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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Receive Meaning and Purpose in This Life
A message from Mtr. Jean Long, Associate Rector
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This Sunday at St. Andrew’s will be a full and joyful morning. We’ll celebrate All Saints’ Day, welcome new members through baptism, and reflect on our stewardship theme, receiving meaning and purpose in this life.
All Saints’ Day can sound mysterious and often raises the question: What do Episcopalians believe about saints? Our understanding comes from the early, undivided Church. Before the Reformation, Anglicans honored the same saints as the Roman Catholic Church, the apostles, martyrs, and faithful witnesses whose lives pointed to Christ. During the Reformation, we continued to give thanks for the saints but shifted our focus from invocation to remembrance.
The official teaching of our Church doesn’t include asking saints to intercede for us, yet it also doesn’t forbid it. Many Episcopalians find comfort in asking for the saints’ prayers, just as we might ask a trusted friend to pray for us. Others find meaning simply in giving thanks for their example. What unites us is the belief that the saints, living and departed, remain connected to us in the great communion of love that is the Body of Christ.
We see the saints as companions in faith, ordinary people who lived with courage, compassion, and perseverance. Their stories remind us that holiness isn’t about perfection but about belonging.
That belonging becomes visible this Sunday as we welcome those being baptized. We celebrate not only their place as part of the St. Andrew’s family but also their place in the larger communion of faith that spans generations. Each time we renew our baptismal promises, we remember who we are and how we’re called to live with faith, hope, and love.
Our stewardship theme this week, Receive meaning and purpose in this life, flows directly from that baptismal calling. Meaning isn’t something we chase; it’s something we receive when we live as part of God’s ongoing story, when we give, serve, pray, and love as people who belong to one another. The saints show us what a faithful life can look like, and baptism reminds us that we are invited to live it.
As we celebrate the saints and rejoice with the newly baptized this Sunday, may we each remember our place in that great communion and the purpose we share: to let God’s love be known in the world through the lives we live together.
| | | | 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.
This week, we’re considering how we can receive meaning and purpose in this life. Next Sunday, the focus will be how God blesses us to receive peace the world cannot give.
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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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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Come celebrate All Saints Day at HJ’s, this month honoring our Brew Crew Saints with Special Flavors
This month’s featured drinks:
Monday: St. John and Debby the Blessed—double shot espresso latte—two saints, one perfect balance of heart, joy and java
Tuesday: St. Steve of Steadfast Service—the Command brew—dark espresso with caramel and a shot of courage. “Honor, Duty, Double Shot; Leave no Mug behind.”
Wednesday: St. Porter Beanedict—smooth contemplative cappuccino for morning meditation
Thursday: St. Rich the Roaster—pumpkin spice latte, defender of good taste and clean countertops
Friday: St. John of Dark Roast—fiery dark roast with cayenne cocoa; brave hearts only; converts the unruliest sinner
Saturday: St. Holy Howard of Hazelnut—silky mocha-hazelnut latte that defeats morning demons
Blessed Brew of St. Craig—decaffeinated lavender-honey latte for the holy rest after the workday rush
“Brew unto others as you would have them brew unto you,” Patron Saint of Brew Crew
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Thank you to the Brookside Farmers Market Volunteers
Thank you to all the volunteers who greeted and served coffee at the St. Andrew’s coffee tent at the Brookside Farmers’ Market during the 2025 outdoor season! Your presence at the table has made such a difference in connecting St. Andrew’s to the market shoppers, vendors, and farmers. From regulars who chat with us each Saturday to first time customers and out of town visitors, the warmth and smiles you gave have demonstrated true St. Andrew’s fellowship and connection. Every Saturday, our guests not only thank St. Andrew’s for the great coffee (made by the fantastic indoor Brew Crew), but also for the presence of HJs in our neighborhood and all that St. Andrew’s means to the greater community. We have welcomed people to church, we have engaged with people who long for connection, and we enjoyed the annual pet blessing at the market, too! And, along the way, we have also deepened our connections with each other through this engaging ministry. Thank you for letting blessings flow through you!
The Brookside Farmers’ Market has moved inside for the winter season, and the St. Andrew’s Brew Crew will continue that welcome and warmth until we resume outdoors next spring. If you would like to join in the fun for next year, please reach out to Gina Heise.
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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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Andie’s Pantry & Banneker Fund
Benjamin Banneker Elementary is a Title 1 school, which requires at least 40% of students to qualify for assistance based on financial need. At Banneker, 97% of families qualify, allowing all students to receive free breakfast and lunch. The school provides additional support through a counselor, a restorative justice coordinator, reading and math interventionists, and high-dosage tutoring. Banneker is also designated as a Comprehensive school due to low student academic achievement, a challenge we are committed to improving. Each month, we meet with Dr. Bullard, principal, to learn more about the needs of students and families.
Andie’s Pantry: This program collaborates with Banneker four times a year to help families with the rising cost of groceries. Support options include meeting families at the grocery store to pay for their items, fulfilling specific grocery orders for delivery, or shopping together as a family. STA contributes $175 per grocery visit, with the program funded through generous donations. We currently support over 40 families, benefiting more than 160 children. Increased volunteer participation allows us to expand our reach. Click here to learn more about Andie's Pantry.
The Banneker Fund: This fund assists families facing challenges with utility, rent, or mortgage payments. In partnership with the school, families seeking help connect with school adminsitrators, who coordinates requests with STA. The fund provides $300 every six months, once per year, paid directly to the service provider. Assistance is available only once per year per family. Click here to give online.
Teacher & Staff Support: The teachers and administrators at Banneker are devoted to the well being of their students, and we think it is important to support them in their work. We provide teacher appreciation treats several times a year, encouragement, and support behavior initiatives, including the Bulldog Bookstore.
If you are interested in supporting or want to learn more, please contact Melissa Rock at 913-226-7448, or Allison Fikejs.
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Gordon Parks Trunk or Treat
St. Andrew’s sponsored “trunk” at the Gordon Parks halloween event was an evening of fun and laughs, especially when we were frightened by the Scream Ghost, Travis Saak!! Thanks to Tim Dodderidge, Alyssa Redmond, Ashley Gall, Greyson Gall, Janna Hoffpauer and Melissa Rock for planning and distributing candy on a cool Friday evening!
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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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New 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 Evan Short (bassoon), 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.
***No Youth Group: November 2nd
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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!
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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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