Saint Andrew's Episcopal Church
New Providence, New Jersey
Parish Events
As a vibrant parish and involved Christian community, our church events include a fair for the entire community, a Christmas narrative as well as community and fellowship activities. Our congregation includes people and families from as far away as Branchburg and Springfield as well as the surrounding communities of New Providence, Berkeley Heights, Chatham, Madison, Scotch Plains and Summit. Please join us!
The Blessing of the Animals Service Honors the Legacy of St. Francis
Held annually at 10:00 a.m. on the Sunday closest to October 4th.
This community service is an outdoor Eucharist held in the St. Francis Pet Cemetery, adjacent to the Church at 419 South Street. Parishioners and visitors from the surrounding area bring their pets on leashes or otherwise properly restrained for the service.
Children are always welcome at St. Andrew’s, and always enjoy the Blessing of the Animals. They are invited to bring a new stuffed animal which will be presented to a hospitalized child in the Elizabeth, NJ area during the Christmas holidays. It is important that each stuffed animal be new, otherwise the participating hospitals may not distribute them to the children and other youth groups. These stuffed animals are also blessed during this fellowship service.
In years past, we have had a wide assortment of animals which included cats, dogs, fish, birds, gerbils, rabbits, and more. People have found it a spiritually moving service of fellowship and surprisingly, the animals have been well-behaved considering their number and varieties.
The Christmas Narrative - A Christmas Pageant of Children and Animals
Christmas Eve, December 24 at 4:00 p.m. - Call 908 464-4875 for more information.
The miracle of Christmas is for everyone. The children and parents of St. Andrew's Church community present a Christmas narrative with Christmas carols and live animals, and a service of Holy Communion. This retelling of the birth of Jesus is directed by our teens and presented on Christmas Eve at 4:00 p.m. The service and story are especially geared toward young people. Children of all ages and their families and friends are welcome!