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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,
This week I have been thinking about the blessings of community, and how one act of loving kindness (Hesed in Hebrew) ripples through many lives beyond the intended recipient.
Our grandkids have a new picture book in their home,
What Should Danny Do? by Ganit and Adir Levy, a “choose your own story” book about a young superhero named Danny. A similar book with Darla as the protagonist is also available. Danny’s superpower? The power to choose! At several points during Danny’s day he has the power to make a choice that will lead to a very good day, or a not so good day. The reader chooses which path to take and then the story continues with the consequences of that choice, before facing yet another choice. In our house it passes the keeper test — do they ask to read it again? Yes!
As I read that book one evening this week with the grandkids, I realized that this book is a good reminder for all of us about how some choices build relationships, build community or assist others … and some choices do not.
In the book of Ruth, the first chapter begins with a choice for Naomi’s recently widowed daughters-in-law. Will they travel return to their own mothers, or will they choose to travel to a foreign land with their widowed mother-in-law, Naomi. Orpah chooses to go home, and Ruth chooses to go with Naomi. The next choice once Ruth and Naomi arrive in Bethlehem, is made seemingly randomly when Ruth goes gleaning for food for her and Naomi. Come to worship on Sunday, or read along in the book of Ruth for more of the story. We will focus on chapter 2 this week.
Ruth and Naomi aren’t alone in facing choices. I met this week with a seminarian who will be searching for his first pastoral call in 2027. He has many choices about his future direction. Parents have made choices about summer plans and school in the fall. Teachers are planning for the end of the year and also choosing what to do differently next year. And our Session will soon be making a choice regarding the transitional pastor to shepherd this congregation. Each of us decide what to do with our time, our energy, and our resources. And in all these choices God waits patiently for us to pray, to reflect, to consider what to do with our power to choose that will show the love of God and neighbor to the world.
Choose well!
In Christ,
Pastor Amy
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Image: Swanson, John August.
Story of Ruth, from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN. https://diglib.library.vanderbilt.edu/act-imagelink.pl?RC=56561 [retrieved May 27, 2026]. Original source: Estate of John August Swanson, https://www.johnaugustswanson.com/. (This is a section of a multi-paneled image.) |
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SCRIPTURE
June 7
Ruth 2:1-23
Luke 6:36-38
June 14
Ruth 3:1-18
Matthew 7:7-8
Read these passages online here |
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REMEMBERING STEVE GRIFFITH
We hope you will be able to attend the memorial service that Steve Griffith's family has been preparing. The service takes place at Lincoln High School this Sunday (June 7) at 2pm. The service will be livestreamed on YouTube -- a link will be provided as soon as we receive it. |
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SEMI-ANNUAL MEETING
Please plan to stay after worship this Sunday (June 7) for the semi-annual congregational meeting, at which time we will elect officers for the church and conduct the business of the foundation, including changes to the foundation by-laws (i.e., the number of board members, allowing for electronic meetings, etc.).
Copies of the proposed by-laws are available for your review in the office any time this week, as well as on Sunday after service.
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This Sunday is Communion Sunday!
That means we'll be collecting non-perishable food items for Neighborhood House Free Food Market.
Over the last two donation drop-offs, Jeanette delivered nearly 100 lbs of food. During the last delivery, she was told that canned diced tomatoes are in desperate need (even Oregon Food Bank didn't have any!) and our donation of this item was greatly appreciated. To further meet the need where it's greatest, we now have a list of most-requested items from our friends at Neighborhood House, which can be found below (click here to view online). |
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ZIPLOC MINISTRY
This Saturday! (June 6)
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 next Ziploc bag filling, at worship on Sundays, or during office hours.
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SAVE THE DATE
Our next potluck is picnic-themed! (Think hot dogs, and grab-n-go items.) Please join us after service on Sunday, June 28. As this is also the last day that Pastor Amy is with our congregation, we want to join together not only to experience fellowship with her, but to express our thanks for the time she's spent here during this time of transition. Mark your calendars and plan to attend! More information to follow. |
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ROSES HAVE BLOOMED
With the gorgeous weather and warmer days (albeit sometimes higher temps than we humans may prefer), St. A's Sacred Rose Garden is now bursting with color and a true delight to all of the senses.
Thanks to Mike House for coordinating the water irrigation system installation, which is now set to release seven gallons of water per rose bush each week.
Stop by and admire this beautiful sight next time you're at the church! |
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PREPARING FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT
St. A's is a busy place throughout the week! At any given time, we have folks here for our own fellowship and ministry groups, support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous, troops representing Scouting America, musical performance group rehearsals, as well as small gatherings on weekends (e.g., recitals, community celebrations, etc.). And we also share our worship spaces with the congregation of New Church of Oregon.
Kara coordinates the schedule for all building users and places all activities, including times and locations, on our church calendar. You can access this at any time to see what's happening here at St. A's. This is particularly helpful when planning setup for your own events (if arrangements have not been made prior with Kara). Simply click on the calendar button next to the first heading on our Events page, or click here for direct access to this calendar. |
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CONTINUE TO STAY VIGILANT ONLINE!
Scammers continue to attempt to gain access to our information -- an unfortunate side effect of living in the digital world -- but your continued scrutiny of sender email addresses and action to thwart these phishing attempts has kept them at bay.
Two new email addresses to note (report, block, and delete any messages you may receive from them!), posing as Pastor Amy requesting time to discuss various matters are:
- rev.fatherpastor1officecare@gmail.com
- pastorchurchmail.co@gmail.com
As we've noted in other email notifications about scam attempts, St. A's pastors (past, present, and future) will never reach out to you with a request of this nature. And you can often tell by subject line or content in the email that it's not how our pastors speak.
