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Clickable Table of Contents |
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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,
Goodness. Every day another last. This is my last pastoral letter to you. Last Sunday was my last Supper Church and we reflected together on God's call. It is God's call that brought me here nine years ago and God's call that is sending me away. August Dew asked, "Who will our next pastor be?" I know this is a question on many of your hearts. Ultimately, only God can answer that question; it is up to God's call! But, in the short term, your Session and I can answer that question. The Rev. Amy Delaney will be a half-time bridge pastor for St. A's, starting this week and continuing through at least the middle of May. Many of you have met Amy and many more will meet her soon.
Amy has been in ministry for over 30 years. She has extensive experience in Washington state, including a long call as a solo pastor, serving in both full-time and part-time capacity. That church was deemed ready to close and she was there 10 years and they are still open today. She has also served as a transitional executive presbyter and is an active spiritual director and retreat leader. She has a background in computer science as well. She is currently a vice moderator for the Presbytery of the Cascades.
Amy will preach 2-3 Sundays each month, but be present in worship leadership every week. She will be in the office Tuesday and Wednesday mornings (ordinarily, starting in March). She will moderate the Session. She will meet with teams at least once to assess what pastoral support is needed. She will offer pastoral care with the help of the Deacons and, perhaps, Pastor Patty. She will offer other service as well in negotiation with the Session. She will help the Session assess the next steps in pastoral leadership and continue the future discernment already underway on the part of the Session.
You are in excellent hands with Amy. And you have good support from the Presbytery. Last week you met Robin Garvin-transitional team lead, Brian Craker — transitional executive presbyter, and Don Ludwig — our liaison from the Commission on Ministry. This week we will be blessed to have Clark Scalera— advocate for clergy and congregations, and Don Ludwig again, with us in worship. And next Sunday (2.22), Robin Garvin will be back to preach and Amy Delaney will be the worship assistant.
I have been meeting with Amy to pass the torch. And I will meet with Presbytery folks this week for my exit interview.
And, more importantly, I'm making time to be with people to say goodbye. Tomorrow, Caroline and I will be at Morse Coffee Company on 1st Street in Lake Oswego from 10am-12pm, for my final coffee chat. What a joy it has been to gather at local businesses all around the Portland metro area and on Zoom nearly every Friday (save for vacations, study leave, and sabbatical). Won't you please stop by this Friday?
And if Friday doesn't work for you, I'll be in my office clearing it out midday and afternoon Saturday; feel free to stop by.
And if neither of those works for you, please join us Sunday morning for worship. On a few occasions in the past 9 years, I've shared the sermon time with the congregation as a whole, trusting the Spirit to inspire testimonies. And we will do that this week. We will have one more dramatic reading from the Gospel of John and then I will offer a brief introduction and open the floor to 2-3 minute testimonies to ways that your vision has been expanded or new things you can see thanks to the nine years we have shared together. Please pray about this over the next few days. What is something you can see now that you hadn't seen or couldn't see before?
At the end of worship, Clark and Don will lead us in a commissioning and blessing and I will sing the benediction one last time for you. And then we will gather for a potluck celebration. I so hope you'll join us!
Thank you for allowing me to be your pastor for the past nine years.
Thank you for sharing your hearts and tender moments with me.
Thank you for being willing to learn and grow.
Thank you for allowing me to learn and grow.
Thank you for your hospitality.
Thank you for loving my kid.
Thank you for persevering through so much struggle.
Thank you for sharing your amazing city with me.
Thank you for being open to creativity and experimentation.
Thank you for compensating me well.
Thank you for allowing me to take my first ever sabbatical.
Thank you for serving your neighbors so faithfully.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
And thanks be to God for God's powerful call to each of us.
In Christ, Pastor Sarah
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Image: “The Man Born Blind” by Henri Lindegaard. Source unknown.
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SCRIPTURE
February 15
John 9:1-41
Psalm 27:1-4
February 18 (Ash Wednesday)
John 10:1-18
Psalm 23
February 22
John 11:1-44
Psalm 104:27-30
Read these passages online here |
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*Note: This will be the last opportunity to share fellowship and a warm beverage with Pastor Sarah. Even if you've not attended the coffee chat before, now would be an excellent time to do so, as we know she wants to say goodbye to as many people as she can. |
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FINAL ANTI-RACISM DISCUSSION GROUP
Our last gathering we will be meeting in person tonight (February 12) at 5:30pm. Please plan to join us!
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Our hearts remain full of love and connection as we enter the 16th year of our partnership with the Presbyterian Church in Santa Clara, Cuba.
Even though we are unable to visit Cuba this year, our love and connection with our Cuban siblings remains strong across the miles. We find more and more ways to connect, including through our continued ability to send love and support through other U.S. partners and through the Cuba Partners Network.
During February and March, seven St. Andrew's families are opening their homes to host small group meals and conversation. Choose brunch, lunch, or dinner! We are asking for a donation of at least $50 per guest.
Dates and times are shown in the image above (please refer to the sign-up sheets for additional details like location and whether homes have pets).
Sign-ups are available before and after worship this coming Sunday (2/8). You can also sign up online or contact the office and Kara can reserve your spot(s) for you.
