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Clickable Table of Contents |
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Join us in person for worship every Sunday at 10:00am, or on Zoom & Facebook.
worship bulletin.
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Thoughts from Pastor Sarah |
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Dear Kindred in Christ,
This Sunday we return to the chapel for a more informal service of worship around tables, with story sharing at tables rather than a sermon. This is also the kick off week for the 2025 stewardship campaign- Knit Together. We will hopefully have a strong experience of the strands that connect us and leave with a deeper appreciation of the ways we are knit together by God's Spirit. I hope you will join us Sunday at 10am in the chapel. We, of course, will be worshipping on Zoom as well, but this would be an excellent service to join in person for the fullest experience.
The focal image for the season is a portion of the blanket that came together through my sabbatical squares project. Perhaps you didn't make it on September 1 to see it in person. I'll try to bring it to church for the next month. It's wonky, but beautiful. There are memories knit into every stitch. Yarn from many different places and squares knit in many more places. 8in by 8in squares that became a 6ft by 6ft blanket. The diversity of colors and textures and even sizes (not every 8 in square is exactly this) is a powerful metaphor for Christian community; we are knit and stitched together in all our glorious diversity. And in a world that feels increasingly fragmented, this is a powerful gift.
Are you yearning for connection? Find a way to reconnect with St. A's. Come to coffee chat on Fridays or join an on-line or in-person class or study, participate in first Saturday mission, or simply make it a priority to worship week after week. You have been knit together by God and knit together with Christ's family. Come feel the warmth and connection.
In Christ,
Pastor Sarah |
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SCRIPTURE
October 20
2 Samuel 7:1-17; Luke 1:30-33
Read these passages online here |
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COFFEE HOUR VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
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MISSION TEAM UPDATES
Your Mission Team has been hard at work allocating mission funds to various agencies in the Portland area. It was brought to our attention that there was a lot of money from previous donations and fundraising campaigns that hadn't yet gotten to the intended recipients, and it wasn't doing a lot of good just sitting around! Since June we have allocated over $9000 from the Neighborhood Ministries general fund! Here is how that money was spent:
- Grauer Project - $500
- SW Outreach Shower Program - $1000
- Multnomah SRV - $150
- Ida B. Wells student pantry (food and other necessary household items for students in need) - $1000
- Scholarships for the 2025 Presbyterian Youth Triennium - $2000
- Local youth mental health agencies - $3000, split equally for the following organizations:
- Dougy Center - specializes in youth grief counseling
- Lines For Life - has resources for peer to peer mental health outreach as well as racially and culturally specific care options
- Trauma Intervention Program NW (TIP NW) - Trauma and crisis mental health services
- Morrison Child & Family Services - Includes outpatient mental health care and substance abuse programs
In addition, we sent $1100 to the Markham Elementary PTA, money that was intended for their backpack program that was donated not long before Covid. Markham no longer has a backpack program but their PTA has money set aside specifically to meet student and family needs as they arise. Our donation will contribute to that fund.
We have also decided on our fund and donation drives for the upcoming holiday season:
- Fall Food Drive - This will begin at the beginning of November and run through Thanksgiving. Donations will go to the Neighborhood House Free Food Market, as they have in previous years.
- Christmas gift bags for the Multnomah Safe Rest Village and SW Outreach Shower Program participants.
- The annual Giving Tree for West Women & Children's Shelter.
- Christmas Eve special offering - recipient to be determined.
Stay tuned for more information on all of these over the next couple of months. We also anticipate there will be a community clothing drive of some sort for our neighbors living outside and will share that information when we get it.
Does this sound like work you would like to be a part of? If so we are always looking for those who would like to join the Mission Team. We also currently have an open position for Mission Elder. If you would like more information about either of these opportunities contact Pastor Sarah, or Katy in the office.
St. Andrew's continues to work hard to be a valued and contributing member of our neighborhood and wider community, and much of this happens through our Mission Team. Thank you to all of them: Pastor Sarah, Laurie Donald, Jeanette Kloos, Marilyn Palumbo, Mary Poulsen, Gail Planck, Katy Rustvold, and Mary Sherwood.
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PARKING LOT WORK PARTY - THANK YOU!
