January 16, 2022

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Adult Education Classes During Epiphany

With the New Year, we get new Adult Education classes. St. Andrew’s six-week Epiphany term began between services on Sunday, January 9.

“My Journey: What I’ve Learned Along the Way”

Join Jim Aageson in Fellowship Hall for a class about our life stories as he shares some reflective vignettes from his own life that are intended to prompt others to think about their own experiences. As Jim points out in his description of the class, our life stories “may…enrich the lives of the generations who come after us. They can give life, color, and texture to the family tree. They will be part of our legacies.”

Mental Illness in Our Midst: How Does It Look & How Can We Respond?

Depression is the common cold of mental illness. Every normal life includes some times of mild depression. What makes a normal depressive episode different from depression that is mental illness? Can we pull ourselves out of depression? Janet Vorvick will investigate these topics in the Adult Education class on Sunday at 10:00 am in the St. Andrew room. Janet will discuss concrete ideas for responding to the mental health needs of people already in our congregation and people who may come as visitors. This class should be of interest to those challenged by mental illness as well as those who have friends or family members who suffer. Also, anyone who has an interest in mental illness and what we, in the church, can do will be interested, too. In the upcoming weeks, Janet will address autism, borderline personality disorder and schizophrenia. Questions about how our worship and programs can help those with mental health challenges will also be considered.

All classes begin at 10:00 am and are offered in person. Details about any online offerings are yet to be worked out.

Omicron Delays Launching “The Roots”

COVID has once again thrown society a curve ball with its Omicron variant and that necessitates another change in plans for St. Andrew’s children’s program, The Roots. Although the program was scheduled to launch on Sunday, January 23, Pastor Mark noted in his “Grace Note” earlier this week that “we will launch ‘The Roots’ when the time is right. In the meantime, we will continue to offer a simpler alternative for our children who come” to Sunday morning’s education hour.

Children & Youth Minister Kyler Vogt is excited to begin The Roots when he can be confident that both children and volunteer teachers are healthy and able to participate. With so many individuals testing positive for COVID and entering into periods of quarantine, several area school districts are returning to remote learning—providing more validation to the decision to delay The Roots at St. Andrew.

Stay tuned, and please contact kvogt@standrewlutheran.com if you have questions.

Table Talk: Teaching Anti-Racism – Shaming or Empowering Our Children?

 Thursday, January 27, 7:00-8:00 pm via Zoom 

Gathered around the table in his home, Martin Luther talked freely and openly with his colleagues and students about matters of faith, theology, and varied aspects of daily life. In an effort to cultivate this kind of spirited discussion we have a tradition at St. Andrew of gathering for Table Talks. Pastor Brocker invites you to participate in the next Table Talk via Zoom on Thursday, January 27, 7:00-8:00 pm.  

You may have seen photos of protestors at school board meetings holding signs that say “Stop Teaching Critical Racist Theory to Our Kids” or “Creating Racial Tension.” These protestors are opposed to teaching children about the United States’ racial history. Many white parents fear that reckoning with our nation’s past racial sins and injustices will make their children feel ashamed. Adam Russell Taylor of Sojourners believes that “cultivating a greater commitment to anti-racism within the next generation will empower our kids, not instill shame.”

In this Table Talk we will discuss the case Taylor makes. Do we have any reservations about teaching anti-racism? At what age should we begin such anti-racism instruction? How might we engage in dialogue with those who want to stop the teaching of Critical Race Theory and other similar theories? To prepare for this Table Talk, please read Taylor’s essay “Teaching Anti Racism Won’t Shame Kids. It Will Empower Them”: https://sojo.net/articles/teaching-anti-racism-won-t-shame-kids it-will-empower-them. 

