Author Archives: Carol Harker

March 14, 2021

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

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

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

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

The Fourth Sunday of Lent

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

“The face of the moose is as sad

as the face of Jesus.”

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

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

Wednesday Evening Prayer for Lent

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

Our Wednesday evening schedule remains as follows:

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

Time to Change Our Clocks

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

Kid Craft: Butterflies

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

Lenten Food Drive

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

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

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

Treasurer Needed

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

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

Online Giving Update

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

March Movie Night: Fiddler on the Roof

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

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

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

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

Any questions: Contact Mary Smith.

Bach-a-Thon

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

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

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

Portlandago.org.

2021 Mental Health Tips from the Caring Ministries Team

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

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

Expectations and Reflection:

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

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

For Reflection:

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

Michelle Sinn

Free Online Concert for Hopewell House

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

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

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Bird Boxes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The birds seem to know how to do the rest.

Beverly Briggs
March 9, 2021

March Madness Returns!

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

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

Introducing Narthex Greeters

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

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

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

In Need of Prayers…

Phyllis Smith (sister-in-law)	Successful surgery (March 16) and comfort	Mary Smith
Judy Deal	Successful shoulder replacement surgery	Judy Deal
Carol Means	Strength and effective treatment for cancer	Carol Means
Bobbie Larson	Effective treatment and healing	Bobbie Larson
John Fritz	Healing and recovery from a fall	John Fritz
Mike McDowall	Healing and recovery	Mike McDowall
Liz Roscoe (daughter)	Healing and recovery from surgery	Susan Werner Reiser
Gary Grafwallner	Healing and recovery from Bell’s palsy	Gary Grafwallner
Frannie Gladhill	Healthy pregnancy and safe delivery	Kristie Gladhill
Everyone affected by COVID-19	Strength and support	Staff
Health care workers	Strength, courage, protection, and support	Staff
Pastor Robyn Hartwig	Blessings on her ministry at Spirit of Grace	Staff
St. Andrew Council and Executive Committee Staff	Wisdom and discernment	Staff
Karen Klingelhafer, Kyler Vogt, and all seminarians	Encouragement and support	Staff
St. Andrew Foundation	Blessings on their ministry	Staff
St. Luke Lutheran Church (Portland, OR) The Flame Lutheran Church (Portland, OR)	Serving with us in the Oregon Synod	Staff
Bilal Masjid (Beavereton, OR)	Blessings on our interfaith partners	Staff
Individual friends and loved ones in need of prayer	Whatever they most need; say their names in your heart or aloud	Everyone

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

Table Talk: Finding Your Roots, St. Andrew!

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

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

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

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

Finding Home

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

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

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Preparing for Sunday

March 14, 2021

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

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

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Highlights for the Week

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

Sunday, March 14, Fourth Sunday of Lent

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

Tuesday, March 16

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

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

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

Thursday, March 18

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

Friday, March 19

10:00 am

T’ai Chi

former Bales Thriftway on Cornell Rd

Sunday, March 21: Fifth Sunday of Lent

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

Connecting to Worship

Ways to Give: Thank you for supporting our ministries!

Thank you for supporting the ministries of St. Andrew!

March 7, 2021

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

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

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

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

Paul Navarre

The Third Sunday of Lent

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

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

Wednesday Evening Prayer for Lent

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

Our Wednesday evening schedule remains as follows:

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

February Movie Night

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

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

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

Lenten Food Drive

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

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

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

Treasurer Needed

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

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

Online Giving Update

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

Pastor Susan’s Installation

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

A Prayer for the Week

GOD OF JUSTICE, HELP US TO PROTECT THE VULNERABLE WITH

WISDOM AND AUDACITY. SHOW US YOUR TRUE TEMPLE.

AMEN.

Kid Craft: Butterflies

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

March Movie Night: Fiddler on the Roof

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

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

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

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

Any questions: Contact Mary Smith

Leadership Training

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

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

Come to this training to:

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

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

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

Table Talk: Finding Your Roots, St. Andrew!

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

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

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

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

Welcome, Pastor Susan!

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

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

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

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

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In Need of Prayers…

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

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

Time to Bee Busy

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

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

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

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

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

Carol Harker

Coronavirus Caution

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

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Preparing for Next Sunday

March 14, 2021

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

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

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Highlights for the Week

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

Sunday, March 7, Third Sunday of Lent

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

Monday, March 8

7:00 pm

Men’s Book Club

Zoom

Tuesday, March 9

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

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

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

Thursday, March 11

12:00 pm

Team Ministry Meeting

Zoom

Friday, March 12

10:00 am

T’ai Chi

former Bales Thriftway on Cornell Rd

Sunday, March 14: Fourth Sunday of Lent

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

Connecting to Worship

Ways to Give: Thank you for supporting our ministries!

Thank you for supporting the ministries of St. Andrew!

February 28, 2021

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

Wednesday Evening Prayer for Lent

Focusing on a psalm of thanksgiving, Psalm 30, India Jensen Kerr will provide the meditation for Wednesday Evening Prayer on Wednesday, March 3, at 7:00 pm. See the full Lent and Holy Week schedule on the Worship page of the website.

Our Wednesday evening schedule remains as follows:

The Second Sunday of Lent

On February 28, the church will mark the Second Sunday of Lent. Go here for poetry, prayers, and practices to enhance your devotions for that day and the week to follow. You can access all the Mary Oliver poetry referenced in our Lenten Devotional on the Internet (search for “poem title, by Mary Oliver”) or in Devotions, a compilation of the poet’s work spanning 50 years.

This week we ponder the mystery of salvation and how it entails both losing one’s life and saving it. How can we love what is mortal and then let it go? What should we set aside in order to live more fully? Can we unplug from all media and create little sanctuaries of Sabbath time this week? Will that bring us closer to God?

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

Sunday, February 28, 10:00 am via Zoom
From the most humble chapel to the great cathedrals of Europe, churches are places to hear the Word of God and worship together, at least when there isn’t a pandemic raging. Beyond the utilitarian function, every church has stories and a history, and most contain art and are places for the performance of the arts. Many church buildings are masterpieces of art and craftsmanship themselves.

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

Paul Navarre

February Movie Night

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

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

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

Treasurer Needed

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

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

Lenten Food Drive

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

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

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

Online Giving Update

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

Stewardship Note

Greetings, St. Andrew, from Rachel Roberts and the Stewardship Commit-tee. We certainly hope that everyone has pulled through the snow and ice of the last few weeks and is much more comfortable now in the thaw.

I wanted to share a little bit about comfort in giving, in a way that has impacted my life. Have you heard about the snowball method of paying off debt? In its simplest terms it is where you begin by paying the mini-mum, or some other comfortable amount, to all your items. Once the highest-interest-rate debt is paid, you continue to pay the same total, but onto your fewer number of accounts. The additional money will pay down the other items faster, and it will “snowball” toward a zero balance. I am working toward the goal of no student debt, and this method has shown me how the momentum of seeing the balances drop can be all at one motivating and comforting.

Scripture states, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”—John 15:5. I think this can also apply to ongoing goals of reaching freedom from debt, because while we have to rest in those difficult first months or years of only paying what we can, the fruit of that work will soon blossom and the results are easily seen with the passing of time. I know that I must bring my uneasiness to God in order to see any fruition.

Our congregation recently reached a new milestone in mortgage payoff, as Jeff Smith shared about a month back. Let this achievement be all the more motivation to snowball onward to our next milestone, and on to the finish line in good time.

In gratitude,
Rachel

Yay, Confirmands!

Congratulations to our confirmands, whose imposing performance vanquished members of the Council last Sunday in Super Bible Bowl 2021.

Why I’m “Reckoning with Racism”

I was a teenager in the late 1960s. It was a time of protest, violence, and demands for social justice. I do not remember much, if any, conversation about why it was all happening. I certainly did not get the impression that anyone thought it was a white-people’s problem. After all, weren’t we all created equal? And doesn’t hard work lead to equal opportunities?

When Pastor Robyn pointed me toward an opportunity to spend some real time hearing and wrestling with stories from people who have experienced systemic racism, I remembered those conversations from the ‘60s and beyond. Why are we still struggling with this?

I came to understand that there was more to the story, and feared that my family had been unwitting partners in allowing systemic racism to prosper. My ancestors came to this country in the late 1800s, and like so many others truly believed in their God-given right to build a new life here, supported by the promise of free land and laws that were written to help settlers develop this country in ways that they thought were best for everyone. Where could that have possibly gone wrong?

Reckoning With Racism is a 9-month effort to help answer some of these questions. President Biden recently said that to heal, we need to remember. We are looking at the history of our country and our church through a different lens, with the hope of healing some of the long-standing rifts between those with privilege and those without.

We meet twice a month with the larger state-wide group, and once a month with our St. Andrew cohort of 10-15 people. It’s all virtual, and it’s not too late to jump in. Elaine May and Mary Smith are keeping us on track. We would love to have you on our team.

Pat Christiansen

Welcome, Pastor Susan!

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

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

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

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

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In Need of Prayers…

Junin (friend)	Peace and comfort as death nears	Lloyd Meyer
Jody Podolske (Mike’s mother)	Comfort, strength, and good decisions for her future	Mike & Phyllis Podolske
Kevin (daughter-in-law’s cousin)	Care, good treatment, and thoughtful decisions following a major stroke	Nan Thompson
Rebecca Fako Uecker	Healing and recovery of injured nerves	Rebecca Fako Uecker
Bennett and Tucker (6-month-old cousins)	Healing and recovery from a rare metabolic disorder	Laura Geczy-Haskins
Ian McAlpine (son)	Healing and recovery from COVID-19	Warren & Donna McAlpine
Garrett (friend’s 11-year-old son)	Complete healing and discharge from hospital	Rebecca Uecker
Frannie Gladhill (daughter-in-law)	Healthy pregnancy and safe delivery	Kristie Gladhill
Everyone affected by COVID-19	Strength and support	Staff
Health care workers	Strength, courage, protection, and support	Staff
Pastor Susan Kintner	Blessing as she joins St. Andrew in ministry	Staff
Those facing ongoing illness or distress: Tandy Brooks David Bumgardner, Vic Claar, Marvel Lund, Ian MacDonald, Gary Magnuson, Hugh Mason, Brian McKiernan, Ed Pacey, Corky Poppert, Jolie Reyna, Shane Throckmorton, Gary Tubbs	Assurance of God’s presence	Staff
Bishop Elizabeth Eaton	Wisdom and discernment	Staff
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America	Blessing on our ministry	Staff
Taiwan Lutheran Church	Strength and wisdom	Staff
First Immanuel Lutheran Church (Portland, OR) Messiah Lutheran Church (Portland, OR)	Serving with us in the Oregon Synod	Staff
Masjid Omar Farooq (Beaverton, OR)	Blessings on our interfaith partners	Staff
Individual friends and loved ones in need of prayer	Whatever they most need; say their names in your heart or aloud	Everyone

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

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Leadership Training

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

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

Come to this training to:

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

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

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

Family Promise Update

St. Andrew continues to be an active contributor to Family Promise of Beaverton by remotely hosting one week per month. This involves delivering meals to the family residing in the day cen-ter. Many thanks to our volunteers. St. Andrew has developed quite a reputation for having very good cooks!

Preparing for Next Sunday

March 7, 2021

Reading: Exodus 20:1-17
Gospel: John 2:13-22

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

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Highlights for the Week

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

Sunday, February 28, Second Sunday of Lent

8:30 am	Livestream Worship	YouTube
9:30 am	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom
10:00 am	Sunday School	Zoom
10:00 am	Confirmation	Zoom
—	No High School Youth Group today (go to Zoom worship to hear Kyler preach!)	—
10:00 am	Adult Ed: The History, Art, and Architecture of Churches	Zoom
11:00 am	Zoom Worship	Zoom
12:00 pm	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom

Tuesday, March 2

10:00 am	T’ai Chi	former Bales Thriftway on Cornell Rd
10:00 am	Worship Planners	Zoom
7:00 pm	MACG Meeting	Zoom

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

12:30 pm	Bonhoeffer Seminar	Zoom
5:45 pm	Handbell Ensemble Rehearsal	Sanctuary
6:30 pm	Informal Gathering Time	Zoom
7:00 pm	Lenten Evening Prayer	Zoom
7:00 pm	High School Youth Game Night	Zoom
7:30 pm	Centering Prayer	Zoom

Thursday, March 4

12:00 pm	Team Ministry Meeting	Zoom
2:30 pm	Communications Committee Meeting	Zoom
7:00 pm	Executive Committee Meeting	Zoom

Friday, March 5

10:00 am

T’ai Chi

former Bales Thriftway on Cornell Rd

Sunday, March 7: Third Sunday of Lent

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

Connecting to Worship

Ways to Give: Thank you for supporting our ministries!

Thank you for supporting the ministries of St. Andrew!

February 21, 2021

Want a printed copy of the Weekly News? Click the date you want, then click the printer icon to the right to print just one week of Weekly News, or download the PDF.

Super Bible Bowl: FEUD!

Snow postponed our scheduled contest last
week, but the Super Bible Bowl will return to
St. Andrew on Sunday, February 21, at 10:00
am! This year, the Bowl will be fully digital, hosted via Zoom during the normal Christian Education hour. But, the virtual nature of the event isn’t all that is new this year: instead of the usual “Jeopardy” format, this year the battle between council and confirmands will take the shape of the popular game show “Family Feud.” We hope you will join us to cheer on the contestants!

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

Sunday, February 28, 10:00 am (delayed one week due to snow)
From the most humble chapel to the great cathedrals of Europe, churches are places to hear the Word of God and worship together, at least when there isn’t a pandemic raging. Beyond the utilitarian function, every church has stories and a history, and most contain art and are places for the performance of the arts. Many church buildings are masterpieces of art and craftsmanship themselves.

