“… for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.” Matthew 25:35-37
Reaching out to help those in need is the primary call for a follower of Jesus. Outreach is a major focus for St. Andrew’s. Over the past several years our congregation has seen needs in our local community, across our nation, and in the world. The primary and longest running outreach effort of our parish is our Thrifts Shop, which helps people by selling clothing and household items at a very low cost, and by giving away all proceeds to local ministries. Other outreach of the parish includes serving a quarterly meal at the local “soup kitchen” called Hope Mission, the food pantry called Martha’s Mission, a women homeless shelter known as “Family Promise,” and Broad Street Medical Clinic. We have also sent teams on mission trips to Haiti over the past several years.
Many of our members volunteer in countless types of outreach, both formally and informally. There are quiet servants who help those in need; they see a need and step forward to help without fanfare or recognition. As you read the descriptions of our Outreach Opportunities, if you see an area in which you would like to serve, please get involved. There is always a place for people to offer their help in the Name of Jesus.
Meal Outreach Mission
St. Andrew’s prepares monthly frozen meals for the Hope Mission – Meals on Wheels. Hope Mission is a ministry in our community that offers a free weekday meal to all who want to come eat, they host a men’s shelter, have a recovery program, and provide emergency assistance to those in need.
Once a month, St. Andrew’s comes together to provide a weekend frozen meal. We welcome ALL levels of involvement—no amount is too large or too small. We need those who can write checks for donations of food, we need those who are able to cook, or provide food, color notes for recipients, as well as those who can deliver the frozen meals to Hope Missions Meals on Wheels, and other organizations — just as a note, you must be 12 years old to help in the kitchen.
Christ at the Crossroads
“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” — Matthew 25:40
We are creating bags for those in need. These bags are available to parishioners to keep in their cars for those times when we see Christ at a crossroad. Contact Charles Pringle or the church office at 252-727-9093 with any questions.
Please consider donating the following items for this ministry:
- toothbrushes
- feminine hygiene products
- band-aids
- sunscreen, baby wipes
- granola bars
- crackers
- hand sanitizer
- body powder
Thrift Shop
The St. Andrew’s Thrift Shop was established by our parish in 1952. It is self-supporting and operates entirely with volunteers. Throughout the year it sells clothing and household goods at bargain prices, and readily donates merchandise to the needy who come to its door, and to those referred by local churches and the Department of Social Services. At the end of the year all net profits are given to local charities. This is the most extensive and comprehensive form of outreach in our parish.
Seasonal Ministries
Towel Ministry — Summer
Towel Ministry is a ministry for middle and high schoolers that specializes in minor home repair for the elderly, physically challenged and economically disadvantaged. Teams of youth and qualified adults spread the Good News of the Gospel by participating in work projects such as building access ramps, painting, weather-proofing, and other needed minor home repairs.
The ministry is a way for young people to put the Gospel into practical application in hands-on ministry. This practice of walking the talk takes the form of a week long summer camp.
Why is it called Towel Ministry? As Jesus wrapped a towel around his waist and washed his disciples feet, he came not to be served but to serve. Like Jesus we also come to serve others in our local community.
Turkey Drive — Thanksgiving
Each October and November, members of the Turkey Drive wear funny hats and collect monetary donations to provide turkeys for families who may not otherwise be able to afford one for their holiday meal. This ministry works in concert with Martha’s Mission.
Please contact Phil Gerolstein if you are interested in helping with this mission.
Angel Tree — Christmas
Each year, our parish is given the names of fifteen to seventeen needy local families screened by DSS. Each family has children, and we are provided with clothing sizes and suggestions for gifts. Generous parishioners give gifts for the children and/or cash for the adults. This tree is now organized in memory of Jane Layno.
Community Ministry Partners
Broad Street Clinic
The Broad Street Clinic was founded in 1993 by county physicians and other concerned citizens as a private non-profit, free health clinic serving the adult residents of Carteret County and surrounding areas. Its mission is to provide access to medical care for the uninsured low income population in our community. The Clinic is a qualified, non-profit organization and is not supported by Federal or State programs. The clinic operates solely on grants and private and public donations. Donations stay in our community to assist those who render the clinic’s many services.
Family Promise
Family Promise is a nonprofit organization committed to helping low-income families achieve lasting independence. Its strategy is to focus our efforts on five programs that work together in a holistic, integrated approach. Because the five programs support one another, each of them is far more effective than it could be alone.
Martha’s Mission
Martha’s Mission Cupboard is an emergency food pantry, solely ran by volunteers, established to provide the needy citizens of Carteret County a temporary supply of nutritious and balanced food at no cost. Its goal is to tide them over during a temporary financial crisis or while they are awaiting permanent assistance from the State or Federal Government.
Martha’s Mission provides food to an average of 300 and 350 families every month. Families in need of food are screened and referred by State or Federal social service agencies in Carteret County. The amount of food given to each family depends on the number of people in the family.
Episcopal Ministry Partners
Episcopal Farmworker Ministry
God teaches us that we are called to respond for the dignity and justice for all human beings and Episcopal Farmworker Ministry (EFwM) is working with such principles to ensure a better future for farmworkers and their families. Through education, the protection of their human rights, and the care of their bodies and souls, EFwM works to change the world and the system that keeps farmworkers in poverty and subhuman conditions. EFwM serves 47 migrant labor camps in Sampson, Harnett and Johnston counties in North Carolina.
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