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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Companions at Breakfast
A message from Fr. John Spicer, Rector
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Assuming we don’t have more challenges with the weather (knocking on wood as I type), we’ll gather for our annual parish meeting tomorrow, Feb. 1, with a single service at 9:30 a.m., followed by brunch and plenty of thank-yous, elections, budget updates, and awards. I hope you’ll come to enjoy the fellowship and the celebration. But I also hope you’ll leave something behind: your sign-up for a Companion Group.
These groups of eight or 10, which will begin meeting in March, are a low lift with a high reward. They’ll meet just once a month for maybe 90 minutes at most. A group might share something to eat and drink; check in about what’s bubbling in their lives; reflect on what they’ve been hearing in the season’s devotional guide, in worship, or in their prayers; and come away amazed at how the Holy Spirit connects the dots. No scriptural or spiritual background is needed! It’s just a chance to get to know other parishioners better while you find yourself getting to know God better, too. At worship tomorrow and at the annual meeting, you’ll find sign-up sheets for Companion Groups, or you can sign up online.
The annual parish meeting actually begins during worship, with the state-of-the-parish address as the sermon (yes, it will be a little longer than usual). Then we’ll adjourn downstairs for a celebration of 2025 with brunch provided by our wonderful Hospitality & Connection Commission. We’ll thank the outgoing Vestry members, elect the next Vestry class, hear reports from our senior and junior wardens, review the 2025 parish budget, and take nominations for delegates to our Diocesan Convention. (If you’d like to be considered as a convention delegate, just email me) And, following up on the Oscar buzz from last week’s Trivia Night, we’ll enjoy St. Andrew’s own annual award—the presentation of the Rector’s Cross.
It will be a great opportunity to connect with the Holy Spirit and other members of your parish family—both at the meeting and through the year in a Companion Group!
Click here to join the annual meeting via Zoom.
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Companion Groups: Life Shared, Faith Explored
Many of us are living with questions that don’t resolve quickly, questions about faith, about Scripture, and about how to live faithfully in a complicated and changing world. For some, long-held assumptions feel less certain. For others, faith feels active and alive, but unfinished, still asking something of us.
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus meets the deepest questions of faith and life not by sending people off on their own, but by gathering them together. He forms disciples through shared life, conversation, and presence, walking with them as they listen, question, and learn along the way. That same invitation to live and discern together remains open to us today.
Beginning in Lent, St. Andrew’s will offer Companion Groups, small groups that will gather monthly to reflect on Scripture and on how faith is intersecting with everyday life. Between gatherings, participants will spend time with Scripture using shared reflection prompts provided by the church, similar in spirit to the Epiphany devotional. Group meetings will offer space for reflection, listening, and prayer.
Details at a glance:
Adults, middle school-aged youth, and high school-aged youth at St. Andrew’s are invited to take part in shared reflection and conversation. Groups will begin meeting in March and will gather monthly. Sign-ups are open now through the First Sunday of Lent.
How to sign up:
Fill out a sign-up form here, complete a paper sign-up form available in the narthex, or contact Mtr. Jean at jean@standrewkc.org.
| | Call our toll-free number 800-808-1625 to listen to worship on your phone! | | | | |
Breakfast and Annual Meeting Sunday, February 1
On Sunday, Feb. 1, 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 and Fellowship Commission and a celebration of 2025. We’ll thank the outgoing Vestry members, elect the next Vestry class, hear reports from our senior and junior wardens, review the 2026 parish budget, and present this year’s Rector’s Cross awards. Click here to join the annual meeting via Zoom.
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Sunday Morning Artist Series: Sunho Kim, February 1
St. Andrew’s member Sunho Kim joined the Kansas City Symphony in 2008 and holds the position of assistant concertmaster. She previously was a fellow of the New World Symphony from 2005 to 2008 and served regularly as concertmaster under Michael Tilson Thomas. Winner of the Heino Eller International Violin Competition in Estonia and Bales Violin Competition in Boston, Kim made her solo debut at age 14 with the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra as a winner of their Young Artist Competition. She also has been a featured soloist with the Kansas City Symphony, Estonian National Symphony, Danish Free Mason Orchestra, Seoul Symphony and Seoul Youth Chamber Orchestra, among others. An avid chamber musician, Kim is heard frequently in the Kansas City Symphony’s free Happy Hour chamber music concerts and has performed at the Colorado Music Festival, Yellow Barn Chamber Music Festival, Shanghai International Music Festival, Summerfest in Kansas City, and Savonlinna Chamber Music Festival in Finland. She was a founding member of the Tappan String Quartet and has performed with them at the Smithsonian American History Museum. She also has performed solo recitals in Germany, Denmark, the Czech Republic, South Korea, and the United States. Originally from South Korea, Kim moved to Germany at age 16 to study with Mi-Kyung Lee at the University of Arts, Berlin, and continued her study with Milan Vitek, first at the Royal Danish Academy of Music and then at the Oberlin Conservatory, where she received an artist diploma. She received her master’s degree from the New England Conservatory as a student of Masuko Ushioda.
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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.