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

Paul Navarre

participate via Zoom

Treasurer Needed

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

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

Wednesday Evening Prayer for Lent

Focusing on a psalm of lament, Psalm 13, Randy Schutt will
provide the meditation for Wednesday Evening Prayer on
Wednesday, February 24, at 7:00 pm.

Our Wednesday evening schedule remains as follows:

Spirituality Book Group News

The Spirituality Book Group will meet on Zoom to discuss Braiding Sweetgrass, by Robin Wall Kimmerer, on February 21. The book is a series of vignettes that combine Nature, Poetic Imagery, and Indigenous Lore.

An Amazon reviewer wrote that “Reading this book has reminded me to cultivate my love for the Earth in ways that my daughters can participate in, and to recognize the relationship between people and nature as a two- way street. We do not simply destroy or protect nature—we evolved in direct relationship with plants, and plants evolved in direct relationship with us.”

Details:
Time/Place: Sunday, February 21, at 3:00 pm via Zoom
Discussion Leader: Kristin Sacks

The Zoom link will be sent out to all those on the Spirituality
Book Group e-mail list a few days before the meeting. All are
welcome. If you would like the Zoom link, contact Mary Smith.

Future Reading:
March 21, A Long Petal of the Sea, by Isabel Allende
April 18, The Moment of Lift, by Melinda Gates
May 17, This Tender Land, by William Kent Krueger
June 13, Just Mercy, by Bryan Stevenson
July 18, The Murmur of Bees, by Sofia Segovia

Happy reading! May 2021 be a better and brighter year, filled
with hope and also, of course, filled with good reading!

The First Sunday of Lent

Check the church website for poetry, prayers, and practices that we can employ in the week following the First Sunday of Lent, which is February 21. If you haven’t yet discovered “The Poetry of Lent,” you’ll find it under the Education tab.

From wild love to the ancient Celtic image for the Holy Spirit to lighting a candle and powering down, the challenge this week is to listen for how God may be calling us to change.

Lenten Food Drive

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

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

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

Looking at Israel

Where do you keep the family Uzi? Do you bring it with you to the grocery store? Shopping? Who teaches the Israeli Defense Forces to shoot?

Have you been to the Avenue of the Righteous Gentiles? And what a lovely spot that must be….

Well, you’ll find answers to these questions and many others you never thought of, in A Day in the Life of Israel, library call number 956.94. It’s a great book. Lovely pictures. Check it out and find out what brand of hamburgers are sold in Israel for yourself.

Pam Farr
Adult Librarian

Preparing for Next Sunday

February 28, 2021

Reading: Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16
Gospel: Mark 8:31-38

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

Let’s Talk, Let’s Listen Reboot

Last summer, the St. Andrew MACG Core Team organized a listening campaign, encouraging members to make phone calls to people we missed seeing at church. Now that this unusual holiday season has arrived, and the colder weather prevents outdoor gatherings, it’s time to check in once again. Who are you wondering about? Who would you like to check in with?

We encourage you to make contacts by phone, email, or by writing a note or sending a card. And then, please let us know what you found out.

To sign up to contact someone, please click on this link.

To give feedback about your contact, please click on this link.

Questions? Please contact Pat Christiansen, Larry Bliesner, Scott Taylor, Bob Stadel, Victoria Kovalenko, Lynn Santelmann, or Pastor Robyn. And thank you for keeping our community together and strong.

MACG Core Team

Table Talk: Are We a Nation of Child Abusers?

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

In a February 3, 2021, opinion piece in the New York Times, Nicholas Kristoff asserts that “We Are a Nation of Child Abusers.” He notes that for a long time the United States has had “one of the highest rates of child poverty in the advanced world.” The coronavirus pandemic has aggravated the suffering of children in our nation. He points out that when Jesus says in Matthew 19:14 “suffer the little children” he is absolutely not implying that “the little children shall suffer.” In Kristoff’s view the elements in the $1.9 trillion dollar American Rescue Plan addressing child poverty are historic. Child poverty could be cut in half. By the time we gather for this Table Talk, the American Rescue Plan will likely have been enacted in some form. We will have a chance to reflect on Kristoff’s provocative editorial and the American Rescue Plan. We will also reflect on how the pandemic has impacted children and youth in our nation.

In preparation for this Table Talk I encourage you to read Kristoff’s editorial.

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In Need of Prayers…

Family and friends of Mildred Leppert (sister-in-law)	Peace and God’s comfort at her death	Judy Heidinger
Junin (friend)	Peace and comfort as death nears	Lloyd Meyer
Bennett and Tucker (6-month-old cousins)	Healing and recovery from a rare metabolic disorder	Laura Geczy-Haskins
Ian McAlpine	Healing and recovery from COVID-19	Warren & Donna McAlpine
Garrett (friend’s 11-year-old son)	Complete healing and discharge from hospital	Rebecca Uecker
Frannie Gladhill (daughter-in-law)	Healthy pregnancy and safe delivery	Kristie Gladhill
Everyone affected by COVID-19	Strength and support	Staff
Health care workers	Strength, courage, protection, and support	Staff
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	Blessing on their work	Staff
Joyful Servant Lutheran Church (Newberg, OR) Christ the King Lutheran Church (Tigard, OR)	Serving with us in the Oregon Synod	Staff
Congregation P’nai Or (Portland, OR)	Blessings on our interfaith partners	Staff
Individual friends and loved ones in need of prayer	Whatever they most need; say their names in your heart or aloud	Everyone

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

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Reckoning with Racism at St. Andrew

A group of us from St. Andrew have been participating in a program called Reckoning With Racism, sponsored by Common Table. Common Table is a gathering of interfaith leaders and practitioners who have committed to learning more about one another, trusting one another, and standing together to highlight the public work of faith communities in Oregon, deepen relationships between faith leaders and elected officials in Salem, step into the public sphere as peacemakers, and being active in public advocacy and witness.

(https://www.commontableoregon.org/overview)

We have been meeting since September along with teams from faith communities throughout Oregon. We are discussing our involvement, both voluntary and involuntary, in systemic racism in Oregon, and how this leads to the oppression of certain groups. It can be disconcerting to take a close look at real racism – there is an impulse in me to deny that racism is a reality. But this group, referred to as the “Reckoning With Racism Learning Cohort,” is blessed with leaders and planners who want love to be the guiding force.

We have been encouraged to love ourselves and each other as we ask questions such as, “Has our faith community displaced any oppressed persons in order to have a building, in order to own land?” “Does my personal history, my family, owe its economic status to the oppression of others, directly or indirectly?” “Who has lived on the land I now occupy (or even own), and who has benefited from what the land produces?”

The plan for the Learning Cohort is to spend 9 months together learning, reflecting and thinking about appropriate action. Resisting the impulse to move to action too quickly, we hope to really internalize nonracist thinking. It is not easy and sometimes not fun, but it is a worthwhile endeavor.

If you are interested in joining, there’s still time. Contact Mary Smith with your questions.

Janet Vorvick

February Movie Night

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

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

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

Pastor Susan Kintner

This Sunday, February 21, Pastor Susan will be providing pulpit supply for St. Andrew. We’re happy to share that she will begin her work as Pastor of Caring Ministries with us on March 1.

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Highlights for the Week

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

Sunday, February 21, First Sunday of Lent

8:30 am	Livestream Worship	YouTube
9:30 am	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom
10:00 am	Super Bible Bowl “Family Fued” (rescheduled from last week due to weather)	Zoom
11:00 am	Zoom Worship	Zoom
12:00 pm	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom

Tuesday, February 23

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

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

6:30 pm	Informal Gathering Time	Zoom
7:00 pm	Wednesday Evening Prayer	Zoom
7:00 pm	High School Youth Game Night	Zoom
7:30 pm	Centering Prayer	Zoom

Thursday, February 25

12:00 pm	Team Ministry Meeting	Zoom
7:00 pm	Table Talk	Zoom
7:00 pm	IT Meeting	Zoom

Friday, February 26

10:00 am	T’ai Chi	former Bales Thriftway on Cornell Rd
7:00 pm	St. Andrew Movie Night: Loving	Zoom

Sunday, February 28: Second Sunday of Lent

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

Connecting to Worship

Ways to Give: Thank you for supporting our ministries!

Thank you for supporting the ministries of St. Andrew!

January 17, 2021

Spirituality Book Group News

The Spirituality Book Group will meet on Sunday, January 17, to discuss the book, She’s Not There: A Life in Two Genders, by Jennifer Boylan. According to a Bookreads review, this “is the story of…a person bearing and finally revealing a complex secret; above all, it is a love story…. Boylan explores the remarkable territory that lies between men and women, examines changing friendships, and rejoices in the redeeming power of family.” Elaine May will lead the discussion when the group meets at 3:00 pm via Zoom. Book group members will receive a link a few days prior to the meeting, to which all are welcome. If you would like to attend, please contact Mary Smith and she will send you connection information.

Future Reading
February: Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
March: A Long Petal of the Sea by Isabel Allende
April: The Moment of Li, by Melinda Gates
May: This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger
June: Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
July: The Murmur of Bees by Sofia Segrovia

Stewardship Committee Update

Happy New Year! Your St. Andrew Stewardship Committee has some happy news to share. With the payment of the January 2021 mortgage payment, our mortgage balance now drops below the $900,000 milestone. Cheers to all who have helped to achieve this progress!

The year 2020 was an epic one and, with the leadership of our pastoral team, staff, and many volunteers, we plowed new ground for worship platforms in virtual settings. Even during a global pandemic, we are truly blessed at St. Andrew with members who are committed to fulfilling our “A Hope for All” campaign goal of erasing the mortgage balance.

We look forward to sharing the 2021 stewardship agenda with you soon.

Adult Education:
The Gospel of Mark

At 10:00 am this Sunday, January 17, Jim Aageson continues his Adult Education class, “The Gospel of Mark: A Narrative Theology.” As Aageson notes, Mark’s gospel presents its theology in narrative form where the actions and words of Jesus reveal a powerful vision of God’s reign: “in this kingdom, things are turned upside down: the first are last, the sinners and the dishonored are invited to the table of fellowship, and those closest to Jesus are often filled with fear rather than faith.”

Bread for the Day and Daily Texts Available

The 2021 edition of Daily Texts, Bible texts selected annually by the Moravian Church and shared worldwide since 1731, are now available, as are copies of Bread for the Day, a book of Bible readings and prayers published by Augsburg Fortress. A donation of $9.00 is suggested to defray the cost of each book.

If you’d like one or more copies, please contact the church office via email or call 503-646-0629.

Table Talk: Misunderstanding Minorities

Gathered around the table in his home, Martin Luther talked freely and openly with his colleagues and students about matters of faith, theology, and varied aspects of daily life. In an effort to cultivate this kind of spirited discussion we have a tradition at St. Andrew of gathering for Table Talks. Though we cannot gather in person, Pastor Brocker invites you to participate in the next Table Talk via Zoom on Thursday, January 28, 7:00-8:00 pm.

In the early hours of Thursday, January 7, having weathered an assault on the Capitol, Congress in a joint session finally certified the election of Joe Biden as President and Kamala Harris as Vice President of the United States. They will be inaugurated on Wednesday, January 20. In this Table Talk we will ponder Fareed Zakaria’s striking post-election claim that even though Democrats won the presidential election they “misunderstand minorities.” He observes that amazingly President Trump “appears to have won the second-largest share of the minority vote than any Republican since 1976, according to exit polls. He won the largest percentage of the Black vote since 1996 (though he still got only about 12 percent of the Black vote). One poll indicates he won 35 percent of the Muslim vote.” Democrats may be wondering what happened. He asserts that the Democratic Party’s view of multiculturalism “lumps a wide variety of ethnic, racial, and religious groups into one `minority’ monolith and approaches them from a perspective that does not fit us all”. Zakaria himself was born on January 20, 1964, in Mumbai, India. In this Table Talk we will also consider how well Evangelical Lutherans understand minorities. Evangelical Lutherans are known for being the whitest denomination in the country

Wednesday Evening Prayer

Zoom gatherings continue every Wednesday evening for fellowship, worship, and prayer. You are welcome to participate in any or all of the following:

6:30 pm Informal Gathering Time
7:00 pm Prayer Service
7:30 pm Centering Prayer

Watch for the Zoom link to arrive in your inbox mid-day on Wednesdays.

Thank You

I want to express my gratitude for all the cards, texts, and phone calls I have received since the death of my beloved daughter, Colleen. She lit up our lives for the 59 years we were blessed to have her. She will be laid to rest with her father at Willamette National Cemetery on February 2, 2021. Due to COVID restrictions, only her family and caregivers will be able to attend. We are grateful to Pastor Robyn for leading the service and the visits she made to Colleen in the days leading up to her death.

Suzanne Warnes & Family

Pastor Robyn’s “Outside Hours”

Pastor Robyn is offering weekly opportunities for anyone wanting to meet with her outdoors under the front door overhang at St. Andrew until her final Sunday with St. Andrew on February 7. Feel free to stop by anytime during these “outside hours” for some conversation or to share a prayer. This week’s opportunities include Sunday, January 17 from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm, Tuesday, January 19 from 4:00 – 5:00 pm, and Sunday, January 24 from 1:00 – 2:00 pm.

A brief communion service will be offered at ten minutes before the end of each hour for anybody who desires to participate. Pastor Robyn will provide pre-filled personalized sealed communion cups and wafers.

You can also set up a different time to meet with Pastor Robyn outside at the church or outside at your own home. To schedule a different time, please contact her by January 21st via email or 503-646-0629, ext. 211.

