Q: What time is the worship service on Sundays?
A: Services generally take place at 10:30am on Sundays. Visit our Sunday Worship page for details.
Q: What do you believe?
A: Christianity is more than a religious or denominational affiliation. To be a Christian is to be a follower of Christ. We believe that there is one true God, revealed as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and that this God is at work for good in human history. For more information on our beliefs, more on our beliefs, as well as links to historic church documents is available on our Beliefs page.
Q: What can I expect on Sunday mornings?
A: Services generally take place at 10:30am on Sundays. Visit our Sunday Worship page for details, which is followed by coffee and conversation. The Bible is processed into the church during the first hymn. Children attend the first part of the worship service before departing for Church School Assembly and church school classes.
Ushers stand at both doors to greet you and hand out bulletins. You are invited to enter the sanctuary and select a place to sit that suits you. At the 10:30 am. service, a special team of welcomers are present to answer any questions you might have.
During Sunday worship, we follow a written order of service and use the blue Book of Praise (large print version available) and burgundy Psalter found in the pews. Parts of the service, such as the Gloria Patri and the Lord's Prayer are not written in the order of service, but can be found in the Words of Worship insert inside the Book of Praise.
Q: What does the church look like?
A: The church building was originally erected at the corner of Kent and Wellington in 1828 and the Neo Gothic architectural plan includes features such as lancet windows and modified butresses. During the 1970's and 80's a large scale reconstruction project was completed to erect the current office building and to restore and renovate the interior of the church. More on the church building is available here, or see a gallery of our Stained Glass Windows.
Q: What should I wear?
A: During Sunday Worship, you will see people in suits and skirts, or in shirt and trousers. Wear what is comfortable for you.
Q: How do I get there? Where do I park?
A: St. Andrew's is at 82 Kent St. in Ottawa, on the corner of Kent and Wellington. There are public parking spaces and garages near St. Andrew’s for use during working hours on weekdays. On weekends and after 6:00 PM on weekdays, free and convenient public parking is available just across Wellington St. between the Supreme Court and the National Archives as well as parking spaces on the West side of the park in front of the Supreme Court. If you are coming by public transit, St. Andrew’s is near Lyon station; please visit OC Transpo for more information.
Please note that due to construction parking is NOT permitted beside and behind the Supreme Court.
Q: What is available for my children?
A: Six different Church School classes are available for children age 2 through grade 10 during the Sunday morning service. There is also a trained and loving nursery caregiver for infants. Our nursery is equipped with a pager system so that parents can worship upstairs in confidence that their child is well. There are activities throughout the year for children from preschool to high school.
During the summer 10:00 a.m. services a one room, all ages, church school class is held.
For more information please visit our Families page.
Q: How can I get involved?
A: Our activities and services are open to anyone interested in joining us, you do not need to be a member to participate. More information on our groups is available on our Community pages, you are welcome to take part in any upcoming activities.
Q: How can I become a member?
A: Perhaps you have only recently joined us at St. Andrew's. Perhaps you have been worshipping God with us informally for some time. Whatever your circumstance, you are invited to consider growing in Christian commitment and community by joining the membership of St. Andrew's congregation. There are opportunities to do so four times a year at the times of year when we celebrate the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper. Confirmation classes are also offered for young people to think about what it means to become a member of the church. Please speak with the Minister if you are interested in learning about becoming a member, or read more on our Membership page.
Q: May we hold our wedding at the church?
A: We understand Christian marriage to be a gift and a calling of God, and is therefore a relationship that we approach reverently and respectfully. All weddings at St. Andrew’s are conducted within the context of a service of the worship of God, and in continuity with the Reformed and Presbyterian traditions within the Church of Christ. Read more on our Marriage page.
Q: How may I (or my child) be baptised?
A: The sacrament of baptism marks but the beginning of life within the Church, as a child or an adult. Please speak with the Minister if you would like to be baptised. Additional information on baptism is available on our Baptism page.
Q: Is there wheelchair access?
A: The church is wheelchair accessible using the elevator available through the entrance at 84 Kent Street.
Q: Is there a loop system for the hearing impaired?
A: If you have difficulty hearing, you are invited to turn your hearing aid to the Loop System or turn your personal walkman radio to FM 91.9 and use your ear buds. Discreet headsets are now available for use in the sanctuary. They can be picked up in Grant Hall before the service begins.
Q: Can I speak to a minister?
A: You are welcome to contact the Rev. Dr. Karen Dimock by email (minister@standrewsottawa.ca) or through the church office, 613-232-9042.