March 28, 2021

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Preparing for Palm Sunday Worship

March 28 is Palm Sunday—and if you’re missing the chance to wave some greenery during worship, you’ll have a couple of options. Beginning on Thursday, March 25, you will find palm branches outside the front entrance of the church for you to take home. They are first-come, first-served, and we will only have a limited number, so please take only as many as you need.

Several other options are possible, too. Those who are creatively inclined can fashion their own palm branches from paper or other material you may have around the house. Be creative and reuse something that might otherwise go in the trash—then it’s green in more than one way.

But the easiest (and greenest) way to have something to wave for worship is simply to look in your own yard. The Israelites waved palm branches because that was what was most easily available and abundant. Maybe you’ve got an enthusiastic Oregon grape that you can snip a branch from, a bush that needs pruning, or an evergreen happy to donate a small branch or two. Even a humble weed works and is a great reminder that “the Lord has need of it”!

Devotional for Palm Sunday

On March 28, the church begins Holy Week with Palm Sunday, the day that Jesus sat upon the back of a lowly donkey as he made his way into Jerusalem. What a contrast to the Roman ruler who arrived with pomp and circumstance and a great show of power! Jesus is a humble king. This week, poet Mary Oliver turns her attention to that little donkey, reminding us how even the most lowly can play indispensable roles in the grand drama of salvation.

Our Lenten journey continues this week, with devotional readings, meditations, and practices for Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday itself. You’ll find it all on the church website, with Oliver’s poems all available online or in her collection of verse titled Devotions.

Centering Prayer

On Wednesday of Holy Week, March 31, we diverge from our normal schedule, moving the gathering for Centering Prayer to 7:00 pm. You’ll receive the Zoom connection link mid-day from Allison Katsufrakis, as usual.

After Easter Sunday, we will return to our earlier schedule, with informal gathering at 6:30 pm, prayer service at 7:00 pm, and centering prayer at 7:30 pm.

Bread for the World (via e-mail)

Ending hunger can start with a letter or e-mail. Each spring St. Andrew members bear witness to our concern for those who suffer from hunger by participating in the Bread for the World annual letter writing campaign.  These letters inspire our leaders in Washington, D.C. to enact policies and pass legislation that will reduce hunger and poverty in the U.S. and the world.

The current legislative priority of Bread for the World is to urge Congress to invest in anti-hunger and anti-poverty programs in response to COVID-19. Because of our persistent advocacy, Congress passed the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The legislation contains numerous provisions that will help people struggling with hunger and poverty. But there is more to do as we continue to address the ripple effects of COVID-19.

 “Speak out for the rights of all who are destitute
Defend the rights of the poor and needy.” 
(Proverbs 31:8-9)

Please join me on Palm Sunday, March 28, 2021 at 10:00 am on Zoom as I provide a tutorial on how to use the Bread for the World website to submit e-mails to our representatives to advocate for specific programs to impact hunger.

If you prefer to send a paper letter instead, you might find the template on page 3 of this newsletter to be a helpful guide for your own message. You will also find names and addresses of our senators and representative on page 3.

LuAnn Staul

Worship Schedule

Palm Sunday, March 28
8:30 am Livestream
11:00 am Zoom

Maundy Thursday, April 1
7:00 pm Zoom

Good Friday, April 2
8:00 pm Livestream

Easter Sunday, April 4
8:30 am Livestream
11:00 am Zoom

Easter Butterflies

Time is almost up! If you’d like to see the butterflies your children created decorating St. Andrew banners on Easter morning, you need to drop them off at church. Please put them in the clear bin to the left of the Narthex doors. With the conclusion of Lent and the butterfly reveal, we also welcome “Hallelujahs” once again!

Lenten Food Drive

With a week left to complete our Lenten Food Drive, you have already contributed $6,407, more than surpassing our goal. These dollars equate to more than 19,000 pounds of food for people who rely on the St. Matthew Food Pantry to meet their nutritional needs. Thank you!

We know that hunger haunts people even in this richest of countries and it will not end when Lent does. So, please continue to consider donating to alleviate hunger right here in our community. Your gifts mean parents’ worries are eased and more people, especially children, are spared the trauma of going to bed hungry.

Donate electronically by logging into your InFellowship account and selecting “Lenten Food Drive” in the drop-down menu. Go to the church website and click on Give to begin.

Treasurer Needed

St. Andrew’s Financial Committee is searching for a Treasurer. At the end of June 2021, Anne Newell will be stepping down from that role to pursue new activities. We’re looking for someone to step into her shoes and we’re hoping someone in the congregation will be “willing and able.”

Whether one person or a team step forward, we’ll train and assist you in taking over this important function for our church. Please prayerfully consider this opportunity to serve. Call Anne Newell at 503-781-9076 for more information.

A Prayer for the Week

God of glory, God of love,
help me praise you today
in all I do and say.
Amen.

Celebrating a Century!

Betty Horst turns 100 on April 6. Please help her celebrate by sending her a note or card in remembrance of this special day. Imagine all that Betty has seen and done in her lifetime! Address your mail to: Betty Horst, 5720 SW 203rd Ave, Aloha, OR 97078.

Online Giving Update

The online giving page has been updated so it will look a little different, but your login information remains the same. Find the link to the new online giving page, watch helpful videos, and more on the church website under Give.

Bach-a-Thon

The Portland Chapter of the American Guild of Organists is presenting its annual Bachathon virtually on Sunday, March 28, at 2:00 pm.

This three-hour program of the organ works of J. S. Bach is free and open to the public; access is via Portland’s American Guild of Organists website  and is a fundraiser for its scholarship program. The Portland AGO awards scholarships to students for the study of the organ with an emphasis on service playing.

During the Bachathon, chapter members, friends, and relatives will perform on nine organs, three pianos, two flutes, cello, violin, and voice. For more information, go to

Portlandago.org.

April Movie Night: My Octopus Teacher

Since April 22 is Earth Day, our Movie Night on Friday, April 23, will feature a film that shows a beautiful confluence of people and nature: My Octopus Teacher. This documentary was shot in a kelp forest in South Africa and introduces the viewer to the flora and fauna to be found there. In particular, we meet a very special octopus and watch her interactions with the diver. As Craig, the diver expressed, “What she taught me to feel is that you’re a part of this place, not just a visitor.”

Stream the documentary on Netflix and then meet with your St. Andrew friends on Zoom on Friday, April 23, at 7:00 pm. Bring out the popcorn, gather round your computer screen, and let’s talk about what we liked and didn’t like about this movie.

You’ll find the Movie Night Zoom link in Carol Harker’s “Weekly News” e-mail on Friday, April 23. Any questions: contact Mary Smith.

Bread for the World

 “Speak out for the rights of all who are destitute.
Defend the rights of the poor and needy.” 
(Proverbs 31:8-9)

This is the time of year we dedicate ourselves to writing our representatives in the U.S. Congress regarding our support of compassionate food policy for people in our country and abroad.

If you prefer to handwrite or type a letter to each Representative and both Senators, the following template offers a good place to start. Feel free to modify it as you wish:

[Date]

Rep. Suzanne Bonamici
2231 Rayburn HOB
Washington, DC 20515

Senator Merkle
313 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510

Senator Ron Wyden
221 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510

Dear Senator__________________, 
Dear Representative_____________________,

Hunger is reaching historic levels. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to devastate communities across the United States with a disproportionate impact on Black, Latino, and Native American families and immigrants, and worsening the effects of hunger and poverty around the globe.

The pandemic has exposed vulnerabilities in our safety net and food systems. And child hunger in both the U.S. and abroad has skyrocketed. Specifically, Congress should:

Make the Child Tax Credit (CTC) in the American Rescue Plan permanent and available to all children regardless of immigration status. The CTC expansion would move millions of children out of poverty, as well as help reduce hunger and narrow the racial wealth gap exacerbated by unemployment as a result of COVID-19.

Increase U.S. leadership and funding for global nutrition programs without which an entire generation may be denied of their God-given right to flourish.

Now more than ever, my faith calls me to stand alongside those in my community and around the world who have been impacted the most by the global pandemic. Let us work together to ensure U.S. policies help people move out of poverty and feed their families in the U.S. and around the world.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]

Once you have submitted letters please let me know who you sent letters to  (e-mail ljstaul@gmail.com ) so I may track this advocacy on the part of St Andrew. 

 

Yours in Christ,
LuAnn Staul
St Andrew Service Committee

Still Looking for Your 2020 Giving Statement

Our new giving platform does not have a print feature for each account. Don’t worry. Simply send your request to the Financial Secretaries at financial-secretary@standrewlutheran.com and you will receive a statement copy via e-mail.

  

We understand how important your request is during tax season.  Since Financial Secretaries are volunteers, we’ll reply within 7 days or as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience.

Within your own account, you can continue to look online at both your giving history and your Year-to-Date donations. Beginning next January, we will complete a mass e-mail distribution for each individual contribution statement by February 1.

