I have been pastor here at St. Andrew’s for over 35 years. I have a love of world religions and a passion for social justice. My hope for ministry is to help people discover the deeper aspects of their own lives, to share life together with other seekers, and then join together to be a catalyst for making our world happier and safer for the vulnerable ones of our world. 

I’ve had an “official” role at St. Andrew’s since 2022, but have been in and around this wonderful community for over ten years. I enjoy getting to know and celebrate the unique gifts of each person in our church, from the youngest to the oldest. In my work with children and youth, I aim to impart the teachings of the Christian tradition in a way that opens rather than encloses young hearts and minds.My deep desire as a minister, whether preaching, doing community outreach, or facilitating spiritual formation, is to help us stay rooted in love and continue in hope in a time of unprecedented global change. 

I have been a part of the St. Andrew’s community since the mid 1990’s. I was finally ordained here in 2014, 24 years after I graduated from seminary, as an 'out' lesbian chaplain. I retired from St. Andrew’s just before COVID and came out of retirement in 2022 because I missed the fun of doing ministry here, and I missed all the people. 

As a PC(USA) Pastor, my work has always been in validated ministries. My quilted background includes nursing, finance, hospice chaplaincy/management, non-profit leadership and consulting. Now, my greatest joy is helping individuals and teams to name, claim and aim their unique strengths, which I call spiritual gifts. I love the mission and inclusion of the St. Andrews PC congregation. I look forward to meeting and learning more about each of you.

I became Church Administrator in February of 2020. Having been a church visitor for a couple of years and a participant in the Enneagram Journey, I count myself blessed to be working for this congregation. My background is in human service operations, with the majority of that time in the foster care movement. Standing up for those without a voice is important; this is the philosophy that led me to St. Andrew's. I take pride in the work accomplished within this church office, knowing we are helping you serve this community and beyond. 

As choir director at St. Andrew’s, I do my best to provide a welcoming place where anyone who enjoys singing can participate. We sing a wide variety of styles from Bach to rock, and from very simple to more difficult, complex pieces. I also lead congregational singing and help choose parts of the worship service. I love being part of a congregation that takes inclusive language seriously, and I enjoy updating our more traditional material so we can not only feel moved in our hearts, but can leave our minds intact, as well.

In addition to being a music educator since 1979, I have enjoyed being a performer of piano, harpsichord, and cello. About 20 years ago, I added violin and viola as well (I’ve always been an “under achiever”). I love to solve musical problems so I created a piano method book series, Read and Play the Easy Way, to show music students how to do things they never knew they could do. I have had numerous church jobs since I was a teenager, but none of them can compare to the warmth and sincerity found with the people of St. Andrew’s. Obviously, others have had a similar experience since many people have left these other churches to make St. Andrew’s their new church home.

I’m Teresa Barrera and I have been working in childcare at St. Andrew’s for twenty five years. While working at the church, I have also worked with children at UT ECFC for numerous years. I have three children and five beautiful grandchildren, whom I adore and enjoy spending time with. I live in the Austin area with my husband, Roy, and our dog. Before settling here, I lived in Germany and Hawaii due to my husband being in the military. I am now retired and spend every moment I can watching my grandchildren grow.

My name is Elena Castillo and I have been working at St. Andrew’s for over ten years in the nursery. I’m from a small town outside Austin where I live with my son, Joaquinn, and our two dogs and cat. I’m very family oriented and love the outdoors. I am educated in early childhood development and business. In addition to being a part of this amazing St. Andrew’s family, I own a Montessory School that I manage and teach at during the week.