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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,
We're approaching the last Sunday in Lent. How is that possible? A week later, Sunday April 2 is Palm/Passion Sunday, the start of Holy Week. Here's what to expect for Holy Week 2023 at St. A's.
- Saturday, April 1- Plan to spend some time at church Saturday morning. You have three reasons to do so! Do one, two, or all three! (And see below for more info about all of them.)
- A palm cross making party in the narthex and sanctuary prep for the week (coffee and donuts provided! 9:30-noon. I'd say drop in when you can for as long as you can!)
- A parking lot clean up/grounds clean up from 9-12, snacks provided
- Our regular first Saturday mission drop offs and bag filling from 10:30- 12 in the chapel.
- Sunday, April 2- Palm Sunday/Passion Sunday- 10am, sanctuary/online. We will spend time with the Passion Story in Matthew, beginning with Matthew's rendition of the triumphal entry into Jerusalem, with two choral anthems. I need several readers for this service. If you plan to be there and can help, please let me know.
- Thursday, April 6- Maundy Thursday- 6pm, chapel/courtyard (in person only). On this night when we remember Jesus' last supper come for a love feast in the chapel, a simple Mediterranean meal of finger foods that we will serve one another, communion, song, and a closing reflection in the garden. This was a very well received service in 2019. We hope more of you will experience it this year.
- Friday, April 7- Good Friday- 7pm, sanctuary/on-line- a Tenebrae service, a service of shadows, decreasing light, as we remember Jesus' death. I need several readers for this service as well. Again, please let me know if you are available and willing.
- Saturday, April 8- Empty Bowls- the beloved annual Southwest Hope Event at Neighborhood House in Multnomah Village. Please register on-line to pick your soup and show up to pick your bowl. (See link below)
- Sunday, April 9- EASTER SUNDAY- 10am Sanctuary and On-line- come rejoice, flower the cross, and tap into resurrection joy with us.
I pray that you will connect when and as you are able. We are, after all, a congregation connecting with Christ and each other to serve our neighbors and we have myriad ways to do so in the coming weeks. I do encourage you, if you haven't done so already or if you are able to do so again, to support SW Hope-- donations of food (to barrels at church) or cash (checks or digital offerings good too) earmarked for Southwest Hope. Neighborhood House is 1/3rd of way to their goal. Let's help them draw closer-- three more events to participate in if that's your preferred way to help, see below!
I will be on Zoom from 10-12 tomorrow morning for a coffee chat. Hope you might join us. And I certainly hope you'll join us for 10am worship on the 5th and last Sunday of Lent, in person or on-line.
In Christ,
Pastor Sarah
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Your 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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March 26
Matt 25:31-46; Psalm 98:7-9
April 2
Matthew 21:1-17 and excerpts of Matthew 26 and 27
Read these passages online here
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Palm Sunday - April 2, 10:00am hybrid worship
Maundy Thursday - April 6, 6:00pm in the chapel & courtyard
Good Friday - April 7, 7:00pm hybrid worship
Easter Sunday - April 9, 10:00am hybrid worship |
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ANTI-RACISM DISCUSSION GROUP
Join us as we begin reading and discussing the book,
"All the Real Indians Died Off and 20 other Myths about Native Americans" by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz and Dina Gilio-Whitaker. Our schedule will change for the months of March-May, when will be meeting on the fourth Thursday of each month instead of the second. Our first gathering will be tonight, Thursday, March 23, at 6:00pm on Zoom. We plan to discuss the introduction and first six myths, which is about the first fifty pages of the book. All are welcome to take part. Contact Pastor Sarah if you have any questions. |
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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. This season we are using "The Journey Toward Wholeness" by Suzanne Stabile as our guide. If you would like to take part it would be helpful to get a copy of the book and read the first section. Our next gathering is Saturday, March 25, at 1pm on Zoom. Contact Pastor Sarah if you need a reminder of other specific homework. |
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LENTEN FELLOWSHIP ACTIVITY
Come together on Saturday, April 1, from 9:30am to noon in the Narthex of St. Andrew's to prepare for Palm Sunday's morning worship the next day. We will enjoy coffee and donuts as we make crosses from palm fronds and decorate the Sanctuary to welcome Jesus' entry
to our church home. For more information contact Connie Blumthal.
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PARKING LOT CLEAN UP - SAVE THE DATE
The next local environmental project in the St. Andrew’s parking lot will be Saturday, April 1 from 9:00am to noon. We will be pulling invasive plants, like ivy, shiny geranium, blackberries and holly, in preparation for Easter. Snacks will be served. For more information contact Jeanette Kloos.
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SW HOPE UPDATES
The 17th Annual SW Hope food and fund drive is underway. Neighbors across SW and beyond have really stepped up! The drive is already 33% of our goal after only two weeks - thank you! We can make your monetary donations go far: each $1 you give pays for a day's worth of food for a household. There are still many ways to get involved!
