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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,
Thank you for all the positive feedback on last Sunday's service. It was delightful to honor the younger church, each one just as they are-- to let a three year old touch the baptismal waters that would soon bless her, to bless confirmands not ready to be baptized or confirmed, to confirm my daughter's Baptism and welcome her into the membership of the congregation. St. A's is a community that welcomes and honors people of all ages, just as we are. We offered a powerful witness to this last Sunday. Thanks be to God.
This next Sunday is our semi-annual meeting of the congregation at which we will reflect on the ministry of our congregation in 2022, remember the church triumphant, vote on a by-laws amendment, elect a nominating committee for the year, receive financial reports including the 2023 budget, vote on terms of call for me for 2023, and receive the annual report of the Foundation. As you may recall, it is my practice to weave the meeting into the worship service, to engage in worshipful work. That is what we will do this Sunday. The bulk of the meeting will happen at the end of the service in the portion of the service when we usually have announcements ("Our Ministry in Christ"), but much of the reflection on the year past and remembrance of those who have died will happen earlier in the service. I appreciate that many of you have conflicts and will not be there this week. Thank you for letting me know. I hope you'll read the annual report (published and shared on-line just today!) before Sunday whether or not you can attend. And if you are a member of this congregation I hope you will join us in person or on-line if it is at all possible.
Now a caveat, some of you are weather watchers and there is a POSSIBILITY of.... snow on Sunday. Sigh. My household loves snow, but Christmas Eve? Sunday? Sigh. It is HIGHLY LIKELY this will not materialize, but
if it does we have a plan B. In the event of serious winter weather, we will hold worship on Zoom/Facebook only (business portions of meeting on Zoom only). Check your e-mail, the website, the church Facebook or Instagram, or call the church office to confirm whether this alternate plan has become THE plan. But for now, the plan is to offer hybrid worship at 10am on Sunday morning, in the sanctuary and on Zoom/Facebook (with the Facebook stream stopping when the business of the meeting unfolds.)
Speaking of Facebook, I'm working with Elijah to arrange a different streaming plan so you can more clearly see the activity in the sanctuary in the Facebook stream. For some time the slides have dominated the stream. We'd like to adjust that and we'll do our best to do so. I'm grateful for Elijah's competencies in a different streaming platform that may make this possible.
One more word about our current worship practices, the number of cases of serious respiratory illness has declined and it is ok to relax our masking policy. We still encourage the wearing of masks in worship (singing is still an activity that spreads aerosols around), but it is totally up to you. I will be unmasking in the pulpit to allow greater ease of communication.
Tomorrow, I will be hosting an IN PERSON coffee chat at Driftwood Coffee (4604 S Vermont St, Portland, OR 97219) from 10-12pm. I will NOT be on Zoom for coffee chat tomorrow, Friday, January 27. Join me for fellowship and support a local business.
I'm beyond grateful for the generosity of St. A's every year, but particularly in 2022. It is such an honor to be your pastor.
Peace be with you,
Pastor Sarah |
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Your COVID team (now Respiratory Viruses team) learned on 1.19.23 that the surge in respiratory viruses is on the wane and decided it is ok to relax our masking requirement. We still encourage masking in worship, but do not require it.
You may bring a mask from home or ushers will have masks available at the door when you enter.
Masks are the best tool we have, when gathering, to protect ourselves and, more significantly, to protect our most vulnerable neighbors-- presently infants and children who can get terribly sick with RSV, a virus for which we
do not have a vaccine.
When we gather and sing and socialize, we expel aerosols that can carry viruses to others. I know that you are committed to serving neighbors. You can do this through the simple act of wearing a mask in public places. |
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Click here for St. Andrew's current Respiratory Viruses Policy |
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January 29
Matthew 6:19-34; Psalm 20:7
February 5
Matthew 7:1-14, 24-29; Psalm 37:16-18
Read these passages online here
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CONTINUING ENNEAGRAM EXPLORATIONS
Every fourth Saturday at 1pm, a group of open, curious, compassionate people gathers on Zoom to come to greater understanding of themselves and other people through the tool of the Enneagram. If you have been curious about this tool, now is a good time to jump into the discussion or to reconnect as we are starting a new book study. All are welcome. We hope that you will buy or borrow "The Journey Toward Wholeness" by Suzanne Stabile, and read it in full (or at least part one in full!) before our January gathering, this Saturday, January 28, at 1pm
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ANNUAL MEETING - JANUARY 29TH
Our winter semiannual congregational meeting will be in conjunction with the January 29th worship service. There will be several items of business on the docket: the 2022 annual reports, receiving the 2023 budget adopted by the session, approving Sarah’s 2023 terms of call, voting on two bylaws amendments recommended by the session, and electing the 2023 Congregational Nominating Committee. One recommended bylaws amendment would reduce the size of the board of deacons from 15 to 12 members. The other recommendation will change the process for electing the elder and deacon representatives on the Congregational Nominating Committee to be in accordance with the Book of Order. The changes are shown below in bold with the underlined phrases to be deleted and the italicized sentence to be added.
