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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,
While I was in a Zoom meeting with the Presbytery of the Cascades last night the news came in about the plane/helicopter crash over the Potomac. Lord, have mercy. I'm lifting up all those who are dealing with unspeakable grief in light of this tragedy. And there are so many that I am lifting to God's light right now- those newly unemployed, those newly employed, those discerning appointments, those facing deportation, those who are non-binary or trans, those still contending with fire or with losses to fire, those returning to rubble in Gaza city, those enduring war around our globe, kids with learning loss, those living outside on cold, cold nights... and there are more? Who is particularly on your heart or in your prayers today?
Last Saturday there was an in person presbytery meeting for the purpose of presenting and processing the Conflict Assessment Report that the team I lead for the presbytery prepared, and introducing a mediator that the Presbytery Leadership Commission has hired. Some hoped that we would identify wrongdoers and call them to account in light of some intense conflict that unfolded in 2023, but we found several aspects of our overall system that set us up for perpetual conflict and good faith people on all sides of our disputes. We did not point fingers or blame. That said, we also found that the presbytery has a history of conflict avoidance and an inability to manage conflict in healthy and constructive ways (unable to fight fair). These tendencies have resulted in broken relationships and trust and hurt feelings, and we made recommendations for structural change and relational healing to put us on a better track.
We'll see in our Gospel reading for this week that people of faith often find themselves in conflict with one another. The message I take from the Gospel of Luke is that when we have a good faith disagreement, mercy must always win. Perhaps this is what John Lewis was talking about when he talked about making "good trouble." Sometimes the letter of the law stands in the way of practicing mercy. Was it not so during the years of enslavement in this country when folks set up the underground railroad to steer people to freedom? Was it not so in Europe when people hid Jews? Might it not need to be so in our time when we have the opportunity to provide mercy to vulnerable people?
One of my favorite songs is "Mercy Now" by Mary Gauthier. I asked Hannah to sing it once in a worship service, but allow me to share a link to the video. I hear in this song a manifestation of loving kindness meditation and I offer it to you as an aid to prayer in these difficult days. Click here to listen to the song.
I'll be on Zoom for coffee chat between 10 and 12 tomorrow. I need to jump off right at 12 for another Zoom, but I'd love to hear for whom you are praying and what is on your heart. And it is always good to connect. So let's do it!
See you Sunday at 10am for a communion service in our sanctuary or on Zoom. If you're joining us from home, please be sure to have bread and cup ready! You provide the elements, we provide the prayers, God provides the presence.
In Christ,
Pastor Sarah |
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SCRIPTURE
February 2
Luke 6:1-16; Psalm 92
February 9
Luke 7:1-17; Psalm 119:105-107
Read these passages online here |
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CALL TO SEMI-ANNUAL MEETING OF THE CONGREGATION- SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2025
On Sunday, February 9, our semi-annual meeting will be woven into our worship service at 10am. The bulk of the business of the meeting will unfold at the end of the service, during "Our Ministry in Christ," but we will focus this hour of worship on reflecting on the last year of ministry and preparing for the next. The business of this meeting includes receiving the annual report, including the budget for 2025, electing a nominating committee for the year, reviewing and voting on terms of call for Pastor Sarah. All members of the congregation have the right of voice and vote and we hope you'll plan to be there to exercise the responsibilities of membership.
The Slate for the Nominating Committee Election 2025 is as follows:
- Elder Rep: Connie Blumthal
- Deacon Rep: Cory Chesnut
- At Large Reps: Laurie Donald , Ric Tower, Marie Dolson
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PRESBYTERY MEETING RECAP
Yesterday evening, Cascades Presbytery gathered on Zoom for our Winter Stated Meeting. Many thanks to the over 140 Ruling Elder Commissioners, Teaching Elders, and guests who participated. Here are some of the highlights from our time together:
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Transitional Executive Presbyter Brian Craker provided an update on next steps in POTC’s conflict mediation process.
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Clark Scalera, our Advocate for Congregations and Clergy, offered a thoughtful, hope-filled word to our presbytery, encouraging us to remember the beauty and wonder of our call to ministry.
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The presbytery recognized the work of Kathy Waugh (Omnibus Editor) and Linda Jackson-Shaw (Chair, New Ministries Team).
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Dave Baca (Portland, First) was elected as POTC Treasurer.
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The New Ministries Team highlighted the work of Soma.Digital.
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POTC passed a motion from the Board of Trustees for the distribution of net income from the sale of the Colonial Heights property.
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An exception was granted in order that Rev. Lindsey Hubbard (Temporary Supply Associate Pastor, Westminster PDX) may be eligible to serve as their installed Associate Pastor.
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POTC approved the ordination of Junha Kim to be called as Associate Pastor for Youth, Mission, and Community Engagement at Westminster PDX. Congratulations Junha!
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Three amendments to the PC(USA) Constitution were approved.
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PRESENTATION ON SANCTUARY RIGHTS & IMMIGRANT JUSTICE
DATE/TIME: Monday, February 10, 2:00pm
FORMAT: Online via Zoom (Click here to register)
Members of the presbytery are invited to attend a “Know Your Rights” presentation offered by Bryan McGowan, Senior Council, Strategy and Training, for Soar Immigration Legal Services. This gathering will provide valuable insights into the rights of immigrants and how congregations can engage in meaningful support and advocacy. Click here for more information and meeting resources.
