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

Book Sale Sunday

The magical day is here and you’re going to be amazed by the rich diversity of used books on our sale tables! Thank you for all the great books you’ve brought in to make this fundraiser for our St. Andrew libraries happen.

Go to Fellowship Hall between services (9:30-11:00 am) or after the second service (12:00-2:00 pm) this Sunday, November 28, to shop. Cash and checks accepted. Book tables will be arranged by topic.

We have a complete set of yellow spine Nancy Drew mysteries for $1 each, but you must purchase the entire 56-book set. (Note: This set is available on ebay for $175.) Also for sale are two complete sets of the Narnia books by C.S. Lewis, each with some damaged books that are priced accordingly.

And the prices for everything are really good!

$2:    Hardcover adult and young adult books

$1:    Soft cover and mass market (smaller, old-style paperbacks)

$2: Newer, nicer children’s hardcover books

$1: Older children’s hardcovers

$1: Children ‘s paperbacks with spine

3/$1 or 50 cents each:   Children’s paperbacks without a spine

4/$1:   Magazines

Plus, we have a huge box of free books. While damaged, all except two of these are complete, with no pages missing. The free box also includes magazines. Please note that the quilt magazines available may not have all their pages, so be sure to check that the quilt pattern you want is all there.

So, do come! And, if you don’t like the prices, we’ll be glad to negotiate—or you can always pay more!

Pam Farr
Adult Librarian

Advent Evening Prayer

Beginning this week, Advent Evening Prayer will be offered on Wednesday evenings with worship in-person in the Sanctuary. Our theme for the season is “Holy Darkness.”

At 7:00 pm on Wednesday, December 1, Randy Sinn will offer a reflection on “Darkness Is Holy,” drawn from the creation story in Genesis 1:1-19.

Giving Tree Donations Needed

As the Christmas season approaches, we look forward to once again sharing our love and care with Barnes Elementary School families in need. This year we will collect donations to put toward gift cards to make the season more festive for these families. Please make your gift no later than Sunday, December 12. For each donation that is received, we’ll add an ornament to the Giving Tree in the Narthex.

One of the families St. Andrew is assisting suffered an apartment fire a few months ago, where they lost everything. That family is currently living in a shelter, but receiving help that they did not expect to receive. The family is overcome with gratitude.

In another situation, grandparents are caring for four young children and trying to make ends meet after their son went to prison. They thought their child-rearing days were done, but are now doing all they can to make life safe and secure for the grandchildren.

In addition, our area is welcoming refugees from Afghanistan who are navigating a new culture after having to leave so much and so many behind.

Along with the Barnes Elementary counselors, project organizer Donna Brocker is working to assist these families and many more. If you have questions, please contact Donna at 503-502-6156.

Welcome Sunday

We will celebrate Welcome Sunday on December 5. If you would like to affirm your baptism and become a member of St. Andrew, please contact Pastor Mark Brocker, 503-646-0629, ext. 201, or email brockerms@standrewlutheran.com.

Flooring Feedback

The Facilities Management Team is seeking input on Sanctuary flooring. Should the carpet be replaced or should we investigate hard-surface options and costs? A pending gift to St. Andrew would cover 90-100 percent of the cost of new carpet and its installation. Moneys in the PIPE (Property Improvement) Fund itself are not sufficient to cover either the carpet option or a hard surface alternative. Please submit your feedback via this Google form or call Pam Meredith at 503-475-3568. Responses will be accepted through Friday, November 26. Thank you!

Hanging of the Greens

Please join us Saturday, December 4, at 9:30 am for the “Hanging of the Greens.” We’ll set up the Christmas tree and decorate the church for all to enjoy as we celebrate Advent and
the birth of Christ. Boy Scout Troop 618 is generously donating the wreaths and greens to deck our church again this Christmas season. If you have questions, please contact Tammy Piscitelli.

Table Talk: Back from the Climate Brink

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. 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 next Table Talk via Zoom on Tuesday, November 30, 7:00-8:00 pm.

Seminarian Karen Klingelhafer is currently working on a course paper focused on how the life and writings of Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Martin Luther King, Jr. can help us address the climate crisis and move us toward a safer planet. She has offered to lead our November Table Talk. In preparing us for this Table Talk she writes: “The smoke – layered on top of a housing crisis wrought by last year’s wildfires, a resurgent strain of COVID-19 and a crippling drought – has left many in the region teetering on the brink. Among the most vulnerable to the overlapping crises: people experiencing homelessness and those who work in the agriculture industry.” Are we at a crisis situation with climate change? Is there a consensus throughout the world? With so many concerns, what do we focus on? How
can we (as a church, as individuals) make an impact?” This is an especially timely topic given that the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) is being held in Glasgow, Scotland, October 31 – November 12.

Advent Classes

Following this week’s Used Book Fair, another pairing of Adult Education classes will be offered at St. Andrew during Advent. All classes begin at 10:00 am.

St. Andrew’s Reckoning with Racism cohort will continue its focus on “A Journey towards Anti-Racism,” which will again be offered in-person in Fellowship Hall and via Zoom.

In a second course during the Advent season, Children & Youth Minister Kyler Vogt will share the approach to reading the Bible that he’s been using with high school youth. This class will meet in-person only in the Chapel. See the article below for details:

“The Kairos Hermeneutic” with Kyler and the HS Youth!

It’s hard to read the Bible. Modern biblical readers have massive separations in history, culture, and language to overcome in the process. Yet, reading the Bible gets even tougher when Christian traditions tells us that the Bible–containing fantastic tales of miracles, gory acts of violence, and outdated legal text all set in a culture bearing little resemblance to our own–is supposed to be the pinnacle of truth and the ultimate authority for our modern lives. To many modern people, this has become a deal-breaker in their faith. In this class, I will show you a way I have learned over the last several years that allows me to read the Bible as truthful, authoritative, and deeply meaningful . . . even if it isn’t always right.

BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE! My vision for this class is to give our congregation a glimpse into a typical Sunday morning with our high school youth. You’ll get to see how we check-in about our weeks, what kind of conversations we have, and witness how deeply we can dive into difficult and complex issues together. So you can get the full experience, this class will be held in-person at 10:00 am in the Chapel on December 5, 12, and 19. If you have any questions or if you just want to let me know you’ll be there, contact me at kvogt@standrewlutheran.com. I hope you will join us!

End-of-Year Stock Donations

Greetings from your Financial Secretaries. As the end of the calendar year approaches, we want to remind you of the process for donating stock to the church.

Contributions must actually be paid before the close of the year to be deductible in 2021. Please allow at least 3 weeks for the completion of the stock transfer sale. If you intend to donate stock this tax year, please start the process as soon as possible.

1. Download the Stock Transfer Form from the church website or contact the church office.
2. Contact your brokerage firm to initiate an electronic transfer of securities.
3. Complete the form, including your intentions for the use of the donation, and email a copy to financial-secretary@standrewlutheran.com. Or you may send a copy to the church office marked “Confidential for Financial Secretaries.” This form must be turned in at the beginning of the process. Without it, we cannot complete your request.
4. Upon receipt of the form, one of the financial secretaries will contact you regarding the progress of the electronic stock transfer to Charles Schwab, the church’s securities firm.

Thank you for your generosity to the Mission and Ministry of St. Andrew.

Tammy Piscitelli
on behalf of the Financial Secretaries and Finance Team

Finding Liturgy in Life and Life in Liturgy

An Oregon Synod Lay Education Course

How does liturgy shape us? How might we shape it? Gather with people from across the Oregon Synod this January and February to explore liturgy in daily life, communal worship, and public witness. We’ll pay particular attention to the seasons of the church year, the flow of worship, the invitation of sacraments, and daily practices that help us cultivate a life of depth and meaning. We’ll create space for the integration of blessing, celebration, lamentation, prayer, song, symbols, and ritual crafting. You’re encouraged to bring your whole self as we seek to live in holy rhythm. Pr. Matta Ghaly will be the primary instructor. The course is designed with a Lutheran lens and inclusive heart; all are welcome.

