Worship at Old St. Andrew's

Click to see our worship schedule.

Sunday Services

The Book of Common Prayer (1979) is central to worship at Old St. Andrew’s, as is the Hymnal (1982). On Sunday mornings worship is at 8 and 10 a.m. beginning just after Labor Day until after Pentecost. During the summer months we worship at a single 9.30 a.m. service.

The Holy Eucharist is celebrated at all of our Sunday services. Our extraordinary choir, lead by Music Coordinator Liz Milller, leads the congregational music at the 10 a.m. service.  Parishioners serve as greeters, ushers, acolytes, and chalicists. Our services are characterized by dignity, integrity, and grace. 

All people, including children, are always welcome to receive communion at OSA and we hope that you will. Should you prefer not to receive wine, you may decline by simply crossing your arms when the chalice is offered. Some people request a blessing instead of communion (very young children for example) and it is given at the altar rail during communion.

Church School

For 2009-2010, our parents have decided that Church School will meet on the middle two Sundays of the month beginning on September 13th. On the first and last Sundays of each month, families are encouraged to worship together in the church.

Classes start at 9.45 a.m. which is 15 minutes before the church service begins. Most children join their families for the Eucharist during the exchange of the Peace.

Seasons of Spirit is used for all levels and includes religious instruction, activities, and crafts. There are two teachers for each level and they sometimes alternate teaching every other week. Nursery care is provided for infants and toddlers.

Sunday Adult Forums

At about 11.30 on Sunday mornings, following the 10 o'clock service, we offer an extraordinary Adult Education Program. Over the years we have discussed topics like Why Islam Matters, Issues in the Anglican Communion, How Buddhist Practice Can Make Us Better Christians, A New Paradigm of Christianity, Prayer in America, The Psalms, Dying and Death, and much more. Some of these offerings are a single session and some are a series of four, five or six meetings. There is always time for discussion and conversation. Our mantra is Not Just Answers, Questions!

Theology Sandwiched In (Wednesdays)

On Wednesday afternoons (12.15 p.m.), we offer Theology Sandwiched In. After an hour of Bible study, reading a book, watching a film, or a discussion of topical events, we celebrate a Table Eucharist, followed by a brown bag lunch and more conversation.

On the first Wednesday (12.15 p.m.) of each month, our time begins with a Healing Service with the laying on of hands and a Holy Eucharist. All are always welcome.

Activities & Events Through the Church Year

In late October, we celebrate EvenSong followed by our Harvest Supper. Likewise on Shrove Tuesday we have another EvenSong and then a Pancake Supper.

St. Andrew Day (the Sunday closest to November 1) is celebrated with bagpiper Lee Collins and special music.

A Service of Nine Lessons and Carols with special Christmas music is offered on the third Sunday of Advent.

A new tradition at OSA is a spectacular outdoor Crèche set up in front of the church at Christmas time. Late afternoon on the fourth Sunday of Advent, parishioners and the entire community of Bloomfield are invited to gather at the Crèche to sing Christmas Carols. A reception in the Parish Hall afterward warms bones and spirits alike.

Christmas and Easter are highlights of the church year. Our 7.30 p.m. Christmas Eve service is always filled with family, friends, and the spirit of the baby Jesus coming into the world.  On Easter we have two major services with music and usually several orchestral instruments. Music at both of these services is spectacular.

Choir

Old St. Andrew’s choir delights every Sunday. Liz Miller and the choir lead the congregation in the hymns and chanting the psalm. They also offer an anthem at the Offertory. Sometimes we hear beautiful solos or duets. From time to time, the choir presents a short, choral meditation following the post communion prayer. And ... preludes and postludes are always exceptional. All interested persons are welcome to join the choir.

Baptism

The sacrament of Baptism is offered within the Holy Eucharist as the chief service on a Sunday or other feast day (Pentecost, All Saints' Day or All Saints Sunday, and the first Sunday following Epiphany) or as arranged with the Rector. Those interested in baptism should speak with the Rector.

Confirmation & Reception

The Rector leads a class entitled Introduction to the Episcopal Tradition each year for young people or people seeking Confirmation or reception into the Episcopal Church from another denomination. The course, however, is designed for all persons interested in learning more about the Anglican Communion and the Episcopal Church.

Weddings

The sacrament of Marriage is reserved for active members of the parish.  If somebody would like to be married at Old St. Andrew’s, we first ask that they worship with us and become involved in the life of the community. All couples seeking marriage must meet with the Rector for pre-marital counselling (usually four or five sessions) in anticipation of marriage.

Funerals

Old St. Andrew’s would never turn away any family who asked for a burial or memorial service. Our historic cemetery, however, is available only to members of the parish.

Reconciliation

Reconciliation (often known as Confession) is available to anybody seeking it. Contact the Rector to arrange an appropriate time.

Coffee Hour

An informal coffee hour follows our 10 o'clock Sunday service in the Parish Hall.  Parishioners are assigned a Sunday to prepare and clean up for this time of fellowship.

All are welcome at Old St. Andrew's. Please visit soon.