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Clickable Table of Contents |
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Thoughts from Pastor Sarah |
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Dear Kindred in Christ,
You have a remarkable Session. For those of you who are newer to St. A's or Presbyterianism in general, you might be confused. What is the Session? The Session is the board of elders, elected by the congregation, to be the primary decision-makers and spiritual leaders of the congregation. One facet of my multi-faceted call as your pastor, is my role as moderator of the Session. Many think the pastor is the primary decision-maker for a congregation-- and in some traditions that may be true, but not in ours. I facilitate the corporate decision-making of invested, called, ordained, and installed members of this congregation. And sometimes, actually at St. A's, it is often, my faith is strengthened by that which unfolds in our proceedings.
Last Thursday, January 13, an elder brought a motion that we require vaccination for participation in worship or other St. A's events. We have considered this matter at least twice before in the past year. Previously, the fact that vaccines were not always easily accessible nor were all members of our fellowship yet eligible was one factor in our decision to maintain other public health precautions, but refrain from requiring vaccination. We desired to have an unfettered welcome and to proceed as if there are unvaccinated people among us for the maximal safety of all (hence never removing the mask requirements or relaxing distancing guidance).
But in January of 2022 we're facing COVID numbers higher than ever before thanks to a variant that is so infectious it is causing a number of breakthrough infections. And though infections tend to be more mild in vaccinated people who contract the Omicron variant, unvaccinated people are often still at high risk. We're back to virtual only worship because our hospitals are overwhelmed and we don't want to take the chance of exacerbating an already tenuous situation; also we remain concerned about vulnerable members of our own community.
As one of your elders said last Thursday, vaccination is the only way out of this pandemic. So long as a large number of people throughout the world remain unvaccinated, the virus has ample opportunity to continue to mutate, becoming more virulent and infectious-- as we have seen with Delta and now Omicron.
Your Session voted unanimously to require vaccination for participation in worship or other events at St. A's, with the possibility of medical exemption-- for those who cannot receive the vaccine for medical reasons. As I recall the conversation, these were the primary motivations:
1) Vaccines are now widely available and easily accessible.
2)We want to take a stand and be a witness for that which we believe is in the best interest of health-- worldwide.
3) We want to ensure that our gatherings are as safe as possible and give people the peace of mind that they are not putting themselves at heightened risk.
4) Providing proof of vaccination is now a common practice at public events and there are many easy ways to facilitate this.
Now, I want to be clear, my delight in your Session is not about this action or conclusion, though I think it sound and wise. My delight in your Session is grounded in their process together. Every single elder present spoke and it was clear that there was a wide range of perspectives on this matter. When we began our discussion on the motion, the Session was not unanimous. But they truly listened to one another, and worked with one another, and when it came time to vote, they were unanimous. The long discussion of this matter came after almost half an hour of Bible Study and prayer together and it truly felt like your elders were being led by the Spirit and seeking the mind of Christ together.
Your COVID team will be sorting out the "how" of this new policy over the next few weeks. Stay tuned. If you haven't been vaccinated, we hope you'll consider initiating that process in this time of virtual worship. If you haven't yet been boosted, please consider accessing a booster soon. I found it tremendously easy to get my booster on a walk-in basis at my pharmacy. If you have a medical reason for being unvaccinated, we'll provide a process for documenting this. If you are remaining unvaccinated for any other reason, we love you, we respect your freedom of choice, and we hope you'll stay connected with us virtually-- through on-line worship.
See below for other Session highlights (and low lights). How about reaching out to one of your elders and saying thank you for their hard and faithful work together on behalf of all of you? Not sure who are elders are? Send me a message or come to coffee chat, I'll be happy to catch you up.
See you on Zoom or you can see me on Facebook at 10 am on Sunday morning as we continue along the road with Jesus watching out for signs together.
In Christ, Pastor Sarah |
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Beginning Sunday, January 16, St. Andrew's will move to online worship only and the building will be closed to all but essential staff and building users. The Covid Team will re-evaluate this closure in February after Covid case counts are expected to have reached their peak. In the meantime join us at 10am on Sundays via Zoom or Facebook. |
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January 23
John 3:1-21; Psalm 139:13-18
January 30
John 4:1-42; Psalm 42:1-3
Read these passages online here
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SESSION HIGHLIGHTS
Your Session has had two meetings in the last week, one on Thursday, January 13, and one on Wednesday, January 19. Here are some of the important actions about which you might appreciate being aware.
