Welcome to Worship at St. Andrew

All are welcome here!

At St. Andrew Lutheran Church, we strive to be a loving and welcoming community of faith. We are centered in the Good News of Jesus Christ, who calls us to reconciliation and wholeness in a world of alienation and brokenness.

All are welcome, without exception, regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, physical or mental ability, education, income, or family status.

All are welcome here to worship God, receive the sacraments, and share in fellowship, leadership, and service. We commit to treasuring one another’s similarities and differences as one body in Christ.

We are called to provide a safe space in the community as we break down the barriers of isolation. We understand that being truly welcoming involves actively working against racism, heteronormativity, sexism, transphobia, ageism, ableism, classism, and other forces that seek to divide and oppress. We commit to continuing to discover what it means to be “Reconciling in Christ.”

“Welcome one another therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” -Romans 15:7

What should I expect?

After you enter the front doors, the entrance to the worship space (Sanctuary) will be directly ahead of you. As you enter the Sanctuary, you will be handed a paper bulletin. This will be your “program” so that you will be comfortable following along through the service. The bulletin will guide you through the entire service. Starting on page 3, words printed in bold are for everyone to say aloud together. Instructions and information are printed in italics.

Hymns (songs) are found in the hymnals in the pew racks in front of your seat.
ELW = Evangelical Lutheran Worship (red hymnal)
ACS = All Creation Sings (blue hymnal)

Green-topped Welcome Cards are found in the pew racks in front of your seat. We would love guests, visitors, or anyone in need of prayer or more information about the church to fill one out. Please place it in the offering plate or hand it to an usher after the service.

Restrooms can be found by exiting the back of the sanctuary and turning right. Walk straight until you pass the coffee bar, and you will find the women’s and men’s restrooms to your right. An all-gender, ADA-compliant restroom will be found to your left, near the door to the kitchen.

Online access to the bulletin and hymns: standrewlutheran.com/worship/worship-bulletins/

Is there a place for children in worship?

Children are welcome in worship! God put the wiggle in children, so please do not feel you have to shush or suppress those wiggles in God’s house. All are welcome here! Consider sitting toward the front where it is easier for children to see and hear what is happening in the service.

There are worship activity bags available for children on a shelf at the back of the sanctuary, and a staffed nursery is available for very young ones. Ask an usher if you need help locating it.

Following the Prayer of the Day, children will be invited to come forward for a special Children’s Message.

Offering: Must I give?

As the offering plate is passed, it is only natural to feel some pressure to put something in, but pressure is not our intent, opportunity is. You are not expected to give unless you are moved to do so. Many of our own members don’t put anything in the plate because they contribute online. So, if you just pass the plate on, you won’t be alone.

Everybody else is going up to Communion. What should I do?

All are welcome at the table at St. Andrew. We believe that Christ is present in, with, and under all parts of this meal to set all people free. You receive that freedom through the work of the Holy Spirit, either at the table through the elements of Holy Communion, or by meditating in your seat. It is your choice.

At the direction of an usher, those wishing to commune may proceed down the center aisle. A piece of gluten-free bread will be placed in your hands. You may dip the bread in the wine (red chalice) or the grape juice (light-colored chalice), or you may choose to partake of bread only. If you prefer to receive a blessing, please cross your arms across your chest to indicate this preference. If you would like to receive communion in your seat, please alert an usher, and the elements will be brought to you.