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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 Your Session |
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It is impossible to engage with the news this week without feeling a profound sense of grief. Globally, we are witnessing an agonizing escalation of violence and war, reminding us of the fragility of human life and the deep brokenness of our world. Closer to home, our nation continues to navigate an intense season of political polarization as upcoming elections draw near, testing our ability to see the image of God in those with whom we disagree.
As Presbyterians, we affirm that Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church, and our
Book of Order reminds us that one of our Great Ends is "the promotion of social righteousness" (F-1.0304). We are not called to pull away from the world in times of crisis, nor are we called to mirror its hostility. Instead, we are called to be an exhibition of the Kingdom of Heaven—a community where justice, reconciliation, and peace are actively lived out.
This week also marks the Season of Creation, a time when we collectively repent for the ways human greed exploits the earth and its most vulnerable populations. In the face of global conflict and environmental hardship, we refuse to surrender to despair.
Our reformed faith teaches us that God is sovereign, and that God's grace is relentlessly at work, even in the darkest corners of human history. We invite you to join us this week in moving from anxiety into faithful action:
- Praying for Global Peace: We lift up the victims of violence in the Middle East and worldwide. We pray for world leaders, asking that God soften hardened hearts and guide them toward the difficult, necessary work of diplomacy and ceasefire.
- Embodying Grace in Public Discourse: As political campaigns intensify, let us resolve to speak the truth in love. Let our interactions—both online and across the dinner table—be marked by the humility, curiosity, and kindness that Christ models for us.
- Sustaining the Vulnerable: Let us double down on our local missions, ensuring that our food pantries, outreach programs, and community partnerships remain strong resources for neighbors facing economic and emotional strain.
You can also help dismantle racism, practice peacemaking, and assist communities in finding their voice when you give to the World Communion Offering, which will be received on Sunday, October 4. More information will be provided via bulletin inserts and announcements slides in the coming weeks if you are able to contribute to this Special Offering of the PC(USA).
We do not know what the headlines will bring tomorrow, but we know who holds tomorrow. Let us walk forward together, bound by the Holy Spirit, to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with our God.
While this strife weighs heavy on us, we have much to be thankful for. In particular, we at St. Andrew's are so grateful to those who have worshipped with us as guest preachers each Sunday this summer. And we thank you all for your patience and prayers as our team works to bring a new Pastor to St. Andrew’s. Amy Houchen, Elder for Worship, has provided us with the following update regarding this process:
This week, your Session is conducting interviews with the two finalists for the Transitional Pastor role. I have received word that our candidates have been approved by the Commission on Ministry for membership in our Presbytery (both candidates are from other Presbyteries). Once we have discerned which one to offer the position, we will negotiate the terms of call. The Rev. Robin Garvin, the Ministry Pastoral Transition Advisor from the Presbytery's Commission on Ministry, is mentoring us through this process.
In Christ,
St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church Session
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Image: Moyers, Mike.
Israel, from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt University Divinity Library, Nashville, TN. https://act.library.vanderbilt.edu/artworks/57141 [retrieved September 2, 2026]. Original source: Mike Moyers, https://www.mikemoyersfineart.com/. |
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SCRIPTURE
September 6
Genesis 32:22-32
Lamentations 3:21-24
September 13
Genesis 6:5-22; 8:6-12; 9:8-17
Matthew 8:24-27
Read these passages online here |
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COMMUNION SUNDAY COLLECTION
As is our tradition, we will be collecting donations of shelf-stable items (canned goods, non-perishable food items, etc.) for our friends at Neighborhood House Free Food Market during Communion this Sunday. Recent reports from the folks who run the market have said that the shelves empty almost as quickly as they can replenish items, so your continued generosity is most definitely noticed and appreciated by our neighbors in need. |
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PLEASE NOTE: The church office is closed on Monday, September 7 in observation of the Labor Day holiday. Regular hours (9am-3pm) will resume the following day. |
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KINDRID IS NOW AMPLIFY
We recently received notice that Amplify has acquired Kindrid, our online giving platform. After some testing, we can see that there will no changes to how things function or appear on the user end -- the only difference is that you will now see Amplify on any statements you receive for online giving.
