Community Groups – Welcome to Our Church – St. Andrew's Anglican Parish Aberfeldie

Prayer and Spirituality

Prayer

Prayer plays an important part of the life of a parish, helping to bind the community of faith together, especially during times of trouble and strife in the broader communities in which we live.

Morning Prayer

Morning Prayer is held via Microsoft Teams on Monday and Wednesday mornings at 9 am. Please contact Reverend Michael either at mfdanaher@yahoo.com.au or on 0419 114 870 if you have any questions, or if you would like to receive a Zoom link to join the morning prayer services.

Spiritual Cafe

Every Monday morning at 10am, Reverend Michael and a number of parishioners of St Andrew meet together at North & Eight cafe on Buckley Street, Essendon to enjoy a coffee and discuss a spiritual reflection related to the gospel reading from the previous Sunday. The conversation routinely goes “off topic”, but is always friendly, inclusive and informative. Anyone is welcome to come and join us.

Community Service

Reverend Michael and several volunteers lead a monthly service of Eucharist for the residents of Arcadia Aged Care in Essendon, and Raelene Boyle Village in Aberfeldie, on the Second and Third Thursday of each month at 10.30am and 11am respectively. Each service is usually followed by a cup of coffee at McDonalds in Niddrie on the Second Thursday, and the in-house cafe at Raelene Boyle Village on the Third Thursday.

Parish Social Groups

The parish has a number of groups that meet regularly and share in fellowship and hospitality. These include:

Men’s Tea Group

Is a welcoming and hospitable group that enjoys sharing fellowship, stories and good conversation over a meal and a glass or two of wine. The group meet at a local restaurant on the 3rd Sunday of each month (except January) at 6pm for fellowship and hospitality. You don’t need to be a member of the parish to attend. If you are interested in attending, or would like to know more, then please contact either Hugh Roberton (0407 332 009) or Father Michael (0419 114 870).

Parish BBQ

The monthly Parish BBQ is held on the first Sunday of each month at 11.30am in the Parish Hall (which is located behind the church). The BBQ is a great opportunity for people to share fellowship and good conversation over a meal and a glass of wine. A $5 per head ‘donation’ is appreciated which is distributed at the end of the year to an agreed local mission. In previous years we have supported both Aberfeldie Primary School and Essendon Keilor High School with these funds. People are encouraged to BYO wine and/or soft drink to the BBQ. You need not be a parishioner to attend the BBQ, all are welcome to come along and join us.

Pastoral Care Group

Pastoral care is an ancient model of emotional and spiritual support for Church Members and those connected with the church. Nominated Pastoral Carers ‘walk alongside others’ in the spirit of gentleness, loving-care, respect and friendship. Any request for assistance is strictly confidential and a carer will ask your permission to share your situation with others. If you are in need of fellowship or a helping hand please contact Reverend Michael on 0419 114 870 or Dianna Konzag on 0407 332 542.

Children’s Ministry

Every Wednesday mornings during the school term, from 10am to 11am, the parish offers the opportunity for pre-school aged children to join us for Mainly Music – a structured, interactive program of music and movement for children aged 0-4 which is great fun for children and parents/grandparents alike. The 30 minute session is followed by some healthy snacks and playtime for the children, and coffee or tea for the parents/grandparents and other carers.

Family Ministry

Mainly Music

Our Mainly Music Program runs every Wednesday Morning at 10am during the school term. The Program is a 30 minute fun and interactive music session for pre-school children and their parents/caregivers. Morning tea is provided after the session. Families attending the session pay $5 each time they visit.

The Goal of the mainly music Program is to encourage children to develop gross and fine motor skills, language, imagination, math and pre-reading skills as well as socialise with others. More information about mainly music program can be found at mainly music.

Contact either Virginia Brown (0481 361 012), Liz Gibbs (0421 774 762) or Dianna Konzag (0407 332 542) for further information about taking part in Mainly Music at St Andrew.