Monthly Archives: September 2021

September 26, 2021

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

Fall Adult Education Classes

Faith in Finance: Making Giving More Meaningful

Join Rachel Roberts, a member of St. Andrew’s Stewardship Committee, this Sunday, September 26, at 10:00 am in Fellowship Hall for the second session of “Faith in Finance,” when the focus will be on “who” we give to and “where” we give. By exploring the depth and breadth of our congregation’s giving, Roberts hopes to offer inspiration through stories of what giving can accomplish.

Road Trip! The Missionary Journeys of Paul

In Acts chapters 13 and 14, Luke tells the story of the Apostle Paul’s first journey. Join Steve Christiansen via Zoom at 10:00 am this Sunday to discover the cause of the falling out between Paul and his travel partner Barnabas. While they were initially welcomed to many of their destinations in Asia Minor, once they began attracting crowds of people, Jewish authorities in the synagogues turned against them. Human nature hasn’t changed much in the past 2,000 years.

September Drive for Western Farm Workers

During the month of September, the Service Committee is collecting food and clothing items for the Western Farm Workers. Please donate new or gently used clean coats, sweaters, rain pants, and work boots in all sizes for adults and children.

The WFW also has an urgent need for food items this year: pinto beans, white rice, peanut butter and jelly, cooking oil, and canned tuna. Please place items in or near the collection barrel in the Narthex. Thank you,

The Service Committee

Keesecker in Concert Live & Livestream

St. Andrew Lutheran Church
Saturday, September 25, 2021
7:00 PM | Sanctuary | Freewill offering

Thomas Keesecker will perform music from his best-selling “Quiet Series” piano collections in an hour-long program of piano music, congregational song, and poetry. Tom is a well-known Lutheran church musician and composer whose informal folksy programs have been compared to a show featuring Garrison Keillor and George Winston. A Lutheran pastor described Tom’s piano style as a blend of Paul Manz and Thelonious Monk! People have been touched by his arrangements of Beautiful Savior, Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring, There is a Balm in Gilead, and his Celtic and Jazz influenced stylings of other well-known hymns.

CDs of his music will be available for purchase at the performance.

Wednesday Evening Prayer

All are welcome this Wednesday, September 29, when midweek evening prayer services continue via Zoom. Informal gathering time begins at 6:45 pm, with the devotion at 7:00 pm. Centering Prayer follows at 7:30 pm for those who would like to participate in this receptive method of silent prayer.

Table Talk: Rights and Responsibilities

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. Pastor Brocker invites you to participate in the first Table
Talk of this new program year via Zoom on Thursday, September 30, 7:00-8:00 pm.

The current surge in COVID cases has been referred to as primarily a pandemic of the unvaccinated. Many of the unvaccinated have claimed that they have a right to decide whether or not to be vaccinated. But that right is not unlimited. We also have to talk about responsibilities. So many hospitals are currently filled with unvaccinated COVID patients that some vaccinated patients are having their surgeries delayed. Our rights do not give us a license to engage in acts of commission or omission that have destructive consequences for others. In this Table Talk we will discuss how we balance rights and responsibilities.

To prepare for this Table Talk, you are encouraged to read the California Catholic Conference’s article on “Rights and Responsibilities” (https://cacatholic.org/article/rights-and-responsibilities). You may also want to read the New York Times editorial entitled “Biden Is Right: Vaccine Refusal ‘Has Cost All of Us’” (https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/10/opinion/biden-covid-vaccine.html?referringSource=articleShare).

Spirituality Book Group News

The Spirituality Book Group will meet on Sunday, September 26, at 3:00 pm via Zoom. A link will be sent out to all book group members a few days before the meeting. If you would like to attend, but are not on the Spirituality Book Group email list, please contact Mary Smith at dbits1@gmail.com.

This month, we’ll discuss The Paragon Hotel, by Lindsay Faye, a book with serious implications disguised as a great read. It takes place in Portland in the 1920s and includes some interesting Portland history. The Paragon Hotel is the fictional name for the landmark Golden West Hotel, which was the only all-Black hotel in the city during the 1920s. The story includes a gang moll from NYC, the KKK, some colorful characters, and a mysterious kidnapping. Mary Ann Snider
will lead the discussion.

Thank You!

The Service Committee would like to thank all who donated socks to the Outside In. This past month, we collected 711 pairs of socks for the young men and women who live on the streets of Portland and they were delivered this past week! The Outside In is eternally grateful—they were truly in need. Your donation is an outward sign of showing God’s love through Community and Neighbor Care. THANK YOU!

Service Committee

Financial Review Team

Two volunteers are needed for St. Andrew’s Financial Review Team and, if you have accounting or bookkeeping experience, that is helpful. I am the third team member.

The time commitment is only a few hours annually, when the Financial Review Team does a review of St. Andrew’s finances.

Currently St. Andrew is working with Portland’s St. Luke Lutheran Church to review each other’s finances. A St. Luke team will review our finances and our team will review theirs.

If you’re interested in volunteering, please contact me [larrybliesner@comcast.net].

Larry Bliesner

Council Update

At their monthly meeting on September 16, members of the Congregational Council approved a recommendation from the Reopening Team and Executive Committee to require all volunteers and staff working with youth on the St. Andrew campus (and all sponsored activities) to be vaccinated. Following a thoughtful discussion about the COVID-19 pandemic, our core care values, individual and group rights and responsibilities, and the ramifications of such a policy for the church community, particularly Scouts and Bee Bops staff and families, council members voted (10 in favor, 2 opposed, and 1 abstaining) to adopt the following policy:

All employees and volunteers supporting the church or using church facilities who specifically work with youth, including organizations such as Scouts and Bee Bops Learning Center who use St. Andrew facilities, are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by October 18, 2021. The only exceptions are for reasons documented by a licensed personal physician.

Since the decision one week ago, St. Andrew children and youth programs have restarted and will operate in compliance with all safety policies. Likewise, the BSA Scouting programs continuing at St. Andrew will incorporate the vaccine requirement for adult volunteers into their existing youth protection policies.

Bee Bops, however, has informed us of their decision to close the learning center at St. Andrew on October 15. We had hoped that the Bee Bops directors would be willing to abide by the policy for the safety of the children, their families, Bee Bops staff, and the community. While we are sad about the impact this closure will have on those connected with Bee Bops, we feel we did what was necessary to provide appropriate care for children and families. St. Andrew will likely take a collective breath and wait before discerning together the best use of the children’s learning space for enhancing the lives of our families and community.

In living out our faith, we acknowledge the rights and freedoms granted to everyone, along with our responsibilities. We are to love and respect one another just as God has loved us. We have an opportunity to show our love and respect for the community during this pandemic by being responsible; wearing masks and being vaccinated. COVID-19 vaccines are both safe and effective at preventing the disease. And if COVID-19 is contracted, being vaccinated lessens the severity of illness and reduces transmission to others.

The Council and leaders are grateful for the love and grace, strength and perseverance that St. Andrew has displayed during this pandemic. May we continue to protect, love, and care for one another, our neighbors, and especially our youth, who are not yet able to be vaccinated.

Mark Brocker, Lead Pastor
Scott Taylor, Council President
Carol Harker, Parish Manager

COVID Relief Funds Requested

While the number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 in Oregon dropped below 1,000 a few days ago, the virus is still wreaking havoc with people’s lives. If you would like to assist Bee Bops families and staff as they go through a period of transition, please consider donating to St. Andrew’s COVID Relief Fund.

