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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

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

The Doctrine of Discovery

In 2016, the Churchwide Assembly of the ELCA adopted the “Repudiation of the Doctrine of Discovery.” The Doctrine of Discovery originated with a papal bull in the 15th century and codified both colonialism and religious intolerance into international law. The Doctrine of Discovery created a theological framework that supported racism, colonialism, and the annihilation of Indigenous people. Today it continues to support those evils and injustices
found in our church, U.S. law, and legal interpretation.

We’ll learn more about this important topic—both how it impacted the founding of our country and how it impacts us today—in our special Adult Education class between services on Sunday, October 31. You can ATTEND ANYWHERE. We’ll meet in Fellowship Hall or you can participate via Zoom.

Fall Adult Education Classes

A new semester of adult education offerings will begin next Sunday, November 7. Inspired by a book by Susan Beaumont entitled How to Lead When You Don’t Know Where You Are Going, Pastor Susan Kintner will teach “Leading in a Liminal Season” via Zoom at 10:00 am. At the same time, the Reckoning with Racism cohort will teach Part I of their class, “A Journey towards Anti-Racism,” another ATTEND ANYWHERE event. Participants may join this class in person in Fellowship Hall or attend via Zoom.

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. Beginning Wednesday, November 3, Centering Prayer will be held on Zoom at 7:00 pm. All are welcome to join in this receptive method of silent prayer.

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 Upcoming 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. Visit www.welcometocentral.org/chi-rho/ to learn more and watch this newsletter for further details to come.

Reformation Sunday

This Sunday, October 31, is a red-letter day for Protestants worldwide, when we mark Reformation Sunday. At St. Andrew, many elect to wear red in celebration. Whether you worship at home or in the Sanctuary, we invite you to wear red this Sunday. We’re happy to be part of a church body that is continually evaluating and reforming itself as we struggle to live out God’s will on Earth.

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.

Wanted: Your Leftover Halloween Candy

No, you don’t have to eat that leftover Halloween candy all by yourself! Donna Brocker would love to have it for St. Andrew’s Welcome Mug Ministry. Just drop off any leftovers (partial bags are fine) at the church office and Donna will share your treats with newcomers visiting St. Andrew. What a sweet way to make people feel welcome!

Nifty Notters

Join the Nifty Notters Saturday, November 6, and Saturday, November 20, and help us get a head start on quilts for the next Lutheran World Relief Ingathering. We’ll also be working on baby quilts for Virginia Garcia Clinic when we meet from 9:00 am-2:30 pm in Fellowship Hall. We have projects for both people with no experience and those who can sew. You can come for all or part of the time and all supplies are provided. We also have home projects for those unable to participate on Saturdays. We have an ongoing need for people who can cut fabric in 11-inch or 5 ½-inch squares so they can be pieced into quilt tops. If you have questions, please contact Mary Brown at 503-439-3917.

Lydia Circle

Lydia Circle will meet Tuesday, November 9, at 1:00 pm in the St. Andrew Room. Our Bible study will be taken from the November issue of Gather magazine. All are welcome and you need not have read the lesson to participate. If you have questions, please contact Mary Brown at 503-439-3917.

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.

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

Book Review: The Ink-Keeper’s Apprentice

This book by Allen Say is found downstairs, but don’t let that stop you. It is an interesting tale about a cartoonist, rather like the author, whose signature, cartoon, and picture will surely make you smile.

Here is a boy who does not do well in school, and while we are never told how bright he is, it does seem he could do better. But all he wants is to be a cartoonist. So he hunts down the master of them all, and convinces him to take him on.

This is what happens. The master has another apprentice, an older boy who maybe does, or does not, like the boy, and is, or is not, better than him at drawing. The pull-tug of these two, the older boy’s interest in dangerous things, the younger boy’s uncertainty about where he should stand, make up this story. The solution makes a rather surprising ending to a very satisfying story and the pictures are quite good.

Pam Farr
Adult Librarian

Ridwell Free Trial

If anyone was intrigued by the Ridwell information presented in “Weekly News” two weeks ago, I can get you a one-month free trial. That would give you two free pickups. Just email me at lizchrishardy@comcast.net.

I have been a Ridwell customer for three months and have already collected a large bag of clear plastic clam shells! For my next pickup, it will only cost me $1 for Ridwell to take them away. They will then go to a company that makes things from the clear plastic.

Liz Hardy

Preparing for All Saints Sunday, November 7, 2021

First Lesson: Wisdom 3:1-9
Second Lesson: Revelation 21:1-6a
Gospel: John 11:32-44

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

Bonhoeffer, The Church, and the Climate Question

Pacific Lutheran University invites the public to attend its 16th Annual David & Marilyn Knutson Lecture at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, November 2, via Zoom. This year’s speaker is James B. Martin-Schramm, professor emeritus of religion at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa.

The lecture will begin with Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s provocative 1933 essay on “The Church and the Jewish Question” and draw parallels to climate change. Where virulent anti-Semitism was the most important issue facing the church in Bonhoeffer’s day, Martin-Schramm argues Bonhoeffer would have grave concerns about the impacts of climate change on present and future generations. Martin-Schramm explains how Martin Luther’s doctrine of the two kingdoms shaped Bonhoeffer’s critique of the church and state in his day regarding “the Jewish Question” and ponders how Bonhoeffer might challenge the feeble responses of both the state and the church to the climate crisis. The lecture explores tensions between patriotism and resistance and considers how God is at work in the world today among all who are striving for climate justice.

For detailed information and to register for the free event, go to http://plu.edu/religion/knutson-lecture.

More on “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

Earth Care Kiosk

You’ll find a new fixture in the Narthex and you should check it out. Members of the Community Carbon/Earth Care Team are highlighting best practices for you to consider as they continue to work to protect our planet by educating others.

One panel of the rotating kiosk showcases St. Andrew’s Reformation Earth Garden and the native plants incorporated there. You’ll find lists and descriptions of plants, nursery sources, and lots of photos to entice you to add some of these natives to your own landscape.

Another panel highlights the Soil Your Undies challenge and our own experiment undertaken during this past summer’s Earth Camp. This is a great project to do with children and a fun way to learn about soil vitality.

And the third panel (in development) offers ideas for reducing reliance on single-use plastic. We offer reprints of all the articles we did just before the pandemic hit and other
useful handouts.