This on-line course is offered through the Oregon Synod’s SALM and Lay Education Program. We’ll meet the following eight Tuesday evenings on Zoom from 6:30-8:00 pm (Pacific Time): January 11, January 18, January 25, February 1, February 8, February 15, February 22, and March 1. Authentic participation and relationship-building are the priority. Course participants and/or their congregations are encouraged to donate, as they are able, on a sliding scale between $20-$160, but donations are not required to register. If you’d like to sign up for the course, please do so through the registration form.

Food Pantry Help Wanted, 2022

St. Andrew members have continued to serve at the Food Pantry at St. Matthew during the pandemic. We had to make a few changes. Families came and met us outdoors while we all wore masks. While families have missed the opportunity to come inside and select food, they were fed well with fresh produce and a bounty of packaged food, meat, dairy products, and also some surprises such as pumpkin pie. Our volunteers took orders in English, and sometimes in Spanish, and we packed bags with creativity and a prayer. On some dark rainy nights, our main challenge was to find the correct car for each grocery cart of food. Thank you: Steve Grover (and friends); Jim & Pat Hilliker; Roger & Pat Sandquist; Dan & Sharon Fako; and Eric & Jan Luttrell.

We look forward to getting our families back into the pantry sometime in 2022. In the meantime, here is a plea for more volunteers.

In addition to helping serve families at the center, we need volunteer pairs of two to deliver food to families who are not able to come to the center. Volunteers pick up a pre-packed box for the family and add fresh and frozen or refrigerated items. Deliveries could be scheduled on a Sunday afternoon or a weekday between 2:00-8:00 pm. The time involved is 1-2 hours. You do have to have a car and be ready to locate the address. You will be given information for 2-3 families and you will call to learn more about food preferences and a time that will work for delivery. This does not have to be a long-term commitment. A team can serve one time only or once a month or twice a year, or whatever works with their schedules.

This seems to be a great family opportunity and folks can try this out and see how it works. If you have questions, contact Sharon Fako at sfako24@comcast.net or erica97229@gmail.com.

New Books on the Shelves

Adult Librarian Pam Farr has added several new titles to the bookshelves in recent months:

Preparing for next Sunday, November 21, 2021

Lesson: Malachi 3:1-4
Gospel: Luke 3:1-14

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

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 Keith Poppert	Peace and God’s comfort at his death	Claris & Corky Poppert
Family and friends of Jack Warnes (brother-in-law)	Peace and God’s comfort at his death	Suzanne Warnes
Joe Baker and all who mourn the death of his parents Bill & Marna	Peace and God’s comfort	Pastor Mark
Angie Mitlehner	Successful surgery (December 4)	Angie Mitlehner
John Fritz	Comfort and wisdom in a time of transition	Staff
Lynn Santelmann	Healing and recovery	Paul Navarre
Ginny Link	Healing and recovery	Ginny Link
John Trom	Healing and recovery	Pastor Susan Kintner
Dr. Cara Steinkeler	Strength as she supports dying COVID patients and their families	Gary & Gail Grafwallner
Victims of parade violence in Waukesha, WI	Healing in body and soul	Staff
Those facing ongoing illness or distress	Healing and assurance of God’s presence	Staff
	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
Bishop Elizabeth Eaton	Wisdom and discernment	Staff
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America	Blessings on our ministry	Staff
Taiwan Lutheran Church	Strength and wisdom	Staff
Grace Lutheran Church (Vale, OR)	Serving with us in the Oregon Synod	Staff
Congregation P’nai Or (Portland)	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

Fast Girls: Another Time, Another Context

This is a book I picked out my own self, and it’s not a bad read. It is written as fiction, but based on many facts. I learned some things I didn’t know–like treadmills for horses. Plus some things I’d rather not have learned, but, well, you be the judge and read it yourself.

Fast Girls, by Elise Hooper, is historical fiction. It’s about the 1936 Olympics and three young women who worked through individual challenges to make the Olympic track team. I learned things about Hitler that made me wonder if they were true and things about racial unfairness that I’m sure were true.

This book is a fast read–no pun intended–and I hope enough of you read it to justify my spending the money.

Pam Farr
Adult Librarian

A Thanksgiving Prayer

Most of us express gratitude for the meal before we consume it, but poet Wendell Berry–renowned American novelist, poet, essayist, environmental activist, cultural critic, and farmer–a man known to be an ardent champion of a good, simple life, wrote his prayer for after the feast is finished.

Prayer After Eating
I have taken in the light
that quickened eye and leaf.
May my brain be bright with praise
of what I eat, in the brief blaze
of motion and thought.
May I be worthy of my meat.

Wendell Berry

Highlights for the Week

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

Sunday, November 28, First Sunday of Advent

8:30 am	Worship with Communion (masks required)	Sanctuary and Livestreamed
9:30 am	Used Book Sale to Benefit St. Andrew Libraries	Fellowship Hall
10:30 am	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom
11:00 am	Worship with Communion (masks required)	Sanctuary and via Zoom
12:00 pm	Used Book Sale to Benefit St. Andrew Libraries	Fellowship Hall
12:00 pm	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom

Monday, November 29

10:00 am	Meals on Wheels/Loaves and Fishes	Off Site
6:00 pm	Scout Troop 618 Meeting	Fellowship Hall, St. Andrew Room

Tuesday, November 23 – Weekly News submissions due by 12:00 pm

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
7:00 pm	Table Talk	Zoom

Wednesday, December 1

10:00 am	Yoga	Fellowship Hall
12:30 pm	Bonhoeffer Seminar	via Zoom
6:00 pm	Bells of Grace Rehearsal	Sanctuary
6:45 pm	Informal Gathering Time	via Zoom
7:00 pm	Advent Evening Prayer	Sanctuary
7:00 pm	Wednesday Night Youth Hangout	Youth Room
7:30 pm	Sanctuary Choir	Sanctuary

Thursday, December 2

9:30 am	Seekers of the Heart of God Bible Study	St. Andrew Room
7:00 pm	Executive (Council) CommitteeMeeting	via Zoom

Friday, December 3

10:00 am

Tai Chi

Fellowship Hall

Saturday, December 4

8:00 am	Scouting for Food	Fellowship Hall
9:00 am	Nifty Notters	Fellowship Hall
9:30 am	Hanging of the Greens	Sanctuary

Sunday, December 5, Second Sunday in Advent

8:30 am	Worship with Communion (masks required)	Sanctuary and YouTube
10:00 am	Adult Ed: A Journey Towards Anti-Racism, Part 2	Fellowship Hall or via Zoom
10:00 am	Adult Ed: The Kairos Hermeneutic	Chapel
10:00 am	Children’s Ministry	Children’s Library
10:00 am	Confirmation	Library and via Zoom
10:00 am	High School Youth Group with Adult Ed	Chapel
10:30 am	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom
11:00 am	Worship with Communion (masks required)	Sanctuary and Zoom
12:00 pm	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom

Connecting to Worship

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

An Advent Journey Towards Anti-Racism

Please join St. Andrew’s Reckoning With Racism cohort in a six-part exploration of how racism has played a role in the history of Oregon, and how we can all move toward being anti-racist.

Whether or not you are able to attend the class sessions, you are invited to take part in a congregation-wide Racial Equity Challenge. The goal is to do at least one thing each week that brings each of us closer to becoming anti-racist. The website 21-Day Racial Equity Challenge—America & Moore is filled with suggestions for ways to read, listen, watch, notice, connect, engage, act, reflect, and stay inspired in the journey. Watch the Weekly News for a description of each week’s class and suggestions for which challenges are related to that topic. A complete schedule can be found on the St. Andrew website.

