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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.
Visit our website, www.standrewspdx.com, for an online bulletin. Click on 'bulletin' on the right side of the home page. |
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Thoughts from Pastor Sarah |
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Dear Kindred in Christ,
Have you completed a survey yet? There will be an insert in your bulletin the next two weeks with a QR code that you can scan with your mobile devices to access the survey and complete it on Sunday morning (this code is also below). There will also be people in the narthex with computers or tablets who can help you access the survey if this is challenging for you. But if you're good with on-line survey, why not click on the blue words above, or the link in the article below, and take care of it today? It should only take 5-10 minutes of your time. Again, this survey is the first step in our consulting process with AE Sloan Leadership. We are seeking to discern future possibilities for the ministry of St. A's.
We will worship in the sanctuary this Sunday, beginning worship with our annual mother's day litany, but primarily focusing on another story from Acts-- the story of the deacon Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch. I'm going to be reflecting on the act of preaching (while I preach, it's very meta!). And we will practice healing prayer. I hope that you will join us in person or on-line at 10am. Supper Church has been cancelled for this week.
Roberta Schlechter will lead the chapel service on May 18 as I am taking a week of vacation starting this next Sunday afternoon. Katy will also be on vacation next week, so the office will be closed.
Before I leave town for a week, I'd like to host an in person coffee chat. Meet me in Tigard, between 10 and 12, at Symposium Coffee (12345 SW Main St, Tigard, OR, 97223).
I hope to see you Friday and/or Sunday, and maybe even tonight at anti-racism group!
Peace be with you, Pastor Sarah |
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SCRIPTURE
May 11
Luke 24:44-47; Acts 8:26-3
May 18
Acts 15:1-18; Luke 2:29-32
Read these passages online here |
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Pastor Sarah and Katy will both be on vacation next week, May 12-18. The office will be closed, but Krissy will still be available on Monday and Wednesday, from 9:00-3:00. The best way to reach her will be by email. |
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ANTI-RACISM DISCUSSION GROUP
We will discuss chapter 4, and then spend some time trying to do one or more of the next steps she proposes. We hope to see you there! |
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CONGREGATION SURVEY - DEADLINE MAY 18
As St. Andrew's begins its congregational development work (see next article) with AE Sloan Leadership we need as many people affiliated with St. Andrew's as we can to complete a congregational survey. You can click here to access the link, or scan the above QR Code, which will also take you to the survey. It takes only 5-10 minutes to complete. There will also be opportunities to do this in person at Sunday worship on May 11 & 18. Look for helpers in the narthex who will be set up with computers for you to use. Please spread the word about the importance of taking this survey! All those who consider St. Andrew's as their home are invited - members, active non-members, friends of the congregation, staff, etc. For more information contact John Calhoun, or the office. |
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CONGREGATIONAL DEVELOPMENT & DISCERNMENT AT ST. ANDREW'S
By John Calhoun- testimony shared on behalf of Session on 4.27
Over a month ago Brian Craker, the current leader of the Presbytery of the Cascades, wrote the following in his update report.
“Being the connectional church is at the core of our Reformed DNA and as Presbyterians. We believe that we are always a stronger body when we find ways to worship, live, grow, and serve together. I am thrilled to stand before you today and say that this collaborative spirit is beginning to grow again in our presbytery. We are witnessing some of our churches reestablish old connections they had with sister congregations, as well as current partnerships being strengthened. And in the last few months I have had the joy of being a part of conversations of new partnerships, joint missional endeavors, anchor churches and even potential mergers.”
This was before the wonderful Holy Week we experienced with our neighboring Presbyterian congregations at Multnomah and Valley Presbyterian. We saw what Brian was describing with our own eyes. Worshipping on Palm Sunday with a full church and a large choir was powerful.
As we all know American churches have been experiencing a decline in membership for the past 60 years and our three churches are not exceptions. Many churches have been forced to close as their membership shrank until they were not viable. St. Andrews is fortunate in that we still have an active core membership and a strong financial position. At the same time, we have seen a drop in membership over many decades.
Rather than waiting until we have no options your Session has been discussing how we want to proceed as a congregation over the next few years. We have decided to hire a consulting team to help lead us through this process. They will not provide an answer on next steps. That will be up to us. They will help moderate our discussions so we can all participate and share our views with each other in a constructive process. Every member will have a chance to contribute to this discussion and have a chance to voice their opinion.
