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Dear friends in Christ,
This week we are combining the Pastor and Session notes into this one update.
You may recall that in 2025 the Session engaged A.E. Sloane Leadership to conduct a thorough interview process with the congregation. There was a congregational survey, focus groups, and a story-telling event. Each of these provided good information for the consultants’ understanding of who St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church is, and what particular gifts we bring to the world around us. The goal of the consultancy process was to help us more fully understand the views of the congregation as a whole at this moment in time and identify the unique gifts we have to offer the community at large — some of which may have not yet been discovered. This would then guide us as we decide how we want to move forward.
The Session had planned to review the A.E. Sloane results in February, but that was delayed until our March meeting due to Pastor Sarah’s acceptance of a new call. The Session meeting on March 19th will primarily be devoted to understanding the work that was done, and how that information can assist us in the tasks before us as we search for the next pastoral leader, especially as we describe our congregation during the search process. I reached out and spoke with one of the consultants from A.E. Sloane last week and am looking forward to sharing more about their results with the Session on the 19th. We are also planning on holding a Town Hall discussion after worship on Sunday March 22nd.
Speaking of our next pastoral leader, on March 5th, the Session met with the Rev. Robin Garvin who assists congregations with transitions on behalf of the Presbytery. She talked us through the various options for the next kind of pastoral leader. As a result, we believe St. Andrew’s would be best served by a trained transitional pastor. A transitional pastor shepherds a congregation through a short transition time (averaging 12-18 months) as the Session and, most likely, also a Pastor Nominating Committee begin the work of finding the next pastor. The transitional pastor is more than a placeholder — in addition to providing for worship, administration, and pastoral care — they will have a list of tasks to be accomplished during the transition with the Session’s help. A subgroup of the Session is currently working on a position description for the transitional pastor which will go before the full Session this coming Thursday. Once approved by us, it will go to the Presbytery’s Commission on Ministry, Northwest region, for their quick approval. Following that, it will be posted in all the places that Presbyterian pastors usually look for new positions.
I realize that there has been some conversation about a future merger of the Southwest area Presbyterian churches. After speaking with the pastors of our neighboring congregations, I now realize that any talk of merger is premature. We will hold open all future options, but the other congregations do not currently have a merger on their 10-year horizon. So, our Session will move forward with planning for the continuing ministry for our congregation, beginning first with a transitional pastor.
With thanks for your prayers,
Pastor Amy and your St. Andrew’s Session
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Our Lenten image shows a maze in the foreground with a cross seen through fog in the distance, reflecting that our Lenten journey will not be a straight and simple march to the cross. Each week, this image will change, showing a different vantage point (as though we've entered into the maze and are working our way towards the cross).
In Week 4, we are continuing to wind our way through the maze and can see the cross in the distance, but know we’re getting closer. In our readings from John’s gospel, we’ll encounter Jesus opening the eyes of his friends and disciples to who he is and what he is calling them to do, and then the cowardice of Peter’s denial of Jesus and of Pilate’s giving in to the crowd’s call for crucifixion.
We invite you to consider your own faith journey and what Lent means to you as we come to the cross together.
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SCRIPTURE
March 15
John 18:28-40
Psalm 145:10-13
March 22
John 19:1-16a
Psalm 146
Read these passages online here |
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SPECIAL OFFERING
In Isaiah 58, the prophet exclaims, “Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to live in” (Isaiah 58:12). As the people of Israel returned from the cloud of exile and struggled to rebuild their lives, Isaiah questioned their efforts: [Are you not called] “to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover them?” (Isaiah 58:7).
When we give to One Great Hour of Sharing, we are combining our efforts with thousands of churches across the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to repair peoples’ lives — people who are hurting, oppressed, lost or on the margins of society. The exact people about whom Isaiah is speaking of. The people we are called to connect with every day, but especially in the light of the Good News of the resurrection.
This is an opportunity for our congregation to recommit to our participation to do our part to participate in God’s ongoing repair of the world God so loves. Your gifts benefit Presbyterian ministries to end hunger and poverty, provide assistance after disaster strikes, work with sustainable community development, and come alongside immigrants, migrants, and refugees.
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PARKING LOT CLEANUP THIS SATURDAY!
Please consider joining our dedicated team of environmentally savvy and curb appeal conscious individuals as we work together to beautify the parking lot and surrounding area (by Restoration Creek) this Saturday (March 14) from 9:00am-12:00pm.