We are hoping to document our efforts as a community of faith toward the goal of becoming anti-racist. In the Narthex, you will find a display board and paper candle cut-outs. Please write what you did in the past week on one of the candles, and add it to the board. Together, we can shine some light in the darkness of racism.

November 21: Sharon Fako and Liz Hardy will lead a session about Black Americans in Oregon, providing an historic background for modern-day issues.

Racial Equity Challenge suggestions: 21-Day Racial Equity Challenge—America & Moore.

Read: Redlining Was Codified Racism that Shaped American Cities and This Exhibit Shows It Still Exists

Listen: 1619, a podcast from the New York Times

Watch: We the People — the three most misunderstood words in US history, Mark Charles, TEDxTysons

Notice: Test your awareness: Do the Test

Connect: Movement for Black Lives (https://m4bl.org/)

Engage: Join a Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ) chapter in your area.

Act: Prepare yourself to interrupt racial jokes. Click HERE for some advice about how.

Stay Inspired: Create a Soundtrack4Justice playlist that fuels you and/or can serve as a conversation starter with people of all ages.

“Leading in a Liminal Season”

This Sunday, Pastor Susan continues her Adult Education class, “Leading in a Liminal Season,” at 10:00 am via Zoom. The class is based on Susan Beaumont’s 2019 book, How to Lead When You Don’t Know Where You Are Going, Leading in a Liminal Season, published by Rowman and Littlefield. We will be on Zoom; please bring your bible.

Pastor Susan

Advent Evening Prayer

Beginning December 1, Advent Evening Prayer will be returning, with worship offered in-person in the Sanctuary as well as via Zoom if that can be arranged. The theme for the season of Advent is “Holy Darkness.”

In lieu of gathering on Wednesday, November 24, worship planners encourage you to use the Thanksgiving Devotional being emailed to the congregation. Hard copies are also available in the Narthex.

Spirituality Book Group

The Spirituality Book Group will meet on Sunday, November 21, at 3:00 pm via Zoom. A Zoom 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.

Sharon Fako will lead our discussion of Kristin Hannah’s novel, The Four Winds, which an Associated Press writer described as “an ode to the strength and ferocity of mothers.” The book reveals the battle between the haves and the have-nots escalated by the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl storms that accompanied it, but it also testifies to the resiliency of the human spirit.

Future Reading

Giving Tree Donations Needed

As the Christmas season approaches, we look forward to once again sharing our love and care with Barnes Elementary School families in need. This year we will collect donations to put toward gift cards to make the season more festive for these families. Please make your gift no later than Sunday, December 12. For each donation that is received, we’ll add an ornament to the Giving Tree in the Narthex.

Along with the Barnes Elementary counselors, project organizer Donna Brocker is working to assist immigrant families this year. If you have questions, please contact Donna at 503-502-6156.

Welcome Sunday

We will celebrate Welcome Sunday on December 5. If you would like to affirm your baptism and become a member of St. Andrew, please contact Pastor Mark Brocker, 503-646-0629, ext. 201, or email brockerms@standrewlutheran.com.

Flooring Feedback

The Facilities Management Team is seeking input on Sanctuary flooring. Should the carpet be replaced or should we investigate hard-surface options and costs? A pending gift to St. Andrew would cover 90-100 percent of the cost of new carpet and its installation. Moneys in the PIPE (Property Improvement) Fund itself are not sufficient to cover either the carpet option or a hard surface alternative. Please submit your feedback via this Google form or call Pam Meredith at 503-475-3568. Responses will be accepted through Friday, November 26. Thank you!

Hanging of the Greens

Please join us Saturday, December 4, at 9:30 am for the “Hanging of the Greens.” We’ll set up the Christmas tree and decorate the church for all to enjoy as we celebrate Advent and
the birth of Christ. Boy Scout Troop 618 is generously donating the wreaths and greens to deck our church again this Christmas season. If you have questions, please contact Tammy Piscitelli.

Book Sale Help Needed

I’m going to need help setting up for the big day of St. Andrew’s Used Book Sale. Needed are three people who can stand still holding ten pounds over their heads for five minutes, repeatedly. It won’t be for hours and hours, just long enough for me to hand down books above the top shelf, after which they’ll be put on carts and pushed into Fellowship Hall. So, 3 people, 10 pounds over your head, at 1:00 pm on Saturday, November 27; go home when you get tired. Thank you!

Pam Farr
Adult Librarian

Table Talk: Back from the Climate Brink

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. 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 next Table Talk via Zoom on Tuesday, November 30, 7:00-8:00 pm.

Seminarian Karen Klingelhafer is currently working on a course paper focused on how the life and writings of Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Martin Luther King, Jr. can help us address the climate crisis and move us toward a safer planet. She has offered to lead our November Table Talk. In preparing us for this Table Talk she writes: “The smoke – layered on top of a housing crisis wrought by last year’s wildfires, a resurgent strain of COVID-19 and a crippling drought – has left many in the region teetering on the brink. Among the most vulnerable to the overlapping crises: people experiencing homelessness and those who work in the agriculture industry.” Are we at a crisis situation with climate change? Is there a consensus throughout the world? With so many concerns, what do we focus on? How
can we (as a church, as individuals) make an impact?” This is an especially timely topic given that the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) is being held in Glasgow, Scotland, October 31 – November 12.

Book Sale Next Sunday, November 28

The magical day is coming soon! Thank you for all the great books you’ve brought in to make it happen. And it’s not too late to bring in more. Just look at how much neater all your houses are simply from going through your books. Think of what more you can do in the coming week—and all the new reads you’ll pick up at the sale next Sunday. You’ll be ready to welcome the cold and wet with some special finds. And the prices are really good!

$2:    Hardcover adult and young adult books

$1:    Soft cover and mass market (smaller, old-style paperbacks)

$2: Newer, nicer children’s hardcover books

$1: Older children’s hardcovers

$1: Children ‘s paperbacks with spine

3/$1 or 50 cents each:   Children’s paperbacks without a spine

4/$1:   Magazines

We have a complete set of yellow spine Nancy Drew mysteries for $1 each, but you must purchase the entire 56-book set. (Note: This set is available on ebay for $175.) Also for sale are two complete sets of the Narnia books by C.S. Lewis, each with some damaged books that are priced accordingly.

Plus, we have a huge box of free books. While damaged, all except two of these are complete, with no pages missing. The free box also includes magazines. Please note that the quilt magazines available may not have all their pages, so be sure to check that the quilt pattern you want is all there.

Go to Fellowship Hall between services (9:30-11:00 am) or after the second service (12:00-2:00 pm) to shop. Book tables will be arranged alphabetically by topic, but some of those topics are a bit creative as I couldn’t think what to call them.

So, do come! And, if you don’t like the prices, we’ll be glad to negotiate—or you can always pay more! Cash and checks accepted. Wows welcome!

Pam Farr
Adult Librarian

Baby Roses

What joy! Two St. Andrew families have welcomed newborn daughters, born on the same day and just in time for Thanksgiving. The roses on the altar this Sunday celebrate their births.

Congratulations to Carl & Laura Geczy-Haskins on the birth of Florence Margaret, who joins three-year-old Honoria in the family. Florence Margaret was born November 12.

Congratulations also to John Giddens & Sovathana Ly on the birth of Kakruna Giddens Ly on November 12. This new little one, whose name means compassion in Cambodian, is exactly what big sister Meta (now two) insisted she wanted: a little sister to love!

End-of-Year Stock Donations

Greetings from your Financial Secretaries. As the end of the calendar year approaches, we want to remind you of the process for donating stock to the church.

Contributions must actually be paid before the close of the year to be deductible in 2021. Please allow at least 3 weeks for the completion of the stock transfer sale. If you intend to donate stock this tax year, please start the process as soon as possible.

