We seek God's healing love and share that love with all
by growing in relationship with God, each other, and our neighbors.
| |
|
Advent: A Season to Breathe and Connect
A message from Mtr. Jean Long, Associate Rector
| |
This Sunday, November 30, we begin the season of Advent, which marks the start of a new church year and offers us a fresh chance to pay attention to God’s presence in our lives. As we move from St. Andrew’s Sunday to the first Sunday of Advent, I keep thinking about the question Fr. John raised in his St. Andrew’s Sunday sermon: “What are you looking for?” (John 1:38).
Advent meets us right in the middle of real life. December comes with full calendars and high expectations: parties, school events, shopping, travel, family gatherings, and all the emotions that go with them. Some of us enter this season tired and stretched thin. Others feel excited, or lonely, or quietly grieving. Many of us are carrying more than we let on.
In the scene from John’s Gospel that Fr. John mentioned in his sermon, Jesus turns to Andrew and his companion and asks them, “What are you looking for?” They do not have a neat answer. Jesus does not press them or make it complicated. He simply says, “Come and see” (John 1:39). That simple exchange gives us a starting point for Advent: to notice what we are truly seeking, to be honest about what we carry, and to stay open to what God might show us next.
Our Advent theme this year, A Season to Breathe and Connect, grows out of that question. In a month that can easily become crowded and frantic, we are choosing a different rhythm, one that makes room to catch our second wind and to connect with God, with one another, and with our own hearts.
You will see this theme reflected in our Advent offerings. In this email and on our Advent web page, you will find quiet services, spaces for learning and reflection, opportunities to serve, and simple at-home practices for prayer in the midst of daily life.
Rather than trying to add all of the Advent offerings to your calendar, my invitation is simple: choose one Advent practice this year that speaks most to your own answer to Jesus’ question, “What are you looking for?” Let that be enough.
As we light the first candle on the Advent wreath this Sunday and start the new church year, my hope is that this season will be a time when you can breathe, name what you are truly seeking, and trust that God will meet you in that honest place.
| | | | Call our toll-free number 800-808-1625 to listen to worship on your phone! | | Advent invites us to pause, breathe, and catch our second wind as we prepare our hearts for Christ’s coming. In this season of renewal, St. Andrew’s offers many ways to reconnect—with God, with one another, and with the hope that meets us in community. From contemplative worship and Taizé prayer to learning opportunities, service, and seasonal gatherings, we welcome you to journey with us through this sacred time. | | |
• Haiti Advent Card Sales — November 23, 30, December 7, 14, 21 • Jewell Room
Support mission work through meaningful holiday giving.
• Advent Study Series —November 30, December 7, 14, 21 • 9:15am • Undercroft
Bite-sized formation to deepen your journey.
• Advent Taizé — Dec. 2 & 16 • 6pm • Nave
Contemplative music and candlelight to steady your spirit.
• Trailside Thursdays: Grief During the Holidays — Dec. 4, 11, 18 • 6–7:15pm • HJ’s
A compassionate space for those carrying sorrow into the season.
| | |
• Silent Retreat — Dec. 6 • 9am–3pm • Jewell Room
A quiet day of rest, prayer, and renewal.
• Parish Christmas Party — Dec. 14 •
3pm • Jewell Room
A joyful gathering for our parish family.
• Christmas on Wornall Road — Dec. 14 • 5pm • Nave
Join our neighborhood celebration of the season.
• Winter Free Store – January 17 • 9:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m. • St. James Church
Volunteer to help us continue our 25+ year legacy of giving.
| | | |  | | |
QUIET HEARTS, QUIET MINDS: An Advent Retreat
Prepare your heart…Renew your spirit…Enter the Season with peace.
In a season that often feels rushed, this retreat offers a sacred space to pause, find stillness, to give yourself permission to step away from the noise and let God’s gentleness lead you into deeper stillness and hope.
