For Our Visitors
If you are visiting us for the first time, WELCOME TO ST. ANDREW'S! It's often confusing when an individual or family comes for the first time to a new church. We hope this information can be helpful as you seek to come to know who we are. Click on one of the questions below and a link will take you to your answer.
What are the service days and times?
On Sundays, at 10:00 am, a communion services with beautiful hymns and historic liturgy. We also have a weekday communion service on Thursdays at 5:30 pm which has no music and is more quiet and contemplative.
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How long does church last?
The Sunday service lasts one hour. The Thursday service lasts about 30 minutes.
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What do I wear to church?
You’ll find a mix of styles at St. Andrew's. Sunday mornings are a time when many prefer to dress up a bit, but even if jeans are more your style, you'll be right at home with us. We care that you're here, not what you wear.
(back to the top of the page)How do I get to St. Andrew's?
See our directions page for a map.
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Is the church handicap accessible?
Yes, and there are no steps in our church, which makes everything easily accessible. There is a lower parking lot for our Parish Hall which is below the church.
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Where do my children go?
Right now our children say with us during the service. We hope to have classes for them in the future. When this is done, they will go to their class at the begining of the service and come back to rejoin us for communion.
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What about my small children?
You are welcome to bring any children ages 0 – 4 to our nursery.
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What does St. Andrew's believe?
This is a big question. In short, we are an Episcopal Church that believes the historic biblical teachings of Christianity passed to us from the time of the Apostles. For a fuller answer see our Beliefs page.
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What should I expect at my first visit?
You will be welcomed at the door with a smile and a handshake and given a bulletin. We invite you to arrive a few minutes early so that you can go into the church for a time of prayer to quiet your mind before God.You will also be asked to sign our Visitor's Book so that we can make a brief visit with your family during the following week.The service will begin with a beautiful hymn as the Acolytes, Lay Reader and Celebrant process into the church. This will be followed by Scripture readings and a sermon, prayers for the Church and the world and Holy Communion. To learn more about our style of worship, see our liturgy page.
Afterwards, everyone is invited to stay around for Coffee and Fellowship with one another.
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What is your music like?
Our music is made up of beautiful, classic hymns, and occasionally music of a more modern composition.
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Will I be able to follow along with the service?
Yes. Our weekly worship bulletins are designed to help you participate in worship. However, if you feel uncomfortable with these actions, just relax and observe the service. During you first visits, we suggest that you might want to simply experience the service. There will be plenty of time later to learn what to do and say.
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How are visitors recognized?
When you visit St. Andrew's, you will be our respected and welcome guest. You will not be singled out in an embarrassing way or asked to stand before the congregation or come forward. We want our visitors to feel completely comfortable. You are welcome to simply relax and sit in your pew without any fear of embarrassment. If you need help, ask a person near you. They will be pleased to do whatever they can for you.
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Am I required to give money at worship?
No. Our members and regular attendees enjoy worshipping God through their finances, but guests are not expected to give.
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Can I take Communion? How does it work?
Yes. All baptized Christians are welcome to take communion with us. Simply come forward with everyone else. When you put out your hands, the priest will give you a piece of bread and a sip of the wine. Then you can go back to your seat.
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And how should I address the priest?
Normally our priest is addressed as Father Pinner. However, a few people call him simply Joseph, which is fine as well, if you are uncomfortable with the word "Father."
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Why is the priest called "Father"?
Priests have been called "father" since the very early centuries of Christianity since they were spiritual fathers to those whom God gave to their care in the church.
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Can I meet with a priest?
Yes. Father Pinner is very open and easy to talk with. Give him a call at 865 882-1272.
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What does the priest do during the week?
The priest stays busy with various different activities during the week: praying, studying, researching, and writing sermons to prepare for the Sunday service; meeting with people one on one; planning and conducting meetings; meeting with other priests and the leadership of the church; making home visit and hospital calls; taking Communion to those unable to come to church; and as we have no parish secretary, completing administrative tasks such as email, doing the bulletin, composing a newsletter, and making phone calls.
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Is there anyone to ask if I have other questions about St. Andrew's?
If still you have unanswered questions or just want to get a glimpse of the atmosphere, please feel free to contact us by phone (865 882-1272) or email. Whether you have questions about God, or church; or a committed Christian who is looking to go deeper in faith and fellowship, we hope you'll find a home here at St. Andrew's.
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