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Clickable Table of Contents |
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Join us in person for worship every Sunday at
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,
It's been so fantastic hearing from several of you in this stewardship season. Thanks to John, Pat, Sally and Maggie for your testimonies so far. I look forward to hearing what Linda Jessell will share this week. I hope you'll join us.
It's also been wonderful gathering with kindred from Valley and Multnomah for book discussions for four weeks so far. Thanks to all who helped provided hospitality the last two weeks and all who have participated in these discussions. I look forward to heading to Multnomah for the next two Sundays. I understand we'll have tacos for lunch this Sunday and chili the last Sunday. If you have been thinking you'd like to give this a try, you have two more opportunities.
Today I seem to be thinking about the power of sharing our voices and listening to one another. These book discussion sessions have been good practice opportunities. As the days get colder and wetter we can be tempted to isolate. But I hope we'll gather with others around fires and hot beverages and seek to share honestly and listen deeply. May this be a part of our holidays this year.
Please pray for several in our congregation and beyond dealing with serious health conditions, navigating grief, and otherwise struggling. Heather Hellman, pastor at Multnomah, asks that we pray for the people of the Gray's Landing apartments. These are the low-income apartments across from the ICE facility. Heather heard from a resident that with the weather change they can no longer open their windows to let any fresh air in. They have not all received air filtration devices and there is so much tear gas dust it is getting harder and harder to breathe. They have started a GoFundMe to get kids and families out for cheap weekends at a hotel, but they are sinking into deeper depression. She also shared that our colleague Josh Dunham and Covenant Gresham is getting hit really hard with ICE activity in their church community. At one point agents were even rattling every door to try and get in the church. They host an immigrant church who is no longer coming to worship because they are so afraid. So much for which to pray. God, hear our prayers.
If you have children- your own, or grandchildren, or friends- in your life, please bring them with you to church. We have 8 members of this church who will be ready to provide a child-friendly welcome on Sunday mornings, support families in having meaningful worship experiences, and care for young children in the nursery. This new plan launches this week. We also offer Supper Church twice a month, on the second and fourth Sundays at 5pm. This is a relaxed, alternative worship, learning, and fellowship gathering for all ages. We will gather at 5pm in the lounge this Sunday. Let Roberta Schlechter know if you plan to join us.
Friday coffee chats are another great opportunity to speak and to listen. I hope you'll join me tomorrow at 10am (or any time thereafter until noon) on Zoom. Bring your favorite hot beverage and find your most comfy seat and log on.
Peace be with you and with our world,
Pastor Sarah
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SCRIPTURE
November 9
Amos 1:1-2; 5:14-15, 21-24
John 7:37-38
November 16
Isaiah 9:1-7
John 8:12
Read these passages online here |
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TABLE TALKS
Please join us after service this Sunday as we continue the book discussion of
Disunity in Christ:
Uncovering the Hidden Forces that Keep Us Apart by Christena Cleveland.
The final two sessions take place at Multnomah Presbyterian Church. These table talks will include fellowship and a meal on Sunday afternoons (beginning at 12pm), November 9 and 16.
Please click here to register for this event and let the organizers know which session(s) you're able to attend. Or use this QR code to access the registration site:
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SUPPER CHURCH
Join us for SUPPER CHURCH this Sunday, November 9 at 5pm in the Lounge by the Chapel. We’ll celebrate one another, share fun, fellowship, prayer and praise. We will visit the 1 Kings story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal. We will have a story-related craft activity for the children, a chat time for the adults, and lots of dinner fellowship.
PLEASE CONSIDER providing a simple dinner (to feed 12-15 adults/children) for this event. Plan to arrive by 5:00pm. And when you do, please, PLAN TO JOIN US for the evening! We meet from 5:00-6:30pm in the Lounge/Chapel.
Hope to see you Sunday! Guests are always welcome. Please RSVP via this link.
And if you're willing to bring dinner for the evening, or have questions, please email Roberta Schlechter.
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SPIRITUAL FORMATION AT ST. ANDREW'S
The Spiritual Formation group meets every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month from 12:30-2:00pm in the Lounge.
Please join Amy Houchen and Jan Reynolds on November 19 as they continue to discuss how attention to beauty and enacting compassion can infuse our lives with meaning and joy, particularly in dark and difficult times.
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If you have questions, please contact Jan. |
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We are working on forming our Cuba Mission delegation and would love for you to join us!
Short-term trips like this can be life-altering and help deepen your faith in ways that you may never experience back home. They also put our beliefs into action – reminding us that we are the body of Christ sent forward into the world.
It’s understandable, particularly at this time of year (lots of activities, events, and more to plan/shop for) and in our current economy, that you may be struggling to put the pieces of the puzzle together and are working to justify travel costs, time off from work, arranging childcare, etc.
Your Mission Team wants anyone who has the desire to join our next Mission trip to Cuba (slated for Spring Break 2026) to be able to participate. We don’t want anyone to miss out on this experience!
Travel costs will be steep (it is estimated that it could be around $2,500 per person) and time is not entirely on our side (we need to form the delegation and work on getting religious work visas by December 15). We recognize that this may pose a financial hardship to many and have been discussing ways in which we can raise funds to offset expenses (if you have ideas, we’d love to chat!).