More is coming, so plan to stop by the kiosk often. Two articles of particular interest right now focus on “The Good of Leaves” and “Why You Should Do Your Spring Planting in the Fall.” Pick up copies!

St. Andrew and the Scouts

For almost 50 years, St. Andrew has had a mutually beneficial relationship with the Boy Scouts of America, renamed 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 Scouting by chartering local organizations, such as churches, clubs, civic associations, or educational organizations to implement the Scouting program 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

Each year, the Church Council must renew St. Andrew’s charters with 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 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
Phyllis Vachal	Comfort and pain relief	Larry Vachal
Chris Entrikin	Healing and recovery	Jerry Entrikin
Maverick Dixon (unborn nephew)	Complete healing in the womb	AJ & Rebecca Uecker
Grunewald Guild staff and teachers	Support and wisdom	Susan Kintner
Sunriver Christian Fellowship (Sunriver, OR)	Serving with us in the Oregon Synod	Staff
Congregation Ahavath Achim (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, October 31

8:30 am	Worship with Communion (masks required) Livestream Worship with Communion	Sanctuary YouTube
10:00 am	Adult Education Special Topic: The Doctrine of Discovery	Fellowship Hall and 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) Zoom Worship with Communion	Sanctuary Zoom
12:00 pm	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom

Monday, November 1

6:00 pm

Scout Troop 618 Meeting

East Parking Lot

Tuesday, November 2

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, November 3 – Weekly News submissions due by 4:00 pm

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

Thursday, November 4

9:30 am	Seekers of the Heart of God Bible Study	St. Andrew Room
12:00 pm	Team Ministry Meeting	Chapel/Adult Library
2:30 pm	Communications Team Meeting	via Zoom
7:00 pm	Executive (Council) Committee Meeting	St. Andrew Room and via Zoom

Friday, November 5

10:00 am

T’ai Chi

Fellowship Hall

Saturday, November 5

9:00 am

Nifty Notters

Fellowship Hall

Sunday, November 7 – All Saints Sunday

8:30 am	Worship with Communion (masks required) Livestream Worship with Communion	Sanctuary 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

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

The Fall session of Adult Education ends this Sunday.

Faith in Finance: Making Giving More Meaningful

This Sunday, October 24, the Stewardship team presents its final session of “Making Giving More Meaningful” at 10:00 am in Fellowship Hall. If you’re unable to attend in person (either this session or earlier ones in the series), you can find a summary online at https://standrewlutheran.com/making-giving-more-meaningful.

Road Trip! The Missionary Journeys of Paul

What legacy did the Apostle Paul leave for the church and for us today? In his final class session this Sunday, Steve Christiansen will share ideas from Paul for a New Day, by Robin Scroggs. The author tries to clarify Paul’s message in today’s terms and highlights some theological ideas we could put into practice ourselves—ideas about justification, faith, the church community, and ethics.

Join Steve Christiansen via Zoom at 10:00 am on Sunday, October 24, to learn more about how Paul shaped the church.

Wednesday Evening Prayer

All are welcome this Wednesday, October 27, 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.

The Doctrine of Discovery

In 2016, the Churchwide Assembly of the ELCA adopted the “Repudiation of the Doctrine of Discovery.” The Doctrine of Discovery originated with a papal bull in the 15th century and codified both colonialism and religious intolerance into international law. The Doctrine of Discovery created a theological framework that supported racism, colonialism, and the annihilation of Indigenous people. Today it continues to support those evils and injustices
found in our church, U.S. law, and legal interpretation.

We’ll learn more about this important topic—both how it impacted the founding of our country and how it impacts us today—in our special Adult Education class between services on Sunday, October 31. You can ATTEND ANYWHERE. We’ll meet in Fellowship Hall or you can participate via Zoom.

Christmas Greenery Orders

The deadline to order Christmas greenery from Scout Troops 618 and 5618 is this Sunday, October 24. Please check the product flyer and price list on the communications table in the Narthex for details regarding the items available, or contact Amy Harker (email mimiweasel@gmail.com) and she’ll send you that information electronically. Prepayment is not required and can be handled at delivery on November 20-21.

Table Talk: What is Patriotism?

Tuesday, October 26, 7:00-8:00 pm (via Zoom)

Gathered around the table in his home, Martin Luther talked freely and openly with his colleagues and students about matters of faith, theology, and varied aspects of daily life. In an effort to cultivate this kind of spirited discussion we have a tradition at St. Andrew of gathering for Table Talks. Pastor Brocker invites you to participate in the next Table
Talk via Zoom on Tuesday, October 26, 7:00-8:00 pm.

In March 1941, German Lutheran Pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer traveled to Switzerland on behalf of the conspiracy against Adolf Hitler. His role was to communicate with the Allies through ecumenical church leaders. At an evening gathering one ecumenical leader asked him, “What do you pray for in the current situation?” He responded, “Since you ask me, I must say that I pray for the defeat of my country, for I believe that this is the only way in which it can pay for the suffering which it has caused the world.” In April 1945 Bonhoeffer was executed by the Nazis for committing treason. But one could make a case that he was a true patriot fighting for the well-being of his nation.

In this Table Talk we will discuss what constitutes true patriotism in a time such as ours. Prior to our conversation, you are encouraged to read David Brooks’ New York Times editorial “How to Love America: Patriotism in a Time of Division”
(https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/04/opinion/america-patriotism.html).

Pastor Mark’s Upcoming Chi-Rho 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. Visit www.welcometocentral.org/chi-rho/ to learn more and watch this newsletter for further details to come.

A Blessing for Learning to Delight Again

This Sunday, Pastor Susan Kintner will reference Kate Bowler, author of Everything Happens and No Cure for Being Human.

You can learn more at http://katebowler.com or check out Bowler’s podcast, “Everything Happens.”

Bowler shares several blessings on her website and this one seems appropriate for us today:

A blessing for learning to delight again.

blessed are you, the pragmatic. you who have run the math and know what adds up…and what doesn’t. you have set it all down. you who don’t hope or dream or plan anymore because…what’s the point?

but blessed are you, learning to live here. your world has shrunk. pain or grief or fear has sucked up every bit of oxygen from the room and every ounce of delight has been squeezed from your hands.

but blessed are we, who discover that even in the smallness, our attention might compress even more.

we who pull out a magnifying glass to discover…to notice…to taste…to smell…the small joys and simple pleasures that make a life worth living.

you who wear the fancy blouse because it makes you feel nice, long after you thought your body was worth decorating. you who eat the over-the-top meal because that is what today can afford.

you who make the memory and plan the trip and who snap a picture because we know that this one, wild, precious life might cost us everything…so why not make it not just bearable, but beautiful.

