About St Andrew UCC
We celebrate the diversity God created us to be! We're young and old, LGBT and straight, multiracial and multicultural, "snowbirds" and year-round Florida residents, folks who grew up in the UCC, folks from other denominations, and folks who are new to any church. “Whoever you are and wherever you are in life’s journey, you’re welcome here.”
Worship Services 10:30 every Sunday
Many of us meet together at the church, while others worship from home, joining live via Facebook. (You do not need a Facebook account.) Snowbirds and others out of town join us as well. No matter were you are, we worship as a single community. The recorded services are available later at the same link.
Social Hour after the service
After the service we meet in Stewart Hall for refreshments and to socialize. After a two year hiatus because of Covid, we are excited to be sharing fellowship together again.
Friends and members join us on Zoom, where a large screen in the hall connects us, online and in person. Click here to join the conversation Sundays at 11:45 am.
Book Group
Our weekly study and discussion group meets using Zoom every Thursday morning at 10:00 am. We share our concerns and discuss a variety of books chosen by the group. Social issues, theological studies, history, current events and biography have all been explored.
Check the News and Calendar page to see what book we are currently reading and for the zoom link. Call the church office for more information.
Lunch Bunch
Every Thursday at noon we have an informal bring-your-own-bag luncheon in the church’s Memory Garden. (Or in Stewart Hall if the weather is bad.) No program, no reservations needed. just bring your lunch and enjoy the company.
Teddy Bear Ministry
The Teddy bears you see in the our gathering area are there for you to take and keep or pass on, a tangible representation of our love—and God’s—for shut-ins and others going through difficult times.
Annual CROP Hunger Walk
A sizable group from St. Andrew participates in this annual event to raise awareness and funds to combat hunger locally and around the world.
Pride Events
St Andrew has a presence at local LBGT+ pride festivals and other events. Here is our booth at the 2022 “FabAF” Arts Festival in Sarasota.
Total Accessibility
St. Andrew UCC is wheelchair accessible. Accessible parking is near the sanctuary entrance and office. We have automatic doors for safe and easy access. There are spaces for people with wheelchairs and walkers in several places within the sanctuary to give you seating choices.
We have a “drop-off/pick-up” area right in front of the church, for the safety and convenience of families with young children, seniors, and those with disabilities.
Worship and restrooms are all on one level.
Large print bulletins with the hymns are used at our Sunday worship services.
We are proud to have a hearing loop system installed, which transmits audio of the service directly into hearing aids equipped with the T-coil function. Feel free to ask an usher if you need assistance.
Any Other Questions?
Do you require masking during the Coronavirus pandemic?
Masks are recommended, though not mandated. Since many of our congregation are high risk, we do ask that you mask while mingling with others in the vestibule and not remove your mask until seated. Masks and hand sanitizer are at the doors and there are additional hand sanitizer stations in the worship area. Of course if you are not feeling well, please worship from home.
What should I wear?
Some people come in their Sunday best, others dress more casually. People wear jeans, suits, capris, t-shirts, dress shirts or blouses, or dresses, and different gender expressions are welcome. Dress in a way that feels appropriate to you. We believe that God cares more about the state of our hearts than what we wear. The most important thing is to be you!
Where are you located?
St. Andrew UCC is located on Beneva Road just north of Gulf Gate Drive in Sarasota. Parking is behind the church off Fuller Street. Click here for Directions.
How long are services?
Our Sunday morning worship service begins at 10:30 am and lasts about one hour. Some come early to enjoy the musicians warming up.
How often do you have Communion?
We offer Holy Communion the first Sunday of every month, with bread and non-alcoholic juice. Those worshipping at home are encouraged to provide their own bread and beverage so we all share the Lord’s Supper together. The United Church of Christ encourages Christians of all denominations and backgrounds to participate in Communion.