Organization Structure

United Church of Christ Statement of Faith

We believe in God, the Eternal Spirit, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ and our Father, and to his deeds we testify:

He calls the world into being, creates man in his own image and sets before him the ways of life and death.

He seeks in holy love to save all people from aimlessness and sin.

He judges men and nations by his righteous will declared through prophets and apostles.

In Jesus Christ, the man of Nazareth, our crucified and risen Lord, he has come to us and shared our common lot, conquering sin and death and reconciling the world to himself.

He bestows upon us his Holy Spirit, creating and renewing the church of Jesus Christ, binding in covenant faithful people of all ages, tongues, and races.

He calls us into his church to accept the cost and joy of discipleship, to be his servants in the service of men, to proclaim the gospel to all the world and resist the powers of evil, to share in Christ’s baptism and eat at his table, to join him in his passion and victory.

He promises to all who trust him forgiveness of sins and fullness of grace, courage in the struggle for justice and peace, his presence in trial and rejoicing, and eternal life in his kingdom which has no end.

Blessing and honor, glory and power be unto him. Amen.

Our Community

St. Andrew United Church of Christ is deeply rooted in the Sarasota community, living out our faith through local missions that offer compassion, dignity, and practical support. Guided by our core values of justice, worship, welcome, and fellowship, we partner with neighborhood organizations, respond to emerging needs, and stand alongside those seeking hope and fairness.

Our worship grounds us.

Our welcome opens every door.

Our fellowship strengthens every relationship.

Our commitment to justice moves us into action.

Together, we strive to be a joyful, courageous presence—serving, connecting, and building a more compassionate community for all.

Congregation

At St. Andrew United Church of Christ, the congregation is the center of our life and leadership. As a covenant community, our members share responsibility for discerning God’s direction, shaping our mission, and guiding the major decisions of the church. The congregation elects leaders, approves budgets, calls pastors, and entrusts daily operations to the Moderator, Church Council, ministry teams, and staff.

Together, we form a collaborative, Spirit‑led body—grounded in shared faith, committed to justice and welcome, and united in the work of building a vibrant, inclusive church for all.

History

1965-1975

A New Church in Town

The St. Andrew United Church of Christ is only a little church .. . but those who attend call it their church.
People count here.
Rev. James A. Stewart, 1966

In the spring of 1965, the Board of Homeland Missions of the United Church of Christ in Florida rented a small storefront at 6550 Gateway Avenue to bring a new church to what was then, and still is, a growing and vibrant area of Sarasota. The first service, held on July 25, 1965, welcomed 65 potential members, including children and teens. Soon afterwards, these new members selected the name St. Andrew United Church of Christ leaving no doubt that the church was faithful to its Christian background while not being tied to a specific geographical area. The new name appeared for the first time in the October 10, 1965, bulletin. Read the whole story here…