Thank You

Dear Friends at St. Andrew,
Thank you so much for your generous donation of $400. The Domestic Violence Resource Center (DVRC) truly appreciates your commitment to supporting survivors of domestic violence in Washington County and we’re grateful for your kindness.

Since 1975, DVRC has been providing lifesaving services to survivors of domestic violence,
but our work would not be possible without the help of people like you! We thank you for continuing to support our mission of educating, supporting, and empowering those affected by domestic violence after so many years.

Rosemary (Rowie) Taylor
Executive Director

Thanksgiving is Coming

The Service Committee is once again sponsoring Thanksgiving meals for Community Action families and we need your help. Community Action works with families on parenting, financial stability, housing, and education. These are families that really need help.

Last year, generous donations from St. Andrew members enabled us to purchase $50 Winco gift cards for 75 families. We would like to achieve this goal again. Any donations that exceed our goal of $3,750 will be donated to the St. Matthew Food Pantry for feeding anyone in the community who needs food assistance.

If you wish to give on-line, select the Thanksgiving Food Drive fund or you can send a check made out to St. Andrew with “Thanksgiving Food Drive” in the memo line.

This is a wonderful way to live out our faith, as well as giving a needy family the chance to truly celebrate Thanksgiving. Please consider helping with a donation of any amount this year.

To give us time to purchase gift cards and get them to these families, our deadline for donation is Sunday, November 14.

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

Farm Workers Drive a Success

The Western Farm Workers Association fall drive was successful with more than 330 food and clothing items collected.

Among items donated were 183 articles of clothing, which included 40 coats, 31 sweatshirts, and 11 sweaters, as well as work pants, rain jackets, work boots, and other miscellaneous clothing items.

A total of 148 food items were collected, including 65 cans of tuna, 21 bags/cans of pinto beans, 9 bags of rice, 9 jars of peanut butter, 5 jars of jam, 7 bottles of cooking oil—plus other miscellaneous food items.

Everything was delivered to the Western Farm Workers office in Hillsboro on Monday, October 4. Peter Berger, WFWA operations manager, thanks the people of St. Andrew for their generosity.

Service Committee

Lutheran World Relief Ingathering Volunteers Needed

Your help is needed. Twice a year, St. Andrew coordinates the Lutheran World Relief Fall Ingathering for churches in Oregon, SW Washington, and Idaho, when we collect School Kits and Quilts. Churches are donating these gifts to communities around the globe. To learn more, go to https://lwr.org/kits/school-kits.

We are preparing for our Fall LWR Ingathering and looking for volunteers to help load the shipping container. Volunteers are organized in shifts of 2 hours. That’s right—we’re looking for just two hours of your time for this important ministry.

Churches will deliver their donations to St. Andrew on Friday, October 29, or Saturday, October 30. We need volunteers to unload boxes from cars or pack the boxes in the shipping container. The boxes weigh up to 45 pounds. The Friday shifts are 8:00 am to 10:00 am, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm and 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. The single 3-hour shift on Saturday is 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. St. Andrew COVID-19 guidelines apply to this activity.

If you haven’t already signed up or have questions please contact Roger Sandquist (503-840-0001 or rogersandquist@frontier.com).

Preparing for Reformation Sunday, October 31, 2021

Reading: Jeremiah 31:31-34
Gospel: John 8:31-36

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

Bonhoeffer, The Church, and the Climate Question

Pacific Lutheran University invites the public to attend its 16th Annual David & Marilyn Knutson Lecture at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, November 2, via Zoom. This year’s speaker is James B. Martin-Schramm, professor emeritus of religion at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa.

The lecture will begin with Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s provocative 1933 essay on “The Church and the Jewish Question” and draw parallels to climate change. Where virulent anti-Semitism was the most important issue facing the church in Bonhoeffer’s day, Martin-Schramm argues Bonhoeffer would have grave concerns about the impacts of climate change on present and future generations. Martin-Schramm explains how Martin Luther’s doctrine of the two kingdoms shaped Bonhoeffer’s critique of the church and state in his day regarding “the Jewish Question” and ponders how Bonhoeffer might challenge the feeble responses of both the state and the church to the climate crisis. The lecture explores tensions between patriotism and resistance and considers how God is at work in the world today among all who are striving for climate justice.

For detailed information and to register for the free event, go to http://plu.edu/religion/knutson-lecture.

Keep Fright Away

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) advises that hosting a Halloween party for grownups this year is doable, but with the highly transmittable Delta variant, it does take some planning and caution.

“Make sure you’re vaccinated; that’s number one,” said Ali Hamade, OHA senior health advisor and deputy state epidemiologist. “Number two, wear a good face covering that is at least two layers thick. A Halloween mask will not do the job.”

Hamade adds that outdoor events are best because the risk of transmission is much lower than socializing indoors. Keep the guest list small and stick with vaccinated guests (no children under 12); discourage people from crowding together; wash your hands before and after eating; and don’t touch your face with unwashed hands. If guests go inside, remind them to wear their masks and physically distance. Open windows and run a fan or air purifier to maximize ventilation.

If your party takes place during trick-or-treating, please wear a mask when handing out candy.

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.