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SAVE THE DATE - OREGON INTERFAITH EARTH SUMMIT,
MARCH 16
Are you passionate about environmental ministry and looking for a way to connect to this work? Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon is hosting an Interfaith Earth Summit on March 16, 1:00-4:00pm. There are multiple host locations, including St. Luke Lutheran Church, located across from the Southwest Community Center. Organizers at St. Luke have reached out to specifically invite members of St. Andrew's to attend, and to also give the opportunity for some St. A's people to be a part of their planning team, which is just getting started. This is not only a great opportunity for environmental ministry, but to partner with one of our neighboring churches. For more information click here to go to the EMO website. If you would like to be a part of the planning team for this event, contact Katy in the office and she will connect you with the organizers at St. Luke. |
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Learning & Fellowship Opportunities |
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SUPPER CHURCH
Join us for SUPPER CHURCH on the second and fourth Sundays of the month at 5pm, as we celebrate one another and share fellowship, prayer, and praise. We’ll also enjoy a fun story-related craft. We’ll have food from a neighborhood restaurant, so please RSVP by clicking here.
Hope to see you there. Guests are welcome... please RSVP!
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ANTI-RACISM DISCUSSION GROUP
*No January meeting* |
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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 is 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.
Our schedule for the next couple of months is as follows:
- January 15 - Chapter 8 - Reason's Considerations
- February 5 - Chapter 9 - The Power of Religious Affections
- February 19 - Chapter 10 - Nature's Perspective
- March 5 - Chapter 11 - Confirming One's Tentative Decision
Each session is from 12:30-2:00. 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. Our next meeting will be in February, with a focus on levels of health within our types. Not sure what this means? Come learn!
*No January meeting* |
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SERVING OUR NEIGHBORS AT WEST WOMEN'S & CHILDREN'S SHELTER FOR OVER 50 YEARS!
Our connection to WWCS goes back from the 1970’s to the 1990’s when the Windjammer Mariners, many of whom still worship here at St. Andrew’s, would deliver 5 gallons of milk every week for the women and children living at the shelter. More recently during the Covid pandemic, many members and friends of St. Andrew’s made and delivered casseroles, snacks, bread, and salads for the residents and the volunteers who serve them on the weekends when there are no paid kitchen staff. At times, other necessities such as hygiene items, children’s toys, and puzzles have been donated. For the last 13 years or more the residents of West Women and Children’s Shelter have been the recipients of our Giving Tree donations. 35 gifts were provided for Christmas 2024. On behalf of St. Andrew's the Mission Team continues to allocate an annual monetary gift to support the shelter.
Our current, ongoing ministry is continuing to deliver pre-made casseroles and other food and household items to the shelter on a monthly basis. Ask any of us who have made the deliveries and you will hear how grateful and joyful are the volunteers who meet us to accept our donations.
We would love your help. If you’d like to share in serving our neighbors at WWCS, check out the link here. Joy Abounds!
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2025 SW HOPE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITES
Planning for the 2025 SW Hope campaign is already underway, with Katy representing St. Andrew's on the Neighborhood House planning team. There are specific volunteers needed to make this year successful, and is a great opportunity to connect more deeply with this important ministry partner. Here is what they need:
SW Hope will take place this year March 5 - April 20. Stay tuned for a full list of ways to help our community through this annual fundraising campaign!
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SOUTHWEST OUTREACH SHOWER PROGRAM
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. This group began with just a few volunteers and a few participants and has blossomed into a fully developed program that makes a difference in the lives of our unhoused neighborhs in SW Portland every week. One of the Riversgate pastors recently made a video documenting how people have been impacted by SW Outreach: |
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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. If you are interested in volunteering with 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. St. Andrew's is the fiscal sponsor of SW Outreach. You can make money donations through our website, choosing 'SW Outreach' in the drop-down menu. |
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MULTNOMAH SAFE REST VILLAGE UPDATES
*NEW DONATION OPPORTUNITY!*
St. Andrew's supports the Multnomah Safe Rest Village in partnerership with the Friends of Multnomah Safe Rest Village. Here are ways to help:
- FURNITURE DONATIONS: For two years, the staff and participants in our Safe Rest Village have lived with a community space that is uninsulated, on bare concrete, open to the elements, cold in winter and hot in summer, lacking electricity--not an adequate space for comfortable socializing, meeting, doing art projects, relaxing, or serving food. They now have access to a building on site where they will have heat, light, insulation, and much more comfortable space. What they don't have is any furniture! So they're looking for furnishings, in good condition, and we're hoping to be able to help collect the things they need. If you have items you no longer need and wish to get rid of, maybe you can help. Click here to sign up and contribute!
- SANDWICHES: We continue Sandwich Mondays. Sign up HERE for instructions. Bring a dozen or so sandwiches, and, if you like, chips, drinks, etc, with a focus on healthful, protein-rich items. Also, keep in mind that many Participants have serious dental issues, so it’s helpful to have some things that are easy to chew.
- Understand the challenges of homelessness for older people. See an excellent short film,
No Place to Grow Old, describing the challenges of aging while homeless, produced by Humans for Housing and Street Roots. You’ll have an opportunity to view it in our neighborhood this spring, followed by discussion with a panel of local experts on homelessness and housing. Date TBA.
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ZIPLOC MINISTRY
Saturday, February 1
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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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, January 26 & February 2
10:00am Worship
(also in person)
Friday, January 24 & 31
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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