From the moment you arrive, you’ll find a community that’s genuinely glad you’re here. If you’re new to liturgical worship, there might be a few things to help you feel more at ease—but don’t worry. Above all, know that your presence is a gift, and we’re thrilled to have you join us.
Our main lot runs along all three of our Georgia Street buildings, and you can park anywhere. If you park on the I-40 side, it’s just a short walk to our Nave (the Sanctuary where we worship). Overflow parking is also available at the school lot across 16th Street.
Some people dress more formally—suits, jackets, dresses—while others wear jeans or something casual. You’ll notice a little variation depending on the service: at our 8:00 AM Sunday Holy Eucharist (Rite I), many dress a bit more formally, while at the 10:30 AM service (Rite II), attire ranges from dressy to casual, with most people somewhere in between.
When you arrive, you’ll see people chatting, finding seats, or—before the 10:30 service—the Choir gathering at the back. Don’t worry if it feels busy! An usher will hand you a bulletin and can help guide you to a seat if it’s your first time. Otherwise, feel free to sit anywhere—there are no assigned seats.
At our 8 AM & 10:30 AM services, you’ll use two books in the pew: the red Book of Common Prayer and the blue Hymnal 1982. Page numbers are listed in your bulletin.
All services include Bible readings, which are printed in your bulletin for following along or taking home.
Following the order may feel new at first, but most services are similar, and you’ll get the hang of it quickly. If you ever get lost, just ask someone nearby—they’ll be happy to help!
A great way to get a feel for our worship is to watch one of our livestreams—you can see what one of our “high-key” services is like from the comfort of your couch.
If you’d like something more low-key, join us on Wednesday evenings at 5:30 p.m. for Holy Eucharist Rite II with Holy Unction (Healing). This intimate service—usually around twenty people—takes place in the Children’s Chapel in Lowndes Hall. People come straight from work or home, so attire is casual and varied.
The service includes scripture readings, a short homily focused on the saint of the day, and a time for anointing with oil and healing at the altar for anyone who wishes. We then celebrate Holy Communion, and the entire service lasts about forty minutes. It’s a gentle, welcoming way to experience worship at St. Andrew’s.
During our services, you’ll notice that we follow certain directions, called rubrics, from the Book of Common Prayer. These tell us when to stand, sit, or kneel:
We usually stand to sing, give praise, or hear the Gospel.
We sit for other Bible readings and the sermon.
We kneel or stand to pray.
During the blessing of the bread and wine at Communion (The Eucharistic Prayer), either standing or kneeling is appropriate.
You may also notice some ceremonial gestures that many Episcopalians find spiritually meaningful:
Touching the baptismal font and making the sign of the cross when entering or leaving
Bowing or genuflecting toward the altar cross
Bowing heads as the processional cross passes
Making the sign of the cross during the Gospel reading, absolution, or final blessing
All of these actions are optional. They are ways to “pray with the body,” but no one is expected to do all of them. If this feels new or overwhelming, simply participate as you are comfortable.
Our central service is the Holy Eucharist (also called Communion or The Lord’s Supper). The service includes prayers, Bible readings, a short sermon, and Holy Communion with bread and wine. Everyone is welcome to receive Communion, a blessing, or a gluten-free option—just follow the ushers’ guidance or cross your arms over your chest for a blessing. If you’re not baptized, you’re still welcome to come forward for a prayer and to learn more about baptism.
We love having children as part of all that we do! Kids are welcome at all our services, though the 10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist is especially popular for families.
Nursery: Available during the 10:30 service for children age five and under, located in Lowndes Hall (on the south side of campus). Parents sign in their children and receive a pager so nursery staff can reach them if needed.
Children’s Chapel: For kids through 3rd grade, the children gather around 10:20 a.m. in Lowndes Hall for songs, prayers, and activities with adult and older child volunteers. After about 30 minutes, they join their parents in the Nave just after the sermon.
Children’s Blessing: Every Sunday, all children are invited to come forward for a blessing at the altar. The congregation reads the blessing together, and the priests mark each child with the sign of the cross—a joyful way to celebrate God’s love and support for them in faith
Acolytes: Children also participate in worship as acolytes, helping lead parts of the service—another way we delight in including them in our liturgy.
Children are fully part of the life and worship of St. Andrew’s, and we love seeing them grow in faith among our community.