January 23, 2022
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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.
Adult Education Classes During Epiphany
Both classes begin at 10:00 am on Sunday mornings.
“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?
Janet Vorvick will present information about autism, borderline personality disorder, and schizophrenia in the Adult Education class on Sunday at 10:00 am in the St. Andrew Room. These mental illnesses are serious and not uncommon. 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.
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.
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.
2021 Giving Statements
As St. Andrew’s Financial Secretaries prepare to email giving statements the weekend of January 29, they ask that you review your information now so that any needed corrections can be made beforehand.
Please log into your Fellowship One account and scan your record for 2021. Here’s how:
- Go to www.standrewlutheran.com
- Click on “Give” in the navigation bar
- Click on the picture under “Ways to Give”
- Sign into your account with your email address and password
- Click “History” and then select “Year-2021”
- Review your giving record
If you see any errors, such as a donation being directed to an account other than you intended, please contact Tammy Piscitelli, one of St. Andrew’s volunteer Financial Secretaries, at tammychef15@gmail.com.
Once again this year, those needing printed statements mailed to them are asked to call the church office to make that request. Thank you!
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.
Anyone for Bridge?
A social bridge group from St. Pius Catholic Church has begun meeting weekly in Fellowship Hall and is looking for some substitutes from St. Andrew who can fill in when needed. This is a senior group that plays on Tuesdays from 12:30-4:00 pm. No partner is needed. If you’d like to play, please call Hilary at 503-526-0650 in advance and she’ll let you know when the opportunity to sub arises.
Service Committee Hosts DVRC Director
Rowie Taylor, executive director of Beaverton’s Domestic Violence Resource Center (DVRC), and Program Director Geeta Paul recently attended St. Andrew’s Service Committee meeting via Zoom to update the committee about the work their organization does in the community. As they spoke, it became clear that our St. Andrew financial support is indeed going to a worthy cause that reflects our core values, particularly Community Care.
The DVRC provides three main types of assistance to families of women (and some men) who are victims of domestic violence:
Housing: DVRC provides emergency shelter, then traditional housing up to one year, and rental subsidies up to two years. Monika’s House Shelter is Washington County’s only confidential domestic violence shelter and is one of only five shelters in Oregon with accommodations to shelter pets as well as people.
Counseling: DVRC provides licensed counselors and social workers for victims. COVID has necessitated that most of this is currently in the form of telehealth support.
Advocates: DVRC provides legal assistance and helps victims of domestic violence manage trauma, secure protective orders, and participate in video court.
All support that DVRC offers is confidential and without cost to their clients.
DVRC receives support from many varied sources, which enabled the organization to serve 2,028 survivors in 2021. Nearly 12,000 people received crisis services, including 3,335 safe nights in shelter.
St. Andrew is proud to provide regular support to the Domestic Violence Resource Center. If you need the organization’s assistance or know summon who does, call DVRC’s 24-hour hotline at 503-469-8620. If you’d like to support the agency yourself, find out how you can help at https://www.dvrc-or.org/donate/.
Jeannine Douglas
Service Committee
The Lord Watches Over the Foreigner (Psalm 146:9)
Dear Friends,
Thank you for your generous gift of $500 to Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS). Because of your support, we can continue to provide much needed help to refugee and immigrant families both as they arrive and during the time it takes to build a new life. Thanks to you, children who were separated from their parents have been reunited with their loved ones and given the resources and connections needed to recover from trauma. You’re also helping us advocate with a firm resolve for ending shameful policies that tear families apart and prevent newcomers from finding refuge here.
You have shared a vitally needed voice of hope in a world too often filled with violence, a nation too often filled with hate.
Since LIRS began, congregations like yours have helped more than 500,000 migrant and refugee men, women, and children rebuild their lives in welcoming communities across the country.
By helping LIRS welcome the stranger, you are sending a powerful message of hope conquering fear and making a life-changing difference for people restarting their lives. I am eternally grateful for your congregation’s compassion and I know the families you help extend their gratitude, too.
Together in faith,
Krish O’Mara Vignarajah
President and CEO
Preparing for next Sunday, January 30, 2022
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
First Reading: Jeremiah 1:4-10
Psalm 71:1-6
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Gospel: Luke 4:21-30
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 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 |
| Shari Entrikin | Comfort and healing | Jerry Entrikin |
| Suzanne Warnes | Comfort and healing | Suzanne Warnes |
| Armando Sanchez | Comfort and healing | Eric Luttrell |
| Lindsay Danahay (relative) | Comfort and healing | Jean Fredrickson |
| Madeleine (granddaughter) | Strength and healing | Mary Smith |
| Barton Robison | Healing and recovery | Kyler Vogt |
| Glenda Claborne | Healing and a swift recovery | Steve Claborne |
| David Harker (grandson) | Healing and recovery from COVID | Carol Harker |
| Leif Cahlander (nephew) | Healing and recovery from COVID | Sue Cahlander & Jan Smith |
| Students, teachers, and school staffs | Strength and support | Staff |
| Those facing ongoing illness or distress: Tandy Brooks, Dave Bumgardner, Vic Claar, Gary Grafwallner, Ian MacDonald, Gary Magnuson, Hugh Mason, Brian McKiernan, Carol Means, Ed Pacey, Corky Poppert, Jolie Reyna, Shane Throckmorton, Gary Tubbs |
Assurance of God’s presence | Staff |
| Bishop Elizabeth Eaton | Wisdom and discernment | Staff |
| Evangelical Lutheran Church in America | Blessings on our ministry | Staff |
| Taiwan Lutheran Church | Strength and wisdom | Staff |
| Trinity Lutheran Church (Gresham, OR) Our Redeemer Lutheran Church (Hood River, OR) |
Serving with us in the Oregon Synod | Staff |
| Bethany Musallah (Portland, OR) |
Blessings on our interfaith partners | Staff |
| Individual friends and loved ones in need of prayer | Whatever they most need; say their names in your heart or aloud | Everyone |
If you know anyone who needs a Eucharistic minister or who would benefit from a monthly visit or phone call, please contact India Jensen Kerr at india@standrewlutheran.com or 503-860-5377.
Highlights for the Week
Go to the complete online church calendar for the most up-to-date information.
Sunday, January 23
| 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 24
| 6:00 pm | Scout Troop 618 Meeting | Fellowship Hall, St. Andrew Room |
| 7:00 pm | Eucharistic Ministries Meeting | via Zoom |
Tuesday, January 25
| 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 |
| 12:15 pm | Community Carbon Leadership Meeting | Library and via Zoom |
| 6:30 pm | Girl Scout Leadership Team | St. Andrew Room |
Wednesday, January 26– Weekly News submissions due by 4:00 pm
Thursday, January 27
| 12:00 pm | Team Ministry Meeting | Chapel/Library |
| 7:00 pm | IT Meeting | offsite |
| 7:00 pm | Table Talk | via Zoom |
Friday, January 28
| 10:00 am | Tai Chi Fellowship Hall |
Saturday, January 29
| 9:00 am | Nifty Notters | Fellowship Hall |
Sunday, January 30
| 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 |