ADULT MINISTRIES
St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church is people, and we have a strong commitment to helping adults of all ages grow and mature spiritually within a wide range of context.
House Churches and Home Bible Study Groups. Warm groups of 5 to 10 people meet during the week for study of the Bible, prayer, and caring for one another. Contact the church office if you would like to be part of one.
Men’s Breakfast. Weekly and monthly meetings are available, open to all men, including those from other churches. Focus: fellowship, sharing, discussion, outreach, and brief meditations on Scripture. All men are welcome.
Men’s Fellowship Group. Groups of men meet for mutual encouragement and support.
Ladies Guild. These women take seriously the mandate to follow Christ throughout life, and do so through fundraising and fellowship opportunities and activities within the church.
TNT. Our “Teaching, Nurturing and Training” ministry provides a variety of educational courses throughout the year, focusing variously on biblical teaching, church history and theology, marriage and parenting, book studies, and other topics designed to strengthen people in their Christian walk.
CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES
Children are precious to us at St. Andrew’s! Our concern for children begins very early. We want to provide youngsters with a firm biblical foundation upon which their lives can grow.
Nursery. Provided at the second service for infants and toddlers. They begin learning through the loving care of their teachers.
Sunday School. Available for children age 3 to grade 12. Classes are closely graded to facilitate the learning of biblical principles in ways that are understandable at each age level. Children are dismissed part way through the service to go to their classes.
Agapeland. For three- and four-year-old children whose parents are looking for an enriched Nursery School program from a Christian perspective.
Camp VIP. In beautiful surroundings removed from regular activities, God makes Himself known in significant ways. There are many camps offered for children, youth, families, and adults, and all are welcomed.
YOUTH MINISTRIES
St. Andrew’s is committed to youth ministry. Programming is designed to meet the needs of teenagers where they are: socially, spiritually, mentally, physically, and emotionally. It is our desire to give teenagers an entry point into St. Andrew’s and encouragement to consider becoming part of our church family.
Sunday School. Grades 8–12. Provides an informal atmosphere in which young people can raise pertinent issues that are a concern to them at this crucial time of life.
Friday Nights. Grades 8–12. Enjoying a wide variety of social activities, recreation, concerts, and meaningful discussions is a great way to spend Friday night!
* Teen camps, retreats, concerts, and conferences are available throughout the year. For more information, contact the church office.
PASTORAL CARE AND HEALTH MINISTRIES
Health ministry weaves health disciplines together with ministry. The Parish Nurse heads up the pastoral team and works closely with church staff, the Pastoral Care and Health Council, and other lay leaders of St. Andrew’s. This ministry is lived in and through a faith community.
Shepherd Groups. All those in our church family have the opportunity to gather together in neighbourhood clusters called Shepherd Groups, which provide a basis for fellowship, mutual care, and encouragement in our Christian walk.
CARING FOR PEOPLE COUNSELLING
We do not look upon caring as unique, but as a very essential part of ministry here at St. Andrew’s.
Pastoral Counselling. Individual, marital, and family counselling is important and available for people at all ages and stages of life. A person-oriented, Christ-centred, pastoral counselling approach is offered to persons within the church and beyond.
GriefShare. This ministry is a thirteen-week program designed to support and encourage people through their journey of grief. Combining video presentation and small group discussion, GriefShare offers God’s healing power in the midst of grief.
DivorceCare. This ministry recognizes the emotional upheaval involved in separation and divorce. Ministering with video presentation and small group discussion, DivorceCare helps people come to grips with the pain of divorce and begin rebuilding their lives in God’s care.
DivorceCare for Kids. This is a special group to help your children heal from the pain caused by a separation or divorce. DC4K provides your children with a safe and neutral place to recognize and learn to share their feelings.
Premarital Counselling. In response to the pressures that face today’s families, premarital counselling is provided for couples marrying through St. Andrew’s to help them begin marriage on a firm foundation.
Weddings. These are times of great joy. The pastoral staff are here to assist with your plans.
Funerals. These are times that special care is needed. If you require support and assistance, help is only a phone call away.
Meals for Moms. Being a new mom is both exciting and exhausting. We provide the family with meals as they adjust to their “new arrival.”
Loaves and Fishes. Designed to provide quick response to a need within the congregation during a time of illness or emergency.
Missions. Through programs and speakers, St. Andrew’s upholds missions here and abroad. We are encouraged to become actively involved in the lives and ministries of the missions and missionaries we support through prayers and givings. An up-to-date list is provided.
Sunridge Lodge and Cairnsmore Place. The Christian churches of the Cowichan Valley take part in providing an important spiritual support to Lodge and ECU residents through Sunday afternoon services.
Hospital/Home Visitation. If you are in need of a visit, or know someone who is, please contact the church office.
For more information on these or other aspects of our pastoral care ministries, contact Pastor Kerry McIntyre.
MUSIC MINISTRIES
The aim of our music ministries is to assist the congregation in a full expression of worship, while ministering to one another in an atmosphere of mutual care and support. Your participation in any of the following is encouraged:
Mixed Choir. Meets at various times throughout the year.
Worship Teams. Teams lead singing at morning worship and practise weekly.
PRAYER AND OTHER SUPPORT FOR PERSONAL GROWTH
Concerns are upheld in prayer by a group of intercessors who believe in the power of prayer. Please make your needs known by filling out the yellow slip in the pew pocket or by calling the church office. Prayer times are available throughout the week, and anyone is welcomed to join in.
Scripture Union. Understanding the Bible can be difficult, and to help you along with your devotions, Scripture Union Bible guides offer resources designed to suit various ages and needs. Contact the church office for more information.
Library. Our library provides you and your family an opportunity to take out books and videos that will help in your personal growth. All books and videos are carefully selected to provide good wholesome learning.