Preparing for Next Sunday

January 24, 2021

Reading: Jonah 3:1-5, 10
Gospel: Mark 1:14-20

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

Let’s Talk, Let’s Listen Reboot

Last summer, the St. Andrew MACG Core Team organized a listening campaign, encouraging members to make phone calls to people we missed seeing at church. Now that this unusual holiday season has arrived, and the colder weather prevents outdoor gatherings, it’s time to check in once again. Who are you wondering about? Who would you like to check in with?

We encourage you to make contacts by phone, email, or by writing a note or sending a card. And then, please let us know what you found out.

To sign up to contact someone, please click on this link.

To give feedback about your contact, please click on this link.

Questions? Please contact Pat Christiansen, Larry Bliesner, Scott Taylor, Bob Stadel, Victoria Kovalenko, Lynn Santelmann, or Pastor Robyn. And thank you for keeping our community together and strong.

MACG Core Team

Japan Women’s Conference

Women around the world are invited to participate in the online Japan Women’s Conference chaired by a former student of Julie Aageson. The conference is an annual gathering started by the women of the Christian missionary community 64 years ago and will focus this year on “A Time to Heal.” The event will be held on three Saturdays in Lent: February 20 and 27, and March 6 at 9:00 am Japan time (4:00 pm the previous day in Portland).

The keynote speakers are Sarah Hinlicky Wilson and Ikuko Handa Williams. Rev. Wilson serves as a missionary of the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and is the pastor of the English language worship service for Tokyo Lutheran Church. Sarah is a graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary and is the author of recent books such as Sermon on the Mount and also Pearly Gates. She has a Cooking and Theology blog and led a workshop on this theme at the 2020 conference. Rev. Williams, who comes from a long line of Presbyterian ministers serving in Japan, was the first Japanese woman ordained by the Church of England. Ikuko has been involved in post-war peace and reconciliation talks around the world. She worked as the chaplain at Leeds Hospital in England for many years and now lives in Tokyo.

Please register online. Workshop links are available through the website and include subjects such as relationships, writing, family healing, outdoor living, yoga and Biblical insight. Sign up early to reserve your spot. Zoom
links will be e-mailed out to you.

Looking Back and Ahead

Last year as part of the work of the Community Carbon Committee we shared articles in the Weekly News on earth care tactics for members to consider. While many of the tactics shared were those I already practiced, I also was able to easily incorporate many more over the last year.

My most ambitious project stretched from spring though fall when I replaced my entire front lawn with a soil garden and planted nearly two dozen native plants. I was inspired and encouraged by the Community Carbon group, the Backyard Habitat Certification program, The Soil will Save Us, by Kristin Ohlson and Nature’s Best Hope, by Douglas Tallamy.

In addition, I reduced the use of plastics, increased composting of kitchen scraps, and reduced the use of fossil fuels (helped by the pandemic).

In the coming year, the Yard Science Team will continue to visit member gardens to provide consultation and resources for the development and maintenance of soil and native gardens. Also, as EcoFaith Recovery’s first Community Carbon pilot program, we will be providing support to Camp Lutherwood and other communities of faith interested in starting their own Community Carbon teams.

As me move forward it is important for us to evaluate where we are in our journey. In about a month we will be sending out a survey to members to complete. We hope you’ll fill it out and help us plan next steps. Thank you for taking this journey with us toward a healthier Earth.

LuAnn Staul

January Movie Night

Our Netflix movie for January is Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution.

Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution is a 2020 American documentary film directed, written, and co-produced by Nicole Newnham and James LeBrecht. Barack and Michelle Obama serve as executive producers under their Higher Ground Productions banner.

“This feel-good documentary recounts the ties of a Catskills summer camp to American disability rights activism in the 1970s,” says a NY Times review, while Common Sense Media called the film “a moving tribute to the triumph of the human spirit.”

You can stream the documentary on Netflix and then meet with us on Zoom on Friday, January 29,at 7:00 p.m. Bring out the popcorn and gather around your computer screens as we talk about what we liked (and didn’t like) about this month’s movie.

You’ll find the Zoom link for this Movie Night in Carol’s “Weekly News” e-mail on Friday, January 29. If you have any questions, please contact Mary Smith.

Community Warehouse

Each January, St. Andrew has donated barrel loads of household goods to the nonprofit agency Community Warehouse, which furnishes needed furniture and appliances, etc. to families just moving into stable housing. The organization provides almost everything needed to start housekeeping to families graduating from Family Promise, whose families St. Andrew has hosted.

Due to the pandemic, we cannot accept items in our building and the agency is not picking up donations as it did earlier.

If you would like to donate money to this worthwhile agency, you can write a check to St. Andrew Lutheran and indicate “Service Committee —Warehouse” on the memo line. $40 provides a desk and chair to a child, while $400 provides the comforts of home for one family.

Thanks for your consideration.

Fran Miller
for the Service Committee

Thank You

Thank you for making a gift to Meals on Wheels People. Your donation of $400 for our Beaverton Center will provide nutritious meals for seniors.

Each day, we serve or deliver more than 8,000 meals to older adults in our community. For many we serve, the nutritious meals allow them to remain independent and living in their own homes. For others, who wish to remain socially distant during the pandemic, the meals have been a lifeline. Helen, who is 87 and lives alone, relies on Meals on Wheels People for meals as well as the supplemental food we have been able to provide since the spring. She is especially thankful for the fresh, whole fruit.

Your gift will allow us to continue serving nutritious lunches to Helen and thousands of older adults like her who receive Meals on Wheels throughout the greater Portland-Vancouver area. We are grateful for your partnership and appreciate your role in the important work we do for the community.

Thank you for your generosity! Together, we can change lives, one meal at a time.

Suzanne Washington
Chief Executive Officer

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In Need of Prayers…

Family and friends of Joyce Larson (grandmother)	Peace and God’s comfort at her death	Cole & Kristin Petersburg
Family and friends of Eunice Harrum (mother)	Peace and God’s comfort at her death	Francine Cach
Family and friends of Ann Hooson (mother-in-law)	Peace and God’s comfort at her death	Jennifer Hooson
Family and friends of Colleen Warnes	Peace and God’s comfort at her death	Staff
Family and friends of Don Scholz (father-in-law)	Peace and God’s comfort at his death	Judy Scholz
Bob and Jack Scholz (husband and son)	Safe travels	Judy Scholz
Barb Carl	Successful surgery and effective treatment	Linda Fransen
Nan Thompson	Good diagnosis, effective treatment, and comfort	Pastor Robyn
Linda Larson (cousin)	Effective treatment and healing	Doris Larson
Tayvin Krieger (daughter Sherry Myers’ student)	Healing and recovery in body and mind	Doris Larson
Katherine (friend)	Healing and recovery	Mary Smith
Dr. Paul Wilson	Healing and recovery	Patty Jones
Dorothy Moore	Comfort and peace while hospitalized with COVID-19	Pastor Robyn
Vaughn “Vonnie” Wilson (Larry’s sister)	Healing and recovery from COVID-19	Larry & Phyllis Vachal
Tom (friend’s father)	Healing and recovery from COVID-19	Rebecca Fako Uecker
Everyone affected by COVID-19	Strength and support	Staff
Health care workers	Strength, courage, protection, and support	Staff
Francesca Gladhill (daughter-in-law)	Healthy pregnancy	Richard & Kristie Gladhill
Joe Biden and Kamala Harris and everyone in attendance	A safe and peaceful inauguration	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
Individual friends and loved ones in need of prayer	Whatever they most need; say their names in your heart or aloud	Everyone
Trinity Lutheran Church (Gresham, OR)	Serving with us in the Oregon Synod	Staff
Masjid Abu-Bakr (Portland, OR)	Blessings on our interfaith partners	Staff

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.

Creation Justice Summit

The 8th annual Creation Justice Summit (formerly the Earth Care Summit) will commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Columbia River Watershed Pastoral Letter. The virtual event will include a keynote panel, breakout workshops, and a closing address from U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley.

Register now.
$20 general, $10 students, scholarships available
Presented by EMO’s Creation Justice and Oregon Interfaith Power & Light.

Giving Statements for 2020

St. Andrew’s financial secretaries will continue to update 2020 giving records through January 19. Your 2020 giving statements should be available after January 20, 2020. At that time you’ll be able to download and print your statement from your InFellowship account on the Give page of the church website.

Please note that statements will be mailed out only upon special request after January 20. If you need a statement mailed to you, please contact the Financial Secretaries or the church office (503-646-0629).

The St. Andrew Finance Team

Highlights for the Week

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

Sunday, January 17, Second Sunday of Epiphany

8:30 am	Livestream Worship	YouTube
9:30 am	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom
10:00 am	Sunday School	Zoom
10:00 am	Confirmation	Zoom
10:00 am	High School Youth Group	Zoom
10:00 am	Adult Education: The Gospel of Mark	Zoom
11:00 am	Zoom Worship	Zoom
12:00 pm	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom

Tuesday, January 19

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

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

6:00 pm	Handbell Ensemble Rehearsal	Sanctuary
6:30 pm	Informal Gathering Time	Zoom
7:00 pm	Wednesday Evening Prayer	Zoom
7:30 pm	Centering Prayer & Other Breakout Room Opportunities	Zoom

Thursday, January 21

12:00 pm	Team Ministry Meeting	Zoom
2:30 pm	Website Review Meeting	Zoom
7:00 pm	Council Meeting	Zoom

Friday, January 22

10:00 am

T’ai Chi

former Bales Thriftway on Cornell Rd

Sunday, January 24: Third Sunday of Epiphany

8:30 am	Livestream Worship	YouTube
9:30 am	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom
10:00 am	Sunday School	Zoom
10:00 am	Confirmation	Zoom
10:00 am	High School Youth Group	Zoom
10:00 am	Adult Education: The Gospel of Mark	Zoom
11:00 am	Zoom Worship	Zoom
12:00 pm	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom

Connecting to Worship

Ways to Give: Thank you for supporting our ministries!

Thank you for supporting the ministries of St. Andrew!

January 10, 2021

Stewardship Committee Update

Happy New Year! Your St. Andrew Stewardship Committee has some happy news to share. With the payment of the January 2021 mortgage payment, our mortgage balance now drops below the $900,000 milestone. Cheers to all who have helped to achieve this progress!

The year 2020 was an epic one and, with the leadership of our pastoral team, staff, and many volunteers, we plowed new ground for worship platforms in virtual settings. Even during a global pandemic, we are truly blessed at St. Andrew with members who are committed to fulfilling our “A Hope for All” campaign goal of erasing the mortgage balance.

We look forward to sharing the 2021 stewardship agenda with you
soon.

Coming Sunday:
The Gospel of Mark

This Sunday, January 10, Jim Aageson begins his four-week Adult Education class, “The Gospel of Mark: A Narrative Theology.” As Aageson notes, Mark’s gospel presents its theology in narrative form where the actions and words of Jesus reveal a powerful vision of God’s reign: “in this kingdom, things are turned upside down: the first are last, the sinners and the dishonored are invited to the table of fellowship, and those closest to Jesus are often filled with fear rather than faith.” The class begins at 10:00 am.

Bread for the Day and Daily Texts Available

The 2021 edition of Daily Texts, Bible texts selected annually by the Moravian Church and shared worldwide since 1731, are now available, as are copies of Bread for the Day, a book of Bible readings and prayers published by Augsburg Fortress. A donation of $9.00 is suggested to defray the cost of each book.

If you’d like one or more copies, please contact the church office via email or call 503-646-0629.

Raise Your Voice and Sing!

Opportunities to sing special music for upcoming worship services are now available. I will be organizing duets, solos, and other small ensembles for the offertory during the Epiphany season. Rehearsal time will be scheduled with the person(s) singing and myself and each offering will be pre recorded at a time that works for one of St. Andrew’s tech teams. If you’re interested, please contact me.

Susan Werner Reiser
srwerner.reiser@standrewlutheran.com

Table Talk: Misunderstanding Minorities

Gathered around the table in his home, Martin Luther talked freely and openly with his colleagues and students about matters of faith, theology, and varied aspects of daily life. In an effort to cultivate this kind of spirited discussion we have a tradition at St. Andrew of gathering for Table Talks. Though we cannot gather in person, Pastor Brocker invites you to participate in the next Table Talk via Zoom on Thursday, January 28, 7:00-8:00 pm.

In the early hours of Thursday, January 7, having weathered an assault on the Capitol, Congress in a joint session finally certified the election of Joe Biden as President and Kamala Harris as Vice President of the United States. They will be inaugurated on Wednesday, January 20. In this Table Talk we will ponder Fareed Zakaria’s striking post-election claim that even though Democrats won the presidential election they “misunderstand minorities.” He observes that amazingly President Trump “appears to have won the second-largest share of the minority vote than any Republican since 1976, according to exit polls. He won the largest percentage of the Black vote since 1996 (though he still got only about 12 percent of the Black vote). One poll indicates he won 35 percent of the Muslim vote.” Democrats may be wondering what happened. He asserts that the Democratic Party’s view of multiculturalism “lumps a wide variety of ethnic, racial, and religious groups into one `minority’ monolith and approaches them from a perspective that does not fit us all”. Zakaria himself was born on January 20, 1964, in Mumbai, India. In this Table Talk we will also consider how well Evangelical Lutherans understand minorities. Evangelical Lutherans are known for being the whitest denomination in the country

Spirituality Book Group News

The Spirituality Book Group will meet on Sunday, January 17, to discuss the book, She’s Not There: A Life in Two Genders, by Jennifer Boylan. According to a Bookreads review, this “is the story of…a person bearing and finally revealing a complex secret; above all, it is a love story…. Boylan explores the remarkable territory that lies between men and women, examines changing friendships, and rejoices in the redeeming power of family.” Elaine May will lead the discussion when the group meets at 3:00 pm via Zoom. Book group members will receive a link a few days prior to the meeting, to which all are welcome. If you would like to attend, please contact Mary Smith and she will send you connection information.

