We are blessed with a congregation who graciously volunteer their time and talents as we endeavour to do God's work and follow His divine will at St. Andrew's, in our community, our country, and throughout the world.

St. Andrew's helped found the Pictou Food Bank and the Winifred Grant Opportunity Shop and continues to be very active within both. These two groups, make available donated food, clothing, footwear, bedding, and small household articles to families and individuals in need of assistance throughout the year. They coordinate the Star Gifts Program at Christmas each year collecting and distributing the requested gifts which are provided by the local congregations. At Christmas, they also arrange for a number of needy families to be adopted by organizations which provide food for the family and gifts for the children.

Locally, our church supports and assists many other individuals and organizations including The Pictou County Help Line, Camp Geddie, The Canadian Bible Society, Dayspring Prison Ministry, Recovery House, Coverdale House, Atlantic Mission Society, Student Minister Assistance, Tearmann House, Pictou County Christmas Fund, IWK Telethon, Vacation Bible School.

Our Church Choir is a joyful, spirited group which performs and leads the congregation in song at all regular services. The choir members assist the minister in providing Church services on Sunday afternoons at The Shiretown Nursing Home and The IOOF Nursing Home on a rotating basis with other denominations. They also enhance all funeral services at the church as well as at the Funeral Home with their music ministry. The choir has been blessed with the privilege of having a magnificent Cassavant pipe organ to accompany their hymns of praise. New members are always welcome. Join us Wednesday evenings at 7:00 p.m.

Our Pastoral Care Committee endeavours to reach out with compassion to those in need. The committee was formed in 1999 to see how the Session and congregation could more effectively engage in pastoral care. Their goal is to find ways in which care can be offered to people in need, to be aware of what those needs are, and to respond to those needs. Some of the committee's projects include the organization of Friendship Sundays. They coordinate and distribute Cheer baskets, provided by the congregation, during the Christmas season. The committee members encourage the congregation to take part in worship services by providing scripture readings. They also assist in welcoming visitors and making them comfortable when attending service. Presently, the committee is comprised of about 6 members with Mary Watt acting as its chair. The members are always open to helpful suggestions or assistance. If you know of any areas where care is lacking or may be improved, your input would be appreciated. The Pastoral Care Committee thanks you for your ongoing support.

The Estelle MacKenzie Atlantic Mission Society continues the ongoing missionary work of Atlantic Mission Society. The first local groups, called auxiliaries, were formed in 1877 and the first presbyterials began in 1884 in Halifax and Pictou.

The Estelle MacKenzie Mission Society, currently has an enrollment of nine members. They are small in number but passionate in their work. They remember our sick and shut-ins with visits and help when needed. During the past year, in their overseas mission work, they sent funds to send a child to camp. In January, during their study on India and the terrible conditions there, they sent funds for first year tuition to a student who could not afford to study to become a nurse.

During their study on Guatemala, which showed the struggle the "Mayan" women have, a large donation was sent specifically designated to be used especially for these women.

Locally, a family dealing with the devastating results of cancer, was assisted with a donation to help with necessary medical treatments.

Also, locally, a large donation was sent to our sister church in Springhill to help with their work.
"We welcome new members. Our sincere thanks to our 'Home Helpers'! If you would like to become a 'Home Helper', please contact any member or our auxiliary."

The group sends funds each year to the Pictou Presbyterial. All overseas donations are made through PWS&D.

The Ladies Association of St Andrews Church is a lively group who meet once a month.Their primary purpose is to raise money for the church while having fun doing so.

In November and April they hold a soup and dessert luncheon which has proven to be very popular. Take out and delivery have added to its success. In February, a silent bake sale is held, when miniature aprons are distributed to the congregation. Our “Spring Fling,” which takes place in late May, consists of pantry tables, jewelry, books, lobster and fudge tables as well as a giant yard sale.

They remember sick and shut-ins with cards and make donations to the Memorial Fund. At Christmas time they assisted the Pastoral Care Committee in packing “Cheer" baskets. Financially they contribute to the Pictou Co. Christmas Fund, IWK Telethon and Vacation Bible School. They sponsor a child to attend Camp Geddie .

Monthly attendance averages about 12, but there are many more who are unable to attend meetings. These others never hesitate to bake, contribute to sale tables or help out when needed. New members are welcome to meet with the group on the third Wednesday of the month at 8 o’clock in the church kitchen. Come join in for fun and fellowship, and share in this aspect of church life.
Officers: President-Jeanette Johnston, Vice President-Diane Hayman, Secretary-Betty Ann Battist, Treasurer-Penny MacKenzie

The Board of Managers for St. Andrew’s Presbyterian for 2004 have the pleasant task of looking after the needs and on-going function of the physical facilities that serve our congregation. For the church and the manse, we try to insure that everything from heat and lights to capital expansion and replacement is operating and maintained properly. We are proud of our church - enough to hire a student to offer public tours of its magnificent architecture three days a week.

Being fortunate enough to have inherited the strong foundation laid by our predecessors, most of our on-going operations are addressed in our monthly meetings. And major physical components are addressed by a planned maintenance program such as our special fund to professionally maintain our beautiful stained glass windows.

Our major ongoing project is to complete the handicapped access plan begun a decade ago for our sanctuary. Engineering plans have been drawn up to both install a handicapped lift between the sanctuary and our basement hall and to build handicapped accessible washroom facilities in the hall. We believe this significant expansion reflects the active interest and the dedication of our congregation to move beyond our own needs, expanding our ministry into and beyond our local community. This same intent is reflected in the development of our new website and we’re pleased to have the opportunity to contribute to it.

We have appreciated the insights of TEN DAYS FOR GLOBAL JUSTICE, and take part in the yearly program to educate ourselves on various issues. We are a strong local contributor to Presbyterian World Service and Development, which is the National Agency of the Presbyterian Church concerned with Development issues.

We are a member of The Presbyterian Church in Canada and invite you to visit their website for more detail and insight into the activities of the national church as a whole.