Thank you to the 18 people from Troop 150 that came out last Saturday to clean curbs, pull weeds, spread bark, and move concrete from behind the church to fill a hole left by the downed tree near the walkway in the parking lot. Thanks also for clearing the tree catch basins! Great improvement! Thanks also to Gail Planck for snacks. We estimate there were about 66 person hours of work done, with ten yard debris bags filled and all five yard debris barrels full also. Many hands make light work! |
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Learning & Fellowship Opportunities |
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ANTI-RACISM DISCUSSION GROUP
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NEXT STEPS IN ENNEAGRAM EXPLORATION
We are going to review various aspects of Enneagram theory this fall, focusing especially on the many triads in the system. We'll be focusing on the three centers and on the stance triads in October. Not sure what this means? Join us to learn!
Join us on Zoom, Saturday, October 26 at 1pm, to grow in knowledge of self and others. |
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FALL SUPPER CHURCH - NEW START TIME AT 5PM
Supper Church continues on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month, at 5:00pm. This brings an earlier dinner time, and folks can get home before pitch dark. Something else new: we'll gather with Pastor Sarah in the Lounge, then move next door to the Chapel for story, craft, and dinner. Games follow dinner.
More that's new: We're adding a simple craft activity around stories from "God's Big Promises Bible Storybook" and a wonderful book called "God's Paintbrush." We invite families to join us, and prepare to take home a treasure!
We'll provide dinner from a local restaurant, so please RSVP using the link HERE. Volunteers are always appreciated! Contact Roberta if you'd like to help. Come join in the fellowship!
The next Supper Church is October 27.
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CHOIR NEWS
Choir is back! Rehearsals are immediately after worship. All are welcome to join us! Simply talk to Don Feely or meet us in the choir room downstairs after the service. |
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LEARNING TO DISCERN - FALL AND WINTER CLASS SERIES |
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Discernment is the process of making decisions when we put on the mind of Christ, so that our choices move us toward becoming who God wants us to be. Discernment is both a gift and a habit of faith.
These classes will examine the scriptural and theological underpinnings of discernment, and the spiritual freedom it requires of the discerner. We’ll also cover helpful practices, which use not just rational thought but also memory, imagination, body practices, nature, and more.
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Finally, we’ll learn to test our tentative decisions by asking God for confirmation.
Our text will be The Art of Discernment: Spiritual Practices for Decision Making by Elizabeth Liebert, Professor of Spiritual Life at Union Theological Seminary. It’s available through Powell’s, and Westminster John Knox, which is the Presbyterian publishing house.
The classes are on the first and third Wednesdays from 12:30 to 2:00 in the chapel, and will run through February.
We’ll be using the “flipped classroom” method: we prepare by reading the entire chapter before the meeting, to prepare for an in-depth session and engaging in the practices when we meet.
Questions? Contact Amy Houchen or Jan Reynolds.
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Roberta Schlechter shared recent prayer requests with our sister church in Santa Clara and received this reply from Miguel de Armas and his son Miguel Angel de Armas.
Dear Roberta,
Thank you for the prayer requests. Jesus taught us to pray for our loved ones and even for our enemies. I will send these requests to Pastor Reile. In Cuba, we are having serious difficulties with the provision of medicine, food, and the power cuts on a daily basis. Please pray for us.
Love in Christ, Miguel and Miguel Angel
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MULTNOMAH SAFE REST VILLAGE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES *UPDATE*
Would you like to show your support for the Multnomah Safe Rest Village? Here are some ways to help:
- Pumpkins needed! The SRV participants will be decorating and carving pumpkins again this year. They are asking for pumpkins about the size of a soccer ball. Pick up one, or two, or three (or more!) and drop off at the MSRV front gate, letting them know they are for this activity. They plan to do this sometime during the week of 10/21.
- Winter Welcome Items - As the weather cools and new participants arrive at their brand new homes there is an increased need for necessary supplies to help them flourish in the months ahead. The requested items are new or gently used cold weather & water resistant clothing, sheets & pillowcases, warm blankets, pet supplies (food, treats, toys). Drop donations off at the MSRV gate at 2731 SW Multnomah Blvd, or bring them to the St. Andrew's office.
- Make Sandwiches! Sandwich Mondays are still happening! There are three volunteer slots for each Monday, and each volunteer is asked to make about 12 sandwiches, or the equivalent of another lunch item. Click here to sign up, and for drop-off instructions.
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ZIPLOC MINISTRY
Saturday, November 2
10:30-12:00-Ziploc bag filling and donation drop-off
Each month St. Andrew's sends large Ziploc bags filled with essential items to our ministry partner Operation Nightwatch, who then distributes them to the houseless people who utilize their services. Thanks to generous donors, along with additional Neighborhood Ministries funds, we receive enough funding each month to cover these costs. We are grateful to be able to continue this important work.
