About

More than anything else we are identified as Episcopalians by how we worship and, in particular, by our embrace and use of the Book of Common Prayer, which prescribes and informs our worship services. The Book of Common Prayer, which we often call the “BCP,” is derived from Scripture (the Bible), our rich tradition, reaching back to the time of Christ and his apostles, and the need to maintain its resonance with current times. We call our form of worship “liturgy,” which means “work of the people.” Thus, our worship is designed to engage everyone in the “work” of the service. Whereas a priest presides at the service and may be assisted by other ministers, everyone present is fully a part of the community in worship. Thus, we gather not as spectators, but as members of a community engaged and bound together in prayer, reflection, and worship.

St. Andrew’s By-the-Sea also understands that the work of the Church extends into the community and the world. The primary elements of our service to the community currently are our Blue Door Ministry and our Bike Shop Ministry. The Blue Door provides hot lunches and sack lunches, a clothes closet and food pantry, local bus passes, hot shower and laundry services, and assistance with access to other sources of aid on the local, state, and federal levels. The Bike Shop gives bikes free of charge to anyone in need, including children. Bikes are contributed not only by individuals in the community and also by beach bike rental companies as they replace their fleets. In addition, the Bike Shop repairs and services hundreds of bikes a year. 

Our Rectors