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 Letter for Our Current Times
A Message from Mtr. Rita Kendagor, Assistant Rector
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Another MLK holiday is upon us. I cannot help but wonder how many people sort of glaze over when the news replays the iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, or if our feelings have become so ossified when seeing, once again, black-and-white footage of African American protestors facing fire hoses and police dogs. Yet the Civil Rights Movement has been a crucial part of our country’s history, and the lessons learned from that era must not be forgotten.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was arrested a total of 29 times, with one arrest occurring when he was driving 30 in a 25-mile-per-hour zone. After being arrested in Birmingham, AL, while leading protests against the segregation of public places, Dr. King penned a letter in response to a joint statement written in the news by eight white clergy urging African Americans not to protest any longer. In this letter, now known as “A Letter from Birmingham Jail,”* King spelled out why there was a need for peaceful protest and why the segregation practices of the South needed to come to an end.
Dr. King ended his letter to the white clergy with the following words:
I hope this letter finds you strong in the faith. I also hope that circumstances will soon make it possible for me to meet each of you, not as an integrationist or a civil-rights leader but as a fellow clergyman and a Christian brother. Let us all hope that the dark clouds of racial prejudice will soon pass away and the deep fog of misunderstanding will be lifted from our fear-drenched communities, and in some not-too-distant tomorrow the radiant stars of love and brotherhood will shine over our great nation with all their scintillating beauty.
Yours for the cause of Peace and Brotherhood, Martin Luther King, Jr.
Indeed, these very poignant words are extremely timely as our country currently experiences deep divisions and a resurgence of the type of hate speech that was very blatant in 1963.
Let us take to heart this timeless prayer written by Dr. King:
Purify our hearts that we may see thee. O God, in these turbulent days when fear and doubt are mounting high, give us broad visions, penetrating eyes, and power of endurance. Help us to work with renewed vigor for a warless world, for a better distribution of wealth, and for a brotherhood that transcends race or color. In the name and spirit of Jesus, we pray. Amen. (kinginstitute.stanforduniversity.edu)
* The full text of this letter may be found at: “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” The University of Alabama Libraries Special Collections.
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Call our toll-free number 800-808-1625 to listen to worship on your phone! | |
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Save the Date – Breakfast and Annual Meeting Jan. 26
Next Sunday, Jan. 26, we’ll gather for a single service at 9:30 a.m., followed by our Annual Parish Meeting in the undercroft. The meeting begins during our worship, with the state-of-the-parish address as the sermon (and no longer than usual!). Then we’ll adjourn downstairs for breakfast provided by our wonderful Hospitality Commission and a celebration of 2024. We’ll thank the outgoing Vestry members, elect the next Vestry class, hear reports from our senior and junior wardens, review the 2024 parish budget, and take nominations for delegates to our new bishop’s first Diocesan Convention. (If you’d like to be considered as a convention delegate, just email me) And, in this season of Oscar buzz, we’ll enjoy St. Andrew’s own annual award—the presentation of the Rector’s Cross.
— Fr. John
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New Seasonal Learning Opportunities Kick Off With Outreach
In this season of Epiphanytide, we’re offering a series of learning opportunities on outreach ministry—Living the Light: Discovering God Through Serving Others. On Thursday nights through Feb. 27 at HJ’s, we’ll explore the theology that supports outreach ministry, and we’ll hear from parishioners who lead some of our outreach partnerships about how this work has changed their hearts as they shine Christ’s light into the world. Living the Light begins with dinner at 5:30 p.m. with the class from 6 to 7 p.m. We’ll end the sessions with Compline, a beautiful five-minute service of prayer for the end of day. The classes will be livestreamed as well as offered in person.
- January 16 – Mtr. Jean Long (The Theology of Serving Others)
- January 23 – Melissa Rock (Free Store and Andie’s Pantry)
- January 30 – Kathy Shaffer (Haiti) Gina Heise (Jewish Vocational Services)
- February 6 – Bruce Long (KC Community Kitchen and St Paul’s Pantry); Carolyn Kroh (KC Community Garden)
- February 13 – Dorothy Curry (Banneker School Garden and Sr. Berta’s Friendship Circles)
- February 20 – Janet Kelley (St. James’ Ministries); Karen Lundgren (Gordon Parks Elementary School)
- February 27 – Cathy Mosely (Rose Brooks and Pet Ministry)
Look for more—and more varied—learning opportunities to come. Our Adult Christian Formation Commission is working with our Children’s, Youth, Young Adult, and Discernment Commissions to coordinate themes for spiritual growth across age groups and design them to follow seasons across the year—some based on the Church calendar (e.g., Lent) and some based on the shape of our lives (e.g., back-to-school time).
These spiritual-growth commissions also will be reaching out to parishioners to learn what topics, formats, and schedules will best meet their needs. Rather than setting one time slot for a variety of topics (the model we had been following with Trailside on Thursday nights), we’ll offer learning opportunities in a variety of formats and at times potential attendees say they can come.