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Cash & Food Donations
Food donation barrels will be located in the narthex and downstairs near the Vermont Hills office all throughout this drive. Bring food donations with you to worship on Sundays, or drop off during office hours. Cash donations are especially encouraged as monetary giving is the most efficient way to support this work. Every dollar donated is the equivalent of four pounds of food. Donate by check or through the St. Andrew's website. |
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Dine Out to Donate
Jack's Taproom will donate 25% of your check on March 25 - all day long, dine in or carry out. |
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Empty Bowls
Register now for a hand-crafted bowl and homemade soup to fill it. Local artists, Oregon Episcopal School and Lewis & Clark College have donated amazing hand-crafted bowls - come early and pick out the one that most speaks to you. Pair your bowl with delicious homemade soup from local restaurants Otto & Annie's, Down to Earth Cafe, Gigi's Cafe and Seasons & Regions.
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5K Walk & Run
We invite you to run with us in our fifth annual SW Hope Feed the Hungry 5K because each $1 we raise together far outweighs its worth in canned goods individually. If we run together, our neighbors here in SW Portland won’t have to experience the insecurity of not knowing where their next meal is coming from.
Register before April 1 for reduced pricing and to guarantee your shirt size. |
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PATHWAYS HOME - AN EDUCATIONAL SERIES ON HOMELESSNESS
The Southwest Faith Coalition, in partnership with the Friends of the Multnomah Safe Rest Village (FMSRV), invite you to attend a two-part event around homelessness in Southwest Portland. The first night, April 26th from 6-8pm, will focus on understanding the problem; the second night, May 17 from 6-8pm, is on how to address this crisis, with a focus on sustainable solutions that maintain the dignity of those who are suffering because of it. Both nights will take place at Riversgate Church in Multnomah Village (7634 SW Capitol Hwy), and will feature speakers who are working directly on this issue. Childcare will be available by reservation, and we ask all attendants to bring a donation of non-perishable food items, new socks or underwear.
The Southwest Faith Coalition was spearheaded over a year ago by Pastor Sarah and Katy, as a way to bring faith leaders in SW Portland together to build relationships and look for areas of greater collaboration. We meet on the second Tuesday of each month at 11am over Zoom, and typically have up to a dozen people representing about half a dozen congregations in attendance. The FMSRV is a grassroots neighborhood group born out of the process of finding ways to welcome and support a Safe Rest Village into the Multnomah Neighborhood, especially as it faced opposition. This event is our first collaboration and we would love to have a strong St. Andrew's presence at both of these events. For more information about this work contact Pastor Sarah, Katy, or Marilyn. We'd love to tell you more about it!
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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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SPIRITUAL FORMATION GROUP
This is an exciting new opportunity for learning and developing practices that enhance our spiritual journeys and daily lives. Please note the correct meeting times: 1st and 3rd Wednesdays from 12:30-2:00pm in the Lounge. Our next meeting will be Wednesday, April 19. We will discuss Thomas Keating's book, "Open Mind, Open Heart." please read the Introduction and Chapters 1-2. For more info contact Jan Reynolds.
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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
Saturday, April 1:
10:30-12:00-Ziploc bag filling and donation drop-off
**Please note the change in start time. We will now begin at 10:30 instead of 10:00.
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 items 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, March 26 & April 2
10:00am Hybrid Worship
(also in person)
Thursday, March 23
6:00pm Anti-Racism Discussion Group, Zoom
Friday, March 24 & 31
10:00am Virtual Coffee Chat, Zoom
(Password- COFFEE)
Saturday, March 25
1:00pm Enneagram Study Group, Zoom
Wednesday, March 29 & April 5
6:00pm Lenten Evening Prayer, Zoom
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THE TOIL FOR LILLIES
In the February 23 eNews, Darwin invited you to join her in toiling for lilies. She shared that our grounds are in need of care, our volunteers are few and weary, and a plan has been drafted for a phase one revitalization of the grounds that is pragmatic and environmentally sound— featuring a rain garden and plants that would attract pollinators. It is also romantic and whimsical - with White Swan Coneflower nestled near Woodland Strawberry facing Sunset Boulevard flowing into our already present Japanese Maples lining the way down Dosch.
Minimally we need to establish a regular maintenance contract. Maximally we want to implement this phase one plan and establish a regular maintenance contract. To do it all would require nearly $40,000 of extra-budgetary funds. And so your Session has authorize a short-term campaign to raise funds for care of our grounds. We hope to be able to make decisions in April about next steps, on the basis of funds received by Easter, April 9.
Deep breath - please give what you can, when you can, where you are called, how you are called. If it’s not money, Steve Ihrig or Jeanette Kloos would be more than happy to have volunteers to assist with various needs. If it is money, Darwin suggests that every time a plant or animal - one of our non-human relatives - revitalizes you in a significant way, you give a little something to the grounds fund so that we can revitalize them in return.
To make contributions, send checks to the church with “Grounds Fund” or “Toiling for Lilies” on the memo line or make an on-line contribution designated for this purpose. Thank you for prayerfully discerning around this invitation to extraordinary generosity.
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JOIN OUR WONDERFUL YOUNGSTERS ON SUNDAY MORNINGS
Thank you to those who have signed up to help in the nursery, and 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! A few Sundays are still open in April and May. Click here to sign up.
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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
Do you or someone you know need a ride to church on Sundays? If so our Deacons are on hand to give rides to church to those who need one. 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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