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Clickable Table of Contents |
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Join us for worship every Sunday at 10:00am
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Thoughts from Pastor Sarah |
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Dear Kindred in Christ,
I wish you all a most blessed Thanksgiving. I am tremendously thankful for all of you and for your embodied generosity on display last Sunday (and truly all throughout the year). It is a true blessing to be your pastor.
This Sunday we begin a new church year with the first Sunday in Advent, and the greening of the church. Here are some things to look forward to in the season ahead:
First, I want to revive mid-week Advent Communion for three Wednesdays in Advent this year- Wednesday, December 7, 14, and 21 at 5:30pm in the chapel. We will light candles, sing simple songs, hear and reflect on scripture, share bread and cup, and lift up prayers together in an intimate and brief weekly service. This will be in-person only. If you need a ride, please let me know and I'll see what we can arrange.
Second, we will be witnessing to the resurrection and celebrating the life of our beloved Marge Stockwell on Saturday, December 10, at 11am. Marge's ONE request, repeatedly, in writing, was that the Hallelujah chorus be sung at her memorial service. Come ready to sing! (Perhaps bring your own score if you have one at home!)
Third, glorious music will unfold all throughout the season with the return of our choir, guest musicians throughout the month, including the beloved Canby Cantalinas on Sunday, December 11.
Fourth, we are planning to hold two Christmas Eve services, one at 4pm (in person only) and one at 9pm (hybrid). The 4pm will be especially family friendly (but truly both services will be!) and both services will involve candles and carols! Please join us for either or both and invite friends, family, and neighbors to do so as well.
Fifth, Christmas falls on a Sunday this year. Your worship leaders intend to create a brief worship video that you may view at home that day if you so desire. We will not have gathered worship on Christmas Day.
Finally, New Year's Day is also a Sunday and we will be bringing back the Big Table service-- a potluck and carol sing in Friendship Hall (the gym). This will be my first ever Big Table. Plan to bring holiday leftovers or something newly prepared!
Have any questions about any of this? I'll set up at Maplewood Coffee tomorrow between 10 and 12, but won't be on zoom. If you'd like to join me for an in person coffee chat that would be grand. I'm also happy to take e-mails, texts, calls or to talk with you after worship on Sunday while we green the church or enjoy fellowship.
Again, I wish you most blessed Thanksgiving celebrations.
Gratefully yours,
Pastor Sarah |
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Mask-wearing is now STRONGLY ENCOURAGED, not required during worship. The Session voted unanimously to require vaccination for those attending in-person worship and other St. Andrew's events, with possibility of medical exemption. The COVID task force decided that we will implement this policy via the honor system. We trust the congregation to abide by the vaccination policy and will not require proof. |
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November 27
Habakkuk 1:1-7; 2:1-4; 3:[3b-6], 17-19
Matt 26:36-38
December 4
Esther 4:1-17; Matt 5:13-16
Read these passages online here
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CHANGES TO BOOKKEEPER HOURS
As our bookkeeper, Krissy, navigates a family crisis her schedule will be temporarily adjusted. She will be in the office Mondays, 9am-1pm, and will be working remotely on Wednesdays, 9am-1pm. She will also be adding evening hours in the office, as needed. We are confident these adjusted hours will not affect her job duties and monthly reporting but if you have any questions or concerns please reach out. You can contact Krissy directly via email or by calling the office during her Monday and Wednesday hours.
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HANGING OF THE GREENS
The Hanging of the Greens is the first Sunday of Advent, November 27. Stay after church to join the fellowship and fun of decorating trees, hanging wreaths, and putting out manger scenes. All are invited!
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GIVING TREE FOR WEST WOMEN'S AND CHILDREN'S SHELTER
We have many opportunities for giving this year! Visit the Giving Tree in the Narthex November 27 through December 20 to support residents of the West Women's & Children's Shelter. Simply select an item (or two) to shop for and return it to the tree, unwrapped, by Tuesday, December 20. Gifts can be dropped off mid-week during office hours. Contact Emily Dew with questions. |
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CHOIR RESUMES!!!