- We scheduled the semi-annual congregational meeting for Sunday, February 6, at the end of worship, on zoom (see call below)
- We adopted the vaccination policy discussed in Pastor Sarah's letter (see above). We will require proof of vaccination (with possibility of medical exemption) for participation in worship or other St. A's events.
- We authorized the use of designated capital building funds to take care of several deferred maintenance projects in the near future-- completion of the roofing contract begun last year (the library roof still needs replacement), a significant gutter/downspout improvement project, the replacement of three fire doors, the replacement of an unsafe floor in one of the Vermont Hills classrooms, a first installment on a major heating system replacement/upgrade-- with the purchase of one or two controllers to deal with heating issues in Vermont Hills.
- We approved a budget for 2022 that is balanced by the use of a significant portion of a surplus carried over from 2021. (We had a surplus of nearly $59,000, due to congregational generosity, government grants in the midst of COVID, and underspending.) This budget includes a modest amount for compensated work on our landscaping in 2022 and a modest increase in our mission spending and modest compensation increases for staff.
- We approved a funding strategy for the heating system replacement scheduled for the summer of 2022, which involves drawing on several reserves.
- With joy we reactivated the membership of David Wu who has recently moved back to Portland.
- With sadness, we blessed Hannah Healey (formerly Feely) who has decided it is time to transition out of St. Andrew's and is resigning from Session and terminating her membership (see her open letter below.) She will be with us for two more Sundays. We hope the congregation will express love, appreciation, and blessings upon her as she transitions.
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CALL FOR THE SEMI-ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
On Sunday, February 6, at the close of worship, we will hold our semi-annual congregational meeting for the purpose of receiving the annual report (including the budget), electing a nominating committee, and reviewing and approving terms of call for Pastor Sarah. Please plan to participate to exercise the responsibilities of membership. |
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OPEN LETTER TO ST. A's FROM HANNAH HEALEY
January 15 2022
St. Andrews,
You have been an absolute light and blessing in my life, as God has been, for much of it. I have just made the incredibly hard decision to leave St. A's, with no plans to return in the near future. There are too many things at this time that have been on my heart to share briefly, but in short: I need to be somewhere where I can feel confident in the logic and ideals in my mind and heart within the fellowship, and I have found this elsewhere, for now, with God's help. Please know how hard this will be for me, but I leave with hope for a very positive and possible future for myself and for St. Andrews. This church will always feel like my family, and I always will miss this home. I love you all very, very much.
Hannah
If anyone would like to connect, I no longer have any online media, but promise a written letter in response to yours.
228 Eckerd Ave Molalla OR 97038
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FREE COVID TEST KITS
Free, at-home Covid Test Kits are now available for order online. Each household is allowed four and delivery is estimated to be seven to twelve days after your order is placed. The process is very simple and should only take a couple of minutes. Click here for the website and more information about this government program. If you have any other questions feel free to contact Pastor Sarah. |
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ANTI-RACISM STUDY GROUP
The next meeting of the Anti-Racism Study Group will be tonight, January 20, 2022, at 6pm on Zoom. Our group so appreciated the last NY Times podcast on which we focused that we decided to try another one for our next course of study. We will listen to and discuss the podcast series, the 1619 project, released in 2019. "The 1619 Project is an ongoing initiative from The New York Times Magazine that began in August 2019, the 400th anniversary of the beginning of American slavery. It aims to reframe the country’s history by placing the consequences of slavery and the contributions of black Americans at the very center of our national narrative." There are many dimensions to this project, including a recently released book, but we're going to focus on the podcast. Check out this interactive website for an introduction to the project as a whole. We will discuss the first episode of this podcast series tonight. Click Here to join on Zoom. Questions? Or interested in getting connected? Please contact Pastor Sarah.
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ENNEAGRAM STUDY GROUP
On the fourth Saturday of every month, we gather on Zoom at 1:00 pm to discuss the Enneagram-- a system for understanding human personality and relationships. Beginning in January we will discuss each of the nine main personality types, one at a time over the course of nine months. The January discussion will focus on Type 1-- The Perfectionist/The Reformer. I encourage those interested in joining us to find an hour to watch this panel of type 1 speakers from last year's Enneagram and Coffee summit. Make note of what you observe/learn and join us this Saturday, January 22 at 1:00 pm on Zoom to discuss what you learned and are left wondering after viewing the panel. This is a great time to jump into the group if you've been curious! All are welcome to join us on this journey of deeper self-understanding. |
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AFGHAN REFUGEE RESTART KITS
This year St. Andrew's, along with our sister congregation New Church of Oregon, raised nearly $1000 to fund restart kits for Afghan refugees who are resettling in our area. In conjunction with Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon (EMO) we will be purchasing basic household and personal care items to pack into bins for delivery to these families. We are looking for volunteers to help with this task. There are several ways you can help - shop for the items that will go in the bins, attend a work party at church to assemble them, purchase and prepare your own bin from a suggested list provided by EMO (reimbursement provided if needed), or send in further monetary donations marked, "Christmas Eve Offering". If you would like to volunteer, or need more information, contact Marilyn. Thanks be to God that we can serve our neighbor!
