Christmas Pageant 2009

Here are some pics taken at the Christmas Pageant on December 20th. Some are in costume and others were taken during rehearsal. We have the most talented kids on the planet! Thanks to all the folks who helped make this happen.

Drop Off Your Items for Long Creek Youth

During the Advent season St. Ansgar is collecting for the Long Creek Development Center, a local juvenile detention center. Approximately 135 youth will be at Long Creek during the holidays.

Long Creek wishes to provide each of the residents with a Christmas gift pack.

Long Creek specifically requested these items:

• SUAVE body wash, shampoo/conditioner, OLD SPICE deodorant.
• Slippers – men and women’s – all sizes
• Board games like Monopoly, Scrabble, Risk
• Nerf footballs, basketballs
• Sweatshirts (in men’s sizes), white athletic socks, and women’s pajamas
• Duffel bags and back packs for kids returning to their communities
• Puzzles, composition books
• Word search books

Drop off donations at St. Ansgar from now until Sunday, December 20th.

St. Lucia Festival and International Sale on Sun, 12/13 at 4PM

This year St. Ansgar will hold its St. Lucia Festival on Sunday, December 13th at 4PM.The event is free and open to the public.

What is the St. Lucia Festival? It is a Swedish Christian tradition that dates from the 14th century. According to the old Julian calendar, December 13th was the longest night of the year, and thus marked the first step toward spring, with its promise of light and sunshine. It is on this date that the people of Sweden celebrate the Lucia Festival. Christian legend has it that the Romans betrayed Lucia. Later, Vikings impressed by her faith, are said to have brought her legend to Scandinavia from Sicily, where she is the patron saint of fisherman.

Every year at Saint Ansgar, the St. Lucia legend is told. Authentic Swedish carols are sung, and a young woman from the congregation is crowned the "Queen of Light." Traditional Scandinavian refreshments are served, and unique items from our international table are available.

Pictures from Just an Old Fashioned Fair 2009

Some candids from the fair. We raised over $4000 this year! Thanks to all the helpers and shoppers. We couldn't have done it without you.

Just an Old Fashioned Fair on Sat, November 14th 10AM -2PM

Don't miss it! Every year Portlanders flock to the fair for homemade crafts, our famous fish chowder, delicious baked goods including our very own yulekake bread, Scandinavian gifts, and the ever unpredictable White Elephant Sale. Proceeds benefit youth programming and capital improvement projects at St. Ansgar as well as local charities. The doors open at 10:00 AM. Come one, come all. See you at the fair!

Veteran's Day 2009

This year, the grand marshal of Portland's Veterans' Day Parade was our very own Espen Christensen. A small but dedicated group of St. Ansgar supporters gathered at High and Congress to cheer him on.

St. Ansgar Veteran Honored on Veteran's Day 11/11

Congratulations to our very own Espen Christensen. He will be honored as Grand Marshall of Portland's Veteran's Day Parade on Wed, November 11th. The parade begins at Longfellow Square at 10:30 AM and proceeds down Congress Street to Monument Square. See you there!