We will be singing again! There are a few changes, but we will begin this Sunday, November 27. The NEW rehearsal time is Sunday mornings, after the worship service, for one hour approximately 11:15-12:15. Thank you to all who came to practice last Sunday! It was a thrill for all those present.
It's not too late to join - all are welcome!
Also, take note of our Advent special music schedule as follows, and make sure to join us for some beautiful and joyful music!
Nov 27 - Dagny Regan, Oboe
Dec 6 - Jordan Paulus, French Horn
Dec. 11 - Canby Cantalinas
Dec. 18 - TBA
Dec. 24 - Nick Luchterhand, Saxophone
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WINTER WISHES GIFT DRIVE FOR NEIBORHOOD HOUSE
Have you been wondering about our annual Fall Food Drive for Neighborhood House? Your Mission Team has decided that for this year we will instead take part in the Winter Wishes Gift Drive, to remain most responsive to the stated needs of Neighborhood House and their program recipients. We will be collecting the items listed above, in barrels located in the narthex, through Sunday, December 11; donations will be taken to Neighborhood House in the week that follows to meet their deadline. If you would like to help coordinate this at St. A's, to spread the word and make this a bigger success, contact the office and let us know. Thank you for your continued generosity to this valued ministry partner! |
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WINTER CLOTHING DRIVE *FINAL WEEK*
All Good Northwest, with the support of their community partners, is holding a winter clothing drive for the Multnomah Safe Rest Village participants. Men's and Women's adult-sized items are needed, especially hats, gloves, coats, sweaters, and warm, wool socks. New and gently used items are accepted. Items can be dropped off at Classic Collision and Umpqua Bank, both in Multnomah Village, at the Southwest Community Center, or in the office with Katy. This drive is ongoing through Thanksgiving. |
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Learning & Fellowship Opportunities |
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Members of all classes and groups are encouraged to continue reading and studying at home. Please contact your group
leader if you do not find a list or link below.
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ANTI-RACISM DISCUSSION GROUP
The Anti-racism discussion group is reading the book, 'Caste: The Origins of our Discontents', by Isabel Wilkerson, that "examines the unspoken caste system that has shaped America and shows how our lives today are still defined by a hierarchy of human divisions." Our next meeting is Thursday, December 8, at 6:00pm on Zoom, where we will discuss part four: The Tentacles of Caste. This will be our last gathering of 2022, but we'll pick up again on the second Thursday of January in 2023. Regulars and new-comers alike are invited to join us. Contact Pastor Sarah for more information. |
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MEN'S BIBLE STUDY
Several St. Andrew's men meet on first and third Wednesdays at 7am, usually at Pastor Tom's house. New participants are welcome. For more information, please contact Larry Patterson or the church office. Virtual participation is available upon request. |
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Service Opportunities & Mission Updates
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We know that there are many requests for basic needs assistance right now. Please contact the Church Office Admin or Mission Team Leader if you have questions or need help with drop-off or deliveries. We hope that you find one or more opportunities that call to you, and please know that any amount of support is appreciated and makes a big difference! |
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ZIPLOC MINISTRY **UPDATE**
Saturday, November 26, 10:00-12:00; Ziploc bag filling
December 3, 11:30-12:00; First Saturday donation drop-off
In addition to our regular Ziploc filling this month, we will be filling stockings for the residents of the Multnomah Safe Rest Village! This ministry opportunity brings together the combined efforts of the St. A's quilters, who made the stockings, and our Mission Team, who will purchase items to fill the stockings using Neighborhood Ministries funds. Join us on November 26th from 10:00-12:00 to fill the stockings with goodies and other useful items for each of the approximately 30-35 Safe Rest Village Participants. This is a great activity for kids to take part in too!