At this retreat you will experience:
Guided meditations
Quiet prayer and journaling
Time with Sacred Texts and Sacred Art
Light refreshments
Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM (registration 8:30)
Place: St. Andrew’s Jewell Room
Registration required – please email Mtr. Rita mtrrita@standrewkc.org
| | | |
Experience Advent with New Eyes
You’re invited to participate in a four-part discussion during – and about – Advent. Join us to see this holy season with new eyes!
Together, and guided by Amy-Jill Levine’s book, Light of the World, we’ll make some interesting Advent connections: inter-generational connections, past-present-future connections, mundane and holy, Hebrew Bible people and Advent people, the Bethlehem “manger” and the Last Super. We’ll reminisce, find humor and sorrow, learn more about the “supporting cast,” and clear up some misunderstandings.
We’ll meet between the two Sunday services, November 30 to December 21, from 9:15 to 10:00. The (short, four-chapter) book will be provided to participants. If you’d like to join in or have questions, contact Susan Paynter.
| | |
Trailside Thursday: Living with Grief During the Holidays
While all avenues of media portray the holidays with scenes of happy families and unending joy, for some of us, things are just different because of losing someone we love. Whether this loss is recent or in the distant past, please know that all your feelings are valid.
The “Living with Grief during the Holidays” series will meet at HJs for three Thursday nights, beginning in December.
Dates: December 4th, 11th, & 18th, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM.
This series will be led by Chaplain Janette Platter, Spiritual Care Director at Bishop Spencer’s Place.
| | |
Haiti Advent Cards on Sale
“Joyeux Noël” Christmas Cards will be for sale in the Jewell Room November 23rd through December 21st. Each card represents a gift to help pay the salaries for the teachers at our partner school, St. Augustin in Maniche, Haiti. The school has grown to 440 students this year. So, your support is more needed than ever. Please, come talk to us at the Palm Tree!
| | | |
Winter Free Store: How to Help
We continue the 25+ year legacy of Winter Free Store on January 17th at St. James Church. We invite you to join us in spreading hope, offering warmth, nourishment, and dignity to our neighbors during a challenging time of year.
Consider being a part of this outreach by:
Contributing financially to support the purchase of new winter clothing, hygiene items, and gas gift cards for our guests.
Serving as a volunteer to set up, serve a meal, shop with a family and more.
Praying for those who are experiencing homelessness, poverty, and food insecurity in our community.
Together, we receive as much as we give as we continue to bless our community and share God’s love. For more information please reach out to Melissa Rock or Janet Kelley.
| | |
Stewardship Season: Let Blessings Flow
Thanks to all who have shared your pledges of estimated giving and other acts of devotion for 2026! And thank you to each writer who shared reflections for our stewardship-season devotional guide about giving and receiving. As Fr. John said in his letter to the parish a few weeks ago, spiritual growth begins with opening ourselves to receive—and the more we receive, the more we’re empowered to give. Our life together at St. Andrew’s helps us grow in both: through prayer, worship, learning, fellowship, service, and generosity.
As we look toward 2026, we invite every household to offer a pledge. Any level of commitment is an important step in saying “yes” to God’s blessings flowing through your life.
Make your pledge by contacting the office or visiting standrewkc.org/stewardship-pledge-form.
| | |
Christmas Poinsettia Tributes
Celebrate someone special this Christmas with a $25 donation toward poinsettias that will adorn the church during the Christmas season. Their name will be featured in our Christmas Eve bulletin.
Click here to complete the poinsettia and flower donation form, then make your contribution online at standrewkc.org/give or by check to St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church.
