October 10, 2021

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Fall Adult Education Classes

Faith in Finance: Making Giving More Meaningful

This Sunday, October 10, at 10:00 am in Fellowship Hall, the discussion will center around the “when” of giving. The focus will not be on giving on Sundays, but the “when” of giving from a congregational, synod, and personal perspective. Do we give when we are joyful, refreshed humble, thankful?

Road Trip! The Missionary Journeys of Paul

Paul’s Third Mission Journey is a four-year jaunt, wherein he continues to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ and to strengthen the churches he’d planted earlier. He spends more than two years in Ephesus, where his message is so popular that he ends up angering the silversmiths who make a living creating idols to the goddess Artemis. A riot ensues and Paul leaves town to take his message elsewhere. While traveling, Paul is also writing letters to Christians in Thessaloniki and Corinth. He may also have written the letter we know as the Book of Romans during this journey.

Join Steve Christiansen via Zoom at 10:00 am on Sunday to learn more about Paul’s preaching and the work he did to encourage and extend the Christian Church on his third journey.

Wednesday Evening Prayer

All are welcome this Wednesday, October 13, when midweek evening prayer services continue via Zoom. Informal gathering time begins at 6:45 pm, with the devotion at 7:00 pm. Centering Prayer follows at 7:30 pm for those who would like to participate in this receptive method of silent prayer.

Wanted: Zoom Hosts

Are you a Zoom master? Can you spare an hour of your time once a month and host the Zoom meeting for St. Andrew’s education hour on Sunday morning?

The job is pretty simple: Log into the Zoom meeting room and send everyone to the appropriate Breakout Room for the class requested. Then send attendance numbers to Carol Harker after classes end.

Volunteering as a Zoom host is a great way to reconnect with people in our community and it would be a very big help on Sunday mornings. To volunteer, please email Allison Katsufrakis at allisonk@standrewlutheran.com.

Men’s Book Club

Members of the Men’s Book Club will meet Monday, October 11, at 7:00 pm at the home of Dan Fako to discuss This Tender Land: A Novel, by William Kent Krueger. Described “as big-hearted as they come,” the novel tells the unforgettable story of four orphans in the summer of 1932 who band together to flee the Lincoln Indian Training School in Minnesota to make their way south to relatives in St. Louis, where they hope to find a better life. On their odyssey into the unknown, they encounter others who are adrift and experience a variety of adventures. Somewhat reminiscent of Huckleberry Finn, This Tender Land shows how the American landscape connects us.

For more information about the Men’s Book Club, contact Gary Grafwallner or Tim Holte. The group reads novels, biographies, poetry, politics, spiritual books, science fiction, and more. Participants rotate hosting and selecting books to discuss. The Men’s Book Club meets monthly on the second Monday.

Spirituality Book Group

The Spirituality Book Group will meet on Sunday, October 17, at 3:00 pm via Zoom. A Zoom link will be sent out to all book group members a few days before the meeting. If you would like to attend, but are not already on the Spirituality Book Group email list, please contact Mary Smith at dbits1@gmail.com.

On October 17, Kristin Sacks will lead our discussion of Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents, by Isabel Wilkerson.
This outstanding book is more than a book on racism, more than history, more than social commentary, more than a lamentation. Although it is all of those things. The NY Times book review from July 2020 put it this way: “It’s an extraordinary document, one that strikes me as an instant American classic and almost certainly the keynote nonfiction book of the American century thus far. It made the back of my neck prickle from its first pages, and that feeling never went away.”

Future Reading:

November 21
The Four Winds, by Kristin Hannah
Discussion Leader: Sharon Fako

December 19
On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous, by Ocean Vuong
Discussion Leader: Elaine May

January 23
The Vanishing Half, by Britt Bennett
Discussion Leader: Mary Smith

February 20
Nomadland, by Jessica Bruder
Discussion Leader: Carol Horton

March (TBA)
West with Giraffes, by Linda Rutledge
Discussion Leader: Susan Werner Reiser

BottleDrop Fundraiser

Over the past several months, St. Andrew has raised more than $800 for youth programs…just by cashing in our cans! These funds will go toward youth events over this next year, especially the National Youth Gathering coming up next summer. To join in, you can find BottleDrop bags on the shelves in Fellowship Hall. Fill them with recyclable cans/bottles, and then drop them through the outdoor hatch at any BottleDrop Center. Thanks to everyone who is
taking part in this awesome fundraiser!