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NEW ST. ANDREW'S BOOKKEEPER
Meet our new bookkeeper, Krissy Wilds! Krissy comes to us with a background in many areas of financial accounting for both large and small businesses. She is an Oregon native who loves the outdoors and the rain, and enjoys traveling, photography, sewing, organizing, and spending time with her family. If you have the chance, stop by and say hello. We look forward to getting to know her and making her feel welcome in our community.
Krissy's hours will follow Connie's former schedule for the time being - Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. If this changes in the future we will let you know. |
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SW HOPE IS COMING!
It's almost time for the annual SW Hope series of events to raise food and money for the Neighborhood House Food Pantry. Details are still being determined but the tentative dates for this year are February 28 - April 10. The events being planned include Empty Bowls, the 5K fun run, a live music event, and multiple opportunities to "dine out to donate". Even in the early planning stages there are a few ways St. Andrew's can already help:
- Are you, or someone you know, a business owner who would provide sponsorship for one of the events? Rates start at $100-$250 and the business name would be featured in SW Hope information materials
- Are you, or someone you know, connected with a ceramics group or studio that would be willing to donate hand crafted ceramic bowls for the Empty Bowls event?
If you can answer 'yes' to one or both of these please contact Katy in the office who will connect you with the SW Hope organizers.
Be assured that all Covid safety measures are being considered in the planning of this work. Outdoor and virtual gathering spaces are being considered as options, depending on how things look in a few months.
Stay tuned for more information in the coming weeks on this important community event to help combat hunger in southwest Portland! |
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SOLAR PANELS - A NEW OPPORTUNITY FOR CREATION CARE AT ST. ANDREW'S
As Christians we are called to take care of Creation. The earth is suffering from climate change, brought on mostly by the use of fossil fuels. In Portland, a majority of our electricity is still generated by fossil fuels. We can cut St. Andrew’s carbon footprint by generating solar electricity on our sanctuary roof. Your Session has decided to proceed with putting solar panels on the sanctuary, so almost half of our power supply will be carbon-free and sustainable for at least the next twenty-five years. That’s the equivalent, each year, of not driving a car 86,000 miles, or not burning almost 19 tons of coal. And we’ll save on electric bills: about $74,000 over the expected life of the panels.
The project costs about $94,000. There are several ways you can help us raise that money:
- Make a direct donation of any size. We need to raise at least $12,000 in donations, and more would be better.
- Invest in stock at $1,000 per share, to be paid back with interest over 10-12 years.
- St. Andrew’s can’t use solar installation tax credits, but if you can because you have passive (rental) income, you can buy the panels, get back more than you paid in tax credits, sell the electricity to the church for 12 years, and then sell the panels back to the church.
We’re hoping to install the panels early this spring, so we hope to raise the necessary funds in the next two months. If you have questions, ask them! Contact Amy Houchen or Steve Cook. You can also click here to access a document with more information on this project.
See the session highlights for information about other planned building projects and their financing. Thanks to all who have already made commitments to support this faithful and exciting project that beautifully aligns with St. A's mission and vision.
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"SIGNS" OF JESUS
This month we invite you to send us pictures of signs you see as you go about your day, that reveal something to you about Jesus. Email these to Katy in the church office.
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COVID VACCINE AND BOOSTER RECOMMENDATIONS
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now recommend that everyone age five and over receive a Covid vaccine. Additionally, they recommend that everyone over the age of twelve who are 2-6 months (depending on which vaccine you received) past their last Covid shot get a booster. Vaccines and boosters can be found through your provider, or at local pharmacies using the Get Vaccinated Oregon (GVO) locator map. Pop-up sites have also been established by the Oregon Health Authority and individual counties. Click on each of these to go to their websites for more information:
Most sites are for walk-ins only, so be prepared for varying wait times.
To stay up to date on all CDC recommendations and guidelines you can access their website here.
