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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Faith and Sacrifice: St. Mary of Egypt & MLK
A message from Mtr. Rita Kendagor, Assistant Rector
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On April 3 and 4, there are two people who are commemorated on the Episcopal liturgical calendar – St. Mary of Egypt and Martin Luther King, Jr. We are familiar with the history of MLK, but many of us know very little, if anything about Mary of Egypt. Now, Mary of Egypt made choices that were questionable, to say the least.
Her story is believed to have been written by St. Sophronius, Patriarch of Jerusalem. Mary left home when she was 12 years old and lived a life fulfilling her insatiable lust for physical pleasure. Seventeen years later, she joined a group that was travelling to the Holy Land for the Great Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Her plan was to pay for her passage by seducing as many men as possible during this voyage. Then once she arrived in Jerusalem, she continued with this habitual lifestyle.
When Mary attempted to visit the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, an unseen force barred her from entering at least three times. She finally began to weep and prayed to the statue of Mother Mary for forgiveness. After this, she was able to enter the church.
Mary of Egypt became a solitary contemplative and ascetic and lived in the desert for the next 47 years as a hermit in penitence. She survived on whatever was available. A monk was very surprised when he ran into her in the desert – naked and looking almost inhuman. She asked him for his cloak so she could cover herself, and she asked if he would serve her communion. She then requested that he return to this same place the next year during Holy Week and serve her communion then. When the monk arrived the following year, he found her dead body with words written on the sand indicating that she had died the very night he served her communion on the previous year.
The parallel I see between Mary of Egypt and MLK is that both were totally committed to the God in whom they served and believed. Mary of Egypt gave up her life and remained in the desert. MLK gave his life to the Civil Rights struggle and died doing this work. Both perished knowing that they would never see the outcomes of the trajectory of their beliefs.
As we continue our preaching series, the over arching question “Who Am I?” is the very question that persisted throughout the lives of these two individuals. And as we revisit the parable of the Prodigal Son on Sunday, we will see how the choices made by one individual came to define who he was, but did not define who he was to become. The choices made by St. Mary of Egypt and Martin Luther King, Jr continue to define who they are and to impact our lives to this very day.
| | | | Call our toll-free number 800-808-1625 to listen to worship on your phone! | | |
What is the season of Lent?
Lent is a 40-day journey of reflection and renewal—a time to ask big questions: Who am I? Who is God calling me to be? Rooted in Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness, Lent invites us to step away from distractions and look inward with honesty and openness.
In the Episcopal Church, we mark this season with purple, a color that symbolizes reflection, transformation, and the deep work of the soul. It’s not just about giving something up—it’s about making space for something deeper: prayer, self-examination, and acts of love.
Wherever you are on your spiritual path, Lent isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about showing up, asking the questions, and letting God meet you on your journey.
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Lenten Sermon Series: Who Am I?
Lent is an invitation to examine the core of our identity—not just who we are, but who we are becoming. This series, “Who Am I?”, considers the tension between our deepest longings and our created purpose, the ways we define ourselves and the ways God reshapes us. As we journey through this season, we confront the paradox of human frailty and divine love, seeking clarity in the wilderness of self-understanding. Videos of the sermons are available on our website on Mondays.
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March 9: I am powerless to defeat sin and evil.
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March 16: I am God’s own.
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March 23: I am precious and worthy of redemption.
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March 30: I am a reconciled reconciler.
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April 6: I am ready for resurrection.
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April 13: I am a pilgrim on the way of the cross.
| | Who Am I? Lenten Conversations with Clergy: Lent is a season of reflection, and sometimes, talking through the big questions can bring clarity and insight. This Lent, you’re invited to meet one-on-one with clergy for a conversation about your own journey of exploring Who Am I?—your faith, your doubts, your hopes, and where God may be leading you. Whether you’re deep in the Lenten journey or just beginning to reflect, this is a space to pause, talk, and listen. Sign up for a time to meet with clergy and explore the questions on your heart by emailing Mtr. Jean Long at jean@standrewkc.org | | Connections & Study Offerings | | |
Who am I? A Lenten Journey of Light and Shadow
Thursdays March 13 – April 10 at HJ’s.
