Grow and Serve

At St. Andrew’s, we believe children are fully-formed spiritual beings and as such, seek to integrate them into the full life of the church. At age-appropriate levels, children are invited to lead in worship, serve in outreach, contribute their artistic gifts, and interact intergenerationally as equals with adults in the eyes of God. Our nursery, children’s chapel, and tween chapel are a mix of didactic teaching as well as relational deepening, with one another in a church family and with God.

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Adult education and fellowship opportunities at St. Andrew's range from Sunday morning Forum and weekday Bible study groups to Centering Prayer and our Response to Racism Team. Visit our News & Events page to find current and upcoming events. 

Sunday Morning Forum

The Forum meets Sunday mornings (September-May) at 9:15 a.m. in the Parish Hall. This hour-long gathering offers short-term programs on a wide range of topics, all aimed at developing our faith. 

Response to Racism Team

This team works to address the ongoing concerns of dismantling the social structures of racism and the increasing threat of violence from hate groups. All are invited and encouraged to join us as we continue to honor our Baptismal Covenant promises to seek and serve Christ in all persons and respect the God-imaged dignity of every human being.  Click here to view a video series, Conversations on Race. Additionally, there is a collection of books assembled by the Team in our parish library that parishioners may borrow. Click here to access the Team's Google Drive folder of additional resources. 

Young Adults

Our young adults (high school grads through mid-30s) gather occasionally for a variety of educational and fellowship events, including dinner at a local restaurant. Dinner is on us and it’s always a great time. 

Centering Prayer

Centering prayer groups meet on Wednesday evenings at 5:00 p.m. and on Thursday mornings at 7:30 a.m. All are welcome, no matter your level of experience with centering prayer practice. Contact the church office for more information. 

Thursday Morning Bible Study

Thursday morning Bible study meets Thursday mornings (September-May) at 10 AM in the parish library.  The group discusses the lectionary readings for the coming Sunday. There's no homework and all are welcome and invited to join this casual study! 

Thursday Night Bible Study

For 6 to 8 weeks during the fall and spring semesters, this class meets at 7:00 PM Thursday evevnings to study scripture. Led by a member of our clergy. 

Senior Lounge

Our St. Andrew’s seniors enjoy lots of fellowship and activity at our Senior Lounge gatherings (in the Village Room). Special events will be listed on our Upcoming Events page. Current ongoing activities: Thursday Game Day – Come enjoy canasta, dominos, Scrabble, and other games every Thursday from 1 to 3 PM. Not into games? Just come for the fun conversation and a free cup of coffee/tea!

Evening Programs

Throughout the year we offer topical and seasonal Christian formation series, sometimes including dinner. Evening programs sometimes include children’s programming and/or childcare. 

As followers of Jesus, we believe we are called to put our faith into action. We do this through combating homelessness and poverty, advocating for the vulnerable, and seeking to abolish unjust social and economic systems. Our concern and care also extend to creation itself (the natural world), as we believe God calls us to be faithful stewards of all that has been entrusted to us.  Whether you're looking for a long-term project or to help out for a few hours, St. Andrew's has many opportunities for you to join us in service to our community and the world. Visit our News & Events page to find out about upcoming opportunities to serve. 

Sedgefield School partnership

St. Andrew’s has partnered with Sedgefield Elementary School in Newport News to provide support and encouragement to students, as well as teachers and staff. In addition to tutoring volunteers, St. Andrew’s provides school supplies, Thanksgiving dinner baskets, and a Christmas Angel Tree for families who need a little extra help. 

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During the winter months, homeless individuals can find warmth and safety thanks to this ecumenical and community effort. Doors are opened and home-cooked meals are served. Anyone over the age of 16 can assist with the onsite shelter program. For more info, contact the church office.

Prayer Shawl Ministry

Members of the Prayer Shawl Ministry crochet and knit shawls that will bring hope and peace to people at critical moments in their lives. Prayers of healing, comfort, love and support are shared or offered as the shawls are made. All are welcome to participate by knitting or crocheting shawls or by providing yarn.

Hilton Area Churches Blood Drives

St. Andrew’s and the other Hilton area churches take turns hosting blood drives for the American Red Cross. St. Andrew’s usually hosts in January. 

Halloween in Hilton

Hilton Village comes alive with children on Halloween night, and St. Andrew’s routinely welcomes more than 1000 trick-or-treaters with special treats. We also have water and restrooms available. Put on your Halloween costume and help us welcome our neighbors on this fun night!

Gift Bags for the Downtown Christmas Party

This annual mid-December event results in the assembly of hundreds of gift bags which are distributed at a Christmas party for homeless individuals in Newport News. Work begins in the fall with donations of snacks and toiletries. On the day of the assembly volunteers come together in the Parish Hall and go to work filling the bags.

Kairos Prison Ministry International, Inc.

St. Andrew’s is active in the Kairos Prison Ministry which takes place in various state prisons twice a year. The goal of the program is to create a self-sustaining Christian community within the prison. You can support Kairos by baking cookies (Each team member takes 100 dozen), praying for the teams, or supporting a weekend financially. 

Carolyn Lackey Trust Grants

One way St. Andrew's serves our community is through the administration of grants from the Carolyn Lackey Trust. Parishioners may nominate organizations for funding via an application found here. The applications may be completed by someone from the organization, or a parishioner may complete it on behalf of an organization with which they are involved. The deadline each year for applications is the last Friday in November.