BASIC INFORMATION

• Worship starts at 9:30 am every Sunday morning. We have special services throughout the year, including Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Longest Night and an occasional contemplative worship service.

• Children are enthusiastically welcomed in worship. We have a Sunday School program during the worship service led by an amazing and experienced group of teachers who are excited to welcome a new child anytime. You can ask the greeter or usher for more detailed information.

• The Lowry Room serves as a “crying room” and can be found in the hallway off the Narthex, past the bathrooms. There you can listen to the service while your child colors at the table or plays with toys.

MUSIC

• St. Andrew’s musicians are well known in Santa Barbara (more about our musicians here). The music serves to draw us deeper into prayer and illuminate the Biblical lesson. It is an expression of the Word of God.

• Our hymnal is Glory to God, and we sing a variety of styles from its selections. Our instrumental music leans toward classical.

• Our main instrument is a concert piano. We often have guest instrumentalists and vocalists.

IN THE PEWS

All pew seating is open and you are welcome to sit anywhere. Each pew has a Bible and a hymnal (although our hymns are projected on the screen). Hand sanitizer and Kleenex are available as well.

In addition, each pew contains:

• Yellow Welcome Card: If you would like more contact after the worship service fill out the yellow card with your email or phone number. You can request a call from the pastor or sign up for our weekly email. Simply place the card in the offering plate as it is passed through the pews.

• Pink Prayer Card: If you have a prayer request that you would like our prayer chain to lift up you are welcome to fill out a pink prayer card and place it in the offering plate as it goes by.

• Church Pamphlet with more information about our church. Feel free to take one or more and share them with your friends and family.

THE WORSHIP BULLETIN

• The worship bulletin will guide you through the service from the Call to Worship to the Benediction.

• Asterisk * indicates “rise in body or spirit” (stand as you are able).

• Bolded text indicates words the congregation says together.

THE OFFERING PLATES

There is no expectation of monetary gifts from visitors. Some of our congregation like to touch the plates as a symbol of their material and spiritual offerings to God, whether they place an offering in it or not. All are welcome to touch the plates or decline as you are comfortable.

PASSING OF THE PEACE

During the passing of the peace, people will stand up and greet one another. The greeting is exchanged with the words “the peace of Christ be with you” and the response “and also with you.” Some people shake hands while others may bow with hands folded in front of their heart. You are welcome to stay seated if you prefer.

CLOSING OF SERVICE

At the close of the service we sing the closing song “God Be With You Till We Meet Again.” It is our practice to hold hands as we sing the song. Feel free to reach out to hold someone’s hand if you wish, but do not feel obligated if you do not wish to.

COFFEE HOUR

After worship we gather in the fellowship hall across the patio or on the patio itself for coffee and snacks. We hope that you will join us so we may get to know you better.

ADULT EDUCATION

From September to December and January to June we host an adult education forum at 11:00 am in the Window Room off the Fellowship Hall. Our curriculum varies from special speakers to video/discussion series. All are welcome to attend.

COMMUNION

St. Andrew’s celebrates communion the first Sunday of the month. We practice an open table and all are welcome. If you choose to come forward, Please note the following.

• The bread is provided in pre-cut squares and gluten free bread is provided in the small red cups.

• The cup is offered for all those who wish to take communion by intinction (dipping the bread in the cup).

• Juice is also offered in individual cups for those who prefer not to use the common cup.

• If you prefer to stay in the pews, a server will come to you to offer the elements.

• If you prefer not to take the elements you can simply hold your hands folded on your chest, or say “no, thank you.”

• Finally, children are welcome to take communion at the discretion of their parents. If you would prefer that your child receive a blessing, they are welcome to come forward and Pastor Jen will offer a blessing.

OPEN AND AFFIRMING

St. Andrew’s is open to and affirming of LGBTQ people, in worship and in leadership. We strive to be a place where all people are welcomed for who they are and are treated with the dignity due to a child of God. If you have questions or would like to talk further about this or any other issue Pastor Jen is available.

CONTACT US

We love to hear from visitors! The office is open from 9-2 Tuesday through Friday or you can call at 805-967-6327. Pastor Jen can be reached by email at pastor@standrewspcusa.org or you can reach her at the office.

ABOUT OUR SANCTUARY

Every sanctuary has something that makes it unique. St. Andrew’s distinctive feature is our wall of stained-glass windows looking out to the Santa Ynez Mountains. It is our prayer that you find the view inspiring in your worship.