Financial Review Team

Two volunteers are needed for St. Andrew’s Financial Review Team and, if you have accounting or bookkeeping experience, that is helpful. I am the third team member.

The time commitment is only a few hours annually, when the Financial Review Team does a review of St. Andrew’s finances.

Currently St. Andrew is working with Portland’s St. Luke Lutheran Church to review each other’s finances. A St. Luke team will review our finances and our team will review theirs.

If you’re interested in volunteering, please contact me [larrybliesner@comcast.net].

Larry Bliesner

Christmas Greenery Orders

Believe it or not, it’s not too early to begin thinking about decorating for Christmas. Scout Troops 618 and 5618 are once again selling wreaths, centerpieces, garlands, swags, and plants. Orders are due to Amy Harker (email mimiweasel@gmail.com) by Sunday, October 24, and will be delivered the weekend of November 20 and 21.

Please check the product flyer and price list on the communications table in the Narthex for details regarding the items available, or email Amy and she’ll send you that information electronically. Prepayment is not required and can be handled at delivery.

Special Topic Announced

What is the “Doctrine of Discovery” and how did it shape our country? Plan to join the Reckoning with Racism cohort on Sunday, October 31, at 10:00 am during a Sunday morning Adult Education special topic hour. We’ll take an enlightening look into this 15th century doctrine and explore its impact, especially on Native Americans. Details on how to participate will be forthcoming.

Table Talk: What is Patriotism?

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 Tuesday, October 26, 7:00-8:00 pm.

In March 1941, German Lutheran Pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer traveled to Switzerland on behalf of the conspiracy against Adolf Hitler. His role was to communicate with the Allies through ecumenical church leaders. At an evening gathering
one ecumenical leader asked him, “What do you pray for in the current situation?” He responded, “Since you ask me, I must say that I pray for the defeat of my country, for I believe that this is the only way in which it can pay for the suffering which it has caused the world.” In April 1945 Bonhoeffer was executed by the Nazis for committing treason. But one could make a case that he was a true patriot fighting for the well-being of his nation.

In this Table Talk we will discuss what constitutes true patriotism in a time such as ours. Prior to our conversation, you are encouraged to read David Brooks’ New York Times editorial “How to Love America: Patriotism in a Time of Division”
(https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/04/opinion/america-patriotism.html).

A Hope for All Update

St. Andrew has just passed another milestone in the Hope For All Campaign. As of October 1, 2021, we now owe about $691,630 on the mortgage. A little more than a year ago that balance was just over $1,000,000.

The Financial team continues to make sound financial decisions in paying down the mortgage expeditiously, while keeping an adequate reserve for any unforeseen shortfalls. Now for every $1.00 contributed, about $.82 is applied to the principal on the loan. As the mortgage continues to be paid down, the percentage going to pay off principal will increase.

I want to thank everyone for your continued generosity and will continue to update you as we pass each $100,000 milestone. Our goal is to pay off the mortgage as soon as possible. Thank you.

Ken Reiner

Earth Camp 2022: Save the Dates

Dates have been set for next summer’s Earth Camp for grade school children. Mark your calendars now to save the week of Monday, June 27-Friday, July 1, 2022. The full-day program (9:00 am-3:00 pm) helps youngsters cultivate a deep love for our Earth home, learn about climate challenges, and discover several things they can do to protect God’s creation. The theme for 2022 is “All Things Bright and Beautiful.”

Preparing for Next Sunday, October 17, 2021

Reading: Isaiah 53:4-12
Gospel: Mark 10:35-45

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

Bonhoeffer, The Church, and the Climate Question

Pacific Lutheran University invites the public to attend its 16th Annual David & Marilyn Knutson Lecture at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, November 2, via Zoom. This year’s speaker is James B. Martin-Schramm, professor emeritus of religion at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa.

The lecture will begin with Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s provocative 1933 essay on “The Church and the Jewish Question” and draw parallels to climate change. Where virulent anti-Semitism was the most important issue facing the church in Bonhoeffer’s day, Martin-Schramm argues Bonhoeffer would have grave concerns about the impacts of climate change on present and future generations. Martin-Schramm explains how Martin Luther’s doctrine of the two kingdoms
shaped Bonhoeffer’s critique of the church and state in his day regarding “the Jewish Question” and ponders how Bonhoeffer might challenge the feeble responses of both the state and the church to the climate crisis. The lecture explores tensions between patriotism and resistance and considers how God is at work in the world today among all who are striving for climate justice.

