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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It’s Almost Easter! Then What?
A message from Fr. John Spicer, Rector
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It’s Holy Saturday morning. On this seventh day of Holy Week 2,000 years ago, our Lord rested in the tomb; but for Jesus’ friends, this must have been a day of unending night. Their leader had been executed, and they might well have been next. But on that Holy Saturday, the creation knew better. The spring flowers and blossoming trees were waiting “with eager longing” (Romans 8:19) for the Lord of heaven and earth to be revealed, redeeming creation and each of us.
In that kind of expectancy, we’ll gather tonight at 7 p.m. for the Easter Vigil to witness the light of Christ defeating the darkness of sin and death. One of our Scouts will light a new fire, and from it we’ll light the new paschal candle. We’ll bear Jesus’ inextinguishable light into the darkened church and hear highlights of the salvation story, baptize a new Christian, await the rumble of resurrection, and celebrate the first Eucharist of Easter. The Lord will be risen, indeed.
Then, tomorrow morning, we’ll mark Jesus’ victory with two nearly identical Easter-morning celebrations at 8 and 10:15 a.m. Both will feature our stunning choir and a chamber orchestra, as well as your chance to sing Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus with gusto. The only difference will be what’s in the air, literally: We won’t use incense at 8 a.m., but we will at 10:15 a.m. And, following the second service, the kids can enjoy the annual Easter-egg hunt in the church yard (or in the building, if it’s raining).
And then what? Step into the power of resurrection in your own life. In this newsletter, you’ll find a guide to all the ways you can grow spiritually at St. Andrew’s this Eastertide, but here are a few highlights:
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Watch your mailbox for the next edition of our devotional series, Five Minutes With God. The Eastertide edition follows the same format as in Lent—daily excerpts from the four readings appointed for the coming Sunday, along with a rich question to help you think and pray about how Jesus’ resurrection affects you. The devotional guide is designed for individual use, and our new Companion Groups are using the daily reflections to spur conversation in their monthly meetings, too.
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Check out our new Easter-season class, I Will, With God’s Help. At every baptism, we renew our Baptismal Covenant, those promises to continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, resist evil and repent from it, share good news in word and deed, seek and serve Christ in all people, and strive for justice and peace. The words are easy to say, but the challenge comes in living them out—especially given the divisions we see in our world, our country, even our families. In this class, we’ll share our experience with making those promises real, as well as the joy that comes with a well-lived life. The class meets at 6 p.m. on Thursdays for six weeks, beginning April 16.
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Ever wonder about the colors, holy days, and symbols that mark the seasons we observe in worship? Find out more in our new Christian-history offering, Welcome to the Church Year. The class meets at 10:30 a.m. on Fridays, in person or online, from April 17 through May 22.
Easter means so much more than a worship service. In fact, it’s nothing less than our way of life. Like the women coming to the empty tomb, we just need a little help to make our eager longing for new life a real thing.
| | | | Call our toll-free number 800-808-1625 to listen to worship on your phone! | | Easter is not only something we celebrate for one day. It’s a way of life we follow in the days ahead. And like any beginning, it raises a question: What does this look like in my life? At St. Andrew’s, Easter living takes shape over time through community, learning, and prayer. | | |
Find Community
Companion Groups
Small groups that meet regularly in homes, coffee shops, or at church for conversation, prayer, and support.
20s & 30s
A community for young adults navigating work, relationships, and life.
- Discussion group at HJ’s after the 10:15 a.m. service
- Monthly brunch (third Sundays)
- Social gatherings and service opportunities
Back Porch Alliance (Weds., 6:00 p.m., HJ’s patio)
With no agenda but friendship, no work but to bring your preferred beverage (and, if you like, a snack to share), parishioners gather around the fire pit for fellowship.
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Learn & Reflect
Sunday Mornings
Christian Journey (9:00–10:00 a.m., Auxiliary Room & Zoom)
A book discussion exploring theology and spiritual life
Café 9:15 (9:15–10:00 a.m., Undercroft & Zoom)
A relaxed conversation about the Sunday Scripture readings
During the Week
Men’s Lectionary Group (Thursdays, 7:30 a.m., HJ’s)
Discussion of the upcoming Sunday Scripture readings
Christian History Class (Fridays, April 17–May 22, 10:30 a.m., Church Library) We’ll explore the meaning of the Church year using Welcome to the Church Year by Vicki K. Black. Together, we’ll look at how the Church’s seasons, symbols, and traditions developed over time—and how they continue to shape how we live our faith today. Books may be purchased online, or copies will be available in the church office for $20 beginning April 9. Please read Chapters 1–2 before April 17.