Future Reading
February: Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
March: A Long Petal of the Sea by Isabel Allende
April: The Moment of Li, by Melinda Gates
May: This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger
June: Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
July: The Murmur of Bees by Sofia Segrovia

Thank You

Dear Friends at St. Andrew,
I hope this note finds you all well and staying healthy!

I am reaching out to say thank you for your recent donation to Boys & Girls
Aid. Your continued support means so much to us, and it is making a difference for the children we serve, especially during this time of such uncertainty. We are grateful for your commitment to them and for your partnership with us in ensuring every child receives the love and support they deserve. Thank you!

Warmly,
Megan Bos
Asst. Director of Development

Noticing Your Neighbor

Well, so you may not really want to know your neighbors—whoever they are. But what about just considering them? That’s what I did before the holiday season when I “read” Humankind, a great book by photographer Yoshio Komatsu and his wife Eiko. You can find it in the 302 section of our library. There isn’t much to read, but there are some great quotes and lots of amazing pictures.

Take your time with it. Look closely at what all these people from all these countries are wearing. Mostly people from eastern or southern countries, some European, some US. Check out the weave, color, the patterns. See how many people just seem to be wearing cloth wrapped or draped around them, and, with that, a wristwatch! How many wear watches, sit on the floor, seem to eat so much simpler that what we call simple, and how many look happy?

Humankind is a great book for meeting your neighbor, or at least considering how he lives. Check it out.

Pam Farr
Adult Librarian

Preparing for Next Sunday

January 17, 2020

Reading: 1 Samuel 3:1-10
Gospel: John 1:43-51

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

Let’s Talk, Let’s Listen Reboot

Remember when we could be together in the sanctuary on Sunday mornings? Think about who you used to see in the pews around you or in the narthex or in an Adult Ed class or grabbing a coffee. Now think about who you have seen on Zoom, or heard about from someone else. Who is missing? Who haven’t you heard from or about during these unusual times?

In next week’s Weekly News, you will find instructions for how to be a part of the “reboot” of last summer’s “Let’s Talk, Let’s Listen” campaign. This time around, the St. Andrew Caring Ministries Coordinating Team and the MACG Core Team is interested in making sure that no one in our community has slipped away from our notice. We also want to know if there are needs that are not being met that could be addressed through our faith community. Between now and next week, take notice of who you are seeing in Zoom meetings or worship, and who you miss seeing. Then please join us in an effort to connect with those we are wondering about, either by a phone call or written note. If you have any questions, please contact any member of the Core Team: Pat Christiansen, Larry Bliesner, Scott Taylor, Bob Stadel, Victoria Kovalenko, Lynn Santelmann, or Pastor Robyn. Thank you for helping to build our community by reaching out to those who may be wondering where the rest of us have been through these uncertain times.

Doing Good on the Legislative Level

Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon (EMO) and three of its faithbased advocacy partners are hosting their Annual Legislative Forum this coming Saturday, January 9, from 1:00-3:00 pm.

As Rev. Michael Ellick, director of public engagement at EMO, says “There is a lot of good work for us to do together in the coming year here in Oregon, especially on the legislative level.”

During the forum, a panel of legislators will discuss their priorities for the 2021 Oregon Legislative Session on topics of interest to the faith community. These will include housing/human services, healthcare, economic recovery, climate/environment, and police reform/judiciary. Legislators will highlight the bills they support and the prospects of their passing. Following the panel discussion, the Zoom meeting will allow for a half-hour discussion with our elected representatives. Register now.

Opportunities for Meeting with Pastor Robyn

Pastor Robyn will be offering weekly opportunities for anyone wanting to meet with her outdoors under the front door overhang at St. Andrew from now until her final Sunday with St. Andrew on February 7. Feel free to stop by anytime during these outside hours” for some conversation or to share a prayer of communion (using a personalized communion wafer and cup she’ll have available). Opportunities to stop by this week include Sunday, January 10, 1:30-2:30 pm and Wednesday, January 13, 1:30-2:30 pm.

You can also contact her (email or 503-646-0629, ext. 211) to set up a different time to meet her outside at the church or outside your own home.

In Need of Prayers…

Family and friends of Eunice Harrum (mother)	Peace and God’s comfort at her death	Francine Cach
Family and friends of Ann Hooson (mother-in-law)	Peace and God’s comfort at her death	Jennifer Hooson
Family and friends of Colleen Warnes	Peace and God’s comfort at her death	Staff
Don Scholz (father-in-law)	Comfort	Judy Scholz
Bob and Jack Scholz (husband and son)	Safe travels	Judy Scholz
Katherine (friend)	Successful carotid artery surgery (January 12)	Mary Smith
Barb Carol	Successful surgery an effective treatment	Linda Fransen
Linda Larson (cousin)	Effective treatment and healing	Doris Larson
Vaughn “Vonnie” Wilson (Larry’s sister)	Healing and recovery from COVID-19	Larry & Phyllis Vachal
Tom (friend’s father)	Healing and recovery from COVID-19	Rebecca Fako Uecker
Everyone affected by COVID-19	Strength and support	Staff
Health care workers	Strength, courage, protection, and support	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
Individual friends and loved ones in need of prayer	Whatever they most need; say their names in your heart or aloud	Everyone
St. Peter Lutheran Church (Tillamook, OR) Hoodland Lutheran Church (Brightwood, OR)	Serving with us in the Oregon Synod	Staff
Havurah Shalom (Portland, OR)	Blessings on our interfaith partners	Staff

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.

Creation Justice Summit

The 8th annual Creation Justice Summit (formerly the Earth Care Summit) will commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Columbia River Watershed Pastoral Letter. The virtual event will include a keynote panel, breakout workshops, and a closing address from U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley.

Register now.
$20 general, $10 students, scholarships available
Presented by EMO’s Creation Justice and Oregon Interfaith Power & Light.

Giving Statements for 2020

St. Andrew’s financial secretaries will continue to update 2020 giving records through January 19. Your 2020 giving statements should be available after January 20, 2020. At that time you’ll be able to download and print your statement from your InFellowship account on the Give page of the church website.

Please note that statements will be mailed out only upon special request after January 20. If you need a statement mailed to you, please contact the Financial Secretaries or the church office (503-646-0629).

The St. Andrew Finance Team

A Must Read

One of the books Mary Nell Mahler had purchased for the St. Andrew Library at the recent virtual book sale was Keys to Bonhoeffer’s Haus: Exploring the World and Wisdom of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, by Laura Fabrycky. Mary Nell made certain that I received the book with a compelling recommendation that I read it. Of course, I couldn’t refuse! Having just completed my read, I understand Mary Nell’s enthusiastic endorsement of the work and I concur completely.

Over the last several years, we have had the great fortune of having Pastor Mark Brocker repeatedly introduce us to Bonhoeffer and utilize Bonhoeffer’s work in sermons and teachings. I found Fabrycky’s Keys to Bonhoeffer’s Haus to not only complement Pastor Mark’s work, but to provide me an understanding of formative influences on Bonhoeffer and challenges he confronted that I had not considered.

If anyone is interested in being the next reader of this remarkable book, please contact me and I will get the book to you. Otherwise, I will get the book to Pam Farr, the St. Andrew Librarian.

Bob Cornie
503-645-2529

Highlights for the Week

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

Sunday, January 10, Baptism of Our Lord

8:30 am	Livestream Worship	YouTube
9:30 am	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom
10:00 am	Sunday School Online: Baptism Lesson with Pastor Mark	Zoom
10:00 am	Confirmation	Zoom
10:00 am	High School Youth Group	Zoom
10:00 am	Adult Education: The Gospel of Mark	Zoom
11:00 am	Zoom Worship	Zoom
12:00 pm	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom

Monday, January 11

7:00 pm

Men’s Book Club

Zoom

Tuesday, January 12

9:00 am	Facility Management Team Meeting	Zoom
10:00 am	T’ai Chi	former Bales Thriftway on Cornell Rd
1:30 pm	Service Committee Meeting	Zoom
6:00 pm	HR Meeting	Zoom
7:00 pm	Finance Committee Meeting	Zoom

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

10:00 am	Reopening Committee Meeting	Zoom
1:00 pm	Yard Science Team Planning Meeting with Camp Lutherwood	Zoom
6:00 pm	Handbell Ensemble Rehearsal	Sanctuary
6:30 pm	Informal Gathering Time	Zoom
7:00 pm	Wednesday Evening Prayer	Zoom
7:00 pm	High School Youth Hangout	Zoom
7:30 pm	Centering Prayer & Other Breakout Room Opportunities	Zoom

Thursday, January 14

12:00 pm

Team Ministry Meeting

Zoom

Friday, January 15

10:00 am	T’ai Chi	former Bales Thriftway on Cornell Rd
11:00 am	Funeral for Eunice Harrum	YouTube

Sunday, January 17: Second Sunday of Epiphany

8:30 am	Livestream Worship	YouTube
9:30 am	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom
10:00 am	Sunday School Online: Baptism Lesson with Pastor Mark	Zoom
10:00 am	Confirmation	Zoom
10:00 am	High School Youth Group	Zoom
10:00 am	Adult Education: The Gospel of Mark	Zoom
11:00 am	Zoom Worship	Zoom
12:00 pm	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom

Connecting to Worship

Ways to Give: Thank you for supporting our ministries!

Thank you for supporting the ministries of St. Andrew!

December 20, 2020

Worship Connection Problems?

St. Andrew’s tech team is offering a new service on Sundays for anyone having difficulty connecting to worship. Between 8:00 am and 1:00 pm, you can simply call the church office at 503-646-0629 to get help from the pros.

Remember that Rebecca Fako Uecker also continues to offer technical help for church-related purposes. You can contact her via email.

Adult Education: The Miseries of Job

Steve Christiansen concludes his exploration of the Book of Job at 10:00 am on Sunday, December 20, with Session 8. You’ll find a course outline on St. Andrew’s website and can access the class using the same Zoom link needed for Sunday worship.

Holden Evening Prayer on Wednesdays

This coming Wednesday, Julie Aageson will offer a meditation from her new book, Finding Home, as part of Holden Evening Prayer. Please join us on Wednesday, December 23:

• 6:30 pm: Informal Gathering Time
• 7:00 pm Holden Evening Prayer
• 7:30 pm: Centering Prayer & Other Opportunities

Advent offers the perfect opportunity to engage in Centering Prayer as we sit in silence to await the celebration of Christ’s coming.

The Zoom connection link is sent out Wednesday afternoons, so watch your inbox for it.

Coming in January –
The Gospel of Mark

St. Andrew’s Adult Education offering in January will focus on “The Gospel of Mark: A Narrative Theology,” taught by Jim Aageson. Mark’s gospel presents its theology in narrative form where the actions and words of Jesus reveal a powerful vision of God’s reign. As Aageson notes, “in this kingdom, things are turned upside down: the first are last, the sinners and the dishonored are invited to the table of fellowship, and those closest to Jesus are often filled with fear rather than faith.” The class will begin at 10:00 am on Sunday, January 10.

A-Caroling We Go

Sing along or just listen. The Werner sisters invite you to enjoy a short recording of favorite carols (all in the public domain) on our website.

Scroll to the bottom of St. Andrew’s worship page to find the video.

Christmas Week Worship

Sunday, December 20, 4:30 pm
Blue Christmas Service
Zoom – link in email

While Advent is a season of hope and Christmas is a season of joy, not everyone feels hopeful or ready to celebrate. Grief, illness, aging, depression, loneliness, unemployment and loss are magnified, especially during a pandemic. As we enter into the longest night of the year 2020, join us at sunset for a Blue Christmas worship service in the St. Andrew worship/community Zoom room. Then, if you’d like to share in some conversation with our caring ministers and Pastor Robyn, just bring your own tea or hot apple cider and stick around to talk.

---

Sunday, December 20, 7:00 pm
Advent/Christmas Vespers
Livestream – link in email

---

Christmas Eve, Thursday, December 24, 4:00 pm
Birthday Party for Jesus!
Zoom – link in email

For a family-focused celebration, please join us at 4:00 pm on Thursday, December 24, via Zoom for a special Birthday Party for Jesus. We’ll be featuring carols, games, and a visit from our favorite furry friends! Families are encouraged to dress for the occasion, whether in ugly Christmas sweaters or with party hats and balloons! Plus, we’ll be giving a special birthday gift to Jesus by doing something nice for others. If you’d like to contribute to this gift, you can do so online via the church website or by mailing a check to the church; just make sure to mark it for the Birthday Party for Jesus. Keep an eye out for the Zoom link for this event in the “Worship Links” e-mail the week of Christmas Eve.

Keep an eye out for the Zoom link for this event in the “Worship Links” e-mail the week of Christmas Eve. We hope to see you there!

---

Christmas Eve, Thursday, December 24,
6:45 pm Musical Prelude begins
7:00 pm Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Livestream will be on the homepage; no link required

---

Christmas Day, Friday, December 25, 1:00-4:00 pm
Stay Home, but Not Alone!
Zoom – link in email

1:00 pm: Christmas Social Time—share your favorite Christmas stories.
2:00 pm: Games—join Scott Taylor, Pastor Robyn, and Janet Parker for hilarious fun.
3:00 pm: Show & Tell—share your favorite gift or play us a Christmas song.
Anytime: Notify Rebecca Fako Uecker to be assigned a Zoom breakout room whereyou can meet with family or friends to support one another in Staying Home to Save Lives.