Obviously, our recent experience of worshipping with Valley and Multnomah Presbyterian demonstrate to us that those aspects of a larger church such as a bigger choir, more volunteers, and more children can be experienced by doing more together. We could have a bigger mission impact. We could have more education programs. How and to what extent we want to join forces is what we as a congregation need to decide. It is not just a task for the Session.
The consulting team we have chosen is with a group called AE Sloan leadership and the two consulting pastors who will help us are Daniel White and Heather James. They will start by analyzing a survey that we will be sending to everyone in the Congregation in the next few weeks so that we have a good starting database. They will then conduct a series of workshops or retreats starting in June. Our goal is to conclude on how we want to proceed by this Fall.
Thinking about change can be stressful for some and exciting for others. I want to emphasize that we are not in crisis or faced with a short decision deadline. Rather, we want to get ahead of the curve and make our decisions in an orderly and pragmatic way. Feel free to talk to Sarah, me, or the other members of Session and with each other about your concerns and thoughts.
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MEALS FOR JAN REYNOLDS & FAMILY
Jan Reynolds is home after a week in the hospital due to a recurrence of lymphoma. Daughter Annie has flown in from the East Coast and will be with Jan and her husband, John, until they leave for the memorial service in California for their son Thomas, Memorial Day weekend. In addition to continuing to pray for the Reynolds family, if you would like to sign up to bring a meal to them in the time before they leave, please contact Rebecca Nasson and she will send you a link to the Meal Train where you can do so. There is an option to purchase a gift card for Door Dash or elsewhere if all the slots are full. |
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HOUSING JUSTICE EVENT
On Wednesday, May 21, 6:30-8:30 at Riversgate Church, the Pathways Home Housing Justice Team will be hosting a screening of the film, 'No Place To Grow Old', a locally made film about aging into homelessness in Portland and around the country. There will be a follow up time for questions and answers with a panel of experts on this subject. We would love to see people from St. Andrew's there! RSVPs are encouraged. Spread the word! Contact Katy in the office if you'd like to help distribute flyers, or for more information in general. |
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2025 PER CAPITA
As John Calhoun reminds us in his testimonial, we belong to a connectional church. We are connected to almost 90 other congregations in Western Oregon, SW Washington and the northwest tip of California through the collaborative ministry of the Presbytery of the Cascades, and connected to many more congregations through our participation in the Synod of the Pacific, and indeed to every PC(USA) church in our country and even to global Presbyterians through our General Assembly.
One way we manifest this connection is through annual Per Capita Giving. We pay a flat fee to our Presbytery that then is shared with the Synod and General Assembly to sustain the ministry of these bodies.
In the Presbytery of the Cascades, the per capita for 2025 is $50.00 per member. This amount is divided between the General Assembly, the Synod of the Pacific, and the Presbytery of the Cascades. Specifically, $10.84 goes to the General Assembly, $5.22 to the Synod, and $33.94 to the Presbytery. This is calculated based on the church's 2023 membership.
Sometimes people like to make an additional gift to St. A's to cover the per capita for all the members in their household. If you wish for this to be covered by your existing giving (pledge or tithe) this is understandable. But If you would be willing to make a donation to cover the per capita for your household, we'd be delighted to receive it. Please use an envelope or make an online donation and clearly indicate your intentions so your funds are properly directed. |
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ST. A's ON STAGE
Caroline Sanderson-Doughty is performing tonight and tomorrow night at 7pm at Tualatin High School in "The Stranger," a student written and directed play based on Billy Joel's album of the same name. There is another student written and directed one act at 5:30 as well! It is a double feature. There is no charge for these performances, but donations are welcome.
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Learning & Fellowship Opportunities |
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CHRISTIAN FORMATION CORNER - MAY 2025
Dear brothers and sisters in faith: When I served on the St. Andrew’s staff (1990s-2009), I was encouraged and financially supported as I worked my way through the extensive PC(USA) Certified Christian Educator training. Now, as Elder of Christian Formation, I’d like to share a bit of what I’ve learned, with a brief message each month. Let’s meet the REFORMERS:
Reformed Theology teaches that we demonstrate our faith with mind, heart and actions. Before we know God, it is God who calls us to fulfill God’s purposes in our daily lives and in the world.
The term “Reformed” refers to the philosophy of early Protestant Swiss theologians. Reformers went beyond Luther’s belief that the church must eliminate practices that Scripture prohibits. Reformers called for adopting only those practices that Scripture defines as ‘necessary.’
The Presbyterian church (USA) embraces Reformed Theology.
