Worship

WORSHIP AT ST. ANDREW

Come for a visit; stay for a journey…

Attending a new church can be unsettling — What door do I enter? Will people be friendly? Will they leave me alone if I don’t want attention? Will I know what to do and when?

We at St. Andrew believe authentic religion has to do with making meaning in our lives—finding and holding onto that which is most precious and durable and even beyond our full comprehension. So we want you to feel welcome and at home, not distracted by little things that keep us from the essential things. We hope the following information will help.

Worship

We believe that worship holds our questions and shapes who we are and hope to be. So we try to draw on all our senses and seek beauty, clarity and active participation in all that we do. You might consider the style “traditional” but if you listen closely, you’ll hear and sing music from all over the world and from many genres. We hope things are “pretty” but we value more the beauty of the gifts that all ages bring to our life together and you will usually see all ages involved. You will discern a four-fold movement of Gathering, Word, Eucharist (which means “giving thanks”) and Sending. This structure models the kind of life we seek together and in the world—the kind of things we do and want to be doing. We begin at 10:30am and are usually done by 11:50am (in the summer we switch to a 10:00am start time and are usually done by 11:15am). You’ll see leaders in robes, but wear whatever you want. We do. Participate at whatever level you are comfortable. That’s what we do too!

Children and Infants

St. Andrew has a nursery, upon request, for infants up to two years. Just ask a greeter. Older children are with us in worship and the ushers have packets to help them participate and remain engaged in age-appropriate ways. Sometimes we’ll have a separate time for children, but we work hard to shape the worship so that all ages are engaged as much as possible. You may even see the nursery attendants sneak to the back with our youngest children during appropriate times in worship. We think it helps them to learn they are a part of all we do and they seem to love it and pick up on the songs faster than the adults.

Other Features of Worship

If you haven’t been to church for a while, or if you’re not familiar with our particular tradition, please don’t worry. We’re adjusting to changes too and we try to help each other out. In our particular (Reformed) tradition we have a saying for that: “the church reformed and always being reformed.” It is our way of remembering that God always seems to be more relevant than we are so we have catching up to do!

Most things you should be able to pick up from the worship aid (check out the top of the inside page) or from those around you. We have two hymnals we use, so keep an eye on that. We take an offering weekly and communion at least once a month as part of our practice of giving thanks (remember, “Eucharist”), but don’t feel obligated. We seek integrity in all we do and we want that for you too.

After Worship

We love to talk to each other. And we love to eat, so watch out for kids screaming by you on their way to the snacks! And please do stay and talk with us as much as you’re comfortable. We’d love to hear your story!

After Your Visit

If you have any questions, please ask them. You’ll find information and contacts here on the website, and if you’re unsure, just call the church office and we’ll gladly tell you what we know… and don’t know.

Worship Bulletins

WORSHIP AT ST. ANDREW

Come for a visit; stay for a journey…

Worship

Children and Infants

Other Features of Worship

After Worship

After Your Visit

Directions & Parking

Parking

Entering

Music Programs