January 30, 2022

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Horizon Team Established

What do members of our faith community envision for the future of St. Andrew? How might we evolve to support our core values? Should we be thinking about possible changes to our traditional worship patterns, norms that have already been altered by the pandemic? What possibilities might we consider to ensure our community remains vibrant and engaged in our neighborhood and the world beyond? How can we live into God’s plan for all of creation?

The Congregational Council has established a Horizon Team to be guided by Terry Moe, longtime pastor, community organizer, and author of The Bush Still Burns: How Spirituality and Organizing Transformed a Pastor and Congregation. From the congregation, Scott Anderson, Larry Bliesner, Pat Christiansen, Bobbie Larson, Barton Robison, and LuAnn Staul will form the initial corps of the Horizon Team. Next month, they will begin outlining a plan to gather information from a wide variety of individuals and groups that are invested in St. Andrew’s future.

What do you hope to see down the road, maybe in three to five years? Start envisioning what could be. Over the next several months, the Horizon Team will be listening to many, many people as they gather ideas for a report and recommendations to the Congregational Council. Stay tuned for emerging details.

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.

2021 Giving Statement Update

We’ve recently discovered that the giving history in Fellowship One is not working properly for everyone at this time. Please disregard last week’s instruction for your giving review.

Comprehensive 2021 statements that include both online and cash/check contributions will be emailed to those with active email addresses beginning the weekend of January 29.

Once again this year, those needing printed statements mailed to them are asked to call the church office to make that request.

Please contact me (tammychef15@gmail.com) only if you see errors in the statement you receive.

Thank you for your patience while we navigate giving statement distribution in the first year since the update to our database software last spring.

Tammy Piscitelli
on behalf of the Financial Secretaries

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. Questions about how our worship and programs can help those with mental health challenges will also be considered.

All Creation Sings

Last summer, we introduced a new hymnal supplement from Augsburg, All Creation Sings. The hymnal focuses on our relationship with the rest of God’s creation, both our fellow human beings and the plants and animals with whom we share the planet. With two new liturgy settings and more than 200 new hymns, All Creation Sings has been a wonderful resource and the congregation has really enjoyed exploring its offerings.

Until now, St. Andrew only had a handful of copies of the hymnal that were used by worship planners and the choir, but we are hoping to soon secure enough copies to have one in every pew in the Sanctuary!

If you’d like to have your own copy for home use, it’s a bargain at only $14.50. You can also purchase versions with keyboard accompaniment or guitar chords, or even an e-book version for use with your tablet or laptop. Go to https://www.augsburgfortress.org/store/category/286070/Hymnals-and-Songbooks to order a copy if you’re interested.

Allison Katsufrakis
Minister of Music & Media

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 Tuesday evenings on Zoom from 6:30-8:00 pm (Pacific Time): 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.

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

Community Warehouse Annual Donation Drive Cancelled

The Service Committee is disappointed to report that the Community Warehouse will not be able to support our annual donation drive. The Community Warehouse collected quality, gently used and new household goods and furniture for neighbors in need. Although the organization doesn’t currently have sufficient staff to pick up donations, it is still accepting donations at its Tualatin site at 8380 SW Nyberg Rd, Tualatin, OR 97062, from 10:00 am-4:00 pm Monday through Friday.

The Community Warehouse needs kitchen wares, pots and pans, small appliances, linens, and small furniture items. To learn more about the good work being done by the Community Warehouse, check out their website: https://www.communitywarehouse.org/.

Bible Study Resumes

Seekers of the Heart of God Bible Study resumes next Thursday, February 3, at 9:30 am in the St. Andrew Room. The lesson will come from Crossway’s Knowing the Bible Series, Week 5. If you have questions or would like to know more, please contact Ed Fransen. All are welcome!