Since the pandemic began, we have been able to provide a measure of relief to families and individuals struggling to meet their basic needs. We’d like to continue to show God’s love in that way, particularly for Bee Bops families and staff who may not have the financial resources they need at this time.

EcoFaith Climate Justice FUNdraiser at Spirit of Grace

Spirit of Grace Labyrinth
(7400 SW Scholls Ferry Rd, Beaverton)
Saturday, September 25

4:00 – 6:00 pm: Intergenerational dancing with masks (snacks provided)
6:00 – 7:30 pm: Bring your own picnic dinner and beverages to enjoy with others on the labyrinth

Let’s come together on the beautiful Spirit of Grace Labyrinth
to enjoy laughter, community, and crazy dance moves
while supporting EcoFaith’s work.

Preparing for Sunday, October 3, 2021

Reading: Genesis 2:19-24
Gospel: Mark 10:2-16

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

Metropolitan Alliance for Common Good

All St. Andrew members are welcome to attend the MACG Delegate Assembly on Thursday, September 30, from 6:30-8:30 pm via Zoom. Mary Nemmers, our lead organizer, is retiring on October 1. This meeting will celebrate Mary’s time with us and look ahead to the future of MACG. Please register at https://www.macg.org/sept_da_20210930. Questions? Contact Pat Christiansen or any member of the St. Andrew MACG Core Team.

Let Evening Come

Our yoga teachers are traveling in September. Wednesday morning classes for both floor and chair yoga will resume

Let the light of late afternoon
shine through the chinks in the barn,
moving
up the bales as the sun moves down.

Let the cricket take up chafing
as a woman takes up her needles
and her yarn. Let evening come.

Let dew collect on the hoe abandoned
in long grass. Let the stars appear
and the moon disclose her silver horn.

Let the fox go back to its sandy den.
Let the wind die down. Let the shed
go black inside. Let evening come.

To the bottle in the ditch, to the scoop
in the oats, to air in the lung
let evening come.

Let it come, as it will, and don’t
be afraid. God does not leave us
comfortless, so let evening come.

by Jane Kenyon
from Otherwise: New and Selected Poems

Deadlines to Note

Monday, October 4
Organ lesson scholarship applications due. For more information and to apply, go to: https://standrewlutheran.com/give/st-andrew-foundation/.

Now—Mid-November
This fall, make room on your bookshelves and help the St. Andrew libraries at the same time by pruning your collection. Drop off your donations in the Adult Library. A Used Book Sale to fund purchases of new books is scheduled for Sunday, November 28.

A Note about Yoga

Our yoga teachers are traveling in September. Wednesday morning classes for both floor and chair yoga will resume
October 13 at 10:00 am in Fellowship Hall.

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 Paul Roblyer (nephew)	Peace and God’s comfort at his death	Jim & Teri Brosh
Family and friends of Agnes Sandquist (mother)	Peace and God’s comfort at her death	Roger & Pat Sandquist
Diane, Eunice & Rio (newly widowed)	Comfort and strength	Peggy Thompson
Dorothy Moore and Phyllis Morris	Compassionate care and comfort	Staff
Linda Fransen	Effective treatment and healing	Ed Fransen
Carolyn Cornie	Effective treatment and healing	Staff
Sandi Beavers	Healing and recovery from surgery	Sandi Beavers
Bob Cornie	Healing and recovery from surgery	Staff
Donna Faught	Healing and recovery following cancer surgery	Gretchen Bancroft
Corine & Richard Walker (mother-in-law)	Comfort & healing from COVID-19	LuAnn Staul
Laura & Honoria Geczy-Haskins	Healing and recovery from COVID-19	Laura Geczy-Haskins
Brooklyn (granddaughter of Bill & Sandi Beavers)	Healing and recovery from COVID-19	Bill & Sandi Beavers
Lee Anne Knapp	Comfort and protection as she works with COVID patients	Lee Anne Knapp
Ryan (nephew)	Healing and recovery	Peggy Thompson
Maverick Dixon (unborn nephew)	Complete healing in the womb	AJ & Rebecca Uecker
Teachers & Students	Protection from COVID-19	Staff
Those facing ongoing illness or distress: Tandy Brooks, Dave Bumgardner, Vic Claar, Gary Grafwallner, Ian MacDonald, Gary Magnuson, Hugh Mason, Brian McKiernan, Carol Means, Ed Pacey, Corky Poppert, Jolie Reyna, Nan Thompson, Shane Throckmorton, Gary Tubbs	Healing and assurance of God’s presence	Staff
Bishop Elizabeth Eaton	Wisdom and discernment	Staff
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America	Blessings on our ministry	Staff
Taiwan Lutheran Church	Strength and wisdom	Staff
Trinity Lutheran Church (Tulelake, CA) St. Timothy Lutheran Church (Portland, OR)	Serving with us in the Oregon Synod	Staff
Masjid An-Noor (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

Highlights for the Week

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

Sunday, September 26

8:30 am	Worship with Communion (masks required) Livestream Worship with Communion	Sanctuary YouTube
10:00 am	Children’s Ministry with Donna Brocker	Children’s Library
10:00 am	Confirmation	Library and via Zoom
10:00 am	High School Youth Group	Youth Room
10:00 am	Adult Ed: Road Trip: Paul’s Missionary Journeys	via Zoom
10:00 am	Adult Ed: Faith and Finance: Making Giving More Meaningful	Fellowship Hall
10:30 am	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom
11:00 am	Worship with Communion (masks required) Zoom Worship with Communion	Sanctuary of the Firs Zoom
12:00 pm	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom
4:00 pm	Portland AGO – Installation Service	Sanctuary

Monday, September 27

6:00 pm

Scout Troop 618 Meeting

East Parking Lot

Tuesday, September 28

7:00 am	Sunrise Women	Elmer’s Restaurant on 158th (1250 Waterhouse Ave)
7:00 am	Men’s Gathering & Bible Study	Elmer’s Restaurant on 158th (1250 Waterhouse Ave)
10:00 am	T’ai Chi	Fellowship Hall
12:15 pm	Community Carbon Leadership Meeting	Library

Wednesday, September 29 – Weekly News submissions due by 4:00 pm

1:30 pm	Service Committee Meeting	Library
6:00 pm	Bells of Grace Rehearsal	Sanctuary
6:45 pm	Informal Gathering Time	Zoom
7:00 pm	Wednesday Evening Prayer	Zoom
7:30 pm	Centering Prayer	Zoom

Thursday, September 30

9:00 am	LWR School Bag Stringing	Fellowship Hall
9:30 am	Seekers of the Heart of God Bible Study	St. Andrew Room
12:00 pm	Team Ministry Meeting	Chapel, Library
7:00 pm	Table Talk	via Zoom

Friday, October 1

10:00 am

T’ai Chi

Fellowship Hall

Saturday, September 25

9:00 am

Nifty Notters

Fellowship Hall

Sunday, October 3

8:30 am	Worship with Communion (masks required) Livestream Worship with Communion	Sanctuary YouTube
10:00 am	Children’s Ministry with Donna Brocker	Children’s Library
10:00 am	Confirmation (for grades 6-8)	Adult Library
10:00 am	High School Youth Group	Youth Room
10:00 am	Adult Ed: Road Trip: The Missionary Journeys of Paul	Zoom
10:00 am	Adult Ed: Faith in Finance: Making Giving More Meaningful	Fellowship Hall
10:30 am	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom
11:00 am	Worship with Communion (masks required) Zoom Worship with Communion	Sanctuary of the Firs Zoom
12:00 pm	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom

Connecting to Worship

Ways to Give: Thank you for supporting our ministries!

