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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,
The memorial for member Steve Griffith this past Sunday was a beautiful tribute, including many touching and memorable moments. The service was recorded on YouTube and, as of this writing, was still available to watch at the link for the live stream: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mmeh0EM0-Xg. One of the friends of the family sang a medley as part of the service, including a Cat Stevens song from the 70s that I had forgotten. It is titled “On the Road to Find Out.” In the song, there is a tension between the hurry and anxiety of our modern life, and the peaceful reassurance of nature, represented by a robin’s song telling us not to worry.
I have felt that tension in my last month in this role as Bridge Pastor with you. There’s so much to do! But there is also so much to sit and listen and pray with. In a counterpoint to the oft quoted saying, “Don’t just pray, do something!,” a motto among my spiritual director friends is “Don’t just do something, pray!” The latter, of course, is a reminder of the necessity for prayer in the midst of our discernment. We can easily just go and do something – anything – to ease our restlessness. But sometimes taking the time to sit with the uncertainty and seeking God’s guidance leads us to even better choices and ideas.
As I began writing this reflection on Tuesday, the rain clouds rolled through the neighborhood. The skylight in my office would darken, then the rain would fall loudly on its window. Then the sky would lighten once more. Isn’t that also a metaphor for this season of transition?
I am looking toward the changes the next months will bring – for me as I resume my role in the pews with you, for the leadership of the church as you welcome a transitional pastor, and for all of us as we navigate the stormy waters of the current age – and reminding myself “don’t just do something – pray!”
In Christ,
Pastor Amy
(written June 10, 2026)
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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 14
Ruth 3:1-18
Matthew 7:7-8
June 21
Ruth 4:1-22
Luke 1:46-55
Read these passages online here |
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SUPPER CHURCH
Supper Church is back at a new date, time, and location! However, due to excessive heat in the forecast this coming Sunday, we're going to bump it back another month to better prepare for what summer may bring. Please mark your calendars and plan to join us in Friendship Hall (the gym) after service Sunday, July 12.
Supper Church is a 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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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 preaching to 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.
This isn't a formal "goodbye," as Pastor Amy will still be worshipping with us from time to time, but rather a chance to acknowledge her time spent as St. A's Bridge Pastor coming to an end.
Mark your calendars and plan to attend! More information to follow. |
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DON'T FORGET!
We collect non-perishable food items for our friends
at Neighborhood House Free Food Market at ALL of
our events, so the potluck is your next chance to donate.
A shout-out to Jeanette Kloos for dropping off another large delivery (101 lbs!) recently after our Communion donation collection this past Sunday. Let's see if we can match that!
(The list of most-needed items is shown below in this newsletter.) |
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DOSCH ROAD UPDATE
Per their recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) crews discovered a sinkhole on SW Dosch Road on June 2 while actively repaving and resurfacing the road. The sinkhole, shown here, measured 15' wide, 12' long, and 12' deep.
This major roadway project is still expected to be completed by
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Tuesday, June 23, but we will be sure to provide updates as they're made available.
Those traveling to and from St. A's in the coming days during this repaving project should expect delays, travel cautiously, observe all closures and directions by
flaggers, and use alternate routes if possible. (While PBOT addresses the sinkhole, traffic is being routed via SW Redondo Avenue for safety.)
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CAUTION IN THE COURTYARD
If you've stopped by the church in recent weeks, you may have noticed several folding sawhorses, pylon cones, and caution tape throughout the paved area in our courtyard as you head towards the entrance closest to our office.
These are in place to note areas that are currently being worked on by Larry and Carol Patterson and several others as we address safety concerns caused by gaps between concrete slabs.
Gapping occurs for a number of reasons, including:
- the deliberate installation of expansion joints which allow slabs to expand in hot weather and contract in the cold without buckling;
- soil settlements and voids due to erosion by rain or compaction and shifting soil; and
- external and environmental factors such as tree roots or freeze-thaw cycles.
We recognize that St. A's building and grounds are aging - and our congregation is too - so we are making strides to ensure everyone's safety by addressing this area and others in and around our worship spaces for all ages and abilities.
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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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CHOIR UPDATE
The Sanctuary Choir is taking a break for the summer.
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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PRESBYTERY'S SUMMER STUDY
“Following Jesus in Divided Times”
You are invited to a Summer Study on Faith, Freedom & Christian Witness.
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Hosted by Dan Fowler, Pastor at First Presbyterian Church of Ashland. All are Welcome!
Interested in exploring what it means to follow Jesus in the times we are living in? First PC of Ashland will be facilitating a summer study based on a special issue of Sojourners magazine focused on faith, freedom, nationalism, and Christian witness in today’s world.
The study will held over the course of 5 weeks on Wednesday evenings on Zoom so everyone can participate regardless location!
As Sojourners writes, explore how Christians can “rehabilitate a distorted understanding of freedom and find a more harmonious place within the wider family of creation” during a complex cultural moment in our nation’s history.
DATES: Wednesdays, June 17 to July 15
TIME: 7pm – 8pm
LOCATION: Online (via Zoom)
CLICK HERE to register
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Supporting Your Faith Family
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A CELEBRATION OF PIANO & PROF. DAVID JIMERSON
Valley is thrilled to welcome back Dr. Jerrode Marsh, internationally
acclaimed pianist, conductor, and educator, for a recital in memory of her mentor and friend, Prof. David Jimerson. The performance will include various selections from Debussy, de Falla and more!
Dr. Marsh currently serves as the Director of Music at Saint Paul
Lutheran High School in Concordia, Missouri, where she oversees an award-winning music program and has twice taken her high school music students on summer European choir tours. She is also the founder and Executive Director of the Concordia Music Conservatory, a non-profit regional music center based in Concordia that offers private music lessons, summer music camps, community choirs and ensembles, music courses and seminars, and community concerts. Similar to her mentor, Dr. Marsh is passion about teaching young people to love music!
The piano recital is a personal performance as Dr. Marsh remembers her own introduction to sacred music, her friendship and mentorship with Prof. Jimerson, especially his encouragement when she was unsure if she could tackle a challenging musical endeavor. Valley is incredibly grateful to Dr. Marsh and this opportunity to share in her celebration alongside her grief for a man of great faith, generous love, and
of course the highest caliber of music! |
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Prof. David Allen Jimerson came to Valley in 1984 as the Director of Music,
changing his title a few years later to Minister of Music. He retired in 2007
after 23 years of service, but returned as Valley’s Minister of Music in 2016,
turning over the leadership role to Thomas Rheingans in 2021. David lived
his life as a faithful servant to God and modeled love to those around him.
He was welcomed into God’s embrace on December 31, 2024. |
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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
We are skipping our July bag filling session, as it falls on July 4th. We are planning to resume this ministry work on Saturday, August 1, but will let you know if the date/times change again.
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 (August 1), at worship on Sundays, or during office hours.
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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 14 & 21
10:00am Worship
(also in person)
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SUPPORT NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE FREE FOOD MARKET
During Communion (1st Sunday service of each month) and at potlucks and other events throughout the year, we collect non-perishable food donations for Neighborhood House Free Food Market.
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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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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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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