February 7, 2021
Godspeed, Pastor Robyn
This Sunday, February 7, we gratefully acknowledge the many ways that Pastor Robyn Hartwig has served our community in her 12 years of ministry as our associate pastor. It will be a bittersweet day when she steps behind the pulpit to deliver her last sermon at St. Andrew and, because of ongoing pandemic protocols, we will have to experience that from our homes.
Ironically, a snowstorm prevented Pastor Robyn from preaching to a full sanctuary when she joined St. Andrew. Rick LeRoy jerry-rigged the electronics so that her first sermon was shared with the congregation electronically, too.
St. Andrew has come a long way since 2009, and much of that is due to Robyn’s ministry. Her leadership with caring ministries, the spiritual care she has extended to so many suffering souls, and her advocacy for Earth Care and Racial Justice are noteworthy. And her efforts to present accessible opportunities for special groups, such as young adults and families with young children, led to ministries such as Spirituality on Tap and Oh, Baby!
Although Pastor Robyn is moving on to a new stage in her ministry, her impact will be felt here at St. Andrew for a long time.
Dear People of St. Andrew,
I look forward to the opportunity to preach this Sunday, February 7, as a I join you in worship for my final Sunday at St. Andrew. Following the 11:00 am Zoom worship service, I will hang out in a Zoom breakout room where Rebecca Uecker can usher people in and out who may want to say a personal five-minute goodbye.
I will then have two days dedicated to finishing up administrative tasks for St. Andrew and meeting with key leaders like Pastor Mark, Pastor Susan, and the personnel committee. My very last act of ministry will be to lead Wednesday Evening Prayer by Zoom on February 10 at 7:00 pm and join the Centering Prayer group led by Ginny Link and Mary Smith that follows immediately afterwards from 7:30 to 8:00 pm.
In this Sunday’s Gospel lesson from Mark 1:29-39, Jesus heads out to a deserted place to pray before he moves from one village to another. In doing so, he gives all of us a wonderful model of the importance of making time to pray on our own. How appropriate that my final act of ministry will be to sit with many of you in 20 minutes of silent prayer. Feel free to join us for these Wednesday evening face-to-face opportunities on Zoom and you might find you enjoy them so much that you want to come back the following week too!
With a heart full of gratitude,
Pastor Robyn
Super Bible Bowl: FEUD!
The Super Bible Bowl returns to St. Andrew on Sunday, February 14, 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 21, 10:00 am
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
Taking America Back for God
Our own ELCA presiding bishop, Rev. Elizabeth Eaton, participated with Episcopal Bishop Michael Curry and others in an online forum, Democracy and Faith Under Siege: Responding to Christian Nationalism, on January 27. Dr. Andrew Whitehead offered a clear summary of Christian Nationalism from his new book, Taking America Back for God: Christian Nationalism in the United States. The recording of the presentation and other compelling resources for confronting Christian Nationalism are at
the following links:
https://bjconline.org and
https://www.christiansagainstchristiannationalism.org/ and
www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmgWHBoGBi8
Job Openings in Online Worship Production
St. Andrew is looking to hire a part-time audio tech and part-time video tech to distribute online worship using YouTube livestream and Zoom. These two individuals will ensure everything is ready to go prior to each service, manage mics and audio or manage cameras and graphics, and ensure the congregation is receiving the feed. Experience in sound boards or videography is required. Worship production involves more than hitting play and walking away. These two people will stay onsite throughout services and troubleshoot when needed. To learn more about specific qualifications needed and compensation offered, please go to:
https://portland.craigslist.org/wsc/npo/d/portlandlivestream-audio-video-tech/7263783074.html
Positions will be open until filled. Application review begins in
early February.
2020 Giving Statements
Your 2020 giving statements are available. Go to the Give page of the church website to download and print your statement from your InFellowship account.
Please note that statements will be mailed out only upon special request.
If you need a statement mailed to you, please contact the Financial Secretaries or the church office (503-646-0629).
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.
Preparing for Next Sunday
February 14, 2021
Reading: 2 Kings 2:1-12
Gospel: Mark 9:2-9
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
Preparing for Lent
The church season of Lent leads us from a cross of ashes that reminds us of our bodily mortality to a cross of crucifixion that carries God’s promise of resurrection.
In the intervening 40 days, we wait, pondering our own imperfect lives and yearning to create a new vision for living. What is the Holy One calling us to do? Just as Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, weare tested to relinquish something and regain self-control. Many people ask, “What are you giving up for Lent?”