Thank you for supporting the ministries of St. Andrew!

September 19, 2021

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

Council Acts to Protect Our Youth

In preparing to resume fall programming at St. Andrew, the Reopening Team has recommended to the Executive

At their monthly meeting on September 16, members of the Congregational Council considered a recommendation from the Reopening Team and Executive Committee to require all volunteers and staff working with youth on the St. Andrew campus (and all sponsored activities) to be vaccinated. Following a thoughtful discussion about the COVID-19 pandemic, our core care values, individual and group rights and responsibilities, and the ramifications of such a policy for the church community, particularly Scouts and Bee Bops staff and families, council members voted (10 in favor, 2 opposed, and 1 abstaining) to adopt the following:

All employees and volunteers supporting the church or using church facilities who specifically work with youth, including organizations such as Scouts and Bee Bops Learning Center who use St. Andrew facilities, are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by October 18, 2021. The only exceptions are for reasons documented by a licensed personal physician.

September Drive for Western Farm Workers

During the month of September, the Service Committee is collecting food and clothing items for the Western Farm Workers. Please donate new or gently used clean coats, sweaters, rain pants, and work boots in all sizes for adults and children.

The WFW also has an urgent need for food items this year: pinto beans, white rice, peanut butter and jelly, cooking oil, and canned tuna. Please place items in or near the collection barrel in the Narthex. Thank you,

The Service Committee

Thomas Keesecker in Concert Live & Livestream

St. Andrew Lutheran Church
Saturday, September 25, 2021
7:00 PM | Sanctuary | Freewill offering

Thomas Keesecker will perform music from his best-selling “Quiet Series” piano collections in an hour-long program of piano music, congregational song, and poetry. Tom is a well-known Lutheran church musician and composer whose informal folksy programs have been compared to a show featuring Garrison Keillor and George Winston. A Lutheran pastor described Tom’s piano style as a blend of Paul Manz and Thelonious Monk! People have been touched by his arrangements of Beautiful Savior, Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring, There is a Balm in Gilead, and his Celtic and Jazz influenced stylings of other well-known hymns.

CDs of his music will be available for purchase at the performance.

Christian Education Begins September 19

A new education year begins at St. Andrew this Sunday, September 19, with a few twists. Check the details carefully to discover what is being offered in-person, online, or a hybrid of the two. Staff and volunteers have collaborated to create several opportunities for people of various ages, while being mindful of the ongoing risks from COVID-19.

High School Youth Group: The Dichotomy of God and Science
We’re looking forward to kicking off another year of High School Youth Group at 10:00 am in the Youth Room on September 19. This year, we’ll begin by discussing the centuries-old (but ever-present) false dichotomy of God and science, leading us to redefine what we’re talking about when we talk about God and opening us up to see the divine at work in real, meaningful ways in our everyday lives.

Confirmation
Confirmation for youth in grades 6-8 will begin in the Adult Library at 10:00 am the same Sunday, with a Zoom option for those preferring to participate remotely.

Concierge Treatment for Kids; ”The Roots” Postponed
After listening to our families with children too young to be vaccinated against COVID-19, we have decided to postpone the launch of our new Sunday morning children’s program, “The Roots.” We’re still excited about this program and believe it can be the future of our Sunday morning children’s programming, but we’ll start “The Roots” once we can do so safely and our families with children are comfortable to attend. Thank you to everyone who has volunteered for this program already.
In the meantime, to begin the year Donna Brocker will be hosting individualized time with children whose families are comfortable attending. Youngsters ages 3-grade 5 will gather at 10:00 am in the Children’s Library on September 19 for some special time.

Adult Education
Two classes will be offered during the five-week Adult Education term that begins Sunday, September 19, at 10:00 am. Steve Christian will teach his class, “Road Trip: The Missionary Journeys of Paul,” via Zoom, while Andy Roberts and Dwight Jerde invite people to join them in Fellowship Hall for “Faith in Finance: Making Giving More Meaningful.”

Pick up an Adult Education brochure at church or see the website for more details on St. Andrew’s classes and other opportunities for faith formation throughout the year.

Wednesday Evening Prayer

Midweek evening prayer services continue via Zoom. All are welcome this Wednesday, September 22, at 7:00 pm, when seminarian Karen Klingelhafer will focus her devotion on Teresa of Avila, a Spanish noblewoman who felt called to convent life in the 16th century. A theologian of the contemplative life and mental prayer, she was declared a Doctor of the Church more than four centuries after her death. Centering Prayer follows at 7:30 pm for those who would like to participate.

Bells of Grace Ring Out

The Bells of Grace rehearse on Wednesdays at 6:00 pm in the Sanctuary. We are masked during rehearsals to keep everyone safe. Please contact Deacon Susan Reiser if you are a returning ringer or want to join the choir. She is available between services to answer your questions.

What’s Up with Choir?

Minister of Music & Media Allison Katsufrakis recently announced to choir members that choir practice will not resume in September as it usually does. Instead, she hopes to begin rehearsals in October, with an eye toward the choir singing for Reformation Sunday (October 31) and the Advent/Christmas season. Meanwhile, special singing masks have been ordered.

Table Talk: Rights & Responsibilities

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. Pastor Brocker invites you to participate in the first Table Talk of this new program year via Zoom on Thursday, September 30, 7:00-8:00 pm.

The current surge in COVID cases has been referred to as primarily a pandemic of the unvaccinated. Many of the unvaccinated have claimed that they have a right to decide whether or not to be vaccinated. But that right is not unlimited. We also have to talk about responsibilities. So many hospitals are currently filled with unvaccinated COVID patients that some vaccinated patients are having their surgeries delayed. Our rights do not give us a license to engage in acts of commission or omission that have destructive consequences for others.

In this Table Talk we will discuss how we balance rights and responsibilities. To prepare for this Table Talk, you are encouraged to read the California Catholic Conference’s article on “Rights and Responsibilities” (https://cacatholic.org/article/rights-and-responsibilities). You may also want to read the New York Times editorial entitled “Biden Is Right: Vaccine Refusal ‘Has Cost All of Us’” (https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/10/opinion/biden-covid-vaccine.html?referringSource=articleShare).

Spirituality Book Group News

The Spirituality Book Group will meet on Sunday, September 26, at 3:00 pm via Zoom. A link will be sent out to all book group members a few days before the meeting. If you would like to attend, but are not on the Spirituality Book Group email list, please contact Mary Smith at dbits1@gmail.com.

This month, we’ll discuss The Paragon Hotel, by Lindsay Faye, a book with serious implications disguised as a great read. It takes place in Portland in the 1920s and includes some interesting Portland history. The Paragon Hotel is the fictional name for the landmark Golden West Hotel, which was the only all-Black hotel in the city during the 1920s. The story includes a gang moll from NYC, the KKK, some colorful characters, and a mysterious kidnapping. Mary Ann Snider
will lead the discussion.

Future Reading

Pastor Mark Gets Down and Dirty with Pearly Everlasting

Pastor Mark ventured out to the Reformation Garden this Wednesday to help plant some of the native perennials that
will make this area bloom. Here he’s planting Pearly Everlasting and showing he’s not afraid to get his hands dirty. Members of the Earth Care team have planted more than a dozen species of native flowering perennials and seeded
six native flower annuals in this part of the garden. If you’re interested in our plant choices, email Eric Luttrell (luttreem722@gmail.com) and he will send you two plant lists that may be helpful in planning your own wildflower garden.

