Community Involvement
The members of St. Andrew's Church are active in a number of ministries in the Grand Rapids Community:
Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN)
The Interfaith Hospitality Network program brings shelter, meals, and support services to families without homes. IHN is a cost-efficient, effective, and replicable community response to family homelessness. There are five basic components to the IHN program.
1. Hosts
Hosting rotates weekly among the 14 host congregations in the Network. In turn, each host congregation provides lodging, three meals daily, and welcoming care.2. Day Center
Guests use a local day center from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, where the IHN director, a professional social worker, provides case management services. There, guests pursue employment, tend pre-school children, shower, and do laundry. The day center provides guests with a mailing address and a base for housing and employment searches. Many guests are employed during the day, while older children attend school.3. Volunteers
Volunteers provide various services:
- Cooking and serving meals
- Playing with children or helping them with homework
- Interacting with guests, with respect and compassion
4. Social Service Agencies
Local social service agencies refer families to the Network. The agencies may also help guests find housing, jobs, and benefits.5. Transportation
An IHN van transports guests to and from the day center. The van also carries bedding and luggage to the next host congregation.Volunteers are always needed and you are encouraged to offer your help to our IHN coordinators, Skip and Jacquie Smith.
North End Community Ministry (NECM)
NECM is a ministry whose mission is to provide practical assistance to those in need on the Northeast side of Grand Rapids. NECM is an ecumenical community outreach ministry providing a variety of programs and services to low income families to support and improve their quality of life. One of NECM's programs is Supper House. The North East Supper House provides a hot, nutritious meal to families in Grand Rapids each Thursday, strengthening family bonds and promoting a sense of community.
Check out their website at www.necmgr.org
Kent Hills Elementary School
St. Andrew's has adopted Kent Hills Elementary to be tutors in reading for the children who are in need of help. Also, we provide needed items requested by the teaching staff on a monthly basis.
Stephen MinistriesStephen Ministries is a lay caring ministry of listening and companionship for those going through some form of life's crises. A number of our members are available to spend time as needed. Kathy Longcore is the coordinator of Stephen Ministers. You may contact her at klongcore@standrewsgr.org.
Parade of HomesFor the spring Parade of Homes, and event of the Home and Building Association of Greater Grand Rapids, St. Andrew's staffs a number of the model homes. The registration fees are divided up among the various organizations staffing the home. It is a significant fund raising event for St. Andrew's and requires a large number of volunteers. Your help is appreciated.
The History of St. Andrew's ChurchThe bishop's survey showed that an Episcopal presence was needed in northeast Grand Rapids. So on October 18, 1953 a group of faithful north easterners from St. Paul's west side church met in Aberdeen school and thirty five signed on as charter members. The Rev. Doane Rose presided and they adopted the name Mission of the Incarnation. The first Eucharist was held at Van Strien Funeral Chapel using a portable altar borrowed from Bishop McNiel, on December 6, 1953. The present property was acquired by March of 1954 and the bishop consented to changing the name to St. Andrew's.
The congregation grew and soon the ground breaking ceremony was held on June 24, 1955 with The Rev. Lester Thomas, priest in charge, officiating. In these early days, all the men, women, and children worked tirelessly building the church building and landscaping. Many creative fund-raising events were held. Life-long friendships, as well as mutual love and concern for each other developed then and persists as an outstanding characteristic of St. Andrew's to this day.
The first service in the new church was held amid the rubble of the unfinished undercroft on Christmas Eve 1955, reminding one of the stable at Bethlehem. The building was dedicated June 1956. In the next ten years, the congregation grew rapidly and the enlarged present building was built and dedicated during 1965-66. There was another major building expansion in 1998 when additional classroom space was added as well as new office facilities and a lounge.
Brother Robert (Bob) Thomas is an important person in the history of St. Andrew's. He was ordained a deacon in 1968 and is fondly remembered as a faithful servant until he retired in 1977. During this time, the church grew in the knowledge and love of God.
Another unforgettable parishioner intimately linked to the history of St. Andrew's is Mother Berry. She epitomized the spirit of St. Andrew's by acting as a grandmother to everyone. She literally did it all. In addition to working anywhere from the kitchen to the Sunday School, to Altar Guild, she is also remembered for frequently inviting members to her house for home cooked meals.
Father Lester Thomas retired in 1985 and was succeeded by The Rev. John Kirkman who had served as choirmaster and assistant priest previously. Difficult times followed Fr. Kirkman's resignation in 1989 and Interim Rector, The Rev. Bobbie Parini's resignation in 1990. Recovery began under the guidance of The Rev. Bill Paran. Finally, after a period of exhausting search and self study, The Rev. Michael C. Fedewa was called. He started his ministry at St. Andrew's on September 1, 1992. Since then, we have grown in faith and service. St. Andrew's is on the move again. Thanks be to God!