---

Foundation Core Values, Part 2

Your St. Andrew Foundation adopted six core values at our recent strategic planning retreat. These are fundamental principles that guide the Foundation’s activities and decision-making. This week, we highlight three of these core values:

COMPASSIONATE/CARING: We are compassionate and caring in all that we do, aligning with the core values: God care, Earth care, community care, neighbor care, and self care.

ACCOUNTABILITY: We are transparent, we acknowledge gifts and we communicate our efforts with the congregation. We will regularly monitor that we are being inclusive and acting within our Christian values.

PARTNERSHIPS: We are partnering with the congregation and other organizations in the community to provide for the well-being of individuals and the community as a whole.

Did you know that last year the Foundation awarded $5,550 in grants (to four organizations) and $2,300 in scholarships (to four individuals)? We are actively seeking new members for our Board of Directors as we carry out our core values and vision.

Are you interested in learning more? Contact Sonja Ackman.

Meet the EcoFaith Match

EcoFaith Recovery has been offered a $2,000 year-end matching grant that will match every first-time donation, the amount of increase of any annual donation, and/or the one-year value of any monthly sustaining donation that you set up before December 31. Your generous gifts help EcoFaith Recovery fund this year’s “Just Vote Harnessing Our Values for Climate and Racial Justice Initiative” and our “Community Carbon” pilot community initiative. Thank you so much for helping EcoFaith meet the match with your generous donations to
www.EcoFaithRecovery.org/Give
or EcoFaith Recovery, P.O. Box 12612, Portland, OR 97212.

With gratitude,
Pastor Robyn Hartwig

Preparing for Next Sunday

Sound Investments

As equipment has reached the end of its useful life, the sound system in St. Andrew’s Sanctuary has gone through various upgrades in recent years in an attempt to make the spoken word more understandable throughout the room.

• 2010: We switched from lapel microphones to earloops to reduce feedback problems.
• 2013: We replaced the amplifier and crossover to further reduce potential feedback and to equalize amplified voice sound in the room.
• 2016: We replaced the speakers to distribute sound better into pews beyond the center of the room. This also finally opened up the top of the tapestry to full view. (project cost—$7,800)
• 2017-2019: We replaced all wireless microphones due to changes made to the wireless spectrum by the FCC. (cost—$2,000+)

And, in just the past few weeks, Chris Weiss spent about 15 hours installing new wiring and setting up a new (currently borrowed) soundboard, aka mixer, in the Sound Room. As Weiss points out, our needs and expectations for the audio mixer shifted once the pandemic forced St. Andrew to stream its services. At this time, when we are all worshiping remotely, we need to mic things that don’t need amplification when we worship in-person, namely the organ, piano, bells, and vocalist. And, when we move back to in-person worship, we’ll also need to mic the congregation and the choir to provide a full experience for those who continue to worship from their homes.

As Weiss explains, “On any given Sunday before the pandemic, we were only mixing 4-5 microphones, whereas I am now using 16 channels on the new mixer.” He anticipates using 20-24 channels when in-person worship resumes.

Managing Your Mental Health During this Holiday Season

Many of us have found it particularly challenging to manage our own mental health as the pandemic continues, holiday plans are changed, and life as we knew it seems farther and farther away. The Caring Ministries Team recommends a series of articles found on the website for Mental Health USA. This week, take a look at their “Latest News & Updates” and read one or more of the four short articles on their page. Devote some time this week to work on one of St. Andrew’s Core Values: Self Care.

St. Andrew Caring Ministries Team

Pastoral Care

Pastor Mark Brocker (on call Fridays & Saturdays)
office: 503-646-0629 (extension 201)
cell: 503-502-8762
brockerms@standrewlutheran.com

Pastor Robyn Hartwig (on call Sundays & Mondays)
Office: 503-646-0629 (extension 211)
PastorRobyn@standrewlutheran.com

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

In Need of Prayers…

Family and friends of Ali Alajrab	Peace and God’s comfort at his death from COVID-19	Staff
Family and friends of Bobbie Jo Lynn (friend)	Peace and God’s comfort at her death	Bev Briggs
Mary Lynn	Support and assistance in securing care	Bev Briggs
Colleen Warnes	Peace and comfort in hospice care	Suzanne Warnes
Alvina Heidinger (mother-in-law)	Peace and comfort in hospice care	Judy Heidinger
Carol Hogan	Accurate diagnosis and effective treatment	Carol Hogan
Pam	Successful radiation treatment	Patty Jones
Tammy Piscitelli	Healing and recovery from COVID-19	Ed & Linda Fransen
Elaine May	Healing and recovery from knee replacement surgery	Elaine May
Gary Grafwallner	Healing and recovery from skin cancer surgery	Gary Grafwallner
Dr. Cara Steinkeler	Strength and protection	Gary & Gail Grafwallner
Melanie Waller, Aniyah and Tanner Alcorn	Support and well-being	Melanie Waller
Dr. Don Scholz (Bob’s father)	Thanksgiving for coronavirus vaccination (12/30)	Bob & Judy Scholz
Hank Scholz (son)	Thanksgiving for coronavirus vaccination (12/17)	Bob & Judy Scholz
Everyone	Availability of effective vaccine and few side effects	Judy Scholz
Everyone affected by COVID-19	Strength and support	Staff
Health care workers	Strength, courage, protection, and support	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
Individual friends and loved ones in need of prayer	Whatever they most need; say their names in your heart or aloud	Everyone
Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon, Holy Trinity Catholic Church	Blessings on their work	Staff
Zion Lutheran Church (Port Orford, OR) Zion Lutheran Church (The Dalles, OR)	Serving with us in the Oregon Synod	Staff
Masjid An-Noor (Portland, OR)	Blessings on our interfaith partners	Staff

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.

Refugee Family Suffers a COVID Death

Ali Alajrab, patriarch of the Syrian family St. Andrew assisted when they first came to the US from a refugee camp in Jordan in 2016, died on November 21, 2020, due to COVID-19. He was the sole support of his wife Fouza and two younger children, Omar and Ahed. The already-struggling family, which left Portland for Southern California in 2017 and later moved to Ohio, now faces even more challenges. For more information or to help them meet their needs, go to their GoFundMe site.

Creation Justice Summit

The 8th annual Creation Justice Summit (formerly the Earth Care Summit) will commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Columbia River Watershed Pastoral Letter. The virtual event will include a keynote panel, breakout workshops, and a closing address from U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley.

Register now
$20 general, $10 students, scholarships available
Presented by EMO’s Creation Justice and Oregon Interfaith Power & Light.

Highlights for the Week

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

Sunday, December 20, Fourth Sunday of Advent

8:30 am	Livestream Worship	YouTube
9:30 am	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom
10:00 am	Sunday School (age 3 – 5th Grade)	Zoom
10:00 am	Confirmation (6th – 8th Grade)	Zoom
10:00 am	High School Youth Group	Zoom
10:00 am	Adult Education: Job’s Response to Misery	Zoom
11:00 am	Zoom Worship	Zoom
12:00 pm	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom
4:30 pm	Blue Christmas Service	Zoom
7:00 pm	Advent/Christmas Vespers	YouTube

Tuesday, December 22 – Weekly News submissions due by 4:00 pm

10:00 am

T’ai Chi

former Bales Thriftway on Cornell Rd

Wednesday, December 23

6:30 pm	Informal Gathering Time	Zoom
7:00 pm	Holden Evening Prayer	Zoom
7:30 pm	Centering Prayer & other breakout room opportunities	Zoom

Thursday, December 24 – Christmas Eve; Church Office Closed

4:00 pm	Birthday Party for Jesus	Zoom
7:00 pm	Christmas Eve Candlelight Service	Livestream on Website

Friday, December 25 – Christmas Day; Church Office Closed

1:00 pm

Stay Home, but Not Alone! Gathering

Zoom

Sunday, December 27, First Sunday of Christmas

8:30 am	Livestream Worship	YouTube
9:30 am	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom
10:00 am	NO Sunday School (age 3 – 5th Grade)	Zoom
10:00 am	NO Confirmation (6th – 8th Grade)	Zoom
10:00 am	NO High School Youth Group	Zoom
10:00 am	NO Adult Education	Zoom
11:00 am	Zoom Worship	Zoom
12:00 pm	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom

Connecting to Worship

Ways to Give: Thank you for supporting our ministries!

Thank you for supporting the ministries of St. Andrew!

December 13, 2020

December Movie Night

Have you watched the classic film, A Christmas Carol, yet this season? If not, do so yet today and then join other St. Andrew people for our first Movie Night tonight, Friday, December 11, at 7:00 pm. We’ll talk about the classic, which you can find in no less than 20 versions. Some are old black and white classics from as far back as 1938, some are animated, some are modern interpretations, as
recent as 2020. You can stream many different versions on Amazon, some for free, some for a small rental fee. Or you may have your own favorite DVD of this classic at home. It will be fun to compare highlights with each other, as well as reflect on this beautiful story of redemption. This will also be a time to make suggestions for films for future movie nights.

You’ll find the Zoom link for our first Movie Night in today’s “Weekly News” e-mail.

Mary Smith

Holden Evening Prayer on Wednesdays

During Advent, St. Andrew’s Wednesday evening services will center around the beloved Holden Evening Prayer, with Julie Aageson offering meditations from her new book, Finding Home. Please join us for any or all of these events on Wednesday, December 16, and December 23:

• 6:30 pm: Informal Gathering Time
• 7:00 pm Holden Evening Prayer
• 7:30 pm: Centering Prayer

Advent offers the perfect opportunity to engage in Centering Prayer as we sit in silence to await the celebration of Christ’s coming.

The Zoom connection link is sent out Wednesday afternoons, so watch your inbox for it.

Adult Education: The Miseries of Job

Steve Christiansen will continue his exploration of the Book of Job at 10:00 am on Sunday, December 13, with Session 7. You’ll find a course outline on St. Andrew’s website and can access the class using the same Zoom link needed for Sunday worship.

An incorrect translation has led us to believe that Job was a patient man. Not so, Christiansen explains, but he was persistent and he kept going in spite of the odds. Job’s story is relevant for our time in that it raises many questions about the suffering of the innocent.

Christmas Giving Tree

St. Andrew will be doing a Giving Tree for needy families with children enrolled at Barnes Elementary again this year. Like all of us, these parents yearn to make the holidays sparkle for their children, and we can help.

Just as we did with Thanksgiving Boxes, we’ll be providing gift cards in 2020, giving parents the opportunity to shop for what their families need most. You can donate to the cause by sending a check made out to St. Andrew with Giving Tree in the memo line. If you prefer to give electronically, select “Give” on the menu bar of St. Andrew’s website, then “Click here to give now.” Once you’ve signed in to your account, select the green “Give” button and then choose the fund “Christmas Giving Tree.”

Questions? Please call Donna Brocker at 503-502-6156. And read about the challenges one family is facing below:

One Family’s Story

Diana and her daughters just moved into their new apartment. It is a great relief for them after months of living in a shelter for abused women. Diana’s challenges in raising her daughters—ages 17 and 8—are complicated by her diabetes. Just about a month ago, she had to have one of her legs amputated as a result of her illness. Fortunately, her older daughter can drive and has been a big help as she adjusts. Diana continues to be troubled by pain and the challenges of shopping. As for so many families in need this year, Diana’s Christmas wish is that she’ll have enough food for herself and her girls. As she re-starts her life, food is her family’s most basic need. Full stomachs are a great comfort in uncertain times.

Thank You!

Donna Brocker, who organizes the Giving Tree, meets with the families, and scrambles to meet their needs, joins all the Barnes families she’s reached out to this year in thanking you for your heartfelt help in continuing and expanding this ministry. By sharing your resources, you’re demonstrating God’s love in this world. Thank you, all!

Worship Connection Problems?

St. Andrew’s tech team is offering a new service on Sundays for anyone having difficulty connecting to worship. Between 8:00 am and 1:00 pm, you can simply call the church office at 503-646-0629 to get help from the pros.

Remember that Rebecca Fako Uecker also continues to offer technical help for church-related purposes. You can contact her via email.

Foundation Core Values, Part 2

Your St. Andrew Foundation adopted six core values at our recent strategic planning retreat. These are fundamental principles that guide the Foundation’s activities and decision-making. This week, we highlight three of these core values:

COMPASSIONATE/CARING: We are compassionate and caring in all that we do, aligning with the core values: God care, Earth care, community care, neighbor care, and self care.

ACCOUNTABILITY: We are transparent, we acknowledge gifts and we communicate our efforts with the congregation. We will regularly monitor that we are being inclusive and acting within our Christian values.

PARTNERSHIPS: We are partnering with the congregation and other organizations in the community to provide for the well-being of individuals and the community as a whole.

Did you know that last year the Foundation awarded $5,550 in grants (to four organizations) and $2,300 in scholarships (to four individuals)? We are actively seeking new members for our Board of Directors as we carry out our core values and vision.

Are you interested in learning more? Contact Sonja Ackman.

Advent Devotional

Allison Katsufrakis, Libby Calhoun, and Deacon Susan Reiser have created a family friendly devotional for every day in Advent. There is an Advent wreath to color as the weeks progress. For each day of the season, there is a picture to color, a scripture passage, and a suggestion for an action to take in your home. The scripture passages come from a variety of sources, so even if you think you know the story you might discover new insights. Take some time during this busy season to pause and reflect on the gift of the Word made flesh. Visit the St. Andrew website Worship page to find the Advent Devotional.

