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Join us every Sunday at 10:00am for worship!
Don't miss a thing!
Find sermons, events, and our weekly bulletin at
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Thoughts from Pastor Sarah |
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Dear Kindred in Christ,
It was so wonderful to welcome the musical gifts of Aubrey and Everett Schiefelbein into our worship service last week (and all the other band members too) just a few weeks after their baptisms! We pray Aubrey safe travels back to Chicago and a strong second semester of her first year of college. And we hope Everett will play for us again soon. Are there any drummers in our fellowship who'd like to step up?
We remain partners with a church in Santa Clara, Cuba. We are hoping to visit them in late March and in the next few months to raise consciousness of our partnership and funds to offer them as a gift. Stay tuned for the opportunity to participate in a small dinner, in the home of a fellow church member, sometime in February or early March.
Our national relationship to Latinx kindred is fraught right now. Our actions in Venezuela and the waters near Venezuela, the status of immigrants in our nation, there are multiple painful, messy, scary situations. I am extra grateful, then, that we have a direct way to share love with our Cuban kindred even as we strengthen our bonds with one another. When things feel overwhelming, finding something positive, and meaningful to do is tremendously helpful. And shoring up our connections in Christ is a wise thing to do as well.
Speaking of shoring up our connections in Christ, I hear wonderful reports about the Big Table. And your Fellowship elders are already hard at work on a potluck near Valentine's Day. Let's keep connecting and breaking bread.
It's been a long break, but I'll be back on coffee chat this Friday between 10 and 12. Even if you don't usually check in, why not give it a try? I'd love to see you and hear you.
Speaking of long breaks, our anti-racism discussions resume this evening. Hope you'll join us.
We'll continue our journey in the Gospel of John this Sunday morning and gather for Supper Church this Sunday evening for a lesson about Jesus' disciples. I hope you'll find a way to connect.
In Christ, Pastor Sarah
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Image: "The Wedding at Cana" by Jen Norton
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SCRIPTURE
January 11
John 2:1-11
Psalm 104:14-16
January 18
John 2:13-25
Psalm 127:1-2
Read these passages online here |
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JANUARY 2026
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.
Lay leadership in the Presbyterian Church is vested in the Session and Deacons. Each person begins their service by responding to a series of ORDINATION QUESTIONS. Each question centers around some orienting language: “Trust... believe... accept ... adopt ... be led ... abide by ... be a friend ... follow ... love ... reconcile ... serve ... and promise.”
Did you know...In the Hebrew language there 2 kinds of verbs: “perfect” and “imperfect.” Those “perfect” verbs attach to actions that are finished, done, past-tense. “Imperfect” verbs are ongoing, open-ended, sustaining. This orienting language is composed of imperfect verbs. In each word we, the Priesthood of Believers, can hear Jesus saying, “Follow me.” They point us toward what is sacred in this life; toward Jesus, and the body of Christ. Over the next few months we’ll take them in order.
Question #1 parallels those asked during baptism and reception of new members: “
Do you TRUST in Jesus Christ your Savior, acknowledge him Lord of all and head of the church, and through him BELIEVE in one God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?” It’s a declaration of WHO merits our trust... to connect the Lordship of Jesus Christ to his Church on earth, and look to God as Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer.
Saying YES to this question, we embrace the holy nature of our lives ... lives set apart as the Body of Christ ... involved with the Church’s mission and vocation.
Roberta Schlechter, CCE
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SUPPER CHURCH
Please join us this Sunday (January 11) as we begin a new year of Supper Church. We meet from 5:00-6:30pm in the lounge/chapel. For planning purposes, please RSVP via this link. Hope to see you there! Guests are always welcome.
WOULD YOU CONSIDER providing an occasional simple dinner for 12-15 adults/children on a Supper Church Sunday? Plan to arrive by 5:00pm. And when you do, please, PLAN TO JOIN US for the evening!
If you're willing to bring dinner, or have questions about Supper Church, please email Roberta Schlechter.
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If you would like to contribute to this potluck event, please click here to sign up for a side or dessert. Thank you so much! |
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CUBA CORNER
With only a few months to go before our delegation sets off for the Spring Mission trip to Cuba, we're gearing up to raise funds for our Cuban partner church in Santa Clara, Cuba.