Thank you for your continued support of the Ministry and Mission of St. Andrew Lutheran Church.

Blessings,
Financial Secretaries of SALC

Narthex Greeters

As many of you know, we are taking baby steps in a logical progression toward reopening the church. Beginning April 13, Narthex Greeters will be on hand during office hours (9:00 am-4:00 pm, Tuesday-Friday) to help the transition.

Many thanks to those who jumped at the chance to return to our church building as Narthex Greeters. The Thursday morning and Friday afternoon slots remain open if you have an interest. Simply call the church office to sign up. We will also need a list of back-up greeters to accommodate normal disruptions that will arise.

To review, we are looking for fully vaccinated volunteers to spend half a day in the Narthex each week, answering the phone, greeting people, ensuring they follow the protocols, and helping them get the information or make the contacts they seek.

We encourage both men and women, individuals, friends, and couples to consider whether this volunteer opportunity would interest them. If you receive your final vaccination on or before March 31, you would qualify to participate. Thank you for considering becoming a part of this welcoming ministry.

We are looking for people to make a regular commitment—for instance, coming in regularly on Tuesday afternoons, Friday mornings, etc. And don’t worry about not knowing everything about St. Andrew—we’ll provide support and guidance. Bring a book along to read, visit with friends, get some knitting done, see old friends and meet new ones.

The Flames of Climate Change

Personally, I’m afraid of fire. I don’t like it, rather not think about it. But this guy Daniel Mathews makes an awfully food case for it in his book, Trees in Trouble: Wildfires, Infestations, and Climate Change (call number 634.90978). It’s a well written book. I read the whole thing with no trouble and no slackening of interest. Check it out and see if he confirms your feelings or changes your mind about fire and clear-cuts and forest management.

Pam Farr
Adult Librarian

Back to School, with Thanks

Dear Friends of the Community Transitional School,

For nearly a year, we’ve been waiting and planning for today, March 1, the first day students returned to CTS since all Oregon schools were closed on March 13 a year ago. It was a beautiful sunny morning and, as I have every first day of school since we moved to our permanent home in 2008, I stood at the front entrance watching, eager and a bit anxious, as the first of three buses arrived and the first group of students spilled out. Many, who attended CTS last year before we closed, were smiling and eager. Some who have been enrolled in our remote program but hadn’t been to the school before, were shy and tentative. And one 4-year-old attending Pre-K for the first time, burst into tears when she got off the bus and had to be consoled by her older sister.

In keeping with the governor’s guidelines, we’d spent weeks preparing for this day while maintaining our remote-learning program (twice-daily delivery and collection of school work along with the delivery of breakfast and lunch to our students wherever they lived). Now, at last, it had arrived, and we were ready.

With the exception of Tran, our new secretary, everyone on the staff, including bus drivers and support staff, has received two doses of a COVID vaccine. All desks in all classrooms have been positioned 6 feet apart. And at all times, staff, visitors, and students 5 years and older are required to wear masks in the building, on the buses, and on the playground. It’s not the way it used to be, or the way we hope it will be when the next school year begins, but at least our students are back in school and that’s what counts. During this first week, they will only attend half-day, from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm, allowing us and them to get comfortable within the constraints imposed by the guidelines. We will begin full-day sessions (8:30 am to 3:00 pm) next Monday. That’s when the real challenge will begin.

During a normal academic year, a majority of our students don’t attend summer school, and when they return in the fall it typically takes them some time to get back into the habit of learning and back to the level they were at when school ended in the spring. Despite our best efforts to teach them remotely, it’s clear that many of the students—in my class, at least—who were already below grade level last year have fallen even farther behind. We had anticipated that would be the case, and plan to address it by extending the school year through July 28, with full-time sessions four days a week during the last six weeks. With a concerted effort on their part and ours, we believe most of them can regain some lost ground and return in the fall better equipped and motivated to take on the challenge of a new school year.

Adding another six weeks to the current academic year will place an extra burden on this year’s budget. Happily, your belief in our mission, your faith in our program, and your generosity this year and in the past have provided the resources necessary to fund this added investment in our students’ futures.

On behalf of the CTS Board, the staff, and especially our students, I want to thank you again for your ongoing support.

Sincerely,
Cheryl M. Bickle
Principal & 5th-3rd Grade Teacher

New Books in Our Adult Library

Fiction

Once Upon a River, by Diane Setterfield

A Long Petal of the Sea, by Isabel Allende

A Better Man, by Louise Penny

The Murmur of Bees, by Sofia Segovia

Non-Fiction

Good Talk: A Memoir in Conversations,
by Mira Jacob (YA)

Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America,
by Ibram X. Kendi

Christ in Crisis: Why We Need to Reclaim Jesus,
by Jim Wallis

The Moment of Lift: How Empowering Women Changes the World,
by Melinda Gates

Trees in Trouble: Wildfires, Infestations, and Climate Change,
by Daniel Mathews

The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America,
by Richard Rothstein

Save the Date

Do you enjoy talking with people on the phone? Or are you more of a note-writer?  St. Andrew’s MACG Core Team invites you to a Zoom gathering on the afternoon of Sunday, April 18. Please plan to join us in an effort to contact as many members of our St. Andrew community as possible. Details will be coming soon, but for now please mark your calendar and think about who you miss seeing in the Narthex on Sunday mornings.

Habitat’s Hope Builder Breakfast

You are invited to join us for this year’s Habitat for Humanity event, which is being held virtually because of  the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the upheaval the past year has wrought, the building of homes for hard-working families, who are in many cases living in unsafe, unhealthy, and unaffordable housing, goes on. The keynote speaker for our 2021 event is TV journalist, former news anchor, and international correspondent Ann Curry.

Join us virtually on Wednesday, April 28, at 8:00 am. Register for free at Bit.ly/HopeBuilder 2021.

If you have questions, please contact Dan Fako at 503-626-3414 or at dan43theman@comcast.net.

In Need of Prayers…

If you know someone in need of prayers, please contact the church office by phone at 503-646-0629 or email office@standrewlutheran.com Tuesday-Friday, prayerchain@standrewlutheran.com Saturday-Monday.

Family and friends of Bill Branch Peace and God’s comfort at his death Linda Fransen
Family and friends of Carol Hudspeth Peace and God’s comfort at her death Dan & Sharon Bako
Judy Deal Healing and recovery from shoulder surgery Judy Deal
Carol Means Strength and effective treatment for cancer Carol Means
Gary Grafwallner Healing and recovery from Bell’s palsy Gary Grafwallner
Ruth Gunther Healing and recovery from broken ribs Fran Miller
Nan Thompson Good results from chemotherapy Nan Thompson
Carol Hogan Good test results Carol Hogan
Madeleine (granddaughter) Effective treatment, healing, and recovery Mary Smith
Bobbie Larson Effective treatment and healing Bobbie Larson
Everyone affected by COVID-19 Strength and support Staff
Health care workers Strength, courage, protection, and support Staff
Jan Smith & Sue Cahlander Safe travels to California and back Jan Smith & Sue Cahlander
Mark & Joselle Gallis Hall Healthy pregnancy and safe delivery Mary Nell Mahler
Roland Andrew Gladhill (grandson) Thanksgiving for a joyful birth Richard & Kristie Gladhill
Phyllis Smith (sister-in-law) Thanksgiving for successful aneurysm surgery Mary Smith
Victims of hate crimes and gun violence Protection and peace Staff
Federal and state lawmakers Discernment and courage to face national challenges Staff
Those confined to their homes Assurance of God’s presence Staff
Tandy Brooks
David Bumgardner
Vic Claar
Ian MacDonald
Marvel Lund
Gary Magnuson
Hugh Mason
Brian McKiernan
Ed Pacey
Corky Poppert
Jolie Reyna
Shane Throckmorton
Gary Tubbs
Bishop Elizabeth Eaton Wisdom and discernment Staff
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Blessings on our ministry Staff
Taiwan Lutheran Church Strength and wisdom Staff
Gethsemane Lutheran Church (Portland, OR)
Augustana Lutheran Church (Portland, OR)
Serving with us in the Oregon Synod Staff
Muslim Educational Trust (Tigard, OR) Blessings on our interfaith partners Staff
Individual friends and loved ones in need of prayer Whatever they most need; say their names in your heart or aloud Everyone

Finding Home

Living Lutheran magazine will be featuring Julie Aageson’s recent book, Finding Home, in its April issue. In this thoughtful volume, Julie explores what home is and why we all need the haven it should provide. If you’d like to read her lovely essays, the book is now available for $17. You can request a copy from the author (jaageson@cord.edu), or purchase it from the publisher (https://wipfandstock.com). The book can also be ordered from Amazon.

Julie’s earlier books are also available from the same sources: Holy Ground: An Alphabet of Prayer for $18 and Benedictions: 26 Reflections for $15. Once you’ve discovered the peace that comes from reading Julie’s work, you’re likely to return often for the confident comfort and inspiration that she shares.