Kay (mother)	Comfort, peace and God’s love as death nears	Linda Olshausen
Maverick Dixon (unborn nephew)	Complete healing in the womb	AJ & Rebecca Uecker
Madeleine (granddaughter)	Effective treatment and healing	Mary Smith
Robert and Channa	Support and Comfort	Carol Harker
St. Timothy Episcopal Church (Brookings, OR)	Positive resolution to community opposition	India Jensen Kerr
Grunewald Guild staff and teachers	Support and wisdom	Susan Kintner
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
Zion Lutheran Church (Redmond, OR) Shepherd in the Hills Lutheran Church (Sisters, OR)	Serving with us in the Oregon Synod	Staff
Masjid Abu Bakr (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, October 24

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: The Missionary Journeys of Paul	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 Zoom
12:00 pm	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom

Monday, October 25

6:00 pm	Scout Troop Leaders	St. Andrew Room
6:00 pm	Scout Troop 618 Meeting	East Parking Lot

Tuesday, October 26

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	Facilities Team Meeting	St. Andrew Room
10:00 am	T’ai Chi	Fellowship Hall
12:15 pm	Community Carbon Leadership Meeting	Adult Library
7:00 pm	Table Talk: “What Is Patriotism?”	via Zoom

Wednesday, October 27 – Weekly News submissions due by 4:00 pm

10:00 am	Yoga Class	Fellowship Hall
6:00 pm	Bells of Grace Rehearsal	Sanctuary
6:45 pm	Informal Gathering Time	Zoom
7:00 pm	Wednesday Evening Prayer	Zoom
7:00 pm	High School Youth Pumpkin Carving	Fellowship Hall
7:30 pm	Centering Prayer	Zoom

Thursday, October 28

9:30 am	Seekers of the Heart of God Bible Study	St. Andrew Room
12:00 pm	Team Ministry Meeting	Chapel/Adult Library
7:00 pm	IT Meeting	Offsite

Friday, October 29

7:00 am	Lutheran World Relief Ingathering	Garden Parking Lot
10:00 am	T’ai Chi	Fellowship Hall

Saturday, October 30

7:00 am

Lutheran World Relief Ingathering

Garden Parking Lot

Sunday, October 31 – Reformation Sunday (Wear Red!)

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 Education Special Topic: “The Doctrine of Discovery”	Fellowship Hall and Zoom
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

Ways to Give: Thank you for supporting our ministries!

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

This Sunday, October 17, at 10:00 am in Fellowship Hall, the discussion will center around what we give. We’ll talk about time and talents, as well as financial resources, and we’ll examine various websites that can direct us to multiple opportunities to give to our community and world.

Road Trip! The Missionary Journeys of Paul

Paul’s story becomes even more interesting after his third missionary journey and return to Jerusalem. Some of his enemies stir up the crowd there and Paul is taken into protective custody. He’s allowed to speak to the people, though, and it all goes well until he says that God has called him to take his message to the Gentiles, whom the Jews perceive as enemies. The notion that Paul would minister to foes enrages the crowd and rekindles the riot. Ultimately, Paul is put
on a boat to Rome, where he wants to speak to the emperor. The boat crashes on the island of Malta, Paul proceeds to Rome anyway, and there he’s once more incarcerated, this time under house arrest. And that’s the end of Luke’s story of Paul. Was he executed in Rome? Or did Paul gain his release and continue his missionary work?

Join Steve Christiansen via Zoom at 10:00 am on Sunday to learn more about Paul’s life and preaching.

Wednesday Evening Prayer

All are welcome this Wednesday, October 20, 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.

A Hope For All Update

St. Andrew has just passed another milestone in the Hope For All Campaign. As of October 1, 2021, we now owe about $691,630 on the mortgage. A little more than a year ago that balance was just over $1,000,000.

The Financial team continues to make sound financial decisions in paying down the mortgage expeditiously, while keeping an adequate reserve for any unforeseen shortfalls. Now for every $1.00 contributed, about $.82 is applied to the principal on the loan. As the mortgage continues to be paid down, the percentage going to pay off principal will increase.

I want to thank everyone for your continued generosity and will continue to update you as we pass each $100,000 milestone. Our goal is to pay off the mortgage as soon as possible. Thank you.

Ken Reiner

Spirituality Book Group

The Spirituality Book Group will meet on Sunday, October 17, 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 already on the Spirituality Book Group email list, please contact Mary Smith at dbits1@gmail.com.

On October 17, Kristin Sacks will lead our discussion of Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents, by Isabel Wilkerson.

This outstanding book is more than a book on racism, more than history, more than social commentary, more than a lamentation. Although it is all of those things. The New York Times book review from July 2020 put it this way: “It’s an extraordinary document, one that strikes me as an instant American classic and almost certainly the keynote nonfiction book of the American century thus far. It made the back of my neck prickle from its first pages, and that feeling never went away.”

Future Reading:

Christmas Greenery Orders

Believe it or not, it’s not too early to begin thinking about decorating for Christmas. Scout Troops 618 and 5618 are once again selling wreaths, centerpieces, garlands, swags, and plants. Orders are due to Amy Harker (email mimiweasel@gmail.com) by Sunday, October 24, and will be delivered the weekend of November 20 and 21.

Please check the product flyer and price list on the communications table in the Narthex for details regarding the items available, or email Amy and she’ll send you that information electronically. Prepayment is not required and can be handled at delivery.

Farm Workers Drive a Success

The Western Farm Workers Association fall drive was successful with more than 330 food and clothing items collected.

Among items donated were 183 articles of clothing, which included 40 coats, 31 sweatshirts, and 11 sweaters, as well as work pants, rain jackets, work boots, and other miscellaneous clothing items.

A total of 148 food items were collected, including 65 cans of tuna, 21 bags/cans of pinto beans, 9 bags of rice, 9 jars of peanut butter, 5 jars of jam, 7 bottles of cooking oil—plus other miscellaneous food items.

Everything was delivered to the Western Farm Workers office in Hillsboro on Monday, October 4. Peter Berger, WFWA operations manager, thanks the people of St. Andrew for their generosity.

Service Committee

Special Topic Announced

What is the “Doctrine of Discovery” and how did it shape our country? Plan to join the Reckoning with Racism cohort on Sunday, October 31, at 10:00 am during a Sunday morning Adult Education special topic hour. We’ll take an enlightening look into this 15th century doctrine and explore its impact, especially on Native Americans. Details on how to participate will be forthcoming.

And the Bells Rang Out!

Happy Anniversary, Jerry and Anne!

The bells rang out (at least figuratively) 58 years ago on October 4, 1963, when Anne LeRoy walked down the aisle at St. Andrew to marry Jerry Williams. These longtime members have been faithful servants and frequent volunteers ever since. Congratulations on almost six decades of married life.

Thanksgiving is Coming

The Service Committee is once again sponsoring Thanksgiving meals for Community Action families and we need your help. Community Action works with families on parenting, financial stability, housing, and education. These are families that really need help.

