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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Grateful for Our Leaders
A message from Fr. John Spicer, Rector
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It’s beautiful how God uses the worst situations to show us the best things.
As you may know, I’ve been out of the office for a week while my wife, Ann, has been in the hospital. She’s been dealing with cardiopulmonary complications secondary to concurrent RSV infection and sepsis (bacterial blood infection). At press time, Ann continues to recover slowly in the hospital; and even after discharge, it will take her weeks to regain strength and stamina. You can find updates by visiting Ann’s page on CaringBridge. As she recovers from this significant hit, I will be scarce for the next couple of weeks so I can focus on being there for her.
All this comes at a very busy time in the parish’s life. Last Sunday, we had our annual parish meeting; and this weekend, we were scheduled for our annual Vestry retreat. Those come on the heels of wrapping up the annual pledge campaign, finalizing the annual budget, and compiling the annual report. January is the hardest month; Christmas and Holy Week are easy, comparatively. So, this isn’t the best time to be away.
And yet … because of the strength of your clergy, staff, and parish leaders, I can focus on Ann at the busiest time of year at church and know that everything is just fine. Plans are being made; work is getting done; people are being seen; God is being praised.
St. Andrew’s is blessed with a team of strong and spiritually grounded leaders. And, as it happens, we’re focusing on leadership this Sunday – leaders being formed and leaders forming others. It’s Scout Sunday, when we remember how Scouting, now including both boys’ and girls’ troops, builds character and leadership in young people. In fact, this Sunday, we’ll remember that Troop and Pack 16 are part of our youth ministry, with St. Andrew’s being 16’s chartered organization.
And, at the 10:15 a.m. service, we’ll also ask God’s blessing on the lay people helping to lead our congregation – our 2025 Vestry and parish officers (wardens, treasurer, secretary, and chancellor). These are the people canonically responsible for stewarding the temporal affairs of the parish. But in their leadership of our ministry commissions, they also model strong spiritual leadership, a skill we’re building intentionally in the Vestry’s work through this year.
Leadership isn’t just a secular skill; it’s a spiritual gift (see 1 Corinthians 12:28 and Romans 12:8). I’m tremendously grateful for the people in whom we see that gift here, and I hope you’ll let them know how much you appreciate their service.
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Call our toll-free number 800-808-1625 to listen to worship on your phone! | |
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Annual Meeting
At our Annual Meeting on Sunday, January 26, we celebrated the many ways this parish is growing in faith, generosity, and service. This past year, worship attendance increased, giving surpassed expectations, and our endowment reached a milestone. Through 16 outreach projects, we gave over $217,000 and offered 279 service opportunities—witnessing to God’s love in action. We honored our outgoing Vestry members and welcomed new ones. Together, we looked back on where we’ve been and set our sights on where God is calling us next. Most of all, we reaffirmed who we are: the Body of Christ—welcoming all, serving others, and passing the peace. To view a pdf of this year’s Annual Report, click here. You can also pick up your own copy in the Narthex.
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Recognizing Outstanding Service: The Rector’s Cross
The Rector’s Cross is awarded each year to parishioners whose dedication and service have made a lasting impact on the St. Andrew’s community. This year, we are pleased to honor Scott Burditt and Brenda Davis for their contributions to the life and ministry of our church.
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Scott Burditt: Scott Burditt has been awarded the Rector’s Cross for his invaluable contributions to St. Andrew’s marketing and communications. Over the past few years, he has brought his marketing expertise to our Communications Commission, helping us move beyond simply sharing information to communicating with purpose and impact. As the Communications Vestry liaison, he played a key role in shaping the vision for our marketing communications manager position, ultimately helping bring Nancy Zarcone to our team. In addition to his work in communications, Scott serves as a Eucharistic minister, Free Store volunteer, and usher. We are grateful for his dedication and the impact he has made in our community. | | |
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Brenda Davis: Brenda Davis is a quiet but steadfast presence at St. Andrew’s, giving her time and energy to the unseen but essential work that keeps our church running smoothly. She ensures the red sign-in folders are organized, refreshes the pews, and updates attendance records. Each Friday, she volunteers in the office, answering the phone and welcoming visitors. She gives without seeking recognition, simply doing what needs to be done. As Fr. John put it, “Brenda is a quiet saint, someone who never seeks attention or accolades but just gives from her heart.” We are deeply grateful for her faithful service to our parish.
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Thursday Evening Learning Opportunity- Living the Light: Discovering God through Serving Others
On Thursday evenings through February 27 at HJ’s, we’ll gather to explore the theology behind outreach ministry and hear heartfelt stories from parishioners who lead some of our outreach partnerships. They’ll share how their work has transformed their hearts and helped shine Christ’s light into the world.
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Here’s what to expect each week:
- Dinner at 5:30 p.m. – Share a meal and fellowship with others.
- Class from 6 to 7 p.m. – Engage in thoughtful discussion and inspiring stories.
- Compline at 7 p.m. – Close the evening with a peaceful, five-minute prayer service to end the day.
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Whether you join us in person or via livestream, there’s a place for you in this journey of learning and serving. Click here to join the livestream.
