FAQs

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WORSHIP SERVICES

What time is the worship service?

In-Person worship services are held in the Sanctuary at 10am. Virtual, Live-Stream services are also available. Services are approximately 1 hour long.

What are your services like?

ur worship services blend tradition with innovation! Our hour long services vary, but typically include a scripture reading, reflective thoughts from Rev. Katrina and prayers of joys and concerns.

What if I have never been to a UCC Church before? Can I attend?

Yes! We welcome everyone – whether or not you have been to a UCC (United Church of Christ) Church before. You are welcome if you haven’t been to church in a long time, if you used to attend a different type of church, or if you’ve never been to church at all! You are welcome if you’re not sure what you believe, or if you are seeking deeper connection.

What should I wear?

On a typical Sunday at West Parish, you’ll find folks in jeans and sneakers, along with those in sport coats, slacks and dresses. On Sundays in the Fall, you’ll also find people proudly wearing their Red Sox, Patriots or other sport team jerseys! Please wear whatever you feel comfortable in!

Where do I go?

We are located at the intersection of Route 133 and Reservation Road in Andover. We recommend you park in the lot in front of the church at 129 Reservation Road, and then enter the church thru the front doors by the steeple.

What is in a church bulletin?

The bulletin details the order of the service. For example, it will detail the scripture and prayers we'll say together. It varies by week, and also contains information on church events.

Where do I sit during the service?

Please sit in an available pew. Please ask an usher if you have any questions.

Can I bring my infant/children to Church with me?

Yes! Infants are toddlers are always welcomed in our worship services. Also - our nursery is open and staffed by vaccinated high school students.

Do you have a choir?

Absolutely! We have a fantastic choir who gather for rehearsals in the Sanctuary on the first and third Wednesday of the month.

What do I do after the church service is complete?

We welcome everyone to join us in a casual coffee hour after church outside. You can casually chat with folks or Rev. Katrina. People typically stay for 15 to 30 minutes, and it is a lovely way to get to know members of the West Parish community.

CHILDREN AND YOUTH

Do you have Children Sunday School classes?

Yes! Sunday School resumed in-person in September. For the latest details, please access theChristian Education page.

Is there a Youth Group?

Yes! Meetings are full of games, sharing, discussion and service. Special actives are held throughout the year, such as mission trips and more! All youth are welcome to attend – and to bring a friend!

Can I bring my infant/children to Church with me?

Yes! Infants are toddlers are always welcomed in our worship services! Also our nursery is open and staffed by vaccinated high-school students.

Can I have my child baptized at West Parish?

Children, youth and adults of all ages may be baptized at West Parish Church! For more details on baptisms, please talk to Rev. Katrina.

WHAT WE BELIEVE

What does West Parish believe in?

West Parish believes that God loves all people! We believe that we are called to love one another as God loves us. We welcome all people of faith, or in search of faith, without regard to age, marital status, race, national origin, gender, economic condition, physical or mental challenge or sexual orientation. We invite all people to West Parish!

What does the rainbow flag at West Parish mean?

The flag highlights West Parish’s commitment to welcoming all people. Rev. Katrina recently noted “The flag signifies the welcoming stance the church supports. It's about welcoming all people – including LGBTQ folks - and its about love. It's just an expression of what we believe.

What denomination is West Parish?

West Parish is a member of UCC -United Church of Christ, showe mission statement is "United in Spirit and inspired by God's grace, we welcome all, love all, and seek justice for all.". For more details on UCC, access this page

When is Communion celebrated?

Communion is celebrated on the first Sunday of each month. We believe God’s communion table is open to everyone! You do not have to be a member of West Parish or be baptized to take communion – and no matter where you are on your faith journey – you are welcome to join us!

Do I have to become a member of West Parish to worship there regularly or to participate?

No! Membership is optional and an individual choice! Everyone is always welcome to be part of the West Parish community!

How do I become a member of West Parish?

At periodic times throughout the year, the opportunity to join West Parish will be announced. Rev. Katrina will then meet with the individuals interested in joining the church, and then a service will be held where the individuals

Is West Parish green?