Pastoral Care

Pastor Mark Brocker (on call Fridays & Saturdays)
office: 503-646-0629 (extension 201)
cell: 503-502-8762
brockerms@standrewlutheran.com

Pastor Robyn Hartwig (on call Sundays & Mondays)
Office: 503-646-0629 (extension 211)
PastorRobyn@standrewlutheran.com

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

Caroling in 2020

December is the opportunity to sing Christmas Carols to those in our congregation unable to join us for worship and other activities. But, this year, of course, the pandemic means we’re unable to visit people in person.

In order to fill that gap, the three sisters—Carol Werner, Susan Werner Reiser, and Kristie Werner Gladhill—have created a short recording of our favorite carols. We hope they are your favorites, too.

After this weekend, you can find the recording on the St. Andrew website Worship page. Simply click on “Worship” on the menu/navigation bar at the top of this website.

Please sing along!

Christmas Week Worship

Sunday, December 20, 4:30 pm
Blue Christmas Service
Zoom – link in email

While Advent is a season of hope and Christmas is a season of joy, not everyone feels hopeful or ready to celebrate. Grief, illness, aging, depression, loneliness, unemployment and loss are magnified, especially during a pandemic. As we enter into the longest night of the year 2020, join us at sunset for a Blue Christmas worship service in the St. Andrew worship/community Zoom room. Then, if you’d like to share in some conversation with our caring ministers and Pastor Robyn, just bring your own tea or hot apple cider and stick around to talk.

Sunday, December 20, 7:00 pm
Advent/Christmas Vespers
Livestream – link in email

A service of Word and Song as we prepare for the birth of the Christ Child.

Thursday, December 24, 4:00 pm
Christmas Eve
Birthday Party for Jesus!
Zoom – link in email

For a family-focused celebration, please join us at 4:00 pm on Thursday, December 24, via Zoom for a special Birthday Party for Jesus. We’ll be featuring carols, games, and a visit from our favorite furry friends! Families are encouraged to dress for the occasion, whether in ugly Christmas sweaters or with party hats and balloons! Plus, we’ll be giving a special birthday gift to Jesus by doing something nice for others. If you’d like to contribute to this gift, you can do so online via the church website or by mailing a check to the church; just make sure to mark it for the Birthday Party for Jesus. Keep an eye out for the Zoom link for this event in the “Worship Links” e-mail the week of Christmas Eve.

Keep an eye out for the Zoom link for this event in the “Worship Links” e-mail the week of Christmas Eve. We hope to see you there!

Thursday, December 24
Christmas Eve
6:45 pm, Musical Prelude
7:00 pm, Candlelight Service
Livestream will be on the homepage; no link required

Friday, December 25, 1:00-4:00 pm
Stay Home, but Not Alone!
Zoom – link in email

1:00 pm: Christmas Social Time—share your favorite Christmas stories.
2:00 pm: Games—join Scott Taylor, Pastor Robyn, and Janet Parker for hilarious fun.
3:00 pm: Show & Tell—share your favorite gi7 or play us a Christmas song.
Anytime: Notify Rebecca Fako Uecker to be assigned a Zoom breakout room whereyou can meet with family or friends to support one another in Staying Home to Save Lives.

Managing Your Mental Health During an Unusual Holiday Season

Many of us have found it particularly challenging to manage our own mental health as the pandemic continues, holiday plans are changed, and life as we knew it seems farther and farther away. The Caring Ministries Team recommends a series of articles found on the website for Mental Health USA. This week, take a look at their suggestions for maintaining your own mental health during this unusual holiday season

Take some time this week to work on one of St. Andrew’s Core Values: Self Care.

St. Andrew Caring Ministries Team

Writing to Reclaim Our Vote

Thank you to Carol Horton, who coordinated St. Andrew volunteers in another round of postcard writing with “Relcaim Our Vote,” a 501(c)(3) nonprofit working to help disenfranchised voters know how they can exercise their right to vote. Thank you also to all of those who worked with Carol to put faith into action, including Sharon Fako, Joel & Beth Johnson, Donna McAlpine, Fran Miller, Jan Smith, Sue Cahlander, Larry & Bonnie Bliesner, Liz Hardy, Bob & Cindy Stadel, and Karen Zocchi. Their collective efforts generated 500 postcards that were sent to Georgia this week! Let me know if you would like to be added to the list of people willing to write postcards in the future.

Pastor Robyn

Spirituality Book Group News

Fran Miller will lead the discussion when the Spirituality Book Group meets on Sunday, December 13, at 3:00 pm to discuss The Nickel Boys, by Colson Whitehead. The book won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction in 2020.

“Based on the real story of a reform school in Florida that operated for 111 years and warped the lives of thousands of children, The Nickel Boys is a devastating, driven narrative that showcases a great American novelist writing at the height of his powers,” says one review on Amazon.

A Zoom link will be sent out to all who are on the Spirituality Book Group e-mail list a few days before the meeting. If you are not on the list, but would like to attend, please contact Mary Smith.

Future Reading

January (Date TBA)
Book: She’s Not There: A Life in Two Genders, by Jennifer Boylan
Discussion Leader: TBA

February (Date TBA)
Book: Braiding Sweetgrass, by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Discussion Leader: TBA

Meet the Match for EcoFaith Recovery

EcoFaith Recovery has been offered a $2,000 year-end matching grant that will match every first-time donation, the amount of increase of any annual donation, and/or the one-year value of any monthly sustaining donation that you set up before December 31. Your generous gifts help EcoFaith Recovery fund this year’s “Just Vote Harnessing Our Values for Climate and Racial Justice Initiative” and our “Community Carbon” pilot community initiative. Thank you so much for helping EcoFaith meet the match with your generous donations to
www.EcoFaithRecovery.org/Give
or EcoFaith Recovery, P.O. Box 12612, Portland, OR 97212.

With gratitude,
Pastor Robyn Hartwig

Scouting for Food

Due to to good organization, planning, and commitment, members of St. Andrew’s Scout Troop 618 and 5618 collected 1,723 pounds of food for the Food Bank at St. Matthew Lutheran Church on December 5. Almost 50 Scouts and leaders participated, accompanied by several siblings and even a couple of dogs. Thank you!

Sound Investments

As equipment has reached the end of its useful life, the sound system in St. Andrew’s Sanctuary has gone through various upgrades in recent years in an attempt to make the spoken word more understandable throughout the room.

• 2010: We switched from lapel microphones to earloops to reduce feedback problems.
• 2013: We replaced the amplifier and crossover to further reduce potential feedback and to equalize amplified voice sound in the room.
• 2016: We replaced the speakers to distribute sound better into pews beyond the center of the room. This also finally opened up the top of the tapestry to full view. (project cost—$7,800)
• 2017-2019: We replaced all wireless microphones due to changes made to the wireless spectrum by the FCC. (cost—$2,000+)

And, in just the past few weeks, Chris Weiss spent about 15 hours installing new wiring and setting up a new (currently borrowed) soundboard, aka mixer, in the Sound Room. As Weiss explains, “Probably the biggest factor that has stopped us from replacing the mixer until recently was that it would require someone to sit at the board for the entirety of both services every Sunday morning.” And that’s a big commitment!

But our needs and expectations for the audio mixer shifted once the pandemic forced St. Andrew to stream its services. Now, we need to mic things that don’t need amplification when we worship in-person, namely the organ, piano, bells, and vocalist. And, when we move back to in-person worship, we’ll also need to mic the congregation and the choir to provide as full an experience as possible for those who continue to worship from their homes.

As Weiss explains, “On any given Sunday before the pandemic, we were only mixing 4-5 microphones, whereas I am now using 16 channels on the new mixer.” He anticipates using 20-24 channels when in-person worship resumes.

In Need of Prayers…

Family and friends of Larry Mostaert (cousin)	Peace and God’s comfort at his death	Pastor Robyn Hartwig
Alvina Heidinger (mother-in-law)	Peace and comfort in hospice care	Judy Heidinger
Carol Hogan	Accurate diagnosis and effective treatment	Carol Hogan
Dr. Cara Steinkeler	Strength and protection	Gary & Gail Grafwallner
Gary Grafwallner	Successful surgery (Dec. 16) for facial skin cancer	Gary Grafwallner
All those struggling with mental health challenges	Healing and calm	Staff
Everyone affected by COVID-19	Strength and support	Staff
Health care workers	Strength, courage, protection, and support	Staff
US election officials, volunteers, and support staff to ensure free and fair elections	Safety and protection	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
Atonement Lutheran Church (Newport, OR) Faith Lutheran Church (North Bend, OR)	Serving with us in the Oregon Synod	Staff
Congregation Kesser Israel (Portland, OR)	Blessings on our interfaith partners	Staff

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.

Let’s Talk, Let’s Listen Reboot

Last summer, the St. Andrew MACG Core Team organized a listening campaign, encouraging members to make phone calls to people we missed seeing at church. Now that this unusual holiday season has arrived, and the colder weather prevents outdoor gatherings, it’s time to check in once again. Look for details in early January about how to be a part of this reboot.

In the meantime, please let the Core Team know how we can improve the program. Contact any of us—Pat Christiansen, Larry Bliesner, Scott Taylor, Bob Stadel, Victoria Kovalenko, Lynn Santelmann, or Pastor Robyn—if you
have any feedback.

A Thanksgiving Thank You

Thanks to the generous donations of St. Andrew members, we were able to raise $3,921 to purchase grocery gift certificates for needy families identified by Washington County Community Action. Your gifts are truly appreciated! Thank you.

The Service Committee

Greeting Cards Redux

Many thanks for both the used and the unused greeting cards put into the collection box in Fellowship Hall. I have turned many used cards into gift tags and gift bags. The unused cards are matched with envelopes and sent
on to bless both senders and receivers. Thank you for recycling!

Pam Meredith

Editor’s Note:
If you’d like to contribute to Pam’s Card Ministry while the pandemic continues to keep the church doors locked, simply drop them off at the Narthex entrance. You’ll find a bin behind the food collection barrel. We’ll make sure Pam continues to be well-stocked with cards.

Preparing for Next Sunday

Highlights for the Week

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

Sunday, December 13, Third Sunday of Advent

8:30 am	Livestream Worship	YouTube
9:30 am	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom
10:00 am	Sunday School (age 3 – 5th Grade)	Zoom
10:00 am	Confirmation (6th – 8th Grade)	Zoom
10:00 am	High School Youth Group	Zoom
10:00 am	Adult Education: Job’s Response to Misery	Zoom
11:00 am	Zoom Worship	Zoom
12:00 pm	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom

Monday, December 14

7:00 pm

Men’s Book Club

Zoom

Tuesday, December 15

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

Wednesday, December 16 – Weekly News submissions due by 4:00 pm

5:45 pm	Handbell Ensemble Rehearsal	Sanctuary
6:30 pm	Informal Gathering Time	Zoom
7:00 pm	Holden Evening Prayer	Zoom
7:00 pm	High School Youth Hangout	Zoom
7:30 pm	Centering Prayer & other breakout room opportunities	Zoom

Thursday, December 17

12:00 pm	Team Ministry Meeting	Zoom
7:00 pm	Council Meeting	Zoom

Friday, December 18

10:00 am

T’ai Chi

former Bales Thriftway on Cornell Rd

Sunday, December 20, Fourth Sunday of Advent

8:30 am	Livestream Worship	YouTube
9:30 am	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom
10:00 am	Sunday School (age 3 – 5th Grade)	Zoom
10:00 am	Confirmation (6th – 8th Grade)	Zoom
10:00 am	High School Youth Group	Zoom
10:00 am	Adult Education:  The Book of Job	Zoom
11:00 am	Zoom Worship	Zoom
12:00 pm	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom
4:30 pm	Blue Christmas Service	Zoom
7:00 pm	Advent/Christmas Vespers	Livestream

Connecting to Worship

Ways to Give: Thank you for supporting our ministries!

Thank you for supporting the ministries of St. Andrew!

December 6, 2020

December Movie Night

Do you like going to the movies? And talking about them afterward? We are planning monthly St. Andrew movie nights, COVID-style. We will select some movies to stream at home and then each month, we’ll invite you to bring out the popcorn and gather around your computer screens as we talk about what we liked (and didn’t like) about that month’s movie.

Our first Movie Night will be Friday, December 11, at 7:00 pm. Since it’s December, lets watch a classic—A Christmas Carol. I counted no less than 20 versions of this movie that can be streamed. Some are old black and white classics from as far back as 1938, some are animated, some are modern interpretations, as recent as 2020. You can stream many different versions on Amazon, some for free, some for a small rental fee. Or you may have your own favorite DVD of this classic at home. It will be fun to compare highlights with each other, as well as reflect on this beautiful story of redemption. This will also be a time to make suggestions for films for future movie nights.

You’ll find the Zoom link for our first Movie Night in Carol’s “Weekly News” e-mail on Friday, December 11.

Mary Smith

Worship Connection Problems?

St. Andrew’s tech team is offering a new service on Sundays for anyone having difficulty connecting to worship. Between 8:00 am and 1:00 pm, you can simply call the church office at 503-646-0629 to get help from the pros.

Remember that Rebecca Fako Uecker also continues to offer technical help for church-related purposes. You can contact her via email.

Holden Evening Prayer on Wednesdays

During Advent, St. Andrew’s Wednesday evening services will center around the beloved Holden Evening Prayer, with Julie Aageson offering meditations from her new book, Finding Home. Please join us for any or all of these events on Wednesday, December 9, December 16, and December 23:

• 6:30 pm: Informal Gathering Time
• 7:00 pm Holden Evening Prayer
• 7:30 pm: Centering Prayer

Advent offers the perfect opportunity to engage in Centering Prayer as we sit in silence to await the celebration of Christ’s coming.

The Zoom connection link is sent out Wednesday afternoons, so watch your inbox for it.

