We seek God's healing love and share that love with all
by growing in relationship with God, each other, and our neighbors.
| |
|
A New School Supply: Holy Water
A Message from Fr. John Spicer
| |
I can’t believe I’m writing this, but – it’s back-to-school time again. So that means it’s time for our Back to School Bash and Fall Sunday School Registration, this Sunday at 5 p.m. in HJ’s parking lot.
It’s a great event for people of all ages, with or without kids at home. Join us for food, fun, and fellowship, including hot dogs, ice cream, an inflatable slide, and outdoor games. At 5:30 p.m., we’ll break out the aspergillum (a.k.a, the “liturgical Super Soaker”) and sprinkle the kids’ backpacks with holy water to bless them for the school year ahead. If you’re past school age but would like to bring your briefcase or backpack for a sprinkling, feel free!
It might be reasonable to ask: Why do we do this? What’s the point of sprinkling holy water on our kids’ backpacks – or on anything else, for that matter?
First, know that it’s not a test of holiness. I have a coaster on a coffee table at home that reads, “What does it mean if the holy water sizzles when it hits your skin? Asking for a friend.” Rest assured, that’s not what sprinkling with holy water is all about.
Instead, the tradition has deep roots. Psalm 51:7 prays that God would sprinkle us with water to cleanse us from our sins. In the ancient Easter Vigil service, the clergy sprinkle the congregation with baptismal water to remind them that they, like the baptismal candidates, have died and risen with Christ in his resurrection. Holy water has long been used for the spiritual cleansing of buildings set aside for worship, and even today we sprinkle people’s homes with holy water during house blessings. And, of course, as you come into the church, you find the baptismal font with holy water. With it, you can make the sign of the cross as a reminder that you, too, have come through these waters, being cleansed from sin and born anew.
The kids in the lot at HJ’s won’t be thinking about any of this as they get their backpacks blessed on Sunday. But if they take away the assurance that God loves them and walks with them through every joy and challenge the school year will bring – that’s good enough for me.
| | | |
In challenging times, we’re here with worship that’s right for you. | |
|
Worship is in person and livestreamed each Sunday. Daily prayer is available on Facebook Live 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 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.
Sunday at 11:30 a.m. – Trailside – Watch here
Worship features contemporary music; tight, relevant preaching; a message for kids; and Holy Communion.
Daily at 8 a.m. and 8 p.m – Pray at 8
Join us on Facebook Live for Pray at 8. 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.
| |
Call our toll-free number 800-808-1625 to listen to worship on your phone! | |
|
The St. Andrew’s Parish Engagement Commission is always seeking to invite, welcome, and connect parishioners and guests.
Some of the ways we try to meet these goals is by making birthday calls to parishioners with our Birthday Brigade. We also have greeters for both online and in-person church services. And currently, we are finishing our 2nd annual summer Movie Night series at HJ's this month.
We are always happy to have new faces and new voices get involved, so if you would like to find out more information about us, please stop and say hi to us in the Jewell Room after service Sunday for Coffee Hour. Or, if you're attending service online, please contact Sarah Tepikian, engagement coordinator, at 816-523-1602 or sarah@standrewkc.org.
| July's movie night movie was The Prince of Egypt. Join us August 26 for The Goonies! | |
Anchored at St. Andrew's
We are Glenn and Susan (Macdonald) Bray. We joined St Andrew’s during the pandemic, Lent 2021.
We are seniors, both retired. Glenn worked in sales of many various kinds. The sales personality and spirit still shows through, though he struggles with Alzheimer’s Disease now. His humor still reigns. Glenn was born & raised in KC.
I, Susan, am a retired Naturalist from KCMO Parks & Recreation, having worked more than 32 years in Swope Park teaching Kansas City kids (of all ages) about our natural world. In retirement, I began a project in nature that benefits my days greatly now. I garden in my suburban Kansas City yard with native Missouri plants to benefit bees and butterflies. I initially moved to Kansas City on my own some 40 years ago to begin working in Swope Park. I met Glenn in the Lutheran Church about 10 years later.
