Mission isn’t something we simply support — it’s how we live out our faith.
Rooted in compassion and driven by hope, we seek to be present and caring in Guelph and around the world. Through local partnerships, refugee sponsorships, community dinners, and global ministry, we respond to God’s call to love our neighbours — near and far.
Our Mission & Outreach Coordinating Committee (MOCC) guides our work, stewarding relationships and resources with prayerful intention.
“Then the King will say, ‘I’m telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.’”
— Matthew 25:40
Local Partners and Initiatives
-
Chalmers Community Services Centre
Chalmers offers food, hygiene supplies, clothing, and community cafés — all without means testing, ensuring dignity for every guest. St. Andrew’s supports Chalmers through food donations, Christmas gift bags, and an annual goal to collect 2,000 pounds of food in the Chalmers Challenge.
In 2023, Chalmers distributed 159,625 lbs of food, 3,855 diaper packages, and hosted over 18,000 guest visits.
-
Stepping Stone
Stepping Stone works to end homelessness in Guelph-Wellington by transitioning individuals and families from emergency shelter to permanent housing.
In 2024, they housed 226 people, supported 357 through their 24/7 shelter, and maintained 32 supportive housing units.
-
Royal City Mission
In downtown Guelph, Royal City Mission provides meals, worship, drop-in support, and community programs rooted in relationship, justice, and beauty. We support financially and serve Saturday Community Dinners throughout the year.
Over 1,800 meals served each week, powered by 70+ weekly volunteers.
-
Ecumenical Campus Ministry (ECM) at the University of Guelph
Ecumenical Campus Ministry (ECM) offers spiritual care and community to students, staff, and faculty at the University of Guelph. Rooted in the Anglican, Presbyterian, and United Church traditions, ECM creates space for reflection, dialogue, and growth.
Offerings include: Vespers Worship, Community Dinners & Faith Discussions, Scripture Study & Retreats, Queer Christian Community, Pilgrimage Day and more.
ECM also actively participates in the Multi-Faith Resource Team, modeling cooperation and inclusion across spiritual traditions.
-
Global Mission & Refugee Sponsorship
At St. Andrew’s, we believe in responding to Jesus’ call to welcome the stranger and walk with those in vulnerable situations. We are deeply committed to refugee sponsorships, international partnerships, and ongoing care.
Refugee Sponsorship & Advocacy
Working with local partners and through Presbyterian World Service and Development, St. Andrew’s has a 40-year history of refugee sponsorship. We are currently awaiting the arrival of the Afghan brother of local partner Frozan Hassanzai and his family (9 people in total). At the same time, we are advocating on behalf of Frozan herself who (after working tirelessly to bring her brother’s family to safety in Canada) is facing deportation.
As of March, 2025, we are awaiting decisions on 3 case assessments we have submitted to PWS&D: another Afghan family of 9, Libyan individual, Eritrean family of 4.
Ongoing support for Ukrainian newcomers is now in its third year.“It should be noted that the partnership of churches and individuals has been able to support (in one way or another) up to 13 Ukrainian Refugees for more than 3 years! Thanks be to God!”
We also directly support PWS&D in its work with local partners around the world to address the root causes of poverty and create new futures of hope and opportunity through programs in sustainable development and emergency relief.
Learn more about Presbyterian World Service and Development here: https://presbyterian.ca/pwsd/ →
-
Child Sponsorship in Sierra Leone
In 2025, we will mark 10 years since the deaths of Alex K. Jr. and his wife in Sierra Leone, and we continue to support their four children — through a child support program. Despite hardship, these children are growing in health and education thanks to the commitment of our church family.
-
Strategic Giving: Home for Good Campaign
In 2022, St. Andrew’s gave $600,000 from the sale of Westminster-St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church to support permanent supportive housing in Guelph. In 2024, we celebrated the opening of 10 Shelldale Crescent — a place of safety, community, and hope for 32 individuals.
“To think that there are now 72 people that have a place to belong, feel community & the support they need to thrive is amazing.”
— Glenna Banda, Executive Director, United Way -
National & International Mission: Presbyterians Sharing
Each year we give toward Presbyterians Sharing, the national fund of The Presbyterian Church in Canada. This shared mission supports:
New faith communities and ministry renewal
Indigenous reconciliation and healing
Theological education and leadership training
Advocacy for justice, creation care, and refugee protection
Global partners sharing Christ’s love in over 25 countries -
Discipleship Everywhere: Mobile Discipleship / 40 Days of Discipleship
we’re committed to making spiritual formation accessible to everyone, anytime, anywhere. That’s why we’re connected with Mobile Discipleship, a grassroots digital movement that helps everyday people learn how to follow Jesus in daily life.
Through short, simple, Jesus-centred resources, the 40 Days of Discipleship series equips people to:
Read the Bible and pray meaningfully
Reflect on what Jesus is doing in their lives
Connect with others in spiritual community
Grow in confidence to share their own faith journey
Multiply disciples by helping others learn tooThis free resource is for both new believers and long-time disciples who want to go deeper.
Series include:
Meeting Jesus | On the Jesus Road – Following Jesus through the Gospel of John
Finding New Life | The DNA of Discipleship – Simple daily patterns for following Jesus
Learning to Learn | The 5 Verbs of Learning – Action-based discipleship that forms habits
Forming Households of Faith – Helping families and homes flourish spiritually
Creating Learners | Disciple Making – How to share what you've received
Telling Your Story | Five Smooth Stones – Discover and share your personal faith journey -
Guelph-Wellington Breast Cancer Support Group
This volunteer-led group provides a caring space where women can share their experiences, learn more about treatment and survivorship, and find encouragement from others who understand what they're going through.
This group is a gentle but powerful reminder that no one should walk through illness alone — and St. Andrew’s is honoured to help make that walk a little lighter.
Learn more →
Email: krichard@uoguelph.ca -
Two Rivers Church
Two Rivers Church is a small, creative faith community living out the gospel in downtown Guelph. Since 2012, they have sought to be faithfully present among their neighbours — especially those who are overlooked, uncertain, or exploring faith for the first time. St. Andrew’s supports Two Rivers as part of our shared commitment to mission in our city, especially among people on the margins.
Rooted in the Presbyterian Church in Canada, Two Rivers describes itself as “a people in process” — learning to trust Jesus as the model of what it means to live with courage, humility, and compassion. Their focus on spiritual formation, justice, generosity, and beauty is lived out through micro-communities of belonging, hospitality, and worship.
They describe their mission this way:
“Inviting all to come alive in Christ — forming apprentices of Jesus empowered by the Holy Spirit for the sake of God’s mission.”
Their practices include:
Friendship & vulnerability
Prayer as communion with God
Storytelling & testimony
Generosity & open tables
Caring for creation
Culture-making through art and presenceTwo Rivers is currently pastored by Rev. Andrew Hyde, who also serves as the Ecumenical Chaplain at the University of Guelph — another ministry St. Andrew’s supports.