Pastoral Care

Pastor Mark Brocker, Lead Pastor
office: 503-646-0629 ext. 201
cell: 503-502-8762
brockerms@standrewlutheran.com
Pastor Mark is on call Fridays & Saturdays.

Pastor Susan Kintner, Pastor of Caring Ministries
office: 503-646-0629 ext. 211
cell: 503-724-2556
pastorsusan@standrewlutheran.com
Pastor Susan is on call Sundays & Mondays.

Both pastors are on call Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.


Preparing for Easter Sunday

April 4, 2021

First Reading: Acts 10:34-43
Gospel: Mark 16:1-8

Go to the “Preparing for Worship” webpage for the bulletins, the complete Lectionary, and more.


Highlights for the Week

Go to the complete online church calendar for the most up-to-date information.

Sunday, March 28, Palm Sunday

8:30 am Livestream Worship YouTube
9:30 am Virtual Coffee Time Zoom
10:00 am Bread for the World Tutorial with LuAnn Staul Zoom
10:00 am Confirmation: Bread for the World Zoom
10:00 am High School Youth Group: Bread for the World
11:00 am Zoom Worship Zoom
12:00 pm Virtual Coffee Time Zoom
12:30 pm Earth Camp Meeting Zoom

Tuesday, March 30

10:00 am T’ai Chi former Bales Thriftway on Cornell Rd

Wednesday, March 31 – Weekly News submissions due by 4:00 pm

6:30 pm Informal Gathering Time Zoom
7:00 pm Centering Prayer Zoom
7:00 pm High School Youth Hangout Zoom

Thursday, April 1

12:00 pm Staff Meeting Zoom
7:00 pm Maundy Thursday Worship Zoom

Friday, April 2

10:00 am T’ai Chi former Bales Thriftway on Cornell Rd
8:00 pm Good Friday Worship YouTube

Sunday, April 4, Easter Sunday

8:15 am Livestream Worship YouTube
9:30 am Virtual Coffee Time Zoom
10:45 am Zoom Worship Zoom
12:00 pm Virtual Coffee Time Zoom

A Note for Easter Sunday, April 4

Please note a slight change in worship times for Easter Sunday. Join us at 8:15 am or 10:45 am to enjoy a program of special music prior to the worship service itself.

Connecting to Worship

Ways to Give: Thank you for supporting our ministries!




March 21, 2021

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March Movie Night: Fiddler on the Roof

Tonight, Friday, March 19, we gather to discuss the timeless classic, Fiddler on the Roof, via Zoom. This film brings together so many themes: family, tradition, repression, prejudice and diaspora. Moments of joy are mixed with moments of pathos, with a background of the beautiful music so many of us have loved for years. 

Connect via the link in the attached e-mail. If you have questions, please contact Mary Smith.

Adult Education: The History, Art, and Architecture of Churches

Sunday, March 21–10:00 am

Paul Navarre concludes his exploration of some of the most interesting worship places he knows this Sunday. We’ve been to Paris, Trier, and Chartres, as well as several other churches, chapels, and cathedrals. Remember that if you’ve missed earlier classes, you can watch recordings of those on the church website.

The Fifth Sunday of Lent

On March 21, the church will mark the Fifth Sunday of Lent. This week, we focus on mindfulness as we contemplate what our lives would be like if God’s law were “written on our hearts.” The prophet Jeremiah foresees that such days “are surely coming,” bu while we wait we can learn from the Spirit through a thousand teachers among us.

Think of children, whose natural spontaneity expresses genuine wonder at the marvels around them. And Mary Oliver’s verse this week focuses on the delight she experiences when she notices miracles in her neighborhood. “The witchery of living is my whole conversation with you,” she writes in “To Begin With, the Sweet Grass.”

When we set aside things that distract or distress us, we can recognize marvels we would otherwise miss.

A Prayer for the Week

God of wonder and delight,
help us notice the miraculous,
today and every day.
Write your law
on our hearts.
Amen.

Wednesday Evening Prayer for Lent

Focusing on a psalm of praise, Psalm 150, Gary Grafwallner will provide the meditation for Wednesday Evening Prayer on Wednesday, March 24, at 7:00 pm. See the full Lent and Holy Week schedule on the Worship page of the website.

Our Wednesday evening schedule remains as follows:

6:30 pm
7:00 pm
7:30 pm

Informal Gathering Time
Prayer Service
Centering Prayer

Watch for the Zoom link in you inbox mid-day Wednesday.

Spirituality Book Group

On Sunday, March 21, the Spirituality Book Group will meet on Zoom at 3:00 pm to discuss The Moment of Lift, by Melinda Gates. “In this candid and inspiring book,” a Goodreads review says, “Gates traces her awakening to the link between women’s empowerment and the health of societies. She shows some of the tremendous opportunities that exist right now to ‘turbo-charge’ change. And she provides simple and effective ways each one of us can make a difference.”

The Zoom link will be sent to all who are on the Spirituality Book Group e-mail list a few days before the meeting. If you are not on the list, but would like to join in this discussion, please contact Mary Smith at dbits1@gmail.com.

Future Reading

April 18, A Long Petal of the Sea, by Isabel Allende; Mary Smith, discussion leader

May 16, This Tender Land, by William Kent Krueger; Susan Reiser, discussion leader

June 13, Just Mercy, by Bryan Stevenson; Barbara Gutzler, discussion leader

July 18, The Murmur of Bees, by Sofia Segovia; Sharon Fako, discussion leader

Kid Craft: Butterflies

St. Andrew wants to decorate its Easter banners with butterflies and we need help from all the kids in the congregation. It’s time to get creative with paper and markers or some other materials and make a bunch of butterflies. Simply drop them off in the bin to the left of the Narthex doors and you’ll see them again on Easter. Thank you!

Lenten Food Drive

With two weeks to go before the conclusion of our Lenten Food Drive, you have already surpassed this year’s goal! Yes, as of Wednesday this week, $5,898 has been donated to help feed people who rely on the St. Matthew Food Pantry to meet their nutritional needs. Thank you!

We know that hunger haunts people even in this richest of countries and it will not end when Lent does. So, please continue to consider donating to alleviate hunger right here in our community. Your gifts mean parents’ worries are eased and more people, especially children, are spared the trauma of going to bed hungry.

Donate electronically by logging into your InFellowship account and selecting “Lenten Food Drive” in the drop-down menu. Go to the church website and click on Give to begin.

Treasurer Needed

St. Andrew’s Financial Committee is searching for a Treasurer. At the end of June 2021, Anne Newell will be stepping down from that role to pursue new activities. We’re looking for someone to step into her shoes and we’re hoping someone in the congregation will be “willing and able.”

Whether one person or a team step forward, we’ll train and assist you in taking over this important function for our church. Please prayerfully consider this opportunity to serve. Call Anne Newell at 503-781-9076 for more information.

Online Giving Update

The online giving page has been updated so it will look a little different, but your login information remains the same. Find the link to the new online giving page, watch helpful videos, and more on the church website under Give.

Bach-a-Thon

The Portland Chapter of the American Guild of Organists is presenting its annual Bachathon virtually on Sunday, March 28, at 2:00 pm.

This three-hour program of the organ works of J. S. Bach is free and open to the public; access is via Portland’s American Guild of Organists website  and is a fundraiser for its scholarship program. The Portland AGO awards scholarships to students for the study of the organ with an emphasis on service playing.

During the Bachathon, chapter members, friends, and relatives will perform on nine organs, three pianos, two flutes, cello, violin, and voice. For more information, go to

Portlandago.org.

2021 Mental Health Tips from the Caring Ministries Team

Last week I wrote about Expectations and Acceptance. Piggybacking on those themes is the concept of resilience which can be described as emotional strength. Resilience is the ability to respond, adapt to, and eventually recover from adverse events or experiences. While many factors contribute to emotional resilience, one of its prominent characteristics is the ability to tolerate the emotional distress associated with life’s difficulties. Tolerating emotional distress is like strengthening our emotional “muscles.” This helps us find meaning in the midst of struggle and provides hope to keep going. One way we’ve been encouraged by our St Andrew community to tolerate distress during the pandemic has been to share “unexpected gifts” we’ve received in addition to the many challenges we have each faced.. One of the unexpected gifts for me has been the opportunity to “attend” virtual kindergarten with my 6-year-old grandson, Owen, two days a week. His parents, like many others, are balancing full-time jobs while supervising distance learning. I have been excited to learn that resilience is now a prominent theme being taught at this early age! Many of the messages we hear from significant attachment figures like family members, teachers, and caregivers are internalized as we grow up and may or may not build resilience. Being aware of those messages provides us with the opportunity to reaffirm or replace them as we navigate challenges along the way. Here are a few of the Resilience Building phrases that Owen and I have been learning.

I/We can do hard things. Making mistakes helps our brains to grow. Never give up.

