Ministry Opportunities

For information about any of the following ministry opportunities, email info@standrewandstmargaret.org or call 703-683-3343.

Altar Guild

The members of our Altar Guild proudly care for the linens and sacred vessels used during Divine Worship. Duties include set-up/take down for all services, cleaning/laundering/repairing of altar linens, cleaning and polishing of sacred vessels, and maintaining proper order of the sacristy.

Appointment to the Guild is a great honor and testimony to those chosen, as Guild members are charged with one of the most sacred duties entrusted to the laity.

Salvation Army Bag Lunch Program

Our church, along with several others in the Alexandria community, participates in the Salvation Army Lunch Program.

Through this program, parishioners make sandwiches and pack bag lunches for needy individuals (local hungry/homeless people) in the surrounding neighborhoods. Volunteers are always welcome.

Flower Guild

Our parish is truly blessed to have a talented group of folks who provide beautiful flowers for our altar throughout the year. Under the direction of Mrs. Ginger Rhodes, guild members design fresh floral arrangements each week and on Holy Days and other special occasions.

Regular classes on design are held throughout the year and taught by Mrs. Rhodes, who has many years of experience including floral design for the National Cathedral and Mount Vernon. Volunteers are always needed and training is provided.

Acolytes & Lay Readers

Like our Altar Guild members, the men who serve as Acolytes and Lay Readers must be appointed by the rector. Lay Readers must be licensed by the Bishop Ordinary; this license is renewed annually.

Acolytes assist the priest during Divine Worship in a variety of ways. Their most important duty is to make the responses to the prayers prayed by the priest. They also present the bread, water, and wine to the priest during the preparation for Holy Communion and light/extinguish the candles for liturgical services.

In addition to acolyte duties, Lay Readers read the lessons during Divine Worship. With permission, they may also read Morning & Evening Prayer, deliver approved sermons in the absence of a priest or deacon, and read the burial office if no ordained minister or deacon is available.  By the ancient virtue of the offices, only males may serve in these ministries.

Acolytes receive ongoing training throughout the year.

Ushers, Col. Andy Jordan and Mr. Ross Starek

Our ushers assist the faithful during Divine Worship by providing bulletins, registration information for new folks, and seating assistance before the services.  The ushers are also responsible for the collecting of alms during the services and counting and safe storage of collections following services.

Men’s Group

The St Andrew and St Margaret’s men’s group meets on the third Saturday of every month September through May. Time is spent in fellowship with a breakfast starting at 8:30am followed by a one hour (9 to 10am) study on various religion and faith topics led by a volunteer from the group. The group also supports the annual church picnic held each September.

Women’s Group

The St. Andrew and St. Margaret’s women’s group meets on the third Saturday of every month September through May.  Time is spent in prayer and fellowship, sharing breakfast and spending time on a study specifically written for women.  The group meets from 8:30am to 10am in the rectory basement.  Childcare is provided upon request.

Bless the Animals

Our newest ministry is devoted exclusively to spirituality as it relates to animals. It offers information on pet bereavement, prayers and support for sick/terminal animals, Adoption information, St. Francis Day/Pet Blessings, and volunteer opportunities to assist shut-ins or others that might need some temporary assistance in caring, i.e. walking or feeding their pets.  For more information, check out their website BlessTheAnimalsAlexandria.org.