Dinner: 5:30 –6:00, Exploration & Discussion: 6pm-7pm
In this five-week series, we will explore the complexities of identity through the lens of archetypes & identity, scripture, art, theology, and personal reflection. Together, we will examine depictions of angels and the devil— both in scripture and artistic tradition—wrestle with the nature of sin & goodness and engage in the spiritual practices of journaling and Visio Divina to deepen our understanding. This Lenten journey is not about finding simple answers but embracing discovery—seeing ourselves more fully in both our struggles and our capacity for grace. Join us for meaningful conversation, prayerful.
Who Are We? Tracing Our Episcopal Roots
Fridays, 10:30am -11:30am beginning March 7 in the church library
This class explores the history of Anglicanism as a lens for understanding our own spiritual identity. From the English Reformation to the development of the Episcopal Church, we will trace the traditions, theology, and key moments that have shaped our faith. As we journey through Lent—a season of reflection and renewal—we will ask: How does our Anglican heritage inform who we are as individuals and as a church today? RSVP to Mtr. Jean.
Rooted & Growing: A Lenten Journey for Families
Sunday mornings, 9:15am-10am, beginning March 9 at HJ’s.
Who are we? Who are we becoming? This Lent let’s explore these questions as families—together. Parents will dive into meaningful conversations about faith, identity, and community, guided by the St. Andrew’s Lenten devotional. Meanwhile, preschool and elementary-aged kids will bring the theme to life through hands-on activities like art, storytelling, and creative play. This is more than a class—it’s a chance to pause, connect, and grow in faith as a family. Come be part of the journey!
The Open Door: Explore, Ask, and Connect
Wednesday, April 16, 5:30–6:30 PM, in the Jewell Room
RSVP by Sun. April 13 to Mtr. Jean Long.
Finding your place in a church— whether you’re new, considering membership, or looking for fresh ways to engage —can feel like a big step. Where do you start? Who do you talk to? The Open Door is an invitation to step in, ask questions, and explore how St. Andrew’s can support you in deepening your faith, serving others, and building meaningful connections. Join clergy, ministry leaders, and fellow parishioners for a relaxed evening of conversation. Bring your questions, hear about different ministries, and let’s explore together where your gifts and interests align with opportunities to grow, serve, and connect.
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Who am I? - A Lenten Devotional
The clergy of St. Andrew’s have created a Lenten devotional booklet to guide your reflection throughout the season. This devotional invites you to engage Lent as more than a season of tradition—it is a time to examine identity, purpose, and the forces that shape us. Each day offers scripture, prayer, and reflection to help you consider questions like: What defines me? How do my actions reflect my faith? Where is God at work in my life?
Lent challenges us to strip away distractions and confront what truly matters. Use this devotional as a daily guide for that work. Devotional booklets are available on our website.
| | - Find more info about our Lenten offerings, including Outreach opportunities and Holy Week services on our website at standrewkc.org/lent. | | | | | |
Easter Lily Tributes
Celebrate someone special this Easter with a $25 donation toward Easter lilies. Their name will be featured in our Easter Sunday bulletin. Simply complete the lily and flower donation form here, then make your contribution online at standrewkc.org/give or by check to St. Andrew’s. You can also honor a loved one with a $60 donation for altar flowers, which includes a personal tribute message. To ensure inclusion, please submit all names and tributes by Monday, April 7.
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Join the St. Andrew’s Greeter Crew
If you’ve ever visited or read about a Benedictine monastery, you know about a deeply held value expressed in the Rule of St. Benedict: “Let all guests who arrive be received as Christ.”
If you would like to make an important difference at St. Andrew’s that doesn’t take more time or energy than you have to give right now, consider becoming part of the St. Andrew’s Greeter Crew! You can help people feel “received as Christ,” to have a sense of belonging, to feel at home. To join the Greeter Crew, email Carolyn Johnson.
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Come Hang Out With St. Andrew’s Back Porch Alliance!
Looking to meet more people at St. Andrew’s? Wanting an easy night out to savor the upcoming beautiful Spring weather? Come join us every Wednesday night from 6-8pm around the HJ’s fire pit(or inside in case of inclement weather). Want to learn more? Contact Brian Gloe at (913) 515-3572 or Mtr. Anne. We look forward to seeing you!