Last year, generous donations from St. Andrew members enabled us to purchase $50 Winco gift cards for 75 families. We would like to achieve this goal again. Any donations that exceed our goal of $3,750 will be donated to the St. Matthew Food Pantry for feeding anyone in the community who needs food assistance.

If you wish to give on-line, select the Thanksgiving Food Drive fund or you can send a check made out to St. Andrew with “Thanksgiving Food Drive” in the memo line.

This is a wonderful way to live out our faith, as well as giving a needy family the chance to truly celebrate Thanksgiving. Please consider helping with a donation of any amount this year.

To give us time to purchase gift cards and get them to these families, our deadline for donation is Sunday, November 14.

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

Table Talk: What is Patriotism?

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 next Table
Talk via Zoom on Tuesday, October 26, 7:00-8:00 pm.

In March 1941, German Lutheran Pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer traveled to Switzerland on behalf of the conspiracy against Adolf Hitler. His role was to communicate with the Allies through ecumenical church leaders. At an evening gathering
one ecumenical leader asked him, “What do you pray for in the current situation?” He responded, “Since you ask me, I must say that I pray for the defeat of my country, for I believe that this is the only way in which it can pay for the suffering which it has caused the world.” In April 1945 Bonhoeffer was executed by the Nazis for committing treason. But one could make a case that he was a true patriot fighting for the well-being of his nation.

In this Table Talk we will discuss what constitutes true patriotism in a time such as ours. Prior to our conversation, you are encouraged to read David Brooks’ New York Times editorial “How to Love America: Patriotism in a Time of Division”
(https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/04/opinion/america-patriotism.html).

Pastor Mark’s Upcoming Chi-Rho 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. Visit www.welcometocentral.org/chi-rho/ to learn more and watch this newsletter for further details to come.

Preparing for Next Sunday, October 24, 2021

Reading: Psalm 126
Gospel: Mark 10:46-52

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

Bonhoeffer, The Church, and the Climate Question

Pacific Lutheran University invites the public to attend its 16th Annual David & Marilyn Knutson Lecture at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, November 2, via Zoom. This year’s speaker is James B. Martin-Schramm, professor emeritus of religion at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa.

The lecture will begin with Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s provocative 1933 essay on “The Church and the Jewish Question” and draw parallels to climate change. Where virulent anti-Semitism was the most important issue facing the church in Bonhoeffer’s day, Martin-Schramm argues Bonhoeffer would have grave concerns about the impacts of climate change on present and future generations. Martin-Schramm explains how Martin Luther’s doctrine of the two kingdoms
shaped Bonhoeffer’s critique of the church and state in his day regarding “the Jewish Question” and ponders how Bonhoeffer might challenge the feeble responses of both the state and the church to the climate crisis. The lecture explores tensions between patriotism and resistance and considers how God is at work in the world today among all who are striving for climate justice.

For detailed information and to register for the free event, go to http://plu.edu/religion/knutson-lecture.

Aging with Grace

Coronavirus…wildfires…political uncertainty…social unrest…. This is a crazy and stressful time for all of us. What does current research reveal about how these stresses are impacting seniors? What do we know about effective coping strategies? How do we use what we’ve learned to move to a “new normal”?

Viva Village invites the public to join psychologist Meghan Marty and gerontologist Carolyn Aldwin for an online presentation and discussion on Saturday, October 30, 2021, from 1:00-4:00 pm via Zoom.

Register at vivavillage.org or call 503-746-5082. Viva Village members and volunteers may participate at no cost. The public participation fee is $10.

What to Do with All Those Single-Use Plastics? UGH!

Don’t you just hate throwing away all that plastic that you can’t put into the recycle bin? I sure do!

Luckily, help is on the way. There is a company called Ridwell that collects difficult to recycle items. And they make it so easy! They provide collection bins and bags for those difficult to recycle items and pick them up from your doorstep every 2 weeks. The basic categories they collect are plastic film, “threads” (cloth), batteries, and light bulbs. Your stuff gets recycled or reused by local partners dedicated to wasting less.

What’s What?

Plastic Film is anything that’s “scrunchable” and a single material (meaning it does not have metal or paper in it or affixed to it. Ziplock bags, bubble wrap, air pillows, grocery bags, Amazon Prime shipping bags, plastic wrap, and cereal
bags are all examples of plastic film. But the plastic has to be clean and can’t have food on it. Ridwell also recently started collecting those clear plastic clamshells that a lot of produce comes in.

“We learned plastic film is a component of decking material like Trex and are thrilled that our plastic film is used for this purpose instead of ending up in the landfill.”

Ridwell.com

“Threads” includes shoes, towels, sheets, fabric scraps. Anything that is not wet or contaminated or mildewed.

“We work with partners who will sort threads based on their condition. 45% of the clothes, shoes, and linens that get collected is reused or repurposed as secondhand clothing. Often times these go to low income members of the community who may not otherwise be able to afford clothing and shoes. 30% of what is collected is recycled into new things. This set eventually becomes things like insulation, pet bedding, and athletic equipment. An additional 20% is turned into fiber that can be used for carpet padding, home insulation, and raw material for automotive industries. Only 5% is sent to landfills and that number is even lower if people send contaminated material elsewhere.”

Ridwell.com

Batteries includes all used household batteries; alkaline, rechargeable, small electronics, and hearing aid batteries. Basically all batteries used around the house.

“While batteries are no longer toxic for the environment, they still have valuable materials for recycling.”

Ridwell.com

Light Bulbs includes LEDs, compact fluorescent, fluorescent, and incandescent. No broken bulbs or fluorescent tubes.

“We take all of your spent light bulbs and our partner separates the metal, glass, and plastic for further materials recycling. CFLs (the curly ones) have mercury in them so they need to be disposed of responsibly! And we want to make that easy. Just put them in your light bulb bag and we can take care of the rest. If you have light bulbs that are still good but you don’t need anymore, try your local Buy Nothing group for reuse in the community!”

Ridwell.com

Monthly Featured Categories Each month Ridwell also collects a 5th category such as Styrofoam, corks, small electronics, cords, chargers, printer cartridges, holiday lights, nonperishable foods, diapers, eye glasses, bottle caps, kitchen ware, etc.

