St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church

The Mariner Fellowship Program supports the church and community. The program is comprised of “ships” of couples, singles, and families. All ships have a monthly meeting. While the focus of each ship meeting is outreach, mission, or projects for the church and community, it is also a social time. Many groups have a monthly potluck; some choose a restaurant where they can share a meal together. Many groups have a Bible study or a book discussion. But it is definitely a time of Christian fellowship.

St. Andrew's has 8 ships with close to 180 adult members. The first Mariner group was formed in 1954, and our newest ship was formed in 2002. Traditionally, the Mariners have hosted the coffee hour after our church service. They also serve as greeters before the church service, and ushers during the service. In addition, each ship has one or more “cargoes” (projects) that they do to support the church and community. Some of the cargoes include: maintaining the pew racks each week, painting rooms at the church, preparing the Sunday School Teacher Appreciation breakfasts, sponsoring environmental clean-up, hosting an ice cream social, decorating the church at Christmas, and Neighborhood House projects.

Most Mariner participants would tell you that their ship means the world to them. They are supportive and social friends. Many people would tell you that the Mariner program is one of the biggest reasons they come to St. Andrew’s and that they wouldn’t miss their monthly meeting for anything! Several ships are recruiting new people or join a new group. If you are interested, please contact Ric and Jo Ann Tower at 503-297-5895 or call the church office.

Descriptions of the Ships

Beachcomers: The Beachcombers ship was founded in 1954. Currently there are 18 people in this ship, with the ages of our members in their 70s, 80s, and 90s. We meet the 2nd Sunday of the month after church having lunch and a business meeting.
Beacons: The Beacons were first organized in 1981. They have about 20 members, mostly people in their 40s and 50s—couples and singles. Many have children—some grown, many in college, some still at home. They meet the 3rd Saturday of the month, usually for a potluck, fellowship, and sometimes to do a community/church service project. One of their cargoes is decorating the church at Advent. They would welcome new members.
Outriggers: The Outriggers were formed in 1985. At the time they were a group of young families, but over the years they have gracefully aged. A few of the families still have kids of elementary school age, and a few have become empty nesters. A strong component of the group has been service for the Transition House, Mexico Mission trip, Portland Rescue Mission and the environmental project of the church parking lot. Generally they meet on the 2nd Saturday of the month and would welcome anyone who would like to join them.
Sandpipers: The Sandpipers was started in 1978 for single men and women. There are currently 10 members, 2 being inactive, all over the age of 60. They meet the 3rd Thursday of the month at 1:00 for dessert, business, and a program. The programs have been mostly information about their lives and special Bible verses. In the summer they take trips to the Oregon Gardens, a trip to the beach, and a luncheon ride on the Portland Spirit. Their cargo is straightening the pew racks each week and donating to the youth scholarship fund.
Schooners: The Schooners originated in 1954 with about ten couples. It has stayed approximately that size until recently. Now they have only six couples and ten singles. This happens when you average about 80 years old! Their charities over the decades have changed from the more physical (painting, yard work, etc.) to giving gifts of money and buying articles for needy children for their school needs. They have helped out with Mariners’ church activities over the years, which included providing Sunday greeters, ushers and serving coffee & cookies one month a year. They bought straw hats, 4th of July vests, and originated the Ice Cream Social which they put on for a number of years. In 2003, they helped provide refreshments for our new ministers’ reception, did the fire insurance inventory of the Sanctuary and Narthex, and painted the choir restroom. While helping others, they also had a lot of fun and through the years have bonded in deep friendships.
Seaweeds: Most of their members are ages 50 to 80. They still have some of the original members who started the group in the early 70s. They meet once a month with a variety of activities including walking along the Eastbank Esplanade, wine tasting, going to the Oregon Garden, and painting a classroom at St. Andrew’s. Good food is always part of any event! This year their cargo was participating in the Wishing Tree.
Sou’westers: This ship was founded in 1965, and currently has 20 members. The general age of this group is 70 to 80. The format of their meetings varies, but in general, they have dessert and a program. This is interspersed with beach or mountain retreats, picnics, and church programs. We meet on the 3rd Sunday of the month.
Windjammers: This ship was organized in 1974. They have 14 couples in the group, mostly in their 60s and 70s. Their meetings are held on the 1st Friday of the month, where they always have food and socialize.