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Journey Through Luke With the Good Book Club
Through April 23, the Good Book Club will take up the Gospel of Luke. Most scholars say Luke was written after the Roman destruction of Jerusalem in 70, perhaps around 80, using the Gospel of Mark as its main source. Following this hypothesis, Luke (like Matthew) edits Mark and adds new material—for example, the Christmas story from Mary’s perspective. Luke emphasizes Jesus’ compassion for the marginalized and downtrodden, portraying him as a friend to sinners and poor people. Luke also highlights the role of women in the disciple community and uses female characters in the narrative more often than Mark or Matthew. The Gospel of Luke includes numerous parables, including favorites not found elsewhere, such as the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son. Themes of forgiveness, repentance, and salvation are prominent in this Gospel. Overall, Luke presents a comprehensive and compassionate portrait of Jesus, highlighting his ministry and mission to bring salvation to all. You can get the readings in daily texts or emails—just contact Fr. John to sign up.
| | 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. | |
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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St. Andrew’s Nursery
St. Andrew’s Nursery is now open for both the 8:00 AM and 10:15 AM services, providing a safe and welcoming space for your little ones while you enjoy the service. Whether you’re attending early or later, you can rest easy knowing your child is in good hands!
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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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Save the Date
Save the date for an upcoming overnight retreat on June 13-14, hosted by St. Andrew’s Contemplative Ministries Team at the Sophia Center in Atchison, KS. Stay tuned for more details!
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St. Andrew's Garden Guild
Want to help keep the grounds at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church looking beautiful? No gardening experience is needed—just a love for the outdoors!
Join us on Saturday, April 5th, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM for a morning of teamwork and fresh air. Coffee, bottled water, bagels, and pastries will be provided.
We’ll meet in the church parking lot. If you have tools, please bring them (labeled), but if not, we’ll have extras available.
For more information, contact Melissa Rock at 913-226-7448 or by email. Remember, many hands make light work!
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Spring at the Banneker Garden, but not without you!
Thanks to you who’ve been long time volunteers, or past volunteers, or wintertime volunteers, or intermittent volunteers, or been curious about the garden! The school is busy identifying which 6 classes will receive garden lessons and creating the spring calendar. Now, it’s time for us to prepare our volunteer calendar.
Volunteers are needed from 9:15-11:45 on each Tuesday and Thursday mornings from late March through the end of May. This could be a one-time commitment, or recurring and gardening knowledge is not required. This program is the quintessential first-hand experience for students and volunteers, treasured by the school for providing group collaboration, horticultural science, nutrition, and all kinds of outdoor education and discovery. Too, it is our opportunity to give to our neighbor that which they chose and now embrace.
If you’re not available for the joy of working with the teachers and students, there’s opportunity to be part of maintenance on the 2nd and/or 4th Sat., 8:30 to 10:30.
Please click here for the available slots, and select any number of times that suit your calendar. You can sign up via the SignupGenius or call/text/e-mail Dorothy Curry (816) 365-4583. Questions? Do call.
Join us and experience the blessings, Dorothy Curry
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Supporting Gordon Parks Elementary School
Gordon Parks Elementary School continues to thrive, thanks in part to the generosity of St. Andrew’s and our dedicated community. Your support allows us to contribute to the school’s Project-Based Learning programs and its innovative STEAM lab, providing students with hands-on educational experiences that foster creativity and critical thinking.
This April, we will be holding a church-wide fundraiser to help supply students with essential resources, including school uniforms and 175 Chromebooks (laptops) for in-class learning. These tools are crucial in ensuring every student has access to the technology needed for academic success.
We are incredibly grateful for 25 years of unwavering support for Gordon Parks Elementary School. Your generosity continues to make a meaningful impact in the lives of these students.
For more information or ways to contribute, please contact Karen Lundgren.
Thank you for being a part of this important mission!
