This Sunday is the Feast of Transfiguration, the last Sunday in Epiphany before we begin the season of Lent. We will celebrate with saying and singing lots of “Alleluias,” a word we omit in the solemn time leading up to Easter. We will also have one last hurrah with our Pancake Supper on Shrove Tuesday (more details below). Also known as Pancake Tuesday or Mardi Gras, in many cultures it is a day of feasting before beginning the Lenten fast. Our dinner begins at 5pm, and at 6pm I will be leading kids, and anyone who wants to join, in a 15 minute lesson on what we celebrate in Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday. This will include a demo of burning the palm branches from Palm Sunday that are then used as the ashes for Ash Wednesday.
Looking ahead to our Lenten series the following week, I am eagerly awaiting our communal meal and prayers, which are always so centering, as well as the chance to discuss Richard Rohr’s book The Universal Christ with you all. You can order it here, we will have copies available for $16 on Sunday, and we will have a few copies to loan out. Please let us know if you would like one of our loan copies by replying to this email. The discussion will be thematically based, so even if you don’t read the book, these will be ideas that we can discuss and explore together. If you do get a copy of the book, please begin reading the first two chapters for our first session.
Lastly, with Lent just around the corner, now is a great time to begin thinking about if there is something you would like to give up or take on as a spiritual practice or if there is anything you sense God is calling you to intentionally pursue during this time.
Looking forward to feasting and fasting with you in the days to come!
Andria+
priest@allsaintspdx.org
Mardis Gras Pancake Supper: Join us for pancakes, ham, applesauce and beverages on Shrove Tuesday, February 25th at 5pm. Family: $15, Adults: $6, Children under 12: $3. Donations go to support Episcopal Church Women (ECW) and their ministries. Vegan and Gluten Free options available. At 6:00 we will have a short lesson for kids (and anyone who wants to join) on what we celebrate on Mardis Gras and Ash Wednesday.
Ash Wednesday: Wednesday, February 26 at Noon and 7:00 p.m. Begin your Lenten journey at one of these moving services that include the imposition of ashes and Eucharist. All are welcome to attend and everyone may receive Communion at God’s table. Our noon service is an intimate, spoken service in the Chapel. Our evening service has choral music and takes place in the main worship space.
Lenten Series - The Universal Christ: This year our Lenten series will be taking place Wednesdays in March starting at 6pm. We will begin with a soup and bread dinner, followed by discussion of Richard Rohr’s The Universal Christ. We will close with Compline, or Prayers at the End of the Day. Please sign up in the Parish Hall to bring soup or bread or assist with cleanup. Copies of the book can be purchased this Sunday or through most major book sellers. We will also have a few copies to loan out. Childcare is available.
If Wednesdays are difficult for you, consider attending our Thursday evening Centering Prayer Gathering led by Bill Habel. We meet from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. in the Guild Room. All are welcome to attend.
Harbor of Hope Showers & Laundry: On the first Saturday in March, we will be welcoming the Harbor of Hope vans to our church parking lot so that we can offer hot showers and laundry facilities to our Hot Meals guests and anyone who needs this service. This project is one that the Social Justice & Advocacy Committee has been working on for the past few months. It is in response to a need we’ve heard expressed by Hot Meals and St. Francis Closet guests, some who’ve shared they’ve had to throw clothes away having no place or resources for to clean them. Your financial giving allows us to serve our most vulnerable neighbors. If you would like to volunteer, we could use one to two helpers a week to welcome and check people in. Please email the office if you are interested. Thank you.
Baptism Class for Families - On Sunday, March 15 at noon families are invited to join us for a lunch followed by an interactive, kid friendly, Godly Play based class on baptism, its significance, and how it’s understood in the Episcopal Church. The teaching will affirm the various times in life and ways baptism can happen and explain some of the rationale behind each. Please rsvp to Rev. Andria,and note any dietary preferences and/or if you can bring chips, drinks or dessert. We will end no later than 1pm.
Adult Forum Series - “Biblical Literature: Foreign, Familiar, Formative”: Join us for an introductory series on the Bible, exploring the ways in which the Bible is simultaneously distant from our modern sensibilities, recognizable as an artifact of culture, and necessary to our lives of faith. We aim to tackle issues such as how many bibles are there, what’s in the Bible, what do we mean by inspiration, how is the Bible formed, etc. Adult Forum begins every Sunday at 9:15 AM in the Parish Hall. Childcare is available. Grab some coffee and join the conversation!