As part of the baby boom generation, resilience was not as explicitly a part of the official school curriculum that I can remember. However, I do remember several people who powerfully modeled resilience through their words and actions. Let’s continue to encourage each other to grow in our ability to be resilient.

I invite you to also reflect on these specific behaviors for intentionally building resilience:

1) Try new things that move you out of your comfort zone.
2) Make connections with someone regularly.
3) Name your feelings.
4) Say YES to the offer of support or help.
5) Practice one positive affirmation like “I can do hard things.”
6) Take care of yourself with healthy food, plenty of sleep, and physical movement.
7) Set a goal, however small, and give yourself credit for accomplishing it.
8) Focus on Gratitude.

For Reflection:

What is one resilience building message that encourages you when tolerating distress? Is there a resilience building behavior that you feel nudged to practice? Name a person who has been a model of resilience for you. Share your thoughts with that person or a friend.

Michelle Sinn

Celebrating a Century!

Betty Horst turns 100 on April 6. Please help her celebrate by sending her a note or card in remembrance of this special day. Imagine all that Betty has seen and done in her lifetime! Address your mail to: Betty Horst, 5720 SW 203rd Ave, Aloha, OR 97078.

Preparing for Palm Sunday Worship

March 28 is Palm Sunday—and if you’re missing the chance to wave some greenery during worship, you’ll have a couple of options. Beginning on Thursday, March 25, you will find palm branches outside the front entrance of the church for you to take home. They are first-come, first-served, and we will only have a limited number, so please take only as many as you need.

Several other options are possible, too. Those who are creatively inclined can fashion their own palm branches from paper or other material you may have around the house. Be creative and reuse something that might otherwise go in the trash—then it’s green in more than one way.

But the easiest (and greenest) way to have something to wave for worship is simply to look in your own yard. The Israelites waved palm branches because that was what was most easily available and abundant. Maybe you’ve got an enthusiastic Oregon grape that you can snip a branch from, a bush that needs pruning, or an evergreen happy to donate a small branch or two. Even a humble weed works and is a great reminder that “the Lord has need of it”!

Save the Date

Do you enjoy talking with people on the phone? Or are you more of a note-writer?  St. Andrew’s MACG Core Team invites you to a Zoom gathering on the afternoon of Sunday, April 18. Please plan to join us in an effort to contact as many members of our St. Andrew community as possible. Details will be coming soon, but for now please mark your calendar and think about who you miss seeing in the Narthex on Sunday mornings.

Bread for the World

Ending hunger can start with a letter or e-mail. Each spring St. Andrew members bear witness to our concern for those who suffer from hunger by participating in the Bread for the World annual letter writing campaign.  These letters inspire our leaders in Washington D.C. to enact policies and pass legislation that will reduce hunger and poverty in the U.S. and the world. 

The current legislative priority of Bread for the World is to urge Congress to invest in anti-hunger and anti-poverty programs in response to COVID-19.  Because of our persistent advocacy, Congress passed the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The legislation contains numerous provisions that will help people struggling with hunger and poverty. But there is more to do as we continue to address the ripple effects of COVID-19.

“Speak out for the rights of all who are destitute.
Defend the rights of the poor and needy.” 
(Proverbs 31:8-9)

Please join me on Palm Sunday, March 28, 2021 at 10:00 am on Zoom as I provide a tutorial on how to use the Bread for the World website to submit e-mails to our representatives to advocate for specific programs to impact hunger. 

If you prefer you may handwrite or type a letter to each Representative and both Senators. Following is a template for you to use or modify as you wish:

[Date]

Rep. Suzanne Bonamici
2231 Rayburn HOB
Washington, DC 20515

Senator Merkle
313 Hart Senate Office Buildin
Washington, DC 20510

Senator Ron Wyden
221 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510

Dear Senator__________________,
Dear Representative_____________________,

Hunger is reaching historic levels. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to devastate communities across the United States with a disproportionate impact on Black, Latino, and Native American families and immigrants, and worsening the effects of hunger and poverty around the globe.

The pandemic has exposed vulnerabilities in our safety net and food systems. And child hunger in both the U.S. and abroad has skyrocketed. Specifically, Congress should:

*Make the Child Tax Credit (CTC) in the American Rescue Plan permanent and available to all children regardless of immigration status. The CTC expansion would move millions of children out of poverty, as well as help reduce hunger and narrow the racial wealth gap exacerbated by unemployment as a result of COVID-19.

*Increase U.S. leadership and funding for global nutrition programs without which an entire generation may be denied of their God-given right to flourish.

Now more than ever, my faith calls me to stand alongside those in my community and around the world who have been impacted the most by the global pandemic. Let us work together to ensure U.S. policies help people move out of poverty and feed their families in the U.S. and around the world.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]

Once you have submitted letters please let me know who you sent letters to  (e-mail ljstaul@gmail.com ) so I may track this advocacy on the part of St Andrew.

Yours in Christ,
LuAnn Staul
St. Andrew Service Committee

Introducing Narthex Greeters

Many thanks to those who jumped at the chance to return to our church building as Narthex Greeters beginning April 13. Already both Tuesday and Wednesday are completely covered.

To review, we are looking for fully vaccinated volunteers to spend half a day in the Narthex each week, answering the phone, greeting people, ensuring they follow the protocols, and helping them get the information or make the contacts they seek.

Narthex Greeters will be on duty either 9:00 am-12:30 pm or 12:30 pm-4:00 pm, Tuesday-Friday. Right now, only Thursday and Friday slots are open, but backup volunteers are welcome, too, to step in when others cannot. If you’re at all interested, please contact the church office for more information and to sign up. We are looking for people to make a regular commitment—for instance, coming in regularly on Tuesday afternoons, Friday mornings, etc. Bring a book along to read, visit with friends, get some knitting done.

We encourage both men and women, individuals, friends, and couples to consider whether this volunteer opportunity would interest them. If you receive your final vaccination on or before March 31, you would qualify to participate. Thank you for considering becoming a part of this welcoming ministry.

Worship Schedule

Palm Sunday, March 28
8:30 am Livestream
11:00 am Zoom

Maundy Thursday, April 1
7:00 pm Zoom

Good Friday, April 2
8:00 pm Livestream

Easter Sunday, April 4
8:30 am Livestream
11:00 am Zoom

In Need of Prayers…

Judy Deal Healing and recovery from shoulder surgery Judy Deal
Carol Means Strength and effective treatment for cancer Carol Means
Nan Thompson Good results from chemotherapy Nan Thompson
Bobbie Larson Effective treatment and healing Bobbie Larson
Frannie Gladhill Healthy pregnancy and safe delivery Kristie Gladhill
Everyone affected by COVID-19 Strength and support Staff
Health care workers Strength, courage, protection, and support Staff
Jan Smith & Sue Cahlander Safe travels to California and back Jan Smith & Sue Cahlander
Phyllis Smith (sister-in-law) Thanksgiving for successful aneurysm surgery Mary Smith
Victims of hate crimes Protection and peace Staff
Those confined to their homes Assurance of God’s presence Staff
Mareline Barnes,
Dave Bumgardner,
Jean Fredrickson,
Tara Harper,
Douglas Hooke,
Betty Horst,
Dorothy Moore,
Phyllis Morris,
Ed Pacey,
Helen Rogers,
Dave & Sharon Roth,
Margie Schindele
All who are imprisoned Peace and strength Staff
Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon
Holy Trinity Catholic Church
Blessings on their work Staff
First Lutheran Lutheran Church (St. Helens, OR)
Bethany Lutheran Church (Warren, OR)
Serving with us in the Oregon Synod Staff
Golden Temple of OR (Portland, OR) Blessings on our interfaith partners Staff
Individual friends and loved ones in need of prayer Whatever they most need; say their names in your heart or aloud Everyone

If you know someone in need of prayers, please contact the church office by phone at 503-646-0629 or email office@standrewlutheran.com Tuesday-Friday, prayerchain@standrewlutheran.com Saturday-Monday.

Table Talk: Finding Your Roots, St. Andrew!

Thursday, March 25, 7:00-8:30 pm via Zoom

Gathered around the table in his home, Martin Luther talked freely and openly with his colleagues and students about matters of faith, theology, and varied aspects of daily life. In an effort to cultivate this kind of spirited discussion, we have a tradition at St. Andrew of gathering for Table Talks. Though we cannot gather in person, Pastor Brocker invites you to participate in the next Table Talk, led by St. Andrew’s Reckoning with Racism cohort. It will be held via Zoom on Thursday, March 25, 7:00-8:30 pm.

Reckoning with Racism is a nine-month journey focused on systemic racism. It is sponsored by The Common Table of Oregon. People of faith have been invited from across the state into a deliberate process of addressing racism inside our faith community or institution and out in the public square.