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Learning & Fellowship Opportunities |
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Members of all classes and groups are encouraged to continue reading and studying at home. Please contact your group
leader if you do not find a list or link below.
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MEN'S BIBLE STUDY
Several St. Andrew's men meet on first and third Wednesdays at 7am, usually in Pastor Tom's living room (with masks and distance). They will be studying 1 Samuel in their upcoming gatherings. New participants are welcome. For more information, please contact Larry Patterson or the church office. Virtual participation is available upon request. |
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We know that there are many requests for basic needs assistance right now. Please contact the Church Office Admin or Mission Team Leader if you have questions or need help with drop-off or deliveries. We hope that you find one or more opportunities that call to you, and please know that any amount of support is appreciated and makes a big difference! |
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NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE
Volunteer Needs:
- Food Delivery - Mondays 10am-12pm, 11am-1pm, 2-4pm; Wednesdays 1-3pm, 2-4pm; Thursdays 4-6pm
- Bulk Shift - Tuesdays 2:30-4:30pm; Fridays 9-11:30am, 11:45am-1:45pm
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*Photos from the November Ziploc filling
ZIPLOC MINISTRY
SATURDAY, JANUARY 29, 10:00 - 12:00pm:
ZIPLOC MINISTRY-
BAG FILLING
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 11:45 - 12:15pm:
ZIPLOC/DONATION DROP-OFF **Casserole delivery will resume this day, as well**
During stressed times, our monthly donations make a huge difference to our partners. You can sign up to bake a casserole for West Women’s and Children’s Shelter, or provide other needed items listed below. Bring your donations to FIRST SATURDAY DONATION DROP-OFF, a great time of fellowship at St. Andrew’s! Click here to sign up for a donation. Here are the most requested items:
NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE FOOD PANTRY
- feminine hygiene products especially sanitary pads
- diapers
- canned fruits
- canned tuna
- soups and chili
WEST WOMEN'S AND CHILDREN'S SHELTER
- toilet paper
- paper towels
- disinfectant cleaner
HYGIENE 4 ALL
- NEW underwear
- socks
- leggings
- T-shirts of all sizes
- men’s pants
- gently used men's walking shoes
ZIPLOCK MINISTRY
- socks
- pop-top tuna
- pop-top chili or ravioli
- water (10-12 oz)
- Gatorade (10-12 oz)
- travel toothbrushes/toothpaste
Our masked volunteers will greet you curbside in front of the church to receive your donations. We will also have lots of filled Ziplocs available for pickup and delivery. If you would like to support this ministry financially please send your donation marked “Ziploc Ministry” to the church. Contact Marilyn with questions. Thanks for your generosity to St. Andrew’s ministries!
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HYGIENE4ALL CLOTHING & BEDDING EXCHANGE
The H4A Clothing & Bedding Exchange is a valuable and life-saving service for those living outside. Once a month volunteers pick up dirty items from the H4A site, wash and dry them at a nearby church, and return to site for continued use. We are so thankful to those of you who have already signed up to volunteer, and there is always room for more! If you are interested in participating in this ministry contact Katy or Marilyn.
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HYGIENE4ALL DONATIONS
H4A is always in need of donations of clean clothes, gently used or newly purchased, or money for the purchase of clean clothes (particularly fresh underwear). H4A is also in need of fresh, small (travel-sized) hygiene items (hotel shampoo and conditioner, for example). Please do not donate partially used items. Here are the most needed clothing items:
- new underwear (must be new)
- socks
- basic T-shirts of all sizes
- leggings
- pants (especially men's sizes 30 to 34)
- gently used men's walking shoes (most requested sizes 10 to 12)
- stretchy dresses
If you would like to lead a donation drive for H4A or work on one of their other needed projects, contact Marilyn. If you’d like to read more about H4A check out this H4A article and visit the H4A website. Money donations can be made directly to H4A here. |
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Virtual Gatherings & Events
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Sunday, January 23 & 30
10:00am Worship, online only
Thursday, January 20
6:00pm Anti-Racism Study Group, Zoom
Friday, January 21 & 28
10:00am Virtual Coffee Chat, Zoom
Saturday, January 22
Enneagram Discussion Group, Zoom
Wednesday, January 26 & February 2
6:30pm Virtual Evening Prayer, Zoom
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Pastor's Virtual Coffee House 10 am on Fridays, Zoom
Password, if needed: Coffee |
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DISASTER RELIEF - GIVE, ACT, PRAY
As night fell on December 10, a horrific line of powerful tornadoes ripped across several states, ending the lives of more than 100 people and wreaking devastation across many communities by the time morning had broken. One of these tornadoes was on the ground for a terrifying and unprecedented 250 miles, more than 200 of those miles in Kentucky alone, where the town of Mayfield saw the catastrophic destruction of much of the downtown area, including the Presbyterian, Methodist and Baptist churches. PC(USA) is offering resources on how we can respond to this disaster by calling on people to stand in the GAP - Give, Act, Pray.