Upcoming Adult Forum Series - "Cultivating God Through Liturgy” March 8th through April 5th: Join us for an introductory series on the liturgical life of the Christian Church, exploring the ways that God communicates and sanctifies through human action. After a initial discussion of sacramentality, we will explore the various liturgical rituals that are central to our Christian faith (eucharist, baptism, healing, marriage, ordination, and others). Be sure to bring your questions with you!
Psalm 139 Prayer Shawl Ministry: Please join us for our monthly meeting this Sunday, February 23, at 11:45 a.m. in the Guild Room. All are welcome.
Weekday Bible Study: We are now holding Bible Study on Wednesday’s at 10:30am in the Guild Room. We will be using the text published by Forward Movement, “Bible Women: All Their Words and Why they Matter” by Lindsay Hardin Freeman. As before, the bible study is now open to both men and women. Join us!
Wednesday Service with Eucharist: We are happy to announce that a weekly noon Eucharistic service will be offered in the All Saints chapel. Immediately following the service, we will gather for a brown bag lunch for a time of fellowship in the Commons. Join us!
Crackin' Crab Feast Update: The Crab Feast was a huge success. We sold out for the first time in six years and we hit our fundraising goal of $5000, $5025 to be precise. The steering committee is Susanne Bateman, MaryGay Broderick, Nancy Carr, Steve Dieterich, Mary Earl, Josh Foreman, Laurie McDowell, Jerry Meter, Debra Miller, Jon Pitner. It is truly a team effort! Many thanks to BlueTick for their excellent janitorial work to complete our clean up and to the following for helping to make the evening a wonderful gathering! We couldn’t do it without you!
Sonja and David Miller
Jon, Anna, Hannah and Sophia Pitner
Sean, April and Phalyn Hall
Josh Foreman and Megan Klein
Laurie and Steve McDowell
Joan Barnes
Bill Palmer
Marylou Milnes
Tami Perkins
Maddie George
Jeff Gilchrist
Judy Clark
Maryruth Storer
Judy and Craig Heverly
Michele and David Waite
Jim Hinman
Deacon Kathleen Borsch
Rebekah Borsch
Nancy Carr
Deb Miller
Miriam Lain
Laura Axon
Steve Dieterich
LaRhette Swann
Altar Flowers: The 2020 Flower Chart is now ready for your sign-ups on the bulletin board in the Parish Hall. There are plenty of spaces available for you to honor a birthday, anniversary, or special occasion. If you have questions, please talk with Nancy Carr. Suggested contribution: $40.
The All Saints Library is Online: The All Saints Church Library has more than 2,000 catalogued books on file. And now the library is online. Check it out!! It is also a great resource center for learning, research, and enjoyment. The library is open during regular office hours and during weekend services. If you are interested in viewing the library website, or are interested in perusing through this great library, please request a membership here or contact Tom Summers.
Altar Guild: Calling all Marthas! (Many hands make light work)
The Altar Guild Needs Helping Hands. Commitment: One monthly meeting. One monthly set-up. Training: Provided by Altar Guild members. We have pictures with examples and lists. We have patient and kind people to guide you. (For me, the unexpected return blessing is learning about Holy Mysteries, reverence for Sacred Elements, and the blessed company of all faithful people.) Spirit: Your desire to prepare for and care for All Saints Episcopal Church. Please consider joining us. We welcome you and we need you!
Social Justice & Advocacy Column
"The Peaceable Kingdom” by Edward Hicks
“The work of getting to know others different than ourselves, made so difficult by our society’s divisions, is nevertheless the work of following Jesus. . . . Many say that their faith is personal and not to be mixed with their politics. But, in my journey . . . I’ve come to understand that religion has everything to do with politics. Jesus wasn’t executed because he went around healing people; he was crucified as the worst kind of criminal because his Gospel message was viewed as dangerous by the ruling class. In fact, the entire Gospel of Luke is one long lesson in speaking truth to power—to the corrupt elite in Jerusalem. If we Christians claim to have anything to do with Jesus, then we must inherently be engaged with the political issues of our time.” Peter Armstrong
Local Rally on Decarbonization, Declaring a Climate Emergency and Zenith! Mark your calendar for Thursday, February 27th, Portland City Hall (1221 SW 4th). Folks will begin gathering at 4 pm for family friendly fun and others will join us as they get off work or out of school.
