September 12, 2021
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Protecting Our Youth
In preparing to resume fall programming at St. Andrew, the Reopening Team has recommended to the Executive Committee that all staff and volunteers working with youth be required to be fully vaccinated. Members of the Executive Committee unanimously endorsed the recommendation and drafted the following statement for the Congregational Council to consider at its September meeting:
All employees and volunteers supporting the church or using church facilities who specifically work with youth, including organizations such as Scouts and Bee Bops Kids who use St. Andrew facilities, are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The only exceptions are for documented advice by a personal physician, or elevated risk because of anaphylactic shock caused by a previous dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
If approved by Council, the vaccination requirement would be effective October 18, thus conforming to the state mandate for teachers in Oregon.
September Drive for Western Farm Workers
During the month of September, the Service Committee will collect food and clothing items for the Western Farm Workers. Please donate new or gently used clean coats, sweaters, rain pants, and work boots in all sizes for adults and children. The WFW also has an urgent need for food items this year: pinto beans, white rice, peanut butter and jelly, cooking oil, and canned tuna. Please place items in or near the collection barrel in the Narthex. Thank you.
The Service Committee
Thomas Keesecker in Concert Live & Livestream
St. Andrew Lutheran Church
Saturday, September 25, 2021
7:00 PM | Sanctuary | Freewill offering
Thomas Keesecker will perform music from his best-selling “Quiet Series” piano collections in an hour-long program of piano music, congregational song, and poetry. Tom is a well-known Lutheran church musician and composer whose informal folksy programs have been compared to a show featuring Garrison Keillor and George Winston. A Lutheran pastor described Tom’s piano style as a blend of Paul Manz and Thelonious Monk! People have been touched by his arrangements of Beautiful Savior, Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring, There is a Balm in Gilead, and his Celtic and Jazz influenced stylings of other well-known hymns.
CDs of his music will be available for purchase at the performance.
11:00 am Worship Returns to the Sanctuary
On Sunday, September 12, the 11 o’clock service moves from the Sanctuary of the Firs inside to the Sanctuary itself. This is also the Sunday that we welcome Pastor Mark back to the pulpit following his productive and invigorating sabbatical.
Remember that all online worship options at St. Andrew remain available. If you feel apprehensive about gathering to worship together, simply connect to worship via YouTube or Zoom. You’ll find links in the email accompanying this newsletter.
Christian Education Begins September 19
Education classes are set to resume between services next Sunday, September 19, with a few twists.
Concierge Treatment for Kids; ”The Roots” Postponed
After listening to our families with children too young to be vaccinated against COVID-19, we have decided to postpone the launch of our new Sunday morning children’s program, “The Roots.” We’re still excited about this program and believe it can be the future of our Sunday morning children’s programming, but we’ll start “The Roots” once we can do so safely and our families with children are comfortable to attend. Thank you to everyone who has volunteered for this program already.
In the meantime, to begin the year Donna Brocker will be hosting individualized time with children whose families are comfortable attending. Youngsters ages 3-grade 5 will gather at 10:00 am in the Children’s Library on September 19 for some special time.
Confirmation
Confirmation for youth in grades 6-8 will begin in the Adult Library at 10:00 am the same Sunday, with a Zoom option for those preferring to participate remotely.
High School Youth Group: The Dichotomy of God and Science
We’re looking forward to kicking off another year of High School Youth Group at 10:00 am in the Youth Room on September 19. This year, we’ll begin by discussing the centuries-old (but ever-present) false dichotomy of God and science, leading us to redefine what we’re talking about when we talk about God and opening us up to see the divine at work in real, meaningful ways in our everyday lives.
Adult Education
Two classes will be offered during the five-week Adult Education term that begins Sunday, September 19, at 10:00 am. Steve Christian will teach his class, “Road Trip: The Missionary Journeys of Paul,” via Zoom, while Andy Roberts and Dwight Jerde invite people to join them in Fellowship Hall for “Faith in Finance: Making Giving More Meaningful.”
