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PASTOR'S PAGE

Welcome to our website! Let me take a few moments to tell you about who we are and how we are serving Jesus Christ in the Northern Neck of Virginia.

St. Andrews Presbyterian Church is located close to where the Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers flow into the Chesapeake Bay. This historic area has become popular in recent years because of its excellent waterfront properties and quiet lifestyle.

St. Andrews is a relatively new congregation, having been chartered by the Presbyterian Church (USA) in May of 1988. It has been blessed with growth (now 210 members) and the construction of excellent facilities.

The people of St. Andrews believe in Jesus Christ and are eager to share His love. A vivid example may be seen in their support for young people. Although many within the church are retired, they freely share their time to support the Sunday School program and staff the annual Vacation Bible School.

It is also a congregation that values quality in its community service. The members bring a rich variety of skills and backgrounds that they employ in both the church and the community. The presence of St. Andrews members on numerous community boards, agencies, and projects is but one example of this commitment.

Finally, St. Andrews has been given strong lay leaders who take their responsibilities to heart and strive to guide the church with flexibility, creativity and enthusiasm.

It has been a privilege for me to minister with this congregation for the past eighteen years. I would be glad to tell why. Just ask!  Even more, come and see for yourself. It would be a delight to meet you and share the things that the Lord is doing in this place.  

Tom Coye, Pastor

PASTOR'S NOTES

I have been thinking about ways in which we can improve
communication at St. Andrews. Our experience this past year has shown
how important this is. For example, the Session, seeing the need to
become more transparent about finances, held four informational
meetings, sent several letters to the congregation, and began a quarterly
reporting of income and expenses. Another example is this publication.
Pastor Notes is written monthly to help everyone stay informed about the
work of the Session and its many ministries.

While on sabbatical I noticed that some pastors also encouraged
congregants to participate in face to face exchanges of ideas. Locally,
R W -C does a version of this in monthly meetings with its CEO Stuart
Bunting. The atmosphere is casual, and residents are encouraged to
speak openly about whatever is on their minds concerning RW -C. It
seems to be quite effective.

I would like to give this a try at st. Andrews and call it Chatting with
Tom. My hope is that it will encourage free flowing discussion of all
topics relevant to our congregational life at St. Andrews. The only
limiter, of course, will be subjects that would be more appropriately
handled within the context of confidentiality.

The chats will be held on the first Thursday of each month, 4:00-5:00
p.rn.. We will begin on September 2. Feel free to drop in. I'll have the
coffee ready.

Tom