends with a benediction to send us back into the world.
Contemporary Service – 10:30am
Our 10:30am service features modern worship music led by our band, followed by prayer, Scripture, and a short message just for kids before they head to Sunday School.
We continue with a message rooted in Scripture (20–25 minutes), community prayer, announcements, and another song during our offering.
The service ends with a benediction to send us back into the world.
FROM THE PARKING LOT TO THE SANCTUARY
We know visiting a new place can feel overwhelming. Here’s what to expect when you arrive:
Parking
Visitor spots are available in the main lot. You can also park in the upper lot (off Columbia Ridge Dr and St Helens Ave) or the lower lot (off Columbia Ridge Dr and Butte Ave). Street parking is also available.
Main Entrance
The main entrance is located on the north side of the building.
Once Inside
You can enter through the main doors into the Gathering Area. The Welcome Center is on your left. The coffee station is straight ahead. The Sanctuary is to your right.
FOR CHILDREN
We love having kids with us in worship. During both services, children (PreK–5th Grade) begin in the Sanctuary and are invited to a special Children’s Message up front before heading to Sunday School.
On communion Sundays, kids return to join us and are welcome to participate or receive a blessing from a pastor.
Check-In
Before the service, you can check your child in at the kiosk next to the Welcome Center, just inside the Education Wing.
Classroom Location
PreK meets upstairs. Elementary kids meet downstairs.
Pickup Location
On non-communion Sundays, you can pick your children up from their classrooms after the service.
FOR STUDENTS
We believe that the best thing for the faith development of youth is attending worship and developing relationships with faithful adults. Youth are encouraged to come to worship and engage in all the elements of worship – including active listening to the sermon. There are clipboards available in the Gathering Area with sermon notetaking sheets. Many of our youth also help in the Nursery or with Children’s Sunday School on Sunday mornings.
WORSHIP ACCESSIBILITY
Worship is for everyone and we offer a few options to help you engage with worship better.
Enhanced Listening – Enhanced listening support devices are available at the Welcome Center to help you hear the elements of worship better.
Braille – Braille bulletins and other materials are available upon request. Please contact the church office ahead of your visit and we would be happy to have materials available. info@columbiapresbyterian.org
Live Language Translation – Listen to the sermon in your native language or read along. Simply scan a QR code with your smart phone and select Spanish, Korean or English. Contact the church office if you need access to an additional language. Instructional brochures are available at the Welcome Center.
WHAT TO WEAR
There’s no dress code here. You’ll see people in everything from jeans and sneakers to Sunday best.
For example, our Lead Pastor usually wears jeans and a plaid shirt. You’re welcome to wear whatever makes you feel comfortable.
