There
are many ministries run by the fellowship and associated with the
fellowship. It is evident from the list below that in St Andrews there
are strong cross-denominational relationships within the town. Many of
the other fellowships, including ours, hope that this develops further
over the forthcoming years.
ABC Toddlers’ Group
Run in conjunction with Families
First. It offers friendship to parents, carers and children and a safe
place to be. Many who attend have no church connection. Several
Christian parents have formed their own study group.
ACTSA (Action of
Churches Together in St Andrews)
The local council of Churches. Our
fellowship has three representatives. This group represents at least
twelve churches in the town and surrounding area. As well as three joint
services each year, the group organises Lent Study groups, the Week of
Prayer for Christian Unity, lunches and the local Christian Aid
collection.
Members and friends of St Andrews Baptist Church
contribute to the weekly Christian FOCUS column in the local
newspaper, the St Andrews Citizen. This is co-ordinated by a
sub-committee of ACTSA. Ian Smith is the Baptist representative on
the FOCUS committee. His role is to encourage people in the church
to write short articles and to suggest possible topics.
If you are interested in contributing, then
contact the church office or speak to
Ian Smith.
Balnacarron Services
On the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of
each month, services are held for those in the Balnacarron Residential
Home in St Andrews.
Catering
Co-ordination of the provision of refreshments for any
church function.
Children’s Ministry
Bible Class,
called "GRID" has now started for S1-S3 youth.
Meets during Children's Church time.
Children’s Church- 3 classes take place during the
morning service, after the children’s address. This is aimed at children
of primary school age.
Creche- Caters for all children from baby to pre
Children’s Church.
Dorcas Group
This group meets once a month to
make clothing and blankets suitable for use in Eastern European
countries. These are collected and distributed by the Blythswood
organisation. Some ladies are becoming involved who have no fellowship
connection but are pleased to be able to use their skills to help
others.
Families First-
St Andrews
The church is a founder member of
this charitable company, limited by guarantee, and was launched jointly
by Spurgeon’s Childcare and St Andrews Baptist Church, and entered into
service level agreement with Fife Council. Its main activities include
the provision of school children’s clubs, holiday clubs, family support,
DIY help, befriending, provision and parenting skills. There are 7 full
and part-time paid staff and 113 volunteers. Our church is represented
by Volunteers, Directors and Company Secretary.
Fellowship Communication
Bulletin - Produced weekly
highlighting services details and upcoming events.
Newsletter- A team from within the Fellowship produce a
regular Fellowship newsletter.
Website - Our church website has
been developed and redesigned recently and a small team of people are
responsible for its upkeep.
Fellowship Watch Groups
A system whereby individuals or
families are given names of people in the fellowship to ‘watch out for’.
It is expected that the individuals will pray for the people and take
note of their needs.
Golf Fellowship
For fellowship and relaxation, a game of golf is organised
for every Friday afternoon each week.
Home Groups
There are 6 home groups at the
moment, which offer the opportunity for deepening knowledge, sharing
experiences, extending fellowship and support, and serving the rest of
the fellowship in practical ways.
Student Hospitality Scheme
Provided for students who attend
the church. They are ‘assigned’ to a family who act as their host family
by providing fellowship, support and hospitality. This enables the
fellowship to get to know some of the students and to offer a
‘home-from-home’ in a Christian context. Some financial support is given
to those students who spend vacations on Christian service
International Students
A scheme, organised by a member of our fellowship under
the auspices of Friends International, is in place to encourage
Christians to make friends with overseas students, especially
post-graduates and their families. At least 60 people have been linked
with host families (not all from our fellowship) and they benefit from
the opportunity to improve their language skills, and enjoy new
friendships. Two small Bible Study groups have been set up for those
people who want the opportunity to learn more.
Library
A small up-to-date library of books and videos is
available at both worship sites.
Missionary Committee
Promotion of interest and prayer
for our missionaries. The fellowship actively and prayerfully supports a
B.M.S. family and five other associates and their families, all of whom
have close ties with the fellowship.
Music Ministry
Currently entering a new and
exciting phase, the music ministry exists to provide music for worship
in the services. We are also developing music workshops to develop this
ministry and to use music for the purposes of discipleship and
evangelism.
Open House
Every Saturday morning between 10am
and 12pm, the fellowship room is open for people to come in for tea,
coffee and home baking. A donation box is available should anyone want
to contribute.
Pilgrim Care
Interchurch Charitable company
which aims to set up a local, high quality, continuous care facility for
the frail elderly, with an explicit Christian ethos and Christian senior
staff and management. Pilgrim Care has initiated and promoted this
project which is currently intended to be built and operated by
Auchlochan Christian Trust. Some 62 members from all local Churches are
involved with Pilgrim Care.
Prayer Ministry
In addition to establishing a new
group to support the prayer life of the church, we have a number of
dedicated times throughout the week for corporate prayer.
Reading Group
Meets every six weeks to discuss the book chosen to be
read in that time.
Social Group
Organises social events for the fellowship.
Tape Ministry
Each service is recorded on audio
tape. These tapes are available for people to borrow, or purchase at a
small cost.
Thursdays at Three
A group that meets on a regular basis providing
fellowship, support and teaching for senior citizens.
Walking Group
Meets every Wednesday afternoon to
set off on a planned route. On average 15 people participate on the
walks. This ministry is a good opportunity for fellowship and also to
bring along a non- Christian friend. As well as enjoying the lovely Fife
scenery, fellowship is also enjoyed over a cup of coffee at the end!
Welcoming Team (Main Rota)
This ministry involves the
practical arrangements for services, especially Sunday mornings when
equipment needs to be moved to the school premises. It also aims to
ensure that both newcomers and regular attenders are welcomed to the
services. Refreshments are also provided after every service in the
morning and evening.
Women’s Fellowship
A group for women to meet regularly
for fellowship. The group meets on a Tuesday morning and has a programme
of events. Normal attendance averages between 10-20.
Youth Work
Matrix- We
have a small number of young people of secondary school age who
regularly attend the fellowship, most of whom attend the youth group
called the Matrix. They have a varied programme and meet every Sunday
evening while the evening service is taking place.
Crusaders-
An outreach to children in St Andrews. Age range is normally P4-P7. The
group meets weekly with a programme consisting of games, crafts and
teaching. Members of the fellowship and students run the group. Most of
the children, aged 8 to 12, have no church connection. Weekends away
together offer the opportunity for deepening friendships and
understanding. Good links are also being developed with the parents.