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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Come Celebrate the Season!
A message from Fr. John Spicer, Rector
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One of the true joys of Advent at St. Andrew’s happens this Sunday afternoon—a classic party followed by music … with a new twist.
I hope you’ll come for our annual Parish Christmas Party in the Jewell Room, tomorrow from 3 to 5 p.m. We’ll gather by the fireplace for delectables prepared by a small army of volunteers, to whom I’m deeply grateful. Like our other Advent offerings, the party is a wonderful opportunity to take a breath and open ourselves to what God With Us will do, in us and among us. There’s no agenda other than peace and goodwill to all—a chance to spend time with old friends and get to know some of those new faces you’ve been noticing on Sunday mornings. If you’d like to share the joy of the season with others, please consider bringing some children’s waterproof winter gloves or a $20 QuikTrip gift card for a guest at the Free Store on Jan. 17.
Then, at 5 p.m., we’ll head to the nave for a new seasonal offering, “Christmas on Wornall Road,” from our amazing choir and soloists, as well as a chamber orchestra. The program features 14 selections from Handel’s Messiah, including “And the Glory of the Lord,” “For Unto Us a Child Is Born,” and the “Hallelujah!” chorus. The program also will include “Christmas Day” by Gustav Holst, as well as music from Robert Sterling and Antonio Vivaldi. And our children will offer “Away in a Manger,” too. I’ve enjoyed our years-long tradition of presenting different takes on Dickens’ A Christmas Carol following the party, but change and tradition abide best side by side. Plus, at least this Scrooge will enjoy getting to watch the performance this time.
| | | | 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 — December 14, 21 • Jewell Room
Support mission work through meaningful holiday giving.
• Advent Study Series — December 14, 21 • 9:15am • Undercroft
Bite-sized formation to deepen your journey.
• Advent Taizé — Dec. 16 • 6pm • Nave
Contemplative music and candlelight to steady your spirit.
• Trailside Thursdays: Grief During the Holidays — Dec. 18 • 6–7:15pm • HJ’s
A compassionate space for those carrying sorrow into the season.
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• 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.
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Christmas Schedule
Wondering which Christmas worship opportunity will be best for you? St. Andrew’s is offering four options to help you find the peace and joy of God With Us:
· Christmas Eve, 4 p.m. – Holy Eucharist with choir, instruments, carols, our children’s Christmas pageant, no sermon, no incense, and “Silent Night” by candlelight. This is our most popular service, so come early for a good seat.
· Christmas Eve, 8 p.m. – Holy Eucharist with choir, instruments, carols, a sermon, incense, and “Silent Night” by candlelight.
· Christmas Eve, 11 p.m. – Holy Eucharist with choir, instruments, carols, a sermon, incense, and “Silent Night” by candlelight. Our service music will feature works by English composer Christopher Tambling.
· Christmas Day, 9:30 a.m. – A more intimate celebration with Holy Eucharist, choir, a sermon, and no incense.
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Christmas Eve Children’s Pageant
Kids of all ages are welcome to join our Christmas Eve Pageant—no preparation required! Come to the Undercroft at 3:00 p.m., pick a costume, and be part of this beloved tradition. We have costumes for Angels, shepherds, sheep, cows, wise men, and more.
Volunteers Needed:
We need adult volunteers to help before, during and after the pageant.
Please contact Veronica at veronica@standrewkc.org for more info or any questions.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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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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.
· Friday, Jan. 2: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; noon Eucharist will not be celebrated.
Because of the possibility that electrical service may not be restored to the church in time for worship on Sunday, Jan. 4, we will plan to 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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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.
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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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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)
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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 | | |
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.
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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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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
Andrew
Dennis
Amanda
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Stefani
Steve
Frances
Tim
Carolyn H.
Bret
Robbie
Jack
Rozzie
Cindy
Thomas
Shana
Ernestine
Adrienne
Alexis
Sandy
Susie
Brian
Haley
Kent & Nora
Donna
Tucker
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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.
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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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