Your First Visit

FIRST TIME WITH US? NO WORRIES! 

We understand that things can seem a bit awkward when you visit a church for the first time, especially if that church and its customs and traditions are not familiar to you.  Often you're not sure what you should say or do, or what to expect.  You may feel a little like an outsider at a family gathering...a little shy, a little overwhelmed, a little worried that you will commit some kind of major faux pas.  We hope that what follows will help you feel more comfortable as you consider worshipping with us.

If you’ve never been to an Episcopal church our services may, at first, seem a bit complicated. Please don't worry about "not getting it right."  The important thing is that you are here, and that nearly all of us have been newcomers, once upon a time. Savor the richness and beauty of worship in this sacred space, and don't worry too much about the details. 

 
We try to do everything we can at St. Andrew’s to make things easier on those worshipping with us for the first time.  Here are a few "helps" you can expect to find when you visit:

• Greeters: You'll find one or more “Greeters” at the church entrance at all services.  Their primary job is to say “Hi, welcome to St. Andrew’s”, and to make you feel glad you came. They will also be happy to offer you a bulletin, direct you to the Sunday School, should you have children with you, point you to the Restrooms, and answer any questions you may have.
• Ushers: When you enter the main worship space, an usher will offer to help you find a seat if you like. They also help to direct worshipers to the altar rail during Holy Communion, and are a good source of information (along with Greeters) for any general questions you may have.
• The Bulletin: (Program of the Service): We print most of the service in the bulletin, including the text for the Bible readings, so you don't have to worry about finding your way around what may be for you, an unfamiliar Prayer Book. However, should you prefer to use the Prayer Book (aka “The Book of Common Prayer”, or “BCP”), you will find one in front of you in a rack. The appropriate BCP page numbers are also printed in the bulletin.
• Name Tags: We encourage all our members to wear name tags, so you can put names to faces and know whom to ask, if you have a question and can't locate an usher, a greeter, or a member of the clergy. There are also temporary name tags available for you as first-time worshipers. If you would like to have one, just ask a Greeter or Usher.
• For our Younger Visitors: Children of all ages are welcome at all services at St. Andrew’s. If you prefer to have your youngsters with you in church, rather than in Sunday School, an Usher will provide you with a Junior Bulletin which has age-appropriate materials and coloring sheets relating to the lessons. We also have “Star Boxes” for small children filled with things to keep them busy during the service! Coffee Hour: Please join us for coffee and conversation after either of our Sunday services (8 &10 am). You'll find us in the Helen Woodward Parish Hall at the Souteast corner of the campus. Just ask an Usher, Greeter, or anyone for directions, or follow the crowd. This is a good time to meet people and ask questions about the service or the church community. Special snacks and drinks are set up for children by the playground.

We hope this has been helpful to you as you consider your choice of a faith community. We realize it is an important choice and that the so-called “chemistry” must be right. A website or brochure can answer only so much, and at the end of the day an actual visit is the only way to make an informed decision. So please, after exploring our home here on the web, pay us a visit and we promise to do all in our power to make you feel that you want to stay and get to know us better.