Adult Education: The Miseries of Job

Steve Christiansen will continue his exploration of the Book of Job at 10:00 am on Sunday, December 6, with Session 6. You’ll find a course outline on St. Andrew’s website and can access the class using the same Zoom link needed for Sunday worship.

An incorrect translation has led us to believe that Job was a patient man. Not so, Christiansen explains, but he was persistent and he kept going in spite of the odds. Job’s story is relevant for our time in that it raises many questions about the suffering of the innocent.

Christmas Giving Tree

St. Andrew will be doing a Giving Tree for needy families with children enrolled at Barnes Elementary again this year. Like all of us, these parents yearn to make the holidays sparkle for their children, and we can help.

Just as we did with Thanksgiving Boxes, we’ll be providing gift cards in 2020, giving parents the opportunity to shop for what their families need most. You can donate to the cause by sending a check made out to St. Andrew with Giving Tree in the memo line. If you prefer to give electronically, select “Give” on the menu bar of St. Andrew’s website, then “Click here to give now.” Once you’ve signed in to your account, select the green “Give” button and then choose the fund “Christmas Giving Tree.”

Questions? Please call Donna Brocker at 503-502-6156. And read about the challenges one family is facing below:

One Family’s Story

Matt & Carolyn, both of whom lost their jobs due to the coronavirus, have eight children—two biological children, Carolyn’s sister’s four kids, and two younger foster children, one of whom has special needs. They’ve been fortunate to be able to keep their apartment, but food is their number one priority this Christmas season. Carolyn is also determined to emphasize reading in her home, so books suitable for children ages 2-10 are another wish she has for Christmas. In addition, at least a couple of the children need coats. Little bodies grow quickly.

Matt & Carolyn worry about when they’ll be able to return to work, about keeping their children fed and healthy, about keeping them warm and well-occupied when so much of normal life has been disrupted. If you have the wherewithal to help relieve their worries, please donate to St. Andrew’s Giving Tree ministry.

Advent Devotional

Allison Katsufrakis, Libby Calhoun, and Deacon Susan Reiser have created a family friendly devotional for every day in Advent. There is an Advent wreath to color as the weeks progress.

For each day of the season, there is a picture to color, a scripture passage, and a suggestion for an action to take in your home. The scripture passages come from a variety of sources, so even if you think you know the story you might discover new insights. Take some time during this busy season to pause and reflect on the gift of the Word made flesh. Visit the St. Andrew website Worship page to find the Advent Devotional.

Let’s Talk, Let’s Listen Reboot

Last summer, the St. Andrew MACG Core Team organized a listening campaign, encouraging members to make phone calls to people we missed seeing at church. Now that this unusual holiday season has arrived, and the colder weather prevents outdoor gatherings, it’s time to check in once again. Look for details in early January about how to be a part of this reboot.

In the meantime, please let the Core Team know how we can improve the program. Contact any of us—Pat Christiansen, Larry Bliesner, Scott Taylor, Bob Stadel, Victoria Kovalenko, Lynn Santelmann, or Pastor Robyn—if you
have any feedback.

Rebuilding and Recovery

It has been a couple of months now since John and Christine Core lost their home and almost everything they owned in one of the wildfires that ravaged Oregon. If you’d like to help them get reestablished, please consider donating to their Go Fund Me account, which was set up to make this season more joyful for them. If you have questions, please contact Michael & Barbara Keys at 971-219-2820.

Pastoral Care

Pastor Mark Brocker (on call Fridays & Saturdays)
office: 503-646-0629 (extension 201)
cell: 503-502-8762
brockerms@standrewlutheran.com

Pastor Robyn Hartwig (on call Sundays & Mondays)
Office: 503-646-0629 (extension 211)
PastorRobyn@standrewlutheran.com

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

Leadership Training Opportunity

Plan now to attend a FREE leadership training institute through the magic of the Internet in December.


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 institutions: Engage people systematically in a culture that is relational, action-oriented, and reflective.

Come to learn to distinguish problems from issues: From general problems to concrete, winnable issues by using relational power in the public arena to negotiate for the common good.

The eight-hour training will be held from 6:00-8:00 pm PST on:
Tuesday, December 8
Thursday, December 10
Tuesday, December 15
Thursday, December 17

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.

Click here to register. After registering, you will receive a confirmation e-mail containing information about joining the meeting.

Questions? Please contact any member of the St. Andrew MACG Core Team: Pat Christiansen, Larry Bliesner, Lynn Santelmann, Scott Taylor, Victoria Kovalenko, Bob Stadel, LuAnn Staul, or Pastor Robyn. If you have any problems with registration, e-mail Mary Nemmers.

Opportunities for Reckoning with Racism

Our St. Andrew Reckoning with Racism cohort is just completing our first quarter and preparing to start up again with 200 other people of faith on Zoom in January. If you’d like to join the 16 people in our cohort, please watch the videos of the sessions of our first quarter. The password is RwR*202021 .

Beginning in January, we’ll gather on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month (January 12 & 26, February 9 & 23, March 9 & 23, April 13 & 27, May 11 and 25, June 8 & 22). Please be in touch with Pastor Robyn if you would like more information or would like to join our cohort.

Greeting Cards Redux

Many thanks for both the used and the unused greeting cards put into the collection box in Fellowship Hall. I have turned many used cards into gift tags and gift bags. The unused cards are matched with envelopes and sent
on to bless both senders and receivers. Thank you for recycling!

Pam Meredith

Editor’s Note:
If you’d like to contribute to Pam’s Card Ministry while the pandemic continues to keep the church doors locked, simply drop them off at the Narthex entrance. You’ll find a bin behind the food collection barrel. We’ll make sure Pam continues to be well-stocked with cards.

Caroling in 2020

December is the opportunity to sing Christmas Carols to those in our congregation unable to join us for worship and other activities. But, this year, of course, the pandemic means we’re unable to visit people in person.

In order to fill that gap, the three sisters—Carol Werner, Susan Werner Reiser, and Kristie Werner Gladhill—have created a short recording of our favorite carols. We hope they are your favorites, too.

After this weekend, you can find the recording on the St. Andrew website Worship page. Simply click on “Worship” on the menu/navigation bar at the top of this website.

Please sing along!

Managing Your Mental Health During an Unusual Holiday Season

Many of us have found it particularly challenging to manage our own mental health as the pandemic continues, holiday plans are changed, and life as we knew it seems farther and farther away. The Caring Ministries Team recommends a series of articles found on the website for Mental Health USA. This week, take a look at their suggestions for maintaining your own mental health during this unusual holiday season

Take some time this week to work on one of St. Andrew’s Core Values: Self Care.

St. Andrew Caring Ministries Team

Pandemic Prayer

While we might be feeling worn down and depleted by ongoing pandemic restrictions, Rev. Richard Bott, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Canada, has composed a prayer that reminds us of the link between “a simple piece of cloth” and sacrament:

A Prayer for Putting on a Face Mask
Creator God, as I prepare to go into the world,
help me to see the sacramental nature of this cloth.
Let it be a tangible and visible way of living love
for my neighbors, as I love myself.

Christ Jesus, since my lips will be covered, uncover my heart,
that people would see my smile in the crinkles around my eyes.
Since my voice may be muffled, help me to speak clearly,
not only with my words, but with my actions.

Holy Spirit, as the elastic touches my ears,
remind me to listen carefully and caringly to all those I meet.
May this simple piece of cloth be shield and banner,
and may each breath that it holds be filled with your love.
In your name and in that love I pray.
Amen.

Stock Donation Transfer Process for 2020

Greetings from the Financial Secretaries of St. Andrew. As the end of the calendar year approaches, we want to streamline the process of donating stock to the church since we are volunteering our time remotely from our homes.

Contributions must actually be paid before the close of year to be deductible in 2020. Please allow at least 3 weeks for the completion of the transfer. Please start the process as soon as possible.

We ask you to take the necessary steps if you intend to donate stock to St. Andrew this tax year:

1. Download the Stock Transfer Form found on our church website or contact the church office.
2. Contact your brokerage firm to initiate an electronic transfer of securities (see form for instructions/details).
3. Complete the form including your intentions for the use of the donation and email a copy to our confidential e-mail address. You may instead send a copy to the church office marked confidential for Financial Secretaries. This form must be turned in at the beginning of the process. Without this form, we cannot complete your request.
4. Upon receipt of the form, one of the financial secretaries will be in contact with you regarding the progress of the electronic stock transfer to the church’s securities firm, Charles Schwab.

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

Tammy Piscitelli, 503-307-8837
on behalf of the Financial Secretaries and Finance Team

Spirituality Book Group News

Fran Miller will lead the discussion when the Spirituality Book Group meets on Sunday, December 13, at 3:00 pm to discuss The Nickel Boys, by Colson Whitehead. The book won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction in 2020.

“Based on the real story of a reform school in Florida that operated for 111 years and warped the lives of thousands of children, The Nickel Boys is a devastating, driven narrative that showcases a great American novelist writing at the height of his powers,” says one review on Amazon.

A Zoom link will be sent out to all who are on the Spirituality Book Group e-mail list a few days before the meeting. If you are not on the list, but would like to attend, please contact Mary Smith.

Future Reading

January (Date TBA)
Book: She’s Not There: A Life in Two Genders, by Jennifer Boylan
Discussion Leader: TBA

February (Date TBA)
Book: Braiding Sweetgrass, by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Discussion Leader: TBA

In Need of Prayers…

Family and friends of Larry Mostaert (cousin)	Peace and God’s comfort at his death	Pastor Robyn Hartwig
Family and friends of Jim Smith (Gerald’s twin)	Peace and God’s comfort at his death	Mary Smith
Eunice Harrum	Peace and comfort in hospice care	Francine Cach
Dan (brother-in-law)	Proper diagnosis and effective treatment	Judy Scholz
Joyce (sister) and husband Dan	Safety while Dan is in a hospital plagued by COVID	Judy Scholz
Bob Brown	Successful treatment for diabetic retinopathy	Mary Brown
Carol Hogan	Effective treatment and improved test results	Carol Hogan
Joyce Larsen (grandmother)	Healing and recovery from COVID-19	Cole Petersburg
All those struggling with mental health challenges	Healing and calm	Staff
Suzanne Warnes	Thanksgiving for the end of her radiation treatment	Staff
Health care workers	Strength, courage, protection, and support	Staff
Bishop Laurie Larson Caesar Oregon Synod and Staff	Strength and wisdom	Staff
Refugees and immigrants	Acceptance, safety, and just treatment	Staff
Military personnel, especially Justina Hailey Hope Brocker, Evan Dahlquist, Dawson Dethlefs, Neil Fiegenbaum, and Jerami Reyna	Courage and protection	Staff
New Life Lutheran Church (Florence, OR) Bethany Lutheran church (Gold Beach, OR)	Serving with us in the Oregon Synod	Staff
Bethany Musallah (Portland, OR)	Blessings on our interfaith partners	Staff

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.

Christmas Eve: Birthday Party for Jesus!

This Advent, our annual family-focused Christmas Eve service will look a little different than usual. At 4:00 pm on Thursday, December 24, join us via Zoom for a special Birthday Party for Jesus, featuring carols, games, and a visit from our favorite furry friends! We would love it if you would join us to celebrate the holiday. Families are encouraged to dress for the occasion, whether that be with ugly Christmas sweaters or with party hats and balloons!

Plus, we’ll be giving a special birthday gift to Jesus during the event by doing something nice for others. If you’d like to contribute to this gift, you can do so online at the church website or by mailing a check to the church; just make sure to mark it for the Birthday Party for Jesus. Keep an eye out for the Zoom link for this event in the “Worship Links” e-mail the week of Christmas Eve. We hope to see you there!

Thank You

Again, I say thank you to my caring and loving friends at St. Andrew for the prayers, cards, calls, and encouraging words that you shared as I underwent an additional procedure on my right knee. I am progressing well in my rehab and anticipate returning to long walks and golf all in good time. I am truly blessed. Your ongoing kindness, caring, and support are much appreciated.

Gratefully,
Bob Cornie

Preparing for Next Sunday

Highlights for the Week

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

Sunday, December 6, Second Sunday of Advent

8:30 am	Livestream Worship	YouTube
9:30 am	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom
10:00 am	Sunday School (age 3 – 5th Grade)	Zoom
10:00 am	Confirmation (6th – 8th Grade)	Zoom
10:00 am	High School Youth Group	Zoom
10:00 am	Adult Education: Job’s Response to Misery	Zoom
11:00 am	Zoom Worship	Zoom
12:00 pm	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom

Tuesday, December 8

9:00	Facility Management Team Meeting	Zoom
10:00 am	T’ai Chi	former Bales Thriftway on Cornell Rd
1:30 am	Service Committee	Zoom
6:00 pm	HR Meeting	Zoom
7:00 pm	Finance Team Meeting	Zoom

Wednesday, December 9 – Weekly News submissions due by 4:00 pm

6:00 pm	Handbell Ensemble Rehearsal	Sanctuary
6:30 pm	Informal Gathering Time	Zoom
7:00 pm	Holden Evening Prayer	Zoom
7:30 pm	Centering Prayer & other breakout room opportunities	Zoom

Thursday, December 10

12:00 pm

Team Ministry Meeting

Zoom

Friday, December 11

10:00 am	T’ai Chi	former Bales Thriftway on Cornell Rd
7:00 pm	St. Andrew Movie Night Discussion : The Christmas Carol	Zoom

Sunday, December 13, Second Sunday of Advent

8:30 am	Livestream Worship	YouTube
9:30 am	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom
10:00 am	Sunday School (age 3 – 5th Grade)	Zoom
10:00 am	Confirmation (6th – 8th Grade)	Zoom
10:00 am	High School Youth Group	Zoom
10:00 am	Adult Education:  Job’s Response to Misery	Zoom
11:00 am	Zoom Worship	Zoom
12:00 pm	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom

Connecting to Worship

Ways to Give: Thank you for supporting our ministries!