Feeding the Hungry Under Ground

At Earth Camp this past summer, teacher Pat Christiansen engaged the youngsters in burying about one quarter of a cotton dish towel and a (supposedly) compostable cup on the edges of St. Andrew’s Reformation Earth Garden. They buried the same items in two places, one in relatively good soil near the Oregon white oak named Hope and the other in much poorer soil near Faith. The plan was to unearth these materials on September 12, when kids were expected
to register for Children’s Ministry.

When that event was canceled due to COVID, a few members of the Earth Care team joined Pat earlier this week in digging up the items to discover what happened. Surprise! The only thing remaining of the dish towel near Faith was a polyester thread that hemmed it. The cup hadn’t disintegrated at all. Meanwhile, a sorry remnant of the towel was found near Hope, as well as a small piece of a paper plate that had also been buried. In the 8.5 weeks since Earth Camp, lots of hungry soil organisms feasted on cotton and cardboard. Pat’s experiment shows how quickly microorganisms incorporate organics into the soil.

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Synod Day of Learning

The Oregon Synod staff invite all of us to participate in the second annual Synod Day of Learning on Saturday, September 25, from 9:15 am-3:45 pm. The rise of the Delta variant will not stop us—workshops and the keynote address will all be offered via Zoom.

Conversations and workshops will follow the theme of the year at the Oregon Synod: Faithful in the Fray. This fall we will be looking at faithfulness as it applies to faith and racism, and we are delighted to share that local leader and author Pastor Lenny Duncan has agreed to be our keynoter. Workshops will be both morning and afternoon, with these afternoon options recently announced:

Afternoon Option 1: Collective Crafting of Liturgy and Ritual as Sacred Action
Explore ways to create liturgies that help us pray and breathe together as God’s people. Join Rev. Melissa Reed and Rev. Nikkeya Berryhill for a creative and engaging workshop.

Afternoon Option 2: Tough Conversations in Congregations
How do we make space in our hearts, minds, souls, and congregations for rich and authentic conversations on things that really matter? Margaret Marcuson will share tools and ideas to have loving, courageous, and honest conversations.

Afternoon Option 3: Acknowledging & Embracing Grief in the History of Racism
Deacon Matt Smith and Rev. Solveig Nilsen-Goodin will introduce practices to activate loving energy as we explore truth and experience grief stemming from our own participation in racist histories.

The entire day’s event is only $50 per screen for adults over 21. Under 21 is free. Scholarships are available by contacting the Bishop’s Office at office@oregonsynod.org. Registration closes on September 20 at 9:00 pm.

Preparing for Sunday, September 26, 2021

Reading: Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29
Gospel: Mark 9:38-50

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

Deadlines to Note

Monday, October 4
Organ lesson scholarship applications due. For more information and to apply, please go to https://standrewlutheran.com/give/st-andrew-foundation/.

Now – Mid-November
This fall, make room on your bookshelves and help the St. Andrew Libraries at the same time by pruning your collection. Drop off your donations in the Adult Library. A Used Book Sale to fund purchases of new books is scheduled for Sunday, November 28.

A Note about Yoga

Our yoga teachers are traveling in September. Wednesday morning classes for both floor and chair yoga will resume October 13 at 10:00 am in Fellowship Hall.

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 Agnes Sandquist (mother)	Peace and God’s comfort at her death	Roger & Pat Sandquist
Family and friends of Lois Brass (longtime member)	Peace and God’s comfort at her death	Camille Jackson
Diane, Eunice & Rio (newly widowed)	Comfort and strength	Peggy Thompson
Dorothy Moore and Phyllis Morris	Compassionate care and comfort	Staff
Carolyn Cornie	Effective treatment and healing	Staff
Bob Cornie	Healing and recovery from surgery	Staff
Carol Means	Healing and recovery following surgery	Staff
Donna Faught	Healing and recovery following cancer surgery	Gretchen Bancroft
Honoria Geczy-Haskins	Healing and recovery from COVID-19	Laura Geczy-Haskins
Brooklyn (granddaughter of Bill & Sandi Beavers)	Healing and recovery from COVID-19	Bill & Sandi Beavers
Lee Anne Knapp	Comfort and protection as she works with COVID patients	Lee Anne Knapp
Ryan (nephew)	Healing and recovery	Peggy Thompson
Maverick Dixon (unborn nephew)	Complete healing in the womb	AJ & Rebecca Uecker
Sandi Beavers	Comfort and peace awaiting surgery (Sept. 20)	Sandi Beavers
All those suffering from natural disasters	Protection and safety	Staff
People in Afghanistan	Safety and security	Staff
Those confined to their homes: 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	Assurance of God’s presence	Staff
All who are imprisoned	Peace and strength	Staff
Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon Holy Trinity Catholic Church	Blessings on their work	Staff
Ascension Lutheran Church (Medford, OR) Zion Lutheran Church (Medford, OR)	Serving with us in the Oregon Synod	Staff
Congregation Kesser Israel (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

Highlights for the Week

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

Sunday, September 19

8:30 am	Worship with Communion (masks required) Livestream Worship with Communion	Sanctuary YouTube
10:00 am	Children’s Ministry with Donna Brocker	Children’s Library
10:00 am	Confirmation	Library and via Zoom
10:00 am	High School Youth Group	Youth Room
10:00 am	Adult Ed: Road Trip: Paul’s Missionary Journeys	via Zoom
10:00 am	Adult Ed: Faith and Finance: Making Giving More Meaningful	Fellowship Hall
10:30 am	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom
11:00 am	Worship with Communion (masks required) Zoom Worship with Communion	Sanctuary of the Firs Zoom
12:00 pm	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom

Tuesday, September 21

7:00 am	Sunrise Women	Elmer’s Restaurant on 158th (1250 Waterhouse Ave)
7:00 am	Men’s Gathering & Bible Study	Elmer’s Restaurant on 158th (1250 Waterhouse Ave)
10:00 am	T’ai Chi	Fellowship Hall
10:00 am	Worship Planners Meeting	Library
6:00 pm	Human Resources Meeting	via Zoom

Wednesday, September 22 – Weekly News submissions due by 4:00 pm

6:00 pm	Bells of Grace Rehearsal	Sanctuary
6:45 pm	Informal Gathering Time	Zoom
7:00 pm	Wednesday Evening Prayer	Zoom
7:30 pm	Centering Prayer	Zoom

Thursday, September 23

9:30 am	Seekers of the Heart of God Bible Study	St. Andrew Room
2:30 pm	Communications Team Meeting	via Zoom
7:00 pm	IT Meeting	offsite

Friday, September 24

10:00 am	T’ai Chi	Fellowship Hall
6:30 pm	High School youth: “Everything is Spiritual” (Rob Bell event)	depart from Parking Lot

Saturday, September 25

9:00 am	BSA Court of Honor	Sanctuary of the Firs
7:00 pm	Thomas Keesecker concert	Sanctuary & Livestreamed

Sunday, September 26

8:30 am	Worship with Communion (masks required) Livestream Worship with Communion	Sanctuary YouTube
10:00 am	Children’s Ministry with Donna Brocker	Children’s Library
10:00 am	Confirmation (for grades 6-8)	Adult Library
10:00 am	High School Youth Group	Youth Room
10:00 am	Adult Ed: Road Trip: The Missionary Journeys of Paul	Zoom
10:00 am	Adult Ed: Faith in Finance: Making Giving More Meaningful	Fellowship Hall
10:30 am	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom
11:00 am	Worship with Communion (masks required) Zoom Worship with Communion	Sanctuary of the Firs Zoom
12:00 pm	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom
4:00 pm	Portland AGO Installation service	Sanctuary

Connecting to Worship

Ways to Give: Thank you for supporting our ministries!