We found connections at St Andrew’s through the wonderful online prayers during the pandemic. They are still going daily and are wonderful grounding times.
| |
Spiritual Help for Chronic Pain
The Chronic Pain Support Group will resume meeting Tuesday, Sept. 13, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the church lounge (the meeting room by the elevator) and will continue meeting on the second Tuesday of the month through June. Anyone experiencing chronic pain is welcome, including nonmembers of St. Andrew’s. Meetings will include speakers and discussion of articles. You’re asked to register by contacting Deacon Beck Schubert at 913-433-3254 – but registration is not mandatory. If you have a friend in chronic pain, please share this invitation.
| |
Summer Internships
Deacon Jean Long is serving an internship as part of her diaconal service in preparation for the priesthood. On Sundays now through the end of August, Deacon Jean will be at St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church in Kansas City. Adam James, our worship tech coordinator, is also serving an internship this summer as part of his training for ordination to the diaconate. On Sundays through September, Adam will be serving at St. Peter & All Saints Episcopal Church in Kansas City. Both Adam and Deacon Jean will continue in their staff roles through the week this summer. Meanwhile, through August, we’re welcoming Barbara Wegener from St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Raytown. Barbara is serving an internship with us she prepares for ordination to the diaconate.
| |
Jesus With You … at Home
If you’re worshiping 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 (mary@standrewkc.org; 816-523-1602, ext. 110) about arranging delivery.
| |
Pandemic Precautions
To help us love one another, St. Andrew’s continues our policy of asking everyone older than 2 who enters the church or HJ’s either to be fully vaccinated or to wear a mask. Of course, many people will choose to take both precautions, which is perfectly appropriate. In worship, we invite you receive the Bread and Wine of Holy Communion either at standing stations, with the Wine served in individual cups, or at the altar rail, with the Wine served from a common chalice. At the rail, you may either sip or intinct (dip) the bread. As you greet others for the Peace or after worship, please be aware of their choices to wear or not wear a mask. If they aren’t masked, it’s OK to offer a handshake or a hug, but know they may prefer a bow or an elbow bump instead. If they are masked, assume that a contactless greeting is best.
| |
|
SAVE THE DATE!
Fr. John's 10-Year Anniversary Bash!
Thursday, September 8, 6-7:30 p.m.
HJ's Youth and Community Center
September 8 is Fr. John’s ten-year anniversary as rector of St. Andrew’s, so…
LET’S PARTY!
We’ll celebrate a decade of personal growth under Fr. John’s guidance; a decade of his modeling wisdom, humility, grace, generosity, forgiveness, inclusion, consensus-building, and love for us; a decade of collaboration to make God’s love known. Like a wedding anniversary, we’ll be celebrating our relationship with him.
What: Heavy hors d’oeuvres, beverages, great music, and memory sharing of the visual and verbal sort.
Kids?: You bet.
This is one party you won’t want to miss, so save the date!
| |
|
Back-to-School Bash
Sunday, August 21, 5-6:30 p.m.
HJ's Parking Lot
Join us for family fun and parent fellowship as summer winds down and we gear up for the new school year. There will be hot dogs, ice cream, outdoor games, an inflatable slide, and celebration. We can't wait to see you!
Parent Meeting and Backpack Blessing - 5:30 p.m. Register your children for Sunday school, sign-up to volunteer and hear about the new Sunday schedule. Clergy will bless the feet of the children as they step into summer!
| |
|
Movie Night: The Goonies
Friday, August 26, at 8 p.m.
Get your favorite movie snacks ready and join us on the lawn at HJ’s Youth and Community Center to watch The Goonies! Read more.
| |
|
Trailside Summer Sundays
Sunday, August 28, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Bring your family and friends and join us every second and fourth Sunday of the month for great food from a local food truck, life-sized yard games, and Trailside worship starting at 11:30 a.m. The Trailside community is a warm, welcoming community that meets people wherever they are on their spiritual journey. Our casual worship service includes music, a short message, and Communion for all.
| |
|
Red Cross Blood Drive
Thursday, September 1, 1 to 6 p.m., HJ's Youth and Community Center
Please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org and enter: StAndrew to schedule an appointment. Save the date for upcoming blood drives at HJ's: October 7, November 10, and December 15.