We also continue our ongoing work of distributing important donation items to our ministry partners. We ask for the following to fill this critical need in our community (new item list):
- Gatorade
- Water
- Sweet salty snacks (raisins nuts chocolate, not crunchy)
- Soft protein bars (not crunchy)
- Slim Jims or other easy-to-eat single-wrap snacks
- Razors
- Handwarmers
- Toothbrushes
- Toothpastes
- Soap
- Hand sanitizer
- Hand wipes/towelettes
- Socks
- Gloves
Items can be dropped off at First Saturday Donation Drop-off, at anytime during office hours, or on Sundays. Contact Darwin if you have any questions. |
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MEALS FOR WEST WOMEN'S & CHILDREN'S SHELTER
Once a month volunteers from St. Andrew's provide a large meal and snacks for residents at the West Women's & Children's Shelter. There is a pre-set menu to follow and the recipe for each meal is provided in advance. Delivery drivers are also needed. Click here to sign up. |
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HELP RESETTLE AN AFGHAN FAMILY *UPDATE*
Amir and Khatera, the brother and sister you helped support, have come a long way in settling into life here. Both are employed full-time, Khatera having secured full-time hours this week. Amir continues to work full-time as a welder, and also moonlights. Khatera works in a grocery store, both in the deli and as a cashier. They continue to study English, as they know that’s key for better jobs. They attend a mosque, and have many Afghan friends.
Both have had interviews for obtaining asylum. If Amir is granted asylum, he could then apply to have his wife and three young children immigrate. Eventually, Amir and Khatera would like to have their entire family, including their parents, come. The family business in Afghanistan no longer has customers because of the collapse of the economy. Amir and Khatera help support their parents, Amir’s wife and children, and a sister and brother-in-law who are trying to get to Pakistan and eventually the US. This involves sending a significant portion of their income to Afghanistan. As a result, we continue to provide some financial support for part of their rent, car insurance, and other incidentals. If the extended family is able to come, they will need money for application fees and for travel (usually with stops in three countries along the way).
Continued donations to help this family can be made to the Afghan Refugee Fund, via St. Andrew's, and should include your name and address, and whether you’re a member of St. Andrew’s. Questions? Ask Amy Houchen or Rebecca Nasson.
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ST. ANDREW'S QUILTERS
The St. Andrew's quilters meet on the second and third Wednesdays of each month at 9:30. 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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Virtual Gatherings & Events
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Sunday, November 27 & December 4
(also in person)
Friday, December 2 & 9
10:00am Virtual Coffee Chat, Zoom
Thursday, December 8
6:00pm Anti-Racism Discussion Group, Zoom
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ST. ANDREW'S NAMETAGS
Would you like to make a new friend? Wearing your nametag each Sunday at worship can help. You can request a new nametag this coming week. They are being made for visitors and/or members of our worship community. Please contact Katy in the office or Connie Blumthal for a new (or renewed) nametag.
"Make new friends,
but keep the old. One is silver and the other gold."
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PARENTS NIGHT OUT - DECEMBER 9
Join us for a Parents Night Out on December 9th, 5:00-7:30pm. Kids ages 2 - 4th grade are invited for a fun night of games, crafts, and stories, while their parents enjoy some time to themselves. A kid-friendly dinner will be served as well. Click here to register, and spread the word! All are welcome.
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NEW NATIONAL SUICIDE & CRISIS LIFELINE
People experiencing a mental health crisis have a new 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 new program, and help spread the word. |
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CONFIRMATION IN 2023
Pastor Sarah is working on planning for a Confirmation retreat and experience in 2023. If you have a youngest in your life who is ready for confirmation, please let her know. She will likely collaborate with some other colleagues in the presbytery so we have a bigger retreat experience. At present a January retreat is being planned with several mentor check-ins over the next six months. If you'd like to be a confirmation mentor, or learn more about this, please let her know. |
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RIDES TO CHURCH
We are grateful St. Andrew’s is now open for Sunday worship services and are anxious to reunite with friends, fellow members, and all who wish to be part of this. To help make this happen, some of our Deacons are starting a program to give rides to church to people who need them. If you would be interested in receiving this service, or know someone else who would, please let us know so we can get you on our list. If you would be interested in being a driver, please let us know that too. With enough volunteers people may only be needed once a month. Contact the office, Merrie Backer, or Larry Kelly to sign up, or if you have any questions.
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NEW MEMBERS
Are you interested in becoming a member of St. Andrew's? Let Pastor Sarah know today! And keep your eyes posted for the next Inquirers' Class. |
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Member Database Access is available anytime. Contact the office to get set up. |
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For on-line 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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Katy Rustvold, Office Administrator/Neighborhood Ministries Coordinator
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