Let’s make it a life-long journey!
Roberta Schlechter, CCE
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SUPPER CHURCH
Greetings, SUPPER CHURCH friends!
Next Sunday, May 11, would typically be a supper church Sunday. However, it's also Mother's Day and of course that takes priority.
Blessings to each of you moms! Enjoy the day with your family and plan to join us on May 25 for Supper Church.
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Join us for SUPPER CHURCH on the second and fourth Sundays of the month at 5PM, in the Lounge by the Chapel. We’ll celebrate one another, share fellowship, prayer and praise. We’ll have a story-related craft activity for the children, a chat time for the adults, and lots of dinner fellowship.
We’ll have food from a neighborhood restaurant, so please RSVP via this link.
Hope to see you there. Guests are welcome... please RSVP!
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NEXT STEPS IN ENNEAGRAM EXPLORATION
Join us Saturday, May 24, at 1:00pm on Zoom. We are reviewing various aspects of Enneagram theory.
This month we will be focusing on the archetypes of each type. If you have some books that talk about archetypes you can read up on this this month. Or, check out Beatrice Chestnut's podcast, Enneagram 2.0. (This episode might be especially helpful even for those new to Enneagram!) But no preparation is necessary. If you don't know what any of this means? Join us and find out! |
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MEN'S BIBLE STUDY
The men's Bible study group meets every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month, at 7:00am on Zoom. Their current focus is on the book of Jeremiah. Contact Larry Kelley for more information. |
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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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MULTNOMAH SAFE REST VILLAGE UPDATES
St. Andrew's supports the Multnomah Safe Rest Village in partnership with the Friends of Multnomah Safe Rest Village. Here are ways to help:
- COMMUNITY FORUM SERIES: In May, June, and July, the Pathways Home Housing Justice Team is hosting a series of community events, inviting neighbors to come together to learn and understand more about homelessness and housing solutions:
- Film & discussion:
No Place to Grow Old. Join us on May 21, 6:30-8:30pm, at Riversgate Church in Multnomah Village for this excellent short film produced by Humans for Housing, depicting the growing epidemic of people here in Portland who are aging and find themselves without housing, highlighting intimate interviews with three people who know the challenges first hand. We will have a Q&A panel after with executive directors from agencies in Portland who work directly with this population (see event flyer in article above).
- Civic Circles with Street Roots: On June 18, 6:30-8:30pm, here at St. Andrew's, join us for another in our series of in-person conversations with members of the Street Roots Ambassadors program, all of whom have spent years homeless and on the streets. Street Roots has helped them find housing; and selling the weekly edition of the paper gets them a micro-income stream they can save for rent and other needs.
- Micro Village Expansion Project presentation: July 16, 6:30-8:30pm, here at St. Andrew's. Come learn about this proven step on the road to housing, supported by intensive research. Members of the MVEP team will describe this effective model for how people can move from a chaotic life on the streets or in temporary shelters to a stable living situation.
- MONDAY SANDWICHES: We continue Sandwich Mondays, providing a few dozen sandwiches around lunch time. Sign up HERE for instructions. Bring a dozen or so sandwiches, with a focus on healthful, protein-rich items. You’re also welcome to supply chips, drinks, cookies, etc, if you like. Also, please keep in mind that many Participants have serious dental issues and few teeth, so it’s helpful to include some things that are very easy to chew.
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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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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. 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.
Request for electronic devices: Many of our neighbors who live outside desperately need electronic devices: phones, tablets, laptops, portable WiFi hotspots.This connects them to the world of housing, medical care, employment, emergency services and other resources. If you have a device in any condition that is usable or can be repaired, please contact Marilyn Palumbo. The device should be reset to factory status from the settings menu. We’ll help with that if needed! Thank you.
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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ZIPLOC MINISTRY
Saturday, June 7
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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10:00am Worship
(also in person)
Thursday, May 8
6:00pm Anti-Racism Discussion Group, Zoom
Friday, May 9 & 16
10-12pm Virtual Coffee Chat, Zoom
Pastor Sarah will not be on-line for this these two weeks, but the link is available if people want to gather on-line. Meet Pastor Sarah at Symposium Coffee at Friday, May 9.
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ST. ANDREW'S NAMETAGS
As part of our welcome we encourage everyone to wear their name tags during Sunday worship. If your name tag is worn, has been lost, or if you never received one in the first place, contact the office and we will be happy to make you a new one (with our current logo!).
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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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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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