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; and, on this seventh day of Holy Week, our Lord rested. Two thousand years ago, Jesus’ friends knew terror and baffling grief on this day. Their leader had been executed, and they might well have been next. But on this 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 new Christians, 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 an instrumental ensemble, 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?
Well, then our life of sharing in Jesus’ resurrection begins. Throughout the Easter season, which runs through the first week of June, we’ll be exploring this big question: How do I follow Jesus in this secular age? Our guide for the journey will be writer and Bishop Jake Owensby and his book A Full-Hearted Life. We’ll offer a St. Andrew’s Book Club, open to all, on Thursdays from 6 to 7 p.m. at HJ’s, starting this week, to talk about how choosing the life Jesus offers—rather than the stories our culture tries to sell us—is what gives us life, now and eternally. As Owensby writes, “We all want to lead a full-hearted life. To have a sense of who we are, that we are being true to ourselves, and that what we do in this world matters. To be passionate about a purpose, to have genuine relationships with others, and to take joy in being alive” (xiv). Sounds like resurrection to me! So, I hope you’ll read the book and join us for the Thursday-night book club, in person or on Zoom, when you can. We’ll have copies you can pick up at church after our Easter services ($15 suggested gift; you can leave cash or a check in the basket, or you can give via Venmo, St. Andrew’s Connect, or your ChurchLife app). Or, of course, feel free to order the book yourself.
Below, you’ll see several more ways during Easter season that you can follow Jesus in this secular age. Join us for Episcopal 101 between the services on Sundays. Explore Anglican and Episcopal history on Friday mornings. Bless students and teachers by supporting our partner school in Haiti at a wonderful party on May 4. Connect with people at the opening of our next art exhibition at HJ’s on May 9.
Like the springtime flowers around us, it’s time for your full-hearted life to blossom.
| | | | Call our toll-free number 800-808-1625 to listen to worship on your phone! | | |
Did you know the 50 days following Easter make up a season in the Church called Eastertide? It begins on Easter Day and ends on Pentecost—a time to notice where resurrected life is showing up in our day-to-day lives, in our relationships, and in the world around us.
Resurrection isn’t just something that happened to Jesus. It continues to unfold in us—as we live, love, grieve, hope, and begin again—calling us to live as people of hope and courage. That’s why the liturgical color for Eastertide is white—symbolizing the light, joy, and life of Christ that continues in and through each of us.
At St. Andrew’s, this Easter season, we are boldly asking the question: How do I follow Jesus in this secular age?
The answer? Not with easy answers, but with honesty, curiosity, and the courage to explore what faithful living really looks like right now.
One way we’re diving into that question together is by reading A Full-Hearted Life: How to Live Like Jesus in This Secular Age, by Jake Owensby (an Episcopal bishop)
Each week, we’re gathering on Thursday evenings for a conversation around the themes of the book. It’s not a class. It’s not a lecture. It’s a relaxed, come-as-you-are gathering—open to anyone who's ever wondered how faith fits into real life. No prep required (other than reading a chapter, if you can). Light snacks provided. Bring a drink or something to share if you’d like.
Books are available in the narthex—grab one after the service. Click here to sign up – no RSVP required.
There are more ways to explore the question, too.
Throughout Eastertide, we’re offering opportunities to learn, connect, and bless—practical ways to keep living a full-hearted life and following Jesus in this secular age.
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Connect
Conversations with Clergy
Sign up for a one-on-one conversation with a clergy member to explore what it means to follow Jesus in today’s world.
The Backporch Alliance
Join us around the firepit on Wednesday nights for relaxed conversation, community, and spiritual curiosity.
Art Opening at HJ’s: This Is America
Experience a powerful group photography exhibition exploring the people, places, and stories that shape our country.
The Open Door
Come for a casual evening of conversation with clergy and ministry leaders to connect and discover your place at St. Andrew’s.
This Is Church, Too
Get involved in fun, interest-based summer groups that bring people together to move, create, nurture, explore, and gather in community.
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Learn
Episcopal 101
A six-week introduction to Episcopal beliefs, practices, and community life—great for newcomers and longtime members alike.
A Full-Hearted Life: Book Discussion
Join a casual weekly discussion on what it means to follow Jesus today, using A Full-Hearted Life as our guide—no prep needed.
Anglican Studies: From Anglican Roots to the Episcopal Church
Dive into the rich history of the Episcopal Church and its Anglican heritage in this Friday morning study series.
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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!
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GPES Chromebook Fundraiser
For the past few years, your generosity has provided uniforms and books to every student at Gordon Parks Elementary School. This has truly made a difference to 150 children!