Thank you for supporting the ministries of St. Andrew!

September 12, 2021

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

Protecting Our Youth

In preparing to resume fall programming at St. Andrew, the Reopening Team has recommended to the Executive Committee that all staff and volunteers working with youth be required to be fully vaccinated. Members of the Executive Committee unanimously endorsed the recommendation and drafted the following statement for the Congregational Council to consider at its September meeting:

All employees and volunteers supporting the church or using church facilities who specifically work with youth, including organizations such as Scouts and Bee Bops Kids who use St. Andrew facilities, are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The only exceptions are for documented advice by a personal physician, or elevated risk because of anaphylactic shock caused by a previous dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

If approved by Council, the vaccination requirement would be effective October 18, thus conforming to the state mandate for teachers in Oregon.

September Drive for Western Farm Workers

During the month of September, the Service Committee will collect food and clothing items for the Western Farm Workers. Please donate new or gently used clean coats, sweaters, rain pants, and work boots in all sizes for adults and children. The WFW also has an urgent need for food items this year: pinto beans, white rice, peanut butter and jelly, cooking oil, and canned tuna. Please place items in or near the collection barrel in the Narthex. Thank you.

The Service Committee

Thomas Keesecker in Concert Live & Livestream

St. Andrew Lutheran Church
Saturday, September 25, 2021
7:00 PM | Sanctuary | Freewill offering

Thomas Keesecker will perform music from his best-selling “Quiet Series” piano collections in an hour-long program of piano music, congregational song, and poetry. Tom is a well-known Lutheran church musician and composer whose informal folksy programs have been compared to a show featuring Garrison Keillor and George Winston. A Lutheran pastor described Tom’s piano style as a blend of Paul Manz and Thelonious Monk! People have been touched by his arrangements of Beautiful Savior, Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring, There is a Balm in Gilead, and his Celtic and Jazz influenced stylings of other well-known hymns.

CDs of his music will be available for purchase at the performance.

11:00 am Worship Returns to the Sanctuary

On Sunday, September 12, the 11 o’clock service moves from the Sanctuary of the Firs inside to the Sanctuary itself. This is also the Sunday that we welcome Pastor Mark back to the pulpit following his productive and invigorating sabbatical.

Remember that all online worship options at St. Andrew remain available. If you feel apprehensive about gathering to worship together, simply connect to worship via YouTube or Zoom. You’ll find links in the email accompanying this newsletter.

Christian Education Begins September 19

Education classes are set to resume between services next Sunday, September 19, with a few twists.

Concierge Treatment for Kids; ”The Roots” Postponed
After listening to our families with children too young to be vaccinated against COVID-19, we have decided to postpone the launch of our new Sunday morning children’s program, “The Roots.” We’re still excited about this program and believe it can be the future of our Sunday morning children’s programming, but we’ll start “The Roots” once we can do so safely and our families with children are comfortable to attend. Thank you to everyone who has volunteered for this program already.
In the meantime, to begin the year Donna Brocker will be hosting individualized time with children whose families are comfortable attending. Youngsters ages 3-grade 5 will gather at 10:00 am in the Children’s Library on September 19 for some special time.

Confirmation
Confirmation for youth in grades 6-8 will begin in the Adult Library at 10:00 am the same Sunday, with a Zoom option for those preferring to participate remotely.

High School Youth Group: The Dichotomy of God and Science
We’re looking forward to kicking off another year of High School Youth Group at 10:00 am in the Youth Room on September 19. This year, we’ll begin by discussing the centuries-old (but ever-present) false dichotomy of God and science, leading us to redefine what we’re talking about when we talk about God and opening us up to see the divine at work in real, meaningful ways in our everyday lives.

Adult Education
Two classes will be offered during the five-week Adult Education term that begins Sunday, September 19, at 10:00 am. Steve Christian will teach his class, “Road Trip: The Missionary Journeys of Paul,” via Zoom, while Andy Roberts and Dwight Jerde invite people to join them in Fellowship Hall for “Faith in Finance: Making Giving More Meaningful.”

Pick up an Adult Education brochure at church or see the website for more details on St. Andrew’s classes and other opportunities for faith formation throughout the year.

I Am My Story

This year, The Immigrant Story plans to go live with four musicians and four stories of survival on one unforgettable
night, Saturday, September 11, at 7:00 pm. The event will be held at the Alex L. Parks Performing Arts Center, 9000 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Hwy.

With storytellers from Burundi, Rwanda, Cambodia, and Syria, the program focuses on first-person tales of courage and fortitude. These stories of resilience in the face of unimaginable atrocities of war and genocide offer hope and inspiration at a time when we need them most.

The program will begin with a performance by renowned viola player Dijana Ihas, a professor at Pacific University who survived the war in Bosnia and was a member of the Sarajevo String Quartet, which played more than 200 concerts during the Siege of Sarajevo. She will be joined by three musicians from the Oregon Symphony.

MACG Leadership Training

You have heard the name “MACG” from time to time at St. Andrew. Perhaps you are wondering what this organization is all about. You are invited to attend a FREE leadership training institute in September. Come and see.

• Come to learn fundamental organizing skills: Individual relational meetings, listening sessions, research and action to help obtain a concrete, winnable outcome.
• Come to strengthen our St. Andrew community. We strive to engage people within a culture that is relational, action-oriented, and reflective.
• Come to learn to distinguish problems from issues. We can help work for common good by moving from general problems to concrete, winnable issues by using relationships we have made with decision-makers in the public arena.

This training will be held from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturday, September 18, and Saturday, September 25. The sessions will be held over Zoom, so you may join us from the comfort of your home.

Many St. Andrew members have taken this training (often more than once), and all have reported taking away important skills that strengthen our St. Andrew community as well as skills that are useful in their lives outside of St. Andrew.

To register, go to https://www.macg.org/sept_2021_leadership or visit the MACG webpage (www.macg.org) and scroll down to find the link to register.

Questions? Please contact any member of the St. Andrew MACG Core Team: Pat Christiansen, Larry Bliesner, Lynn Santelmann, Scott Taylor, Victoria Kovalenko, Bob Stadel, or Jan Smith.

Introductory Centering Prayer Workshop

Anyone interested in learning more about Centering Prayer? There will be a Zoom Introductory Centering Prayer Workshop on Saturday September 11, from 9:30 am-1:00 pm. This workshop is presented jointly by the Franciscan Spiritual Center and Contemplative Outreach of Oregon. The instructors are experienced in the Centering Prayer method developed by Trappist monk Father Thomas Keating 1981. This is the method Mary Smith and Ginny Link have followed in our Zoom Centering Prayer time on Wednesday evenings after the mid-week evening service.

Centering Prayer is described as “a receptive method of silent prayer”…“in which we experience God’s presence within us; closer than breathing, closer than thinking, closer than consciousness itself. This method of prayer is both a relationship with God and a discipline to foster that relationship.”

Cost for the workshop is $35. For more information about how to register for this workshop as well as Zoom follow-ups scheduled for September 18, 25, and October 4 and 11, go to: www.contemplativeoutreachportland.com/

Nifty Notters

The Nifty Notters will meet Saturday, September 18, from 9:00 am-2:30 pm in Fellowship Hall. Join us for all or part of the time to work on baby quilts and larger quilts for Lutheran World Relief. We’re trying to finish as many LWR quilts as possible so they’re ready to go at the October Ingathering. No experience is needed and all supplies are provided.