Upcoming Sessions and Featured Leaders:
- February 6 – Bruce Long (KC Community Kitchen and St. Paul’s Pantry); Carolyn Kroh (KC Community Garden)
- February 13 – Dorothy Curry (Banneker School Garden and Sr. Berta’s Friendship Circles)
- February 20 – Janet Kelley (St. James’ Ministries); Karen Lundgren (Gordon Parks Elementary School)
- February 27 – Cathy Mosely (Rose Brooks and Pet Ministry)
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A Change in Deacon Adam’s Responsibilities
For the past several years, Deacon Adam James has served in two roles at St. Andrew’s. He is assigned by Bishop Diane Jardine Bruce to serve as the parish’s deacon, helping to lead ministries with neighbors in need, serving in worship, and offering pastoral care as part of the clergy team. At the same time, Deacon Adam has also served in a non-clergy staff role as our digital evangelist, coordinating our livestreaming, social media, podcasting, and other digital communication. The hours and responsibilities of that position have grown considerably over the years; and recently, with the church’s communication ministry moving more explicitly toward marketing, the expectations of the role also have shifted. Therefore, Deacon Adam has decided to focus on his diaconal work at St. Andrew’s and set aside the digital-evangelist role. He has left his staff position and is taking some time to discern what secular work may be next for him. He will continue to serve at St. Andrew’s as deacon, so you’ll still see him regularly on Sundays. I’m deeply grateful to Deacon Adam for his work to build the church’s digital presence, including his social-media posts and podcasts. Particularly noteworthy has been his pioneering work to develop our livestreaming from a single camera shot with no graphics to our current professional-quality broadcast that, even after the pandemic, still reaches 40 percent of those worshiping with us on a given Sunday. Thank you, Deacon Adam! — Fr. John
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Make a New Year’s Resolution to Serve: Join the Altar Guild
As we begin a new year, St. Andrew’s Altar Guild warmly invites you to consider making a resolution to serve. Whether you’re new to this ministry or have served before, we welcome you to join us in this meaningful work.
The Altar Guild is more than preparing the sanctuary; it’s a ministry of reverence, fellowship, and a way to deepen your faith through service. By helping to set the altar, arrange flowers, and prepare for worship, you’ll contribute to a tradition that enhances our collective worship experience.
Looking for a way to meet new people or serve alongside friends? The Altar Guild offers a welcoming place for all who feel called to this special ministry.
To learn more or express your interest, please contact Ellen Junger. We look forward to welcoming you into this rewarding ministry!!
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New Year Brings Communion Change
Since April 2021, when we returned to in-person worship during the pandemic, we’ve been serving consecrated wine in individual cups at the standing Communion stations. We owe great thanks to our Altar Guild members, who have painstakingly filled thousands of little cups for us. But now, COVID has become part of the landscape, like other contagious diseases we endure and try not to share. So, to relieve the burden on the Altar Guild, the standing Communion stations now offer intinction—dipping the consecrated bread into the consecrated wine. Ministers there will offer you a chalice into which you may dip your bread (being careful not to put your fingers into the wine). Drinking from the chalice won’t be offered at these stations; as always, if you’d like to drink from the chalice, please come to the altar rail. At the same time, we know some parishioners deal with compromised immune systems, and a few of us may feel slightly under the weather any given Sunday. So, we will retain a few individual cups at the standing stations, just for those who need them.
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Good Book Club Turns to Romans
Through Feb. 5, the Good Book Club will be reading what many scholars would call the Gospel according to the apostle Paul, the most complete statement of his theology: the Letter to the Romans. Written in the years 56-57, less than 30 years after Jesus’ death and resurrection, the letter to the Romans tries to explain how this new expression of faith is rooted in Judaism but is available to all humanity. Paul explores the concepts of salvation, the power of God, and grace. While Romans is not always easy reading, it proclaims what it means to be a disciple of Christ and how that translates into daily life, offering lessons that have been informing and inspiring Jesus’ followers for 2,000 years. You can get the readings in daily texts or emails—just contact Fr. John to sign up.
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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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Trinity Guild Meeting & Luncheon
The ladies of the Trinity Guild would like to invite all women of the parish (and their friends) to join us for lunch on Thursday, Feb. 27th. Our speaker will be Alan Lubert with Ronald McDonald House Charities - Kansas City, MO, He will talk about the services they provide to families who are going through some of the most difficult days of their lives with their child seriously ill and in the hospital. Members of Trinity Guild have been saving pull tabs from aluminum cans to donate to Ronald McDonald house. They are melted down and turned into cash to help these patients. For reservations, please email Meg Townsend at msotownsend@gmail.com.
Last month’s meeting was well attended with a presentaion from Joanna Glaze about flowers and their importance in the bible.
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Package Seeds at the Kansas City Community Gardens
Saturday, February 15th, 9 am- 12 pm
Come join St Andrew’s parishioners to package seeds for the Kansas City Community Gardens. These seed packages will be sold at a discount to low-income families. Ten packages are given free with all memberships, a membership is only $2 for a low-income family.
This is a fun annual “Done In A Day” volunteer opportunity organized by the Outreach Committee that takes place at the Garden .