The congregation shall form a nominating committee with five voting members in the following manner:
- One of the members shall be a ruling elder who is currently serving on the session and appointed by the session.
- One of the members shall be a deacon currently serving and appointed by the board of deacons.
- Three of the members shall be members-at-large.
The session and deacons shall suggest nominees for their representatives for consideration by the nominating committee.
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ANNUAL REPORT AVAILABLE
In preparation for our annual meeting the 2022 Annual Report can be accessed by clicking here. You can refer to this electronic copy during the meeting, and we will also have printed copies available. Thank you to all of those who worked so hard on submitting your individual reports! |
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EMPLOYMENT OPPORUNITY- ASSISTANCE FOR SUE MALTER
A beloved member of our congregation, and near neighbor of our church property, is in need of some at-home assistance on weekends. Minimally she needs a few hours on Saturday and Sunday mornings and evenings. She is also happy to have someone stay the night on Saturdays and has room to accommodate an overnight caregiver. She is prepared to compensate someone for this assistance. If you are interested or know someone who would be a good candidate for this part time work, please reach out to Sue or call or e-mail Pastor Sarah to get connected. |
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JOIN OUR WONDERFUL YOUNGSTERS ON SUNDAY MORNINGS
Thank you to those who have signed up to help in the nursery! So far all Sundays through mid-March have a scheduled volunteer, but there are still Sundays through June available. Sign-up to give an extra set of hands to the wonderful Aubrey Schiefelbein, who works in our nursery most Sundays. We occasionally need someone to fill in for her, but most of the time we just need someone to check in and see if she needs any help. Come play, read, and be with our inspiring children! Click here to sign up for a Sunday or two.
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NEWS ABOUT PER CAPITA FOR 2023
Every year St. Andrew's pays a per capita fee for all registered members of our congregation from the preceding year. We reported a membership of 176 members at the end of 2021, so we will be paying $8,026 to the presbytery, some of which will then be passed on to the Synod of the Pacific, and the General Assembly of the PC(USA).
Many Presbyterians opt to make an additional donation, over and above their annual pledge or tithe, to cover the cost of their per capita. If you would be willing to do this, please write a check to the church for $46 per member of your household, or donate on-line and designate this as a per capita contribution. If you would prefer that this be taken out of your annual giving, that is also acceptable.
Locally these funds help compensate our stated clerk who provides immeasurable support to the congregations of this presbytery and also to support other administrative functions of the presbytery-- training events, and assembly meetings, etc. Nationally these funds help bring together commissioner and advisory delegates at bi-annual assembly meetings, publish the church constitution in multiple languages and formats, gather church leaders from mid-councils for training, supporting pastors and lay leaders, helping to facilitate ordination exams, facilitating call searches through an on-line platform, supporting the Presbyterian historical society, providing a Presbyterian presence at ecumenical gatherings, and more... We belong to a national church, and we support the wider ministry of the church through both per capita funds and an annual partnership pledge targeted more to the mission of the wider church.
Thank you for supporting the work of the wider church with your generosity.
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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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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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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, February 9, at 6:00pm on Zoom, where we will discuss parts 6, 7, and the epilogue (chapter 25-end). We will also discuss what we would like to study next. The group expressed an interest in learning more about Native American experience and oppression. If you know of good books, movies, podcasts or other resources for this area of study, please let us know. Regulars and new-comers alike are invited to join us. Contact Pastor Sarah for more information. |
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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
Saturday, February 4:
10:00-12:00-Ziploc bag filling and donation drop-off
**Scheduling change for Ziploc ministry** Please note that our Ziploc ministry will now only take place one a month, on the first Saturday from 10:00-12:00. We will no longer hold the last Saturday donations drop-off event.
We continue our ongoing work of distributing important donation items to our ministry partners, which now includes Operation Nightwatch. Our goal is to assemble 40 bags a month, which will allow enough to also give some directly to those living outside in our own neighborhoods. The cost of this is $250 per month, which currently comes out of our Neighborhood Ministries fund. We welcome continued donations to offset this cost and maintain this regular support of our unhoused neighbors. Suggested donation item include:
- 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. Feel free to take an assembled bag or two that are located in the Narthex and give them out as needed. 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. All meal and food contributions can be dropped off at the monthly first Saturday Ziploc ministry day (see above), from 11:30-12:00. Click here to sign up. |
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HELP RESETTLE AN AFGHAN FAMILY
A group at St. A's continue to help support an Afghan refugee brother and sister family who have resettled in Portland and are working to reunite with their loved ones, including spouses and children. Donations to 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 fourth 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, January 29 & February 5
10:00am Hybrid Worship
(also in person)
Saturday, January 28
1:00pm Enneagram Discussion Group, Zoom
Friday, February 3
10:00am Virtual Coffee Chat, Zoom
(Password- COFFEE)
(THIS WEEK IN PERSON AT DRIFTWOOD COFFEE!)
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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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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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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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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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