St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Nanaimo, BC


Outreach and Missions

We reach out to people in our community and abroad
by participating in the following:

Contribute toiletries, socks, etc. for Nanaimo's
homeless.

Give financial support to designated needy families
in Nanaimo through a Community Fund and we also
have an International Fund for special projects.

Presbyterian World Service and Development
supports people in third world countries. We donate funds to help
people become self-supporting. We also contribute for
special appeals when catastrophes occur throughout the
world and whenever help is needed. We also support the fight against Aids in Africa.

Several years ago, three members of our congregation visited a school in the midst of a garbage dump Guatemala. They took with them 900 lbs of supplies which were desperately needed. Since that time we have donated the salary of a teacher in that school.

The Sunday School children have adopted a child through World Vision.

Many of our woman knit pneumonia vests and touques for babies in Africa. We also make touques and meets for needy people in Nanaimo.

Lighthouse Ministry support through donations of items for sailors such are touques, gloves, toiletries and treats.

Financial help at Haven House.

Financial help for Crossroads Crisis Pregnancy Centre.

 

Ministry Teams

St. Andrew's functions through seven Ministry Teams: Worship, Pastoral Care, Mission & Outreach, Discipleship, Congregational Life, Property & Maintenance, and Stewardship. Groups and activities are subcommittees.


The Worship Ministry Team coordinates the technical and organizational support of our Sunday service including music, volunteers to read, greeters, ushers, etc. The Sanctuary Subcommittee ensures all aspects of maintenance and décor of the sanctuary. We have a senior choir and a quintet called the “Creation Singers.” Working closely with the pastor, members of the worship ministry will consider all aspects of the worship service to insure a deeply meaningful experience for every individual. We focus on the content of each service but also on the worship environment and opportunities for building relationships.


The Pastoral Care mandate is to ensure the quality of care of the congregation from “cradle to grave”, involving all levels of care encompassing basic visitation to critical care. We will also provide pastoral care to the community at large. As we learn to love our neighbours, we are to act on all aspects of congregational spirituality and physical health as required, to ensure no-one “falls thru the cracks”. As a member of the team, the pastor will seek guidance and support of team for approaching members who are experiencing a crisis.

The mandate of the Mission & Outreach Team is to increase awareness and to provide opportunities for participation in mission at home and abroad.

The Discipleship Ministry Team will sponsor, support and foster a lifelong learning opportunity, based on biblical principles.

The Congregational Life Ministry Team is charged with the responsibility of organizing and coordinating the "fun activities" of the congregation so that all members, young or old, can be included in group functions and partake in the Christian love that is offered to all. Our motto - "Your neighbourhood place of hope", indicated our desire to reach out and invite our community friends to join with us and share the Good News of Jesus with them.

The Property & Maintenance ministry team oversees issues pertaining to the church building and grounds.

The Stewardship Ministry Team oversees the Finance, Mission and Administration Sub Committees. Mission includes numerous local and abroad interests. Amongst other things, the Benevolent Fund supports Presbyterian theological students.


The Men’s Breakfast Group is very active, meeting monthly in our renovated hall to share breakfast and hear speakers. They organize work parties as required and hold numerous fundraising events that are popular community activities. Robbie Burns Night is a consistent sellout. The congregation benefits in numerous ways from this group of dedicated men.

The Presbyterian Women’s Association (PWA) meets monthly. They worship and work tirelessly as they cater functions, operate bazaars and garage sales. Funds they raise are donated to the congregation and outreach programs.

 

Outreach

Stephen Ministry while developed and offered by faith-based organizations, offers non–religious–based support to communities. Please visit Stephen Ministries for more details. Or watch this video. While this is a Christian based ministry, it does not require membership into any Christian–based faith, nor does it attempt to “recruit” for faith-based organizations. Stephen Ministry offers one-on-one confidential, Christ-centered care. We have a number of individuals trained in Stephen Ministry. At present, this pastoral care component is in hiatus but there is a desire to have it operational again.


Spectrum is a non-faith-based help organization in support of youth. Please visit http://www.rainbows.ca/ for more details.


Young Life offers a non-denominational-based spiritual outreach to youth in high schools. Click here for more details.


Community Lunch is a non-faith-based program offering members of the community a free nutritious lunch every Thursday between the hours of 11:00 am and 12:30 pm. This program is offered all year (during Summer break sandwiches and fruit are offered from 11:30-12, beginning the third week of July). If you are interested in volunteering or making a donation please contact us here: Contact Us


Loaves & Fishes distribution depot Mondays from 2:00-3:30.
We also contribute foodstuffs to Loaves and Fishes on the first Sunday of each month.


Vacation Bible Camp operates every summer for one week. The 2011 Vacation Bible Camp ran from August 8-12 and fun was had by all! If you would like to volunteer your time for the 2012 camp please contact us here: Contact Us.


We share our facilities with a very active Korean Congregation. They meet daily at 6am in our sanctuary for prayer, Wednesday evenings for worship and Friday nights they operate a youth program.


Our hall is also utilized by a quilting group, Nar-anon, the Canadian University
Women’s Club, New Beginnings, Nanaimo Newcomers, and a Sewing Circle. Our church facility is regularly the site of concerts and recitals.

St. A's Café for Teens. Fridays from 1-4 pm. More info coming Soon!

 

Volunteer Opportunities: Click here to learn about our current volunteer opportunities.