We seek God's healing love and share that love with all
by growing in relationship with God, each other, and our neighbors.
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A Lesson in “Othering” from St. Francis of Assisi
A message from Mtr. Rita Kendagor, Assistant Rector
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Othering: the act of treating someone as though they are not part of a group and are different in some way.(dictionary.cambridge.org)
Othering is a phenomenon in which some individuals or groups are defined and labeled as not fitting in within the norms of a social group. It can lead to discrimination, prejudice, and dehumanization of out-groups, and it can be based on various attributes such as race, gender, or political affiliation. (verywellmind.com)
This morning we are hosting the Pet Blessing on the east lawn at HJs to commemorate St. Francis’ love and commitment to God’s creation. And on Sunday, we will continue to observe the feast of St. Francis during our morning worship.
The sermon will focus on a part of St. Francis that is not often talked about – how he put his life on the line to bridge an interfaith gap by defying the norms of his day. Francis challenged the acceptable morays by entering into civil discourse with the “other”.
To continue in this spirit, there will be a series of four Thursday nights, beginning Oct 23, in which we’ll practice civil discourse about the antidote to othering, loving our enemies. More details will come, but here are a few things to expect:
- We will discuss what we learn about loving our enemies from Scripture, theology, Christian ethics, and theological reflection on personal experience.
- The sessions will include opportunity to practice the art of civil discourse. The first session will introduce this practice, led by parishioner and counselor Ann Rainey.
- The sessions will not be offered online, to keep the space safe.
- We’re doing this exercise to model how the Church can be a safe environment in contentious times for people to share their passions, listen to others’ passions, and learn from each other.
In his poem entitled The Praises of God, St. Francis wrote:
You are beauty, You are meekness,
You are the protector, you are our custodian and defender,
You are strength, You are refreshment. You are our hope.
This Sunday, we will honor St. Francis by learning to walk in his footsteps.
| | | | Call our toll-free number 800-808-1625 to listen to worship on your phone! | | |
Stewardship Season Begins: Giving & Receiving – Let Blessings Flow
Next Sunday, October 12, we begin a six-week sermon series designed to deepen our faith and help us grow as stewards of God’s abundant blessings. Each week we’ll journey through scripture together, exploring stories of healing, justice, humility, prayer, and perseverance, and reflecting on what it means to both give and receive from God. From Naaman’s healing to the widow’s persistence, from the Beatitudes to the hope of resurrection, these passages invite us into a richer understanding of God’s generosity and our response of thanksgiving.
Alongside the sermon series, every household will receive a devotional booklet written by our clergy, vestry, and staff, offering daily reflections and prayers to guide us through the season. Together, these devotions and sermons create an opportunity for spiritual growth as we practice gratitude, generosity, and trust in God’s provision.
Our theme, Giving & Receiving: Let Blessings Flow, reminds us that when we live with open hands and hearts, God’s grace moves through us, multiplying blessings for ourselves, our neighbors, and our community. Join us in this season of prayer, reflection, and renewal as we learn again how to live as people blessed to give and receive.
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Trinity Guild Fundraiser
The women of the Trinity Guild do a fundraiser each year to raise money for outreach. Last year we had great success by asking our members to donate damaged or unused sterling silver or gold jewelry or other items (sorry, no silver plate). We all have the odd earring that’s lost its mate or a chain with a broken clasp. Last year we collected items just from our own members and raised over $4,000. This year, we are going to open it up to the whole church. With your help, we will do even better! There will be a box in the Narthex before and after services for any donations between Sept. 21 and Oct. 26.
Last year’s fundraiser helped:
$1,000 Operation Breakthrough & Sister Berta’s Friendship Circle
$1,000 St. James Church and Pet ministry
$1,000 I-58
$1,000 Reconciliation Service
$500 Kansas City Community Garden
$500 Gordon Parks Elementary Schools
$500 Benjamin Banneker Elementary Schools
$500 Bloom International
$250 Haskell Indian Nations University
$250 Lakeside Nature Center
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$6,500 total
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Ride Ministry at St. Andrew’s
Thanks to a generous estate gift from parishioner Tina Norton, we’re excited to launch a new Ride Ministry to help parishioners get to worship, church events, and even medical appointments. In partnership with Lyft, rides will be available at no cost to you.
To request a ride, simply email rides@standrewkc.org (or call the church office if email is a challenge) with your name, phone number, pickup location, destination, and times. You can also complete an online form here.
Mtr. Rita Kendagor and Brittany Conge will coordinate your ride and ensure you’re connected with a driver.