So what can you do to help? It has been brought to our attention the constant need for donations of new socks and new men's boxer-briefs, for many of our ministry partners. These can be dropped off at our first Saturday Ziploc bag filling, at worship on Sundays, or during office hours.
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MEALS FOR WEST WOMEN'S & CHILDREN'S SHELTER
Each month St. Andrew's provides meals to West Women & Children's Shelter. If you would like to participate in this ministry you can sign-up to make a casserole (or two, or three) using a specific recipe given each month and then drop it off at the monthly first Saturday Ziploc ministry day from 11:00-11:30. Volunteers are also needed to deliver these meals, and other items, to the shelter. Click here to sign up.
WW&CS currently provides shelter and services to 35 people who are seeking a safe place to stay while they break away from a domestic violence situation, and they are expecting to grow to 55-60 people. Any number of casseroles we provide are appreciated and are mostly served on the weekends when only volunteers are on staff. All excess is frozen and served at a later time. |
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SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR OUR NEIGHBORS LIVING OUTSIDE
SW Outreach is an active group connecting with our neighbors living outside in SW Portland through visits, conversation, relationship-building, and a weekly shower program at Riversgate Church in Multnomah Village. If you are interested in volunteering with or donating to this important and effective group, contact Sandy Steinecker, or Marilyn Palumbo. You can also contact them if you’re worried about someone in the neighborhood who might be houseless and needing help.
The weekly shower program is a welcome day center for people being displaced in our area. Our guests find a few peaceful hours to get a shower and a hot meal, connect with resources and engage in conversation. We currently are in need of bath towels. We always need underwear and t-shirts (men’s and women’s size medium). If you can help please bring your donations marked “SW Outreach” to the bench outside the church office. We appreciate the constant support and generosity of St. Andrew’s!
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ST. ANDREW'S QUILTERS
The St. Andrew's quilters meet on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at 9:30. Their beautiful creations are donated to organizations that provide warmth to those in need. All are welcome to join them! Contact Gail Planck for more information. |
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Virtual Gatherings & Events
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10:00am Worship
(also in person)
Friday, October 18 & 25
10-12pm Virtual Coffee Chat
Zoom
Thursday, October 24
6:00pm Anti-Racism Discussion Group
Zoom
Saturday, October 26
1:00pm Enneagram Discussion Group
Zoom
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FLOWERS FOR SUNDAY WORSHIP
If you would like to recognize a special occasion or person (i.e. birthdays, anniversaries) or memorialize a loved one by placing flowers on the chancel, please contact Bev Ruggles to confirm a date. Contact the office for Bev's phone number if you don't have it. |
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PRINTED COMMUNICATIONS BY MAIL
Did you know that we can send printed copies of the bulletin and eNews through the mail? There is a list of people who receive these each week, and there's room for more. If you would like to have us mail you a printed copy of the weekly worship bulletin and/or a text version of the eNews, contact the office and we'll put you on the list! |
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ST. ANDREW'S NAMETAGS
Would you like to make a new friend? Wearing your nametag each Sunday at worship can help. You can request a new nametag this coming week. They are being made for visitors and/or members of our worship community. Please contact Katy in the office or Connie Blumthal for a new (or renewed) nametag.
"Make new friends,
but keep the old. One is silver and the other gold."
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NATIONAL SUICIDE & CRISIS LIFELINE
People experiencing a mental health crisis have a way to reach out for help in the U.S., by calling or texting the numbers 9-8-8. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States. It will function much like 9-1-1, but is solely dedicated to addressing mental health needs. Click here for more information on this potentially lifesaving program, and help spread the word. |
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RIDES TO CHURCH
Do you or someone you know need a ride to church on Sundays? If so our Deacons are on hand to give rides to church to those who need one. If you would be interested in receiving this service, or know someone else who would, please let us know so we can get you on our list. If you would be interested in being a driver, please let us know that too. Contact the office, Merrie Backer, or Larry Kelly to sign up, or if you have any questions.
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Member Database Access is available anytime. Contact the office to get set up. |
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For on-line giving please visit:
standrewspdx.com/give
Thank you for continuing to support the ministries of St. Andrew's through your online donations and checks sent by mail.
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Katy Rustvold, Office Administrator/Neighborhood Ministries Coordinator
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