I Will, With God’s Help (Thursdays, April 16–May 21, 6:00 p.m., HJ’s)
At every baptism, we renew our Baptismal Covenant. The words are familiar—but living them out is not always easy. In a divided world, the call to this covenant can feel difficult. We’ll gather to name those challenges honestly and explore how we might live into the covenant with greater clarity and intention.
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Pray & Be Still
Sacred Spaces (Tues., 6:00-6:30 p.m., HJ’s & online)
A weekly time for silence, centering prayer, and meditation (4th Tuesdays include a short teaching and discussion)
Sacred Spaces Book Discussion (2nd Tues., 6:30-7:30 p.m.)
Conversation on contemplative spiritual practice
Yoga (Thursdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m., HJ’s)
A gentle, reflective practice connecting movement, breath, and awareness
Seasonal Retreats and Taizé Worship
Additional opportunities for reflection, including the Practicing the Presence of God retreat May 29-31 (more info below).
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On Your Own
Five Minutes With God
A daily devotional to help you reflect on Scripture and notice how resurrection is taking shape for you every day. Copies are available in the entryway.
The Good Book Club
Make your way through the most vital parts of the Bible with a daily email or text from St. Andrew’s. It offers a one-line summary followed by a brief reading from the scriptures. Sign up through the Connect Card.
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Children & Youth
Children’s Sunday School (Birth–4th Grade)
• Offered during the 10:15 a.m. service
• Story, prayer, music, and creative activity
• Nursery care available
• All volunteers are background-checked
Youth Group (Grades 5–12)
• Middle School: 4:30–5:30 p.m.
• High School: 6:00–7:00 p.m.
• Middle school and high school youth groups offered on alternate weeks.
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Ready to Get Started?
Whether you are new or have been at St. Andrew’s for a while, take any of these simple steps: fill out a Connect Card and tell us what you’re interested in exploring, text GUEST to 816-312-5152, or pick up a Connect Card at the Welcome Table after the service. Questions about any of these offerings? Contact Mtr. Jean Long at jean@standrewkc.org. You don’t have to figure this out on your own. We’d be glad to walk with you as you take your next step into resurrection.
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Welcome Deacon Janette
The Rev. Janette Platter is serving a six-month internship at St. Andrew’s after her ordination to the diaconate (transitionally) in February. Deacon Janette is a healthcare chaplain and is passionate about spiritual formation and care. She currently serves at manager of spiritual wellness at Bishop Spencer Place, the retirement community on the Plaza founded by our diocese. Because of that role, which includes her leading worship at BSP most Sunday mornings, she will be present for St. Andrew’s worship primarily at 8 a.m. Deacon Janette is married to Jonathan and mom to Hildie, Julian, and three cats. The family moved to Kansas City in 2021 after living in England for five years, where Deacon Janette and Jonathan became parents and Anglicans. They are avid KC Current fans and local bookstore aficionados. God willing and the people consenting, Deacon Janette will be ordained to the priesthood in August, at which time her internship at St. Andrew’s will come to an end.
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Volunteer at Our Brookside Farmers' Market Coffee Tent
St. Andrew's is once again hosting a coffee tent during the Brookside Farmers' Market 2026 outdoor season, held every Saturday morning from April 11 to October 31 at the HJs Community Center parking lot. Please join us as often as your schedule allows, whether once or twice during the season or as a regular volunteer. Enjoy coffee and conversation while building community with the market farmers, guests, and each other! We are looking for volunteers to serve coffee and start conversations 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. To sign up contact Gina Heise or sign-up here. Thank you!
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Contemplative Ministries Commission
Rooted in the ancient Christian traditions and guided by the wisdom of the mystics, the Contemplative Ministries Commission at St. Andrew’s seeks to nurture a community centered in the transforming presence of God. We aim to cultivate stillness, inner healing, and holy attentiveness, encouraging all people to awaken to their true identity in God and to the sacredness of all creation.
Weekly Offerings
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Sacred Spaces, a time of community and centering prayer or meditation, is held weekly on Tuesdays from 6-6:30 at HJ’S Youth & Community Center. A virtual option is also available. On 4th Tuesdays, the time of prayer and meditation is followed by a brief talk and discussion.
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Sacred Spaces Book Discussion, following Sacred Spaces on 2nd Tuesdays from 6:30 to 7:30.
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Yoga, Thursdays, 5:30 - 6:30, at HJ’s Youth & Community Center, join us for a gentle, slow-flow yoga, focusing on mindful stretching, strengthening, and breathing. Yoga can help us shift our attention to internal exploration and become a tool for spiritual growth. We strive to embody a “peace that passes understanding,” offering spaces of silence and spiritual companionship.