As part of this journey, our St. Andrew Reckoning with Racism cohort has been looking deeply into the history of our congregation. Have you ever wondered about the land that St. Andrew sits on? What was here and who was here 250 years ago on this land? What chain of historical events led to our acquisition of this land in 1957? We’ve been looking at the land and the history of St. Andrew—how the Native Americans lived, who were the first settlers, and how we acquired and stewarded the land. You are invited to come and learn and to share your stories!

Finding Home

Living Lutheran magazine will be featuring Julie Aageson’s recent book, Finding Home, in its April issue. In this thoughtful volume, Julie explores what home is and why we all need the haven it should provide. If you’d like to read her lovely essays, the book is now available for $17. You can request a copy from the author (jaageson@cord.edu), or purchase it from the publisher (https://wipfandstock.com). The book can also be ordered from Amazon.

Julie’s earlier books are also available from the same sources: Holy Ground: An Alphabet of Prayer for $18 and Benedictions: 26 Reflections for $15. Once you’ve discovered the peace that comes from reading Julie’s work, you’re likely to return often for the confident comfort and inspiration that she shares.


Pastoral Care

Pastor Mark Brocker, Lead Pastor
office: 503-646-0629 ext. 201
cell: 503-502-8762
brockerms@standrewlutheran.com
Pastor Mark is on call Fridays & Saturdays.

Pastor Susan Kintner, Pastor of Caring Ministries
office: 503-646-0629 ext. 211
cell: 503-724-2556
pastorsusan@standrewlutheran.com
Pastor Susan is on call Sundays & Mondays.

Both pastors are on call Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.


Preparing for Palm Sunday

March 14, 2021

Processional Gospel: Mark 11:1-11
First Reading: Philippians 2:5-11
Second Reading: Isaiah 50:4-9a

Go to the “Preparing for Worship” webpage for the bulletins, the complete Lectionary, and more.


Highlights for the Week

Go to the complete online church calendar for the most up-to-date information.

Sunday, March 21, Fifth Sunday of Lent

8:30 am Livestream Worship YouTube
9:30 am Virtual Coffee Time Zoom
10:00 am Sunday School Zoom
10:00 am Confirmation Zoom
10:00 am High School Youth Group
10:00 am Adult Ed: The History, Art, and Architecture of Churches Zoom
11:00 am Zoom Worship Zoom
12:00 pm Virtual Coffee Time Zoom

Tuesday, March 23

10:00 am T’ai Chi former Bales Thriftway on Cornell Rd
12:15 pm Community Carbon Leadership Meeting Zoom

Wednesday, March 24 – Weekly News submissions due by 4:00 pm

6:30 pm Informal Gathering Time Zoom
7:00 pm Lenten Evening Prayer Zoom
7:30 pm Centering Prayer Zoom

Thursday, March 25

12:00 pm Staff Meeting Zoom
2:30 pm Communications Committee Meeting Zoom
7:00 pm IT Meeting Off Site
7:00 pm Table Talk: Finding Your Roots, St. Andrew! Zoom

Friday, March 26

10:00 am T’ai Chi former Bales Thriftway on Cornell Rd

Sunday, March 28: Palm Sunday

8:30 am Livestream Worship YouTube
9:30 am Virtual Coffee Time Zoom
10:00 am Bread for the World Tutorial with LuAnn Staul Zoom
10:00 am Confirmation: Bread for the World Zoom
10:00 am High School Youth Group: Bread for the World Zoom
11:00 am Zoom Worship Zoom
12:00 pm Virtual Coffee Time Zoom

Connecting to Worship

Ways to Give: Thank you for supporting our ministries!




March 14, 2021

Want a printed copy of the Weekly News? Click on the printer icon to the right or download and print the PDF.

Adult Education: The History, Art, and Architecture of Churches

Altar at Melk Abbey

Paul Navarre continues taking us along on his exploration of some of the most interesting worship places he knows. We’ve been to Paris, Trier, and Chartres, as well as a few other places, and we have two weeks left to discover the history, art, and architecture of churches, chapels, and cathedrals.

If you’ve missed earlier classes, you can watch recordings of those on the church website.

The Fourth Sunday of Lent

On March 14, the church will mark the Fourth Sunday of Lent. The poems referred to in our Lenten Devotional this coming week help us to see the world as God does and to consider the shape of our souls. In “Some Questions You Might Ask,” Mary Oliver says,

“The face of the moose is as sad

as the face of Jesus.”

Does the moose have a soul? Are humans the only living things so blessed?

When Mary Oliver watches a swan in flight, she sees a white cross. She doesn’t just watch; she sees the world through a God-given lens. Although the poet is no longer living among us, perhaps she is seeing still and commenting on the beauty she finds.

Wednesday Evening Prayer for Lent

Focusing on a psalm of trust, Psalm 148, Karen Klingelhafer will provide the meditation for Wednesday Evening Prayer on Wednesday, March 17, at 7:00 pm. See the full Lent and Holy Week schedule on the Worship page of the website.

Our Wednesday evening schedule remains as follows:

6:30 pm
7:00 pm
7:30 pm

Informal Gathering Time
Prayer Service
Centering Prayer

Watch for the Zoom link in you inbox mid-day Wednesday.

Time to Change Our Clocks

It’s time to advance time an hour this weekend, so be sure to move your clocks ahead before going to bed on Saturday night. For Oregonians, this may be the last time we need to participate in the ritual!

Kid Craft: Butterflies

St. Andrew wants to decorate its Easter banners with butterflies and we need help from all the kids in the congregation. It’s time to get creative with paper and markers or some other materials and make a bunch of butterflies. Simply drop them off in the bin to the left of the Narthex doors and you’ll see them again on Easter. Thank you!

Lenten Food Drive

We know how to do this! Despite a pandemic that kept us away from the church building, last year’s Lenten Food Drive was more successful than ever as members of the congregation generously contributed cash to help feed those people around us living without reliable sources of food.

Our goal in 2021 is to raise the equivalent of six tons, or 12,000 pounds, of food. You’ll remember that each dollar given equals three pounds of food. In other words, if we can accrue donations totaling $4,000, we will meet our goal and take a significant step toward providing the comfort of food security for our neighbors.

It’s easy to donate electronically by logging into your online account (note: it will look different, but your login credentials are the same) and selecting “Lenten Food Drive” in the drop-down menu. Go to the church website and click on Give to begin.

Treasurer Needed

St. Andrew’s Financial Committee is searching for a Treasurer. At the end of June 2021, Anne Newell will be stepping down from that role to pursue new activities. We’re looking for someone to step into her shoes and we’re hoping someone in the congregation will be “willing and able.”

Whether one person or a team step forward, we’ll train and assist you in taking over this important function for our church. Please prayerfully consider this opportunity to serve. Call Anne Newell at 503-781-9076 for more information.

Online Giving Update

The online giving page has been updated so it will look a little different, but your login information remains the same. Find the link to the new online giving page, watch helpful videos, and more on the church website under Give.

March Movie Night: Fiddler on the Roof

This month, we invite you to enjoy the timeless classic, Fiddler on the Roof.

This film brings together so many themes: family, tradition, repression, prejudice and diaspora. Moments of joy are mixed with moments of pathos, with a background of the beautiful music so many of us have loved for years. 

You can stream this film on Netflix, then meet with us via Zoom on Friday, March 19, at 7:00 p.m. Bring out the pop-corn and gather around your computer screens as we talk about what we liked (and didn’t like) about the movie.

You’ll find the Zoom link for this Movie Night in Carol’s “Weekly News” e-mail on Friday, March 19.

Any questions: Contact Mary Smith.

Bach-a-Thon

The Portland Chapter of the American Guild of Organists is presenting its annual Bachathon virtually on Sunday, March 28, at 2:00 pm.

This three-hour program of the organ works of J. S. Bach is free and open to the public; access is via Portland’s American Guild of Organists website  and is a fundraiser for its scholarship program. The Portland AGO awards scholarships to students for the study of the organ with an emphasis on service playing.

During the Bachathon, chapter members, friends, and relatives will perform on nine organs, three pianos, two flutes, cello, violin, and voice. For more information, go to

Portlandago.org.

2021 Mental Health Tips from the Caring Ministries Team

It’s hard to believe we have been practicing public safety measures for over a year! As we continue to do everything we can to physically protect ourselves and others, the Caring Ministry Team would again like to offer some thoughts for your mental health reflection.

Before I introduce the theme below, let me offer a review: Last May, I began by introducing the benefit of practicing small, frequent doses of Calming Behaviors like deep breathing, listening to music, or walking in nature as ways to foster Emotional Regulation. Week two encouraged the practice of putting boundaries on the information we receive and remembering the timeless messages of hope called Scripts of Reassurance that can help encourage us in difficult times. Identifying and acknowledging our feelings by Naming Emotions, described in week three, gives feelings motion to move through us. All of these small practices combined help us to more frequently function within our individual Windows of Tolerance. Finally, Cultivating Compassion for ourselves and others helps us acknowledge our shared humanity and motivates us to put our feelings of empathy for those who are suffering into action.

