Outreach & Support
At St. Andrew’s by-the-Sea, ministry is about putting faith into action through service, generosity, compassion, and community. Whether supporting local outreach efforts, caring for neighbors in need, stewarding the life of the parish, or helping sustain the church for future generations, our ministries reflect the many ways we live out God’s love in everyday life.
From hands-on volunteer work and community partnerships to long-term giving and charitable outreach, the people of St. Andrew’s have a long tradition of serving with open hearts and willing hands. These ministries are not separate from who we are as a church, they are part of the foundation of our parish life and our shared commitment to caring for others.
We invite you to explore the ministries of St. Andrew’s by-the-Sea and discover ways to connect, participate, and help make a meaningful difference within our parish, our local communities, and beyond.
Outreach Mission
The Outreach Mission of St. Andrew’s by-the-Sea is rooted in compassion, generosity, and community. We believe faith is meant to be lived out through service — caring for neighbors, supporting those in need, and extending God’s love both locally and beyond.
Through hands-on volunteer work, financial support, partnerships with local organizations, and community-driven ministries, our parish seeks to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. From food assistance and hospitality programs to educational outreach and international support, our ministries reflect the heart of St. Andrew’s: welcoming, active, and deeply committed to serving others.
Love Our Neighbor (LON) is a collaborative outreach ministry between St. Andrew’s by-the-Sea and the United Congregational Church. This grant-based program assists residents of Little Compton, Westport, and Tiverton with expenses not covered through other available organizations or services.
The program includes a thoughtful application and review process designed to provide meaningful support while maintaining clear and responsible guidelines.St. Andrew’s Outreach Committee partners with Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island, an organization that supports refugee and immigrant resettlement throughout the state.
In partnership with the United Congregational Church, the parish has helped support local education and awareness efforts surrounding refugee assistance programs, including support for Afghan families resettling in Rhode Island.Members of St. Andrew’s regularly share their time and culinary talents by preparing and serving meals within the local community. This includes bi-monthly lunches at the local Community Center and support for the Salvation Army in Newport.
The parish also sponsors annual Circle of Friends dinners and activities for children, teens, and young adults with special needs.St. Andrew’s provides significant support to food banks serving Little Compton, Tiverton, Westport and Providence. We hold specific fundraising events, such as auctions and concerts, to support these food banks. We pay any associated expenses so that all funds raised go to the food banks. Many of our parishioners regularly volunteer to work at these food banks and several hold leadership positions. We also have weekly food & household goods collections focused on important items that may not be available through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. These ongoing efforts help provide essential resources to local families and individuals facing food insecurity.
Our network of supported food banks include:
The parish hosts annual community events that serve practical needs while bringing neighbors together. One example is Shred Day, where community members can safely dispose of personal documents and sensitive materials in a secure environment.
Each year, St. Andrew’s welcomes community members and their beloved pets to participate in the Blessing of the Animals. This joyful tradition celebrates the companionship of animals and God’s care for all creation.
St. Andrew’s participates annually in the My Brother's Keeper program, a ministry that provides Christmas gifts for children in need in our area.
Through this program, parishioners help bring hope, joy, and encouragement to families during the holiday season.St. Andrew’s supports local schools and wellness initiatives through donations of needed supplies and participation in community-centered programs, including projects at the Little Compton Wellness Center and support for Wilbur McMahon School.
St. Andrew’s also provides financial support to a variety of organizations and ministries, including:
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Episcopal Conference Center programs, including City Camp in Woonsocket
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Camp scholarship programs
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Westport Council on Aging
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Episcopal Relief efforts for hurricane victims
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Little Compton Wellness Center
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Little Compton Community Center
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Beyond the local community, St. Andrew’s supports international outreach ministries through prayer, sponsorship, and financial assistance.
Through Compassion International, the parish sponsors a child and family in Togo, helping provide food, healthcare, education, and ongoing support.
The parish also supports the American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, the World Central Kitchen and the Unite the World with Africa Foundation through specific fundraising efforts and budgeted Outreach initiatives.
Stewardship
Stewardship is about far more than financial giving. It is about how we share the gifts God has entrusted to us — our time, talents, compassion, resources, and care for one another.