You can still access this through the "Give" button on the St. A's homepage, or you can use this link. And, as always, we remind you that you always have options when it comes to giving -- including cash and paper checks via Sunday offering, by mail, or dropped off in person to the church office. |
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COLLECTION FOR CUBA
Marilyn will be headed to Cuba at the end of this month and will be taking some extra luggage with her to transport some highly requested items for our brothers and sisters at La Iglesia Presbiteriana-Reformada in Santa Clara.
If you would like to contribute, we will have a large basket available in which to place these humanitarian items. We request that containers/packages not exceed 6-8oz (and if it's something liquid or cream-based, consider placing it in a Ziploc bag or other wrapping to protect nearby items should anything burst in transit).
- Hand Sanitizer
- Benadryl Cream
- Benadryl Tablets
- Cold and Flu Tablets
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Tylenol
- Ibuprofen
- Naproxen
- Fish oil capsules
- Multivitamins
- Large Band-Aids
- Hand/body lotion or cream
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Did you have a bumper crop this year? Or maybe you're getting ready to hang up your gardening gloves for the season?
We invite you to bring your bounty (fruits, vegetables, and more!) to our next potluck event, which we're looking to hold here at St. A's after service concludes on Sunday, September 20. (Coinciding with the first day of Fall that week.)
This time of year is full of harvest festivals, showcasing nature's abundance. It reminds us of our connection to the land and the gifts that God has provided us. Let's join together to celebrate the changing of the seasons over what promises to be another wonderful time of fellowship. |
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SPIRITUAL FORMATION GROUP
It was so nice to reconnect after our summer break and we're looking forward to our next meeting.
We will continue to discuss Richard Rohr's book
Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life. Come join us on Wednesday, September 16 in the lounge from 12:30-2:00pm.
This is always a drop-in group. (No need to have read the book!) We hope to see you there. Questions? Please contact Amy or Jan. |
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ST. A's BOOK CLUB
The Book Club is back! This group meets in the lounge on the 3rd Thursday of each month.
Please join us on Thursday, September 17 from 10-11am. We'll be choosing books to read and discuss throughout the year, so you might want to come with a few suggestions to contribute. At this gathering, we'll also make decisions on whether unread books (from last year's proposed calendar) will remain on our list for discussion at a later date.
We look forward to seeing you all! |
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COME JOIN US!
Sunday, September 13
Family Fellowship is an all-ages, family-focused service (with meal provided). Children in attendance will hear a Bible story and then take part in a craft that mirrors the lesson. And adults get a chance to socialize with one another and enjoy this time of fellowship while the kiddos do their thing. Guests are always welcome!
We meet on the 2nd Sunday of the month downstairs (in Calvin Hall) after service and fellowship hour have wrapped up. If you would like to join us, please contact Roberta Schlechter, Elder of Christian Formation, to RSVP.
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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
Please join us in this virtual Men’s Bible Study on Zoom on Wednesday, September 16 at 7:00am.
Can't make it for this next study session? Not to worry! This group meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays each month using this same Zoom link. Contact Larry Kelley for more information. |
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In this section, you will find information about events published by the Presbytery of the Cascades, local churches, and like-minded groups who uphold the vision, values, and mission of St. Andrew's. By supporting those beyond our walls, we show that the Connectional Church helps us achieve more together than we ever could alone. |
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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
The Presbytery put out the following call for volunteers in its weekly newsletter this morning:
Next January, Cascades Presbytery will host the Annual Event of The Association of Partners in Christian Education (APCE). Several hundred Christian Educators from the US and Canada will gather at Portland’s Waterfront Marriott Hotel for three days of fellowship and learning.
Rev. Joyce Emery and Elder Roberta Schlechter, CCE, co-chair the Local Welcome Team. They are joined by Rev. Amy Delaney, Rev. Carolyn Hampton, HR, Susan Young Thornton (Covenant Network of Presbyterians), and Elders Kay Hope Gold and Vickie Forrester of East Woods-Vancouver. The Welcome Team is hard at work arranging meaningful excursions, creative introductions to the history and culture of the Pacific Northwest, and a table decor to reflect that story.
