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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Holiday Comfort and Joy
A message from Mtr. Rita Kendagor, Assistant Rector
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The holidays are upon us. With Thanksgiving being less than two weeks away, we are already being inundated with Black Friday advertisements, and Christmas music can be heard throughout the aisles of some stores. So, this article is highlighting some of the upcoming events which will occur at St. Andrews - events which we hope will serve to support many of you as you navigate your way through the holidays.
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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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Holiday Taize Series – Taize prayer services are comprised of silence and song, candlelight and stillness, prayer, and meditation. The mind calms and the soul opens up. God speaks and the heart hears. All are welcome.
*A Thanksgiving Taize Worship – November 18th.
*Advent Taize Worships – December 2nd & December 16th.
All Taize services will start at 6:00 PM and will be at St. Andrew's in the nave.
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Quiet Hearts, Quiet Minds – An Advent Retreat – Treat yourself to an experience of spiritual tranquility in the midst of the holiday chaos.
Date: Saturday, December 6th
Place: St. Andrew's Jewell Room
Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
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Advent Study Series – beginning Nov 30th, meeting between Sunday services. Please see the Messenger/Bulletin for details.
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Parish Christmas party and Choir concert – December 14th –More info is forthcoming. This is always an evening of fun, good food and excellent music.
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Multiple worship opportunities: Starting with the upcoming St. Andrew’s Sunday on Nov 23 (bagpipes included). There are times of worship on Thanksgiving morning and Christmas morning. Also of course will be the marathon of Christmas Eve worships and programs. Please refer to upcoming bulletins and newsletters for further information.
While we know that everyone cannot do everything, it is our hope that something on this events list will meet a need or serve as a source of joy and encouragement.
| | | | Call our toll-free number 800-808-1625 to listen to worship on your phone! | | |
Stewardship Season: Giving & Receiving – Let Blessings Flow
Our stewardship season is underway! This six-week sermon series invites us to deepen our faith and grow as stewards of God’s abundant blessings. Together, we’re exploring stories of healing, gratitude, humility, and hope — discovering what it means to both give and receive from God.
Each household should have received a devotional booklet written by our clergy, vestry, and staff, with daily reflections and prayers to guide us through the season. As we journey together, we’re invited to practice gratitude, generosity, and trust in God’s provision. If you haven’t received a devotional guide, please let the office know so we can update your contact information. And feel free to take a booklet in the entryway.
Last week, we reflected on how we receive peace the world cannot give. This week, we turn our attention to how we receive God’s blessings in this life—recognizing the many ways grace flows through us and into the world.
Our theme, Giving & Receiving: Let Blessings Flow, reminds us that when we live with open hands and hearts, God’s grace moves through us, blessing our lives and the world around us.
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This Sunday’s Featured Artist: Omri Barak, Trumpet
10:15 a.m. Service
Join us this Sunday as we welcome Omri Barak, Associate Principal and Second Trumpet of the Kansas City Symphony Orchestra, as our Featured Artist at the 10:15 a.m. service.
Music has been part of Omri’s life since age four, when an ear-training game sparked his early love for sound and melody. He went on to study at the Curtis Institute of Music and Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music, and has performed with the Pittsburgh, St. Louis, and Chicago Symphony Orchestras. Before joining the Kansas City Symphony for the 2025–26 season, he served as Principal Trumpet of the Allentown Symphony and Acting Second Trumpet with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.
When he’s not performing, Omri enjoys brewing coffee, playing chess, exploring new restaurants, and solving crossword puzzles.
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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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United Thank Offering
Don’t forget to count your blessings - in a UTO Blue Box!
The United Thank Offering (UTO) began in 1889 through the efforts of Episcopal women who wanted to express gratitude through daily prayer and giving. What started as a few coins dropped into small “Blue Boxes” has grown into a worldwide ministry that supports grants meeting human needs across the globe.
Each time you add a coin to your Blue Box, you’re offering a tangible thank-you to God for the blessings in your life. Boxes are available in the narthex—take one home, place it somewhere visible, and make giving thanks a daily habit. Then bring your filled or partially filled Blue Box to church on Sunday, November 23, as we celebrate United Thank Offering Sunday together.
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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, 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. | |  | |
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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November Connecting Community Turkey Fundraiser
This November, we will distribute holiday meal kits as part of our Connecting Community event with St. James Church. A $50 donation will provide one family a complete holiday meal kit including turkey and a variety of classic sides.
To contribute:
- Write a check to St. Andrew’s (memo: November Connecting Community)
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Give online at standrewkc.org/give and select “designated”- typing “November Connecting Community” as the memo.
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Give with Venmo to @StAndrews-EpiscopalChurch.
Donations are needed by November 11th to help underwrite the cost of the meal kits. More information to come about this event and how to get involved.
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FRIENDSHIP CIRCLES COULD OPEN 3 NEW CIRCLES
“What our moms most need is a friend to share sorrows and victories with”, insisted Sr. Berta!
Each Circle, an Operation Breakthrough Mom or Dad and her/his children together with 2 or more middle class mentors, is
formed to build a friendship bridging societal barriers. Expert support comes from Operation Breakthrough’s social worker and from existing Circles. The
mentors are not bankers, or counselors, or life guides. To every currently active mentor their discovery is, “It is I who has received the greatest blessing!"
We’re ready to form three new Circles—just one man and two women are needed to get them started. Please contact either Karen Lundgren, 913 269-1412, or Dorothy Curry, 816 365-4583 for any clarification.
Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ Galatians 6:2
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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
The Friday-morning Christian History class is taking up Revelations: Visions, Prophecy, and Politics in the Book of Revelation by Elaine Pagels. This five-week study will explore Revelation’s historical context and the many ways it has been interpreted and used throughout Christian history. Together, we’ll look at how this powerful and often-misunderstood book has inspired hope, sparked debate, and shaped theology for centuries.
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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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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Thursday Offering: Learning to Love Our Enemies
Join us this Thursday, for our new series: Loving Our Enemies. Together, we’ll explore what Scripture, theology, and Christian ethics teach about loving those with whom we disagree—and how we can practice civil conversation rooted in curiosity, compassion, and respect. Gather with us Thursdays, Oct. 23–Nov. 20 (no class Nov. 13), 6–7:15 p.m. at HJ’s, as we reflect, listen, and grow together in Christlike love.
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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 Omri Barak (trumpet), 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.
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We're currently refreshing our approach to 20s & 30s programming!
Sunday calendar offerings will pause while we explore new formats to better serve our young adult community. Stay tuned for fellowship opportunities and social gatherings later this fall!
| | Adult Christian Formation | | |
Loving Our Enemies
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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History of the Book of Revelation
Fridays, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Library
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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Katie
Kaden
Penny
Cheryl
Maggie R.
Larry S.
Kathleen S.
Tom
Carol
Gretchen
Andrew
Dennis
Amanda
Stefani
Steve
Frances
Tim
Carolyn H.
Bret
Robbie
Jack
Rozzie
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Cindy
Thomas
Shana
Ernestine
Adrienne
Alexis
Sandy
Susie
Brian
Haley
Kent & Nora
Donna
Tucker
Matthew
Don
Linny
Moses
Reed
Marion
Abby
Peter
Gail
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Sue
Don
Judy
Mark
Alan
Shannon
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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