The congregation of St. Andrew's, Thorold, supports the mission work of the Presbyterian Church in Canada, through our givings to Presbyterians Sharing..., and Presbyterian World Service and Development. In addition, we support local benevolent work through Thorold Community Care, the Out of the Cold programme of Knox Presbyterian Church, St. Catharines, Evangel Hall (Toronto). The Sunday School sponsors a child from Uganda through World Vision. Also, we are participating in the Mission and Learning Project of the Presbyterian Church in Canada, which, this year, supports Water Projects around the world. Through our presbytery dues, we support the Protestant ecumenical chaplaincy at Brock University, St. Catharines.
A Church Growth and Outreach Committee of the Session of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Thorold, was formed at the end of 2003.
We are currently working on ways to improve this aspect of our congregation's life.
The motto or "mission "statement" of the committee is:
"Inviting All to Grow in Christ".
The congregation has a "Stitch and Chat" group, to which women (mostly) have belonged. Women from outside of the congregation are part of the group. It meets on Tuesday afternoons, at 1:30 p.m.
The church building is used by a variety of community groups, including "Baby Talk" arranged by the Public Health Department, the "Success" Programme of Thorold Secondary School, TOPS, and Eastern Star.
A initiative of the Church Growth and Outreach Committee, in connection with St. John's Anglican Church, some years ago, was the offering of a 12-week Alpha course. This first began Wednesday, March 30, 2005. Duncan and Nancy Moffett of St. John's, with Brian Dobbie, provided direction for the initiative.
A second Alpha course, solely under the auspices of St. Andrew's, began September 28. Sandra Beauvais and Kim Palmerino, along with Brian Dobbie, attended a seminar in August led by Nicki Gumbel, the founder of Alpha, in order to enhance their ability to provide leadership.
A third Alpha course began March 22, 2006 and ended May 31. Leaders in this ministry of St. Andrew's continue to look for ways to develop their gifts. A number attended the REAP conference in mid-February, 2006, which was organized by the Presbytery of Hamilton.
A fourth Alpha series of courses began September 13, 2006, and ended late November, 2006.
A Life Worth Living Course began Wed., February 28, 2007 – 7 p.m. and ended April 25, 2007 This course was a follow up to the Alpha Course. Over nine sessions we explored lifestyle themes through the book of Philippians. Each week began with a video, followed by a coffee/teatime, then a small group discussion. This course helped to explain how it is possible to live the Christian life positively, practically, and joyfully.
The Alpha Course resumed on Wednesday, September 19th, 2007.
