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 mid-June.  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 organist and music director Yves Venne, 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.

Christian Education: Church School meets every Sunday from the middle of September to late May with the exception of the first Sunday of each month when families all worship together in the church.  Classes start at 10.15 a.m. which is 15 minutes before the church Holy Eucharist servce begins.  Children join their families for the Eucharist during the exchange of the Peace.  Seventeen children are currently enrolled in three levels from Pre-School through Grade 6.  The Episcopal Children's Curriculum (ECC) is used for all levels and includes religious instruction, actilvities, and crafts. The youngest children in the first level also use a program called Godly Play. There are two teachers for each level and they alternate teaching every other week.  Nursery care is provided for infants and toddlers.

On Wednesday afternoons (12.15 p.m.) we offer Theology Sandwiched In. After an hour of Bible study, reading a book, watching a film, and discussing the material, 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 we offer a Healing Service with the laying on of hands and a Holy Eucharist. All are welcome.

We also often have a Monday evening Christian Education program going on. We gather at 6.30 p.m. for the Holy Eucharist and a soup and bread supper. Afterwards we engage in our study--perhaps the psalms, a gospel, or a contemporary book. Check our activities page for the latest information.

During 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.  A Service of Nine Lessons and Carols is offered on the third Sunday of Advent.

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

A new tradition at OSA is a spectacular outdoor crèche set up in the woods behind the church.  On the evening of the fourth Sunday of Advent, friends like you and family are invited to gather and sing Christmas Carols.  A reception in the Parish Hall afterward warms bones and spirits alike.

Christmas and Easter are the highlights of the church year.  Our 10.30 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.  The music at both of these services is spectacular.

Choir: Old St. Andrew’s choir delights all every Sunday.  They lead the congregation in the hymns and chanting the psalm but also offer an anthem at the Offertory.  Often the choir also presents a choral meditation after the post communion prayer.  And, the preludes and postludes are always exceptional.  In addition, Yves Venne composes four or five original pieces for the parish each year.  He has also written and lead the choir in performing several longer pieces.  All interested persons are welcome to join the choir.

Baptism:  The sacrament of Baptism is offered within the Eucharist as the chief service on a Sunday or other feast day (the Great Easter Vigil, Day of 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 newcomers 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 conversations (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 Sunday service in the Parish Hall.  Parishioners are assigned a Sunday to prepare and clean up for this time of fellowship.