And Fire Drill Fridays! Every Friday from noon ’til 1:00 gather at City Hall to demand action on Zenith Energy and dangerous, dirty oil trains coming down the Columbia and through residential neighborhoods all along the way and in our city.
Recycling News: Portlanders aren't as great at recycling as they'd like to think.As WW reported in 2018, Portland's recycling contains too much "contamination"—that is, trash thrown in the wrong containers. Because of all the garbage that ends up in blue bins, recycling centers in China stopped accepting Portland's contaminated shipments. A study last November by Portland State University also showed that in 2017, Oregon recycled only 27.1 percent of its waste.
Metro this month released an online gameaimed at helping residents become more landfill literate. Give it a try!
St Francis Closet: Many thanks to those who have responded to my call for socks, blankets, and other things for the St. Francis Closet, a room in our church thrift store that provides clothing and other items for those in distress. Since many people have asked how to help with this ongoing need, here is a list of ways:
1. Donate money and designate it for the “Deacon’s Discretionary Account” or “St. Francis Closet.”
2. Donate clothing and other items: Used clothing you no longer wear. Soaps and shampoos from your latest hotel stay. Items from your last visit to the dentist. A tattered but warm blanket.
3. Shop for items at your favorite thrift/discount/bargain store, even online. (Please ask Deacon Kathleen for suggestions.)
4. Occasional help with simple mending.
5. Assist safely “behind the scenes” in the St. Francis Closet as Kathleen waits on “customers” at the counter. Any amount of time on Saturdays, 11-3, is appreciated. (Great volunteer experience for students!)
6. Tell others about the many outreach ministries at All Saints.
7. Pray daily for the needy and all who care for them.
How to Help Neighbors in Distress:
If you see someone outside unsheltered whose life appears to be in danger or is in an apparent medical crisis, call 911. Otherwise, if you see someone about whom you are concerned, such as not being dressed for the weather conditions, call police non-emergency (503) 823-3333 and request a welfare check for that person.
To help someone find shelter and arrange transportation to shelter, please call 211.
People seeking to get warm on winter days when warming shelters are not open are welcome in government buildings that are open to the public, including, for example, libraries and community centers. Library hours are listed on Multnomah County Library’s website. City community center information is listed here.
During nights when severe weather has been declared, no one seeking shelter will be turned away.
Workshop to End Racism: All church members are invited and encouraged to participate in anti-racism training offered by the Commission to End Racism.
This training is required through General Convention resolutions for clergy and people in a number of diocesan and leadership positions. For more information, click here.
The next workshop will be:
February 29, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Trinity Cathedral, Portland
Episcopal Summer Camp: Registration is now open for the 2020 sessions of Episcopal summer camp!
June 21 - 26: Latino Youth Camp (for middle and high school students)
July 20 - 23: Intro Summer Camp (for students grades 1 - 4)
July 20 - 25: Summer Camp (for students grades 3 - 10)
Early bird pricing and scholarships are available. Click here for more information.
Call to Artists: Diocese of Oregon art exhibition 2020 on the theme 'Ascension' A gathering of artistic expressions from Episcopal Churches of Western Oregon
The Details: All submitted art will be displayed May 10-July 5 at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Portland. An opening 9am Forum with artists and 11am reception is planned Sunday May 10.
Approximately 30 juried pieces will be selected for this show. Digital entries deadline April 15, 2020.
Artwork suggested not to exceed 36” in any dimension. Due to space restrictions, we are only able to display a maximum of 4, 3-dimensional objects.
To Submit: Each artist will submit, in digital format, one piece to be included in the show. Indicate Dimensions, Medium, Title, (and description if you wish). Send files as high-quality JPEG files (1800 pixels on longest dimension) to jontamez56@gmail.com no later than April 15, 2020
There is a $25 registration fee. The fee is payable during art check-in by check or credit card on Tuesday May 5 10am-noon.
