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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Church Building to Close for a Week
A message from Fr. John Spicer, Rector
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St. Andrew’s church building will be shut down completely from 8 a.m. Monday, Dec. 29, through 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 4, for planned electrical-system work. Because the building will have no power, no one will be admitted during the closure. Here’s what you need to know.
Why is the building being closed? The church’s electrical panel needs to be replaced, which requires stopping electrical service to the building for several days. Doing this the week after Christmas will cause comparatively fewer inconveniences because of limited building use that week.
What if I’ll need something from the church? If you need access to something in the church between Dec. 29 and Jan. 4, you’ll need to retrieve it by noon Sunday, Dec. 28. The building will not be accessible while the electrical service is disconnected.
What does this mean for worship? The noon service set for Friday, Jan. 2, will be cancelled. On Sunday, Jan. 4, we’ll worship at HJ’s Youth & Community Center at 8 and 10:15 a.m. No nursery service or children’s programming will be offered that day. Our Epiphany celebration, including the visit from the Three Kings, will take place Sunday, Jan. 11, in the church. We will also have baptisms on Jan. 11, as scheduled.
Will the office be open the week after Christmas? Where and when? The church “office” will be at HJ’s and will be open following our usual schedule for the week after Christmas. That schedule will be:
- Monday, Dec. 29: Closed.
- Tuesday, Dec. 30: Staffed 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed noon to 1 p.m.
- Wednesday, Dec. 31: Staffed 8 a.m. to noon, closed in the afternoon for New Year’s Eve.
- Thursday, Jan. 1: Closed for New Year’s Day.
- Friday, Jan. 2: Staffed 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed noon to 1 p.m.
HJ’s Café will be open regular hours Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings.
How can I contact staff members? The best way to contact staff during the closure will be to use email or cell phones. If you call the main church number, your call will be forwarded to a staff member’s cell phone. That staff member won’t be able to transfer calls to other staff members, so you will be asked to hang up and call a different number to reach the staff member you’re seeking. (Again, email or staff cell phones are the recommended means of contact that week.)
Will the church receive mail that week? Yes. Staff will pick up mail at the post office. So, if you’re sending an end-of-year contribution, the office closure won’t affect the church’s receipt of your donation.
Thank you so much for your flexibility as we care for our building!
| | | | Call our toll-free number 800-808-1625 to listen to worship on your phone! | | |
What is Epiphany?
Epiphany celebrates Christ revealed as the light of the world—drawing all people into God’s beloved community. The magi followed a star that led them to the Christ child, showing that God’s Good News reaches far beyond any boundary or expectation.
Observed on January 6, the Feast of the Epiphany marks the Wise Men’s arrival in Bethlehem and concludes the Twelve Days of Christmas. The word Epiphany comes from the Greek for “manifestation” or “revealing,” reminding us that Jesus makes God known to all. In worship, the Church uses white for the feast and the following Sunday, which commemorates Jesus’ Baptism; the season then turns to green for the Sundays after Epiphany, symbolizing the Church’s life and growth.
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Coming Soon: Our Epiphany Devotional
As we begin 2026 and step into our yearlong theme, Companions on the Way, we invite you to join us in the first of seven devotional seasons: Epiphany. This simple, prayerful guide is designed to help you walk toward the light of Christ—at your own pace—through daily engagement with the Scripture readings we’ll hear each Sunday. Whether you reflect, jot notes, draw, or simply sit with the text, this devotional is an invitation to deepen your companionship with God and with one another.
Watch for your booklet in the mail shortly after Christmas. We look forward to beginning this journey with you.
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Events During Epiphany Season
Friday, January 9: Artist Reception at HJs
Sunday, January 11: Epiphany Service
Sunday, January 11: Youth Confirmation Retreat
Thursday, January 15: Visual Journeys of the Magi
Saturday, January 17: Free Store
Friday, January 23: Trivia Night
Sunday, January 25: Annual Meeting
Thursday, February 2: Nate Hofer Artist Talk
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Free Store - Coming January 17th
This year we will continue the 25+ year legacy of Winter Free Store on January 17th at St. James Church (55th & The Paseo). We invite you to join us in spreading hope, offering warmth, nourishment & dignity to our neighbors during a challenging time of the year.
