Worship

Style of Worship

St. Andrew seeks to be welcoming for those new to Christian worship as well as those experienced with it. Our worship style is casual, even though our service of worship follows the four-part liturgical order of gathering, word, meal (communion) and sending. Music is a blend of traditional and contemporary selections. We enjoy singing a multitude of multicultural songs. The order of service is both projected and printed to make it easy to follow. During the worship service people are invited to greet one another with the words “the peace of Christ be with you.”

What to Wear

The general attire at St. Andrew is casual. Although some dress more formally, many adults wear jeans, t-shirts and shorts.

Communion

Holy Communion is offered at both services every Sunday. Like baptism, we believe that Holy Communion is a means of grace from God meant for all people. We practice open communion where all people of all ages are invited to participate, regardless of their background, traditions or beliefs. Each Sunday communion is presented as a gift of God that is FOR ALL because of the love demonstrated in Jesus’ death and resurrection. Gluten-free bread and grape juice is available during communion for those who need it.

Church Year

Part of the rhythm of worship at St. Andrew is to follow the seasons of the church calendar. These seasons have different colors and themes. They are:

Advent marks the beginning of the liturgical year and includes the four Sundays before Christmas. The theme is preparing for the coming of Christ and the color is blue.
Christmas is made up of the 12 days of Christmas beginning on Christmas Day. The color is white and the theme is the gift of God coming in the flesh of Christ who continues to always be with us.
Epiphany is the next season beginning on the twelfth night of Christmas. This season is about the awareness of Jesus as the Christ or Messiah and its color is green.
Lent is marked with purple beginning on Ash Wednesday. This 40-day journey focuses on the death of Jesus and its meaning for us. Lent concludes with Palm/Passion Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and ends at Easter Vigil on the eve of Easter.
Easter is the oldest celebration of the church and is marked by the color white for the resurrection light that streams from the empty tomb into our lives today.
Pentecost is the final season of the church year and lasts almost six months. The color is green to signify growth as we focus on the teaching and life of Jesus.

Roots

Being a historic and confessional church born in the Reformation, our worship follows the basic structure of the Catholic mass. Lutheran worship was translated into the common language of the people. Our current worship still uses several ancient call-and-responses between worship leader and people. These dialogues are clearly laid out in the printed worship folder and projection.

Nursery

A nursery for children 5 years old and younger is available Sunday mornings. The nursery is attended by a qualified and trained adult and is located in the preschool wing. An audio link allows children in the nursery to listen to the words and music of the worship service.

Fellowship Hour

Following each Sunday service guests and members are encouraged to participate in a fellowship time around snacks, coffee and conversation in the entrance area. On the third Sunday of the month, there is often a potluck lunch to welcome people new to St. Andrew.

Guests

All guests who sign the guest book or the yellow cards (included in their worship folder) with their name and address will receive a small gift and welcome letter. People new to St. Andrew are not pressured to join, give or participate. Like our vision statement says, we are here to bring healing and wholeness to lives and all creation and not to pressure or alienate anyone.