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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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Dear friends in Christ,
It was a blessing to worship with so many old and new friends last Sunday at Multnomah Presbyterian church as three SW Portland Presbyterian churches (Valley Community, Multnomah, and St. Andrew’s) came together for Palm Sunday worship. It was a celebratory time with so many gathered together. I think I would love playing in a marimba choir, wouldn’t you? And also, it was a serious time for reflection on how we are living out the good news of Jesus in today’s world.
This week has opportunities for Maundy Thursday and Good Friday worship at Valley Community and Multnomah, respectively. I hope you can join me for one or both of the services. On Sunday at 10 AM we will great Easter Sunday worship in our sanctuary with the words, “Christ is Risen! Christ is risen Indeed!”, celebrating with choir, brass, and communion as we joyfully worship together. We will add our cut flowers to a flower cross in recognition of the great good news of the new life we have in Jesus.
I also wanted to update you on the work of the Session. The position description for a transitional pastor has been approved and we are beginning to advertise the position locally and regionally. It has been posted on the Presbytery of the Cascades job openings web page, and in a few weeks, we should also have the position posted on the national PCUSA job site just in case the one person we are looking for will find us through that network. Meanwhile, you can read more about our transition on the St. Andrew’s website by clicking the “About” tab and then the “St. A’s in Transition” button at the top right side of the screen. And you’ll also see the posting for position just below that (the “We’re Hiring!” button).
However you celebrate Easter this year, I pray that it will be memorable, reflective, and filled with joy.
In Christ, Pastor Amy, Your Bridge Pastor
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Image:
Moyers, Mike. “Awake My Soul,” from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN. https://diglib.library.vanderbilt.edu/act-imagelink.pl?RC=57138 [retrieved March 31, 2026]. Original source: Mike Moyers, https://www.mikemoyersfineart.com/. |
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SCRIPTURE
April 5
John 20:1-18
Psalm 118:21-29
April 12
John 20:19-31
Psalm 145:13-21
Read these passages online here |
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SPECIAL OFFERING - APRIL 5 (EASTER SUNDAY!)
Around the world, millions of people lack access to sustainable food sources, clean water, sanitation, education, and opportunity. The work done in support of the causes supported by One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) — disaster, hunger, poverty, climate change, and immigration/migration and refugees — serves individuals and communities in need. This work provides people with safety, sustenance, and hope.
Received during the season of Lent (Feb. 18–April 5), each gift to this Special Offering helps to improve the lives of people in these challenging situations. The Offering provides us a way to share God’s love with our neighbors in need. In fact, OGHS is the single, largest way Presbyterians come together every year to
work for a better world.
We will dedicate this offering on this Sunday, April 5 (Easter Sunday!). Please give generously.
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HELP DECORATE THE CROSS!
As is our Easter tradition, you are welcome to bring flowers from your garden in the morning this Sunday to decorate the cross in our sanctuary as part of our Easter Sunday celebration.
If you don't have any flowers to bring, no worries -- there are always plenty to share! |
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Easter Sunday service is back at St. A's, but please don't forget that our kindred churches will be hosting evening services for Holy Week tonight and tomorrow:
Maundy Thursday at Valley Community PC (after a shared meal at 6pm).
Good Friday at Multnomah PC (in person and online here). |
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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.
Continuing with the ORDINATION QUESTIONS that Elders and Deacons respond to, the next ordination question is about how we govern.
Question #4:
Will you be governed by our church’s polity, and will you ABIDE BY its discipline? Will you BE A FRIEND among your colleagues in ministry, working with them, subject to the ordering of God’s word and spirit?
This question deals with a churchy word, “Polity.” It’s a benchmark for making decisions while showing grace to one another. Polity is about doing things right ... and about prayerfully doing the right things.
We “do church” in keeping with our freedom in Christ. We are to discern the will of God together ... in shared hospitality and common commitment. Prayerfully calling on the Holy Spirit, we are summoned to SPEAK truth ... and LISTEN to those who differ.
It's about bringing hospitality and grace to our common fellowship.
Roberta Schlechter, CCE
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SW HOPE 2026 - DINE FOR A GREAT CAUSE
There are two more dates available to participate in Dine Out to Donate (part of SW Hope: The Hope in Neighboring).
The restaurants shown here will donate a percentage of their sales to support Neighborhood House’s Free Food Market and related programs. By participating, you help ensure families, seniors, and children have reliable access to nutritious food. |
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REGISTER NOW! SW HOPE 5K & BUNNY CHASE
SW Hope Feed the Hungry 5K is happening next weekend! If you'd like to take part in this event benefiting Neighborhood House Free Food Market, don't forget to register now.
Date:
Saturday, April 11
Location:
Oregon Episcopal School (6300 SW Nicol Rd, Portland)
Time:
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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Big changes are afoot with our church communications!
Stay tuned for a new format to this weekly newsletter, which will provide readers with a "TLDR" (Too Long, Didn't Read) style -- directing them to our website for |
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information about fellowship groups, mission work, and other activities at St. A's that happen on a recurring basis. (That means less scrolling for you and a much shorter eNews in your inbox, ensuring we are highlighting the latest and greatest information without losing resources for anyone looking to take part in something at the church.)
And while we are taking away from the newsletter, the website will be getting an overhaul to accommodate these changes (and hopefully provide a more user-friendly experience to navigate to the information you seek). |
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CHOIR REHEARSAL
The choir will be taking a break for a bit!
Rehearsals, which take place each Sunday after service in the chapel, will resume on Sunday, April 26.
Everyone is welcome; just bring a love of singing. For more information, contact Don Feely.
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SPIRITUAL FORMATION AT ST. ANDREW'S
We have enjoyed discussing the seven days of creation through the lens of Celtic Spirituality! Our final meeting, at which Jan will teach "The Seventh Day: The Stillness of God" will take place on Wednesday, April 15 from 12:30-2:00pm in the lounge.
This group is always a drop-in gathering -- no need to have read the book!
Please contact Amy or Jan if you have questions. And stay tuned for our next |
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session, where we will be discussing
Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life by Richard Rohr. |
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SUPPER CHURCH
With Holy Week activities happening now, Supper Church will take a short pause and resume on Sunday, April 12. For planning purposes, please RSVP via this link. We hope to see you there. Guests are always welcome! Questions? Please email Roberta Schlechter.
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ST. ANDREW'S BOOK CLUB
Our next meeting will be at 10am on Thursday, April 16th at which time we'll discuss the book will be
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon.
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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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 will resume their sessions at 9:30am on Wednesday, April 8.
If you're interested in learning more about the beautiful creations this group makes (donated to organizations that provide warmth to those in need), please contact Gail Planck for more information. All are welcome to join this bi-monthly group gathering (2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month at 9:30am in the quilting room at St. A's). |
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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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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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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?
- Speak out to support the MSRV and dispel misconceptions!
- 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 or garden projects, and engage with the community by Tabling at Hillsdale Farmers Market.
- Put up a "We Support FMSRV lawn sign." (Text Robin at 503-703-7183 for info.)
- 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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Friday, April 3 (Good Friday)
7:30pm Worship
(in person
at Multnomah Presbyterian Church)
Sunday, April 5 & 12
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
As part of our welcome and when passing the peace, name tags help put names with faces - a crucial part of fellowship! Stop by the tower by the sanctuary doors in the narthex and grab your 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. If you're new, you've misplaced your name tag, or we missed creating a tag for you when we recently made all new ones for everyone, 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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