Please note that, at this time, we are not eating together inside the church, but we do recommend that you bring a snack or lunch. We’ll take a break to enjoy some fellowship time at tables outside.

Bells of Grace

The Bells of Grace will resume rehearsals on Wednesday, September 15, at 6:00 pm in the Sanctuary. We will be masked during rehearsals to keep everyone safe. Please contact Deacon Susan Reiser if you are a returning ringer or want to join the choir. She is available between services to answer your questions.

What’s Up with Choir?

Minister of Music & Media Allison Katsufrakis announced to choir members last week, that given rising numbers of COVID infections, choir practice will not resume in September as it usually does. Instead, she hopes to begin rehearsals in October, with an eye toward the choir singing for Reformation Sunday (October 31) and the Advent/Christmas season. Meanwhile, special singing masks have been ordered.

Please, everyone, get vaccinated, wear a mask, wash your hands , maintain physical distancing, and pray that by working together we can squelch the virus so no more waves of infection threaten our healthcare system and the valiant people it employs.

Native Wildflower Garden

St. Andrew’s Earth Care team is developing a new garden bed this fall in our Reformation Earth Garden next to the back patio. In the fall of 2020, we planted five native trees in the garden and this past spring we planted a number of native shrubs. With one exception, these woody plants are doing well.

We’re now working on a native wildflower garden just beyond the Reformation Cedar. Currently this wildflower garden is a large semi-circle of prepared soil surrounded by a low red brick border. Next week, we’ll begin planting 14 native flowering perennials and seeding six native flower annuals in this part of the garden. If you’re interested in our plant choices, email Eric Luttrell (luttreem722@gmail.com) and he will send you two plant lists that may be helpful in planning your own wildflower garden.

Synod Day of Learning

The Oregon Synod staff invite all of us to participate in the second annual Synod Day of Learning on Saturday, September 25, from 9:15 am-3:45 pm. The rise of the Delta variant will not stop us—workshops and the keynote address will all be offered via Zoom.

Conversations and workshops will follow the theme of “Faithful in the Fray.” This fall we will look at faithfulness as it applies to faith and racism, and we are delighted to share that local leader and author Pastor Lenny Duncan has agreed to be our keynoter. Workshops will be both morning and afternoon, with these morning options recently announced:

Morning Option 1: Discomfort as a Crucial Space for an Anti-racist Reading of Biblical Texts
In this workshop with Rev. Carmenmargarita Sanchez De Leon, we will take a panoramic look at how biblical texts have been used to justify racism and at the same time we will be invited to embrace discomfort as a learning space to delve into systemic racism and reach an anti-racist and feminist reading of biblical texts.

Morning Option 2: Facing the Climate Crisis and Holding Hope in Communion with our Ancestors
Led by Cherice Bock and Juan Carlos La Puente, we will explore in this session how our efforts toward climate justice and reckoning with racism are connected to our own intergenerational liberation and healing. We’ll expand our awareness of our bodies as sacred living memories that connect us to the earth and to each other.

Morning Option 3: Hidden Stories, Our Stories
How can we unearth the effects of racism and systemic injustices in our own stories? We’ll take time to explore our personal narrative and powerful tools for sharing those narratives, making room for the hidden stories we need to hear from one another. Led by Jordan Beck and Rev. Ron Werner, Jr.

The entire day’s event is only $50 per screen for adults over 21. Under 21 is free. Scholarships are available by contacting the Bishop’s Office at office@oregonsynod.org. Registration closes on September 20 at 9:00 pm.

Preparing for Sunday, September 19, 2021

Reading: Jeremiah 11:18-20
Gospel: Mark 9:30-37

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

Deadlines to Note

Monday, October 4
Organ lesson scholarship applications due. For more information and to apply, please go to https://standrewlutheran.com/give/st-andrew-foundation/.

Now – Mid-November
This fall, make room on your bookshelves and help the St. Andrew Libraries at the same time by pruning your collection. Drop off your donations in the Adult Library. A Used Book Sale to fund purchases of new books is scheduled for Sunday, November 28.

A Note about Yoga

Our yoga teachers are traveling in September. Wednesday morning classes for both floor and chair yoga will resume October 13 at 10:00 am in Fellowship Hall.

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 Don Brown (brother)	Peace and God’s comfort at his death	Bob & Mary Brown
Family and friends of Kathie Karl (Doug’s sister)	Peace and God’s comfort at her death	Doug & Jan Morrell
Family and friends of Lois Brass (longtime member)	Peace and God’s comfort at her death	Camille Jackson
Family and friends of Sharon McBride	Peace and God’s comfort at her death	Jim & Pat Hilliker
Family and friends of William Huffman	Peace and God’s comfort at his death	Pat Hilliker
Agnes Sandquist (Roger’s mother)	Peaceful passing	Roger & Pat Sandquist
Joyce (sister)	Healing and recovery from COVID-19	Judy Scholz
Granddaughter of Bill & Sandi Beavers	Healing and recovery from COVID-19	Bill & Sandi Beavers
Dr. Cara Steinkeler (daughter)	Strength as she works with COVID patients	Gary & Gail Grafwallner
Hospital staff in Oregon and beyond	Protection, strength, and support	Staff
Maverick Dixon (unborn nephew)	Complete healing in the womb	AJ & Rebecca Uecker
Sandi Beavers	Comfort and peace awaiting surgery	Sandi Beavers
Carol Means	Healing and recovery following surgery	Staff
Nan Thompson	Healing and recovery following surgery	Staff
Satya Semenchalam	Healing and recovery following surgery	Rakesh & Tracie Semenchalam
Ethan & Mary Brocker	Blessings on their married life together	Staff
All those suffering from natural disasters	Protection and safety	Staff
People in Afghanistan	Safety and security	Staff
St. Andrew Council, Executive Committee, Staff	Wisdom and discernment	Staff
Karen Klingelhafer, Kyler Vogt, and all seminarians India Jensen Kerr and all theology students	Encouragement and support	Staff
St. Andrew Foundation	Blessings on their ministry	Staff
Hope Lutheran Church (Klamath Falls, OR) Klamath Lutheran Church (Klamath Falls, OR)	Serving with us in the Oregon Synod	Staff
Bethany Musallah (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

Highlights for the Week

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

Sunday, September 12

8:30 am	Worship with Communion (masks required) Livestream Worship with Communion	Sanctuary YouTube
10:30 am	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom
11:00 am	Worship with Communion (masks required) Zoom Worship with Communion	Sanctuary of the Firs Zoom
12:00 pm	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom

Monday, September 13 – Labor Day

6:00 pm	Scout Troom 5618 Meeting	Fellowship Hall, St. Andrew Room
7:00 pm	Men’s Book Club	Zoom

Tuesday, September 14

7:00 am	Sunrise Women	Elmer’s Restaurant on 158th (1250 Waterhouse Ave)
7:00 am	Men’s Gathering & Bible Study	Elmer’s Restaurant on 158th (1250 Waterhouse Ave)
9:00 am	Facility Management Team Meeting	St. Andrew Room
10:00 am	T’ai Chi	Fellowship Hall
1:00 pm	Lydia Circle	St. Andrew Room
6:00 pm	Girl Scouts Adult Meeting	Fellowship Hall
7:00 pm	Finance Team Meeting	Zoom