St. Andrew Job Posting: Bookkeeper

St. Andrew Lutheran Church is looking for a part-time or contract bookkeeper. Flexible hours, 10-20 hours per week, Wednesday-Friday. Primary responsibilities include recording deposits, disbursements, payroll, and transfers and running reports in QuickBooks Online; reconciling month-end statements; filing; and entering payroll data in ADP. Assist with budget planning and annual report process.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 5 years’ bookkeeping experience with nonprofit, multi-fund organizations; church fund accounting experience preferred.
• 3 years of experience using QuickBooks Online accounting software, including budgeting, reporting, and account reconciliation features.
• Demonstrated proficiency using Microsoft Office software.
• High degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Proven ability to calculate, post, and manage accounting figures and financial records.
• To apply, please submit cover letter and resume to Parish Manager Carol Harker at charker@standrewlutheran.com.

A Huge Thank You

The Christmas decorations and greens are put away now for the season entitled “Time after
Epiphany.”

A big thanks to everyone who helped to take the decorations and greens down on Saturday, January 8: Susan Werner Reiser, Judy Montague, Dan & Sharon Fako, Allison Katsufrakis, Tim Holte, Don Nearhood, the Harker family, Bob Brown, and Larry Vachal.

Tammy Piscitelli

Finding Liturgy in Life and Life in Liturgy

An Oregon Synod Lay Education Course

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

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

Pandemic Protocols at St. Andrew

Vaccinations: In concert with St. Andrew’s commitment to Neighbor and Community Care, we expect all worship participants and all individuals coming into the building for a meeting or activity to be vaccinated if they are eligible to receive a COVID vaccine. Online worship options (on YouTube and via Zoom) continue to be available for everyone, regardless of vaccination status. Some meetings also continue to be held via Zoom.

Masks: In Oregon, masks are required for everyone over the age of 5 inside public spaces. 

Food & Drink: St. Andrew is not yet serving food or drink. Individuals are welcome to bring beverages with them, but to remove their masks only momentarily while drinking. Communal beverage service is not permitted during meetings and food is  not served. A pilot project allowing food in the Youth Room is strictly limited to that space and those individuals. 

Worship: Masks can be lifted briefly to receive communion, but otherwise are to be worn at all times. Worship leaders may remove their masks as appropriate and when physical distancing is possible. We ask worshipers to stay in their pews and greet others outside their family group with a wave, praying hands, or a peace sign when we “share the peace.” People are encouraged to share in communion at their individual comfort level, partaking of wine and bread, bread only, or asking for a blessing by folding their arms instead.

Girl Scout Cookie Sales

It’s cookie sale season for Girl Scouts and time to preorder boxes if you’d like to satisfy your sweet tooth. Here’s how it works. Preorders via the girls’ individual websites end on Sunday, January 23, so if you want to ensure you’re able to munch on your favorite cookies, order now. The Girl Scouts receive their cookies on February 12 and deliver preorders shortly thereafter.

As in past years, most Girl Scouts order extra boxes that can be sold on a firstcome, first-served basis. The plan is for those extra boxes to be available for purchase February 12 – March 9. But, if you wait, you may find that your favorite varieties are not available.

Two girls in the St. Andrew community are selling Girl Scout cookies this year. Click on the link to their online sales pages to order:

Josie: https://digitalcookie.girlscouts.org/scout/josie829920

Gloria: https://digitalcookie.girlscouts.org/scout/gloria35963

And thank you for supporting our St. Andrew youth.

Remembering Susan Palo Cherwien

Susan Palo Cherwien, acclaimed Lutheran hymnwriter and poet, passed away on
December 28, 2021 after a battle with brain cancer. On top of her talents in poetry
and prose, she was also a beloved friend of several members of the St. Andrew
community. She was the author of 16 hymns in the Lutheran hymnals we use, one
of which is this one, “Signs and Wonders” (ELW 672):

Signs and wonders lead the dancing
From the heart God frees from fear;
Wings of angels greet the maiden,
And God finds a dwelling here;
Boldly may we lift our hands,
Bow the head, and voice Amen;
Thus does glory shine at midnight:
Open hearts invite the starlight.

Hope and freedom join the circle:
Mary to the garden came,
Saw the radiance of the marvel,
Heard the Risen call her name;
Boldly may we heed Christ’s call,
Step beyond the garden wall:
Beautiful the feet proceeding
With good news of death’s defeating.

