Easter at Columbia Presbyterian Church
He is risen!
Whether Easter feels familiar or uncertain to you, we invite you to join us as we gather to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. The Easter story begins in quiet confusion and early morning grief over the death of Jesus, but it does not end there. Christians believe something world-changing happened on that first day — that death did not have the final word, and that new life broke into the world. Together we will sing, pray, and reflect on what that good news means for our lives today. Wherever you find yourself this Easter, you are welcome here.
Easter Sunday Services
Service Times
Jesus is alive. Join us as we celebrate the good news that death does not have the final word.
7:30am Traditional
The 7:30am Traditional Easter Service is almost identical to the 9:00am Easter service. The 7:30am Easter Service includes traditional hymns accompanied by the choir and organ, moments of prayer, and a message from Pastor Matt. There is no children’s message or nursery care available at this service. Worship lasts approximately one hour.
9:00am Traditional
The 9:00am Traditional Easter Service includes traditional hymns accompanied by the choir and organ, moments of prayer, and a message from Pastor Matt as well as a children’s message. Nursery care is available during this service. This service lasts approximately one hour.
10:30am Contemporary
The 10:30am Contemporary Easter Service is led by our praise band and offers a vibrant time of worship through music, prayer, and a message from Pastor Matt. A children’s message is also included and nursery care is available. This service lasts approximately one hour.
Livestream
The 9:00am & 10:30am services will be livestreamed. Recordings will be available the following Tuesday morning.
FAQs
What You Want To Know
NURSERY
We welcome all ages in the Sanctuary on Sundays, but we understand the blessing of being able to allow your child to play and be cared for in a safe environment during worship. We offer nursery care during the 9:00am and 10:30am services.
The Nursery is located just beyond the doors to our Children’s Wing, across the Gathering Area from the Sanctuary. We have many trained adults and teens ready to watch and care for your little ones during the 9:00am and 10:30am services, even on Easter! Please note, the nursery will not be open at the 7:30am service Easter morning.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
There is no Sunday school offered on Easter Sunday, but we always offer children’s books and “busy bags” in the back of the Sanctuary. The 9:00am and 10:30am service have a short Children’s Message and kids are welcome to come forward for a short message with our Children’s Ministry Director, Tifny Mathena.
On a regular Sunday, we have Sunday school offerings for Pre-K through 5th Grade during the 9:00am service and Pre-K through Middle School during the 10:30am service. We also have an adult class during the 10:30am service.
WHAT TO WEAR
Whether you like to get dressed up or stay casual, you will find someone who looks like you. Please come however you feel comfortable – whether that is in a three-piece suit or your favorite weekend jeans. You are welcome to dress like yourself at CPC.
PARKING
Columbia has three parking lots and street parking available.
Handicapped parking is available in the main parking lot located off Columbia Ridge Drive.
The upper parking lot is located at St Helens Ave and Columbia Ridge Drive.
The lower parking lot is located at Columbia Ridge Drive and Butte Ave.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING WORSHIP
Worship at Columbia is steady and predictable. We want you to feel at ease, so here’s a simple overview of what happens in a typical Easter service. You can also watch a recorded service on our website to get a fuller picture.
We begin with singing.
We always start by singing together. At times you’ll be invited to stand. If standing is uncomfortable for you, please feel free to remain seated.
A prayer of confession and a word of forgiveness.
A pastor will guide us in a prayer of confession. This is a time when we acknowledge the ways we fall short, both personally and as part of the wider human family. Sometimes we read a prayer together; sometimes there is a moment of silence. The pastor then speaks words reminding us of God’s forgiveness.
You’ll hear, “The peace of Christ be with you,” and the congregation responds, “And also with you.” We then take a couple of minutes to greet those around us. You’re welcome to shake hands and repeat the phrase, or simply say “Good morning.”
A Children’s Message.
Our Children’s Director, will invite kids to come forward for a brief message just for them. Children sit at the front of the Sanctuary, and parents are welcome to come with them. On Easter, children return to their seats afterward. On most Sundays, they leave for Sunday school following this time.
Scripture and Sermon.
We sing a short song to prepare for hearing a passage from the Bible and a sermon. The sermon is usually about 20 minutes long.
There are Bibles and hymnals under the chairs, and large-print and Spanish Bibles are available in the back of the Sanctuary. You’re welcome to follow along, use your phone, or simply listen. After the Scripture reading, the pastor may say, “The Word of the Lord,” and many respond, “Thanks be to God.” You are welcome to join in or just listen.
Prayers and Shared Words of Faith.
After the sermon, a pastor leads a prayer for our world and community. This transitions into praying the Lord’s Prayer together. The words are printed in the bulletin and projected on the screen, so feel free to read along.
We often stand and say the Apostles’ Creed together, an ancient statement of Christian belief. You are welcome to say the words, read silently, or remain seated.
The Life of Columbia.
A pastor will briefly share a few announcements about upcoming events, classes, or mission opportunities.
A Time to Respond.
We take a few quiet moments to reflect on what we’ve heard and how we might respond. Traditionally, this is also the time when Christians give a financial offering.
At Columbia, we do not pass offering plates. If you would like to give, there is a wooden box in the back of the Sanctuary, or you can give online using the QR code in the bulletin. There is no expectation or pressure to give.
We close this time by standing and singing a short song of praise called the Doxology, usually sung without instruments. A pastor offers a brief prayer.
A Blessing.
The service concludes with a benediction. A benediction is simply a final word of blessing spoken over the congregation as we go out into the week.
Additional Information
We look forward to celebrating Easter with you!
Assisted hearing devices are available at the Welcome Center in the Gathering Area.
Our Sanctuary is fully accessible for those who have mobility issues.
All words are available on the screens, but we also provide printed bulletins to help you follow along.
Free coffee and hot tea are available in the Gathering Area (and often times light snacks as well!).
Restrooms are available off the Gathering Area, just past the coffee.
Braille materials can be made available to those who need it with advance notice. Please call or email our office at 360-694-7549 or info@columbiapresbyterian.org.
