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“As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease.” - Genesis 8:22 The beautiful hues and the gentle whispers of leaves falling make way for a time of darkening skies and dormant earth. We have entered a season of rest. Wait, what? I can hear your collective laugh at that thought. “Rest?” you say. I have decorating, holiday parties to plan and attend, cards to write, gifts to buy, trips to take, parent/teacher conferences, sports season wrap-ups, concerts, and on and on. Okay, so resting is perhaps not the practice of our culture as the year turns the corner to the next, but nonetheless, it is God’s design for the cycle of our lives. From the daily rhythm of sleeping and wakefulness to the annual changing of the seasons, we are little different from the trees in our midst. Just look at how they take this time for rest, to let go of the past, to breath deep from the roots of their being. For us, too, even as we get caught in the busyness of life, we are offered an invitation to rest, to let go of the past, and to breath deep from the roots of our being. Knowing that the design of life leads us through this dormant winter, how can we better honor it? I humbly offer a suggestion: breathe. That’s it. Every day, breathe in and out, but not the way you have done it every other day of your life. Instead, take a moment, or a minute, or 20 minutes, at least once every day, and intentionally dismiss all other thoughts from your mind and just focus on your breathing. In and out. In and out. As you do, remember that your breath is the breath of God and it is the source of all life within you. Let go, and breath deep from the roots of your being and rest in the God who loves you and gives you courage and strength for the rebirth that is awaiting you.

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Happy New Year! I can’t believe it is officially the beginning of a new decade. With a new year, there are lots of exciting and upcoming youth and family events!

We are kicking off the month of January with the annual Prayer Buds dinner and Epiphany Party on January 8th. Prayer Buds was formed a few years ago by Joel Hauge, in hopes to create more intergenerational opportunities. It is a program that pairs youth with an adult in the con-gregation to pray for each other and allow for the youth to get to know another adult here at St. Andrew. The Epiphany Party has historically been geared towards families with school-aged children. The goal is to move it more towards an all-inclusive intergenerational event.

There are also lots of opportunities coming up for the middle and high school groups to combine with other churches in our synod. In February, we will be combining our middle and high school groups with the other Lutheran churches in the Vancouver area for a Winterhawks game. In March, we will be going to the Southwest WA Synod Youth Gathering in Eatonville, WA, for a weekend, where we will be joined by youth groups from the entire synod. Last year’s gathering was canceled due to heavy snow, so prayers that we have clear weather this year! We will also be doing combined lock-in type events in the spring, and details will be re-leased as they draw nearer.

I am also excited to announce the dates and locations for the summer events! This summer, VBS will be June 22nd-26th, and Lutherhaven from Coeur d’Alene, ID, will be leading the programming. Confirmation camp will be July 12-17th, and we will be going to Lutherhaven’s onsite pro-gram. Incoming 7th and 8th graders are invited to attend Confirmation camp, but we are also opening it up to any siblings or youth going into grades 3-12 to join us onsite that week! The high school mission trip will be in San Francisco through Praying Pelicans Missions from July 26th-August 1st.

More details on these events will be coming soon, so stay posted, and be sure to mark them on your calendars!

About 55 people attended Messy Church on December 1st! The theme was “Advent”. Activities included beaded pa-perclip angels, blue “stained glass” windows, Advent story finger puzzles, and more. We had brats and hot dogs for

dinner. Thank you to the Worship and Music team for planning a great evening of activities!

Messy Church will continue on first Sundays through May. January’s theme will be “Holy Baptism”. Hope to see you there!

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“Waking Up White and Finding Myself in the Story of Race,” by Debby Irving. A personal story of growth and discovery. From the summary: “For twenty-five years, Debby Irving sensed inexplicable ra-cial tensions in her personal and professional relationships. … Then, in 2009, one "aha!" moment launched an adventure of discovery and insight that drastically shifted her worldview and upended her life plan. Join Pastor Cindy for a candid faith-based Book Study on race. Sunday mornings from 9:45-10:35am.

A Three-Year Banquet. Starting in January, we will begin an exciting class that will explore scripture through the three-year lectionary cycle, and how it shapes our worship. We will be reading through A Three Year Banquet by the well-known liturgist Gail Ramshaw. This class will be facilitated by Scott Nor-ton, Michael Brown, and Sam Solano. Don’t miss this insightful and collaborative opportunity to discover how our knowledge of the lectionary can affect how we worship as well as how it can transform our worship experience.