Consider being a messenger of hope by:
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 at msrock01@gmail.com or Janet Kelley jkkell628@gmail.com.
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Up Next at Trailside Thursdays
Start the new year with two inspiring evening classes at HJ’s. On Thursday, January 15 at 6 p.m., Martha Breckenridge will lead an exploration of the rich artistic tradition of the Adoration of the Magi, looking at how artists across the centuries have depicted the Wise Men’s visit to the Christ child. Then, on Thursday, February 2 at 6 p.m., artist Nate Hofer will offer an engaging talk on creativity, meaning, and the ways we see and interpret the world. Join us for one or both as we enter Epiphany with curiosity and imagination.
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Church Building to Close for Electrical Work the Week After Christmas
During the work week after Christmas, Dec. 29 to Jan. 2, the church building will be closed for work on the electrical system. For safety, no admittance to the building will be possible that week. Most staff will be working remotely (or taking holiday vacation), and the “office” will relocate to HJ’s Youth & Community Center, opening for limited service the following hours:
- Monday, Dec. 29: Office closed as usual.
- Tuesday, Dec. 30: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Wednesday, Dec. 31: 8 a.m. to noon.
- Thursday, Jan. 1: Office closed.
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Friday, Jan. 2: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; noon Eucharist will not be celebrated.
Because staff will be working remotely, phone communication will be limited this week; we kindly ask that you contact staff using email or their cell phones. If you call using the office number (816-523-1602), a staff member will ask you to call the person you’re seeking using their cell number.
Because of the possibility that electrical service may not be restored to the church in time for worship on Sunday, Jan. 4, we will offer our 8 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. services at HJ’s that day. No nursery service or children’s Sunday school will be provided on Jan. 4.
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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.
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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.
| | Can't make it to church this Sunday? Remember that St. Andrew's broadcasts each worship service to our website and our YouTube Channel. You can also catch the sermon the following week 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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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).
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Thank You from the Outreach Commission
St. Andrew’s Outreach Commission thanks you for your time, talent and generosity. Because of your support in 2025, our Church was able to serve 7,851 individuals that reside in both the Kansas City metro, and in Maniche, Haiti. Our total giving was $208,256 and nearly 4,000 hours served with our fourteen partnerships! THANK YOU!
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Friday Christian History Class to Resume Jan. 9
The Friday-morning Christian History class has finished its study of Elaine Pagels’ Revelations: Visions, Prophecy, and Politics in the Book of Revelation.
The class will take a holiday break until Jan. 9, when it will again meet on Fridays, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the church library and on Zoom, to discuss The Book of Common Prayer: A Biography by Alan Jacobs.
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.
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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 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
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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 | | |
Trailside Thursdays
Jan. 15 and Feb. 2, 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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Friday Morning Christian History
On hiatus until Jan. 9
Sacred Spaces
Tuesdays, 6:00 p.m.
Tai Chi for Beginners
Monday, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Good Book Club
Daily
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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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Kandy
Scott
Allie
Rick
Walt
Katie
Bennett
Quincie
Dick O.
Erin K.
Bill and Sally
CC
Elizabeth
Katie
Kaden
Penny
Maggie R.
Larry S.
Kathleen S.
Tom
Carol
Gretchen
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Andrew
Dennis
Amanda
Stefani
Steve
Frances
Tim
Carolyn H.
Bret
Robbie
Jack
Rozzie
Cindy
Thomas
Shana
Ernestine
Adrienne
Alexis
Sandy
Susie
Brian
Haley
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Kent & Nora
Donna
Tucker
Matthew
Don
Linny
Moses
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.
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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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