During the event, the team will help attendees find their way around the hotel and assist with logistics, among other tasks. This is a large, important event, and we seek interested people to come and help us ensure that every APCE attendee experiences the very best of Northwest hospitality. Interested helpers may reach out to Pastor Joyce at emery.joyce@gmail.com or Roberta at rrschlechter@gmail.com.
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YOU'RE INVITED
Perhaps you'll be out of town and close to the Coast on Sunday, September 20? If you can't make it to St. A's that morning, you'll be missed (especially with our potluck happening that day). But, why not watch our service online at 10am and then stop in to this open house and celebrate with our kindred at Clatsop Plains Pioneer Presbyterian Church afterwards? They're marking an incredible milestone -- 180 years -- and we'd love to show them our love however we can.
When: Sunday, September 20
Time: 12-4pm (open house style - come and go as you please)
Where: Pioneer Pres. (33324 Patriot Way, Warrenton, OR) |
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DATE/TIME: Thursday, October 15, 2026, 5:30pm
LOCATION: Sentinel Hotel Portland (614 SW 11th Avenue, Portland)
TICKETS:
Early bird pricing: $150 per person (through Monday, August 31st!)
Price after 8/31: $175 per person
Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon (EMO) has held a gala each year to support the vital services of the Presbytery for the most vulnerable in our communities: refugees and immigrants, people experiencing food insecurity, low-income people living with HIV, unaccompanied youth experiencing homelessness, and survivors of domestic violence.
If you're available on this night, we hope you will come out to honor extraordinary individuals and organizations whose courage, moral vision, and commitment to action have contributed profoundly to making Oregon, and the world, a better place.
For questions, contact Kristi Baack
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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
2nd and 4th Wednesdays at 9:30am
The St. A's Quilters work year-round to create some beautiful items that are donated to organizations that provide warmth to those in need. Whether you're a novice or have some sewing/quilting experience, we hope you will join us. All are welcome!
This group meets twice a month in the quilting room. We hope you'll stop in and join the fun! Please contact Gail Planck for more information. |
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SUPPORTING MSRV
Our friends at the Multnomah Safe Rest Village (MSRV) always enjoy when volunteers drop off items for FMSRV Sandwich Mondays. If you'd like to participate, you'll make a dozen of an item of your choosing and ideally:
- Can be consumed without utensils (e.g., sandwiches, wraps, burritos).
- Has a protein and/or vegetable included.
- Is easy to chew.
Check the Sign Up to see what others have volunteered to bring (if they've noted they're bringing a certain type of sandwich, you could take another volunteer slot and bring something either to complement that item or sign up to bring something that will provide residents with a choice for their meal).
This community also needs folks advocating for their needs as well as shedding light on the need for real solutions to end homelessness.
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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.
Check out this YouTube video to see how programs like SW Outreach's weekly shower program at Village Grace Church (where guests get a shower, a hot meal, and a chance to connect with resources and engage in conversation) bless so many in need.
Volunteers are always needed as are material items (e.g., phones, tablets, laptops, and portable WiFi hotspots). of SW Outreach. You can also financially support SW Outreach (of which St. Andrew's is the fiscal sponsor) by donating online — select 'SW Outreach' in the drop-down menu when noting your designation. To get involved, please email Marilyn Palumbo.
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 to coordinate (971.235.5788). |
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Virtual Gatherings & Events
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Sunday, September 6 & 13
10:00am Worship
(also in person)
Friday, September 4 & 11
Virtual Coffee Chat
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NEED A RIDE?
If you need assistance getting to or from the church, please call Larry Kelley at 503-724-1966. |
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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, you can click here to view a list of most-requested items from our friends at Neighborhood House. |
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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, or need a new one, ask one of our welcome team members on Sundays or contact the office during the week and we will be happy to make you a name tag for future use. |
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ACCESSIBLE (ADA) PARKING
Please remember that street parking along SW Sunset is reserved for picking up and dropping off those who need extra assistance for worship on Sundays.
Additional parking spaces are plentiful in our lot across Dosch. Please contact the office if you have any questions or need elevator access. |
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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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Amy Houchen and Carol Patterson, Worship Elders
Don Feely, Director of Music Ministry
Kara Errico, Office Administrator/Neighborhood Ministries Coordinator
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