Cottage Meetings at St. Andrew. As part of our listening and visioning process, we are gathering in small groups with as many participants in the life of St. Andrew as possible to hear about your experiences and involvement with the church. The information you provide will help us as a con-gregation gain perspectives on our church’s unique identity and our sense of God’s calling at this point in our history. Several Cottage meeting will be held during the Adult Ed hour at St. Andrew. January 5th, January 12th, January 19th, February 2nd, February 16th, February 23rd

Starting in January, the Chancel Choir will begin rehearsing new music for the second half of the program year, this is a great time to join if you’re interested! The Chancel Choir is an inclusive, sup-portive community where you can grow in your faith through music and contribute to spiritual transformation during worship. No experience is necessary and the ability to read music is optional. Rehearsals begin on January 8th at 7 pm. Please feel free to chat with me after services or email me at musicdirector@salcvan.org

Serving Orchard Elementary Families With Baskets of Food and Gifts

On December 19th, St. Andrew positively impacted thirty-five Orchard Ele-mentary families with food and Christmas gifts for eighty-eight children. When school is on break, many of these children experience hunger, and families are food insecure. Thank you to the St. Andrew church communi-ty and the St. Andrew Preschool for your generous donations. A special thank you to the Good Deeds ministry team for providing laundry deter-gent, which is an item that is not covered by food stamps.

The Future of Social Concerns

As the New Year rolls in Social Concerns ministry team will begin to plan for 2020. We will continue to advocate for the poor and feed the hungry, and this new year we will also focus on mental health. We will provide ed-ucational materials and resources for depression, loneliness, and suicide awareness, to name a few.

Are you passionate about a social issue that you’d like Social Concerns to address, or would you like to advocate for any of our current campaigns? If so, contact any of the Social Concern team members; Joan Blatt, Jan Gossler, Lori Lemley, Jane Seidel, Vicki Wornath, and Sarah Terry.

Food on The First

Food on The First is Sunday, January 5th. Please bring your non-perishable food donations. Items will be brought to the altar and placed in collection baskets during communion. Food collected stocks our modest food pantry, which sees on average 8-16 visitors per week. Visitors include local homeless and families with young children experiencing food insecu-rity. The SALC Food Pantry is open from 9-11 am on Mondays and 1- 3 pm on Wednesdays.

Pantry Fact: Canned Chili is the most popular pantry staple for our guests. We can easily go through 20 –30 cans of chili per week!

4pm Messy

Church Prayer Bud kick-off

7 pm Ministry

Team Night

Annual Meeting 12:30

Next Newsletter Deadline is Sunday, January 12th for the February Newsletter

LAST THURSDAYS; WOMEN'S LUNCH BUNCH. January 30th, Lunch at The Black Bear Diner at 1505 SE 164th Ave-nue in Vancouver. For more information please contact Donna Buzalsky at 360-771-0836

3RD FRIDAYS ; EMPTY NESTERS January 17th, 6PM. Dinner at Cerveza Factory, 11 North Parkway Ave., Battle Ground. Dessert follows in the home of Woody Starr and Judy Loy. RSVP: woodyandjudy@comcast.net

TUESDAY MORNINGS; BIBLE STUDY: 9-10:30 am. Everyone is invited to study the texts for the upcoming week in the Conference Room, just off the office.

LAST TUESDAY; PUB THEOLOGY: 7-8:30 pm. All are welcome to participate even if you don’t drink adult beverages. Cost: $1 for room reservation, plus the cost of whatever food and drink you’d like. Check us out on Facebook: St. Andrew Pub Theology. Pub Theology does not meeting in November or December.

WEDNESDAYS; QUILTERS: 9 AM, ROOM 7/8. Come join the quilters! We meet in Room 7/8, Wednesday mornings. If you can cut fabric, sew or tie square knots you are most welcome. Sewing machines and supplies are on hand. If you would like to cut fabric squares at home that would be great too. Contact Carol Burbridge at 624-0945 if you have questions.

1ST WEDNESDAYS; LIBRARY GROUP: 10 AM, ROOM 9. Process new books, repair old books, write newsletter reviews and work on ways to publicize the library to the congregation. Information: Carla Beckstrom, (360) 256-5428.

2ND WEDNESDAYS; PRAYER SHAWL: 9:30 AM ROOM 1. Join us as we share a time of devotion, knit, use the loom, exchange patterns, and pray over the shawls before they are given as gifts. For more information contact Janell Renoud at 360-831-2512 or janellren6232@gmail.com

FIRST SATURDAYS; GOOD DEEDS WITH BEADS MINISTRY: Saturdays 10 - 1 pm. Everyone is welcome to come and bead for the GDWB ministry. No experience necessary. All proceeds of sales go directly to help those in need in our community. Contact us at gooddeedsbeads@gmail.com.