At St. Andrew, we traditionally display a wooden cross, where we each can insert a nail to acknowledge our own sin. Because Lent is a time for providing for the needs of others and for self-denial, we launch an ambitious food drive.
But Lent is just as much a time for renewal. As we anticipate the crucifixion and Christ’s resurrection, we are invited to renew our relationship with God. We pray, longing for guidance. We seek to know better what God wants us to do in the world.
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, which falls this year on February 17.
I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope;
my soul waits for the Lord more than those who watch for the morning,
more than those who watch for the morning.
Psalm 130:5-6
In Need of Prayers…
| Nan Thompson | Continued good spirit on her journey through cancer | Nan Thompson |
| Mary Brown | Successful treatment and recovery | Bob & Mary Brown |
| Amy | Effective treatment; comfort for her husband Chris | Bob & Judy Scholz |
| Carol Adkison (Mary’s sister) | Correct diagnosis and treatment | Bob & Mary Brown |
| Kim Oyen (sister-in-law) | Comfort and healing | Chris Bekemeier |
| Linda Wick (sister) | Pain relief and healing | Donna McAlpine |
| Fran Miller | Healing and recovery from knee replacement | Fran Miller |
| Mildred Leppert (sister-in-law) | Healing and recovery from a severe heart attack | Judy Heidinger |
| Gary Grafwallner | Healing and recovery | Gary Grafwallner |
| Scott Staul | Healing and recovery from COVID-19 | Lisa Staul |
| LuAnn Staul | Complete recovery from COVID-19 | LuAnn Staul |
| Everyone affected by COVID-19 | Strength and support | Staff |
| Health care workers | Strength, courage, protection, and support | Staff |
| Pastor Robyn Hartwig | Thanksgiving for her ministry and blessings for her and the people of Spirit of Grace | Everyone! |
| Bishop Laurie Larson Caesar Oregon Synod and Staff |
Strength and wisdom | Staff |
| Refugees and immigrants | Acceptance, safety, and just treatment | Staff |
| The homeless in our communities and country | Comfort, hope, and shelter | Staff |
| Military personnel, especially Justina Hailey Hope Brocker, Evan Dahlquist, Dawson Dethlefs, Neil Fiegenbaum, and Jerami Reyna | Courage and protection | Staff |
| Emanuel Lutheran Church (Cornelius, OR) Calvary Lutheran Church (Hillsboro, OR) |
Serving with us in the Oregon Synod | Staff |
| Congregation Chabad (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.
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.
Thank You!
Dear Friends,
Thank you for the prayers of concern and for healing and wellness for the Staul family. Scott, Lisa, and Henry are recovered
and I am doing much better.
LuAnn Staul
Pastoral Care
Pastor Mark Brocker
office: 503-646-0629 ext. 201
cell: 503-502-8762
brockerms@standrewlutheran.com
Highlights for the Week
Go to the complete online church calendar for the most up-to-date information.
Sunday, February 7, Fifth Sunday of Epiphany
| 8:30 am | Livestream Worship | YouTube |
| 9:30 am | Virtual Coffee Time | Zoom |
| 9:45 am | Pastor Robyn’s Final Sunday | Zoom |
| 11:00 am | Zoom Worship | Zoom |
| 12:00 pm | Virtual Coffee Time | Zoom |
Monday, February 8
| 7:00 pm | Men’s Book Club | Zoom |
Tuesday, February 9
| 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 Team Meeting | Zoom |
Wednesday, February 10 – Weekly News submissions due by 4:00 pm
| 10:00 am | Reopening Committee Meeting | 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 Game Night | Zoom |
| 7:30 pm | Centering Prayer | Zoom |
Thursday, February 11
| 12:00 pm | Team Ministry Meeting | Zoom |
| 7:00 pm | Website Review Meeting | Zoom |
Friday, February 12
| 10:00 am | T’ai Chi | former Bales Thriftway on Cornell Rd |
Sunday, February 14: Fifth Sunday of Epiphany
| 8:30 am | Livestream Worship | YouTube |
| 9:30 am | Virtual Coffee Time | Zoom |
| 10:00 am | Super Bible Bowl “Family Feud” | Zoom |
| 11:00 am | Zoom Worship | Zoom |
| 12:00 pm | Virtual Coffee Time | Zoom |