Worship
At St. Andrew’s we believe worship can be joyful, inclusive, and holy. We worship every Sunday with Holy Eucharist (also known as Communion or The Lord’s Supper) at 8:00 am and 10:15 am using the Book of Common Prayer. The liturgy (or the form of worship) changes seasonally to include the breadth of our Episcopal tradition and help us hear and know God in various ways. Throughout the year we offer worship for feast days large and small, which you can find on our Church Calendar.
Sunday Worship Times
Holy Eucharist (spoken) 8:00 am
Our early service is a spoken service with a sermon and communion. While generally a little quieter, children frequently attend, and the people love to chat and catch up with one another after the service.
Holy Eucharist (with choir and hymns) 10:15 am
This service of Holy Communion includes a sermon and music sung by the congregation as well as our parish choirs. While the nursery and children’s chapel are available during the service, we always welcome children, even if they’re wiggly and lively. We believe worship should be engaging, so we encourage singing joyfully, praying boldly, and coming as you are.
Worship with us at 10:15 am live on our YouTube channel here.
I’ve never been to an Episcopal Church. What can I expect?
The Episcopal Church was born out of the American Revolution and traces its roots to the Church of England. We worship according to The Book of Common Prayer, which means that the prayers we pray follow the same patterns as Episcopal and Anglican Christians around the world. We will read the Bible, hear a sermon, pray and sing together, and share in the Holy Eucharist (or Holy Communion).
What is Holy Eucharist?
Also known as Holy Communion or The Lord’s Supper, the Holy Eucharist is the entire worship service that culminates in sharing a sacramental meal of bread and wine that we believe form us into the Body of Christ. Episcopalians believe in “Real Presence,” which means that we believe that Jesus’ body and blood really are present in the elements. We don’t worry too much about how that happens but rather focus on the spiritual gifts given to us that unite with Jesus and with one another.
Do I have to eat the bread and/or drink the wine?
No. We welcome Christians to receive the bread and/or wine, and we also welcome all to come forward for a blessing if they would rather not receive. For those who would rather not or cannot have wine, bread alone is considered a full communion, and gluten-free bread is available for those who need it.
What do I wear?
Short answer – clothes. You’ll find folks in three-piece suits, and you’ll find folks in t-shirts and shorts. Wear what makes you feel good about yourself.
Are [fill in the blank] people welcome at your church?
Yes! We are young and old; gay and straight; cisgender and transgender; rich and poor; conservative and liberal; faithful and doubtful; and everything in between! We’re not a church for perfect people, we’re a church for people looking to love God, love neighbor, and love self.
Wherever you are in your spiritual journey, you are welcome to explore that at St. Andrew’s!
I have more questions. Where do I go?
You have some options:
- Join us for Sunday worship and experience it for yourself! We promise to receive you as you are with no pressure.
- Reach out with your questions to our main office by calling 757-622-5530 or emailing admin@standrewsnorfolk.org. Our staff and clergy would be happy to talk with you
- Check out our worship online through our YouTube channel. You’ll get a glimpse of the music, sermons, and worship there.