Thank you for supporting the ministries of St. Andrew!

November 29, 2020

No Education Classes This Week

Please remember that there will be no education classes this coming Sunday. Adult Education, High School Youth Group, Confirmation, and Sunday School will all resume at 10:00 am on Sunday, December 6, the Second Sunday of Advent.

Worship Connection Problems?

St. Andrew’s tech team is offering a new service on Sundays for anyone having difficulty connecting to worship. Between 8:00 am and 1:00 pm, you can simply call the church office at 503-646-0629 to get help from the pros.

Remember that Rebecca Fako Uecker also continues to offer technical help for church-related purposes. You can contact her via email.

Help with Rent, Utilities, and Childcare

The director of Family Promise has informed its host coordinators that it has funds available for people needing help paying for childcare, rent, or utilities during this time of extraordinary need. People needing assistance are welcome to call Family Promise at 971-217-8949. Please be aware that these funds need to be used by the end of this calendar year.

Table Talk: What the Voters Are Trying to Tell Us

Gathered around the table in his home, Martin Luther talked freely and openly with his colleagues and students about matters of faith, theology, and varied aspects of daily life. In an effort to cultivate this kind of spirited discussion, we have a tradition at St. Andrew of gathering for Table Talks. Though we cannot gather in person, Pastor Brocker invites you to participate in the next Table Talk via Zoom on Tuesday, December 1, 7:00-8:00 pm.

In this Table Talk we will focus on sharing reflections on the presidential election and the transition process that has followed. The voter turnout was record-setting. President-Elect Joe Biden and Vice-President Elect Kamala Harris received more votes than any ticket in U.S. history. President Trump and Vice President Pence received the second most votes ever.

In a New York Times editorial, published on November 5, two days after Election Day, when the final outcome was very much in doubt, David Brooks reflected on “What the Voters Are Trying to Tell Us”. To prepare for this Table Talk I encourage all participants to read this opinion piece. In light of the election and its aftermath, we will reflect on the political responsibility of the people of St. Andrew and the church as a whole going forward.

Giving Tree

St. Andrew will be doing a Giving Tree for needy families with children enrolled at Barnes Elementary again this year. Like all of us, these parents yearn to make the holidays joyful for their children, and we can help.

Just as we did with Thanksgiving Boxes, we’ll be providing gift cards in 2020, giving parents the opportunity to shop for their families. You can donate to the cause by sending a check made out to St. Andrew with Giving Tree in the memo line. If you prefer to give electronically, select “Give” on the menu bar of St. Andrew’s website, then “Click here to give now”. Once you’ve signed in to your account, select the green “Give” button and then choose the fund “Christmas Giving Tree.”

Questions? Please call Donna Brocker at 503-502-6156.

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Family Stories from Barnes Elementary

Matt & Carolyn, both of whom lost their jobs due to the coronavirus, have eight children—two biological children, Carolyn’s sister’s four kids, and two younger foster children, one of whom has special needs. They’ve been fortunate to be able to keep their apartment, but food is their number one priority this Christmas season. Carolyn is also determined to emphasize reading in her home, so books suitable for children ages 2-10 are another wish she has for Christmas. In addition, at least a couple of the children need coats. Little bodies grow quickly.

Then there’s Chelsea, a single mom of three children, who are in 2nd, 4th, and 5th grade at Barnes. When she was asked what she needed most this holiday season, she replied that she would take less for her family if we could direct some help to her neighbor, Alicia, and her children as well. Alicia recently moved to Oregon from Georgia with her husband and three children, but she’s now parenting alone as he recently died from a heart attack at the age of 42. Alicia, who had a job in food service, is now unemployed and wanting to provide a lovely Christmas meal for her kids, who are in 1st, 2nd, and 4th grade. To conserve their very limited resources, Chelsea and Alicia and their children are planning to share an apartment. For these families, too, the most urgent need is food.

Matt & Carolyn, Chelsea, and Alicia worry about keeping their children fed and healthy, about keeping them warm and well-occupied when so much of normal life has been disrupted. If you have the wherewithal to help them bring a little joy into their Christmas this year, please donate to St. Andrew’s Giving Tree ministry.

Foundation Core Values, Part 1

Your St. Andrew Foundation adopted six core values at our recent strategic planning retreat. These are fundamental principles that guide the Foundation’s activities and decision-making. This week, we’ll highlight three of the new values.

• VISIONARY: We are an active part of doing God’s will on earth. We are taking generational wealth and using it to seed bold, visionary efforts.
• INTEGRITY: We are stewards of donations and a partner to grant recipients. We operate at the highest ethical standard and take responsibility for our actions.
• SUSTAINABILITY & FINANCIAL STABILITY: We are proactive in growing and maintaining our finances so that they are sustainable into the future. We are investing money in ways that advance the St. Andrew Core Values.

Are you interested in learning more? Contact Sonja Ackman.

Stock Donation Transfer Process for 2020

Greetings from the Financial Secretaries of St. Andrew. As the end of the calendar year approaches, we want to streamline the process of donating stock to the church since we are volunteering our time remotely from our homes.

Contributions must actually be paid before the close of year to be deductible in 2020. Please allow at least 3 weeks for the completion of the transfer. Please start the process as soon as possible.

We ask you to take the necessary steps if you intend to donate stock to St. Andrew this tax year:

1. Download the Stock Transfer Form found on our church website or contact the church office.
2. Contact your brokerage firm to initiate an electronic transfer of securities (see form for instructions/details).
3. Complete the form including your intentions for the use of the donation and email a copy to our confidential e-mail address. You may instead send a copy to the church office marked confidential for Financial Secretaries. This form must be turned in at the beginning of the process. Without this form, we cannot complete your request.
4. Upon receipt of the form, one of the financial secretaries will be in contact with you regarding the progress of the electronic stock transfer to the church’s securities firm, Charles Schwab.

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

Tammy Piscitelli, 503-307-8837
on behalf of the Financial Secretaries and Finance Team

Leadership Training Opportunity

Plan now to attend a FREE leadership training institute through the magic of the Internet in December.

• 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 institutions: Engage people systematically in a culture that is relational, action-oriented, and reflective.
• Come to learn to distinguish problems from issues: From general problems to concrete, winnable issues by using relational power in the public arena to negotiate for the common good.

The eight-hour training will be held from 6:00-8:00 pm PST on:
Tuesday, December 8
Thursday, December 10
Tuesday, December 15
Thursday, December 17

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.

Click here to register. After registering, you will receive a confirmation e-mail containing information about joining the meeting.

Questions? Please contact any member of the St. Andrew MACG Core Team: Pat Christiansen, Larry Bliesner, Lynn Santelmann, Scott Taylor, Victoria Kovalenko, Bob Stadel, LuAnn Staul, or Pastor Robyn. If you have any problems with registration, e-mail Mary Nemmers.

Opportunities for Reckoning with Racism

Our St. Andrew Reckoning with Racism cohort is just completing our first quarter and preparing to start up again with 200 other people of faith on Zoom in January. If you’d like to join the 16 people in our cohort, please watch the videos of the sessions of our first quarter. The password is RwR*202021 .

Beginning in January, we’ll gather on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month (January 12 & 26, February 9 & 23, March 9 & 23, April 13 & 27, May 11 and 25, June 8 & 22). Please be in touch with Pastor Robyn if you would like more information or would like to join our cohort.

To learn more about the origins of racism in Oregon:

1. Watch the OPB Documentary: “Oregon Black Pioneers.”

2. Explore more of the history of Black Americans throughout Oregon’s history at the Oregon Black Pioneers website.

3. Read Breaking Chains: Slavery on Trial in the Oregon Territory, by R. Gregory Nokes, a nonfiction account of the largely forgotten story of Oregon slavery.

4. Read A Light in the Wilderness, Oregonian writer Jane Kirkpatrick’s historical novel about the lives of three women of color in early Oregon history.

Rebuilding and Recovery

It has been a couple of months now since John and Christine Core lost their home and almost everything they owned in one of the wildfires that ravaged Oregon. If you’d like to help them get reestablished, please consider donating to their Go Fund Me account, which was set up to make this season more joyful for them. If you have questions, please contact Michael & Barbara Keys at 971-219-2820.

In Need of Prayers…

Family and friends of Jim Smith (Gerald’s twin)	Peace and God’s comfort at his death	Mary Smith
Eunice Harrum	Peace and comfort in hospice care	Francine Cach
Colleen Warnes	Peace and comfort in hospice care	Suzanne Warnes
Suzanne Warnes	Comfort and strength	Staff
Bill Branch	Comfort following esophageal cancer diagnosis	Linda Fransen
Marcia Branch	Comfort and strength	Linda Fransen
Dan (brother-in-law)	Proper diagnosis and effective treatment	Judy Scholz
Joyce (sister) and husband Dan	Safety while Dan is in a hospital plagued by COVID	Judy Scholz
Bob Brown	Successful treatment for diabetic retinopathy	Mary Brown
Bob Cornie	Healing and recovery	Staff
Joe Baker	Healing and recovery from COVID-19	Joe Baker
Alvina Heidinger (mother-in-law)	Healing and recovery from COVID-19	Judy Heidinger
Joyce Larsen (grandmother)	Healing and recovery from COVID-19	Cole Petersburg
Cole Petersburg’s grandparents, Floyd & Marian	Healing and recovery from COVID-19	Cole Petersburg
Health care workers	Strength, courage, protection, and support	Staff
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church (Coos Bay, OR) Faith Lutheran Church (Coquille, OR)	Serving with us in the Oregon Synod	Staff
Congregation Neveh Shalom (Portland, OR)	Blessings on our interfaith partners	Staff

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.

December Movie Night

Do you like going to the movies? And talking about them afterward? We are planning monthly St. Andrew movie nights, COVID-style. We will select some movies to stream at home and then each month, we’ll invite you to bring out the popcorn and gather around your computer screens as we talk about what we liked (and didn’t like) about that month’s movie.

Our first Movie Night will be Friday, December 11, at 7:00 pm. Since it’s December, lets watch a classic—A Christmas Carol. I counted no less than 20 versions of this movie that can be streamed. Some are old black and white classics from as far back as 1938, some are animated, some are modern interpretations, as recent as 2020. You can stream many different versions on Amazon, some for free, some for a small rental fee. Or you may have your own favorite DVD of this classic at home. It will be fun to compare highlights with each other, as well as reflect on this beautiful story of redemption. This will also be a time to make suggestions for films for future movie nights.

You’ll find the Zoom link for our first Movie Night in Carol’s “Weekly News” e-mail on Friday, December 11.

Mary Smith

Worship Plan

Looking ahead to the coming seasons of the church, the Worship Planning Committee is announcing that current worship practices will continue through Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany.

To review, St. Andrew offers livestream worship via YouTube at 8:30 am on Sundays, with worship broadcast via Zoom at 11:00 am. Both services include the opportunity to share in remote Communion. Adult Education classes and gatherings for children, Confirmation students, and high school youth are all offered via Zoom, as is Wednesday Evening Prayer.

People without internet connection are able to listen to a recording of Sunday worship by calling 503-643-9416. Please see “Connecting to Worship at St. Andrew” for details.

Preparing for Next Sunday

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Given Governor Brown’s pause in Oregon’s reopening progression for Washington County, we ask that you please limit your visits to our church building. Coronavirus numbers are surging everywhere. If it is imperative that you visit the building, please remember to make arrangements with the office first.
Thank you!

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Highlights for the Week

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

Sunday, November 29, First Sunday of Advent

8:30 am	Livestream Worship	YouTube
9:30 am	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom
10:00 am	NO Sunday School (age 3 – 5th Grade)	Zoom
10:00 am	NO Confirmation (6th – 8th Grade)	Zoom
10:00 am	NO High School Youth Group	Zoom
10:00 am	NO Adult Education	Zoom
11:00 am	Zoom Worship	Zoom
12:00 pm	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom

Monday, November 30

10:00 am

Meals on Wheels/Loaves and Fishes

off site

Tuesday, December 1

10:00 am	T’ai Chi	former Bales Thriftway on Cornell Rd
10:00 am	Meals on Wheels/Loaves and Fishes	off site
10:00 am	Worship Planners Meeting	Zoom
6:00 pm	MACG Meeting	Zoom

Wednesday, December 2 – Weekly News submissions due by 4:00 pm

12:30 pm	Bonhoeffer Seminar	Zoom
6:00 pm	Handbell Ensemble Rehearsal	Sanctuary
6:30 pm	Informal Gathering Time	Zoom
7:00 pm	Advent: Holden Evening Prayer	Zoom
7:00 pm	Wednesday Night Youth Hangout	Zoom
7:30 pm	Centering Prayer	Zoom

Thursday, December 3

12:00 pm	Team Ministry Meeting	Zoom
7:00 pm	Executive Council Committee Meeting	Zoom

Friday, December 4

10:00 am

T’ai Chi

former Bales Thriftway on Cornell Rd

Sunday, December 6, Second Sunday of Advent

8:30 am	Livestream Worship	YouTube
9:30 am	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom
10:00 am	Sunday School (age 3 – 5th Grade)	Zoom
10:00 am	Confirmation (6th – 8th Grade)	Zoom
10:00 am	High School Youth Group	Zoom
10:00 am	Adult Education:  Job’s Response to Misery	Zoom
11:00 am	Zoom Worship	Zoom
12:00 pm	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom

Connecting to Worship

Ways to Give: Thank you for supporting our ministries!

Thank you for supporting the ministries of St. Andrew!