Wednesday, September 15 – Weekly News submissions due by 4:00 pm

1:00 pm	Caring Ministry Team Meeting	Library
6:00 pm	Bells of Grace Rehearsal	Sanctuary
6:45 pm	Informal Gathering Time	Zoom
7:00 pm	Mission Committee	St. Andrew Room
7:00 pm	Wednesday Evening Prayer	Zoom
7:30 pm	Centering Prayer	Zoom

Thursday, September 16

9:30 am	Seekers of the Heart of God Bible Study	St. Andrew Room
7:00 pm	Council Meeting	Zoom & St. Andrew Room

Friday, September 17

10:00 am

T’ai Chi

Fellowship Hall

Saturday, September 18

9:00 am

Nifty Notters

Fellowship Hall

Sunday, September 19

8:30 am	Worship with Communion (masks required) Livestream Worship with Communion	Sanctuary YouTube
10:00 am	Children’s Ministry with Donna Brocker	Children’s Library
10:00 am	Confirmation (for grades 6-8)	Adult Library
10:00 am	High School Youth Group	Youth Room
10:00 am	Adult Ed: Road Trip: The Missionary Journeys of Paul	Zoom
10:00 am	Adult Ed: Faith in Finance: Making Giving More Meaningful	Fellowship Hall
10:30 am	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom
11:00 am	Worship with Communion (masks required) Zoom Worship with Communion	Sanctuary of the Firs Zoom
12:00 pm	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom

Connecting to Worship

Ways to Give: Thank you for supporting our ministries!

Thank you for supporting the ministries of St. Andrew!

September 5, 2021

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

Guest Preacher Ron Werner, Jr.

On this final Sunday of Pastor Mark’s sabbatical, we welcome Ron Werner, Jr., pastor and
community organizer, to St. Andrew. Werner, Jr. is the founding director of Together Lab,
which accompanies people of faith out of isolation and into a leader-full ecology of movements and ministries in Oregon. Using a fusion of sacred organizing and design thinking, this work has led to the activation of cohorts, collectives, and circles exploring everything from Oregon’s hidden racist history to ecumenical youth ministry to immigrant justice to affordable housing to faith and the vaccine. Ron is an ordained pastor in the ELCA. At home, he loves to cook and dance alongside his wife, Erin and two young daughters,
Dylan and Averie.

Mask Mandate Inside and Out

Masks are now required at all in-person worship. As always, we request and expect all who
worship together at St. Andrew to be vaccinated. If you’re feeling apprehensive about gathering for worship together, that’s understandable. Please make decisions that are best for you and your household. Remember that all online worship options at St. Andrew remain available for everyone.

Public Prayer for Water Protectors

Lutheran World Relief School Supplies

Good news! We have everything needed to fill 100 school bags for Lutheran World Relief. Thank you for your generous donations that enable young people around the world to access educational opportunities that will enrich their lives.
If you’ve already purchased school supplies but haven’t delivered them to church yet, feel free to bring them in and
we’ll store those supplies to provide a head start on next year’s campaign. Otherwise, consider donating your purchases to schools or other organizations supporting young people in need.

The Service Committee

Earth Care Books

It began with Kristin Ohlson’s book, The Soil Will Save Us, more than two years ago and, since then, members of St. Andrew’s Community Carbon and Earth Care Team have discovered even more books to inspire and instruct all of us who are motivated to protect our planet home.

Recently, the group presented our St. Andrew Library with seven highly recommended books:
Braiding Sweetgrass, by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Dirt to Soil, by Gabe Brown
Finding the Mother Tree, by Suzanne Simard
The Nature of Oaks, by Douglas W. Tallamy
Nature’s Best Hope, by Douglas W. Tallamy
Noah’s Garden: Restoring the Ecology of Our Own Back Yards, by Sara Stein
The Soil Will Save Us, by Kristin Ohlson

Please give Pam Farr, our adult librarian, a little time to get these catalogued and shelved, but then check them out. If you have questions about issues beyond these books or recommendations for other reading on the topic of Earth Care, feel free to contact any member of our team: Bev Briggs, Larry Bliesner, Pat Christiansen, Carol Harker, Liz Hardy, Allison Katsufrakis, Eric Luttrell, Don Nearhood, or LuAnn Staul.

September Drive for Western Farm Workers

During the month of September, the Service Committee will collect food and clothing items for the Western Farm Workers. Please donate new or gently used clean coats, sweaters, rain pants, and work boots in all sizes for adults and children. The WFW also has an urgent need for food items this year: pinto beans, white rice, peanut butter and jelly, cooking oil, and canned tuna. Please place items in or near the collection barrel in the Narthex. Thank you.

The Service Committee

MACG Leadership Training

You have heard the name “MACG” from time to time at St. Andrew. Perhaps you are wondering what this organization is all about. You are invited to attend a FREE leadership training institute in September. Come and see.

• Come to learn fundamental organizing skills: Individual relational meetings, listening sessions, research and action to help obtain a concrete, winnable outcome.
• Come to strengthen our St. Andrew community. We strive to engage people within a culture that is relational, action-oriented, and reflective.
• Come to learn to distinguish problems from issues. We can help work for common good by moving from general problems to concrete, winnable issues by using relationships we have made with decision-makers in the public arena.

This training will be held from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturday, September 18, and Saturday, September 25. The sessions will be held over Zoom, so you may join us from the comfort of your home.

Many St. Andrew members have taken this training (often more than once), and all have reported taking away important skills that strengthen our St. Andrew community as well as skills that are useful in their lives outside of St. Andrew.

To register, go to https://www.macg.org/sept_2021_leadership or visit the MACG webpage (www.macg.org) and scroll down to find the link to register.

Questions? Please contact any member of the St. Andrew MACG Core Team: Pat Christiansen, Larry Bliesner, Lynn Santelmann, Scott Taylor, Victoria Kovalenko, Bob Stadel, or Jan Smith.

Sabbatical Thanks

Thank you for our sabbatical journey and your warm welcome to our guest preachers over the past several weeks. We welcome Pastor Mark back to the church office on Tuesday, September 7!

Pastor Susan

Preparing for Sunday, September 12, 2021

Reading: Isaiah 50:4-9a
Gospel: Mark 8:27-38

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

I Am My Story

This year, The Immigrant Story plans to go live with four musicians and four stories of survival on one unforgettable
night, Saturday, September 11, at 7:00 pm. The event will be held at the Alex L. Parks Performing Arts Center, 9000 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Hwy.

With storytellers from Burundi, Rwanda, Cambodia, and Syria, the program focuses on first-person tales of courage and fortitude. These stories of resilience in the face of unimaginable atrocities of war and genocide offer hope and inspiration at a time when we need them most.

The program will begin with a performance by renowned viola player Dijana Ihas, a professor at Pacific University who survived the war in Bosnia and was a member of the Sarajevo String Quartet, which played more than 200 concerts during the Siege of Sarajevo. She will be joined by three musicians from the Oregon Symphony.

Thomas Keesecker in Concert Live & Livestream

St. Andrew Lutheran Church
Saturday, September 25, 2021
7:00 PM | Sanctuary | Freewill offering

Thomas Keesecker will perform music from his best-selling “Quiet Series” piano collections in an hour-long program of piano music, congregational song, and poetry. Tom is a well-known Lutheran church musician and composer whose informal folksy programs have been compared to a show featuring Garrison Keillor and George Winston. A Lutheran pastor described Tom’s piano style as a blend of Paul Manz and Thelonious Monk! People have been touched by his arrangements of Beautiful Savior, Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring, There is a Balm in Gilead, and his Celtic and Jazz influenced stylings of other well-known hymns.