West Parish is committed to be stewards of the earth and pledge ourselves to help preserve God’s creation. We strive to

- Worship in ways that celebrate and foster care for Creation

- Educate adults and children in ecological issues and sustainable

practices

- Green our buildings and grounds

- Promote Earth-friendly lifestyles at home and at work

- Advocate and support caring for the environment in our

community and the world

BUILDING

What is Fellowship Hall?

Fellowship Hall is our gathering place! It is located all the way down the hallway from the sanctuary, and home to our coffee hour, along with many of our outreach events including the Chocolate Fair, Church Dinners and Yard Sale.

Can I rent your facility for an event?

During these unprecidented times, rentals are limited.

However, if you are interested in more details, please contact our office at 978-475-3528 or westparishchurch@verizon.net for more information. Note: Renting may include the need of maintenance services for setup and/or cleanup.

Can I get married at West Parish Church or the Garden Chapel?

From the magnificent, traditional West Parish Church setting, to the historic intimacy of the West Parish Garden Chapel, both settings are available for weddings. For details on getting married at West Parish Church, contact our office at 978-475-3528 or westparishchurch@verizon.net for more information. For details on getting married at the West Parish Garden Chapel, please access this link

Do you offer Funeral Services?

During these difficult times, West Parish can work with loved one to arrange memorial services at either the West Parish Sanctuary or within the Garden Chapel. Please contact our office at 978-475-3528 or westparishchurch@verizon.net for more information.

Are you handicap accessible?

Yes. There are ramps from the parking lot into the sanctuary for those in need, and also to the door near Fellowship Hall. Also, an accessible restroom is available in the hallway between the sanctuary and Fellowship Hall. Adult education, worship and coffee hour are all on this main level – Sunday School classes are downstairs, and there is a lift available.

What is the West Parish Garden Chapel?

The incredibly beautiful and historic West Parish Garden Chapel is located in the West Parish cemetery next to West Parish church. The Chapel was built in 1909 and contains breath-taking Tiffany stained glass windows. You can experience the beauty of the chapel when West Parish occasionally holds services there.

COMMUNITY

What outreach activities is West Parish involved in?

West Parish is committed to helping our local, national and global communities through a wide range of outreach activities. These include College Scholarship Fundraisers for Lawrence Youth, a Permaculture Garden that donates all its produce, the Green Team, Prayer Shawls and much more! You can find more details on these outreach activities here.

What types of ministry teams does West Parish have?

A ministry team is a group of individuals who work collectively in an area of the church. These ministries include Christian Education, Worship, Stewardship, Green and many more. In late Fall, new individuals are invited to join these teams via bulletin and newsletter announcements.

How much time is required to join a ministry or outreach activity?

Whether you have an hour a month or an hour a day - all individuals are welcomed to join a ministry or outreach activity. Talk to others at Coffee Hour or call the Church office to help you find an activity that best fits your time availability and desire to help others.

How do I find out more details on volunteer activities?

From knitting prayer shawls, raising money for college scholarships for youth in need and more - West Parish has lots of volunteer opportunities! For more details, click here.

How can I get involved in the West Parish Scholarship fund?

For over 8 years, the West Parish Men's Group has been dedicated to raising schoalrship funds for the Greather Lawrence Boys and Girls Club. To find out more details, access the schoalrship fund page.

MISCELLANEOUS

Can I attend West Parish if I was raised in a different faith?

Where can I find more information on Smith Purdon?

The Smith Purdon fund has provided West Parish Church with a unique opportunity to respond to requests from numerous organizations in the Merrimack Valley, providing grants to programs directly impacting children, youth and family life. Over the years, seed money from the Smith Purdon Fund has benefited a variety of startup programs. For more details - including how to apply for a Smith Purdon Grant - access this page.

Where can I find more information on West Parish Cemetery?

For information and inquries about the West Parish Cemetery or the Chapel at West Parish, access the West Parish Garden Cemetery Website