If you haven’t received a copy in the mail, please take one with you after church or contact the church office. We look forward to taking this journey with you.
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Meet the Vestry Nominees
The Vestry Nominating Committee has named the following candidates for election as the Vestry class of 2029: Ann Holliday, Caleb Jackson, Steve Miller, Jewel Scott, Caroline Wake, and Paul Wurth.
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Ann Holliday
Ann Holliday joined St. Andrew’s in 2009 with her husband Christopher and their two children, Luke and Ruth. Deeply involved in St. Andrew’s contemplative ministries, she regularly attends Sacred Spaces, Silent Saturdays, and Taizé services, often serving as a reader. Ann also helped plan and lead the Contemplative and Creative Prayer retreat held this past June. She serves on the Spiritual Growth Commission and has helped revive the Visual Art Guild at St. Andrew’s. Professionally, Ann is vice president of the Downtown Council of Kansas City and executive director of the Art in the Loop Foundation, and she volunteers as a planning commissioner in Westwood, Kansas. Ann is being nominated as Vestry liaison for the new Contemplative Ministries Commission.
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Caleb Jackson
Caleb Jackson joined the Episcopal Church and St. Andrew’s in 2009 after marrying his wife, Julia. Over the years, his participation has grown, serving as on the Children’s Ministry Commission and currently on the Youth Ministry Commission. For the last two years, Caleb has chaperoned the annual Youth Ski Retreat and spends his free time in November and December tying trees to the roofs of cars for the St. Andrew’s Tree Lot. Caleb is the executive director of the David Woods Kemper Veterans Foundation, which works with nonprofit organizations that serve veterans throughout Missouri and Kansas. Caleb is on the national board of directors for Veterans Community Project and serves as finance chair. Caleb also volunteers at the school that his three daughters—Eve, Millie, and Laura—attend. He has acted as a room parent for six years (much to the children’s delight) and frequently chaperones school dances (with less pleasure from his teenaged daughters).
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Steve Miller
Steve Miller was married to Karen Lamb at St Andrew’s in 1998. When Karen died in 2010, Steve transferred to St. Andrew’s, having become more active here than in his own Lutheran congregation. Steve was involved in the Second Friday Film series and has served as an 8 a.m. usher since 2010. He is also active in the Thursday-morning men’s Bible study and the Facilities Commission. A native of Fargo, ND, Steve is an avid horseman and has been a member of three hunt clubs. He has worked in the automotive-equipment business for more than 40 years and also enjoys skiing, boxing, wrestling, and golf. He and his wife, Joyce, have been married since 2014. Steve is being nominated for a second term as Vestry liaison to the Facilities Commission.
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Jewel Scott
Jewel Scott joined St. Andrew’s after moving to Kansas City in 1989 to work at the Civic Council of Greater Kansas City. Since retiring from the Civic Council in 2018, she has done strategic planning and organizational-development consulting and continued supporting civic organizations. She is a past Altar Guild sacristan, is involved in the parish’s art ministry, and enjoys cooking with her sister, Carol Trettin, for Loaves & Fishes. She also enjoys reading, playing the piano, walking, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. Jewel, who currently serves as junior warden, is being nominated for a second term as Vestry liaison to the Newcomer Welcome & Community Engagement Commission.
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Caroline Wake
Caroline Wake is a longtime member of St. Andrew’s and is a professional interior designer. She is married to John and has raised their two, now adult, children at St. Andrew’s. Through the years, she has been involved in many aspects of the church, including serving on the Vestry as liaison for Children’s Ministry and as junior warden, representing the Facilities Commission. She currently serves on the Discernment and Worship Commissions, Altar Guild, and as a Eucharistic Minister. Caroline is being nominated as Vestry liaison to the Discernment Commission.
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Paul Wurth
Paul Wurth has been a member of St. Andrew’s since 2012. He and his wife, Geri, moved to Kansas City in 2006 after 40 years in Wichita, Kansas. Previously, Paul was active in the Roman Catholic tradition, taking part in ministries such as marriage preparation, adult preparation for the rite of initiation, and working with adults to reconcile differences that caused them to leave the faith. At St. Andrew’s, Paul has been involved in the Adult Christian Formation, Engagement, and Outreach Commissions; the Discovery class; and the Advocacy Discernment Committee. In past Vestry service, he has been the liaison for the Adult Christian Formation, Engagement, and Finance Commissions, and he presently serves as senior warden. Paul has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in health care administration and a doctorate in health sciences. He has owned and operated several senior-living campuses and a home-health agency for the past 30 years. Paul enjoys spending time with family at their lake home at Table Rock, studying horology and collecting wrist watches, and keeping up with six grandchildren. Paul is being nominated for a second term serving as a Vestry member and senior warden.
| | As our bylaws indicate, the Vestry Nominating Committee named this slate of nominees in the fall, and they will be elected at the Feb. 1 annual parish meeting. This has given the nominees the opportunity to attend Vestry meetings so they can hit the ground running after their election. Our bylaws also allow for other Vestry candidates to be nominated through a written nomination, a statement (signed by the nominee) that the nominee is willing to serve, and a petition indicating support for the nominee signed by 25 parishioners in good standing. No nominations by petition were received by the January Vestry meeting (Jan. 20, 2026). Thanks very much to those who allowed their names to be put forward, and thanks to the members of the Vestry Nominating Committee for their discernment and service: Bill Aliber (chair), Scott Burditt, Cate Duerst, Victoria Fiori, and Carolyn Lathrop. | | | | | |
Birthday Card Ministry
St. Andrew’s sends birthday cards to parishioners throughout the year as a simple way of staying connected within our parish community. We are looking for several volunteers to join our current team and help with this monthly ministry. Writers are scheduled by month, and cards may be written at church or taken home, whatever works best for you. All materials are provided.If interested, please contact Mtr. Jean at jean@standrewkc.org.