| |
|
Connecting with the Brookside and Waldo Community
As Christ’s hands and feet in the world we are called to go beyond the four walls of our church and share God’s healing love with the community around us. St. Andrew’s is doing just that by having a tent at the Farmer’s Market each Saturday morning beginning August 6. Coffee and conversation are what we will be serving to the Farmer’s Market customers. We are looking for volunteers to serve one of two shifts: 8 to 9:30 a.m. or 9:30 to 11 a.m. Two volunteers are needed per shift. Grab a friend or your family and share God’s healing love with each other and our neighbors. To sign up contact Deacon Jean at jean@standrewkc.org or follow this link: Trailside Farmer's Market Volunteers.
| |
Help Purchase Uniforms for Gordon Parks Students
Due to today's tough times, Gordon Parks Elementary can no longer afford to supply uniforms for their 200 students. You can help by purchasing a uniform (t-shirt, sweatshirt, and pants) for $25 per student. You can donate online here. Select 'designated' and type "Gordon Parks Uniforms" as the memo. On Sunday, August 7, at Coffee Hour, stop by the table in the Jewell Room to purchase uniforms and obtain information on how to volunteer at the school. Thank you for helping a child in need! For more information, contact Karen Lundgren at kjlundgren1203@gmail.com.
| |
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 Fr. John Spicer, rector. You can also submit a request online or call the church office at 816-523-1602.
| |
or by texting PRAYER to 816-312-5152.
| |
|
Children's Ministry
Nursery Care (infants to 3 years old) is available during the 8 and 10 a.m. services.
2022-2023 Sunday School will officially begin on September 11. We are so excited to expand into two classrooms and offer games and crafts for all ages before Sunday School!
Sunday School Registration Form
Sunday schedule beginning September 11:
- 9-9:45 a.m. Games and crafts, all ages - Green classroom (across from the nursery)
- 9:45-10 a.m. Children's Chapel, all ages - Children's Chapel
- 10-10:40 a.m. Sunday School
- Preschool-Kindergarten, Blue Classroom
- 1st-5th grades, Children's Chapel
Children will be brought into church during the Peace and Announcements.
We are asking all families to register their children for the new school year. When you register your child for Sunday School, please sign up to volunteer in the classroom. We are asking all parents to sign up for one Sunday per month. In order to make our new Sunday schedule work, we need more parent volunteers. We will be calling you if we don't see your name, so sign up today!
Fall Sunday School Teacher Sign Up
Teacher training is on Sunday, August 28, at 11:30 a.m. in the Children's Chapel
In-Person Greeter Sign Up
Missing Worship Bags: Please remember to return worship bags after the service and if you’ve taken them home, please return them to church. Thank you!
| |
|
Acolyte Training
Sunday, August 28, from 4 to 5 p.m. at the church
Fr. John, Deacon Jean and the youth acolyte leaders are leading a mandatory training for all current and incoming acolytes. The acolyte guild is open to kids in 5th through 12th grade. If your child would like to serve as an acolyte contact Jean Long at jean@standrewkc.org.
Acolyte News
Do you have a child entering 5th grade or older in the fall of 2022? If so, they are eligible to be a part of St. Andrew's Acolyte Guild beginning this summer. The Acolyte Guild is a wonderful way for kids to participate in the Sunday morning services while getting to know other St. Andrew's youth.
Youth Group Kick Off
Sunday, September 11, from 4 to 5 p.m.
Save the date! This gathering is for youth and their parents. Join us for fun, fellowship, and find out what is happening this year in youth ministry.
Youth Confirmation Retreat
Sunday, October 30 from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The youth confirmation retreat is for any child in 8th through 12th grade. Confirmation is about a person making an adult decision to commit oneself to Christ and the Episcopal church. This decision is not to be taken lightly, and it requires a person to think seriously and intentionally about what they are committing themselves to. There will be an information meeting for parents, youth and mentors on Sunday, September 11 at 3:30 p.m. at HJ’s. If your child would like to participate in the youth confirmation retreat, contact Jean Long at jean@standrewkc.org.
Volunteer Opportunities
This is a great way to earn service hours!