For detailed information and to register for the free event, go to http://plu.edu/religion/knutson-lecture.

Aging with Grace

Coronavirus…wildfires…political uncertainty…social unrest…. This is a crazy and stressful time for all of us. What does current research reveal about how these stresses are impacting seniors? What do we know about effective coping strategies? How do we use what we’ve learned to move to a “new normal”?

Viva Village invites the public to join psychologist Meghan Marty and gerontologist Carolyn Aldwin for an online presentation and discussion on Saturday, October 30, 2021, from 1:00-4:00 pm via Zoom.

Register at vivavillage.org or call 503-746-5082. Viva Village members and volunteers may participate at no cost. The public participation fee is $10.

Thank You for Supporting Our Ministry

St. Andrew is able to do God’s work because of your generous gifts supporting our ministries. Thank you!

To learn more about the many ways you can give (by mail, text, church app, online, etc.), please go to www.standrewlutheran.com/giving.

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.

Kay (mother)	Comfort, peace and God’s love as death nears	Linda Olshausen
Corine Walker (mother-in-law)	Comfort and peace in hospice care	LuAnn Staul
Melissa and Noah Stone (daughter and grandson)	Support and God’s comfort	Julie Hoffmaster
Linda Fransen	Effective treatment and healing	Ed Fransen
Richard Walker	Comfort & healing from COVID-19	LuAnn Staul
Susan Jacobi, Dr. Cara Steinkeler, Lee Anne Knapp, and all healthcare workers	Endurance, strength, and safety in working with COVID patients	Staff
Maverick Dixon (unborn nephew)	Complete healing in the womb	AJ & Rebecca Uecker
Barton Robison & Jason Wing	Blessings on their married life together	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
Church of Living Waters (Burns, OR) Peace Lutheran Church (Burns, OR)	Serving with us in the Oregon Synod	Staff
Al-Furqan Islamic Center (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, October 10

8:30 am	Worship with Communion (masks required) Livestream Worship with Communion	Sanctuary YouTube
10:00 am	Children’s Ministry with Donna Brocker	Children’s Library
10:00 am	Confirmation	Library and via Zoom
10:00 am	High School Youth Group	Youth Room
10:00 am	Adult Ed: Road Trip: Paul’s Missionary Journeys	via Zoom
10:00 am	Adult Ed: Faith and Finance: Making Giving More Meaningful	Fellowship Hall
10:30 am	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom
11:00 am	Worship with Communion (masks required) Zoom Worship with Communion	Sanctuary Zoom
12:00 pm	Virtual Coffee Time	Zoom

Monday, October 11

6:00 pm	Scout Troop 618 Meeting	East Parking Lot
7:00 pm	Men’s Book Club	Zoom

Tuesday, October 12

7:00 am	Sunrise Women	Elmer’s Restaurant on 158th (1250 Waterhouse Ave)
7:00 am	Men’s Gathering & Bible Study	Elmer’s Restaurant on 158th (1250 Waterhouse Ave)
9:00 am	Facility Management Team Meeting	St. Andrew Room
10:00 am	T’ai Chi	Fellowship Hall
1:00 pm	Lydia Circle	St. Andrew Room
1:30 pm	Service Committee	Zoom
6:00 pm	Girl Scouts Adult Meeting	Fellowship Hall
6:00 pm	HR Meeting	Zoom
7:00 pm	Finance Team Meeting	Zoom

Wednesday, October 13– Weekly News submissions due by 4:00 pm

7:00 am	Bell Tree Practice	Sanctuary
10:00 am	Yoga Class	Fellowship Hall
6:00 pm	Bells of Grace Rehearsal	Sanctuary
6:45 pm	Informal Gathering Time	Zoom
7:00 pm	Wednesday Evening Prayer	Zoom
7:30 pm	Centering Prayer	Zoom

Thursday, October 14

9:30 am	Seekers of the Heart of God Bible Study	St. Andrew Room
12:00 pm	Team Ministry Meeting	Chapel, Library

Friday, October 15

10:00 am

T’ai Chi

Fellowship Hall

Saturday, October 16

9:00 am

Nifty Notters