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New Year Brings Communion Change
Since April 2021, when we returned to in-person worship during the pandemic, we’ve been serving consecrated wine in individual cups at the standing Communion stations. We owe great thanks to our Altar Guild members, who have painstakingly filled thousands of little cups for us. But now, COVID has become part of the landscape, like other contagious diseases we endure and try not to share. So, to relieve the burden on the Altar Guild, the standing Communion stations now offer intinction—dipping the consecrated bread into the consecrated wine. Ministers there will offer you a chalice into which you may dip your bread (being careful not to put your fingers into the wine). Drinking from the chalice won’t be offered at these stations; as always, if you’d like to drink from the chalice, please come to the altar rail. At the same time, we know some parishioners deal with compromised immune systems, and a few of us may feel slightly under the weather any given Sunday. So, we will retain a few individual cups at the standing stations, just for those who need them.
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Good Book Club Turns to Romans
Through Feb. 5, the Good Book Club will be reading what many scholars would call the Gospel according to the apostle Paul, the most complete statement of his theology: the Letter to the Romans. Written in the years 56-57, less than 30 years after Jesus’ death and resurrection, the letter to the Romans tries to explain how this new expression of faith is rooted in Judaism but is available to all humanity. Paul explores the concepts of salvation, the power of God, and grace. While Romans is not always easy reading, it proclaims what it means to be a disciple of Christ and how that translates into daily life, offering lessons that have been informing and inspiring Jesus’ followers for 2,000 years. You can get the readings in daily texts or emails—just contact Fr. John to sign up.
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St. Andrew’s Nursery
St. Andrew’s Nursery is now open for both the 8:00 AM and 10:15 AM services, providing a safe and welcoming space for your little ones while you enjoy the service. Whether you’re attending early or later, you can rest easy knowing your child is in good hands!
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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. Or listen to it on our podcast channel; check out our Linktree for your preferred way to connect with worship: http://linktr.ee/standrewskc. | |
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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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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Make a New Year’s Resolution to Serve: Join the Altar Guild
As we begin a new year, St. Andrew’s Altar Guild warmly invites you to consider making a resolution to serve. Whether you’re new to this ministry or have served before, we welcome you to join us in this meaningful work.
The Altar Guild is more than preparing the sanctuary; it’s a ministry of reverence, fellowship, and a way to deepen your faith through service. By helping to set the altar, arrange flowers, and prepare for worship, you’ll contribute to a tradition that enhances our collective worship experience.
Looking for a way to meet new people or serve alongside friends? The Altar Guild offers a welcoming place for all who feel called to this special ministry.
If you feel called to join us in this special ministry, please contact Ellen Junger for more information. We would love to welcome you!'
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What is Epiphany?
Epiphany is a great occasion to welcome people into God’s beloved community. This holy day marks the turn in the salvation story whereby the Good News begins to draw in people beyond the boundaries of the people of Israel. The magi were astrologers, naturalists of their day observing the created order for signs of divine activity and direction. They saw a star that led them to seek the new king of Israel, the ruler who would be so much more than anyone expected. The Epiphany season celebrates Christ’s revelation as the light of the world, bringing life and hope, and shining brightest in our relationship with God and one another. Observed on January 6, the Feast of the Epiphany marks the Wise Men’s arrival to honor the Christ child in Bethlehem. The term “Epiphany,” derived from the Greek word meaning “manifestation” or “revealing,” signifies Jesus making God known to all. This feast concludes the Christmas season, which spans the Twelve Days of Christmas from December 25 to January 5, with some cultures celebrating January 5, or Twelfth Night, with feasting and festivities.
Liturgical Colors Timeline:
White, the festival color of the Church, is used for the Feast of the Epiphany, the days leading up to it, and the following Sunday, commemorating Jesus’ Baptism. The “Sundays after the Epiphany,” lasting 4-9 weeks depending on Easter’s date, are marked by green, representing the Church’s life and growth.
White: Sunday, Dec. 25 – Sunday, Jan. 12 (Baptism of Our Lord)
Green: Sunday, Jan. 19 – Sunday, March 2
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Events during Epiphany
Jan. 23 – Feb. 27: Epiphany Outreach Series Begins – Dinner at 5:30PM, Program begins at 6PM.
January 24: Trivia Night! Hosted by St. Andrew’s Youth Ministry @ 6PM – ALL are welcome! Contact veronica@standrewkc.org.
January 26: St. Andrew’s Annual Meeting – New here? Existing member? Learn about St. Andrew’s, breakfast is served at 9:30 AM.
March 4: Shrove Tuesday Boy Scouts Pancake Dinner @ 5PM / HJ’s Building.
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Join us in person or on Zoom!
Visit our Facebook page for the Zoom link.
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Trinity Guild Meeting & Luncheon
All women of the church are invited to attend the Trinity Guild lunch on Thursday, Jan. 23rd. We will begin at 10am with coffee and fellowship, followed by a brief meeting, a speaker, and then lunch. Our speaker this month is Joanna Glaze, who will talk about the meaning and symbolism of flowers and how they relate to the Bible. We are also collecting pull tabs from aluminum cans and odd pieces of gold and silver jewelry that you no longer wear. Please RSVP to Nancy Watson.
| Our December 14 meeting was well-attended as we enjoyed a presentation from Bloom International. | |
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Package Seeds at the Kansas City Community Gardens
Saturday, February 15th, 9 am- 12 pm
Come join St Andrew’s parishioners to package seeds for the Kansas City Community Gardens. These seed packages will be sold at a discount to low-income families. Ten packages are given free with all memberships, a membership is only $2 for a low-income family.