SATURDAYS; YOGA: 8:30 AM, DAVIS ROOM. Yoga for all levels. Mats, blocks, blankets and balls are provided. Suggested weekly donation: $3. Information: Mary Stender, 360-573-2077 or mljd.stender@gmail.com.

1st & 3rd THURSDAYS; RE-CREATIONS, 2 p.m. in ROOM 1. Our theme in 2019-2020 is THE THIRTEEN APOSTLES. Our resource: “The Thirteen Apostles,” volume 1, by J. Ellsworth Kalas. The author shares the characteristic of each apostle that seems to define that person. He also draws upon the traditions and legends that have grown up around each one. Come join the discussion. For more information contact: the Allen's, allenduo@hei.net or the Jenkins, wcjenkins202@gmail.com. Books are available on Amazon or Abe Books.

2nd Sundays; BOOK CLUB: January 12th, 7PM. The group will meet Mary Stender' home to discuss “The Little Paris Bookshop” by Nina George. Please call 360-573-2077 for directions. For more information about the book club, please contact Mary Strehlow.

What an honor to organize the Thanksgiving Feast for about 25 of our WHO guests at St. Andrew this year. Gathering at 10 AM, several of us began the preparation of the food (supplied by Share) and to receive the generous side dishes of the meal by St. Andrew members. As the 5 o’clock hour for serving neared, we could feel the excitement grow as the WHO guests prepared for the Thanksgiving meal, served in the decorated, candlelit Davis Room. Those of us serving and eating with our guests thoroughly enjoyed a delicious meal while sharing stories and being in each others’ company.

One guest was moved to tears by the thought that the young Gardner School students took the time and care to create the cute turkey center pieces for our enjoyment. Following dinner, another crew of St. Andrew volunteers appeared right on cue to take over the kitchen clean up. It truly did take a whole community to create a welcoming environment and a delicious meal. Not only were stomachs filled, but also friendships were nurtured on Thanksgiving evening at St. Andrew. Many thanks to you all.

Thank you Kathleen and Michael Brown - chefs and curators of a scrumptious meal

The following persons committed their time to WHO’s operation during Thanksgiving week, November 27th—December 1st. The compassion they showed the people we serve is an inspiration for us all. It can be stressful for our guests, who find themselves in need of the service we provide, and your time, words and actions go a long way toward helping them keep their dignity. It says a lot about who we are as a Christian commu-nity that so many have been willing to serve in this way.

Served a Shift:

Vineta and Karl Means

Dennis and Diane Smith [2 shifts for Diane]

Jody Jack

Corinne and Rich Vaughn

Jessica Blatt

Joyce and David Harms

Kim Bennett

Katie and Lucas Walters

Joan Russell [2 shifts]

Deena and Kael Goodwin

Aileen Libengood

Joanne Antonelli

Jean Avery

Carol Swoyer

Katie Pulfrey

Lloyd and Jan Allen

Kerry Crow

Darren and Kristen Hadlock

Rich and Vicki Wornath

Holly Cattin

Michelle and Alexander King

Joann Derie

Alexa and Kylee Calvert

Steve Ranney

Steve and Chris Kramer

Karol Maier

Denny Scott

Provided a Warm Meal:

Sarah Terry

Lori McDonald

Debbie Kramer

Richard Hays

Vicki Wornath

Donna Schuster

Doreen Korba

Volunteered for Thanksgiving Day: brought food, served food, cleaned up, monitored the front counter, and in general, showed the best kind of hospitality to our guests.

Kathleen and Michael Brown - chefs and curators of a scrumptious meal

Sarah Terry

Aileen Libengood

Diane Smith

Denise Powell

Donna Gullickson

Lori McDonald

Carla and Scott Beckstrom

Jenny Teppo

Jake Reichardt

Carol Swoyer

Jennifer Beeks and daughter

Megan and Trevor Peck

Sandi Dickensen

Thanks for all you did and do to

welcome our WHO guests 7 days a week, 5 months per year AND for

making their Thanksgiving memorable.

Contact Beth Oliver or Jane Seidel, if you would like to get involved and support this ministry of St. Andrew.