Pricing Ridwell charges a household $16/month for a 3-month plan, $14/month for 6 months, and $12/month for a year. They pick up every 2 weeks. For more information, go to ridwell.com or contact me to learn about my own experience as a subscriber to Ridwell.

Liz Hardy, Earth Care Team

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.

Kay (mother)	Comfort, peace and God’s love as death nears	Linda Olshausen
Maverick Dixon (unborn nephew)	Complete healing in the womb	AJ & Rebecca Uecker
Madeleine (granddaughter)	Effective treatment and healing	Mary Smith
Robert and Channa	Support and Comfort	Carol Harker
St. Timothy Catholic Church (Brookings, OR)	Positive resolution to community opposition	India Jensen Kerr
Bee Bops	Thanksgiving for the childcare they’ve provided	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
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (Madras, OR) Our Savior’s Lutheran Church (Prineville, OR)	Serving with us in the Oregon Synod	Staff
Havurah 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, October 17

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 Zoom
12:00 pm	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom

Monday, October 18

6:00 pm

Scout Troop 618 Meeting

East Parking Lot

Tuesday, October 19

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, October 20– Weekly News submissions due by 4:00 pm

7:00 am	Bell Tree Practice	Sanctuary
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	Scout Troop 618 Committee Meeting	Children’s Library
7:00 pm	Wednesday Evening Prayer	Zoom
7:30 pm	Centering Prayer	Zoom

Thursday, October 21

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	Council Meeting	St. Andrew Room and Zoom

Friday, October 22

10:00 am

T’ai Chi

Fellowship Hall

Sunday, October 24

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 Zoom
12:00 pm	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom

Connecting to Worship

Ways to Give: Thank you for supporting our ministries!

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

This Sunday, October 10, at 10:00 am in Fellowship Hall, the discussion will center around the “when” of giving. The focus will not be on giving on Sundays, but the “when” of giving from a congregational, synod, and personal perspective. Do we give when we are joyful, refreshed humble, thankful?

Road Trip! The Missionary Journeys of Paul

Paul’s Third Mission Journey is a four-year jaunt, wherein he continues to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ and to strengthen the churches he’d planted earlier. He spends more than two years in Ephesus, where his message is so popular that he ends up angering the silversmiths who make a living creating idols to the goddess Artemis. A riot ensues and Paul leaves town to take his message elsewhere. While traveling, Paul is also writing letters to Christians in Thessaloniki and Corinth. He may also have written the letter we know as the Book of Romans during this journey.

Join Steve Christiansen via Zoom at 10:00 am on Sunday to learn more about Paul’s preaching and the work he did to encourage and extend the Christian Church on his third journey.

Wednesday Evening Prayer

All are welcome this Wednesday, October 13, 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.

Wanted: Zoom Hosts

Are you a Zoom master? Can you spare an hour of your time once a month and host the Zoom meeting for St. Andrew’s education hour on Sunday morning?

The job is pretty simple: Log into the Zoom meeting room and send everyone to the appropriate Breakout Room for the class requested. Then send attendance numbers to Carol Harker after classes end.

Volunteering as a Zoom host is a great way to reconnect with people in our community and it would be a very big help on Sunday mornings. To volunteer, please email Allison Katsufrakis at allisonk@standrewlutheran.com.

Men’s Book Club

Members of the Men’s Book Club will meet Monday, October 11, at 7:00 pm at the home of Dan Fako to discuss This Tender Land: A Novel, by William Kent Krueger. Described “as big-hearted as they come,” the novel tells the unforgettable story of four orphans in the summer of 1932 who band together to flee the Lincoln Indian Training School in Minnesota to make their way south to relatives in St. Louis, where they hope to find a better life. On their odyssey into the unknown, they encounter others who are adrift and experience a variety of adventures. Somewhat reminiscent of Huckleberry Finn, This Tender Land shows how the American landscape connects us.

For more information about the Men’s Book Club, contact Gary Grafwallner or Tim Holte. The group reads novels, biographies, poetry, politics, spiritual books, science fiction, and more. Participants rotate hosting and selecting books to discuss. The Men’s Book Club meets monthly on the second Monday.

Spirituality Book Group

The Spirituality Book Group will meet on Sunday, October 17, 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 already on the Spirituality Book Group email list, please contact Mary Smith at dbits1@gmail.com.

On October 17, Kristin Sacks will lead our discussion of Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents, by Isabel Wilkerson.
This outstanding book is more than a book on racism, more than history, more than social commentary, more than a lamentation. Although it is all of those things. The NY Times book review from July 2020 put it this way: “It’s an extraordinary document, one that strikes me as an instant American classic and almost certainly the keynote nonfiction book of the American century thus far. It made the back of my neck prickle from its first pages, and that feeling never went away.”

Future Reading:

BottleDrop Fundraiser

Over the past several months, St. Andrew has raised more than $800 for youth programs…just by cashing in our cans! These funds will go toward youth events over this next year, especially the National Youth Gathering coming up next summer. To join in, you can find BottleDrop bags on the shelves in Fellowship Hall. Fill them with recyclable cans/bottles, and then drop them through the outdoor hatch at any BottleDrop Center. Thanks to everyone who is
taking part in this awesome fundraiser!

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

Christmas Greenery Orders

Believe it or not, it’s not too early to begin thinking about decorating for Christmas. Scout Troops 618 and 5618 are once again selling wreaths, centerpieces, garlands, swags, and plants. Orders are due to Amy Harker (email mimiweasel@gmail.com) by Sunday, October 24, and will be delivered the weekend of November 20 and 21.

Please check the product flyer and price list on the communications table in the Narthex for details regarding the items available, or email Amy and she’ll send you that information electronically. Prepayment is not required and can be handled at delivery.

Special Topic Announced

What is the “Doctrine of Discovery” and how did it shape our country? Plan to join the Reckoning with Racism cohort on Sunday, October 31, at 10:00 am during a Sunday morning Adult Education special topic hour. We’ll take an enlightening look into this 15th century doctrine and explore its impact, especially on Native Americans. Details on how to participate will be forthcoming.

Table Talk: What is Patriotism?

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 next Table
Talk via Zoom on Tuesday, October 26, 7:00-8:00 pm.

