About Us

We are an Episcopal Church in Encinitas, California, where you are fully valued, fully accepted, and fully loved. We believe that all people are created in God’s image—celebrating the dignity of every human being, and we honor that every person, in all their diversity, is essential to the Body of Christ. We are a diverse community following the way of Jesus. Come journey with us as we seek to fulfill our mission in the world by transforming our communities with the infinite love of God. We are an inclusive and affirming church that shares Christ with one another and our neighborhood through worship, fellowship, Christian formation, and community service programs.

1 year old child playing in a sprinkler in front of the St. Andrew's Episcopal Church sign on a green lawn with a giant pink and purple beach ball

Because hunger comes in many forms, we reveal God’s love by nourishing the community through acceptance, worship, learning, and service.

young child being helped to blow bubbles by his father in the courtyard of St. Andrew's Episcopal, Encinitas

“Mother Brenda is really great, welcoming and wise. I appreciate her sermons and counsel a great deal.”

- Chris C.

Teenage girl hanging a hand drawn prayer flag in the chapel
Headshop of Mother Brenda Sol smiling in her collar and coral cardigan

Our Rector

The Rev. Brenda J. Sol’s passion for ministry is reflected in the vitality of St. Andrew’s. Her leadership is marked by her Christ-centered values, entrepreneurial spirit, ability to catalyze others around mission, thought-provoking preaching, calm presence, and warm sense of humor.

Because her call came later in life, God had plenty of time to equip her for parish ministry, developing in her accounting, education, counseling, marketing, and administration expertise. Besides her ministry at St. Andrew’s, she regularly offers her gifts and talents to diocesan and wider-church committees and conventions, as well as in the Encinitas community.

Having grown up on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation in rural Montana, then living in urban centers across the U.S.—plus a year in Honduras—she genuinely relates to people from all walks of life. Ensuring everyone feels heard, she leans into difficult conversations, and strives for authenticity and integrity along the way.

After completing a Bachelor’s degree in Education and a Master’s in Spiritual Psychology, Brenda began her seminary studies in an ecumenical program at Seattle University. Since completing a Master’s of Divinity at Virginia Theological Seminary in 2012, she has supplemented her professional development with courses such as Transitional Ministry, Marriage Enrichment, Understanding Millennials and Gen Zs, Trans Ally Training, and Fund-Raising Practices.

Mother Brenda came to St. Andrew’s in 2014 after a two-year curacy in one of the largest Episcopal churches. At Saint Michael and All Angels, in Dallas, Texas, she served as an Associate Priest, focusing on Pastoral Care and programs for young adults. She lives with her two kitty-girls, Daisy and Clementine, and is nourished by an interfaith clergy colleague group, good friends, travel, and a yoga practice.

What people are saying…

  • “This Community makes me laugh, supports me, and accepts me for who I am-and for that I am forever grateful.”

    -Jane W. (youth)

  • “Our souls are nourished at St. Andrew’s.”

    -Matthew B.

  • “Let’s go Millie! You don’t want to miss your blessing!!”

    -Ollie (4 years old)

  • “The people of St. Andrew’s are always looking for ways to expand the table beyond what might be expected of a church.”

    -Paula J.

  • “Mother Brenda is really great, welcoming and wise. I appreciate her sermons and counsel a great deal.”

    - Chris C.

  • “Ollie and Millie love coming to St. Andrews! We appreciate that they feel welcomed there!”

    Joanna S. (mother of Millie, 2, and Ollie, 4)

  • "I love this church. There is a warm, welcoming community feeling. You can be who you are here. Much of the focus is really living the values that Jesus taught."

    -Betsy V.

  • "Everyone I've met seems authentic and kind at St.Andrew’s, Encinitas. The parish attendees are always friendly, smiling, and approachable."

    - Jim O.

  • "There are plenty of opportunities for our children to LOVE going to church and learning about God."

    -Jennifer R.

  • “I'm a queer person. I am 110% included, accepted and celebrated at St Andrew's. I appreciate so much that I can participate fully in all activities, leadership roles, and ministries. Speaking of which, they are totally focused on loving their neighbors— what Jesus said to do. All love. No judgment.”

    -Hannah W.

  • “This church community is wonderful. We feel it's a second family to our small family of four. “

    —Lauren R.

  • “We enjoy the involvement of children and younger adults in the life of the church. Attendees come from all over North County and range in age from families with children to seniors.”

    - Joe W.

  • “It’s not just that we get food, showers and haircuts at St. Andrew’s, it’s that we feel at home here.”

    -Saturday breakfast guest

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