Pick up an Adult Education brochure at church or see the website for more details on St. Andrew’s classes and other opportunities for faith formation throughout the year.
I Am My Story
This year, The Immigrant Story plans to go live with four musicians and four stories of survival on one unforgettable
night, Saturday, September 11, at 7:00 pm. The event will be held at the Alex L. Parks Performing Arts Center, 9000 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Hwy.
With storytellers from Burundi, Rwanda, Cambodia, and Syria, the program focuses on first-person tales of courage and fortitude. These stories of resilience in the face of unimaginable atrocities of war and genocide offer hope and inspiration at a time when we need them most.
The program will begin with a performance by renowned viola player Dijana Ihas, a professor at Pacific University who survived the war in Bosnia and was a member of the Sarajevo String Quartet, which played more than 200 concerts during the Siege of Sarajevo. She will be joined by three musicians from the Oregon Symphony.
MACG Leadership Training
You have heard the name “MACG” from time to time at St. Andrew. Perhaps you are wondering what this organization is all about. You are invited to attend a FREE leadership training institute in September. Come and see.
- Come to learn fundamental organizing skills: Individual relational meetings, listening sessions, research and action to help obtain a concrete, winnable outcome.
- Come to strengthen our St. Andrew community. We strive to engage people within a culture that is relational, action-oriented, and reflective.
- Come to learn to distinguish problems from issues. We can help work for common good by moving from general problems to concrete, winnable issues by using relationships we have made with decision-makers in the public arena.
This training will be held from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturday, September 18, and Saturday, September 25. The sessions will be held over Zoom, so you may join us from the comfort of your home.
Many St. Andrew members have taken this training (often more than once), and all have reported taking away important skills that strengthen our St. Andrew community as well as skills that are useful in their lives outside of St. Andrew.
To register, go to https://www.macg.org/sept_2021_leadership or visit the MACG webpage (www.macg.org) and scroll down to find the link to register.
Questions? Please contact any member of the St. Andrew MACG Core Team: Pat Christiansen, Larry Bliesner, Lynn Santelmann, Scott Taylor, Victoria Kovalenko, Bob Stadel, or Jan Smith.
Introductory Centering Prayer Workshop
Anyone interested in learning more about Centering Prayer? There will be a Zoom Introductory Centering Prayer Workshop on Saturday September 11, from 9:30 am-1:00 pm. This workshop is presented jointly by the Franciscan Spiritual Center and Contemplative Outreach of Oregon. The instructors are experienced in the Centering Prayer method developed by Trappist monk Father Thomas Keating 1981. This is the method Mary Smith and Ginny Link have followed in our Zoom Centering Prayer time on Wednesday evenings after the mid-week evening service.
Centering Prayer is described as “a receptive method of silent prayer”…“in which we experience God’s presence within us; closer than breathing, closer than thinking, closer than consciousness itself. This method of prayer is both a relationship with God and a discipline to foster that relationship.”
Cost for the workshop is $35. For more information about how to register for this workshop as well as Zoom follow-ups scheduled for September 18, 25, and October 4 and 11, go to: www.contemplativeoutreachportland.com/
Nifty Notters
The Nifty Notters will meet Saturday, September 18, from 9:00 am-2:30 pm in Fellowship Hall. Join us for all or part of the time to work on baby quilts and larger quilts for Lutheran World Relief. We’re trying to finish as many LWR quilts as possible so they’re ready to go at the October Ingathering. No experience is needed and all supplies are provided.
Please note that, at this time, we are not eating together inside the church, but we do recommend that you bring a snack or lunch. We’ll take a break to enjoy some fellowship time at tables outside.
Bells of Grace
The Bells of Grace will resume rehearsals on Wednesday, September 15, at 6:00 pm in the Sanctuary. We will be masked during rehearsals to keep everyone safe. Please contact Deacon Susan Reiser if you are a returning ringer or want to join the choir. She is available between services to answer your questions.