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Art Guild Call for Artists
Art has always been a meaningful part of life at St. Andrew’s—from our stained glass and sacred objects to the rotating exhibits at HJ’s Art Gallery. In that spirit, we’re revitalizing our Art Guild to renew our commitment to creativity as a form of spiritual expression.
We currently have 2 calls for artists open:
1) 2026 exhibition season for solo or collaborative submission - Deadline October 31
2) A new group exhibition titled “Reframing Beauty in Darkness” - Deadline October 31
Apply for these opportunities here.
| | Can't make it to church this Sunday? Remember that St. Andrew's broadcasts each worship service to our website, our YouTube Channel, and our Facebook page. You can also catch the sermon the following day on our social media channels. Check out our Linktree for your preferred way to connect with worship: http://linktr.ee/standrewskc. | | | |
Jesus With You . . . at Home
If you're worshipping at home, you can pick up consecrated wafers to use during our celebrations of Holy Eucharist. They're available in a basket in the narthex, or from the office, anytime the church is open. If getting out is a challenge, we'll be happy to deliver wafers to you. Just contact Mary Sanders (by email or at 816-523-602, ext. 110) about arranging delivery.
If you need help connecting to St. Andrew’s Online to participate in worship opportunities, but your computer is giving you trouble, just contact Deacon Adam James or 816-352-2742 for assistance.
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Hearing-Assist Devices
You may have noticed a stand of headphones as you come in from the porte-cochere on Sundays. These are hearing-assist devices that amplify the sound system during worship. If you would like to use one, just pick it up as you come in!
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Tour Gordon Parks Elementary
Join us in walking the hallways and peeking into the classrooms of our church sponsored school, Gordon Parks Elementary. Learn about the demographics of its students, how the school meets the needs of the children and their families, and hear about the academic success of the students. Along the way, experience the smiles, little waves or even a hug. Please join me in taking this tour on Thursday, October 16th, at 9 a.m. You are invited to stay afterwards to learn about volunteer opportunities. Please RSVP to Karen Lundgren by Monday, October 13th.
** If you are unable to attend and would like to learn more about the school and ways to volunteer, please contact Karen Lundgren.
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Gordon Parks Trunk or Treat
Volunteers needed! If you are interested in bringing some Halloween spirit to the students and families of Gordon Parks, please reach out to Karen Lundgren.
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Guns to Gardens
Following up on the Diocese of West Missouri’s Faith and Firearms gun-safety forum, Central Presbyterian in Kansas City is offering Guns to Gardens: Safe Surrender Event, where people can dispose of unwanted firearms safely, responsibly, and anonymously. The purpose is to prevent unwanted guns from falling into the hands of perpetrators of violence. The event is 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at Central Presbyterian, 2501 Campbell St. in Kansas City. For more information, visit https://www.centralpreskc.org/guns-to-gardens.
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Sunday Morning Artist Series
Join us for St. Andrew’s Sunday Morning Artist Series, featuring some of Kansas City’s finest musicians. At select 10:15 a.m. services, guest artists will offer the prelude and join the Parish Choir as soloists for the morning anthem. Upcoming performers include Dr. Margaret Rose Marco (oboe), Evan Short (bassoon), Omri Barak (trumpet), John Eadie (cello), SunHo Kim (violin), Benjamin Banci (horn), and Elena Lence Talley (clarinet). Learn more at standrewkc.org/music.
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Youth Ministry – Worlds of Fun Trip
Our Youth Ministry is heading to Halloween Haunt at Worlds of Fun next weekend and it’s going to be an unforgettable night of rides, haunted houses, and time together with friends. Join us Sunday, October 5th, we will meet at HJ’s Community Center by 5:00 pm. The ticket cost is $39.99 online or $50 at the gate. All youth are invited and friends are welcome!
| | Children, Youth & Young Adult Ministry | | Contact Veronica Wiebold for questions about children, youth, or young adult ministries. | | |
Sunday School
Our classrooms are located in the Children’s Wing. Signs in the church entryway will help you find your way to each room. Each room is identified by a brightly colored door—look for the matching heart color to help guide you:
- ❤️ Nursery (Infant–3 years) – Christa McLaughlin
- 💛 Yellow Room (3yrs -Pre-K) – Sally Cox
- 💚 Green Room (Kindergarten–1st Grade) – Sarah Thompson
- 💙 Blue Room (2nd–4th Grade) – Veronica Wiebold
Click here for the Children's Ministry Newsletter!
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Youth Group official start: Sunday, September 28th at HJ's
- Middle School Youth Group (5th-8th grade): 4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.
- High School Youth Group (9th - 12th grade) 5:45 p.m.-6:45 p.m.
