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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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Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones! We hope to see you tonight for the candlelight service at 9pm, and the Big Table service and potluck this Sunday. Please take note of the information below on staff hours over the next week and a half. Enjoy this time of rest as much as possible, and we will see you at worship on January 5 when our regular schedules will resume. The office will be open again for its regular hours beginning January 6. |
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SCRIPTURE
December 24
Luke 2:1-20; Psalm 96
Read these passages online here |
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Christmas Worship Schedule:
Family Christmas Service - December 22, 5:00pm
(as part of Supper Church)
Candlelight Service - December 24, 9:00pm
Big Table - December 29, 10:00am, chapel
(bring a dish to share) |
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HOLIDAY STAFF HOURS
Our office will be open on Monday, December 23, from 8:30-2:30, and on December 24, from 8:30-12:00. It will then be closed from December 25 through January 1. Katy will return on Thursday, January 2, from 8:30-2:30, and possibly on January 3, if needed/by appointment. We will not be checking email or voicemail on the days the office is closed.
Pastor Sarah will be on vacation December 25 - January 2.
Krissy will be in her office on Monday, December 23 from 9:00 - 3:00, and Monday, December 30 from 9:00 - 3:00. If you need something from her while the office is closed the best way to reach her is by email. |
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CHRISTMAS EVE OFFERING
At the Christmas Eve service, tonight at 9pm, the offering will be totally dedicated to mission. This year it will be divided between Laundry Love (a new ministry in SW Portland that allows vulnerable neighbors to do laundry for free at a laundromat twice a month and also opens up the opportunity for relationships to be formed between housed and unhoused neighbors) and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (our national response to global natural disasters). Even if you can't be with us, you can send a special Christmas Eve offering by mail (indicate its purpose on the memo line) or on-line (select the appropriate designation). We are grateful for your continued generosity. |
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BIG TABLE POTLUCK - SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29
Bring your hunger for Faith, Fellowship, and your Favorite Potluck Dish to worship. Rev. Lindsey Santamaria will lead us in worship and song as we celebrate Jesus' Christmas story.
Please come to the chapel a little early to add your food to the banquet table before worship begins at 10am.
Any questions? Or to volunteer to help set-up on Saturday at noon, contact Connie Blumthal.
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HOLIDAY DONATION DRIVE FOR THE MULTNOMAH SAFE REST VILLAGE AND SOUTHWEST OUTREACH
Support individuals experiencing homelessness in our community by donating new - undergarments, socks, and long johns - and new or gently used - coats & rain gear, backpacks - winter/warmth items that will go to MSRV participants and those who are served by the Southwest Outreach weekly shower program (see below for more info on this ministry). The last day to drop off donations is December 31, and can be brought to the locations listed above. |
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Learning & Fellowship Opportunities |
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ANTI-RACISM DISCUSSION GROUP
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COFFEE HOUR VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
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CHOIR NEWS
Join the St. Andrew’s choir. All are welcome! Rehearsals are immediately after worship. 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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NEXT STEPS IN ENNEAGRAM EXPLORATION
Join us on the fourth Saturday of each month, at 1:00pm on Zoom, for our Enneagram discussions. We are reviewing various aspects of Enneagram theory, focusing especially on the many triads in the system. We're taking a break in December, but we'll resume on the fourth Saturday in January with a focus on levels of health within our types. Not sure what this means? Come learn! |
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OPPORTUNITIES TO SEE YOUR FAITH FAMILY PERFORM
If you have a concert, play, or other event in which you're performing to which you'd like to invite your faith family, please let us know. We'd be happy to share in this spot in the e-news.
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DEACON MINISTRY
Thank you to our Deacons who contributed to the Multnomah Safe Rest Village Holiday Feast this week! They prepared two sliced hams and roasted vegetables to feed 50 (or more!), that added to this community provided meal. We are thankful for their service to this important neighborhood ministry. |
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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, men's shoes of all types and sizes (in good condition), men's belts, sheets & pillowcases, warm blankets, pet supplies (food, treats, toys). Donations can be dropped off onsite, daily from 10:00-2:00, 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, January 4
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
Southwest Outreach is an active civic 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. Please consider donating winter weather gear to the Holiday Donation Drive, running through December 31. See the flyer at the top for more info. 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)
Tuesday, December 24
9:00pm Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
In person &
Zoom & Facebook
Friday, January 3 & 10
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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