Outreach

The people of St. Andrew's are convinced that God's desire is for all people to experience the promise and possibility of an abundant, vibrant, and hope-filled life, and that we have the responsibility to help make this desire become a reality for members of our community. It is how we are called to be in the world as Christians, and we do this in a number of ways through financial and volunteer support of many ministries. Read on to learn about some of our outreach ministries, including Shelter Lunches, Laundry Ministry, Blessings Fence, and St. Andrew's School.

Shelter Lunches

The Shelter Lunches ministry had another strong year in 2024, thanks to the continuing generosity of the St. Andrew’s community. We added new members to our loyal crew of volunteers who come out on the second Saturday of each month to pack and deliver 115 lunches to our neighbors in shelters near the church. Our regular crew usually consists of 11 - 15 people, and it seemed like each month we added new folks to the list.

The kind donations of food and monetary support from so many St. Andreans kept our shelves fully stocked, and it was truly a blessing to know how many parishioners value this important ministry and its mission.

As we look forward to 2025, we are adjusting to some changes in the Richmond shelter community, while continuing to serve the same number of shelter residents. The Home Again Men’s shelter closed; The Salvation Army shelter on Grace Street has taken its place on our route. We have begun to include homemade items in our lunches, in order to add a more warm and personal touch, and we will continue to think of ways to add to what we offer, so that our neighbors know that they are in our prayers. St. Andrew’s is one of the relatively few churches in our region that handles the packing and delivery of lunches on its own every month. The devotion, love, and generosity of the people of St. Andrew’s strengthens and sustains this ministry so that we are able to gather as a church community every month and feed God’s people.

If you'd like to help with lunches, please email the parish office. Also, contributions of any amount are welcome and needed: just go to tinyurl.com/GiveToStA (choose Shelter Lunches in the dropdown menu) or write a check to St. Andrew's with "Shelter Lunches" in the memo section.

laundry ministry

In 2024 the Laundry Ministry provided 255 loads of laundry for our unhoused clients at the cost of $956.25. Donations of $949.64 from our friends at The Oregon Hill Baptist Center and $254 from St. Andrews ($100 from our Outreach budget and $154 from donations from our parishioners) funded this valuable outreach program. Four parishioners volunteer on a regular basis, with two more volunteering on an as-needed basis. If you would like to become part of this ministry or just come by and meet the folks involved, email the parish office. We meet on the first and third Wednesdays of each month from 1:30 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at the laundromat next to the BP Station on the corner of Cary and Meadow Streets.

blessings fence             

What started out as a one-time project for the season of Epiphany has now become a continuous ministry, to which our neighbors in Oregon Hill also contribute. During the winter months, parishioners are encouraged to bring and hang hats, scarves, jackets, and other warm articles of clothing on the iron fence in front of the church. Folks passing by are invited to take what they need. In the summer months, you'll even find small bags of fresh produce, cards, small bags of gum or snacks, and other little items to help those in need - and sometimes we don't even know who the folks are who are bringing these things!

st. andrew's school

In 2024, our partnership with St. Andrew’s School continued to grow. St. Andrew’s School is a K-5 tuition-free school serving 96 children who live within 200% of the federal poverty line. Our priest-in-charge serves as the school chaplain and offers weekly chapel services for the students as well as pastoral care for students, faculty, and families. This year, Christine Baur-Millward joined Peyton on the School Board, serves on the Community Engagement committee, and serves as a Reading Buddy! As a congregation, we hosted a school supply drive and went on a school tour back in September; we also showed up to support students at their annual Lessons & Carols service. If you would like to get involved with St. Andrew’s School, please reach out to . We hope to continue to grow this important partnership in ministry in 2025!