As Pastor Sarah mentioned above, you may be hearing from a church member soon about a chance to take part in our "Dine & Donate for Cuba" initiative.
If you'd like to know more about this very important mission work, please contact Marilyn Palumbo. |
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RECYCLING EVENT
Kindred from Multnomah PC stopped by today to let us know about a recycling event taking place this Saturday (1/10) from 10am to 1pm at the James Recycling drop-off depot (5441 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Hwy).
This is an amazing venture,
created 10 years ago by an incredible young man who turned a fascination of hard-to-recycle materials into a career.
To read more about this event, James, and ongoing opportunities to recycle non-curbside household plastics, click here. |
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TREE RECYCLING AT ST. A's
For over 30 years, Troop 150 has been recycling Christmas trees for our members and neighbors.
Visit their site to find out about weekend drop-off dates and times, or to see if you are eligible for a curbside pickup. This program is continuing through January 18.
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ANTI-RACISM DISCUSSION GROUP
Please join us
tonight (January 8) at 7:00pm (via Zoom) and get ready to discuss Chapter 8:
So, What Do We Do With Our Families? |
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SPIRITUAL FORMATION AT ST. ANDREW'S
1st and 3rd Wednesday
12:30-2:00pm in the Lounge
Please join Amy Houchen and Jan Reynolds on January 21 as they examine Celtic Spirituality, focusing on the first seven days of Creation:
- The First Day: The Light of God
- The Second Day: The Wildness of God
- The Third Day: The Fecundity of God
- The Fourth Day: The Harmony of God
- The Fifth Day: The Creatureliness of God
- The Sixth Day: The Image of God
- The Seventh Day: The Stillness of God
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ST. ANDREW'S BOOK CLUB
New Year, New Book! We're picking up our monthly discussions at 10am on Thursday, January 15. Our book for discussion will be
The Things We Leave Unfinished by Rebecca Yarros.
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
Whether you are new to studying the Bible or someone who considers themself a student of the Word, this men's study group is looking for you. Come as you are (in comfy clothes and/or with coffee in hand) and log on to Zoom every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month at 7:00am.
Set your alarm and jump right in to group discussion, contemplation, and prayer. Contact Larry Kelley for more information. |
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CHOIR REHEARSAL
Rehearsals take place each Sunday after service in the chapel.
Everyone is welcome; just bring a love of singing. For more information, contact Don Feely.
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NEXT STEPS IN ENNEAGRAM EXPLORATION
This group is resuming its discussions at 1:00pm (via Zoom) on Saturday, January 24.
Enneagram refers to nine personality types and our discussions focus on how they are connected. This study allows us to better understand ourselves and others and is an excellent self-awareness tool for personal growth.
Whether you've joined us before or are a newcomer, ALL are welcome! Come learn about enneagram and explore deeper patterns of thinking, feeling, and acting (rather than just labeling). |
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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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ZIPLOC MINISTRY
First Saturday of the 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 distribute to those in our community who have found themselves without a home. 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 February 7th 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 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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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.
Sign up to make and drop off sandwiches (and easy-to-chew snacks, if you're so inclined) for FMSRV Sandwich Mondays. And visit the Friends of Multnomah Safe Rest Village website, and join their Facebook group for updates, news, photos, and connections.
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SERVING OUR NEIGHBORS
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.
Casseroles are dropped off at St. A’s during the first Saturday Ziploc event.
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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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Virtual Gatherings & Events
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10:00am Worship
(also in person)
Friday, January 9 & 16
10am-12pm Virtual Coffee Chat, Zoom
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If you need assistance getting to or from the church, please call
Larry Kelley at 503-724-1966. |
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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
We encourage everyone to wear their name tags during worship, as part of our welcome and when passing the peace.
If your name tag is worn, has been lost, or if you haven't received one, contact the office and we will be happy to make you a name tag for future use.
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FLOWERS FOR SUNDAY WORSHIP
If you would like to recognize a special occasion or person (e.g., 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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