About St. Andrew's
A welcoming, multicultural Anglican community serving the north shore of Lake Chapala since 1954.
Our clergy
St. Andrew's is part of the Diocese of Occidente of the Anglican Church of Mexico, under the leadership of our Bishop and served by our dedicated clergy.
The Most Revd Alba Sally Sue Hernández García
Bishop, Diocese of Occidente, Anglican Church of Mexico
The Rev. Sarah A. Shirley
Rector and Pastor of St. Andrew's Anglican Church
The Rev. Dr. Betty Creamer
Associate Rector for Theological Education
From a lakeside apartment to a thriving community
In 1947, two groups of English-speaking Episcopalians in Mexico gathered to worship with the Rev. Melchor and Catherine Saucedo in Guadalajara and Lakeside.
The group in Guadalajara became Christ Church and later St. Mark's. The small group who had met in a Lakeside apartment on Fridays moved to the Little Chapel, which it outgrew to become St. Andrew's — named for the patron saint of fishermen.
Today, St. Andrew's is a multigenerational, multicultural community that turns faith into tangible action. We fund local charities and food programs, support scholarships, and welcome everyone — regardless of background, nationality, sexuality, or walk of life.
Outreach is at the heart of everything we do
The St. Andrew's Outreach Committee is dedicated to using its time, talents and resources to help our disadvantaged community neighbors. We are people created in the image of God, and we have a need to reach out beyond ourselves, just as God reaches out to us.
Respectful Communication Guidelines
We're a diverse, multicultural community — and we want our conversations to be a place of care, clarity, and trust.
Take RESPONSIBILITY for what you say and feel without blaming others.
Use EMPATHETIC listening.
Be SENSITIVE to differences in communication styles.
PONDER what you hear and feel before you speak.
EXAMINE your own assumptions and perceptions.
Keep CONFIDENTIALITY.
TRUST ambiguity because we are not here to debate who is right or wrong.
Shared from kscopeinstitute.org/kitoolkit ↗ as a helpful resource for our community conversations.
What we hold dear
The values that shape our worship and our life together.
Anglican Tradition
Grounded in liturgy, scripture, and the sacraments, honoring centuries of worship and prayer.
Multicultural Family
English-speaking and welcoming to all nationalities — expatriates and Mexican neighbors worship as one.
Faith in Action
Todo Bueno and community partnerships turn generosity into real support for local families.
Welcome Team
Greets visitors and members at the door with warmth, helping everyone feel at home from their very first Sunday.
Music Ministry
Leads congregational singing and special music, adding beauty and inspiration to every worship gathering.
Eucharistic Visitors
Brings Holy Communion and companionship to members who are homebound, ill, or unable to attend service.
Crucifers
Carries the processional cross and leads worship processions with dignity at every service.
Community Programs
Coordinates outreach efforts and partnerships that bring food, resources, and support to families across Lake Chapala.
Altar Guild
Faithfully prepares the altar and sacred vessels for worship, tending to the details that make our services beautiful and reverent.