WHO STATS:

• 37 shelter days [6PM to 9AM]

• 1225 bed nights

• 74 warm crockpot meals provided

• clean dry socks - lots and lots

• friendly smiles - too many to count

The Prayer Buds Kick-Off is on Wednesday, January, 8th at 5 pm, followed by WOW Worship at 6:45 pm and the annual Epiphany Party at 7 pm. Here is some background on the Prayer Buds ministry: SALC Prayer Buds is an intergenerational program which was started with the belief that every child at St. Andrew would have an adult rais-ing them up in prayer each day. A Prayer “Bud” represents the building of an intergenerational friendship, but also the growing “bud” of faith in each child. Parents sign a permission slip to allow their child’s participation in the Prayer Bud program, and those adults who volunteer go through Protecting God’s Children training and Prayer Bud or-ganizational meetings. There is no age limit to participate in Prayer Buds- cur-rently we have children from Preschool to Middle School ages involved. Initially, Prayer Buds touch base at church to build their relationship and talk about prayer needs. As the pro-gram evolves and Prayer Bud partner-ships grow, Prayer Bud adults might attend games, concerts, church and family events to support their Bud. Over time, partnerships may grow to include reciprocal prayer, where the child also prays for the adult. Prayer Buds offers a positive connection for each child, with a caring adult who listens and lifts them up in pray-er each day. It is our intent to make Prayer Buds more visible in the church by doing more events and having the Buds share about their experiences throughout the year. We also want to involve the adult Buds in planning the events and give their ideas of how they’d like to see this program evolve. –Joel Hauge and Ashley Ryll

St. Andrew Lutheran Chancel Choir presents A Night at The Grotto!

A night of wonderful music to celebrate the season., join us at the Grotto annual Festival of Lights.

Friday December 27th at 8pm.

The Grotto has beautiful light decorations, a petting zoo, and a beautiful sanctuary with the of the best acoustics to hear our choir sing a wonderful program of advent and Christmas pieces. You won't want to miss this fun oppor-tunity. Tickets sold at the Gate.

General: $12.50, Senior(65+)/Military: $11.50 Children (3-12): $6.50, Children (2 & under): Free

Join Us This Christmas

Christmas Eve services

• 6 pm Family Service: carols and candle-light

• 7:30 pm Traditional Service: carols,

candlelight and communion. Pre-service music by the Chancel and Bell Choirs

• 10 pm Traditional Service: carols, candle-

light and communion. Pre-service music by Winds and Strings

Christmas Day - 10 am carols and communion

Winds and Strings Celtic Band Benefit Concert

Join us at St. Andrew Lutheran Church on Saturday, January 11th, 2020 at 2 pm.

An annual benefit concert to support the Win-ter Hospitality Overflow (WHO), a ministry of

SHARE, St. Andrew and St. Paul Lutheran Church.

For more information call 360-281-2258

Carla Beckstrom

For more information about St. Andrew Lutheran Certified Nature Explore Preschool visit: salcvan.org/preschool. Recognized by the Evergreen Pubic Schools as an Evergreen Early Learning Partner. St. Andrew Christian Preschool serves children ages 2—5. For more information contact the Preschool Direc-tor, Beth Femling.

Office Hours: Monday, Tuesday & Thursday, 8:30 am —3:00pm and Wednesday 8:30 am — 12:15 pm. The building is closed on Fridays.

Call Us: Preschool Phone: (360) 892-7210 Email Us: preschool@salcvan.org

PRESCHOOL STAFF Kim Bennett, Kendra Bizeau, Lori Edenfield, Bethany Emerson, Kimberly Ewalt, Lisa Fairman, Becky Jones, Kristi Mullen, Jaime Salyers, Jill Taylor, Daisy Worsencroft and Jillian Worthington.

Check us out on Facebook! facebook.com/st.andrew.christian.preschool

You can find St. Andrew Lutheran Church online at http://www.salcvan.org or on Facebook at facebook.com/salcvan. We can be reached during office hours, 9 am—4::30 pm, Monday—Thursday.

WORSHIP SERVICES WITH HOLY COMMUNION

Sundays at 8:30 & 11 am Call Us: (360) 892-7160, Fax Us: (360) 892-1306 Email Us: office@salcvan.org

CHURCH STAFF Rev. Cindy Muse, pastorcindy@salcvan.org Ashley Ryll, Dir. of Children, Youth & Family, youthfamily@salcvan.org

Sam Solano, Dir. of Music & Worship Ministry, musicdirector@salcvan.org

Theresa Swanson, Children’s Choir Director, theresaswanson@live.com

Beth Femling, Preschool Director, preschool@salcvan.org Amy McCann, Office Manager, officemanager@salcvan.org Michelle Veazie, Office Assistant, officeassistant@salcvan.org