Cast aside all fear and hiding;
Hand in hand we dance the round.
God is with us, Christ, abiding,
And the Spirit’s gifts abound.
Called by God to holiness,
Let us boldly serve and bless,
And to hearts that sigh and hunger
May our lives dance signs and wonders.

Susan Palo Cherwien is survived by her husband David, their children and grandchildren, and many beloved friends and collaborators.

Allison Katsufrakis
Minister of Music & Media

Sunday’s Sermon

Children & Youth Minister Kyler Vogt is preaching this Sunday and will use the gospel story of Jesus turning water into wine as a starting point for his remarks. Expect his sermon to reveal a fresh perspective on a familiar reading.

Snug, Multi-layered Masks Work

Taken from the Oregon Health Authority’s Covid Blog

The best protection we have against COVID-19 continues to be vaccines plus booster shots. Early data from South Africa and the United Kingdom indicates a booster shot provides 75% effectiveness against infection with the Omicron variant.

But we can’t relax our behavior when it comes to masking. COVID-19 spreads when an infected person breathes out droplets and tiny particles that contain the virus. Other people can then inhale these droplets and particles. Because the Omicron variant spreads more easily than the Delta Variant, wearing a well-fitting mask is more important than ever to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Everyone should wear a mask indoors and in crowded outdoor settings to protect themselves and those around them. Wearing two masks, in fact, is even better. Start with a disposable surgical mask next to the face, followed by a cloth mask on top that fits snugly so that less breath (and particles) escapes. Do not wear two disposable masks. You can also consider a single high filtration efficiency mask designed for a tight fit to the face. These include N95, KN95, and KF94 respirators from trusted sources.

Dr. Ali Hamade, senior health advisor at the Oregon Health Authority, said, “To maximize mask efficiency, you need effective filtering material and a tight fit to the face. The better the combination of these two qualities, the fewer particles you release or inhale. Fewer virus particles in the air can result in a lower risk of transmission from an infected person.”

Hamade also noted the importance of good ventilation indoors to refresh the air. An air purifier (HEPA, preferred) can also help reduce the number of any virus-containing particles in indoor air when ventilation is not adequate.

Summary of Masking Tips

• Masks must be worn over the mouth and nose, which are both potential habitats for viruses.
• A cloth mask may be worn over a disposable mask. This adds a layer and improves the poor fit of disposable masks. Do not layer two disposable masks.
• A high-filtration efficiency mask with a tight fit to the face is another option. These include N95, KN95, and KF94 respirators. Be careful of counterfeit items among these products that might not have the desired filtration efficiency.
• Do not wear masks with ventilation valves. These ventilation valves allow particles and droplets to escape into the air.
• Choose a mask that fits snugly against your face and is secure under your chin. A mask that has gaps around your nose or along your cheeks allows air to freely leave or enter. Masks with nose wires can improve the fit and ensure most air and breath is being filtered through the mask.
• A cloth mask with multiple layers of washable, breathable, tightly woven fabric blocks more droplets than a cloth mask with only one layer of fabric. A study by the University of Illinois found the first layer reduces the speed of the droplets that escape, thereby allowing the second layer to trap and block most of the remaining droplets, as much as 94 percent total. Some masks have space for an additional layer of fabric to be inserted.

Preparing for next Sunday, January 23, 2021

Third Sunday after Epiphany

Old Testament Reading: Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10
Gospel: Luke 4:14-21