Kansas City Community Gardens
6917 Kensington ,Kansas City, Missouri
Located in Spoke Park, North on Gregory Boulevard on Kensington Avenue
Questions? Or to sign up: Please contact Carolyn Kroh at 913-706-0918 or cskroh@aol.com
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A Prayer for our Outreach Ministries: Almighty and everliving God, we thank you for the individuals you have brought together on the OutReach Commission. We are grateful for the gifts, talents, and dedicated hearts and hands that are putting Love in Action. Guide us to be good stewards of the resources we have been entrusted with; inspire us to be the salt of God’s kingdom to serve others, live life fully and bring others to Christ; and support us as we grow in dedication to each other. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Outreach Commission thanks you for your continual support of our 16 partnerships, and we ask that you please pray for those we serve:
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St. Augustin’s Haiti
Andie’s Pantry
Banneker Emergency Fund
Banneker Garden
Fabric of Life
Free Store
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Gordon Parks Elementary School
Jewish Vocational Service (JVS)
Kansas City Community Garden
NourishKC
Pet Ministry
Rose Brooks
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Sr. Berta’s Friendship Circles
St. James Church
St. Paul’s Pantry
Welcome House
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Free Store 2025
Wow! Where to begin? Every year we do this, we ask ourselves, is there a need? Will they come? As 40 8th graders from St. Paul’s came out on January 17th to help set up. We were ready. On another very chilly morning they came out. We had the warming bus which kept 60 people warm as they waited to get into St. James Sanctuary space. Once inside the Sanctuary space, they had hot cocoa, then at 9:00am we had 30 guests at a time come downstairs and they were served a delicious breakfast (eggs, biscuit and gravy, sausage, toast, strawberries and yogurt, coffee, OJ and water), from their they were escorted to the shopping area by a personal shopper. We fed and clothed 300 people 80 more than last year. HUGE!!!! We did run out of some items and we are already working for Free Store 2 in June. Thank you so very much each and everyone of you that donated the funds to make this possible and to those of you that put in the man power day of to make this happen. YOU are doing God’s work! – Melissa Rock, Free Store Team
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Children, Youth & Young Adult Ministry | |
Contact Veronica Wiebold for questions about children, youth, or young adult ministries. | |
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Trivia Night
Thank you so much to everyone who joined us for last week’s Trivia Night! We had 121 adults and 15 youth in attendance. A great time was had by all, especially our winners, Team Australia: Sarah and Shawn Murray, Cameron and Allen Rostron, JJ and Tim Danker, Megan and Blake Hodges. You helped us raise funds for St. Andrew’s Youth Ministry and we can’t wait for next year!
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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.
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Nursery (8 wks – 3yrs): Orange doors.
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PreK – 1st grade: Green doors.
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2nd – 4th grade: Red doors.
Serve Sunday School: Are you ready to dive deeper into the community of St. Andrew’s? If you enjoy kids, enjoy playing, and enjoy telling stories... Then helping in the classroom is just for you. Sign up here to serve in either of the Sunday school classes. Signing up 2 times per quarter would be tremendously helpful.
Faith at Home:
We’re excited to continue offering weekly parent pages, available next to the Sunday school sign-in sheets. These resources will keep families informed about what their children are learning and provide opportunities for faith conversations at home.
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As we step into the heart of winter, our youth ministry is buzzing with excitement and anticipation for the events, activities, and opportunities to grow together in faith. Whether we’re hitting the slopes for our upcoming ski trip, gathering for fun fellowship, or diving deep into our February lessons, there’s something for everyone to connect, serve, and have fun with!Get ready for an action-packed month of connection, service, and growth as we continue to explore God’s love and share it with others. We can’t wait to see what God has in store for us this month!
Youth Group Schedule:
February 2: Youth Group, 3:30pm-5:30pm at HJs
February 9: Youth Group, 3:30pm-5:30pm at HJs
February 13-17: St. Andrew’s Youth Ski Trip in Winter Park, CO
February 23: No Youth Group
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Brunch Gatherings: Every third Sunday of the month following the 10:15 AM service. Meet at HJ’s to decide where to go for brunch.
Weekly Meetups: Stay tuned for updates on our weekly gatherings!
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Adult Christian Formation | |
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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.
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St. Andrew's is here for you. | |
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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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Ann
Pat M.
Angela
Grayson
Wyatt
Brittany
Penny
Romo
David P.
Jamie P.
Rose
Destiny
Bill
Bev
Paul
Bryan
Alan
Bart
James
Julie B.
Bill
Torni
Mary S.
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Carolyn H.
Tom G.
Rozzie
Matt
Jen
Rod
Sharon
Janessa
Avery
Baby Angus
Bob
Gail
Beverly
Christine
Patrick
Gretchen
Scout
Allee
Peter
Mary L.
Sabin
Tucker
Scudder Family
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July
Peter
Corny
Quint
Peach
Eric S.
Robert
Katherine
Mary N.
Edie
Taylor M.
Mason & family
Jim
Grant
Carrie
Jerold & Isaac
Laura (Lolly)
Frank
Peggy
DeVette
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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! | |
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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 marketing@standrewkc.org.
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