-
Sunday School: Sundays from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. - Sign up
For up to date youth ministry information, follow our youth Instagram account.
| |
|
4th Sunday Brunch
August 28 at the Red Door Grill after the 10 a.m. service.
Fall BBQ at HJ’s
Monday, September 12, beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Bring a side dish or a dessert to share.
| |
Adult Christian Formation
"We have a policy of not limiting the theological reflection of St. Andrew's members. Groups don't have to get their materials approved by a central authority; in fact, we actively encourage members to start discussion groups that come from different perspectives. That's the Episcopal way." - Fr. John Spicer, Rector
| |
Active Adult Exercise
Tuesday and Friday from 9-10 a.m.
A weekly YMCA led exercise class at HJ's Youth and Community Center. Cost is $5.
Brown Baggin' & Books
Second Wednesdays at 12 p.m. on Zoom
This traditional-style book club discusses some of the most popular titles of the day. We have decided to continue our book discussions via zoom meetings through the rest of this year on the second Wednesdays of the month from noon to 1:30 p.m. If you have questions, contact Kathryn Holtze, kholtze@holtze.com, or 303-579-0124.
Café 9:15
Sunday mornings, 9:15 to 10 a.m. on Zoom
This gentle, accepting group meets in person and on Zoom between the two Sunday services to share perspectives on the lectionary readings. Join us to connect with others in a meaningful way. Questions?
Christian Journey
Sundays from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. in the Auxiliary Room and Zoom
All are welcome to join as we continue our Christian Journey reading and discussing The Anglican Spiritual Tradition by the Rt. Rev. John R.H. Moorman. Bishop Moorman writes, "Anglicanism has a great tradition of spirituality different from Roman Catholic or Protestant tradition." This book informs from the time of the first Prayer Book onwards. For information and Zoom link, contact Sarah Tepikian at sarah@standrewkc.org.
| |
|
Men's Lectionary Group
Thursdays from 7:30-8:30 a.m.
We meet Thursday mornings at HJ's Youth and Community Center to discuss the upcoming Sunday's Lectionary readings. For more information, please contact Ralph Munyan by phone or by text at 913-575-2323.
Tai Chi for Beginners
Mondays at 9:30 a.m. at HJ's
This stretch and balance exercise based on tai chi principles is led by Jane Gilbreath who has practiced tai chi for over 20 years. Tai chi helps with balance, coordination, flexibility, and concentration. For more information, contact Dorothy Curry at dorothycurry@kc.rr.com or 816-365-4583.
Good Book Club: Strange Lands – Ruth, Esther, and Jonah
Join the Good Book Club as we read the short Old Testament narratives of Ruth, Esther, and Jonah, all stories of strangers in strange lands. In one, the hero adopts the people of Israel as her own. In another, the hero is a Jew who manages not just to remain faithful under a foreign ruler but saves her people in the process. And in the third, the central character in the travelogue is more antihero than hero, evoking our empathy because we can so easily see our failings in his. Each day, you will receive a text or email with a brief summary of the reading, along with a link to that day’s verses. To sign up for the Good Book Club, email Fr. John.
Read more and download the complete list of daily readings.
| |
You can mail your gifts to the church, give online, or text STANDREWKC to 73256.
Send a Venmo gift to Nina Edwards, finance coordinator, at nina@standrewkc.org. Be sure to notate your intention for the gift.
| |
|
Bruce B. | Debbie B. | John | Don | Jim | Rick | Craig W. | Dan | Debby H. | Bill P. | Rachel
James | Pete V. | Tim | Wendy | Casey Y. | Matt | Gretchen | Scout | Christine | Patrick | Scott | Dahlgren
Walt J. | Sandy H. | Joyce | Martha Susan | Jim | Marilyn | Karen | Nola | Danny | Tucker | Blake
Pat M. | Audrey | Steve | Peter | Arlene | Mark P. | Judy S. | Taylor M. | Mason & family
Grant | Carrie | Jed | Jerold & Isaac | Laura (Lollie) & Jim | Frank | Peggy | DeVette
| |
If you wish to add or remove a name, please notify Lauren Richardson by email (lauren@standrewkc.org) 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!
| |
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) and Lauren Richardson (lauren@standrewkc.org).
| | | | | |