1. Download the Stock Transfer Form from the church website or contact the church office.
2. Contact your brokerage firm to initiate an electronic transfer of securities.
3. Complete the form, including your intentions for the use of the donation, and email a copy to financial-secretary@standrewlutheran.com. Or you may send a copy to the church office marked “Confidential for Financial Secretaries.” This form must be turned in at the beginning of the process. Without it, we cannot complete your request.
4. Upon receipt of the form, one of the financial secretaries will contact you regarding the progress of the electronic stock transfer to Charles Schwab, the church’s securities firm.

Thank you for your generosity to the Mission and Ministry of St. Andrew.

Tammy Piscitelli
on behalf of the Financial Secretaries and Finance Team

Celebrating a Milestone

Bill and Sandi Beavers are celebrating a milestone. Congratulations to both of you on your 50^th wedding anniversary! Bill & Sandi were married on November 27, 1971 at Bethany Lutheran Church in northeast Portland.

An Ordinary Sunday

November 26 is the birthday of American writer Marilynne Robinson, born in Sandpoint, Idaho, in 1943. Robinson is most famous for her Pulitzer-Prize-winning novel, Gilead, written in the form of letters from an elderly, ailing pastor to his young son. 

Here’s a taste: “Sometimes I have loved the peacefulness of an ordinary Sunday. It is like standing in a newly planted garden after a warm rain. You can feel the silent and invisible life. All it needs from you is that you take care not to trample on it. And that was such a quiet day, rain on the roof, rain against the windows, and everyone grateful, since it seems we never do have quite enough rain. At times like that I might not care particularly whether people are listening to whatever I have to say, because I know where their thoughts are.”

Robinson said: “I have spent my life watching, not to see beyond the world, but merely to see, great mystery, what is plainly before my eyes. I think the concept of transcendence is based on a misreading of creation. With all respect to heaven, the scene of the miracle is here, among us.”

And again: “At this point, right across the traditions, there is nothing more valuable to be done than to make people understand that religion is beautiful and it is large.”

The article above is excerpted from Salt’s
Theologian’s Almanac for Week of November 21, 2021

Council Decision on BSA Charters

Thank you to everyone in the congregation who took the time to provide input on whether or not the Council should authorize signing BSA charter agreements for 2022 with the two Scouts BSA Troops (618 and 5618) and Venturing Crew that St. Andrew currently charters.

To summarize, respondents shared a wide range of views. Generally, the people responding to the request for input were either all-for or all-against signing charters for next year. The majority of feedback received came from individuals with longstanding relationships with the Scouts.

After reviewing the feedback and entering into extended open and honest discussion, the Council voted not to sign charters with the two BSA Troops and Venturing Crew for next year. Instead the Council approved a motion to seek to enter a Facilities Use Agreement with the units for 2022. The Council also concurred that all groups seeking to use St. Andrew facilities be required to sign a Facilities Use Agreement that will be developed.

Finding Liturgy in Life and Life in Liturgy

An Oregon Synod Lay Education Course

How does liturgy shape us? How might we shape it? Gather with people from across the Oregon Synod this January and February to explore liturgy in daily life, communal worship, and public witness. We’ll pay particular attention to the seasons of the church year, the flow of worship, the invitation of sacraments, and daily practices that help us cultivate a life of depth and meaning. We’ll create space for the integration of blessing, celebration, lamentation, prayer, song, symbols, and ritual crafting. You’re encouraged to bring your whole self as we seek to live in holy rhythm. Pr. Matta Ghaly will be the primary instructor. The course is designed with a Lutheran lens and inclusive heart; all are welcome.

This on-line course is offered through the Oregon Synod’s SALM and Lay Education Program. We’ll meet the following eight Tuesday evenings on Zoom from 6:30-8:00 pm (Pacific Time): January 11, January 18, January 25, February 1, February 8, February 15, February 22, and March 1. Authentic participation and relationship-building are the priority. Course participants and/or their congregations are encouraged to donate, as they are able, on a sliding scale between $20-$160, but donations are not required to register. If you’d like to sign up for the course, please do so through the registration form.

Food Pantry Help Wanted, 2022

St. Andrew members have continued to serve at the Food Pantry at St. Matthew during the pandemic. We had to make a few changes. Families came and met us outdoors while we all wore masks. While families have missed the opportunity to come inside and select food, they were fed well with fresh produce and a bounty of packaged food, meat, dairy products, and also some surprises such as pumpkin pie. Our volunteers took orders in English, and sometimes in Spanish, and we packed bags with creativity and a prayer. On some dark rainy nights, our main challenge was to find the correct car for each grocery cart of food. Thank you: Steve Grover (and friends); Jim & Pat Hilliker; Roger & Pat Sandquist; Dan & Sharon Fako; and Eric & Jan Luttrell.

We look forward to getting our families back into the pantry sometime in 2022. In the meantime, here is a plea for more volunteers.

In addition to helping serve families at the center, we need volunteer pairs of two to deliver food to families who are not able to come to the center. Volunteers pick up a pre-packed box for the family and add fresh and frozen or refrigerated items. Deliveries could be scheduled on a Sunday afternoon or a weekday between 2:00-8:00 pm. The time involved is 1-2 hours. You do have to have a car and be ready to locate the address. You will be given information for 2-3 families and you will call to learn more about food preferences and a time that will work for delivery. This does not have to be a long-term commitment. A team can serve one time only or once a month or twice a year, or whatever works with their schedules.

This seems to be a great family opportunity and folks can try this out and see how it works. If you have questions, contact Sharon Fako at sfako24@comcast.net or erica97229@gmail.com.

Thanksgiving Devotionals

Check your email inbox for St. Andrew’s devotional to guide a short service of gratitude before your Thanksgiving meal.

Preparing for next Sunday, November 21, 2021

Lesson: Isaiah 40:1-11
Gospel: Luke 1:5-20

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

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.

Jack Warnes (brother-in-law) and family	Peace and God’s comfort as his death nears	Suzanne Warnes
Nan Thompson	Affirmation of her decision to forego further cancer treatment and acceptance by family and loved ones	Nan Thompson
Dr. Cara Steinkeler	Strength as she supports dying COVID patients and their families	Gary & Gail Grafwallner
Lynn Santelmann	Successful surgery (November 23) and recovery	Paul Navarre
Ginny Link	Healing and recovery	Ginny Link
John Trom	Healing and recovery	Pastor Susan Kintner
Chris Sinn (brother)	Healing	Randy & Michelle Sinn
John Fiegenbaum	Comfort and pain relief	Amy Fiegenbaum
Madeleine (granddaughter)	Strength and healing	Mary Smith
Jason and family	God’s direction and support	A. Grapa
Kakruna Giddens Ly	Thanksgiving for her birth	John Giddens & Sovathana Ly
Florence Margaret Geczy-Haskins	Thanksgiving for her birth	Carl & Laura Geczy-Haskins
Kay (mother)	Blessings as she celebrates her 90th birthday	Linda Olshausen
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
Peace Lutheran Church (Pendleton, OR) Grace and Mercy Lutheran Church (Umatilla, OR)	Serving with us in the Oregon Synod	Staff
Bilal Masjid (Beaverton)	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, November 21

8:30 am	Worship with Communion (masks required)	Sanctuary and Livestreamed
10:00 am	Adult Education: A Journey Towards Anti-Racism, Part 1	Fellowship Hall and via Zoom
10:00 am	Adult Education: Leading in a Liminal Season	via Zoom
10:00 am	Children’s Ministry with Donna Brocker	Children’s Library
10:00 am	Confirmation (for grades 6-8)	Library and via Zoom
10:00 am	High School Youth Group	Youth Room
10:30 am	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom
11:00 am	Worship with Communion (masks required)	Sanctuary and via Zoom
12:00 pm	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom

Monday, November 22

6:00 pm

Scout Troop 618 Meeting

Fellowship Hall, St. Andrew Room

Tuesday, November 23 – Weekly News submissions due by 12:00 pm

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

Wednesday, November 24

10:00 am

Yoga

Fellowship Hall

Thursday, November 25

Thanksgiving, Church Closed

Friday, November 26

Staff Holiday, Church Closed

Saturday, November 27

9:00 am

Book Sale Preparation

Library, Fellowship Hall

Sunday, November 28

8:30 am	Worship with Communion (masks required)	Sanctuary and YouTube
9:30 am	Book Sale to Benefit St. Andrew Libraries	Fellowship Hall
10:30 am	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom
11:00 am	Worship with Communion (masks required)	Sanctuary and Zoom
12:00 pm	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom
12:00 pm	Used Book Sale to Benefit St. Andrew Libraries	Fellowship Hall

Connecting to Worship

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

An Advent Journey Towards Anti-Racism

Please join St. Andrew’s Reckoning With Racism cohort in a six-part exploration of how racism has played a role in the history of Oregon, and how we can all move toward being anti-racist.