CDs of his music will be available for purchase at the performance.

Organ Scholarship Applications Due

The St. Andrew Foundation is delighted to announce that it is continuing to offer a scholarship for organists ages 13-30. This award offers aspiring young musicians financial assistance to pay for organ lessons or other materials needed for their studies. For more information and to apply, please go to
https://standrewlutheran.com/give/st-andrew-foundation/.

The application deadline is Monday, October 4. If you have questions, please email foundation@standrewlutheran.com.

Synod Day of Learning

The Oregon Synod staff invite all of us to participate in the second annual Synod Day of Learning on Saturday, September 25, from 9:15 am-3:45 pm via Zoom.

Conversations and workshops will follow the theme of “Faithful in the Fray.” This fall we will look at faithfulness as it applies to faith and racism, and we are delighted to share that local leader and author Pastor Lenny Duncan has agreed to be our keynoter. Workshops will be both morning and afternoon, and will include themes such as anti-racist reading of the Bible, crafting new liturgies as sacred collective action, and honoring our grief around the history of racism.

The entire day’s event is only $50 per screen for adults over 21. Under 21 is free. Scholarships are available by contacting the Bishop’s Office at office@oregonsynod.org. Registration closes on September 20 at 9:00 pm.

A Book Sale’s Coming: It’s Time To Prune Your Collection!

Give me your tired, your broken, your worn-out volumes
Waiting for new homes,
The unwanted books of your o’er-flowing shelves.
Give these, the books, undesired unto me,
There’ll be a sale, to give them all new homes!

Yes, there’s gonna be a book sale, scheduled for Sunday, November 28, and we need all your cast-off and no-longer-desired books to sell. Simply put your donations in the boxes on the floor of the Adult Library or on the counter, if bending is hard for you. You can bring in magazines, too, children’s books, history, fiction, whatever you think you’re ready to pass on. Proceeds will enable us to purchase new books for our libraries.

Pam Farr
Adult Librarian

Introductory Centering Prayer Workshop

Anyone interested in learning more about Centering Prayer? There will be a Zoom Introductory Centering Prayer Workshop on Saturday September 11, from 9:30 am-1:00 pm. This workshop is presented jointly by the Franciscan Spiritual Center and Contemplative Outreach of Oregon. The instructors are experienced in the Centering Prayer method developed by Trappist monk Father Thomas Keating 1981. This is the method Mary Smith and Ginny Link have followed in our Zoom Centering Prayer time on Wednesday evenings after the mid-week evening service.

Centering Prayer is described as “a receptive method of silent prayer”…“in which we experience God’s presence within us; closer than breathing, closer than thinking, closer than consciousness itself. This method of prayer is both a relationship with God and a discipline to foster that relationship.”

Cost for the workshop is $35. For more information about how to register for this workshop as well as Zoom follow-ups scheduled for September 18, 25, and October 4 and 11, go to: www.contemplativeoutreachportland.com/

What’s Up with Choir?

Minister of Music & Media Allison Katsufrakis announced to choir members this week, that given rising numbers of COVID infections, choir practice will not resume in September as it usually does. Instead, she hopes to begin rehearsals in October, with an eye toward the choir singing for Reformation Sunday (October 31) and the Advent/Christmas season. Meanwhile, special singing masks have been ordered.

Please, everyone, get vaccinated, wear a mask, wash your hands , maintain physical distancing, and pray that by working together we can squelch the virus so no more waves of infection threaten our healthcare system and the valiant people it employs.

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 Don Brown (brother)	Peace and God’s comfort at his death	Bob & Mary Brown
Family and friends of Kathie Karl (Doug’s sister)	Peace and God’s comfort at her death	Doug & Jan Morrell
Family and friends of Lois Brass (longtime member)	Peace and God’s comfort at her death	Camille Jackson
Family and friends of Gloria Heidinger	Peace and God’s comfort at her death	Judy Heidinger (sister-in-law)
Family and friends of Sharon McBride	Peace and God’s comfort at her death	Jim & Pat Hilliker
Family and friends of Bob Carlson (uncle)	Peace and God’s comfort at his death	Carol Hogan
Family and friends of William Huffman	Peace and God’s comfort at his death	Pat Hilliker
Agnes Sandquist (Roger’s mother)	Peaceful passing	Roger & Pat Sandquist
Baby Raya and her family	Strength and comfort	Ginny Link (great-grandaunt)
Kay (mother)	Effective treatment and recovery	Linda Sah Olshausen
Joyce (sister)	Effective treatment and recovery	Judy Scholz
Satya Semenchalam	Healing and recovery following surgery	Rakesh & Tracie Semenchalam
Nan Thompson	Healing and recovery following surgery	Staff
Carol Means	Comfort and patience awaiting surgery	Staff
Maverick Dixon (unborn nephew)	Complete healing in the womb	AJ & Rebecca Uecker
John Fiegenbaum	Healing and comfort	Amy Fiegenbaum
Dr. Cara Steinkeler (daughter)	Strength as she works with COVID patients	Gary & Gail Grafwallner
Jan Smith & Sue Cahlander	A COVID-free bubble during their travels	Jan Smith & Sue Cahlander
All those suffering from natural disasters	Protection and safety	Staff
People of Afghanistan	Safety and security	Staff
Bishop Laurie Larson Caesar & Oregon Synod 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	Protection and safety	Staff
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (Cave Junction, OR) Calvary Lutheran Church (Grants Pass, OR)	Serving with us in the Oregon Synod	Staff
Congregation Neveh Shalom (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

Highlights for the Week

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

Sunday, September 5

8:30 am	Worship with Communion (masks required) Livestream Worship with Communion	Sanctuary YouTube
10:30 am	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom
11:00 am	Worship with Communion (masks required) Zoom Worship with Communion	Sanctuary of the Firs Zoom
12:00 pm	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom

Monday, September 6 – Labor Day

Tuesday, September 7

7:00 am	Sunrise Women	Elmer’s Restaurant on 158th (1250 Waterhouse Ave)
7:00 am	Men’s Gathering & Bible Study	Elmer’s Restaurant on 158th (1250 Waterhouse Ave)
10:00 am	T’ai Chi	Fellowship Hall
10:00 am	Meals on Wheels/Loaves and Fishes	Offsite
10:00 am	Worship Planners Meeting	Library
7:00 pm	MACG Meeting	St. Andrew Room

Wednesday, September 8 – Weekly News submissions due by 4:00 pm

10:00 am	Yoga (both Chair Yoga & Floor Yoga)	Fellowship Hall
10:00 am	Reopening Committee Meeting	via Zoom
6:00 pm	Sanctuary Team Meeting	Library
6:45 pm	Informal Gathering Time	Zoom
7:00 pm	Wednesday Evening Prayer	Zoom
7:30 pm	Centering Prayer	Zoom

Thursday, September 9

9:30 am

Seekers of the Heart of God Bible Study

St. Andrew Room

Friday, September 10

10:00 am

T’ai Chi

Fellowship Hall

Sunday, September 12

8:30 am	Worship with Communion (masks required) Livestream Worship with Communion	Sanctuary YouTube
10:30 am	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom
11:00 am	Worship with Communion (masks required) Zoom Worship with Communion	Sanctuary of the Firs Zoom
12:00 pm	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom

Connecting to Worship

Ways to Give: Thank you for supporting our ministries!

Thank you for supporting the ministries of St. Andrew!