Expectations and Reflection:

Our Expectations can also greatly affect our mental and emotional health. We often expect that something will happen or someone will behave in the way we desire and when expectations are not met, we struggle. Expectations can sometimes be identified by noticing the words “should” or “shouldn’t.” Here is an example. This pandemic shouldn’t be continuing! We should be back to normal by now! I can’t stand this! Many expectations can motivate us to work for justice or positive change. However, the expectation used in this example conveys a refusal to acknowledge reality and can fuel feelings of frustration and powerlessness.

Acceptance is a mindfulness concept and an attitude that acknowledges what is happening even though we may not like it, approve of, or condone it in any way. We let go of the expectation that things are not the way we expect they should be. We acknowledge the reality of the situation and our feelings about it. Here is an example. This pandemic is hard and I don’t like that it is continuing! I know I’m not alone in feeling this way. How might I make it a little more tolerable for me and those around me today? As implied in the example, acceptance has another benefit. Acceptance can be empowering, allowing us to claim whatever choices may be in our control.

For Reflection:

How have your expectations changed over the past year? When have you been aware of a shift from struggle toward acceptance?

Michelle Sinn

Free Online Concert for Hopewell House

Since Hopewell House, the only residential hospice in Portland, closed in the fall of 2019, Friends of Hopewell House have been working to save it.

On Saturday, March 20, at 7:00 pm, everyone is invited to enjoy Stream of Hope, a free benefit concert produced and hosted by Alberta Rose Theatre and featuring many of Oregon’s top artists. Donations are not required, but if you feel moved to donate, funds raised will go toward the purchase and reopening of Hopewell House.


Bird Boxes

I bought a bird box two years ago and installed it on a branch of a tree in my backyard. Not knowing much about bird houses, I first went to Portland Audubon and Backyard Bird shop to ask some questions—like, how do you know what kind to buy? What size is best? What will attract the birds to actually move in, build a nest, lay eggs, and raise their young?

By adding a bird box to her yard, Bev Briggs created another place for birds to nest and made another connection for wildlife in our expanding Homegrown National Park.

I learned that size is an important factor. The first question asked of me was, “What birds typically live in your yard?” When I responded that I have a lot of chickadees, I was escorted to the boxes for chickadees and wrens. The holes are just the right dimensions for those little birds to pop in and out. And predator birds that are bigger just can’t fit through the opening. Hence the little bird family can be safe and sound inside their little nest. So, I bought a chickadee and wren house.

A small branch in a tree worked well for hanging. Since I also wanted some entertainment for myself and my (indoor only) cats, I selected a branch that is just outside a window, within easy view. And the bird box was hung early last February.

I kept my eye on it, not knowing what to expect. A few months later, I saw a pair of chickadees standing on the roof and hopping around on the branches nearby. Within a few days, I noticed them going in and out of the house with little bits of vegetation. Ah ha! A nest! The cats and I became interested.

As the days went on, the activity picked up with lots of swooping in and out. And then it became frantic, with adult birds arriving moments apart with worms hanging out of their mouths. The babies were there!

Since then, I’ve learned that the worms come from nearby native oak trees, ready to be served up to those hungry offspring. So, this can’t happen until those trees have leafed out and attracted these delicious morsels for the baby birds to gobble down.

I waited to see them fledge, but I never saw it happen. Someone told me that they fledge fast, so I missed it. But, activity ceased almost overnight.

And, then another month or so went by, and I saw the whole process begin again. My little bird house was the habitat for two families of baby chickadees last spring.

I was informed that I should clean out the birdhouse every fall. So, another requirement is to have a door in the back that can be opened for this yearly cleaning task.

The birds seem to know how to do the rest.

Beverly Briggs
March 9, 2021

March Madness Returns!

One year ago, the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament was one of the first major sporting events cancelled by the coronavirus pandemic. This year, the tournament is back, meaning the St. Andrew March Madness Bracket Challenge is back for the second time! When we are physically distant, intergenerational events are tough to find, but anyone can play in this one. This year there will be prizes for the three brackets with the highest scores, in the form of Nike Gift Cards: $100 for 1st, $50 for 2nd, and $25 for 3rd! The bracket will be set this Sunday evening, which means you have from Monday morning (3/15) to Wednesday night (3/17) to make your selections. Check out the instructions below to get started!

First, go to the espn.com/tournamentchallenge or download the ESPN Tournament Challenge app on a mobile device, then sign in or create an account (hint: you can also use your login for Disney+ or Hulu). Click the button that says “create an entry” and fill out your bracket by clicking on the teams you predict to win. When you have finalized your bracket, go back to the Home/MyBrackets tab and hit the button that says “join group.” Search for StAndrewLutheran2021 in groups, click on the group that shows up, and click “join group.” Finally, make sure your bracket is titled with your name, so we know it’s yours! Then, all that’s left to do is watch basketball and watch your points rack up! E-mail kvogt@standrewlutheran.com if you have any questions. Good Luck!

Introducing Narthex Greeters

Will you be fully vaccinated by April 1? If so, you might enjoy spending a half day in the church Narthex each week, answering the phone, opening the doors for people, ensuring they follow the protocols, and helping them get the information or make the contacts they seek. There will be time for visiting, too, something we have all missed over the past year!

Narthex Greeters will be on duty either 9:00 am-12:30 pm or 12:30 pm-4:00 pm, Tuesday-Friday. If you are interested in volunteering for a shift, please contact the church office for more information and to sign up. We are looking for people to make a regular commitment—for instance, coming in regularly on Tuesday afternoons, Friday mornings, etc.

We encourage both men and women, individuals and couples, to consider whether this volunteer opportunity would interest them. The program will begin on Tuesday, April 13, so if you receive your final vaccination before March 31, you would qualify to participate.

In Need of Prayers…

Phyllis Smith (sister-in-law) Successful surgery (March 16) and comfort Mary Smith
Judy Deal Successful shoulder replacement surgery Judy Deal

Carol Means Strength and effective treatment for cancer Carol Means
Bobbie Larson Effective treatment and healing Bobbie Larson
John Fritz Healing and recovery from a fall John Fritz
Mike McDowall Healing and recovery Mike McDowall
Liz Roscoe (daughter) Healing and recovery from surgery Susan Werner Reiser
Gary Grafwallner Healing and recovery from Bell’s palsy Gary Grafwallner
Frannie Gladhill Healthy pregnancy and safe delivery Kristie Gladhill
Everyone affected by COVID-19 Strength and support Staff
Health care workers Strength, courage, protection, and support Staff
Pastor Robyn Hartwig Blessings on her ministry at Spirit of Grace Staff
St. Andrew Council and Executive Committee
Staff
Wisdom and discernment Staff
Karen Klingelhafer, Kyler Vogt, and all seminarians Encouragement and support Staff
St. Andrew Foundation Blessings on their ministry Staff
St. Luke Lutheran Church (Portland, OR)
The Flame Lutheran Church (Portland, OR)
Serving with us in the Oregon Synod Staff
Bilal Masjid (Beavereton, OR) Blessings on our interfaith partners Staff
Individual friends and loved ones in need of prayer Whatever they most need; say their names in your heart or aloud Everyone

If you know someone in need of prayers, please contact the church office by phone at 503-646-0629 or email office@standrewlutheran.com Tuesday-Friday, prayerchain@standrewlutheran.com Saturday-Monday.

Table Talk: Finding Your Roots, St. Andrew!

Thursday, March 25, 7:00-8:30 pm via Zoom

Gathered around the table in his home, Martin Luther talked freely and openly with his colleagues and students about matters of faith, theology, and varied aspects of daily life. In an effort to cultivate this kind of spirited discussion, we have a tradition at St. Andrew of gathering for Table Talks. Though we cannot gather in person, Pastor Brocker invites you to participate in the next Table Talk, led by St. Andrew’s Reckoning with Racism cohort. It will be held via Zoom on Thursday, March 25, 7:00-8:30 pm.

Reckoning with Racism is a nine-month journey focused on systemic racism. It is sponsored by The Common Table of Oregon. People of faith have been invited from across the state into a deliberate process of addressing racism inside our faith community or institution and out in the public square.

As part of this journey, our St. Andrew Reckoning with Racism cohort has been looking deeply into the history of our congregation. Have you ever wondered about the land that St. Andrew sits on? What was here and who was here 250 years ago on this land? What chain of historical events led to our acquisition of this land in 1957? We’ve been looking at the land and the history of St. Andrew—how the Native Americans lived, who were the first settlers, and how we acquired and stewarded the land. You are invited to come and learn and to share your stories!

Finding Home

Living Lutheran magazine will be featuring Julie Aageson’s recent book, Finding Home, in its April issue. In this thoughtful volume, Julie explores what home is and why we all need the haven it should provide. If you’d like to read her lovely essays, the book is now available for $17. You can request a copy from the author (jaageson@cord.edu), or purchase it from the publisher (https://wipfandstock.com). The book can also be ordered from Amazon.