For more than a century, the people of St. Andrew’s by-the-Sea have generously supported the life and mission of this parish through service, leadership, prayer, outreach, and giving. That spirit of generosity continues today through the many ways parishioners contribute to the strength and vitality of our church community.
At its heart, stewardship is rooted in gratitude. It reflects our relationship with God and with one another, and it reminds us that each person has something meaningful to offer. Whether through volunteering, participating in parish life, supporting ministries, or helping sustain the church financially, every act of generosity helps carry the mission of St. Andrew’s forward.
Like every church community, St. Andrew’s continues to grow, adapt, and navigate new opportunities and challenges together. Guided by faith, compassion, and a shared commitment to one another, we remain dedicated to building a welcoming parish rooted in worship, service, and community.
If you would like to learn more about stewardship or discover ways to become involved in the life and ministries of St. Andrew’s by-the-Sea, we invite you to contact the parish office or speak with a member of our church community.
1914 Society
Supporting the Future of St. Andrew’s
For generations, the people of St. Andrew’s by-the-Sea have shared their time, talents, and resources to help sustain the life and ministry of this parish. The 1914 Society offers an opportunity to continue that legacy for future generations through planned giving and estate gifts.
Named in honor of the founding of St. Andrew’s in 1914, the 1914 Society recognizes those who have chosen to include the church in their long-term plans and future giving. These gifts help ensure that St. Andrew’s continues to be a place of worship, fellowship, outreach, and service for years to come.
Gifts to the 1914 Fund support the ongoing mission and ministry of the parish beyond what is possible through annual stewardship alone. Through thoughtful planned giving, members of the 1914 Society help strengthen the future of St. Andrew’s while leaving a lasting expression of faith and generosity.
The 1914 Society honors parishioners and friends who have included St. Andrew’s by-the-Sea in their estate plans or long-term charitable giving. Membership reflects a shared commitment to supporting the future mission and ministry of the parish for generations to come.
The 1914 Fund receives and manages planned gifts and bequests made to the church. Income from the fund helps support ministries, outreach efforts, parish programs, and future needs of St. Andrew’s beyond the annual operating budget.
There are many ways to include St. Andrew’s in your long-term giving plans. Some common options include:
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Leaving a specific dollar amount in your will
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Designating a percentage of your estate
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Donating a specific asset
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Naming St. Andrew’s as a beneficiary of a retirement account, insurance policy, or trust
Many planned gifts may also provide tax benefits depending on your individual circumstances.-
For many people, including St. Andrew’s in an existing will can be done through a simple amendment called a codicil. This process is often straightforward and inexpensive. If you do not yet have a will, planned giving can also be included as part of creating one.
If you are interested in learning more about the 1914 Society or planned giving opportunities, we encourage you to contact the church office. We also recommend discussing any estate planning decisions with your attorney or financial advisor.
Planned giving is a meaningful way to help sustain the mission, worship, outreach, and community life of St. Andrew’s by-the-Sea long into the future. Every gift, large or small, becomes part of the lasting legacy of this parish and the generations of faith that continue to shape it.
Episcopal Charities
Helping Those in Need — Today and for the Future. For more than 60 years, Episcopal Charities has supported individuals and families facing hardship while also helping fund programs that create long-term solutions and lasting change.
Through partnerships with agencies across Rhode Island and beyond, Episcopal Charities provides assistance to those experiencing food insecurity, homelessness, medical hardship, addiction recovery challenges, domestic violence, and other difficult circumstances. At the same time, the organization supports programs focused on education, job training, housing stability, counseling, and community support.
The mission of Episcopal Charities closely reflects the values of St. Andrew’s by-the-Sea — serving others with compassion, dignity, and hope. Our parish has long supported this important work because we believe faith is lived out not only in worship, but in caring for our neighbors and helping communities thrive.
Gifts made through Episcopal Charities directly support agencies and ministries making a meaningful impact in the lives of people in need. Through the generosity of parishioners and supporters, immediate relief and long-term hope continue to reach individuals and families throughout our communities.
Every contribution helps extend care, compassion, and practical support to those who need it most.