“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4

Citizenship Classes

Through Orange Literary of Durham, Saint Andrews United Methodist Church offers classes for documented immigrants/refugees who are seeking preparation for citizenship.

The 25 classes occur twice a week on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6-8 PM and all study materials are provided from a federal grant for Orange Literacy.  The classes are offered each fall semester and spring semesters at the church. To enroll in the class, clients need to contact Orange Literacy at (919) 914-6153 and ask for Adela. The church can be contacted at (919) 772-4410. Citizenship classes are currently on hold and will resume in the future. Check back for more details.

A team of volunteers from SAUMC will then work with the candidates to prepare them for their citizenship interview. Additional opportunities exist for help in filling out the lengthy forms at Apex Immigration Services at Apex UM church through David Brown at (919) 589-5231. Both opportunities are service ministries of the United Methodist Church.

Creation Care

Creation Care ministry is helping our congregation and our community to restore a right relationship between God, His creation, and humans. Creation Care emphasizes creating times for spiritual solitude and reflection.  Spending time in nature listening for God’s calling to honor His creation is a vital component of this ministry. We strive to understand and reflect on God’s “moments of grace.” Moments of grace are fleeting times when we are given opportunities to serve God, others, and creation. If we do not act on these, they may be lost forever. We can learn ways to recognize God as He reaches out to us through circumstances and nature.

Creation Care initiative was requested by Bishop Hope Morgan Ward for action by the churches in our district. This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy God’s creation as we care for our congregation and community at the same time!

Current Creation Care projects include:

  • Reducing disposables used in church events.
  • Increasing our recycling efforts.
  • Self-guiding Meditation Path on church property open to the public.
  • Certified as Green Church and NWF Certified Wildlife Habitat.
  • Weekly Creation Moments message to members.
  • Walking In Grace- Wednesdays. Silence Nature walks with meditation and circle sharing About God and Nature.
  • Season of Creation Celebration- September1- October 4. Ending with Blessing of the Animals Service.
  • Future plans: electric audit, adding nature plants and trees, water garden, pollinator garden.

Loads of Love

Loads of Love is a special ministry at Saint Andrews UMC that prepares and delivers meals to our shut-ins and others within our church who have been sick, had surgery or lost a loved one. Volunteers meet on the first Monday of the month at 10:00 AM at the church to prepare and deliver the meals. In addition to the meals, volunteers deliver handmade cards of encouragement and share the love of Christ during their visit.

If you would like to become involved in Loads of Love, contact the church office at (919) 772-4410 or email churchoffice@saintandrewsumc.org.