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
8:30 am: Worship in the Sanctuary or watch the livestream of worship on YouTube.
- The same link will bring you to the recording of the service to watch anytime after the livestream ends.
- An audio recording of the 8:30 am service will be available Sunday afternoon by simply dialing 503-643-9416.
11:00 am: Worship in the Sanctuary or participate in worship via Zoom
The link will be sent via email and by notification from the church app.
- To participate via Zoom, you can use a smart phone, computer, tablet, or a telephone.
- To participate in “Virtual Coffee Time” simply log in early or stay logged in after the Zoom worship service ends.
Not getting church emails? Click on the green button below to contact the church office to recieve the livestream worship link and zoom invitations.
Need Help? If you discover that you need help connecting to St. Andrew’s online worship services and meetings, please email Rebecca Fako Uecker. She will be available by 9:30 am on most Sunday mornings and 5:30 pm on most Wednesday evenings to provide same-day help for church-related purposes.
Ways to Give: Thank you for supporting our ministries!
We thank you for your support of the ministries of St. Andrew. If you are able, please give now using any of the following options:
Postal Mail: Simply mail a check to the church office. Let us know if you’d like giving envelope mailed to your home each month by contacting the church office.
Text Giving: Simply text any amount to 503-386-9646 to donate to the Ministry & Mission Fund. To donate to another fund, text keyword to get a list of funds, then type the dollar amount and fund name to give. For example, to give to the local food bank, text 50 food to give $50 for food.
Give via Church App: Download “Church by MinistryOne” from the App store and watch sermons, submit prayer requests, and give a one-time or recurring gift.
Give Online: On the St. Andrew website, click on “Give” at the top of the page. Here you can view your giving, set recurring gifts.
Direct Deposit / “Simply Giving:” Request a form from the church office to enable automated giving from your checking or savings account through the “Simply Giving” program.
Stock Donation: Download the form to donate stock. Please contact our Financial Secretaries in advance of processing the form or if you have questions.
Thank you for supporting the ministries of St. Andrew!