This is a fun annual “Done In A Day” volunteer opportunity organized by the Outreach Committee that takes place at the Garden .
Kansas City Community Gardens
6917 Kensington ,Kansas City, Missouri
Located in Spoke Park, North on Gregory Boulevard on Kensington Avenue
Questions? Or to sign up: Please contact Carolyn Kroh at 913-706-0918 or cskroh@aol.com
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A Prayer for our Outreach Ministries: Almighty and everliving God, we thank you for the individuals you have brought together on the OutReach Commission. We are grateful for the gifts, talents, and dedicated hearts and hands that are putting Love in Action. Guide us to be good stewards of the resources we have been entrusted with; inspire us to be the salt of God’s kingdom to serve others, live life fully and bring others to Christ; and support us as we grow in dedication to each other. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Outreach Commission thanks you for your continual support of our 16 partnerships, and we ask that you please pray for those we serve:
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St. Augustin’s Haiti
Andie’s Pantry
Banneker Emergency Fund
Banneker Garden
Fabric of Life
Free Store
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Gordon Parks Elementary School
Jewish Vocational Service (JVS)
Kansas City Community Garden
NourishKC
Pet Ministry
Rose Brooks
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Sr. Berta’s Friendship Circles
St. James Church
St. Paul’s Pantry
Welcome House
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Children, Youth & Young Adult Ministry | |
Contact Veronica Wiebold for questions about children, youth, or young adult ministries. | |
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Sunday Mornings at St. Andrew’s for Kids
Sunday school takes place during the 10:15 service and join their families in to have communion together.
Look for the colorful doors in the children’s ministry wing to find your child’s classroom. Veronica and our youth members will greet families and help guide you to your child’s classroom.
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Nursery (8 wks – 3yrs): Orange doors.
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PreK – 1st grade: Green doors.
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2nd – 4th grade: Red doors.
Serve Sunday School: Are you ready to dive deeper into the community of St. Andrew’s? If you enjoy kids, enjoy playing, and enjoy telling stories... Then helping in the classroom is just for you. Sign up here to serve in either of the Sunday school classes. Signing up 2 times per quarter would be tremendously helpful.
Children’s Commission Meeting: January 12th, following the 10:15 AM service in the church library. The Children’s Commission meets every second Sunday of the month.
Faith at Home:
We’re excited to continue offering weekly parent pages, available next to the Sunday school sign-in sheets. These resources will keep families informed about what their children are learning and provide opportunities for faith conversations at home.
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Student Leadership Meeting: January 19th, 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM at HJ’s Community Center (Zoom option available).
Youth Group Schedule:
January 19th: Service Project: Acts of Kindness. Assemble care kits or write letters of encouragement. (3:30 PM - 5:00 PM at HJ’s)
January 23rd: Trivia Night Prep: Decorating baskets for the event. (6:00 PM at St. Andrew’s, Jewell Room)
January 24th: Trivia Night: Meet in the Undercroft at 5:15 PM for volunteers. Event starts at 6:00 PM.
January 26th: No Youth Group.
January 28th: Ski Trip Planning Meeting. (7:00 PM in the Jewell Room)
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Brunch Gatherings: Every third Sunday of the month following the 10:15 AM service. Meet at HJ’s to decide where to go for brunch.
Weekly Meetups: Stay tuned for updates on our weekly gatherings!
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Adult Christian Formation | |
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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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Sacred Spaces
Tuesday, 6 p.m.
Tai Chi for Beginners
Monday, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Good Book Club
Daily
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Brown Baggin’ & Books Reading Group
Looking for a fun and engaging way to read and discuss great books? St. Andrew’s Brown Baggin’ & Books is a lively, welcoming group that meets once a month to share a love of reading! We meet the second Wednesday of each month, September to May, from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM via Zoom. Our members select the books, and we dive into thoughtful discussions with guiding questions to deepen our understanding.
Contact Kathryn Holtze for more information or call 303-579-0124.
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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.
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St. Andrew's is here for you. | |
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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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Grayson
Wyatt
Brittany
Penny
Romo
David P.
Jamie P.
Rose
Destiny
Bill
Bev
Paul
Bryan
Alan
Bart
James
Julie B.
Bill
Torni
Mary S.
Carolyn H.
Tom G.
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Rozzie
Matt
Jen
Rod
Sharon
Janessa
Avery
Baby Angus
Bob
Gail
Beverly
Christine
Patrick
Gretchen
Scout
Allee
Peter
Mary L.
Sabin
Tucker
Scudder Family
July
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Peter
Corny
Quint
Peach
Eric S.
Robert
Katherine
Mary N.
Edie
Taylor M.
Mason & family
Jim
Grant
Carrie
Jerold & Isaac
Laura (Lolly)
Frank
Peggy
DeVette
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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! | |
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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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