Julie’s earlier books are also available from the same sources: Holy Ground: An Alphabet of Prayer for $18 and Benedictions: 26 Reflections for $15. Once you’ve discovered the peace that comes from reading Julie’s work, you’re likely to return often for the confident comfort and inspiration that she shares.


Pastoral Care

Pastor Mark Brocker, Lead Pastor
office: 503-646-0629 ext. 201
cell: 503-502-8762
brockerms@standrewlutheran.com
Pastor Mark is on call Fridays & Saturdays.

Pastor Susan Kintner, Pastor of Caring Ministries
office: 503-646-0629 ext. 211
cell: 503-724-2556
pastorsusan@standrewlutheran.com
Pastor Susan is on call Sundays & Mondays.

Both pastors are on call Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.


Preparing for Sunday

March 14, 2021

Reading: Numbers 29:4-9
Gospel: John 3:14-21

Go to the “Preparing for Worship” webpage for the bulletins, the complete Lectionary, and more.


Highlights for the Week

Go to the complete online church calendar for the most up-to-date information.

Sunday, March 14, Fourth Sunday of Lent

8:30 am Livestream Worship YouTube
9:30 am Virtual Coffee Time Zoom
10:00 am Sunday School Zoom
10:00 am Confirmation Zoom
10:00 am High School Youth Group
10:00 am Adult Ed: The History, Art, and Architecture of Churches Zoom
11:00 am Zoom Worship Zoom
12:00 pm Virtual Coffee Time Zoom

Tuesday, March 16

10:00 am T’ai Chi former Bales Thriftway on Cornell Rd
10:00 am Worship Planners Meeting Zoom

Wednesday, March 17 – Weekly News submissions due by 4:00 pm

5:45 pm Handbell Ensemble Rehearsal Sanctuary
6:30 pm Informal Gathering Time Zoom
7:00 pm Lenten Evening Prayer Zoom
7:00 pm High School Youth Game Night Zoom
7:30 pm Centering Prayer Zoom

Thursday, March 18

12:00 pm Staff Meeting Zoom
7:00 pm Council Meeting Zoom

Friday, March 19

10:00 am T’ai Chi former Bales Thriftway on Cornell Rd

Sunday, March 21: Fifth Sunday of Lent

8:30 am Livestream Worship YouTube
9:30 am Virtual Coffee Time Zoom
10:00 am Sunday School Zoom
10:00 am Confirmation Zoom
10:00 am High School Youth Group Zoom
10:00 am Adult Education: The History, Art, and Architecture of Churches Zoom
11:00 am Zoom Worship Zoom
12:00 pm Virtual Coffee Time Zoom

Connecting to Worship

Ways to Give: Thank you for supporting our ministries!




March 7, 2021

Want a printed copy of the Weekly News? Click on the printer icon to the right or download and print the PDF.

Adult Education: The History, Art, and Architecture of Churches

Sunday, March 7, 14, and 21, 10:00 am via Zoom
From the most humble chapel to the great cathedrals of Europe, churches are places to hear the Word of God and worship together, at least when there isn’t a pandemic raging. Beyond the utilitarian function, every church has stories and a history, and most contain art and are places for the performance of the arts. Many church buildings are masterpieces of art and craftsmanship themselves.

In this class we’ll look at some of my favorite places of Christian worship and appreciate their history, architecture, and the artwork they contain. I’m a bit of a Europhile, so we’ll be paying special attention to churches, chapels, and cathedrals in Europe. In these days of restricted travel, it is the perfect time to pack our virtual bags and set out together to visit some of the most interesting and beautiful places of worship.

Paul Navarre

The Third Sunday of Lent

On March 7, the church will mark the Third Sunday of Lent by remembering Jesus’ anger when he drove the money changers from the temple. Check the church website for poetry, prayers, and practices to enhance your devotions for that day and the week to follow. You can access all the Mary Oliver poetry referenced in our Lenten Devotional on the Internet (search for “poem title, by Mary Oliver”) or in Devotions, a compilation of the poet’s work spanning 50 years.

What are the boundaries of the temple Jesus protects? Does sacred space end at the doors, or does it extend into the woods and sky? Does the temple include Christ’s own body and therefore all of our human bodies as well? Does it include the beasts and the birds, and all that God has made?

Wednesday Evening Prayer for Lent

Focusing on a psalm of trust, Psalm 121, Randy Sinnwill provide the meditation for Wednesday Evening Prayer on Wednesday, March 10, at 7:00 pm. See the full Lent and Holy Week schedule on the Worship page of the website.

Our Wednesday evening schedule remains as follows:

6:30 pm
7:00 pm
7:30 pm

Informal Gathering Time
Prayer Service
Centering Prayer

Watch for the Zoom link in you inbox mid-day Wednesday.

February Movie Night

Since February is Black History Month, we will discuss Loving, a dramatization of the U.S. Supreme Court decision: Loving v Virginia. This was a 1967 landmark civil rights case in which the Supreme Court struck down state laws which prohibited interracial marriages. It is also a love story of Richard and Mildred Loving, an interracial couple whose only “crime” was that they wanted to get married.

You can stream Loving on Netflix, then meet with us via Zoom on Friday, February 26, at 7:00 pm. Plan to bring out the popcorn and gather around your computer screens as we talk about what we liked (and didn’t like) about this month’s movie.

You’ll find the Zoom link for this Movie Night in Carol’s “Weekly News” e-mail on Friday, February 26. If you have any questions, please contact Mary Smith.

Lenten Food Drive

We know how to do this! Despite a pandemic that kept us away from the church building, last year’s Lenten Food Drive was more successful than ever as members of the congregation generously contributed cash to help feed those people around us living without reliable sources of food.

Our goal in 2021 is to raise the equivalent of six tons, or 12,000 pounds, of food. You’ll remember that each dollar given equals three pounds of food. In other words, if we can accrue donations totaling $4,000, we will meet our goal and take a significant step toward providing the comfort of food security for our neighbors.

It’s easy to donate electronically by logging into your online account (note: it will look different, but your login credentials are the same) and selecting “Lenten Food Drive” in the drop-down menu. Go to the church website and click on Give to begin.

Treasurer Needed

St. Andrew’s Financial Committee is searching for a Treasurer. At the end of June 2021, Anne Newell will be stepping down from that role to pursue new activities. We’re looking for someone to step into her shoes and we’re hoping someone in the congregation will be “willing and able.”

Whether one person or a team step forward, we’ll train and assist you in taking over this important function for our church. Please prayerfully consider this opportunity to serve. Call Anne Newell at 503-781-9076 for more information.

Online Giving Update

The online giving page has been updated so it will look a little different, but your login information remains the same. Find the link to the new online giving page, watch helpful videos, and more on the church website under Give.

Pastor Susan’s Installation

Pastor of Caring Ministries Susan Kintner will be installed into her half-time position at St. Andrew during both worship services this Sunday, March 7. Although the congregation cannot welcome her in person, we will do so via livestream and Zoom!

A Prayer for the Week

GOD OF JUSTICE, HELP US TO PROTECT THE VULNERABLE WITH

WISDOM AND AUDACITY. SHOW US YOUR TRUE TEMPLE.

AMEN.

Kid Craft: Butterflies

St. Andrew wants to decorate its Easter banners with butterflies and we need help from all the kids in the congregation. It’s time to get creative with paper and markers or some other materials and make a bunch of butterflies. Simply drop them off in the bin to the left of the Narthex doors and you’ll see them again on Easter.

March Movie Night: Fiddler on the Roof

This month, we invite you to enjoy the timeless classic, Fiddler on the Roof.

This film brings together so many themes: family, tradition, repression, prejudice and diaspora. Moments of joy are mixed with moments of pathos, with a background of the beautiful music so many of us have loved for years. 

You can stream this film on Netflix, then meet with us via Zoom on Friday, March 19, at 7:00 p.m. Bring out the pop-corn and gather around your computer screens as we talk about what we liked (and didn’t like) about the movie.

You’ll find the Zoom link for this Movie Night in Carol’s “Weekly News” e-mail on Friday, March 19.

Any questions: Contact Mary Smith

Leadership Training

Metropolitan Alliance for Common Good

Sound Alliance

MACG and Sound Alliance are hosting a three-part Leadership Training Institute on the following dates:
Friday, March 5, 5:30—7:30 p
Saturday March 6, 10:00 am—2:00 pm
Saturday, March 13, 10:00 am—2:00 pm

This event is free to members of the St. Andrew community.

Come to this training to:

  • Learn fundamental organizing skills: Individual relational meetings, listening sessions, research and action to help obtain a concrete, winnable outcome.
  • Learn how to strengthen your institution: Engage people in a culture that is relational, action oriented, and reflective.
  • Learn to distinguish problems from issues: From general prob-lems to concrete, winnable issues by using relational power in the public arena to negotiate for the common good.