When in doubt, contact the office and do not click on any links nor open any attachments! |
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PAVING ON DOSCH ROAD
PBOT has issued a traffic advisory notice about road maintenance that will be taking place over the coming days along SW Dosch Road (from 100 feet east of Patton Road to Hamilton Street).
Paving crews are expected to work from about 6am to 5pm Mondays through Thursdays. The work is expected to be completed by Tuesday, June 23.
We've been advised to expect delays, travel cautiously, observe all closures and directions by flaggers, and use alternate routes if possible. Local access to residences and businesses will remain available.
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From an email from EMO, dated 5/6/26:
John Fugelsang is an actor, comedian and host of “Tell Me Everything” on SiriusXM Progress. He is also the author of the
New York Times bestseller, “Separation of Church and Hate: A Sane Person’s Guide to Taking Back the Bible from Fundamentalists, Fascists and Flock-Fleecing Frauds.”
Fugelsang uses humor and biblical scholarship to challenge far-right Christian ideologies, such as Christian nationalism, and argues for a return to the core teachings of Jesus--love, mercy and service. He provides a toolbox for responding to Christian nationalism on the biggest issues that divide us today: immigration, LGBTQIA2S+ rights, poverty, gun safety, feminism, the death penalty, and more. (To learn more, read article, "A Return to the Core Teachings of Jesus: Fugelsang delivers a biblically correct takedown of far-right Christian authoritarianism").
If you want to learn directly from John Fugelsang about his approach to using the scripture and Jesus’ teachings to challenge Christian nationalism and authoritarianism, join us at the 2026 Collins Lecture for "A Conversation on the Separation of Church and Hate."
Saturday, June 6 at 7pm
Trinity Episcopal Cathedral (147 NW 19th Ave., Portland)
virtual option available
Tickets $30 (scholarships available), reserve at emoregon.org/events
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SUPPER CHURCH
Supper Church will be reconvening next Sunday, June 14 after service. This is a new date/time, as we're trying out a once-a-month event and adjusting as needed going forward.
Please mark your calendars and plan to attend this family-friendly time of fellowship that includes a Bible story and craft for kiddos in attendance (and a chance for adults to relax and chat with one another). Guests are always welcome!
Questions? Please email Roberta Schlechter.
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CHOIR UPDATE
This will be the last Sunday that our Sanctuary Choir sings for us during service before summer gets underway officially.
Rehearsals will resume in September. For more information, contact Don Feely.
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SPIRITUAL FORMATION AT ST. ANDREW'S
We hope you will stop by and join us at our next gathering, as we continue to discuss
Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life by Richard Rohr.
No need to have read the book! This is always a drop-in group. We hope to see you in the lounge on Wednesday, June 17 from 12:30-2:00pm. Questions? Please contact Amy or Jan. |
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ST. ANDREW'S BOOK CLUB
Our next meeting is Thursday, June 18 at 10am. We'll be discussing the book
The Demon of Unrest by Erik Larson.
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 in the lounge on Thursday!
If you have suggestions or questions, contact Sarah (Sadie) Pullen.
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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
We are always looking for assistance in making our post-worship coffee hour and fellowship possible each week. 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
Come join us at 9:30am on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month (in the quilting room at St. A's) and find out about the beautiful creations this group makes and donates to organizations that provide warmth to those in need. All are welcome! Please contact Gail Planck for more information. |
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LEND A HAND TO MSRV
The Multnomah Safe Rest Village (MSRV) was established in 2022 as a "low-barrier" shelter that provides clean hygiene facilities, healthy meals, and support of guests’ physical and mental health. This model has proved valuable for many and meant admission has not been dependent on sobriety or criminal history. The City of Portland is looking to change this.
Our partners at the Friends of Multnomah Safe Rest Village worry that this proposed change (to a high-barrier, recovery-only model) will force many residents of MSRV onto the streets in often unsafe conditions.
We need folks to get involved!
- Speak out to support the MSRV and dispel misconceptions!
- Work with organizations to help address serious concerns raised about some staff of Urban Alchemy (the current owners of the MSRV) and hold them accountable!
- Engage with the community by Tabling at Hillsdale Farmers Market.
- Contact the City Council and the Mayor to express the need for better oversight, staff training, and more robust resources.
- Put up a "We Support FMSRV" lawn sign.
If advocacy efforts seem too much to take on right now, that's OK! You can support the folks living at the MSRV in more tangible ways, such as:
- Signing up to make and drop off sandwiches (and easy-to-chew snacks, if you're so inclined) for FMSRV Sandwich Mondays.
- Dropping off donations of food, gently used clothing, new hygiene items, and pet food.
- Serving meals or assisting with art or garden projects.
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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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Sunday, June 7 & 14
10:00am Worship
(also in person)
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MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR THIS 2027 EVENT
The Association of Partners in Christian Education (APCE) is made up of those who are serving or have served in educational ministries, as ministers, professional or volunteer educators, or students, in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the Reformed Church in America, The Presbyterian Church in Canada, and the Moravian Church in America.The purpose of the APCE is to advance educational ministries in the Church and increase the ongoing witness of our faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Please save the date(s) for the 2027 APCE Annual Event, which will take place from January 27-30 (in person at the Marriott Downtown Waterfront and online).
To assist the APCE's team, our very own Roberta Schlechter is co-chairing the local organizing committee of this national event alongside Pastor Joyce Emery. We lift up prayers for wisdom, peace, and stamina as their team addresses logistical hurdles present in any event planning project; for team unity, clear communication, and a shared experience of the joy of service; and for attendee impact (may the event serve its purpose for every individual who participates).
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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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