Whether or not you are able to attend the class sessions, you are invited to take part in a congregation-wide Racial Equity Challenge. The goal is to do at least one thing each week that brings each of us closer to becoming anti-racist. The website 21-Day Racial Equity Challenge—America & Moore is filled with suggestions for ways to read, listen, watch, notice, connect, engage, act, reflect, and stay inspired in the journey. Watch the Weekly News for a description of each week’s class and suggestions for which challenges are related to that topic. A complete schedule can be found on the St. Andrew website.

We are hoping to document our efforts as a community of faith toward the goal of becoming anti-racist. In the Narthex, you will find a display board and paper candle cut-outs. Please write what you did in the past week on one of the candles, and add it to the
board. Together, we can shine some light in the darkness of racism.

November 14: Lynn Santelmann will lead an exploration of Native Americans in Oregon, from an historical background through modern-day issues.

Racial Equity Challenge suggestions: 21-Day Racial Equity Challenge—America & Moore.

Learn: Learn more about the indigenous people who lived where you live now or where you grew up. Go to Native-Land.ca and type in an address in the search box on the left. The map will zoom in and show the name of the group who lived there. What do you know about these people? What can you learn?
Read: How White People Got Made, by Quinn Norton (The Message)
Listen: All My Relations (Podcast)
Watch: The Iroquois Influence on the Constitution (4 minutes)
Notice: What percentage of the day are you able to be with people of your own racial identity?
Connect: National Congress of American Indians: NCAI
Engage: Notice your biases and judgments as they arise. These are gold for you to excavate your subconscious!

“Leading in a Liminal Season”

This Sunday, Pastor Susan continues her Adult Education class, “Leading in a Liminal Season,” at 10:00 am via Zoom. The class is based on Susan Beaumont’s 2019 book, How to Lead When You Don’t Know Where You Are Going, Leading in a Liminal Season, published
by Rowman and Littlefield. We will be on Zoom; please bring your bible.

Pastor Susan

Midweek Evening Prayer

Throughout the pandemic, Midweek Evening Prayer services have been a regular occurrence on Zoom, but in November they will be taking a little break. All are invited to join in the practice of Centering Prayer at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, November 10, via Zoom.

Beginning December 1, Advent Evening Prayer will be returning, with worship offered in person in the Sanctuary as well as via Zoom.

Spirituality Book Group

The Spirituality Book Group will meet on Sunday, November 21, at 3:00 pm via Zoom. A Zoom 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.

Sharon Fako will lead our discussion of Kristin Hannah’s novel, The Four Winds, which an Associated Press writer described as “an ode to the strength and ferocity of mothers.” The book reveals the battle between the haves and the have-nots escalated by the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl storms that accompanied it, but it also testifies to the resiliency of the human spirit.

Future Reading

Flooring Feedback

The Facilities Management Team is seeking input on Sanctuary flooring. Should the carpet be replaced or should we investigate hard-surface options and costs? A pending gift to St. Andrew would cover 90-100 percent of the cost of new carpet and its installation. Moneys in the PIPE (Property Improvement) Fund itself are not sufficient to cover either the carpet option or a hard surface alternative. Please submit your feedback via this Google form or call Pam Meredith at 503-475-3568. Responses will be accepted through Friday, November 26. Thank you!

Hanging of the Greens

Please join us Saturday, December 4, at 9:30 am for the “Hanging of the Greens.” We’ll set up the Christmas tree and decorate the church for all to enjoy as we celebrate Advent and
the birth of Christ. Boy Scout Troop 618 is generously donating the wreaths and greens to deck our church again this Christmas season. If you have questions, please contact Tammy Piscitelli.

Food Pantry Help Wanted, 2022

St. Andrew members have continued to serve at the Food Pantry at St. Matthew during the pandemic. We had to make a few changes. Families came and met us outdoors while we all wore masks. While families have missed the opportunity to come inside and select food, they were fed well with fresh produce and a bounty of packaged food, meat, dairy products, and also some surprises such as pumpkin pie. Our volunteers took orders in English, and sometimes in Spanish, and we packed bags with creativity and a prayer. On some dark rainy nights, our main challenge was to find the correct car for each grocery cart of food. Thank you: Steve Grover (and friends); Jim & Pat Hilliker; Roger & Pat Sandquist; Dan & Sharon Fako; and Eric & Jan Luttrell.

We look forward to getting our families back into the pantry sometime in 2022. In the meantime, here is a plea for more volunteers.

In addition to helping serve families at the center, we need volunteer pairs of two to deliver food to families who are not able to come to the center. Volunteers pick up a pre-packed box for the family and add fresh and frozen or refrigerated items. Deliveries could be scheduled on a Sunday afternoon or a weekday between 2:00-8:00 pm. The time involved is 1-2 hours. You do have to have a car and be ready to locate the address. You will be given information for 2-3 families and you will call to learn more about food preferences and a time that will work for delivery. This does not have to be a long-term commitment. A team can serve one time only or once a month or twice a year, or whatever works with their schedules.

This seems to be a great family opportunity and folks can try this out and see how it works. If you have questions, contact Sharon Fako at sfako24@comcast.net or erica97229@gmail.com.

Table Talk: Back from the Climate Brink

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. 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 next Table Talk via Zoom on Tuesday, November 30, 7:00-8:00 pm.

Seminarian Karen Klingelhafer is currently working on a course paper focused on how the life and writings of Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Martin Luther King, Jr. can help us address the climate crisis and move us toward a safer planet. She has offered to lead our November Table Talk. In preparing us for this Table Talk she writes: “The smoke – layered on top of a housing crisis wrought by last year’s wildfires, a resurgent strain of COVID-19 and a crippling drought – has left many in the region teetering on the brink. Among the most vulnerable to the overlapping crises: people experiencing homelessness and those who work in the agriculture industry.” Are we at a crisis situation with climate change? Is there a consensus throughout the world? With so many concerns, what do we focus on? How
can we (as a church, as individuals) make an impact?” This is an especially timely topic given that the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) is being held in Glasgow, Scotland, October 31 – November 12.

Finding Liturgy in Life and Life in Liturgy

An Oregon Synod Lay Education Course

How does liturgy shape us? How might we shape it? Gather with people from across the Oregon Synod this January and February to explore liturgy in daily life, communal worship, and public witness. We’ll pay particular attention to the seasons of the church year, the flow of worship, the invitation of sacraments, and daily practices that help us cultivate a life of depth and meaning. We’ll create space for the integration of blessing, celebration, lamentation, prayer, song, symbols, and ritual crafting. You’re encouraged to bring your whole self as we seek to live in holy rhythm. Pr. Matta Ghaly will be the primary instructor. The course is designed with a Lutheran lens and inclusive heart; all are welcome.

This on-line course is offered through the Oregon Synod’s SALM and Lay Education Program. We’ll meet the following eight Tuesday evenings on Zoom from 6:30-8:00 pm (Pacific Time): January 11, January 18, January 25, February 1, February 8, February 15, February 22, and March 1. Authentic participation and relationship-building are the priority. Course participants and/or their congregations are encouraged to donate, as they are able, on a sliding scale between $20-$160, but donations are not required to register. If you’d like to sign up for the course, please do so through the registration form.

