We seek God's healing love and share that love with all
by growing in relationship with God, each other, and our neighbors.
| |
|
God With Us, Near at Hand
A message from Mtr. Jean Long, Associate Rector
| |
In the final days of Advent, many of us are feeling the tension of this season. We are caught between the quiet invitation to wait and the very real pressure to finish. Many of us are carrying the hope for a holy season, the fatigue of full schedules, and the unfinished things that still weigh on our minds.
On the First Sunday of Advent, I spoke in my sermon about a familiar phrase from the London Underground: “Mind the gap.” It is a reminder to notice the space between the platform and the train. Throughout Advent, that image has helped name something true about our lives: faith is often lived in the space between where we are and where we hope to go. Advent has not hurried us toward answers, but has slowed us down to notice that this space is not empty and to trust that God is already at work there.
Now, as we approach the Fourth Sunday of Advent, the waiting is nearly over.
If Advent is about learning to trust God’s presence in the gap, Christmas is about God choosing to enter it. In the birth of Jesus, God does not remain at a distance or look on from afar. God takes on flesh and enters human life fully, knowing our experience from the inside out. The mystery of the Incarnation is not that the gaps in our lives disappear, but that God meets us there, reaching out, steadying us, and helping us find our footing as we move forward.
As we move from this final stretch of Advent into the celebration of Christmas, I hope you will join us for worship:
-
Christmas Eve, 4 p.m. – Family Holy Eucharist with choir, instruments, carols, Christmas pageant, no sermon, no incense, and “Silent Night” by candlelight.
-
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.
Our celebration reaches beyond our walls. The Christmas plate offering will be shared between St. Augustin’s School in Haiti and Jewish Vocational Service (JVS) of Kansas City, supporting work rooted in education, welcome, and care. Through this offering, we take part in God’s work of supporting others in times of need and transition.
As Advent comes to its close, my hope for you is simple. Trust that the space between where you stand and where God is drawing you is not empty. Christmas proclaims that God enters that space and stays.
| | | | |
John Eadie: Tomorrow’s Featured Artist at 10:15 am
We are delighted to welcome John Eadie, cellist with the Kansas City Symphony, as this week’s featured artist. A native of Victoria, British Columbia, John joined the Symphony in 2010 after completing studies at Butler University and the College-Conservatory of Music in Cincinnati. He later spent three formative years as a fellow with the New World Symphony under Michael Tilson Thomas. John has appeared as principal cello with the Minnesota Opera Orchestra and has performed with ensembles including the Minnesota Orchestra, Des Moines Metro Opera Orchestra, Aspen Chamber Symphony, Spoleto USA Festival, and the Colorado Music Festival. When he’s not performing, John enjoys running, hiking, and settling in with a good book.
| | Call our toll-free number 800-808-1625 to listen to worship on your phone! | | |
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.
| |  | |
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.
| | |
Last Chance for Haiti Advent Cards!
Tomorrow is your final opportunity to purchase “Joyeux Noël” Christmas Cards in the Jewell Room. Each card represents a meaningful gift that helps provide salaries for the dedicated teachers at our partner school, St. Augustin in Maniche, Haiti. With the school now serving 440 students, your support is more important than ever. These cards are a simple, beautiful way to share Christmas greetings while strengthening the mission we share in Haiti. Come visit us at the Palm Tree!
| | |
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.
| | |
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 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.
| | |
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.
| | |
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.
| |
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).
| | |
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!
| | |
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.
| | |
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 | | |
Trailside Thursdays
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.
| | |
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
| | |
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.
| | |
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
| | |
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
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)
| | | | |