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Volunteer at Our Brookside Farmers' Market Tent
As Christ’s hands and feet in the world we are called to go beyond the four walls of our church to put love in action. St. Andrew’s is doing that by having a tent at the Brookside Farmers' Market held at HJ's parking lot each Saturday morning through early November. We are looking for volunteers to serve coffee and start conversations with market farmers and guests in one of two shifts: 7:40 to 9:30 a.m. or 9:30 to 11:15 a.m. Two volunteers are needed per shift. Grab a friend or family member. To learn more contact Gina Heise or sign-up here. Thank you!
| | Children, Youth & Young Adult Ministry | | Contact Veronica Wiebold for questions about children, youth, or young adult ministries. | | |
Sunday Mornings at St. Andrew’s for Kids
Sunday school takes place during the 10:15 service and join their families in to have communion together.
Look for the colorful doors in the children’s ministry wing to find your child’s classroom. Veronica and our youth members will greet families and help guide you to your child’s classroom.
Nursery (8 wks – 3yrs): Orange doors; PreK – 1st grade: Green doors; 2nd – 4th grade: Red doors.
*Rooted & Growing: A Lenten Journey for Families
Begins March 9th - Sundays during Lent, 9:15 AM - 10:00 AM at HJ’s
Join us for a special Lenten series designed for families to explore faith, identity, and community together. Parents will engage in meaningful discussions based on the St. Andrew’s Lenten devotional, while preschool and elementary-aged kids participate in hands-on activities, crafts, and storytelling in the Sunday School classrooms.
Childcare for all ages is available in the nursery at St. Andrew’s, where kids will learn about Lent through fun, themed crafts.
Come, grow in faith as a family this Lent!
*Click Here for the March Children's Ministry Newsletter*
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Youth Group Schedule
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March 29 – KC Womans Glory Football Game Outing, Address: The Pembroke Hill School - Ward Parkway Campus, Tickets: range 15-20 dollars per person: purchase tickets at the gate.
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March 30 – Student Leader & Verger Interviews, 1:00pm-5:00pm, Meeting for Current Verger and Student leaders at 3:30pm
Lenten Youth Ministry Program – St. Andrew’s Youth Group
Sundays at 9:15 AM in the Acolyte Room
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March 30 – Forgiveness & Letting Go: Releasing burdens and embracing grace.
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April 6 – Jesus, the Ultimate Influencer: Following Jesus in a social media world.
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April 13 – The Power of Sacrifice: Understanding Jesus’ sacrifice.
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April 20 – Easter Celebration: “Rise Up!”
High School Senior Sunday: May 4 - We will celebrate our high school seniors on Sunday, May 4th at the 10:15am service. If you have a high school senior, please submit the following to Veronica Wiebold by April 13.
- Senior Picture
- High School
- Post High School Plans
- Favorite memory of St. Andrew’s
*Click Here for the March Youth Ministry Newsletter*
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20s30s Ministry
You’re invited to gather with us every Sunday after the 10:15 service for our monthly meet-up! It’s a space to connect, share, and dive into meaningful conversations about faith and life. We’ll meet at HJ’s Community Center right after the 10:15 AM service.
Come grab a coffee, bring your thoughts, and be part of a great community. We’d love to see you there!
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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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Sacred Spaces
Tuesday, 6 p.m.
Tai Chi for Beginners
Monday, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Good Book Club
Daily
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Brown Baggin’ & Books Reading Group
Looking for a fun and engaging way to read and discuss great books? St. Andrew’s Brown Baggin’ & Books is a lively, welcoming group that meets once a month to share a love of reading! We meet the second Wednesday of each month, September to May, from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM via Zoom. Our members select the books, and we dive into thoughtful discussions with guiding questions to deepen our understanding.
Contact Kathryn Holtze for more information or call 303-579-0124.
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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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Penny
Gilles
Bertrand
Phyllis Anne
Vesper
Eric
Paulette
Mikeala
Pat M.
Angela
Grayson
Wyatt
Brittany
Penny
Romo
David P.
Jamie P.
Rose
Destiny
Bill
Bev
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Paul
Bryan
Alan
James
Julie B.
Bill
Torni
Mary S.
Carolyn H.
Tom G.
Rozzie
Matt
Jen
Rod
Sharon
Janessa
Avery
Bob
Gail
Beverly
Christine
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Patrick
Gretchen
Scout
Allee
Scudder Family
July
Peter
Corny
Eric S.
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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