Please consider joining the delegation and contact Marilyn Palumbo (even if you have an inkling of interest, she’s a great resource and can help you in your decision-making process). In the meantime, we will lift the congregation as well as friends, family, and community members up in prayer, asking for God’s guidance and clarity as they discern their path in supporting this ministry. |
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Learning & Fellowship Opportunities |
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NOVEMBER'S REFORMER
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.
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Let’s meet a modern day Reformer:
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a willing sufferer: Dietrick Bonhoeffer was born in Breslau on February 4, 1906. His father was a prominent professor of psychiatry and neurology; his mother was one of the few women of her generation to obtain a university degree.
Bonhoeffer studied theology in Berlin. He traveled to Barcelona as pastor of the confessing church, to New York's Union Theological Seminary as a graduate student, and as a pastor in London. His interest in associating theology with politics became clear. He was profoundly influenced by theologian Karl Barth. At age 25 Bonhoeffer began teaching at the theological faculty in Berlin.
Among the theological questions he taught, is “
Who is Christ for us today?” Regarding the triune God, Bonhoeffer argued that only a suffering God can help us in our suffering. He understood the theology of
election as a call, not to privilege, but to service; the grace of God is freely given, but is not cheap. He insisted that the church must share in the secular problems of ordinary life.
Story continues next month...
Let’s make learning a lifelong journey!
Roberta Schlechter, CCE
Source for photo: Wikimedia Commons (Bettina Rott:
Wilhelm Rott, 1908-1967: Lebenszeugnis, Pro Business Verlag, 2008.)
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ST. ANDREW'S BOOK CLUB
Please join us on Thursday, November 20 at 10am in the lounge as we discuss
Solito by Javier Zamora.
Whether it's your first time attending a book club (ours or one in general), or if you're a seasoned reader with lots of book club experience, ALL are welcome.
If you have suggestions or questions, contact Sarah (Sadie) Pullen.
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BE A "COFFEE ANGEL" DURING FELLOWSHIP
Volunteers are always needed on Sundays to make post-worship coffee hour & fellowship happen. If you would like to sign up for one or more Sundays, click here to sign up. Contact Marie Dolson or Gail Planck for more info.
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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. Set your alarm and jump right in! Contact Larry Kelley for more information. |
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CHOIR NEWS
Choir rehearsal takes place after service each Sunday in the chapel.
Everyone is welcome; just bring a love of singing. For more information, contact Don Feely.
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ANTI-RACISM DISCUSSION GROUP
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NEXT STEPS IN ENNEAGRAM EXPLORATION
Our exploration of enneagrams continues Saturday, November 22 at 1:00pm via Zoom. Whether you've joined us before or are a newcomer, ALL are welcome! |
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ZIPLOC MINISTRY
The first Saturday of each month
10:30am-12:00pm - 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 December 6th Ziploc bag filling, at worship on Sundays, or during office hours.
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If you have any questions about our ministries or would like to be a part of our Mission Team, contact Marilyn Palumbo |
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ST. ANDREW'S QUILTERS
The St. Andrew's quilters meet on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month at 9:30am. 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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COATS FOR KIDS
Your generosity last year helped The South Riverside Foundation Team provide 488 brand new warm coats to needy children in the Portland area.
This year, as the cost of living continues to rise, they are seeing a greater need for warm winter coats. For every $25 donated, Coats for Kids can provide a child with a brand-new warm coat. 100% of your donation goes directly toward purchasing these coats, and every dollar makes a difference.
The goal this year is to provide 500 coats, and with your support, Coats for Kids can make sure even more children stay warm this winter. Giving is easy! Just use one of the following methods:
- Credit or debit cards accepted online via PayPal or by clicking the "Donate Now" link on the website.
- Scan one of these QR codes to donate through Venmo or the Coats for Kids website.
- Mail your donation, if you prefer, to Ron Schneberger, Treasurer (14809 SW 91st Ave, Tigard, OR 97224-5777.
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MULTNOMAH SAFE REST VILLAGE NEWS
St. Andrew's supports the Multnomah Safe Rest Village in partnership with the Friends of Multnomah Safe Rest Village. Under the new ownership of Urban Alchemy, our unhoused neighbors are provided clean hygiene facilities and offered healthy meals, through an approach that supports guests’ physical and mental health, as well as by empowerment and skill training. Here are ways you can help:
Yoga Mats Needed! A weekly yoga class, with a wonderful volunteer teacher, has started at MSRV and guests are enthusiastic about being a part of it. If you have an extra yoga mat (or several), please donate. Blocks and blankets are also welcome.
FMSRV Sandwich Mondays need lots of volunteers to make healthful sandwiches and drop them off at the gate: Click here to sign up! You can add a few other snacks and cookies if you wish, but it's not required. Remember, some guests have few or no teeth (sad to say, this is a common result of being homeless), so make sure you include some things that are easy to chew.
For frequent MSRV updates, visit the Friends of Multnomah Safe Rest Village website, and join their Facebook group for updates, news, photos, connections. For more information about any of these programs contact the St. Andrew's office. Kara is happy to answer any of your questions.
