I see the tag line at the top of the page, "Where liberal theology meets the best of tradition." What does that mean?

The United Church represents the largest Protestant denomination in Canada but that doesn't mean that all the churches in our family have an identical approach to worship. Our tag line is meant to give you an idea of what to expect in terms of theology if you come to First-St. Andrew's.

So, who's your minister?

We have not just one but two of them. Dr. Kate Crawford is our new Minister of Worship and Administration. She does most of the preaching on Sunday mornings. Dr. Susan Shelstad is our Minister of Christian Education and directs both adult and child learning activities in the church.

Exceptional music is what we're known for. This happens by design. We are one of the few United Church's in Canada to have a full time Director of Music. Paul Merritt ably leads us in all that we do in that respect. Trust us, you'll be impressed at the quality of our senior choir, handbells and string ensemble to say nothing of the special musical guests which inspire us week after week.

Where can I find you?

No problem! We're conveniently located at the corner of Waterloo and Queens Avenue right in the heart of downtown London. That's one reason why our logo has the words "at the heart."

Are you directionally challenged? Look for the yellow brick church with the imposing copper-clad spire. If you are from out of town and need more explicit directions to find the church, we suggest that you link to this Google Map. We don't want any lost sheep!

Have you thought about people with physical limitations?

We have tried our best to eliminate barriers that might be a problem for those who want to join us. FSA is fully wheelchair and scooter accessible. Assistive hearing devices are available from the ushers. Also, just click on the link for details about the coming Sunday service (on the right) to get the next date when the service will be signed for the hearing-impaired. Besides street parking, there is parking directly behind the church and, on Sunday mornings, you can park in the lots behind the two office buildings (converted old homes) just north of the church as well, so you don't have to travel far to get in our door.

Tell me about your services

There's one Sunday service at 10:30 am. You don't have to dress up but most people wear what has come to be termed business attire. In the summertime we "go informal" and shorts and sandals are worn by many. That's when we take a little holiday from meeting in the main sanctuary and hold our services in the Church's lower hall (Proudfoot Hall) where it is a little cooler.

Can I have a peek inside?

Sure thing! Up and to the right is a view toward the chancel (from where the minister conducts the service) taken from the back of the church. Beautiful stained-glass windows surround us as we worship. As you can see, the church is designed with a centre aisle leading to the front of the church. Many a bride has made a grand sweep up this aisle to meet her groom!

If you were to stand in the chancel, as our ministers do each Sunday, this is the view you would have. You will see that we have a balcony. You can sit up there and get a grand view of the whole church. FSA is a little different from many churches in that the organ is in the balcony (did you notice all those vertical pipes?) and the choir sings from up there also. The result is that when you sit downstairs there is a wonderful feeling of being bathed in music that wafts down from above. Some say it's the closest thing to being in heaven that they'll ever experience.

Here's where you can have some fun. Would you like to experience the feeling that you are actually standing in the church balcony and taking a sweeping 360-degree panoramic look at the church? Your wish is our command! Link here and follow the instructions. You'll see the whole church decked out in all its Christmas finery.

Is there a chance to mix and mingle on Sunday mornings?

During the regular year after service we gather downstairs in Proudfoot Hall to meet and greet each other over coffee and fruit drinks for the kids. On special occasions there are treats like cookies and cake too to indulge our collective sweet tooth. In the summer we go out on the front lawn for lemonade.

How can I get in on the "buzz" at FSA?

First of all, come on out and buzz right along with us. FSA people have a lot of talent and pizzazz. For instance, what on earth are these zany women on the right doing? That's for us to know and you to find out!

If you're a little shy at first, you can quickly sense what's happening currently by linking to FSA's quarterly newsletter, called Tidings. It's the "heartbeat" of what's "at the heart." You can also listen in on a few of our recent services by going to the "SERVICE ARCHIVE" button at the top of the page. It's the next best thing to being there.

Is there more to this church than a Sunday morning service?

You bet! Just check out all the items along the right side of this page. If you want to go further and dive into congregational life, go to "ABOUT US" on the menu at the top of this page and click on "CHURCH LIFE." There's something for everybody. The fastest way to feel a part of FSA is to get involved in committees and working groups. While you're at it, also click on the "UCW" button to see what the United Church Women at FSA are up to. Don't be afraid. Make yourself at home.

What have you got that will get my children excited about church?

Check out the "CHILDREN/YOUTH" button on the menu at the top of this page. The children in the montage to the left were part of our annual "Spirit Games." There are two choirs for youngsters, the Joyfuls and the Junior Joyfuls and they sing regularly at our Sunday services ... cherubs!! Your children are welcome to join up even if you're not a member.

Why such an unusual moniker?

We wondered when you'd get around to asking. You may have thought that we were "first" in a chain of St. Andrew's churches that were established across Canada over a hundred years ago: the startup location of a successful franchise, so to speak. Good guess but not so. Get the real story.

So that's a brief look at who we are. If you're In a hurry and just want a quick overview, you can find it all on our one-page summary at Wondercafé

Remember, we're here for you.
Do consider joining our welcoming church family.

If you'd like more information about FSA, go to the menu at the top of this page and click on "CONTACT" and then select "SPECIAL REQUESTS" from the menu. We'll get back to you.

Maybe you're still unsure. We want you to know that it's OK to test the waters. You can come out on any Sunday morning, quietly slip into a back row and see what it's like for you. We know that it's important that our approach to theology and our style of service fit your spiritual needs. It's wise to take time, sample and reflect on what you see and hear.

If you'd like to talk back to us you can join our blog. You don't have to be a member. Look over to the right of this page under the heading "fsa podium" and click on the appropriate link.