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Thank you, St. Andrew’s Superstars!
Each week, our Brew Crew lovingly serve about 680 cups of coffee (that’s 20 pounds of coffee and 4 gallons of milk) fueling our church and local community for love, connection, and fellowship. Over the course of a year, this adds up to over 1,000 volunteer hours poured out, a cup at a time. Thank you for supporting this incredible team that helps make St. Andrew’s an amazing place that feels welcoming, kind, and a little closer to God. Join the Crew! If you’re interested in joining HJ’s Brew Crew, contact Craig Lundgren at clundgren286@gmail.com.
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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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St. James Volunteer Opportunities
A new monthly volunteer opportunity is available at St. James this year - we will gather each 3rd Wednesday from 10:00 am- 12:00 pm to package hygiene kits, pet food, or prepare for special events.
Volunteers are also for the 4th Wednesday pantry distribution from 3:30 to 5:30. If either of these opportunities interest you, please contact Janet Kelley.
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Lenten Study Opportunity
Do you have a love–hate relationship with Lent? Are you looking for something deeper than a “giving up chocolate” approach? Join us for a four-week Lenten exploration of spiritual practices from The Sacred Way: Spiritual Practices for Everyday Life. Together, we’ll reflect on Sacred Reading, the Daily Office, the Ignatian Examen, and a different kind of fasting—practices designed to nurture spiritual growth in everyday life.
When: Sundays, Feb. 22, Mar. 1, Mar. 8, and Mar. 15, 9:15–10:00 a.m.
Where: St. Andrew’s (location TBA)
Who: Limited to the first 24 participants
Leader: Carolyn Johnson
To participate and receive a free copy of the book, sign up after church at the desk near the Jewell Room or email Carolyn Johnson at carolyn.swede@gmail.com.
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Up Next at Trailside Thursdays
On Thursday, February 5 at 6 p.m.,locally based photographer and musician Nate Hofer will discuss the inspiration behind his project Heartland Silos Decommissioned. Hofer was a 2024 TEDxKC speaker and performer on this subject and is the recipient of the 2021 Global Peace Photo Award, also known as the Alfred Fried Peace Medal.
This body of work looks toward the future by remembering the past. By highlighting Cold War–era disarmament, the project offers a note of hope for those concerned about our shared future—particularly as the world appears to be moving toward renewed nuclear arms competition and increasing polarization and nationalism.
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From Celebration to Preparation: A Family Mardi Gras Gathering to Begin Lent
Sunday, February 8, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Undercroft
Families with children and youth are invited to stay after church for King Cake and hands-on activities as we get ready for Lent together. We’ll talk about what Lent is and share simple ways families can practice prayer, reflection, and kindness at home during the season. Light snacks and all materials are provided.
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From Celebration to Intention: A Mardi Gras Gathering for 20s & 30s
Monday, February 9, 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m, Mtr. Jean’s House
Adults in their 20s and 30s are invited to gather for an evening of food, King Cake, and conversation as we prepare for Lent together. We’ll talk about what Lent is really about and share simple, realistic practices that can fit into everyday life in the weeks ahead. RSVP: Mtr. Jean at jean@standrewkc.org
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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 SunHo Kim (violin), Benjamin Banci (horn), and Elena Lence Talley (clarinet). Learn more at standrewkc.org/music.
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Faith & Grief Gatherings
Faith & Grief offers compassionate, monthly gatherings for those navigating loss. Join us at Visitation Catholic Church, Tighe Hall, on Wednesdays at noon.
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On February 4, Sue Ellermeier will share A Good Death, reflecting on her husband’s illness and the grace of saying goodbye.
| All are welcome. Learn more and RSVP at faithandgrief.org. | | | |
Friday Christian History Class
The Friday-morning Christian History class is currently exploring The Book of Common Prayer: A Biography by Alan Jacobs and welcomes participants to join at any time.
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.
| | 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
Feb. 5, 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
Fridays, 10:30 a.m.
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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Steve H.
Gail
Peter
Corbin
Carol
Austin
Joanna
Frances
Steve
Wendy
Scott
Allie
Rick
Walt
Katie
Bennett
Quincie
Dick O.
Erin K.
Sally
CC
Elizabeth
Katie
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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
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Ernestine
Adrienne
Alexis
Sandy
Susie
Brian
Haley
Kent & Nora
Donna
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.
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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