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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,
John Calhoun offered a helpful testimony to open our annual stewardship campaign on Sunday. Some of you suggested it would be helpful to have the text of this in the eNews and a link to the article he references. As such, I'm yielding my pastor's page to John today. I'll be at Well and Good Coffee on Beveland in Tigard tomorrow between 10 and 12, if you'd like to strengthen your connection or talk about this campaign or anything else, please join me.
See you in the sanctuary Sunday at 10am and/or in the lounge and chapel Sunday at 5pm for Supper Church.
Peace, Pastor Sarah
2024 St. Andrews Stewardship Campaign
"Knit Together"
A Testimony from John Calhoun, Stewardship Elder
Today we begin our annual budget planning and Stewardship campaign. Our theme this year is “Knit Together.”
Think about what that theme means to you. To me it means connection; friends, family, relationships, worshipping together. It means a congregation that is knit together in many ways. It means people with different talents contributing those talents to the common good. The result is a whole greater than the sum of the parts. We accomplish more as a result.
If you use Sarah’s knit blanket as an image you can visualize how that works. Each square that she knit is colorful and attractive, but it is only when they are all tied together that it becomes a blanket. The pile of squares by themselves may be pretty, but the pile is not that useful. Knit together and it provides warmth and comfort.
Every individual just like every square of the blanket is unique, but the
combination has a beauty of its own. The different talents of many individuals complement each other. I may bring a life of financial experience to this church, but as my wife will attest, my mechanical and artistic abilities are limited. You wouldn’t want me to be your song leader or in charge of facilities. However, I can attend worship here and listen to talented musicians and know that there are members who maintain this building.
Being part of this Congregation also means that I am connected to many people whom I like and admire. I have many friends here whose company I enjoy. An article in the Atlantic magazine this year looked at the loss of connections when Americans stop attending churches. The author, Derek Thompson said,
That relationship with organized religion provided many things at once: not only a connection to the divine, but also a historical narrative of identity, a set of rituals to organize the week and year, and a community of families… As I recently reported, the United States is in the midst of a historically unprecedented decline in face-to-face socializing... what’s undeniable is that nonreligious Americans are also less civically engaged. This year, the Pew Research Center reported that religiously unaffiliated Americans are less likely to volunteer, less likely to feel satisfied with their community and social life, and more likely to say they feel lonely...Clearly more Americans are spending Sunday mornings on their couches, and it’s affected the quality of our collective life…Many people, having lost the scaffolding of organized religion, seem to have found no alternative method to build a sense of community.
We still have that community here at St. Andrew's. Over the next four weeks you will hear from other members, how they are knit together with the rest of us and our larger community and how they benefit from these connections. I hope you will be in attendance to hear these testimonials and to think about how important being knit together is to you.
As your elder responsible for Stewardship, I have the responsibility of asking you to donate as you can. You have given in the past both with your presence, your service, and with dollars. Thank you for those gifts.
I reported three weeks ago that for this past year we are financially strong. We have grown our rental income so that our renters pay for the upkeep of the building.
However, we as members must pay for the staff and our mission work.
Although there have been pay increases, we have honestly not kept up with the full rate of inflation, but we cannot go without some increase every year. As our congregation is not growing, that means every member needs to consider an increase each year to reflect inflation, not just give the same amount as the year before. Of course, if your current financial situation makes this difficult, do not fret. We want you to participate however you can.
It would help the Stewardship team and your Session if you could make a formal pledge for next year by the end of our campaign on November 24th.
Thank you.
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SCRIPTURE
Sunday, October 27
1 Kings 5:1-6; 8:22-30, 41-43, 52-60a
Luke 19:45-46
Sunday, November 3
1 Kings 17:1-16 [17-24];
Luke 4:24-26
Read these passages online here |
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NEW BOOKKEEPER WORKDAYS
Beginning the week of November 4th, Krissy will be in the office on Mondays and Wednesdays.
She will no long be in the office on Tuesdays.
Her hours will still be the same: 9:00-3:00. |
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ANTI-RACISM DISCUSSION GROUP
Thanks to those who gathered and helped choose the next book for discussion. Our next book is 'Voter Suppression in US Elections', edited by Jim Downs, Stacey Abrams, Carol Anderson, Kevin M. Kruse, Heather Cox Richardson, and Heather Ann Thompson, and we'll meet tonight, Thursday, October 24 at 6pm on Zoom to discuss it. As we are approaching another major US election this seemed a timely topic to consider. Even if just for this book, we hope you'll join us. |
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IN PERSON COFFEE CHAT, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25
Join Pastor Sarah and Caroline for an in person chat at Well and Good in Tigard this Friday, between 10 and 12. There will be no on-line chat this week.
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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, this Saturday, October 26 at 1pm, to grow in knowledge of self and others. |
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FALL SUPPER CHURCH
Supper Church fellowship will gather this Sunday, October 27, in the Lounge (the room that is right next to the Chapel) at 5PM for check-in. Then we'll move to the Chapel for story, craft activity (NEW), and dinner. Games to follow.
Families and supporters are welcome.
We will order dinner from a nearby restaurant, so PLEASE CLICK HERE TO RSVP.
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Learning & Fellowship Opportunities |
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COFFEE HOUR VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
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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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Cuba was in the news this week with a nationwide blackout as the power grid failed and an approaching hurricane. Please continue to hold our Cuban kindred in prayer as they navigate treacherous circumstances. |
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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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MULTNOMAH SAFE REST VILLAGE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Would you like to show your support for the Multnomah Safe Rest Village? Here are some ways to help:
- 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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Sunday, October 27 & November 3
10:00am Worship
(also in person)
Thursday, October 24
6:00pm Anti-Racism Discussion Group
Zoom
Saturday, October 26
1:00pm Enneagram Discussion Group
Zoom
Friday, November 1
10-12pm Virtual Coffee Chat
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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