New Nonfiction

Recent nonfiction titles added to the Adult Library bookshelves include:
Opening the Gospel of John, Philip Comfort / Wendell Hawley
Greed, James Childs
Jesus’ Plan for a New World, Richard Rohr
Revelation Unveiled, Tim LaHaye
Giving to God, Mark Allan Powell
Love in a Time of Fear, Cassie J.E.H. Trentaz
Simply Sane, Gerald May, MD
After the Locusts: Letters from a Landscape of Faith, Denise Ackermann /Desmond Tutu

Preparing for next Sunday, February 6, 2022

Fifth Sunday after Epiphany

Reading: Isaiah 6:1-8
Gospel: Luke 5:1-11

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 Rob Shenk (cousin)Peace and God’s comfort at his deathFrancine Cach
Family and friends of DC WilliamsPeace and God’s comfort at his deathAllison Katsufrakis
Raya (six-month-old great-grandniece)Successful heart surgery (Feb. 3) and recoveryGinny Link
Pam Renick (Phyllis Morris’s daughter)Comfort and supportIndia Jensen Kerr
Shari EntrikinComfort and healingJerry Entrikin
Suzanne WarnesComfort and healingSuzanne Warnes
Armando SanchezComfort and healingEric Luttrell
Madeleine (granddaughter)Strength and healingMary Smith
Julie HoffmasterHealing and recoveryJulie Hoffmaster
David, Sam, and Amy HarkerHealing and recovery from COVIDCarol Harker
The Horizon teamBlessings on their workStaff
Students, teachers, and school staffsStrength and supportStaff
Spirit of Grace Lutheran Church (Beaverton, OR)
Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church (Beaverton, OR)
Serving with us in the Oregon SynodStaff
Congregation Kesser Israel
(Portland, OR)
Blessings on our interfaith partnersStaff
Individual friends and loved ones in need of prayerWhatever they most need; say their names in your heart or aloudEveryone

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 30

8:30 amWorship with Communion (masks required)Sanctuary and YouTube
10:00 amChildren’s Ministry with Donna BrockerChildren’s Library
10:00 amConfirmation (for grades 6-8)Library and via Zoom
10:00 amHigh School Youth GroupYouth Room
10:00 amAdult Ed: Mental Illness in Our Midst: How Does It Look and
How Can We Respond?
St. Andrew Room
10:00 amAdult Ed: My Journey: What I’ve Learned Along the Way, and
What Difference Does It Make
Fellowship Hall
10:30 amVirtual Coffee TimeZoom
11:00 amWorship with Communion (masks required)Sanctuary and Zoom
12:00 pmVirtual Coffee TimeZoom

Monday, January 31

10:00 amMeals on Wheels/Loaves and FishesOffsite
6:00 pmScout Troop 618 Meeting Fellowship Hall, St. Andrew Room

Tuesday, February 1

7:00 am Men’s Gathering and Bible Study Elmer’s Restaurant (1250 NW Waterhouse Ave)
7:00 amSunrise Women Elmer’s Restaurant (1250 NW Waterhouse Ave)
10:00 amTai ChiFellowship Hall
7:00 pmMACG MeetingSt. Andrew Room

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

12:30 pmBonhoeffer Seminarvia Zoom
2:30 pmCommunications Team Meeting via Zoom
6:00 pmBells of Grace RehearsalSanctuary
7:30 pmSanctuary Choir RehearsalSanctuary

Thursday, February 3

9:30 amSeekers of the Heart of GodSt. Andrew Room
12:00 pmTeam Ministry Meeting Chapel/Library
7:00 pmExecutive Council Committee MeetingSt. Andrew Room and via Zoom

Friday, February 4

10:00 am Tai Chi Fellowship Hall

Saturday, February 5

9:00 amNifty Notters Fellowship Hall

Sunday, February 6

8:30 amWorship with Communion (masks required)Sanctuary and YouTube
10:00 amChildren’s Ministry with Donna BrockerChildren’s Library
10:00 amConfirmation (for grades 6-8)Library and via Zoom
10:00 amHigh School Youth GroupYouth Room
10:00 amAdult Ed: Mental Illness in Our Midst: How Does It Look and How Can We Respond?St. Andrew Room
10:00 amAdult Ed: My Journey: What I’ve Learned Along the Way, and What Difference Does It MakeFellowship Hall
10:30 amVirtual Coffee TimeZoom
11:00 amWorship with Communion (masks required)Sanctuary and Zoom
12:00 pmVirtual Coffee TimeZoom

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.