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

In Need of Prayers…

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

Family and friends of Keith Poppert	Peace and God’s comfort at his death	Claris & Corky Poppert
Family and friends of Nan Thompson	Peace and God’s comfort at her death	Nan’s family & Staff
Family and friends of Linda Heidinger (sister-in-law)	Peace and God’s comfort at her death	Judy Heidinger
Family and friends of Susan Palo Cherwien	Peace and God’s comfort at her death	Allison Katsufrakis
Lindsay Danahay (relative)	Comfort and healing	Jean Fredrickson
Barton Robison	Healing and recovery	Kyler Vogt
Glenda Claborne	Successful surgery and a swift recovery	Steve Claborne
Secelia Holte (sister)	Healing and recover from elbow surgery	Tim Holte
Leif Cahlander (nephew)	Healing and recovery from COVID	Sue Cahlander & Jan Smith
Lynn Valenter (daughter)	Healing and recovery from COVID	Hal & Jeannine Douglas
Aimee (granddaughter) and her family	Healing and recovery from COVID	Rick & Becky LeRoy
Paul Blouin	Healing and recovery from health issues	Sonja Ackman
Donna Faught	Strength and recovery after surgery	Gretchen Bancroft
Warren McAlpine	Healing and recovery	Donna McAlpine
Ethel Ritchey	Healing and recovery from hip surgery	Staff
Joyce Bianucci (sister)	Thanksgiving for successful surgery, as well as healing and recovery	Judy Scholz
Dan Bianucci	Strength and support	Judy Scholz
Erica (niece)	Strength and recovery	Kelly Wise
Dr. Cara Steinkeler	Strength as she supports dying COVID patients and their families	Gary & Gail Grafwallner
Those confined to their homes: Mareline Barnes, Dave Bumgardner, Jean Fredrickson, Tara Harper, Betty Horst, Dorothy Moore, Phyllis Morris, Ed Pacey, Helen Rogers, Dave & Sharon Roth, Margie Schindele	Assurance of God’s presence	Staff
Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon Holy Trinity Catholic Church	Blessings on their work	Staff
St. Peter Lutheran Church (Tillamook, OR) HoodlandLutheran Church (Brightwood, OR)	Serving with us in the Oregon Synod	Staff
Congregation Nevah Shalom (Portland, OR)	Blessings on our interfaith partners	Staff
Individual friends and loved ones in need of prayer	Whatever they most need; say their names in your heart or aloud	Everyone

Highlights for the Week

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

Sunday, January 16

8:30 am	Worship with Communion (masks required)	Sanctuary and YouTube
10:00 am	Children’s Ministry	Children’s Library
10:00 am	Confirmation (for grades 6-8)	Library and via Zoom
10:00 am	High School Youth Group	Youth Room
10:00 am	Adult Ed: Mental Illness in Our Midst: How Does It Look and How Can We Respond?	St. Andrew Room
10:00 am	Adult Ed: My Journey: What I’ve Learned Along the Way, and What Difference Does It Make	Fellowship Hall
10:30 am	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom
11:00 am	Worship with Communion (masks required)	Sanctuary and Zoom
12:00 pm	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom

Monday, January 17

6:00 pm

Scout Troop 618 Meeting

Fellowship Hall, St. Andrew Room

Tuesday, January 18

7:00 am	Men’s Gathering and Bible Study	Elmer’s Restaurant (1250 NW Waterhouse Ave)
7:00 am	Sunrise Women	Elmer’s Restaurant (1250 NW Waterhouse Ave)
10:00 am	Tai Chi	Fellowship Hall
10:00 am	Worship Planners Meeting	Library

Wednesday, January 19 – Weekly News submissions due by 4:00 pm

1:00 pm	Caring Ministry Meeting	via Zoom
7:00 pm	Scout Troop 618 Committee Meeting	St. Andrew Room

Thursday, January 20

12:00 pm	Team Ministry Meeting	Chapel/Library
7:00 pm	Council Meeting (also via Zoom)	St. Andrew Room

Friday, January 21

10:00 am

Tai Chi Fellowship Hall

Saturday, January 8

1:00 pm

Nan Thompson Memorial Service

Sanctuary

Sunday, January 23

8:30 am	Worship with Communion (masks required)	Sanctuary and YouTube
10:00 am	Children’s Ministry with Donna Brocker	Children’s Library
10:00 am	Confirmation (for grades 6-8)	Library and via Zoom
10:00 am	High School Youth Group	Youth Room
10:00 am	Adult Ed: Mental Illness in Our Midst: How Does It Look and How Can We Respond?	St. Andrew Room
10:00 am	Adult Ed: My Journey: What I’ve Learned Along the Way, and What Difference Does It Make	Fellowship Hall
10:30 am	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom
11:00 am	Worship with Communion (masks required)	Sanctuary and Zoom
12:00 pm	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom

Connecting to Worship