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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The day after President Trump’s inauguration, our Provisional Bishop Diane Jardine Bruce shared a pastoral letter with the diocese. She also asked that the letter be read in worship on Jan. 26 or otherwise shared with the members of our congregations. I’m including it here, rather than reading it aloud in worship. I’ll also share some related thoughts in my state-of-the-parish address during our single service at 9:30 a.m. this Sunday. – Fr. John
“I want to be very clear – this church of ours is open to all – there will be no outcasts – the convictions and hopes of all will be honored.”
— the Most Rev. Edmund Browning, 24th presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church (1986-1997)
Dear Siblings in Christ,
As your bishop provisional, I feel compelled to address some of the things that transpired yesterday – a day when many people rejoiced and many people wept. I want you to know that however you reacted to the peaceful transfer of power yesterday, I care about you and about how you are feeling today. I also feel it necessary to share where I stand in all this and my expectations of our congregations.
I opened this letter with a quote from former Presiding Bishop Edmund Browning. Bishop Browning boldly proclaimed this statement at a time when the church was struggling with all types of inclusion and was divided in its thoughts on issues around inclusion especially. We have come a long way as a church, following the way of love proclaimed by Jesus: Love that welcomes all. Love that sees every human being – no matter how they express themselves or who they love – as beloved. Love that welcomes the immigrant and refugee, for Jesus, Mary, and Joseph were immigrants and refugees for a period in their lives (read Matthew 2:13 and following).
It is important for me to convey my expectations for the members of the Diocese of West Missouri. As followers of Jesus and his way of love, I ask that:
- Every human being be respected in our churches, regardless of race, creed, gender expression, nationality, or immigration status.
- Every human being be respected from our pulpits, in our pews, and throughout all our ministries.
- No individual or group be dehumanized in any way, shape, or form.
- We will love and be respectful to those with whom we disagree.
In following Christ, we are commanded to love God and to love one another. We are not called to love some – we are called to love all equally. Our love and loyalty are to God alone. “Jesus said, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:37-40).
As always, I am happy to talk to any of you about this letter or anything else that is on your heart.
Faithfully,
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Call our toll-free number 800-808-1625 to listen to worship on your phone! | |
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This Sunday: Breakfast and Annual Meeting
This 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 worship, with the state-of-the-parish address as the sermon. 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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Thursday Evening Learning Opportunity- Living the Light: Discovering God through Serving Others
On Thursday evenings through February 27 at HJ’s, we’ll gather to explore the theology behind outreach ministry and hear heartfelt stories from parishioners who lead some of our outreach partnerships. They’ll share how their work has transformed their hearts and helped shine Christ’s light into the world.
Here’s what to expect each week:
- Dinner at 5:30 p.m. – Share a meal and fellowship with others.
- Class from 6 to 7 p.m. – Engage in thoughtful discussion and inspiring stories.
- Compline at 7 p.m. – Close the evening with a peaceful, five-minute prayer service to end the day.
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Whether you join us in person or via Zoom, there’s a place for you in this journey of learning and serving. Visit our Facebook event at facebook.com/standrewskc for the Zoom link and additional details.
Upcoming Sessions and Featured Leaders:
- 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)
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A Change in Deacon Adam’s Responsibilities
For the past several years, Deacon Adam James has served in two roles at St. Andrew’s. He is assigned by Bishop Diane Jardine Bruce to serve as the parish’s deacon, helping to lead ministries with neighbors in need, serving in worship, and offering pastoral care as part of the clergy team. At the same time, Deacon Adam has also served in a non-clergy staff role as our digital evangelist, coordinating our livestreaming, social media, podcasting, and other digital communication. The hours and responsibilities of that position have grown considerably over the years; and recently, with the church’s communication ministry moving more explicitly toward marketing, the expectations of the role also have shifted. Therefore, Deacon Adam has decided to focus on his diaconal work at St. Andrew’s and set aside the digital-evangelist role. He is leaving his staff position as of Jan. 31 and taking some time to discern what secular work may be next for him. He will continue to serve at St. Andrew’s as deacon, so you’ll still see him regularly on Sundays. I’m deeply grateful to Deacon Adam for his work to build the church’s digital presence, including his social-media posts and podcasts. Particularly noteworthy has been his pioneering work to develop our livestreaming from a single camera shot with no graphics to our current professional-quality broadcast that, even after the pandemic, still reaches 40 percent of those worshiping with us on a given Sunday. Thank you, Deacon Adam! — Fr. John
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Congratulations to the New Deacons!
This Sunday, we’re honored to have two St. Andrew’s parishioners serving as deacons—the newly ordained Revs. Jen Blevins and Keith Johnson, Jr. After being ordained on Saturday, and following tradition, their first liturgical service as ordained people is in their sponsoring parish. Deacon Jen’s call is to the diaconate as her permanent vocation; Deacon Keith is serving in this vocation for a season as part of his continuing preparation for the priesthood. Please join in congratulating them!
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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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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.
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Events during Epiphany
Jan. 30 – Feb. 27: Epiphany Outreach Series continues – Dinner at 5:30PM, Program begins at 6PM.
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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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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Free Store 2025
Wow where to begin, every year we do this, we ask ourselves, is there a need? Will they come? As 40 8th graders from St. Paul’s came out on January 17th to help set up. We were ready. On another very chilly morning they came out. We had the warming bus which kept 60 people warm as they waited to get into St. James Sanctuary space. Once inside the Sanctuary space, they had hot cocoa, then at 9:00am we had 30 guests at a time come downstairs and they were served a delicious breakfast (eggs, biscuit and gravy, sausage, toast, strawberries and yogurt, coffee, OJ and water), from their they were escorted to the shopping area by a personal shopper. We fed and clothed 300 people 80 more than last year. HUGE!!!! We did run out of some items and we are already working for Free Store 2 in June. Thank you so very much each and everyone of you that donated the funds to make this possible and to those of you that put in the man power day of to make this happen. YOU are doing God’s work! – Melissa Rock, Free Store Team
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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.
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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Youth Group Schedule:
January 26th: No Youth Group.
January 28th: Ski Trip Planning Meeting. (7:00 PM in the Jewell Room)
Ski Trip Update: Let’s Gear Up for Round Two!The countdown to our amazing ski trip is officially ON, and we’re halfway through the planning! Get ready for our Second Ski Trip Meeting happening on Tuesday, January 28th at 7pm in St. Andrew’s Jewell Room —you won’t want to miss it!
Here’s what’s on the agenda:
- Trip Highlights – A sneak peek at the fun and excitement ahead
- Packing Tips – Everything you need to stay cozy and ready for adventure
- Logistics Made Simple – All the details to keep things smooth
Whether you’re a pro on the slopes or a snow newbie, this meeting is your chance to get prepared and pumped for an unforgettable trip.
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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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