The greatest gift ever to be received is love. "God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son, to the end that all that believe in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."   (John 3:16) May the record of our stewardship be that we are witnesses of God's love among the people of Saint Andrew's By-the-Sea, in our community and in our mission beyond these shores.

We are a giving people. Ours is a gift of time, talent and treasure-- a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. "Gather before me my loyal followers, those who have made a covenant with me and sealed it with sacrifice." (Psalm 50:5)

Stewardship reflects the trust I put in God. God provides us with 100%. We are asked to give a portion back in a spirit of praise and thanks giving. Tithing is proportional giving that sets aside 10% of a person's first fruits. What ever the gift, God blesses the measure of our giving beyond compare.  God loves a joyful giver!

What is Proportional Giving?
Means giving a portion (percentage) of your time, talent & treasure. You may determine your financial and personal giving according to the amount of your own resources.

Why Pledge?
The Pledges of our Stewardship for 2006 enable our vestry and rector to plan an annual budget based upon available resources. Parish Committees and ministries are responsible to a budget that glorifies God. Simply contact our Bookkeeper, Joy Kupetz, to make a confidential pledge. No one, including the clergy, will ever ask or know the amount you pledge, unless you choose to share it. It is your covenant... between you and God. [BACK TO TOP]

Outreach is the Mark of our Stewardship
Listed below are Outreach paths available through St. Andrew's. For more information, please contact the church office by phone (252) 441-5382 or email.

Discretionary Fund: The Rector serves the special needs of others on behalf of us all. Funds from the budget and contributions from individuals make it possible for St. Andrew's to offer immediate assistance to those in need. [BACK TO TOP]

Chat 'n Fold: Have you ever wondered how we get all those newsletters (over 500 copies) and weekly bulletins printed, collated and folded? Our Chat 'n Fold Society does the job! They meet whenever the needs arise; let your name be known in the church office and ask to be called to join them for good conversation and camaraderie.

Memorials Committee: The Memorials Committee helps us discern the appropriate use of Memorial funds . T he new Memorial Garden and outdoor Alta r opens the possibility of having one's ashes buried at St. Andrew's with a bronze plaque on the memorial plaque inside the church.

AA/NA: Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous have both found hospitality and space for meetings at Saint Andrew's By-the-Sea. These groups are self-supporting and contribute much to the well-being of our community. Such ministry encourages recovery from addiction and is a significant witness of our care for the local community and many who visit these Outer Banks. [BACK TO TOP]

Community Suppers: Are held every other Monday night through March -- Jan 2, 16, 30 (Feb 13 is Spaghetti Dinner), 27, Mar 13, 27 beginning at 6 PM. These Community Suppers offer the community a hot, free meal. Members are encouraged to bring someone in need of fellowship or a hot meal and sit with them at table as a meal is enjoyed. Often, guest musicians are on hand for entertainment. The suppers are worked by a number of generous souls among us of all ages. Contact Della Gill for more information.  

Food Pantry: The Outer Banks Food Pantry originated at Saint Andrew's By-the-Sea . It is now an ecumenical and community based endeavor for which we contribute an occasional week of service. Food is provided to those most in need who have been referred there by Social Services or by a member of the clergy of a church on the Outer Banks. The Food Pantry is now affiliated with the Food Bank of the Albemarle (a large consortium for food distribution also started by the Episcopal Church).
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Meals on Wheels: A program that assures that persons who have been home bound or are sick are delivered nutritious meals daily. Members of the community share in this fine ministry. A number of people from our parish offer their time and care through this ministry.  

The Outreach Committee of Saint Andrew's By-the-Sea meets monthly. Its budget belies the magnificent stewardship of our outreach. Thousands of dollars are collected annually for Hurricane Relief, Episcopal Relief and Development. Other mission outreach in 2006 will focus on local needs and on "Ploughshare Ministries" in Africa.  

Prison Ministry: M embers of Saint Andrew's By-the-Sea have been trained and offer Sunday morning services of worship at the Dare Detention Center.

Interfaith Community Outreach: We share with other local churches in providing for immediate relief of those in need.

Community Care Clinic We support the work of volunteers in Dare County who offer free medical clinics and care for those with need. [BACK TO TOP]