MISSION
Mission Opportunities
The Pittsburgh Project
Each year Saint Andrew sponsors a group of 15 – 25 senior high youth and volunteer adult leaders to participate in The Pittsburgh Project.
The Pittsburgh Project is a neighborhood-based, Christian community development ministry that seeks to restore the city by developing the local community, rejuvenating its residents, developing leaders for its future, serving the poor, and building the kingdom of God.
The trip involves 10 days usually departing on a Saturday and returning the following Tuesday. Each participant is responsible for $500. As a part of the program, several fund raising opportunities are available to help defer costs. This mission is usually conducted in July/August of each year. For more information, contact Director of Youth Ministries, Randy Hausler. You may also visit The Pittsburgh Project website at: www.pittsburghproject.org.
Haiti
Through a partnership with the Haiti American Friendship Foundation (H.A.F.F.) mission work in Haiti has been an important part of Saint Andrew’s international mission focus for several years. Haiti trips consist of 10 day excursions into rural Haiti to work and minister to its people. Costs range from $1000 – $1,300 per person. For more information, contact Director of Youth Ministries, Randy Hausler.
Local Organizations
Through volunteerism and financial support, St. Andrew helps local organizations like the Free Lunch Program and the Shelter House (a homeless shelter in Iowa City). Many St. Andrew members are involved with local caring ministries, such as the Domestic Violence Intervention Program, Table to Table, Meals on Wheels and Elder Services, the Ecumenical Counseling Service, and the Ecumenical Scholarship Fund.
Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity is a growing ministry for our church. In 2004 we partnered with our local affiliate and a family of six to build our first Habitat for Humanity home. Our congregation fully funded the home through Mission monies and additional congregational donations. The home was constructed with all St. Andrew volunteers with groundbreaking in August and dedication the day before Christmas! It was a learning, exciting, and memorable mission time for the family and our church!
In 2006 St. Andrew partnered with 5 other congregations in Iowa City and Coralville to be part of the Circle of Faith build. The Mission and Outreach Support Team provided seed funds and St. Andrew members helped build this home; it was dedicated on December 3, 2006.
National Projects
Hurricane Katrina Relief
St. Andrew has sent a number of mission groups, both small and large, to Mississippi to help with Hurricane Katrina clean-up. These groups included children as well as adults, and members of the groups assisted in cleaning up debris, building new structures, and repairing existing structures.
Wheelchairs for the World
St. Andrew has close connections with this organization and has helped to collect used wheelchairs for shipment to other countries. The wheelchairs are donated by individuals and local organizations and then shipped to prisons around the United States where inmates are trained to refurbish and fix them. Then, the wheelchairs are shipped to developing countries, where physical therapists and other volunteers match them to persons in need. This caring ministry brings mobility to thousands of people each year, and also provides missionaries with a chance to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ.
International Missions
Alternative Gift Market
Each November, St. Andrew hosts an Alternative Gift Market. This is an opportunity for St. Andrew families and community members to donate money on someone’s behalf to the mission project of their choice. Local organizations are present at the market, but most projects are located outside the United States. There are medical mission projects, development projects, projects involving child survival, the environment, and education. The market is a big success year after year.
Janet Holland: Russia
St. Andrew supported Janet Holland, a member of St. Andrew, who was a missionary in Moscow, Russia for many years. There she worked closely with youth to develop strong leadership skills. She has recently returned to the United States.
Kate Yucuis: Mozambique
St. Andrew also supported Kate Yucuis, who served in Mozambique, Africa as a missionary. She learned the local language and assisted in planting churches and hosting Bible studies.
Sewing for Others: Haiti and beyond
A group of St. Andrew members recently started a group called Sewing for Others, which makes dresses, and shorts for children in developing countries. Each child receives a dress or pair of shorts, a t-shirt, and a pair of underwear. This group also works with Wheelchairs for the World to make wheelchair bags in which recipients can hold their belongings.
What can YOU do?
If you are participating in a mission organization and would like other St. Andrew members to have to opportunity to be involved, please let the Mission, Outreach, and Support team (MOS team) know. We may have you speak to our group at a meeting, present a Minute for Mission in church, or advertise your organization on our bulletin board.
If you would like to participate in one of these mission organizations, or you have an idea for a new mission project, you may be eligible for funding from MOS. To apply for funding, please contact the St. Andrew church office to receive and fill out a request form and your request will be reviewed at our next monthly meeting.