As Houston and the Heights have grown and changed, so has the membership of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. We represent a broad range of perspectives, personalities, and interests—connected by our common commitment to Christ. Together, we share our love of God with one another through a variety of activities. More important, we work within our community to bring the love of Christ to others. To learn more about participating in these ministries, contact the church office at 713-861-5596.
Liturgical Ministries
Lay persons serve in several capacities during worship services at St. Andrew’s. Opportunities include:
- Lay Eucharistic Ministers (LEMs) assist the clergy by administering Eucharist at various church services. A LEM must be a confirmed member of the parish and licensed by the Bishop following special training.
- Lay Readers read the lessons, Psalms, and prayers of the people during worship.
- Acolytes assist in various ways during worship.
Welcoming
Parishioners are invited to welcome others to St. Andrews:
Ushers serve one Sunday per month during regular worship and assist at special events throughout the year. Responsibilities include greeting all who enter the church, distributing service bulletins and collecting the offering. In addition, ushers assist those with special needs, help ensure that seating is available for all in attendance, and check that the church has a clean appearance for the next service.
Greeters serve Sundays and at special events throughout the year welcoming visitors to St. Andrew’s. Duties include assisting members and visitors in locating name badges and distributing information about the parish to newcomers. Following the service, greeters direct visitors to the Parish Hall for snacks and coffee.
Altar Guild
The Altar Guild prepares the church for all worship services and maintains the vestments and altar wares. Through this ministry of beauty and service, individuals work in teams and serve one week per month. Teams meet on Saturday morning (during their service week) to set up the altar for the Sunday services, check the chapel and handle needs for any services during their assigned week.
Alms
Following the 10:30 am service on Sunday, individuals count the contributions collected during the prior week’s services. Each alms counter works with a partner to prepare the weekly bank deposit and document pledges, flower donations and other contributions for the church treasurer. Counters usually serve once a month.
Holy Folders
The Holy Folders gather each month to fold and prepare The Voice, our parish newsletter, for mailing. As the date and time for this task varies from month to month, volunteers are invited to participate when they can.
Property Maintenance
Volunteers are needed to help keep things running smoothly at in and around St. Andrew’s. Inside the buildings, on the grounds and in the gardens, there are always chores that need to be done. Parish work and clean-up days are scheduled throughout the year.
Daughters of the King
The Daughters of the King (DOK) is an international Order for women and girls in the Episcopal Church with Chapters in the Roman Catholic, Anglican, and in the Evangelical Lutheran Churches in America. A Daughter pledges herself to a life-long program of prayer, service, and evangelism; dedicated to the spread of Christ's kingdom and the strengthening of the spiritual life of her parish. This wonderful ministry meets every third Sunday at noon in the chapel. All women in the parish are invited to the meetings.
Community of Hope
The Community of Hope (COH) is a community of volunteer lay chaplains guided by Benedictine spirituality and prayer. This pastoral care ministry serves those who are in hospitals, hospices, nursing homes, homebound, incarcerated or in other types of need.
Community Outreach
St. Andrew’s appreciates the need to assist those in our community. The parish provides the needy in our
neighborhood with sack lunches and supports the food pantry of the Heights Interfaith Coalition. Additionally, we donate time and materials to the Lord of the Streets, the Houston International Seafarer’s Center and Brigid’s Hope and other groups that serve those in need. Volunteers are always needed for our various outreach efforts.
Men of St. Andrew’s
A vital part of the life of the parish, the Men of St. Andrew’s supply the church with outstanding barbeque and countless hours of service. The men prepare and sell smoked meats throughout the year to fund scholarships to Camp Allen for parish youth. Additional, the group regularly supports the parish’s various outreach and fundraising activities.
Small Group Dinners
For fun and fellowship, join a small group dinner! Families and friends join together in small groups to get to know one another over a casual dinner. This wonderful ministry is a great way to spend time with old friends and make new ones at St. Andrew’s.
50+ Fun
If you are age 50 or older, this group is for you! The group takes regular trips to interesting places in and around the Houston area.
Ladies’ Night Out
All women of the parish are welcome to enjoy good company and great food during these monthly evenings out. The ladies gather at an area restaurant to converse, get to know one another and share a meal.
Quilting Guild
The Quilting Guild meets every Tuesday and Friday at 9:30 am, and some Saturday mornings. The Guild quilts the old-fashioned way—seated around a frame, and is always looking for new members to join the stitching fun. Knowing how to quilt or sew is not necessary.
Celtic Festival
Did you know that St. Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland? In honor of the church’s namesake, St. Andrew’s hosts a biannual Celtic Festival for the parish and community. The day-long event features traditional music, dancing, games and other exciting activities. Additionally, the Men of St. Andrew’s add to the fun with traditional Scottish foods and good old Texas barbeque. Area craftspeople and artists are also featured at the event.
Memorials
Commemorative bronze plaques on the south wall of the church honor those who have passed away.