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SERVING OUR NEIGHBORS AT WEST WOMEN'S & CHILDREN'S SHELTER
We prepare and deliver monthly, homemade casseroles and other food items to this domestic violence shelter. Recipes and instructions are provided. Casseroles are dropped off at St. A’s during the first Saturday Ziploc event. We always need more volunteers who love to cook. If you’d like to share in serving our neighbors at WWCS, check out the link here.
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SOUTHWEST OUTREACH
Southwest Outreach is an active civic group connecting with our neighbors living outside in SW Portland through visits, conversation, and relationship-building through a variety of programs and services.
If you see (or know of) someone living outside in our area and you are uncertain how or whether to approach, you can always contact Southwest Outreach for a team to visit them. Call Marilyn Palumbo at 971-235-5788.
Shower Program
Located at Riversgate Church in Multnomah Village, this weekly SW Outreach 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, and 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.
Volunteer Opportunities
If you are interested in volunteering with this important and effective group, contact 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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Supporting Your Faith Family
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PLAN TO COME SEE SHREK AT TUALATIN HIGH SCHOOL
Caroline Sanderson-Doughty has been cast as Fiona in
Shrek:The Musical at Tualatin High School.
The show goes up:
- Thursday, November 13 at 7pm
- Saturday November 15 at 2pm and 7pm
- Thursday, November 20 at 7pm
- Saturday November 22 at 2pm and 7pm
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ISING 20th ANNIVERSARY WINTER CONCERT AT THE RESER-
REACHING FOR THE STARS
In celebration of their 20th Anniversary, ISing Choir is thrilled to present Reaching for the Stars on Dec. 6th (7:30pm) and Dec. 7th (3:00pm) at The Reser in Beaverton.
They will begin their celestial adventure with the West Coast premiere of “To Shiver the Sky,” a musical journey celebrating the spirit of exploration and humankind’s quest to conquer the heavens. This monumental oratorio on the history of flight, composed by Grammy Award winner Christopher Tin, will be performed under the direction of Stephen Galván with full orchestral accompaniment, and feature acclaimed soloists Arwen Myers (soprano) and Steven Evans-Renteria (tenor). The work sets to music various texts by the world’s greatest astronomers, authors, inventors, and pilots, including da Vinci, Copernicus, Jules Verne, Amelia Earhart, and John F. Kennedy. Also included on the program will be the world premiere of “Perfect Silence,” a new work by composer and former ISing Assistant Conductor David Walters commissioned by ISing Choir. “Perfect Silence” is a musical exploration of how and why we come to know the universe. The concert will conclude with “We Come A-Darkly Caroling” by David Lovrien, a compilation of Christmas favorites sprinkled with humor and wit.
Pastor Sarah has joined the ISing Choir this fall. This choir was founded as an Intel choir 20 years ago. It is now open to the wider community and consist of 80 voices. Proceeds from all concerts go to non-profits. This year the choir is raising funds for the Beaverton Resource Center. This organization "connects people with the essential services they need, all in one place."
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Virtual Gatherings & Events
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10:00am Worship
(also in person)
Friday, November 7 & 14
10am-12pm Virtual Coffee Chat, Zoom
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ST. ANDREW'S NEEDS YOUR BOOKS
As you may know, St. Andrew's sells used books from time to time. It is a small fundraising stream, but a worthwhile endeavor.
Our current selection in storage has seen a little activity this year, but we would love to refresh our inventory in hopes of sharing some great materials with other readers (avoiding landfills) while helping St. A's in the process. You can drop off any donations to Kara in the office.
Books that sell the best tend to be:
- Literary classics (especially if they're hardback)
- Computer books (current publications, particularly if they teach a specific subject like a programming language, software program, or computer architecture)
- Business books
- Audio books (please make sure the CDs are included!)
- Fantasy/Sci-Fi books
- Biographies
- Mystery/Thriller books
- Book sets
*NOTE: We cannot accept anything with excessive damage. Some highlighting and/or signs of wear are allowed. And while we are able to sell items without a dust cover on Amazon, other sites where we've recently sold books will not accept books missing these items.
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GRAB-N-GO ITEMS AVAILABLE
The St. Andrew’s Ziploc Ministry has created extra supply bags/hygiene kits for those who like to have something in their vehicle to give to unsheltered individuals who they encounter while out and about in the community.
Please feel free to take them from the bin located in the hallway by the church office.
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DISABLED STREET PARKING ACCESS
Please note that the street parking along SW Sunset is reserved for picking up and dropping off those who need extra assistance getting inside for worship on Sundays. We ask that you please leave these spaces open and not park there. There is plentiful parking in our lot across Dosch.
Those needing assistance can also use the driveway on Dosch for dropping off and picking up, and take the elevator up to the main level. If you have any questions or need further assistance on Sundays please contact the office. |
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ST. ANDREW'S NAME TAGS
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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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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Member Database access is available anytime. Contact the office to get set up. |
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For online 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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Kara Errico, Office Administrator/Neighborhood Ministries Coordinator
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