One of St. Andrew’s missions is to reach beyond the walls of the church to help others, make all people feel valued and to bring people a little closer to what God knows what the world can be. Our Outreach program strives to create a beloved community within the parish, the neighborhood, the nation and the wider world.

Outreach Committee

Provides leadership for the parish’s ministry to its community, recommends grants to charities from parish funds, and advocates for individual involvement in outreach activities. New members are encouraged to join the committee and are welcome!

The Shop

The Shop is a volunteer ministry that is run by the members of St. Andrew’s Church.

The Shop is a thrift store that is open twice a week. It is a popular spot in the neighborhood, serving college students, immigrants and longtime neighbors.

St. Andrew’s Haiti Mission

St. Andrew’s Church and St. Paul Church have established a partnership in mission with the parish of Christ the King and the School and Health Clinic of St. Jacques in La Hoye, Haiti.

Donations to support the work of St. Andrew’s Haiti Mission made be made online or by sending a check to the parish office marked “Haiti Mission” on the memo line.

LOVE THY NEIGHBORHOOD DINNERS

15 years ago, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church Outreach Committee considered the best ways to reach out to our neighborhood, the people that live and work where St. Andrew’s is located. One way to do this is to have a “monthly party” where everyone would be invited. The Outreach Committee decided to try these “monthly parties” 15 years ago and, aside from the pandemic, they are still happening today.

On the third Thursday of each month, St. Andrew’s Church hosts a Love Thy Neighborhood Dinner where all are welcome. The parish hall at the church is decorated, we open our doors, and serve a warm nutritious and delicious homemade meal. Every June, we host a barbecue on our lawn. It’s the parishioners of St. Andrew’s that volunteer to shop, cook and serve the dinners. Each month, at least 15 volunteers help to create a welcoming and special meal for our neighbors.

Who are our neighbors? Our neighbors are people who live alone and look forward to a night out with others. They are people who live in shelters and group homes. They are people who are new to the area who want to meet new friends. They are immigrants, students and people looking for a warm meal and friendly conversation.

PARTNERSHIPS

  • St. Andrew’s partners with The Capital Area Council of Churches where we support the Overflow Homeless Shelter and annual CROP Walk for hunger.
  • St. Andrew’s is a member of FOCUS Food Pantry board.
  • St. Andrew’s supports Cornerstone Campus Ministry at SUNY Albany.
  • St. Andrew’s opens its facilities to many outside agencies which include Alcoholics Anonymous and a literacy program for immigrants & refugees.
  • St. Andrew’s has ties with The Damien Center, which serves people with AIDS and their caregivers.

Woven into our identity is our distinctive voice which bears witness to the Gospel’s demands for justice and compassion.

Volunteers are always welcomed and needed for all the outreach ministries at St. Andrew’s Church.