Thinking of joining us for Sunday morning worship for the first time? Here are a few things you might want to know:
Sunday Worship: Worship services are held every Sunday, all year long. Services begin at 11:00 AM for most of the year, beginning on the first Sunday after Labour Day in September. Summer worship begins at 10:00 AM, starting on the third Sunday in June. For exact dates on which regular or summer worship hours begin, please contact us.
Kids and Babies: Children of all ages are always welcome at St. Andrew’s. Any service at which children are in attendance will include a special “children’s time” led by the minister. Throughout the service, kids can enjoy quiet activities provided in a dedicated area within the sanctuary. We also have several Children & Youth Sundays throughout the year in which children and youth are offered the opportunity to participate in a special creative activity, and to take on a larger role within the service. Keep an eye on our social media pages for more information on upcoming Children & Youth Sundays.
Dress Code: There just isn’t one, so you can feel comfortable in your usual sort of outfit, whether casual or more formal.
Seating: When you arrive, a friendly greeter will give you a bulletin and help you to the seat of your choosing. The quarter-sawn oak pews are beautiful but can be an issue for some. For increased comfort you can pick up a seat cushion from the top of the coat racks. If you have any questions, just ask one of the greeters. Please note that the sanctuary balcony is generally closed during Sunday worship, and used for special occasions only.
Personal Space: All persons are encouraged to remain respectful of the choices of others with regard to both masking and distancing. Those who wish to wear masks, or refrain from shaking hands with others are very welcome to do so. For details on safety measures implemented by St. Andrew’s in response to the Covid 19 pandemic, click here.
Navigating the Building: Worship services are held in the sanctuary, accessible from the two central front doors and the ramped door to the left. The ramped entrance opens into the main hallway where the elevator and stairs on your left provide access to the following levels of the building:
1. Rowand Hall (Basement)
2. Main hallway with access to the sanctuary on the right, and the main office, elevator, stairways up and down, and washrooms on the left
3. Grant Hall, offices
4. Nursery and Eleanor Paterson Room
5. Church school and chapel
Worship Service: Although most Presbyterian worship services have common elements (singing, prayers, sermon) every church has a unique style and follows a different order of service. The weekly bulletin provides the information to help you follow and participate in the service. Be sure to pick up a bulletin from an usher when you arrive.
Parking: St. Andrew’s is pleased to offer free parking in our private lot on Sundays to anyone joining us for worship. Note that street parking on Brodie St. is also available (subject to City parking regulations). On weekdays, parking in the lot is not permitted except by prior arrangement with the church, or to those who are accessing the building for a meeting, class, or other special event. Parking passes may be issued to members, or to those renting space in the building. Additionally, St. Andrew’s offers long-term paid parking space rentals. All of our paid spaces are currently in use, but please contact us if you wish to be added to the waiting list.
Becoming a Member: After visiting us, you may feel that the time is right to consider formalizing your relationship with St. Andrew’s. The membership process varies depending on baptism and prior membership in another church. The minister is pleased to offer preparatory classes in response to requests. Please contact us for more information, or with any questions.
Renting Church Space: St. Andrew’s is pleased to offer the use of our building to a variety of community members and groups. The beautiful sanctuary and various halls and rooms are frequent locations for weddings, concerts, funerals, receptions, parties, recitals, and meetings. To enquire about policies, approval process, timelines, and fees, please contact the church office.