Outreach Programs

Outreach at Saint Andrew's is going beyond the boundaries of our church family and helping others in need. Outreach programs enable parish members to participate in various ministries.

The outreach commission provides educational programs to the congregation on outreach areas of interest and is responsible for disbursing a portion of the outreach budget to appropriate organizations. For more information send us a note.

In addition, St. Andrew's financially supports Habitat for Humanity in Tanzania, East Africa and provides Ministry support to Bishop Mpango, Diocese of Tanganyika.

Building the Church in Mkongoro Tanganyika

St. Andrew's is actively involved in eight ministry programs that reach outside of our own parish home.

Ecumenical Community for Helping Others (ECHO)

ECHO provides food, clothing, essential household items, counseling services and emergency financial assistance to individuals and families who are experiencing temporary difficulties in our Burke and Springfield communities. Run completely by volunteers, this organization also sponsors a Meals-on-Wheels route, a holiday food and gift plan, a school supplies program, and transportation to medical appointments for seniors. Visit ECHO to explore volunteer opportunities as well as see a current list of needs and hours of operation. Those wishing to donate food, house wares or clean, gently-used clothing may do so either by dropping off items at the ECHO facility in Springfield, or by leaving items in the ECHO box located in the Parish Hall at St. Andrew’s.

Fairfax Area Christian Emergency Transitional Services (FACETS)

Fairfax County provides shelter to those in need using motels in Fairfax City on a monthly basis. Area churches cook evening meals, and deliver the meals to these motels, every day of the year. St. Andrew’s church has teams of volunteers who cook or deliver on the first Saturday and the fourth Saturday of each month. The winter menu features a hot, hearty vegetable-lentil stew along with a turkey sandwich, cookies, fruit, and milk. In the warmer months, the menu switches a cold pasta-vegetable salad for the stew. Occasionally, groups donate home-made cookies or cupcakes or brownies. The total number of meals prepared is between 115-125. Please contact Lisa Wakeley if interested in participating at Lisaw@standrews.net.

Five Talents

Habitat for Humanity

Holy Land

English as a Second Language (ESL Literacy)

St. Andrew's offers free adult ESL/ESOL programs. The courses are taught by volunteers from our parish. If you have the time and the talent to help out with these programs we are always looking for new instructions. Classes meet on Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Samaritan Ministries

This year Samaritan Ministry celebrated its 20th Anniversary. St. Andrew’s is one of the founding partners and has shared its prosperity with those who are working to take next steps to end homelessness in their lives and find employment through Samaritan Ministry. This year St. Andrew’s started an on-going ministry to collect toiletries for Samaritan Ministry. The Mothers’ Day collection for Samaritan Ministry gathered over 90 bags of toiletries. This program is organized by the St. Andrew’s Mothers’ Group. St. Andrew’s also participated in the annual gala fundraiser through the purchase of raffle tickets and attendance at the event.

Western Tanzania

As another year closes, we take vicarious pride in the missionary teaching work (math, science, and theology) of our St. Andrew’s - sponsored family, the Steffensens in Dodoma, Tanzania. Together with their three children Charlotte, Henry, and Greg, Leslie and Kirk are embarked on a truly exciting and caring spiritual venture. It is extremely uplifting to read their activity reports on their work, their immersion in the indigenous community, and the day-to-day challenges they face (Kirk’s recent illness was frightening and we were relieved to learn of his recovery). Their November report announced the start of the rainy season and the quick response of dormant desert vegetation (and how is that for an Advent moment?). Please visit the Steffensen’s Website: http://www.steffensenfamily.com and be thankful for their work.

PARISH Ministries

St. Andrew's has a wonderful program inside our parish. Programs need the time and talents of our parish members to keep them alive and vital.

Administrative Assistance - clerical support, mailing assistance, and substitute office receptionist.
Education - Sunday School teachers, Children's Chapel, Adult Education, Youth Group Leaders, Parish Library, Nursery, Vacation Bible School, Bible Study and Education for Ministry.
Fellowship - Coffee Host, Annual Events, and Reception Committee.
Membership and Visitation - Sunday Greeters, Parish Visitation Program, Support Committee, Needlework and Fellowship, Foyer Groups, Daytimers Group, Mom's / Women's Fellowship, Men's Fellowship, Softball Team, Book Discussion Groups, Families with Young Children, and Preschoolers Play Group. In order to place prayer requests please go to Prayer Guild.
Property - Ground Maintenance, Memorial Garden, and Repair.
Worship - Acolytes, Adult Choir, Youth Choir, Altar Guild, Flower Guild, Lectors, Lay Eucharistic Ministers, Kids Liturgy, Netcasters, and Ushers.

What will ministry at St Andrew's look like in the future?

If you are interested in additional information on any of the programs below please complete the request for information form below.