What’s Up with Choir?
Minister of Music & Media Allison Katsufrakis announced to choir members last week, that given rising numbers of COVID infections, choir practice will not resume in September as it usually does. Instead, she hopes to begin rehearsals in October, with an eye toward the choir singing for Reformation Sunday (October 31) and the Advent/Christmas season. Meanwhile, special singing masks have been ordered.
Please, everyone, get vaccinated, wear a mask, wash your hands , maintain physical distancing, and pray that by working together we can squelch the virus so no more waves of infection threaten our healthcare system and the valiant people it employs.
Native Wildflower Garden
St. Andrew’s Earth Care team is developing a new garden bed this fall in our Reformation Earth Garden next to the back patio. In the fall of 2020, we planted five native trees in the garden and this past spring we planted a number of native shrubs. With one exception, these woody plants are doing well.
We’re now working on a native wildflower garden just beyond the Reformation Cedar. Currently this wildflower garden is a large semi-circle of prepared soil surrounded by a low red brick border. Next week, we’ll begin planting 14 native flowering perennials and seeding six native flower annuals in this part of the garden. If you’re interested in our plant choices, email Eric Luttrell (luttreem722@gmail.com) and he will send you two plant lists that may be helpful in planning your own wildflower garden.
Synod Day of Learning
The Oregon Synod staff invite all of us to participate in the second annual Synod Day of Learning on Saturday, September 25, from 9:15 am-3:45 pm. The rise of the Delta variant will not stop us—workshops and the keynote address will all be offered via Zoom.
Conversations and workshops will follow the theme of “Faithful in the Fray.” This fall we will look at faithfulness as it applies to faith and racism, and we are delighted to share that local leader and author Pastor Lenny Duncan has agreed to be our keynoter. Workshops will be both morning and afternoon, with these morning options recently announced:
Morning Option 1: Discomfort as a Crucial Space for an Anti-racist Reading of Biblical Texts
In this workshop with Rev. Carmenmargarita Sanchez De Leon, we will take a panoramic look at how biblical texts have been used to justify racism and at the same time we will be invited to embrace discomfort as a learning space to delve into systemic racism and reach an anti-racist and feminist reading of biblical texts.
Morning Option 2: Facing the Climate Crisis and Holding Hope in Communion with our Ancestors
Led by Cherice Bock and Juan Carlos La Puente, we will explore in this session how our efforts toward climate justice and reckoning with racism are connected to our own intergenerational liberation and healing. We’ll expand our awareness of our bodies as sacred living memories that connect us to the earth and to each other.
Morning Option 3: Hidden Stories, Our Stories
How can we unearth the effects of racism and systemic injustices in our own stories? We’ll take time to explore our personal narrative and powerful tools for sharing those narratives, making room for the hidden stories we need to hear from one another. Led by Jordan Beck and Rev. Ron Werner, Jr.
The entire day’s event is only $50 per screen for adults over 21. Under 21 is free. Scholarships are available by contacting the Bishop’s Office at office@oregonsynod.org. Registration closes on September 20 at 9:00 pm.
Preparing for Sunday, September 19, 2021
Reading: Jeremiah 11:18-20
Gospel: Mark 9:30-37
Go to the “Preparing for Worship” webpage for the bulletins, the complete Lectionary, and more.
Deadlines to Note
Monday, October 4
Organ lesson scholarship applications due. For more information and to apply, please go to https://standrewlutheran.com/give/st-andrew-foundation/.
Now – Mid-November
This fall, make room on your bookshelves and help the St. Andrew Libraries at the same time by pruning your collection. Drop off your donations in the Adult Library. A Used Book Sale to fund purchases of new books is scheduled for Sunday, November 28.
A Note about Yoga
Our yoga teachers are traveling in September. Wednesday morning classes for both floor and chair yoga will resume October 13 at 10:00 am in Fellowship Hall.