Many members of St. Andrew have attended similar events over the years, and have found them to be valuable in their lives in-side and outside the church. Please contact any member of our MACG Core Team (Pat Christiansen, Larry Bliesner, Lynn San-telman, Scott Taylor, Bob Stadel, or Victoria Kovalenko) if you have any questions.

Please register for this event to receive the Zoom link or visit the MACG website.

Table Talk: Finding Your Roots, St. Andrew!

Thursday, March 25, 7:00-8:30 pm via Zoom

Gathered around the table in his home, Martin Luther talked freely and openly with his colleagues and students about matters of faith, theology, and varied aspects of daily life. In an effort to cultivate this kind of spirited discussion, we have a tradition at St. Andrew of gathering for Table Talks. Though we cannot gather in person, Pastor Brocker invites you to participate in the next Table Talk, led by St. Andrew’s Reckoning with Racism cohort. It will be held via Zoom on Thursday, March 25, 7:00-8:30 pm.

Reckoning with Racism is a nine-month journey focused on systemic racism. It is sponsored by The Common Table of Oregon. People of faith have been invited from across the state into a deliberate process of addressing racism inside our faith community or institution and out in the public square.

As part of this journey, our St. Andrew Reckoning with Racism cohort has been looking deeply into the history of our congregation. Have you ever wondered about the land that St. Andrew sits on? What was here and who was here 250 years ago on this land? What chain of historical events led to our acquisition of this land in 1957? We’ve been looking at the land and the history of St. Andrew—how the Native Americans lived, who were the first settlers, and how we acquired and stewarded the land. You are invited to come and learn and to share your stories!

Welcome, Pastor Susan!

Fourteen years after leaving her role as associate pastor at St. Andrew to become Assistant to the Bishop of the Oregon Synod, Pastor Susan Kintner returns to serve us as Pastor of Caring Ministries on Monday, March 1. Welcome back, Susan!

A native of the Pacific Northwest, Pastor Susan was raised with three brothers in Port Angeles, WA, on the Olympic Peninsula. She grew up seeing the ocean every day, eating fresh salmon and crab often, and enjoying sailing, skiing, hiking, rowing, watching birds, learning about the fascinating creatures that live in tide pools, stargazing, and riding the ferry to Victoria, BC.

A graduate of both Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA, and Pacific Lutheran Theo-logical Seminary in Berkeley, CA, she was ordained in 1980, making her the 63rd woman ever ordained in the American Lutheran Church, a predecessor of the ELCA.

The mother of two sons, Bif and Kris, Susan loves good books (especially murder mysteries), bird watching, and collage. She serves on the board for the Grunewald Guild, which is a retreat center dedicated to the intersection of art, faith, and community near Leavenworth, WA.


In Need of Prayers…

Jody Podolske (Mike’s mother) Comfort, strength, and good decisions for her future Mike & Phyllis Podolske
Kevin (daughter-in-law’s cousin) Care, good treatment, and thoughtful decisions following a major stroke Nan Thompson
John Fritz Healing and recovery from a fall John Fritz
Mike McDowall Healing and recovery Mike McDowall
Liz Roscoe Healing and recovery from surgery Susan Werner Reiser
Gary Grafwallner Healing and recovery from Bell’s palsy Gary Grafwallner
Rebecca Fako Uecker Healing and recovery of injured nerves Rebecca Fako Uecker
Frannie Gladhill (daughter-in-law) Healthy pregnancy and safe delivery Kristie Gladhill
Everyone affected by COVID-19 Strength and support Staff
Health care workers Strength, courage, protection, and support Staff
Pastor Susan Kintner Blessings on her installation at St. Andrew Staff
Bishop Laurie Larson Caesar
Oregon Synod and staff
Strength and wisdom Staff
Refugees and immigrants Acceptance, safety, and just treatment Staff
Military personnel, especially Justina Hailey Hope Brocker, Evan Dahlquist, Dawson Dethlefs, Neil Fiegenbaum, and Jerami Reyna Courage and protection Staff
Mt. Carmel Lutheran Church (Portland, OR)
St. James Lutheran Church (Portland, OR)
Serving with us in the Oregon Synod Staff
Hoshanah Rabbah (Tigard, OR) Blessings on our interfaith partners Staff
Individual friends and loved ones in need of prayer Whatever they most need; say their names in your heart or aloud Everyone

If you know someone in need of prayers, please contact the church office by phone at 503-646-0629 or email office@standrewlutheran.com Tuesday-Friday, prayerchain@standrewlutheran.com Saturday-Monday.

Time to Bee Busy

Welcome to March! If you haven’t already installed a mason been house in your yard, now’s the time. It’s also time to move your mason bee cocoons outside where warming temperatures will wake up the bees and encourage them to get moving.

Be sure your mason bee house faces south or east so the morning sun reaches it. Don’t place it behind a tree or near a bird house or bird feeding station. In order to enjoy the bees, mount their house at eye level so you can watch them at work.

Last year, my neighbor’s boy bees emerged from their cocoons on March 28; the females appeared on April 4. Girl bees emerge from the larger cocoons and are laid first, at the back of the tube. Boy bees are at the front of the house, so they have to get out first, making way for the females to follow.

The mason bee native to our area is the Blue Orchard Mason Bee, Osmia lignaria, which emerges in early spring about the time dandelions start blooming. In addition to a bee house filled with tubes about 8 mm in diameter, they need moist clayey mud to seal individual eggs into their own room where they’ll eat the pollen mom has left behind to give them energy to spin their cocoons. Mason bees have a flying range that’s limited to about 300 feet, or the length of one football field, and they collect pollen from almost any flower type.

Mason bees are wonderful pollinators because they’re hairy little creatures that collect pollen all over their bodies, unlike honey bees that only carry pollen on their legs. These gentle bees very rarely sting and are critical in food production so the Community Carbon team suggests making a home for them in your yard.

Carol Harker

Coronavirus Caution

As more people get vaccinated, it’s tempting to think we’re done with the coronavirus, that we can discard our masks and start hugging people again. Unfortunately, we’re not ready to take those steps yet. Pastor Mark shared a New York Times article with staff earlier this week that emphasizes how important our own individual behavior continues to be. Let’s not discard precautions prematurely and risk a fourth wave of infections, hospitalizations, and death. Go to coronavirus caution to learn more.


Pastoral Care

Pastor Mark Brocker, Lead Pastor
office: 503-646-0629 ext. 201
cell: 503-502-8762
brockerms@standrewlutheran.com
Pastor Mark is on call Fridays & Saturdays.

Pastor Susan Kintner, Pastor of Caring Ministries
office: 503-646-0629 ext. 211
cell: 503-724-2556
pastorsusan@standrewlutheran.com
Pastor Susan is on call Sundays & Mondays.

Both pastors are on call Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.


Preparing for Next Sunday

March 14, 2021

Reading: Numbers 29:4-9
Gospel: John 3:14-21

Go to the “Preparing for Worship” webpage for the bulletins, the complete Lectionary, and more.


Highlights for the Week

Go to the complete online church calendar for the most up-to-date information.

Sunday, March 7, Third Sunday of Lent

8:30 am Livestream Worship YouTube
9:30 am Virtual Coffee Time Zoom
10:00 am Sunday School Zoom
10:00 am Confirmation Zoom
10:00 am High School Youth Group
10:00 am Adult Ed: The History, Art, and Architecture of Churches Zoom
11:00 am Zoom Worship Zoom
12:00 pm Virtual Coffee Time Zoom

Monday, March 8

7:00 pm Men’s Book Club Zoom

Tuesday, March 9

10:00 am T’ai Chi former Bales Thriftway on Cornell Rd
1:30 pm Service Committee Zoom
6:00 pm HR Meeting Zoom
7:00 pm Finance Team Meeting Zoom

Wednesday, March 10 – Weekly News submissions due by 4:00 pm

10:00 am Reopening Committee Meeting Zoom
5:45 pm Handbell Ensemble Rehearsal Sanctuary
6:30 pm Informal Gathering Time Zoom
7:00 pm Lenten Evening Prayer Zoom
7:00 pm High School Youth Game Night Zoom
7:30 pm Centering Prayer Zoom

Thursday, March 11

12:00 pm Team Ministry Meeting Zoom

Friday, March 12

10:00 am T’ai Chi former Bales Thriftway on Cornell Rd

Sunday, March 14: Fourth Sunday of Lent

8:30 am Livestream Worship YouTube
9:30 am Virtual Coffee Time Zoom
10:00 am Sunday School Zoom
10:00 am Confirmation Zoom
10:00 am High School Youth Group Zoom
10:00 am Adult Education: The History, Art, and Architecture of Churches Zoom
11:00 am Zoom Worship Zoom
12:00 pm Virtual Coffee Time Zoom

Connecting to Worship

Ways to Give: Thank you for supporting our ministries!