Transition Report Presentation

Sunday, October 25, at 11:00 am

Over the course of the last program year, St. Andrew engaged the services of Pr. Julia Nielsen, a consultant recommended to us by the Oregon Synod. Pr. Julia spent many hours in conversation, observation, research, and collaboration with the St. Andrew community in order to better understand and recommend a course of action regarding the hiring of additional pastoral staff. We had a preview of her report in last year’s Annual Report, but now the complete Congregational Report has been handed over to the Council and we would like to share its contents with the whole congregation. Everyone is invited for a presentation and discussion during the Education Hour on Sunday, October 25, at 11:00 am in Fellowship Hall. We will distribute copies of the report, present some of its findings, and respond to it together as a community.

After this initial presentation, we hope that you’ll take the time to read it, pray over it, and discuss it with your fellow members, especially in your own small ministry groups. In December, we plan to hold a series of conversations during the Education Hour to break down some of its findings on a more detailed level. More information about those sessions will arrive soon.

If you cannot attend Sunday’s session, we will make the report available to you afterwards.

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You have already seen the evidence in stores: Christmas is on the way. In the Church, we prepare for Christmas with the season of Advent, a time of waiting, watching, and wondering. This year, St. Andrew will once again be using resources from A Sanctified Art to guide our celebration of this season. ASA’s theme for this year is “Until the Dawn.” The resource packet includes ideas for worship, art projects, children’s activities, and more.

The Worship Planning Team would love to hear your input about how we will observe this important time. Please join us on Sunday, November 1, from 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm in Fellowship Hall as we look over the materials and decide which ideas are a good fit for our community. Vegan tortilla soup will be served (with cheese and sour cream available for those who want to add them), but you are also welcome to bring your own lunch if you prefer. Questions? Ask Pr. Allison Bengfort or John Gladen.

St. Andrew High School Youth Group teens are invited to attend its annual Halloween pumpkin carving party this Tuesday, October 27, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm in the youth room. While snacks will be provided, we do ask that you bring your own pumpkin. We hope to see you there, and happy Halloween!

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Editor’s note: Due to the absence of Pr. Colleen Nelson, November’s adult ed. series is slightly altered from what was previous announced.

Join us as we open to deepening our relationship with all living beings in creation. We will explore God’s Presence within the evolving, dynamic, creative process of our Universe and especially our planet home. God is not separate from Earth but Present in the reality of what is happening all around us. Come find hope, grounding, and trust as we open to Mystery and Wonder amidst the chaos, uncertainty, and fear in these times. Join us as you are able, for one session or all. Dr. Ruth Nickodemus will lead this four-week course beginning Sunday, November 1, at 11:00 am in Fellowship Hall.

Worship

We worship in our beautiful Sanctuary, Chapel, and Sanctuary of the Firs. Worship is vital to our community; we worship together on Sunday mornings at 9:30, in person, on YouTube Livestream, and on Zoom. Click on the “Get Connected” button to receive the links for online worship.

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Adult Education

“If adult education does not become a priority for a congregation, at some point that congregation will cease to exist because its members will simply not know or understand the purpose of the congregation and their role in fulfilling that purpose.” —Neal Boese, Blueprint for Change, page 83.

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Children & Youth

Children are not the “future” of the church; they ARE the church. At St. Andrew, we strive to connect children, youth, and adult mentors during this time when connection is more important than ever.

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Welcome to St. Andrew

God + Earth + Community + Neighbor + Self