Worlds of Fun: October 5
Get ready for some fall fun! Our Youth Ministry is heading to Halloween Haunt at Worlds of Fun this October. It’s going to be an unforgettable night of rides, haunted houses, and time together with friends. Join us Friday, October 5th, we will meet at HJ’s Community Center by 5:00 pm. The ticket cost is $39.99 online or $50 at the gate. All youth are invited and friends are welcome!
Click here for the Youth Ministry Newsletter!
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We're currently refreshing our approach to 20s & 30s programming!
Sunday calendar offerings will pause while we explore new formats to better serve our young adult community. Stay tuned for fellowship opportunities and social gatherings later this fall!
| | Adult Christian Formation | | |
Creating Your Spiritual Growth Plan
Thursdays, 6 to 7:15 p.m., HJ’s
Café 9:15
Sunday morning, 9:15-10 a.m.
Christian Journey
Sunday, 8:45-10 a.m.
Men's Lectionary Group
Thursday, 7:30-8:30 a.m.
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How the Bible Came to Be
Fridays, 10:30-11:30 a.m.,
Sacred Spaces
On hiatus May 27 - Sept. 9
Tai Chi for Beginners
Monday, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Good Book Club
Daily
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The Good Book Club: Faithful Living
Through Oct. 17, we’ll read four letters from St. Paul to Christian communities he founded (although one letter may have been written by a later follower of Paul). These works—1 Thessalonians, Galatians, Philippians, and Colossians—let us overhear one side of Paul’s multifaceted conversations with people he gathered in Christ. Paul cajoles, berates, and inspires his congregations as he tries to guide them, and us, in the theology and daily practice of following the way of Jesus. Each day, you’ll get a text or email with a brief summary of the daily reading, along with a link to that day’s verses. To sign up for the Good Book Club, just email Fr. John (frjohn@standrewkc.org).
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You can mail your gifts to the church, give online, or text STANDREWKC to 73256.
Send a Venmo gift to @StAndrews-EpiscopalChurch. Be sure to notate your intention for the gift.
| | St. Andrew's is here for you. | | |
Please remember that St. Andrew's is here for you. If you are in need or you are aware of another parishioner in need of assistance, please email Mtr. Rita Kendagor, assistant rector. You can also submit a request online or call the church office at 816-523-1602.
Send us your prayer requests through a form, our Facebook page,
or by texting PRAYER to 816-312-5152.
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Tom
Carol
Gretchen
Andrew
Dennis
Amanda & Baby
Stefani
Steve
Frances
Tim
Carolyn H.
Bret
Robbie
Jack
Rozzie
Cindy
Thomas
Shana
Ernestine
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Adrienne
Alexis
Sandy
Susie
Brian
Haley
Kent & Nora
Donna
Tucker
Matthew
Don
Linny
Moses
Reed
Marion
Abby
Peter
Gail
Sue
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Don
Judy
Mark
Alan
Shannon
David P.
Jamie P.
Taylor M.
Mason & family
Jim
Grant
Carrie
Jerold & Isaac
Laura (Lolly)
Frank
Peggy
DeVette
| | If you wish to add or remove a name, please notify Erin Lemanski no later than Sunday at noon for the Prayer List to be updated each week. Names will be listed for six months, unless otherwise stated. Thank you! | | |
Worship is in person and livestreamed each Sunday. Daily prayer is available in the Pray at 8 Facebook group at 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Friday at 12 p.m. – Noon Eucharist – Watch here
Sunday at 8 a.m. – Rite I Holy Eucharist – Watch here
For those who find spiritual comfort and strength in the rich Elizabethan language of centuries-old worship, our early-morning service of prayer, Scripture, a sermon, a musical solo, and time-honored hymns, is the perfect way to start your Sabbath.
Sunday at 10:15 a.m. – Rite II Holy Eucharist – Watch here
Worship the Lord in the beauty of Scripture, a sermon, and prayers for ourselves and our world. Glorious hymns, organ, and choral music intertwine with the spoken parts of our celebration. We offer online Children’s Chapel via Zoom before 10 a.m.; and in-person Sunday school during the 10 a.m. service.
Daily at 8 a.m. and 8 p.m – Pray at 8
Join us in the Pray at 8 Facebook group. In just 10 to 15 minutes, you can stop, breathe, and find God’s refreshment to support you through your day or carry you on to bed. It’s a beautiful way to remember that God is our constant helper and strength.
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Bulletin & Messenger Deadline
The publication deadline for the Saturday Messenger and Sunday bulletin is on Sunday at noon one week before publication.
Material received after Sunday at noon will be added to the next week's publications.
Please submit material to Erin Lemanski (erin@standrewkc.org)
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