We will have Scouts assisting, and light refreshments will be provided. Many hands make light work! We appreciate anything you're able to do for as long as you can do it. |
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GIVING PUBLIC TESTIMONY - LEARN HOW!
Our friends at Multnomah Pres invite us to join them for a presentation entitled
Learn How to Give Public Testimony in Local Meetings.
Using our voice to help those who are vulnerable in our communities is more important than ever, but how do you address local leaders to do that? One powerful tool to use is public testimony in meetings like City Council sessions, school board meetings, and more.
When you have just three timed minutes to address leaders it can be stressful, but with a few tips you can make sure your time is impactful. A staffer from one of our Portland City Councilors' offices will be at this event to show us how to advocate on behalf of our neighbors with public testimony.
When: This Sunday (3/15) at 12pm
Where: Multnomah Presbyterian Church
(7555 SW 45th Ave, Portland)
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St. Andrew's would like to offer our gratitude to the children, staff, and families of Vermont Hills Family Life Center -- not only do they make our days a little brighter with the sounds of preschool learning, but they have been collecting food to support our mission work with Neighborhood House.
We will be adding their collection to our next donation to the Free Food Market at Neighborhood House. We are truly fortunate to have such a wonderful group of people sharing our building. |
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ST. A'S ROSE GARDEN
The first rose bloom has appeared! And it was quite a surprise -- the first time we've seen this particular variety prior to May. The next time you stop by the rose garden, take note of the Sunsprite, a small yellow rose known for its fragrance. |
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Mike House is working on preparing nameplates for this rose and others, as well as a map of the garden. We should have access to this information sometime this summer. And our Building & Grounds team is looking into getting an irrigation system in place too. Stay tuned!
Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder |
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DID YOU MISS IT??
Did you think you missed your chance to join your church family in a home meal and support our sister church in Santa Clara, Cuba? Think again! We have another group forming for those who haven’t yet found their place.
Please leave a message with Kara at the church office or Carolyn
Gazeley at 503.519.6764 to indicate your interest. Carolyn will offer dates to find one that is mutually acceptable.
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LENTEN SERVICES
Lent is time when we embark on a 40-day journey of reflection, prayer, and purpose. Mark your calendars for some special services during Lent and Holy Week that we will be sharing with our Kindred at Multnomah PC and Valley PC.
Please plan to attend the Palm Sunday service at Multnomah Presbyterian Church. This special service takes place at 10:30am that Sunday (March 29). |
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REGISTER NOW! SW HOPE 5K & BUNNY CHASE
SW Hope Feed the Hungry 5K is back again (for the 5th year!), benefiting Neighborhood House Free Food Market. This year, the event takes place on Saturday, April 11.
Where:
Oregon Episcopal School (6300 SW Nicol Rd, Portland)
When:
Kids Fun Run (and Bunny Chase) begins at 9:45am
5K Run/Walk following at 10:15am
Register today for the walk/run or to enter your littles in the Kids Run and Bunny Chase! For more information about the race and how the 5K supports our neighbors here in SW Portland experiencing food insecurity, click here.
And consider adding an event t-shirt with an adorable design when you register -- proceeds further go to supporting the mission of SW Hope. |
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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. We hope to see you at our next gathering (Sunday, March 22). 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 plan to join Amy Houchen and Jan Reynolds on March 18 from 12:30-2:00pm 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, March 19. Our March book will be
The Last Green Valley by Mark T. Sullivan.
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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ZIPLOC MINISTRY
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 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 April 4th 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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LEND A HAND TO MSRV
St. Andrew's supports the Multnomah Safe Rest Village (MSRV) in partnership with the Friends of Multnomah Safe Rest Village. Under the 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.
How can you 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.
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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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10:00am Worship
(also in person)
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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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ST. ANDREW'S NAME TAGS
We've created all new name tags for everyone! Stop by the tower by the sanctuary doors in the narthex and grab your new name tag and wear it during worship. (Don't forget to return it there after service so you'll have it next week too!)
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If you don't see yours, ask one of our welcome team members if we already have an updated one on hand. (Kara updated all of the tags that were previously on the tower, and there is now a "backup" bin full of tags -- what's on the tower are folks in our current directory ... rest assured, we haven't forgotten the many folks who make St. A's such a wonderful, welcoming space and want to have tags available for anyone who may only be able to make a service in-person on occasion.)
As part of our welcome and when passing the peace, name tags help put names with faces - a crucial part of fellowship! If you're new or we missed creating a new name tag for you, please contact the office and we will be happy to make you a name tag for future use. |
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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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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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