The Stewardship Committee
is responsible for planning and securing financial support for the many programs at Saint Andrew’s through letters to members, stewardship talks during services and weekly bulletin announcements. As needs and opportunities increase, the role of the committee will become a year-round effort with expanded responsibilities.
The Investment Committee
The Investment Committee invests non-operating funds (funds not needed for the day-to-day operation of the church), in accordance with donor bequests. The overall investment strategy primarily is to increase the value of funds through diversified equity investments while moderating volatility by investing a portion of the funds in fixed-income investments. Accordingly, investments are allocated to either the Diocesan Balanced Investment Fund or equity mutual funds. (Investments are not typically made in individual securities.) The Saint Andrew’s Investment Committee meets periodically to review investment performance and to allocate newly received funds according to stated objectives.
The Finance Committee
The Finance Committee meets monthly to monitor the church’s financial situation, discuss strategic financial issues and make recommendations to the vestry for approval. Its key functions include drafting an annual budget for consideration by the vestry, reviewing the church’s monthly financial statements and, upon request, providing advice on financial matters to the vestry and the rector.
The Environmental Concerns Committee
The Environmental Concerns Committee is a group dedicated to raising awareness about threats to God’s creation. In particular, the group was founded five years ago in response to the emerging threat of global warming. Because this problem threatens our faith and the future of our children, the committee’s members agree that this is a matter of moral urgency. We also agree that in order to motivate members of our community, the church should assume moral leadership on this issue. This leadership manifests itself in three ways: outreach to the community, education of our members and improved energy efficiency for our building. We have done community outreach through public lectures, advocacy before the State College Borough Council and participation in the Creation Care Coalition. We have educated the congregation with forums, evening talks and events for young people. Finally, we have promoted an energy audit of the church to ensure prudent energy decisions in the future. We invite anyone interested to join us at our monthly meetings.
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The Property Committee
The Property Committee are curators of a historic place who maintain the health and safety of the buildings and grounds, inside and out, things seen and unseen — from mundane tasks such as securing replacement parts for equipment to painting or digging up weeds. Much time is spent coordinating with the rector and sexton on repairs, maintenance and upkeep decisions, which can include preparing reports to the vestry so that financial decisions can be made. A focus in the coming months and years will be on making our facilities more energy efficient.
There are always needs to be met, and volunteers are welcome to join the committee at any time. Those to whom God has given special talents such as plumbing, masonry, painting, carpentry an other such skills are eagerly sought, but anyone is welcome to join.
The Gardeners
The Gardeners are a dedicated group of green thumbs who enjoy getting dirty. Together they work to maintain the gardens surrounding the church and Trinity House.
Parish Life
Parish Life is the group behind the special social events at Saint Andrew’s, including bishop’s receptions, the annual Brazil Night celebration, the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, the parish picnic and the reception that follows Lessons & Carols during Advent. Parish Life members also plan and host coffee hour, and more volunteers are always welcome. The group meets — very informally — once a month from September through May.
The Book Discussion Group
The Book Discussion Group gets together once a month at members’ homes to discuss a book, eat snacks, solve the problems of the world and enjoy each other’s company. The books are chosen by the group. All are welcome. Some people come just for a particular book they have enjoyed, others have been there for years. Book Group selections and place and times are listed in the Sunday Messenger.