Hello, and welcome to St. Andrew’s
Whether you are visiting from out of town, looking for a new church home, or simply curious to learn more about St. Andrew’s, you are welcome to join us for Sunday worship. The FAQs below are intended to familiarize you with what to expect. More information is available on the Church website, of which this page is a part. And if you come to St. Andrew’s and have any more questions, don’t hesitate to ask someone, be it one of our ministers, an usher, or simply a person sitting near you.
Who can attend Sunday worship?
Just about anyone, from devout Christians to not-so-devout Christians, to members of other faiths, to people still exploring the spiritual side of their life’s journey. Or maybe you are just looking for an opportunity to be part of a community that values kindness, love and joy. Whether you are on the younger side or the older side, single, coupled, or raising a family, you are very welcome to come and see what we are all about. We value diversity and do not discriminate based on ethnic origin, colour of skin or sexual orientation - God’s love includes everyone.
When should I arrive?
Our Sunday worship service starts at 10:30 AM and most people arrive a few minutes beforehand. We always open with a musical prelude – music is a big part of life at St. Andrew’s, as you will see.
Where should I go?
Most newcomers enter either by the large doors on Wellington Street or the slightly smaller doors facing Kent Street right at the corner of Kent and Wellington. There is also a third entrance on Kent Street via the adjoining office tower – right where it meets the church building.
Ushers stand at both entrances to greet you and hand out bulletins which include the order of service as well as general news about upcoming events. You are invited to enter the sanctuary and select a place that suits you.
What will I find in the pews?
Reasonably comfortable seating – there is no kneeling in a Presbyterian church – although we do invite you to stand, if you are able, for certain portions of the service, most notably the hymns. And you are most welcome to join in the singing, if you are so inclined. It is also a joy to sit back and listen to one of our fine choirs. There are multiple hymn books in each pew, a Bible if you would like to follow along in the scripture reading, and a booklet called Living Faith if you would like to learn more about Presbyterian beliefs – it is easy to read as it is written in the mood and questions of our own time. There is also a welcome pamphlet that you are invited to take home which tells more about St. Andrew’s and upcoming events each month.
What should I expect in the service?
The service typically runs from about 10:30 until 11:45 and follows the order of service which is given to you when you enter. It calls out the numbers for the hymns/psalms as well as providing words for many of the other musical pieces. We endeavour to call your attention to times to sit or stand but you can always follow along what others are doing – we still make use of some established practices, but things are not as formal as they once were.
Included early in the service is a time for children which includes a short children’s story after which the children go off to Sunday school in one of the adjoining rooms. Later in the service is a sermon from our minister or guest minister/speaker which lasts about 20 minutes. The service concludes with a musical postlude which itself is followed by a time for refreshments in Grant Hall, immediately adjoining the sanctuary on the south side. And you are very welcome to join us.
Can I meet the minister?
After the service, our minister, Reverend Karen Dimock, can usually be found at the north exit to the sanctuary near the main doors and is more than happy to say hello to visitors and people who are new to the church. Alternatively, you can contact her by e-mail at kd@standrewsottawa.ca or via the church office at 613-232-9042.
Where can I park / how can I get to St. Andrew’s?
St. Andrew’s is located at 82 Kent Street, right at the corner of Kent and Wellington Streets and across from the Supreme Court building. Street parking is available on weekends and in the evenings – less so during workdays – but always be mindful of parking signage. On weekends and evenings, we also have permission to park in certain areas around the Supreme Court.
If you are coming by public transit, we are located a 4-minute walk from the Lyon Street stop of the LRT.
What should I wear?
During Sunday services, you will see people in a broad range of attire, from jackets and sometimes ties, or dresses and skirts, to more casual wear. Jeans are fine. All we ask is that you be respectful in your choice of attire.
Are there provisions for physical challenges?
If you require or would simply like to use an elevator to enter the church, there is one immediately to the left of the church door on Kent Street in the corner of the office tower right where it meets the church.
If you have difficulty hearing, you are invited to turn your hearing aid to the Loop System and use your ear buds. Alternatively, Personal PA FM transmitters along with discreet headsets are available for use in the Sanctuary and can be picked up just before you enter the Sanctuary from the south side.
Am I expected to make a donation?
Expected to – definitely not. Are donations welcome – definitely yes. There is an Offertory portion during the service and there are visitor’s envelopes in the pews if you are so inclined. Or there are other means of making donations listed on the website.
Am I expected to become a member of St. Andrew’s?
That will be entirely up to you. We have congregants who have been life-long members at St. Andrew’s as well as people who have been attending for decades but who are not members. You can become a regular attendee or a less frequent one – nobody takes attendance, and no one keeps score.
Additional information about who we are and many of the activities that go on at St. Andrew’s can be found elsewhere on this website which you are cordially invited to explore.