In March 1941, German Lutheran Pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer traveled to Switzerland on behalf of the conspiracy against Adolf Hitler. His role was to communicate with the Allies through ecumenical church leaders. At an evening gathering
one ecumenical leader asked him, “What do you pray for in the current situation?” He responded, “Since you ask me, I must say that I pray for the defeat of my country, for I believe that this is the only way in which it can pay for the suffering which it has caused the world.” In April 1945 Bonhoeffer was executed by the Nazis for committing treason. But one could make a case that he was a true patriot fighting for the well-being of his nation.

In this Table Talk we will discuss what constitutes true patriotism in a time such as ours. Prior to our conversation, you are encouraged to read David Brooks’ New York Times editorial “How to Love America: Patriotism in a Time of Division”
(https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/04/opinion/america-patriotism.html).

A Hope for All Update

St. Andrew has just passed another milestone in the Hope For All Campaign. As of October 1, 2021, we now owe about $691,630 on the mortgage. A little more than a year ago that balance was just over $1,000,000.

The Financial team continues to make sound financial decisions in paying down the mortgage expeditiously, while keeping an adequate reserve for any unforeseen shortfalls. Now for every $1.00 contributed, about $.82 is applied to the principal on the loan. As the mortgage continues to be paid down, the percentage going to pay off principal will increase.

I want to thank everyone for your continued generosity and will continue to update you as we pass each $100,000 milestone. Our goal is to pay off the mortgage as soon as possible. Thank you.

Ken Reiner

Earth Camp 2022: Save the Dates

Dates have been set for next summer’s Earth Camp for grade school children. Mark your calendars now to save the week of Monday, June 27-Friday, July 1, 2022. The full-day program (9:00 am-3:00 pm) helps youngsters cultivate a deep love for our Earth home, learn about climate challenges, and discover several things they can do to protect God’s creation. The theme for 2022 is “All Things Bright and Beautiful.”

Preparing for Next Sunday, October 17, 2021

Reading: Isaiah 53:4-12
Gospel: Mark 10:35-45

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

Bonhoeffer, The Church, and the Climate Question

Pacific Lutheran University invites the public to attend its 16th Annual David & Marilyn Knutson Lecture at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, November 2, via Zoom. This year’s speaker is James B. Martin-Schramm, professor emeritus of religion at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa.

The lecture will begin with Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s provocative 1933 essay on “The Church and the Jewish Question” and draw parallels to climate change. Where virulent anti-Semitism was the most important issue facing the church in Bonhoeffer’s day, Martin-Schramm argues Bonhoeffer would have grave concerns about the impacts of climate change on present and future generations. Martin-Schramm explains how Martin Luther’s doctrine of the two kingdoms
shaped Bonhoeffer’s critique of the church and state in his day regarding “the Jewish Question” and ponders how Bonhoeffer might challenge the feeble responses of both the state and the church to the climate crisis. The lecture explores tensions between patriotism and resistance and considers how God is at work in the world today among all who are striving for climate justice.

For detailed information and to register for the free event, go to http://plu.edu/religion/knutson-lecture.

Aging with Grace

Coronavirus…wildfires…political uncertainty…social unrest…. This is a crazy and stressful time for all of us. What does current research reveal about how these stresses are impacting seniors? What do we know about effective coping strategies? How do we use what we’ve learned to move to a “new normal”?

Viva Village invites the public to join psychologist Meghan Marty and gerontologist Carolyn Aldwin for an online presentation and discussion on Saturday, October 30, 2021, from 1:00-4:00 pm via Zoom.

Register at vivavillage.org or call 503-746-5082. Viva Village members and volunteers may participate at no cost. The public participation fee is $10.

Thank You for Supporting Our Ministry

St. Andrew is able to do God’s work because of your generous gifts supporting our ministries. Thank you!

To learn more about the many ways you can give (by mail, text, church app, online, etc.), please go to www.standrewlutheran.com/giving.

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.

Kay (mother)	Comfort, peace and God’s love as death nears	Linda Olshausen
Corine Walker (mother-in-law)	Comfort and peace in hospice care	LuAnn Staul
Melissa and Noah Stone (daughter and grandson)	Support and God’s comfort	Julie Hoffmaster
Linda Fransen	Effective treatment and healing	Ed Fransen
Richard Walker	Comfort & healing from COVID-19	LuAnn Staul
Susan Jacobi, Dr. Cara Steinkeler, Lee Anne Knapp, and all healthcare workers	Endurance, strength, and safety in working with COVID patients	Staff
Maverick Dixon (unborn nephew)	Complete healing in the womb	AJ & Rebecca Uecker
Barton Robison & Jason Wing	Blessings on their married life together	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
Church of Living Waters (Burns, OR) Peace Lutheran Church (Burns, OR)	Serving with us in the Oregon Synod	Staff
Al-Furqan Islamic Center (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, October 10

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 Zoom
12:00 pm	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom

Monday, October 11

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

Tuesday, October 12

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	Zoom
6:00 pm	Girl Scouts Adult Meeting	Fellowship Hall
6:00 pm	HR Meeting	Zoom
7:00 pm	Finance Team Meeting	Zoom

Wednesday, October 13– Weekly News submissions due by 4:00 pm

7:00 am	Bell Tree Practice	Sanctuary
10:00 am	Yoga Class	Fellowship Hall
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, October 14

9:30 am	Seekers of the Heart of God Bible Study	St. Andrew Room
12:00 pm	Team Ministry Meeting	Chapel, Library

Friday, October 15

10:00 am

T’ai Chi

Fellowship Hall

Saturday, October 16

9:00 am

Nifty Notters

Fellowship Hall

Sunday, October 17

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 Zoom
12:00 pm	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom

Connecting to Worship

Ways to Give: Thank you for supporting our ministries!

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

This Sunday, October 3, at 10:00 am in Fellowship Hall, the discussion will center around the “how” of giving. We’ll talk about the many ways we can give (cash/check/electronic), as well as the many sorts of gifts we can share (money/time/talents). We’ll talk about how we make giving decisions and how we find meaning in giving.

Road Trip! The Missionary Journeys of Paul

Paul is accompanied by Silas on his second road trip, this one taking him to places we readily recognize, including the seaside city of Ephesus in modern-day Turkey, plus Thessoloniki, Corinth, and Athens in Greece. Again, the travelers encounter trouble in several places. Tune in via Zoom Sunday morning at 10:00 am to find out more.

Wednesday Evening Prayer

All are welcome this Wednesday, October 6, 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.