We invite all into the journey from self-preoccupation to communion, from fragmentation to wholeness, and from contemplation to action. For more information, contact Mtr Rita Kendagor or vestry liaison, Ann Holliday.
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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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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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Haiti Fundraiser Save the Date
Join us on April 26th for a cocktail party at HJ’s Youth and Community Center benefitting St. Augustin School in Maniche, Haiti. All donations collected will be used to fund the lunch program that our students rely on. Enjoy a cocktail, a light bite, and hear updates about the lives of the students at St. Augustin. Click the image above to RSVP.
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Practicing the Presence of God Retreat
May 29–31, 2026 | Savior Pastoral Center (Kansas City, KS)
Join St. Andrew’s Contemplative Ministries Commission for a two-night guided silent retreat led by Rev. Canon Lisa Senuta, centered on the teachings of Brother Lawrence.
This retreat offers gentle guidance into silence, communal prayer, reflection, and spiritual direction—whether it’s your first silent retreat or a familiar practice. Come experience rest, community, and a deeper awareness of God’s presence in daily life.
Details:
• Begins Friday, May 29 at 5 p.m. (check-in 3–5 p.m.); concludes Sunday at noon
• $250/per person, single accommodation; $210/per person, double accommodation, includes meals.
• Simple accommodations with private baths (Strecker Suites)
Participants are asked to attend the full weekend. Click here to sign up or learn more.
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Trinity Guild Meeting & Luncheon
Thursday, April 23, 10:30 a.m., St. Andrew’s Jewell Room
The ladies of the Trinity Guild invite you to the next luncheon on Thurs, April 23 at 10:30am. Our speaker will be Martha Breckenridge, who will tell us the history of the beautiful stained glass windows in our church. Please RSVP to Jean Kiene.
| | 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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April
- Apr 5 – Easter Weekend (No Youth Group) - Youth help needed for Easter Egg Hunt between services
- Apr 12 – High School Youth Group | 6:00–7:00 PM
- Apr 19 – Middle School Youth Group | 4:30–5:30 PM
- Apr 19 – Leadership Interviews | 12:00–4:00 PM
- Apr 26 – Acolyte Training | 11:30 AM–1:00 PM
- Apr 26 – High School Outreach Day (Haiti Project) | 6:00–7:00 PM
- Apr 28–30 – Haiti Project Prep | 3:00–6:00 PM
For questions about youth ministry, leadership roles, or events, please contact: Veronica Wiebold, Veronica@standrewkc.org
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The 20s and 30s are often a time of change and growth. In the midst of busy schedules and life transitions, this group gathers to build friendships, explore faith, and share life together through conversation, laughter, and service.
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Weekly Discussion Group: Meets after the 10:15 a.m. service at HJ’s Community Center to reflect on the week’s Gospel reading and sermon.
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Third Sunday Brunch: On the third Sunday of each month, the group gathers after the 10:15 a.m. service for brunch. Participants meet in the Jewell Room before heading to a nearby restaurant for an informal time of connection.
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Game Nights & Social Events: Game Nights are held every other month on the fourth Saturday at 7:00 p.m. at HJ’s (next one in April). On alternating months, the group gathers for other social events at varying times and locations.
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Service Opportunities: Members regularly volunteer with the Free Store ministries and participate in other service opportunities at church and in the wider community throughout the year.
For more information or to get connected, contact Tim Dodderidge, 20s/30s Vestry Liaison.
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Adult Spiritual Growth
"We have a policy of not limiting the theological reflection of St. Andrew's members. Groups don't have to get their materials approved by a central authority; in fact, we actively encourage members to start discussion groups that come from different perspectives. That's the Episcopal way." - Fr. John Spicer, Rector
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Café 9:15
Sunday morning, 9:15-10 a.m.
Christian Journey
Sunday, 8:45-10 a.m.
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Good Book Club
Daily
Men's Lectionary Group
Thursday, 7:30-8:30 a.m.
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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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Michael
Steve S.
Frances
Rozzie
Bobbie
Helen
Marie
Mike
Becca
Hans
Tucker
Nancy
Cory
Abby
Thaddeus
Bill
Melina
Steve H.
Gail
Peter
Corbin
Carol
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Austin
Joanna
Frances
Steve
Wendy
Scott
Allie
Rick
Walt
Katie
Bennett
Quincie
Dick O.
Erin K.
Sally
CC
Elizabeth
Katie
Kaden
Penny
Maggie R.
Larry S.
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Kathleen S.
Tom
Carol
Gretchen
Andrew
Dennis
Amanda
Stefani
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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