What to Expect
Will I Be Able to Park?
Parking is plentiful at St. Andrew’s. The parking lot is behind the church. (See graphic.) Enter the lot down one of two possible drives and choose a parking spot that looks just right for you. The front entrance to the church is accessible by ramp or stairs.
Where Should I Sit? What Should I Wear?
Sit anywhere you’d like! Wear whatever you’d like! (As long as you wear clothes.) You’ll see some people dressed formally, others in jeans or shorts. Dress in what you’re comfortable wearing.
What’s a Typical Service Like?
Sunday's service begins at 10:30 a.m. and will run about an hour. The service includes hymns, prayers, scriptures, a sermon, an offering, and Communion. Free coffee hour with light snacks follows in the Parish Hall.
How Will I Know What to Do?
An usher will give you a bulletin. You’ll follow along in The Book of Common Prayer and various hymnals. Page numbers will be provided both in the bulletin and from the pulpit and lectern.
There is some standing, sitting, and kneeling during the service. You may see others bow when the cross passes by, or you may notice others making the sign of the cross. If this seems confusing, don’t worry! There’s no wrong way to do any of this.
Episcopalians like to use our entire bodies in worship. So, a helpful rule of thumb is that generally we sit to listen, stand to sing, and kneel (or stand) to pray.
But the most important thing to remember is this: all may, some should, none must. Do what you’re most comfortable doing. All of us at one time or another have simply sat through a service, listening for God. We’re real big into worshiping together. Which means sometimes we carry others, and sometimes, others carry us.
Do I Need to Put Money in the Plate?
No! And no one will look at you funny either way. If this is your first time at St. Andrew’s, though, please fill out a visitor’s card and drop it in the offering plate. Our clergy will follow up with you.
Can I Take Communion?
All baptized Christians are welcome to receive Holy Communion in The Episcopal Church. To receive Communion, hold out your hand to receive the bread and use one hand to guide the chalice to your mouth. You may also take only the bread and decline the wine, or vice versa.
Everyone is welcome to come forward during communion to receive a blessing. To ask for a blessing, simply cross your arms across your chest.
What about My Unruly Children?
They are welcome during the service! We believe the liturgy is for all ages. Rambunctious children and crying babies are signs of a healthy church. You will sometimes even see children serving as lectors, ushers, or acolytes.
Twice a month, children are dismissed early for Sunday School. Once a month, children are dismissed early for Choir. (See our Fellowship page for more information.)
Bottom line: St. Andrew’s has been around for almost 100 years. There’s nothing your kid can do that these walls haven’t seen.
I Come from Another Tradition. Am I Welcome?
Yes! Many of us come from other traditions. If you feel new-ish, you’re not the only one. We promise.
What if I Have Questions?
That means you’re doing it right! Episcopalians like to use our brains and our faith. If you have questions, ask the clergy. They can be found outside the front doors immediately following the service or eating with parishioners in the fellowship hall during coffee hour. Conversations can be scheduled for other times too. Just ask. Don’t be shy! Say hello. To reach out by email, click here.