End-of-Year Stock Donations

Greetings from your Financial Secretaries. As the end of the calendar year approaches, we want to remind you of the process for donating stock to the church.

Contributions must actually be paid before the close of the year to be deductible in 2021. Please allow at least 3 weeks for the completion of the stock transfer sale. If you intend to donate stock this tax year, please start the process as soon as possible.

1. Download the Stock Transfer Form from the church website or contact the church office.
2. Contact your brokerage firm to initiate an electronic transfer of securities.
3. Complete the form, including your intentions for the use of the donation, and email a copy to financial-secretary@standrewlutheran.com. Or you may send a copy to the church office marked “Confidential for Financial Secretaries.” This form must be turned in at the beginning of the process. Without it, we cannot complete your request.
4. Upon receipt of the form, one of the financial secretaries will contact you regarding the progress of the electronic stock transfer to Charles Schwab, the church’s securities firm.

Thank you for your generosity to the Mission and Ministry of St. Andrew.

Tammy Piscitelli
on behalf of the Financial Secretaries and Finance Team

Making a Difference “One House at a Time”

Thank you for partnering with Rebuilding Together Washington County (RTWC). For 26 years, we have been able to help so many of our neighbors in need remain safely in their homes. We could not have done it without the countless donors, volunteers, and advocates. It has not been easy, but we have never been alone or lost in our community, and I thank you for that.

I want to specifically thank St. Andrew Lutheran Church and your congregants for your gift of $400. With every dollar we receive, we are able to provide $2 of home repairs by using volunteers and donated materials. We have big goals for the future and these funds help us continue to expand and serve more homeowners-in-need. Thank you so much!

Danielle Schira
Rebuilding Together Washington County

Book Sale Help Needed

I’m going to need help setting up for the big day of St. Andrew’s Used Book Sale. Needed are three people who can stand still holding ten pounds over their heads for five minutes, repeatedly. It won’t be for hours and hours, just long enough for me to hand down books above the top shelf, after which they’ll be put on carts and pushed into Fellowship Hall. So, 3 people, 10 pounds over your head, at 1:00 pm on Saturday, November 27; go home when you get tired. Thank you!

Pam Farr
Adult Librarian

Green Circles

Learn about issues of climate, faith, and justice, and how to take action through Green Circles, an interfaith statewide gathering held via Zoom on the third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm. The next meeting is Tuesday, November 16. Register online to get involved.

The program is a collaboration between EcoFaith Recovery and Eloheh Indigenous Center for Earth Justice.

Preparing for next Sunday, November 21, 2021

Lesson: Daniel 7:9-10,13,14
Gospel: John 18:33-37

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

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 Deanna Rhoda (sister-in-law)	Peace and God’s comfort at their deaths	Doris Larson
Kay (mother)	Comfort, peace and God’s love as death nears	Linda Olshausen
Nan Thompson	Affirmation of her decision to forego further cancer treatment and acceptance by family and loved ones	Nan Thompson
Dr. Cara Steinkeler	Strength as she supports dying COVID patients and their families	Gary & Gail Grafwallner
Ginny Link	Successful surgery (November 17) and recovery	Ginny Link
Chris Sinn (brother)	Healing	Randy & Michelle Sinn
John Fiegenbaum	Comfort and pain relief	Amy Fiegenbaum
Chris Williams (son)	Peace, comfort, and healing from COVID	Jerry & Anne Williams
Madeleine (granddaughter)	Strength and healing	Mary Smith
Maverick Dixon (nephew)	Thanksgiving for his birth and successful surgery	AJ & Rebecca Uecker
Jason and family	God’s direction and support	A. Grapa
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
Christ the King Lutheran Church (Milton-Freewater, OR) St. Paul Lutheran Church (Ontario, OR)	Serving with us in the Oregon Synod	Staff
Congregation Chabad (Portland)	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, November 14

8:30 am	Worship with Communion (masks required)	Sanctuary and Livestreamed
10:00 am	Adult Education: A Journey Towards Anti-Racism, Part 1	Fellowship Hall and via Zoom
10:00 am	Adult Education: Leading in a Liminal Season	via Zoom
10:00 am	Children’s Ministry with Donna Brocker	Children’s Library
10:00 am	Confirmation (for grades 6-8)	Library and via Zoom
10:00 am	High School Youth Group	Youth Room
10:30 am	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom
11:00 am	Worship with Communion (masks required)	Sanctuary and via Zoom
12:00 pm	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom

Monday, November 15

6:00 pm

Scout Troop 618 Meeting

East Parking Lot

Tuesday, November 16

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

Wednesday, November 17– 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	Centering Prayer	Zoom
7:00 pm	Scout Troop 618 Committee Meeting	Children’s Library
7:00 pm	Wednesday Night Youth Hangout	Youth Room
7:30 pm	Sanctuary Choir	Sanctuary

Thursday, November 18

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

Friday, November 19

10:00 am	T’ai Chi	Fellowship Hall
6:30 pm	Middle School Bowling Party	Superplay Bowling Alley

Saturday, November 20

9:00 am

Nifty Notters

Fellowship Hall

Sunday, November 21

8:30 am	Worship with Communion (masks required)	Sanctuary and YouTube
10:00 am	Adult Education: A Journey Towards Anti-Racism, Part 1	Fellowship Hall and via Zoom
10:00 am	Adult Education: Leading in a Liminal Season	via Zoom
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
10:30 am	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom
11:00 am	Worship with Communion (masks required)	Sanctuary and Zoom
12:00 pm	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom

Connecting to Worship

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

An Advent Journey Towards Anti-Racism

Please join St. Andrew’s Reckoning With Racism cohort in a six-part exploration of how racism has played a role in the history of Oregon, and how we can all move toward being anti-racist.

Whether or not you are able to attend the class sessions, you are invited to take part in a congregation-wide Racial Equity Challenge. The goal is to do at least one thing each week that brings each of us closer to becoming anti-racist. The website 21-Day Racial Equity Challenge—America & Moore is filled with suggestions for ways to read, listen, watch, notice, connect, engage, act, reflect, and stay inspired in the journey. Watch the Weekly News for a description of each week’s class and suggestions for which challenges are related to that topic. A complete schedule can be found on the St. Andrew website.

We are hoping to document our efforts as a community of faith toward the goal of becoming anti-racist. In the Narthex, you will find a display board and paper candle cut-outs. Please write what you did in the past week on one of the candles, and add it to the
board. Together, we can shine some light in the darkness of racism.

November 7: Mary Smith will lead an Introduction to the Series. Topics will include moving from “not being racist” to becoming an anti-racist, acknowledging white supremacy, and changing our bodies as well as our minds.

This week’s Racial Equity Challenge suggestions: 21-Day Racial Equity Challenge—America & Moore. We encourage you to explore one or more of the following actions to begin your journey.

Read: Explaining White Privilege To A Broke White Person
Listen: Do the Work podcast (episodes 30 – 50 mins)
Watch: Systemic Racism Explained (4 minutes)
Notice: Who is and is not represented in ads on television, periodicals, billboards, etc?
Connect: Follow organizations on social media. This week, consider: Antiracism Center—IXK
Engage: Enter the process to learn and bridge knowledge gaps.
Act: Invite friend(s), family, and/or colleagues to do the 21-Day Challenge with you.
Reflect: Take time every day to reflect on what you chose to do, what you’re learning, and how you are feeling.
Stay inspired: Create a Soundtrack4Justice playlist that fuels you and/or can serve as a conversation starter with people of all ages.