- GIVE: Gifts can be made online through PCUSA by clicking here, by phone at (800) 872-3283, or by check. You can also text PDA to 41444 to donate.
- ACT: Download and use this bulletin insert. Gift of the Heart Kits are a hands-on way to help others this Advent season. To register your interest in future rebuilding efforts, send an email here. You will be notified when volunteer opportunities are available. Stay informed and like us on Facebook. Download resources here and share updates with your congregation.
- PRAY: As we awake to news of devastation and death from another natural disaster, we pray. For those experiencing loss, confusion, and despair, may they feel comfort only your Holy Spirit can bring. For the community leaders and emergency personnel, we pray for wisdom and strength as they work to restore and repair their communities.May we heed your call, oh God, to be co-creators with you in the caring of creation, our communities, and your beloved children in their time of need.May the hope, peace and love of the Christ child comfort and keep us all.
We invite you to consider one of these responses to help the urgent needs of those whose lives were affected by this disaster. Contact Pastor Sarah for more information or if you have other ideas on how we can help.
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NEWS ABOUT PER CAPITA FOR 2022
At the November 2021 Presbytery meeting, ministers and commissioners from the congregations voted to set Presbytery per capita at $39.00. Every year St. Andrew's pays a per capita fee, for all registered members of our congregation from the preceding year. We reported a membership of 184 members at the end of 2020, so we will be paying $7,176 to the presbytery, some of which will then be passed on to the Synod of the Pacific, and the General Assembly of the PC(USA).
Some Presbyterians opt to make an additional donation, over and above their annual pledge or tithe, to cover the cost of their per capita. If you would be willing to do this, please write a check to the church for $39 per member of your household, or donate on-line and designate this as a per capita contribution. If you would prefer that this be taken out of your annual giving, that is also acceptable.
Locally these funds help compensate our stated clerk who provides immeasurable support to the congregations of this presbytery and also to support other administrative functions of the presbytery-- training events, and assembly meetings, etc. Nationally these funds help bring together commissioner and advisory delegates at bi-annual assembly meetings, publish the church constitution in multiple languages and formats, gather church leaders from mid-councils for training, supporting pastors and lay leaders, helping to facilitate ordination exams, facilitating call searches through an on-line platform, supporting the Presbyterian historical society, providing a Presbyterian presence at ecumenical gatherings, and more... We belong to a national church and we support the wider ministry of the church through both per capita funds and an annual partnership pledge targeted more to the mission of the wider church.
Thank you for supporting the work of the wider church with your generosity.
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WORSHIP TECH VOLUNTEERS WANTED
We have two wonderful volunteers who over the last few years have helped run our technological elements in worship, and it has enriched us all greatly. Thank you to Steve Planck and Alex Feely for this valuable service to our church! We would like to be able to give them a break once in a while and have a rotating crew to fill this function on Sundays. If you have ANY tech aptitude at all, Steve and Alex are happy to be patient teachers to get you proficient and comfortable with the tasks. If you would like to give this a try we'd love to hear from you. Contact Pastor Sarah or the office to let us know and we'll get you connected with Steve.
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MEMBER DATABASE ACCESS
Would you like access to your data that is located in our online database? This access will allow you to review the accuracy of your information and update your contact information or special dates as necessary. You can also review your giving history, print a contribution statement, and view the church directory. Each household will be given a unique username and password to login via a web browser or an app available for apple and android devices. If you would like to do this please contact the office or Steve Planck.
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COME TOGETHER WITH ST. ANDREW'S IN 2022
Thanks to the many who have answered the call to come together by making pledges in support of St. A's ministry in 2022. If you haven't yet done so, it's not too late! Don't forget to send in your pledge card, or click here to make a pledge online. Additional pledge cards are located in the narthex.
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For on-line giving please visit:
standrewspdx.com/give
Thank you for continuing to support the ministries of St. Andrew's through your online donations and checks sent by mail.
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Joy Cha, Design and Media Specialist
Katy Rustvold, Office Administrator/Neighborhood Ministries Coordinator
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