To ensure inclusion in the bulletin, please submit all names and tributes by Saturday, December 14. For questions, contact Ellen Junger.
| | |
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.
| | 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.
| |
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!
| | |
Good Book Club
Join the Good Book Club as we explore the Book of Isaiah. This foundational collection of prophetic writings from before, during, and after the Jews’ exile in Babylon will take us through Advent, Christmastide, and the season after Epiphany, ending just before Lent. To sign up for the daily emails or texts, email Fr. John Spicer (frjohn@standrewkc.org).
| | |
FRIENDSHIP CIRCLES COULD OPEN 3 NEW CIRCLES
“What our moms most need is a friend to share sorrows and victories with”, insisted Sr. Berta!
Each Circle, an Operation Breakthrough Mom or Dad and her/his children together with 2 or more middle class mentors, is
formed to build a friendship bridging societal barriers. Expert support comes from Operation Breakthrough’s social worker and from existing Circles. The
mentors are not bankers, or counselors, or life guides. To every currently active mentor their discovery is, “It is I who has received the greatest blessing!"
We’re ready to form three new Circles—just one man and two women are needed to get them started. Please contact either Karen Lundgren, 913 269-1412, or Dorothy Curry, 816 365-4583 for any clarification.
Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ Galatians 6:2
| | |
Gordon Parks INSPIRE
Join us in bringing creativity to life at Gordon Parks School as the students are preparing for the 2026 INSPIRE event! This year’s theme is “UNMASKED” , a celebration of storytelling and self-expression through art. The students lead the creativity process - their ideas, vision and skills. Volunteers (no art skills needed) are needed to help support, encourage and engage the students as they create their masterpieces. One can help with a 4 hour shift (or more!) from December 9th through January 22nd. If you are interested in signing up or have questions please contact Karen Lundgren (kjlundgren0593@gmail.com)
| | |
Trinity Guild Meeting & Luncheon
The Trinity Guild of St. Andrew’s invites all women of the parish to join us for our December 4th meeting and luncheon in the Jewell Room. Our speaker will be parishioner Howard Martin, who will share his experiences with the Missouri Rep and his authorship of “The Little White Boat”. Please RSVP to Jean Kiene.
| | |
Friday Christian History Class
The Friday-morning Christian History class is taking up Revelations: Visions, Prophecy, and Politics in the Book of Revelation by Elaine Pagels. This five-week study will explore Revelation’s historical context and the many ways it has been interpreted and used throughout Christian history. Together, we’ll look at how this powerful and often-misunderstood book has inspired hope, sparked debate, and shaped theology for centuries.
Fridays, 10:30–11:30 a.m.
Church Library or via Zoom here.
Please purchase your own copy of the book. Questions? Contact Mtr. Jean Long.
| | |
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 John Eadie (cello), SunHo Kim (violin), Benjamin Banci (horn), and Elena Lence Talley (clarinet). Learn more at standrewkc.org/music.
| | 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
| | |
Youth Group Sundays 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.
| | Are you a young adult looking for community at St. Andrew's? We'd love for you to be a part of our 20s/30s group. Join us on Sundays after the 10:15 service for discussion at HJ's Community Center. On the third Sunday each month, join us for brunch after the 10:15 service. Contact Tim Dodderidge at dodderidget@gmail.com or 913-904-4069 for more details. | | Adult Christian Formation | | |
Living with Grief During the Holidays
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.
| | |
History of the Book of Revelation
Fridays, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Library
Sacred Spaces
Tuesdays, 6:00 p.m.
Tai Chi for Beginners
Monday, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Good Book Club
Daily
| | |
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.
| | |
Bill and Sally
CC
Elizabeth
Katie
Kaden
Penny
Maggie R.
Larry S.
Kathleen S.
Tom
Carol
Gretchen
Andrew
Dennis
Amanda
Stefani
Steve
Frances
Tim
Carolyn H.
| | |
Bret
Robbie
Jack
Rozzie
Cindy
Thomas
Shana
Ernestine
Adrienne
Alexis
Sandy
Susie
Brian
Haley
Kent & Nora
Donna
Tucker
Matthew
Don
Linny
| | |
Moses
Reed
Marion
Abby
Peter
Gail
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.
| | |
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)
| | | | |