“Leading in a Liminal Season”

Discernment is the faithful practice of listening and sifting to determine the next step. As disciples, one primary place to listen is scripture, as well as neighbors, creation, and tradition. In this three-week class we will practice discernment with three parables of Jesus, using the Kaleidoscope Bible Study Model, which includes Mutual Invitation and Respectful Communication Guidelines. This class is designed for you to attend one session or two or all three. We will be on Zoom; please bring your bible.

Pastor Susan

Midweek Evening Prayer

Throughout the pandemic, Midweek Evening Prayer services have been a regular occurrence on Zoom, but in November they will be taking a little break. All are invited to join in the practice of Centering Prayer at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, November 10, via Zoom.

Beginning December 1, Advent Evening Prayer will be returning, with worship offered in person in the Sanctuary as well as via Zoom.

Pastor Mark’s Chi Ro Lectures

This November 12-14, Pastor Mark will be delivering a weekend of lectures titled “Doing Ethics in Extraordinary Times: The Witness of Dietrich Bonhoeffer” at Central Lutheran Church in Eugene. German pastor and theologian Bonhoeffer is often celebrated as an example of a modern Christian martyr for his participation in a plot to assassinate Hitler, while he himself avoided justifying his actions. What does it mean to “do ethics in extraordinary times”? What does Bonhoeffer’s witness mean for us today?

All lectures will be held in person and via livestream and are free and open to all.

LECTURE, Friday, November 12, 7:30 pm
Creating Courageous Human Beings: The Work of the Holy Spirit in Bonhoeffer’s Ethics (Livestream link)

WORKSHOP, Saturday November 13, 9:30 am – 12:00 pm (Zoom link; Meeting ID: 873 5470 025 Passcode: 149731)

LECTURE, Saturday, November 13, 7:30 pm
When the Ground Moves Under Our Feet: Being Responsible in Extraordinary Situations (Livestream link)

SERMON, Sunday, November 14, 8:30 am
Worship at Central Lutheran Church, Eugene (Livestream link)

ADULT EDUCATION, Sunday, November 14, 9:45 am
What Does It Mean to Tell the Truth? (Livestream link)

If you plan to attend in person, please note that the Saturday morning workshop will be held at Bushnell University, Library, Room 203, 1188 Kincaid, while all other events will take place at Central Lutheran Church, 1857 Potter Street. For details, go to https://welcometocentral.org/chi-ro-brocker/.

Thanksgiving Thanks

He has done marvelous things! Our Thanksgiving Food Drive goal has been met. With the funds in our account from last year and giving this year, we have sufficient funds to purchase $50 Winco gift cards for 75 Community Action families. This will be a welcome gift to families who really need your help. Community Action works with families on parenting, financial stability, housing, and education.

Thank you for your generous gifts! Any additional donations to the Thanksgiving Food Drive fund will be donated to the St. Matthew Food Pantry for feeding anyone in the community who needs food assistance.

Please contact LuAnn Staul (ljstaul@gmail.com, 503-314-6321) or Linda McDowall (mcdowall.ml@gmail.com, 503-649-5091) with questions.

Welcoming Afghan Refugees

The St. Andrew Sanctuary Team is following news of the wave of refugees from Afghanistan to the United States currently underway. Some 75,000 refugees are now being held, vaccinated, and vetted at US army bases. Salah Ansary, director of the Portland office of Lutheran Community Services Northwest (LCSNW)—and himself uprooted from Afghanistan in 1978—said up to 200 Afghans are expected to be resettled in Portland by March 2022.

St. Andrew has a history of responding to such crises. After the fall of Saigon, St. Andrew was among the Lutheran congregations that helped resettle more than 50,000 refugees from Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. More recently, we worked with LCSNW to provide shelter and support to the Alajrab family from Syria.

The Sanctuary Team has committed itself to updating the congregation on developments and helping to discern our response. LCSNW anticipates need for sponsors and volunteers in the coming months. However, the critical need now is financial support as the Portland office ramps up to staff and resource the program for this new population of refugees. Online donations may be made directly to lcsnw.org by clicking on the “Donate” button,
specifying “Refugee Services,” and indicating “Portland Metro Area” as the preferred office.

If you are interested in volunteering in the future, please contact Bonnie Bliesner at larrybliesner@comcast.net or Cindy Stadel at cstadel@hevanet.com.

Our Children’s Library Is in the Cloud

Each time I work in the Children’s Library, my appreciation for the wonderful collection Mary Nell Mahler added continues to grow. It’s a library any elementary school would love to have! Our picture book section is especially bountiful. During the pandemic, I’ve tried to think of ways to help you better appreciate and use this beautiful library and wonderful collection of books.

I decided to start putting our collection on the Internet (or in the Cloud ), so you can see what we have and search for items. My goal is to have our more than 5,000-6,000 books uploaded by January 2022. So far, we have only about half of the books uploaded. You can take a peek at what’s there so far by going to: https://www.librarycat.org/lib/standlib. Either click on one of the book covers parading across the screen, or use the search box and search by topic, title, or author. If you want to read more about the book and/or read reviews, click on the LibraryThing or Amazon link at the very bottom of your selected book page.

All of these books, and also the ones I haven’t yet uploaded, are available for checkout. Please just use the book pockets and cards to check out, for now. Eventually, we hope to use electronic checkout.

One problem I’ve encountered is that many times the call numbers showing on the web, do not match the call number spine label which shows where it is located in our library. This is because the uploads automatically assign Library of Congress Dewey Decimal Classification numbers for every book. The Dewey numbers in the nonfiction section are pretty close, but our picture books, early leveled readers, and fiction are in separate sections. If you can’t find a book, just send me a note, and I’ll find it for you. Check the link often as we add more books to the cloud every week.

Barbara Gutzler
Children’s Librarian

Table Talk: Back from the Climate Brink

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. 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 next Table Talk via Zoom on Tuesday, November 30, 7:00-8:00 pm.

Seminarian Karen Klingelhafer is currently working on a course paper focused on how the life and writings of Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Martin Luther King, Jr. can help us address the climate crisis and move us toward a safer planet. She has offered to lead our November Table Talk. In preparing us for this Table Talk she writes: “The smoke – layered on top of a housing crisis wrought by last year’s wildfires, a resurgent strain of COVID-19 and a crippling drought – has left many in the region teetering on the brink. Among the most vulnerable to the overlapping crises: people experiencing homelessness and those who work in the agriculture industry.” Are we at a crisis situation with climate change? Is there a consensus throughout the world? With so many concerns, what do we focus on? How
can we (as a church, as individuals) make an impact?” This is an especially timely topic given that the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) is being held in Glasgow, Scotland, October 31 – November 12.

Book Sale Help Needed

I’m going to need help setting up for the big day of St. Andrew’s Used Book Sale. Needed are three people who can stand still holding ten pounds over their heads for five minutes, repeatedly. It won’t be for hours and hours, just long enough for me to hand down books above the top shelf, after which they’ll be put on carts and pushed into Fellowship Hall. So, 3 people, 10 pounds over your head, at 1:00 pm on Saturday, November 27; go home when you get tired. Thank you!

Pam Farr
Adult Librarian

Grateful and Amazed

I am delighted with the number and great quality of the books you people have brought in for the book sale. Thank you! Some, I must admit, I have kept out to put in the library itself. So if you don’t see your book at the sale, that’s probably why. I am also amazed at the number of very smart people this church has! I mean, I knew there were smart people; I just never realized how many, or the divergent number of subjects you read. It’s been a challenge deciding how to sort some of them.

Please note also that it is not too late to bring in more books. There can never be too many books, (or too much chocolate). You are welcome to bring in books, make-and-do type magazines, and beat-up volumes for the free box right up to the day before the sale. I am sorting as I go, so you can bring in books on Saturday, November 27, (the day before the sale), if you can’t get them here sooner.

