Saint Andrew is part of an ecumenical effort, under the direction of Lutheran Services Carolinas, to settle refugees legally admitted into the US. A key component is building Circles of Welcome, teams of volunteers for each newly arrived family. Each Circle works to settle the newcomers into local housing, getting any children into schools, assisting with job searches, and establishing relationships with local agents of medical care as needed. In general, Circles are engaged in all the things necessary for the newcomers “onboarding” as our neighbors.
Contact: Bob Fennell, [email protected]
Saint Andrew tithes its Sunday Offertory for distribution to organizations promoting the Church’s social teaching. The committee meets quarterly to determine distribution and to provide notice for the weekly parish bulletin informing parishioners about the current week’s recipient. From time to time, the committee also uses a portion of the tithe to underwrite educational programs aimed at deepening parishioner awareness of our social teaching.
In addition to encouraging weekly offerings of canned and boxed food for distribution through Clemson Community Care (an ecumenical venture of Clemson’s faith communities and the City of Clemson), Saint Andrew sets each September aside to highlight world hunger.
Each Advent, the parish provides Christmas gifts for distribution to needy families through various social service agencies.