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 Don Brown (brother) | Peace and God’s comfort at his death | Bob & Mary Brown |
| Family and friends of Kathie Karl (Doug’s sister) | Peace and God’s comfort at her death | Doug & Jan Morrell |
| Family and friends of Lois Brass (longtime member) | Peace and God’s comfort at her death | Camille Jackson |
| Family and friends of Sharon McBride | Peace and God’s comfort at her death | Jim & Pat Hilliker |
| Family and friends of William Huffman | Peace and God’s comfort at his death | Pat Hilliker |
| Agnes Sandquist (Roger’s mother) | Peaceful passing | Roger & Pat Sandquist |
| Joyce (sister) | Healing and recovery from COVID-19 | Judy Scholz |
| Granddaughter of Bill & Sandi Beavers | Healing and recovery from COVID-19 | Bill & Sandi Beavers |
| Dr. Cara Steinkeler (daughter) | Strength as she works with COVID patients | Gary & Gail Grafwallner |
| Hospital staff in Oregon and beyond | Protection, strength, and support | Staff |
| Maverick Dixon (unborn nephew) | Complete healing in the womb | AJ & Rebecca Uecker |
| Sandi Beavers | Comfort and peace awaiting surgery | Sandi Beavers |
| Carol Means | Healing and recovery following surgery | Staff |
| Nan Thompson | Healing and recovery following surgery | Staff |
| Satya Semenchalam | Healing and recovery following surgery | Rakesh & Tracie Semenchalam |
| Ethan & Mary Brocker | Blessings on their married life together | Staff |
| All those suffering from natural disasters | Protection and safety | Staff |
| People in Afghanistan | Safety and security | 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 |
| Hope Lutheran Church (Klamath Falls, OR) Klamath Lutheran Church (Klamath Falls, 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 |
Highlights for the Week
Go to the complete online church calendar for the most up-to-date information.
Sunday, September 12
| 8:30 am | Worship with Communion (masks required) Livestream Worship with Communion |
Sanctuary YouTube |
| 10:30 am | Virtual Coffee Time | Zoom |
| 11:00 am | Worship with Communion (masks required) Zoom Worship with Communion |
Sanctuary of the Firs Zoom |
| 12:00 pm | Virtual Coffee Time | Zoom |
Monday, September 13 – Labor Day
| 6:00 pm | Scout Troom 5618 Meeting | Fellowship Hall, St. Andrew Room |
| 7:00 pm | Men’s Book Club | Zoom |
Tuesday, September 14
| 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 |
| 6:00 pm | Girl Scouts Adult Meeting | Fellowship Hall |
| 7:00 pm | Finance Team Meeting | Zoom |
Wednesday, September 15 – Weekly News submissions due by 4:00 pm
| 1:00 pm | Caring Ministry Team Meeting | Library |
| 6:00 pm | Bells of Grace Rehearsal | Sanctuary |
| 6:45 pm | Informal Gathering Time | Zoom |
| 7:00 pm | Mission Committee | St. Andrew Room |
| 7:00 pm | Wednesday Evening Prayer | Zoom |
| 7:30 pm | Centering Prayer | Zoom |
Thursday, September 16
| 9:30 am | Seekers of the Heart of God Bible Study | St. Andrew Room |
| 7:00 pm | Council Meeting | Zoom & St. Andrew Room |
Friday, September 17
| 10:00 am | T’ai Chi | Fellowship Hall |
Saturday, September 18
| 9:00 am | Nifty Notters | Fellowship Hall |
Sunday, September 19
| 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 (for grades 6-8) | Adult Library |
| 10:00 am | High School Youth Group | Youth Room |
| 10:00 am | Adult Ed: Road Trip: The Missionary Journeys of Paul | Zoom |
| 10:00 am | Adult Ed: Faith in 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 of the Firs Zoom |
| 12:00 pm | Virtual Coffee Time | Zoom |