Pam Farr
Adult Librarian

Hanging of the Greens

Please join us Saturday, December 4, at 9:30 am for the “Hanging of the Greens.” We’ll set up the Christmas tree and decorate the church for all to enjoy as we celebrate Advent and
the birth of Christ. Boy Scout Troop 618 is generously donating the wreaths and greens to deck our church again this Christmas season. If you have questions, please contact Tammy Piscitelli.

Don’t Forget to Fall Back

his weekend, we turn back time. Remember to set your clocks back one hour before heading to bed on Saturday night. It’s a good practice to replace the batteries in your fire alarms on time-change weekends, too.

Preparing for next Sunday, November 14, 2021

Lesson: Daniel 12:1-3
Gospel: John 11:32-44

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

St. Andrew and the Scouts

For almost 50 years, St. Andrew has had a mutually beneficial relationship with the Boy Scouts of America, or BSA. The BSA offers several scouting programs and recently renamed their core program, formerly the “Boy Scouts,” to “Scouts BSA” when girls were invited to enter the ranks a few years ago. St. Andrew has three BSA units today:

• Scouts BSA Boys’ Troop 618 (ages 11-17); chartered ~1972
• Scouts BSA Girls’ Troop 5618 (ages 11-17); chartered in 2020
• Venturing Crew 618 (coed, ages 14-20); chartered in 2019

The BSA operates their scouting programs by chartering local organizations, such as churches, clubs, civic associations, or educational organizations to implement their scouting programs for youth within their communities. The chartering organization owns the assets and liability for the BSA units. Units are led entirely by volunteers appointed by the chartering organization, who are supported by local councils using both paid professional Scouters and volunteers. Our troops at St. Andrew are organized within BSA’s Cascade Pacific Council, which approves charters.

Per the BSA Charter, units have the following organizational structure overseeing the youth Scout leadership and must abide by both the BSA and chartered organization’s guidelines and rules of operation.

• Scouting Executive (the president or CEO of the chartered organization): Scott Taylor, council president
• COR: Chartered Organization Representative (appointed by the Scouting Executive annually): Gordon Teifel, church member
• Troop Committee Chair (established by COR and BSA unit leadership): Jay Locke, troop parent
• Scoutmasters (for each unit): Keith Covington, Troop 618; Cynda Machuca, Troop 5618; Chris Shortell, Crew 618, all troop parents

And St. Andrew appointed an additional person to act as liaison with our Troop units.

• Council Scout Liaison (appointed by St. Andrew Council): Dwight Jerde, council member

In order for the BSA units to continue operating, the Church Council must renew St. Andrew’s charters for each of our BSA units, and it is time to do that again this year. However, given a shifting landscape, the Council is seeking feedback, insights, questions, comments, and viewpoints from interested members of the congregation.

Why are we asking specifically for congregation input?

• The BSA filed for bankruptcy protection in February 2020, largely as a result of sex abuse court judgments against the BSA, local councils, and units. More than 83,000 unique claims were filed by the November 16, 2020 filing deadline for abuse claims.
• Organizations that sponsored BSA units are currently NOT included in the bankruptcy plan deal and may be sued by claimants, as chartering organizations legally own liability for the operations of BSA units.

To be clear, there have been no abuse claims associated with BSA Troop 618 or any of the St. Andrew BSA units. These units are respected as being exceptionally well run and have a solid history of youth protection.

It is also clear that St. Andrew would be liable for any claims filed through our current charter agreement, just as the church would be liable for sex abuse claims arising from its own Children & Youth Ministry.

What we need to decide is how to continue to support our BSA units going forward. Do we sign new charters for 2022? Do we offer a facility use agreement instead, allowing the Scouts the use of our space without signing charters? The Oregon Synod and ELCA require each individual church to make its own decision and do not offer any liability protection for us. The congregation does have liability insurance, which includes specific limits for sex abuse/molestation coverage (which we purchase; this is not provided by the ELCA or Oregon Synod). The BSA also will provide primary liability insurance coverage for the charter organization as part of the BSA charter agreement.

Recently the United Methodist Church decided that it will no longer allow individual churches to charter Scout units. Current charters between Methodist churches and BSA units are being extended through March 2022 so Scout units have time to enter into new charter relationships that will allow them to continue to function.

Members of St. Andrew’s Congregation Council want your input before making their decision. You are invited to provide feedback through any of the following three channels:

1. Email Scouts@standrewlutheran.com with your questions, concerns, comments.
2. Fill out a Google Form (which you can do anonymously).
3. Talk to Council President Scott Taylor, Council Member Barton Robison, or Council Scout Liaison Dwight Jerde.

We value our partnership with Scouts BSA, support the youth our units serve, and seek to protect the well-being of St. Andrew Lutheran Church going forward. We ask that you not take this discussion onto Facebook, and that you share your views no later than Friday, November 12, via any or all of the three channels identified above.

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 Deanna Rhoda (sister-in-law)	Peace and God’s comfort at their deaths	Doris Larson
Family and friends of Dick and Janet	Peace and God’s comfort at their deaths	Carol Hogan
Kay (mother)	Comfort, peace and God’s love as death nears	Linda Olshausen
Nan Thompson	Affirmation of her decision to forego further cancer treatment and acceptance by family and loved ones	Nan Thompson
Dr. Cara Steinkeler	Strength as she supports dying COVID patients and their families	Gary & Gail Grafwallner
Chris Sinn (brother)	Healing	Randy & Michelle Sinn
Chris Williams (son)	Peace, comfort, and healing from COVID	Jerry & Anne Williams
Madeleine (granddaughter)	Strength and healing	Mary Smith
Phyllis Vachal	Comfort and pain relief	Larry Vachal
Chris Entrikin	Healing and recovery	Jerry Entrikin
Maverick Dixon (nephew)	Thanksgiving for his birth and successful surgery	AJ & Rebecca Uecker
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
Hope Lutheran Church (Heppner, OR) Zion Lutheran Church (La Grande, OR)	Serving with us in the Oregon Synod	Staff
Masjid Omar Farooq (Beaverton)	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, November 7

8:30 am	Worship with Communion (masks required)	Sanctuary and Livestreamed
10:00 am	Adult Education: A Journey Towards Anti-Racism, Part 1	Fellowship Hall and via Zoom
10:00 am	Adult Education: Leading in a Liminal Season	via Zoom
10:00 am	Children’s Ministry with Donna Brocker	Children’s Library
10:00 am	Confirmation (for grades 6-8)	Library and via Zoom
10:00 am	High School Youth Group	Youth Room
10:30 am	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom
11:00 am	Worship with Communion (masks required)	Sanctuary and via Zoom
12:00 pm	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom

Monday, November 8

6:00 pm	Scout Troop 618 Meeting	East Parking Lot
7:00 pm	Men’s Book Club	Bliesner Home

Tuesday, November 9

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
1:30 pm	Service Committee Meeting	Library
6:00 pm	Girl Scouts Adult Meeting	Fellowship Hall
6:00 pm	HR Meeting	via Zoom
7:00 pm	Adult Education Meeting	Library
7:00 pm	Finance Team Meeting	via Zoom

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

10:00 am	Yoga Class	Fellowship Hall
6:00 pm	Bells of Grace Rehearsal	Sanctuary
6:00 pm	Sanctuary Team Meeting	Library
6:45 pm	Informal Gathering Time	Zoom
7:00 pm	Centering Prayer	Zoom
7:30 pm	Sanctuary Choir	Sanctuary

Thursday, November 11 – Veterans Day (church office closed)

Friday, November 12

10:00 am

T’ai Chi

Fellowship Hall

Sunday, November 14

8:30 am	Worship with Communion (masks required)	Sanctuary and YouTube
10:00 am	Adult Education: A Journey Towards Anti-Racism, Part 1	Fellowship Hall and via Zoom
10:00 am	Adult Education: Leading in a Liminal Season	via Zoom
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
10:30 am	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom
11:00 am	Worship with Communion (masks required) Zoom Worship with Communion	Sanctuary Zoom
12:00 pm	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom

Connecting to Worship