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FEBRUARY 15 POTLUCK
Soup's on! Come join us after service this Sunday (February 15) for our next potluck event, celebrating Pastor Sarah's ministry at St. A's.
We're still sharing a meal and warming our collective hearts, but this will now be a special time of fellowship to gather and celebrate all Pastor Sarah has done here at St. A's and wish her well as she embarks on a new chapter.
We'll provide the warm bowls of delicious soup, you bring kindness, love, and fellowship. If you'd like to contribute, please click here to sign up for a side. (Cake will be served, so we need folks to bring the other items.) Thank you so much! |
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Food Donations Collection 2/15
As we come together to share a meal and to celebrate Pastor Sarah’s ministry, don’t forget
to bring your canned goods (or check) to support Neighborhood House’s Free Food Market.
We are abundantly blessed: let’s not forget
to share abundantly with our neighbors! |
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LENTEN SERVICES
Lent is coming quickly—are you ready? We invite you to join us as we begin this 40-day journey of reflection, prayer, and purpose.
We begin with Ash Wednesday (February 18) and have two services happening that day:
- 2:00pm at the ICE facility
- 7:00pm at St. A's in the Chapel
Stay tuned for more details about services and special events at St. A's and our kindred locations during Lent, but be sure to mark your calendars for these important dates in the meantime. |
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SUPPER CHURCH
Please join us for Supper Church! This is a wonderful time of food and fellowship, as well as fun for the kiddos. We meet in the lounge/chapel from 5:00-6:30pm and children in attendance hear a Bible story and then take part in a craft that mirrors the lesson that week.
For planning purposes, please RSVP via this link. Hope to see you there! Guests are always welcome.
If you have questions about Supper Church, or would like to discuss opportunities to provide an occasional meal for this bi-weekly gathering, please email Roberta Schlechter.
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SPIRITUAL FORMATION AT ST. ANDREW'S
Please note the change in time for the next session of this group and plan to join Amy Houchen and Jan Reynolds on February 18 from 12:15-1:45pm as they continue to discuss 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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If you have questions, please contact Amy or Jan.
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ST. ANDREW'S BOOK CLUB
We're off to a great start, with some wonderful books on the calendar for upcoming discussions! Our next meeting will be at 10am on Thursday, February 19. Our February book will be
Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger.
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. We hope you will join us!
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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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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WINTER IS HERE. TEMPS ARE DROPPING. PEOPLE ARE COLD.
Winter is upon us in Portland and for our unhoused neighbors, the cold increases their needs tenfold. While Multnomah County activates severe weather shelters when temperatures are forecasted to be 25°F or below (or 32°F with driving rain/wind), many will face dangerous conditions today as temperatures hover just above these emergency thresholds.
With many year-round shelters remaining at capacity and additional emergency beds only opening during specific "severe" windows, our community members are often left without a designated day space or overnight warming center during "regular" freezing weather.
If you have anything that can help our neighbors who are living rough day-to-day (warm clothing, boots, winter outerwear, hand warmers, hygiene products, tents, tarps, sleeping bags), please consider donating your items to keep this community safe and warm during the cold winter months. |
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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 March 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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IMPORTANT LOCAL NEWS ABOUT MSRV:
"You may have seen this article in the Mercury about the mayor's intention to speed up removal of people from the City's pod shelters if they're not "making progress" after being there 120 days. This is worrisome, because the alternatives are few, and some Guests are understandably confused about expectations. City Shelter Services responded to our fears with this message: “Of the City shelters, MSRV has the fewest people who would be exited, which shows a high level of engagement from guests. If someone never leaves their pod, or actively refuses to engage with staff, this would cause an exit. We need to have folks in shelter that are invested in moving
out of shelter, so we can serve as many people as possible. If someone is exited, they will be offered space at our overnight shelters. After 90 days, they become eligible for referral back into the alternative shelter system.” Our projects and activities may help people stay sheltered, by helping them make connections and have things to look forward to."
- Friends of MSRV Newsletter, January 10, 2026
Ways you can help:
- Sign up to make and drop off sandwiches (and easy-to-chew snacks, if you're so inclined) for FMSRV Sandwich Mondays.
- Drop off donations of food, gently used clothing, new hygiene items, and pet food.
- Get involved! Opportunities are available to serve meals, assist with art projects, and engage with the community by Tabling at Hillsdale Farmers Market.
- Visit the Friends of Multnomah Safe Rest Village website, and join their Facebook group for updates, news, photos, and connections.
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.
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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. Reimbursement for cost of ingredients is available.
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
Now located at Village Grace Church, 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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ZOOM CALL FOR CONGREGATIONS (TONIGHT!)
Tonight at 6:00pm, all members of Cascades congregations are invited to join Together Lab and Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition for Zoom call to:
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Understand the increased ICE activity in Oregon, including where and how they’re operating.
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Know where to plug into faithful organizing strategies across the state, including neighborhood-based, legislative, and upcoming mass mobilizations.
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Take meaningful action while on the call to flex our collective muscles.
Register to attend here
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10:00am Worship
(also in person)
*Note: This final coffee chat with
Pastor Sarah
will unplug and meet
in person.
Friday, February 13
10am-12pm Coffee Chat
Morse Coffee Company
(417 1st St., Lake Oswego)
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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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