Check out this week's games at
Children's Bulletins by clickinghere!
This week's secret code for ages 3-6 isCHNN27
This week's secret code for ages 7-12 is ZDTR59
* And find the Children's Bulletin in the basket at the back of the Sanctuary every Sunday.
Calendar for Upcoming Week:
Thursday, February 20
7:00 AM - 11:00 AM Unscrew Lunch
3:00 PM - 8:00 PM Bjorn's Piano Lessons
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM Organ and Choir Rehearsal
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM Centering Prayer Sessions
6:30 PM Girl Scout - Davis
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Rhododendron Society
Friday, February 21
7:00 AM - 11:00 AM Unscrew Lunch
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM Mustard Seed & Book Nook
3:00 PM - 8:00 PM Bjorn's Piano Lessons
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM Organ Rehearsal
Saturday, February 22
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM Mustard Seed & Book Nook
11:30 AM Hot Meals
11:30 AM Hot Meals-Youth
2:00 PM - 9:00 PM Organ Rehearsal
3:00 PM - 10:00 PM Janitorial Services
4:00 PM Youth Game Night
Sunday, February 23
8:00 AM Holy Eucharist, Rite I
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Chancel Choir Convenes
9:15 AM Adult Forum
10:15 AM Holy Eucharist, Rite II ~ Family Service
11:45 AM Shawl Ministry Meeting
4:00 PM Youth Group
Monday, February 24 7:00 AM - 11:00 AM Unscrew Lunch
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Tai Chi
3:00 PM - 8:00 PM Bjorn's Piano Lessons
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM Girl Scouts - Tara & Susan
7:30 PM I Chuan
Tuesday, February 25
7:00 AM - 11:00 AM Unscrew Lunch
3:00 PM - 8:00 PM Bjorn's Piano Lessons
5:00 PM Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
6:30 PM AA
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM Girl Scout - Kelly
Wednesday, February 26 ~ Ash Wednesday
7:00 AM - 11:00 AM Unscrew Lunch
10:30 AM Bible Study
12:00 PM Ash Wednesday with Imposition of Ashes
3:00 PM - 8:00 PM Bjorn's Piano Lessons
3:00 PM - 10:00 PM Janitorial Services
6:00 PM - 8:15 PM Parenting Class
7:00 PM Ash Wednesday with Imposition of Ashes
7:30 PM - 9:00 PM I Chuan
Thursday, February 277:00 AM - 11:00 AM Unscrew Lunch
3:00 PM - 8:00 PM Bjorn's Piano Lessons
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM Organ and Choir Rehearsal
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM Centering Prayer Sessions
Prayers of Concern: Marjorie Ashcraft; Susanne Bateman; Karen Corbett; Constance Hammond; Micky Keiter; and Tom Truby.
Repose of the Soul: Mary Ellen Ridgely (sister of Liz Powers) and Maxine VanWyngarden (friend of Constance Hammond).
Ministry Schedule for February 23, 2020 The Last Sunday after the Epiphany, Rite I, at 8:00 a.m.
The Rev. Andria N. Skornik -- Rector
The Rev. Deborah Hughes-Habel -- Assisting Priest
The Rev. Dr. Constance Hammond -- Assisting Priest
The Rev. Dn. Kathleen Borsch -- Deacon
Nancy Janecek -- Worship Leader, Intercessor, Eucharistic Minister
Ministry Schedule for February 23, 2020 The Last Sunday after the Epiphany, Rite II, at 10:15 a.m.
The Rev. Andria N. Skornik -- Rector
The Rev. Dr. Constance Hammond -- Assistant Priest
The Rev. Deborah Hughes-Habel -- Assistant Priest
The Rev. Dn. Kathleen Borsch -- Deacon
Dr. James Denman -- Music Directory & Organist
Miriam Lain -- Worship Leader
Phalyn Hall; Noah Lain -- Lectors
Sonja Miller; Miriam Lain -- Eucharistic Ministers
Elijah; Phalyn; Noah L. -- Acolytes
Jon & Anna Pitner -- At the Door Welcoming Committee
Youth -- Greeters
Michaela Friends & Hannah Pitner -- Ushers
Carol Cannon & Tracy Trentin -- Coffee Hour Hosts