Wrapped in Healing Prayer

Satya has TREASURED the prayer shawl that we picked up at St. Andrew the day before her spinal surgery on September 1. Beginning in the hospital, but especially at home as Satya was healing on her back, she would cover her arms and tummy with the shawl, along with a hot pad. That shawl’s embrace as symbol of so many people praying for her, so often eased the nausea and pain during that first ten days following surgery. Even just last night, she asked for it, having trouble falling asleep. If you ever doubted whether those shawls make a difference…they do!

The church community is alive and well in Satya’s heart. In fact, she’s asked me many times, “Do you think I feel so little pain because so many people are praying for me?” ABSOLUTELY is always my reply.

Tracie Semenchalam

A Heartfelt Thank You!

Thank you to all my St. Andrew friends for the prayers, cards, emails, calls, books, lemon pie, and Prayer Shawl. They have strengthened me as I continue on my cancer journey.

Carol Means

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

School Bag Stuffing Party

St. Andrew seamstresses have done their work and have the school bags ready to stuff with all the supplies members of the congregation have provided for Lutheran World Relief’s school bag project. Each year St. Andrew packs up more than 100 bags for Lutheran World Relief’s Fall Ingathering. Now that the bags have been sewn and the supplies gathered, it’s time to put the two together.

Join the School Bag Stuffing Party from 9:00 am-Noon next Thursday, October 7, in Fellowship Hall. It’s a good time to catch up with your St. Andrew friends and do a good deed at the same time. If you have questions, please contact Amy Bailey.

Wanted: Zoom Hosts

Are you a Zoom master? Can you spare an hour of your time once a month and host the Zoom meeting for St. Andrew’s education hour on Sunday morning?

The job is pretty simple: Log into the Zoom meeting room and send everyone to the appropriate Breakout Room for the class requested. Then send attendance numbers to Carol Harker after classes end.

Volunteering as a Zoom host is a great way to reconnect with people in our community and it would be a very big help on Sunday mornings. To volunteer, please email Allison Katsufrakis at allisonk@standrewlutheran.com.

Earth Camp 2022: Save the Dates

Dates have been set for next summer’s Earth Camp for grade school children. Mark your calendars now to save the week of Monday, June 27-Friday, July 1, 2022. The full-day program (9:00 am-3:00 pm) helps youngsters cultivate a deep love for our Earth home, learn about climate challenges, and discover several things they can do to protect God’s creation. The theme for 2022 is “All Things Bright and Beautiful.”

Dear People of St. Andrew,

“Because kind people like you take action, lives like mine are transformed,” Ollie says. After scary times on the streets as a youth, Ollie found Outside In and the stability needed to earn scholarships, a high-end tech job, and a future full of hope.

Thank you for your donation of socks valued at $2,844 in support of our mission! Your gift, received on September 17, 2021, helps Outside In serve more than 11,000 people whose needs are great and whose way is difficult every year.

Your contributions heals, feeds, houses, educates, inspires, and renews lives. Donations like yours make it possible for us to:

• Improve medical and mental health for more than 10,000 patients experiencing poverty and homelessness each year.
• Create brighter futures for 1,000 young people experiencing homelessness each year by providing education and job training.
• Prevent Chronic Homelessness through our successful housing program where 96 percent of those who participate are able to maintain safe and stable housing off the streets.
• Provide 32,000 nutritious meals to nearly 1,000 youth experiencing homelessness.

Your investment in our work helps us reach those who need our services the most. Thank you!

With Warm Thanks,
Lori Slaughter
Director of Development
Outside In

BottleDrop Fundraiser

Over the past several months, St. Andrew has raised more than $800 for youth programs…just by cashing in our cans! These funds will go toward youth events over this next year, especially the National Youth Gathering coming up next summer. To join in, you can find BottleDrop bags on the shelves in Fellowship Hall. Fill them with recyclable cans/bottles, and then drop them through the outdoor hatch at any BottleDrop Center. Thanks to everyone who is
taking part in this awesome fundraiser!

Preparing for Sunday, October 10, 2021

Reading: Amos 5:6-7, 10-15
Gospel: Mark 10:17-31

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

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.

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.

Thank You for Supporting Our Ministry

St. Andrew is able to do God’s work because of your generous gifts supporting our ministries. Thank you!

To learn more about the many ways you can give (by mail, text, church app, online, etc.), please go to www.standrewlutheran.com/giving.

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
Corine Walker (mother-in-law)	Comfort and peace in hospice care	LuAnn Staul
Melissa and Noah Stone (daughter and grandson)	Support and God’s comfort	Julie Hoffmaster
Kay (mother)	Good care and recovery	Linda Olshausen
Linda Fransen	Effective treatment and healing	Ed Fransen
Sandi Beavers	Healing and recovery from surgery	Sandi Beavers
Richard Walker	Comfort & healing from COVID-19	LuAnn Staul
Laura & Honoria Geczy-Haskins	Healing and recovery from COVID-19	Laura Geczy-Haskins
Susan Jacobi, Dr. Cara Steinkeler, Lee Anne Knapp, and all healthcare workers	Endurance, strength, and safety in working with COVID patients	Staff
Maverick Dixon (unborn nephew)	Complete healing in the womb	AJ & Rebecca Uecker
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
Grace Lutheran Church (Bend, OR) Nativity Lutheran Church (Bend, OR)	Serving with us in the Oregon Synod	Staff
Congregation Beth 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, 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	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 Zoom
12:00 pm	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom

Monday, October 4

6:00 pm

Scout Troop 618 Meeting

East Parking Lot

Tuesday, October 5

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, October 6 – Weekly News submissions due by 4:00 pm

12:30 pm	Bonhoeffer Seminar	Zoom
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, October 7

9:00 am	School Bag Stuffing	Fellowship Hall
9:30 am	Seekers of the Heart of God Bible Study	St. Andrew Room
12:00 pm	Team Ministry Meeting	Chapel, Library
2:30 pm	Communications Team Meeting	Zoom
7:00 pm	Executive (Council) Committee Meeting	via Zoom

Friday, October 8

10:00 am

T’ai Chi

Fellowship Hall

Sunday, October 10

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 Zoom
12:00 pm	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom

Connecting to Worship

Ways to Give: Thank you for supporting our ministries!

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!

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!

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!

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!