Announcements
Advent Midweek Worship & Soup Suppers
Join us on Wednesday evenings beginning December 3 for midweek worship at 7 PM. Gather in the Welcome Area starting at 6 PM to share a meal together. Between dinner and worship, take time to walk the Labyrinth as a centering practice. Sign up to bring soup at the Announcement Bar.
Orchards Elementary Food Basket Drive – Final Days!
December 14 is the last day to contribute! We're providing grocery gift cards to 35 families with 101 children to cover the meals they would have received at school over the 9-day winter break. In keeping with St. Andrew's Giving Tree tradition, we'd also like to give families an additional gift card to buy their children a Christmas gift. See the information board in the Welcome Center or speak with Donna Schuster.
Advent Adult Education: "The First Advent in Palestine"
During the Wonder Hour in Advent (November 30 through December 21, except December 14), join us for an Advent study using "The First Advent in Palestine" by Kelley Nikondeha. Guided daily devotional journals will be provided. Gather in the conference room for an unfacilitated conversation.
Youtherans: December Gatherings, Middle and high schoolers (grades 6-12), join us from 1:00–3:00 PM:
December 9: "Purpose" – Stay after 11 AM worship for lunch (provided), then participate in an on-site service project that makes a difference around the world.
December 23: "Gratitude" – Explore graciousness and the practice of giving thanks for our blessings during this Thanksgiving season.
Office Hours: Limited During the Holidays
The church office will have limited hours from December 22 through January 4. Regular hours resume January 5. Please call ahead or make an appointment if you need to stop by. Check the weekly eblast for posted hours.
Cub Scout Open House – December 10
Families with kids in grades K-5th are invited to meet local Cub Scouts on Wednesday, December 10, at 6:30 PM. The open house will be held in Orchards at St. Andrew Lutheran Church (5607 NE Gher Rd, Vancouver – use the NE entrance). Scouting America offers kids opportunities to develop resilience, perseverance, and life skills through adventure, service, and community. For questions or to RSVP, contact Reed Wiesneski at 971-337-5923 or reed.wiesneski@scouting.org. Learn more at cpcscouting.org/grit.
Christmas Pageant: "The Littlest Shepherd" – December 14
The St. Andrew Christmas pageant presents "The Littlest Shepherd" on December 14 at 9:45 AM during the Wonder Hour. Celebrate the Christmas story with our youngest members as they share this timeless tale.
Blue Christmas Service – December 20
The holidays don't feel joyful for everyone. If this season brings grief, loneliness, hurt, or difficulty for you, we invite you to a healing service on Sunday, December 20, at 3 PM. This joint service with Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church offers a quiet space to acknowledge pain and find comfort. All are welcome. The service will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 8310 MacArthur Blvd., Vancouver, WA 98664.
Homeless Persons Memorial Day – December 21
Join our community for a candlelight vigil on Sunday, December 21, at 5:30 PM to remember and mourn the lives of people affected by homelessness who were lost this year. This meaningful gathering will be held at St. Paul Lutheran Church (1309 Franklin St., Vancouver). The event is coordinated in partnership with multiple local organizations working to support our neighbors experiencing homelessness, including WHO@SALC.
December 28: Single Service & Holiday Brunch
Join us for worship at 10 AM, followed by a celebratory potluck brunch at 11:15 AM. Bring a dish to share as we continue our Christmas celebration together!
St. Andrew Chancel Choir at The Grotto's Christmas Festival of Lights – December 30
Join us for a magical evening as the St. Andrew Chancel Choir presents "Light of Peace," our holiday concert, at The Grotto's Christmas Festival of Lights on Monday, December 30, from 7:00–7:45 PM.
Experience the cathedral-like acoustics of the Chapel of Mary while surrounded by millions of twinkling Christmas lights across the sanctuary grounds. This is one of the Northwest's premier Christmas celebrations, and we'd love to celebrate with you!
Beyond our choir's performance, enjoy puppet shows, caroling, sweet treats, and activities for all ages. The Festival of Lights offers continuous entertainment in a stunning outdoor setting that's perfect for the whole family.
Event Details:
When: Monday, December 30, 7:00–7:45 PM (arrive 30-45 minutes early for best seating)
Where: The Grotto, 8840 NE Skidmore St., Portland, OR 97220 (entrance at NE 85th & Sandy Blvd.)
Tickets: Buy online ahead: $16.95 adults, $7.95 youth | At the gate: $18.95 adults, $8.95 youth
Give Back: Bring a non-perishable food item to donate to SnowCap, which serves those in need in East Portland and East County
Dress warmly and wear comfortable rubber-soled shoes—this is a walk-through event covering about a quarter mile. Plan to spend 60-90 minutes exploring the grounds and enjoying the festivities.
Come celebrate the season with beautiful music, dazzling lights, and community fellowship. We can't wait to see you there!