This year, we will expand our fundraiser to include a contribution towards the purchase of Chromebooks (laptops) for students to use at school. Investing in this technology will allow students to continue to benefit from a cutting-edge STEAM program and support project-based learning. The cost for one Chromebook is $100, and a full uniform is $25, any support we can provide to offset these costs will be greatly appreciated by the school.
Thank you for supporting the amazing students at Gordon Parks Elementary School. We invite you to see for yourself! Watch a video from KSHB here.
Send a Venmo gift to @StAndrews-EpiscopalChurch. Be sure to notate your intention for the gift.
Have questions or want more information? Please contact Karen Lundgren (kjlundgren0593@gmail.com)
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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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Supporting Fr. John
Dear Friends,
Many of you have approached Altar Guild members to see how you can support Father John during his bereavement of his beloved Ann. In response, Altar Guild has created a sign up genius that provides how, when, where, and what to do to offer Father John a small measure of comfort. All St. Andrew’s members are invited to sign up. Visit the sign up genius here, and create a sign up genius account if you don’t already have one.
Please reach out to Jessica Marien, on behalf of the Altar Guild, with any questions (please text at 202-210-7398).
| | 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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Trinity Guild Meeting & Luncheon
The ladies of the Trinity Guild invite all women of the church (and their guests) to come to our April lunch on Thursday, the 24th. We will be having a speaker from the Lakeside Nature Center, who will be bringing along some animals to show us. We will be meeting at 10:30 am. Members are asked to please bring in items for the Mother’s Day baskets for the Rose Brooks Center. And the April meeting is the last meeting to bring in miscellaneous unwanted gold/silver to go to the refinery to be turned into cash for our outreach projects. Please RSVP to Meg Townsend.
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An Update from the Outreach Commission
Recent federal grant and program funding adjustments have impacted many public programs, especially in the non-profit sector. We reached out to our Outreach partner organizations to collect details on the immediate and potential future impacts of these funding adjustments. While some of our partner organizations have already experienced significant changes in their programs and staff, others have yet to see a shift. While we don’t know what the future will bring, we want to share a few messages we have received directly from some of our partnerships.
JVS
“A federal decision has eliminated vital funding for refugee resettlement, leaving families without access to essential services and financial support for basic needs. The U.S. Department of State's abrupt termination of grant agreements nationwide has created an urgent crisis.” This has impacted programming, and staffing as JVS has had to lay off many of their leadership and direct service staff members to re-direct funding to urgent needs. They have started an emergency campaign to be able to cover housing and other living costs for their clients. More information can be found here.
Nourish KC
“As you know, the federal government’s decision to cut $500 million from The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is already having a devastating impact on organizations like ours. These funds were a critical lifeline for our Community Kitchen and pantry operations, helping us provide thousands of fresh, nutritious meals each week to Kansas City’s most vulnerable residents.
Without this support, we are forced to do more with less—fewer resources, more empty plates, and a growing number of neighbors in need. In Missouri alone, nearly 1 million people—including over 250,000 children—are facing food insecurity. These cuts are happening at a time when demand for our services is higher than ever due to rising food costs, inflation, and the end of emergency SNAP allotments. We remain committed to being a consistent and dependable source of hope and nourishment. But without restored or alternative funding, the consequences are very real.” More information about this emerging situation can be found here.
Rose Brooks
“While we have yet to receive any budget cuts, we are bracing ourselves for the inevitable. 50% of Rose Brooks annual budget comes directly from or funnels though federal funding. Our largest grant, Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) covers all or part of 70% of our direct service employees. Any cut to this grant will significantly impact on our ability to maintain current staffing levels. And this is only one of several grants that we receive that comes through Federal dollars.”
We continue to monitor the situation with our schools and other community partners that receive federal funding. When we have more information about these impacts, we will be sure to keep the parish up to date.
| | 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.
*Click Here for the April Children & Youth Ministry Newsletter*
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Youth Group Schedule
April 20 (Easter): No Youth Group, Happy Easter!
April 27: Pet Ministry Project at HJs, 3:30-5pm
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.
- Senior Picture
- High School
- Post High School Plans
- Favorite memory of St. Andrew’s
*Click Here for the April Children & 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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Art
Hershel
Andrew
Bennett
Hattie
Rodger
Penny
Gilles
Bertrand
Phyllis Anne
Vesper
Eric
Paulette
Mikeala
Pat M.
Angela
Grayson
Wyatt
Brittany
Penny
Romo
David P.
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Rose
Jamie P.
Destiny
Bill
Bev
Paul
Bryan
Alan
James
Julie B.
Bill
Torni
Mary S.
Carolyn H.
Tom G.
Rozzie
Matt
Jen
Rod
Sharon
Janessa
Avery
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Bob
Christine
Gail
Beverly
Patrick
Gretchen
Scout
Allee
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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