St. Andrew's Episcopal Church
Ayer, Massachusetts
Faith, Community, and Love
Weekly Services
St. Andrew's Episcopal Church is a welcoming congregation serving Ayer, Devens, Groton, Harvard, Littleton, and Shirley, Massachusetts. Everyone is welcome to attend our services and, in accordance with the Canons of the Episcopal Church, every baptized Christian may receive Holy Communion in this Church.
In the Episcopal Church, we use the term "Eucharist" to mean the entire worship service, of which Holy Communion is one part. We believe that the Eucharist is the sacrament of thanksgiving given by Christ for the continual remembrance of His life, death, and resurrection.
Sunday 8:00 a.m. - Traditional Eucharist
The 8 o'clock service on Sunday mornings is a Rite I Holy Eucharist with a sermon. We use the Book of Common Prayer (1979). The language of the prayers in this service is traditional. This one hour service does not include hymns or other music. The congregation likes its quiet and contemplative nature. This service allows families who want to attend regular Sunday services to meet their Sunday athletic commitments as well. All are welcome for refreshments and conversation after the service.
Sunday 9:15 a.m. - Sunday School for High School Students (September-June)
Sunday School begins in the Parish Hall at this time so that high school students from both the 8:00 a.m. service and the 10:00 a.m. service can meet together in one place. Read more.
Sunday 10:00 a.m. - Sunday School for Kindergarten-8th Grade Students (September-June)
Teachers are on site in the Parish Hall at 9:50 a.m. so that families can drop off children and walk over to the church for the 10:00 a.m. service. Children are walked to the church by their teachers after the sermon to join their families for Communion. Read more.
Sunday 10:00 a.m. - Choral Eucharist
The 10 o'clock service is a Rite II Holy Eucharist--a service with the beautiful music, thoughtful preaching, and poetic prayers that the Episcopal church is known for. We use the Book of Common Prayer (1979) and the Hymnal (1982). The language of the prayers in this service is contemporary. Prior to the service, an organ prelude, joined occasionally by other musicians, allows time for prayer and meditation. Hymns are accompanied by the organ and choir. The 10 o'clock service generally lasts about 1 1/4 hours. All are welcome for refreshments and conversation after the service.
For nursing mothers and families with infants, there are two choices: 1) Infants are welcome at the service: there are reserved pews at the back of the church. If you need to leave during the service, please feel free to use the adjacent soundproof room we call "the Snuggery," with soft carpeting, comfortable chairs, and a changing table; or 2) Infant and nursery care is provided by competent staff from 9:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Parish Hall (September-June).
For latecomers, there are reserved pews near the door. If you get a late start, come along anyway. We'd rather have you late than not at all!
Wednesday 12:00 Noon - Holy Eucharist with Healing Prayers
This mid-week service is a Rite II Holy Eucharist with a brief homily (sermon). We use the Book of Common Prayer (1979). The language of the prayers in this service is contemporary. There are no hymns or other music. It is an intimate service well suited for those who were not able to attend the previous Sunday and those who would like to receive a healing prayer during Communion. This service lasts about 30 minutes. If you have time to squeeze us in on your lunch hour, you are most welcome!
Eucharistic Visitors
For those members of the congregation who, by reason of illness or infirmity, are unable to be present in Church and wish to take Holy Communion, St. Andrew's offers specially trained lay ministers (Eucharistic Visitors) who are available to bring the Consecrated Elements directly from the Church to a hospital, nursing home, or private residence. To arrange for a Eucharistic Visitor, please contact Fr. Alan MacKillop, our Priest, or Ms. Lynn Ferrillo, our Office Administrator.
St. Andrew's worship services are handicap accessible.
Gluten-free wafers are available for those with an allergy to wheat.