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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Remembering Episcopal History During Black History Month
A message from Mtr. Rita Kendagor, Assistant Rector
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Absalom Jones, the first Black person to be ordained a priest in the Episcopal Church, is commemorated on the Episcopal calendar on Feb. 13, the day he died in 1818. Born into slavery, Jones was sold away from his mother and siblings at the age of 16. As a young man, Jones was an abolitionist and a lay minister to the Black members at St. George’s Methodist Church in Philadelphia. St. George’s was integrated with White congregants and freed Blacks. When the policy at St. George’s changed to exclude Blacks from certain seats in the church, the Black members left that church.
Eventually, Jones was instrumental in starting and providing leadership for the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas. The church was incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 1796. Bishop William White ordained Jones as deacon in 1795 and as priest on Sept. 21, 1802. (https://houseofdeputies.org/2018/01/30/new-biography-absalom-jones/) And to this day, the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas is a viable and thriving congregation in Philadelphia.
This is a part of the history of the Episcopal Church that cannot and should not be forgotten. We need to remember that there were once members of the Episcopal Church who were slaves and freed people. We need to remember that in more than one diocese, Episcopal clergy were allotted a certain number of slaves as a part of their salary and upkeep. We need to remember that in this Episcopal Church, there was a time when Black congregations did not have a voice or vote at the General Convention.
So today, we are grateful for the leadership and striving of Fr. Absalom Jones. Many of us are standing on his shoulders. The Episcopal Church has come a long way and, with God’s help, will continue to grow into a more inclusive church. Let us pray:
Set us free, heavenly Father, from every bond of prejudice and fear; that, honoring the steadfast courage of your servant Absalom Jones, we show forth in our lives the reconciling love and true freedom of God, which you have given us in your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (Lesser Feasts & Fasts, Church Publishing, 2018)
The diocesan Absalom Jones Eucharist will be celebrated this Sunday, Feb. 15, at 4 p.m. at St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church, 2732 Benton Blvd., Kansas City, MO.
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HJ’s Café Closed After Security Issues
Following several security issues at HJ’s last week, HJ’s Café will be closed Monday through Friday for the time being. We’ve seen more guests at the café in need of services beyond the scope of what our hospitality can provide, and last week several visitors’ behaviors put others at risk. These included one guest injecting himself with illegal drugs in the restroom, two guests having drug-related reactions requiring emergency medical services, a woman claiming that another guest assaulted her, and guests seeming to be suffering from delusions. Although we’ve had a security guard at HJ’s during café hours, neither he nor other church staff have the training or resources to deal with situations like these, which put the safety and well-being of HJ’s guests, volunteers, and staff at risk. We’ve encountered these situations only during café hours (not when the building is being used by outside groups or church ministries) and only on weekdays (not during café service at the Brookside Farmer’s Market on Saturdays). So, HJ’s Café will remain closed through the end of February, opening only for the Brookside Farmer’s Market on Feb. 14 and 28; and other activities at HJ’s will proceed as usual. In the meantime, staff and ministry leaders will discern how we can best pursue HJ’s mission of connecting with and serving our neighbors safely.
– Fr. John
| | Call our toll-free number 800-808-1625 to listen to worship on your phone! | | |
What is the Season of Lent?
Lent is a 40-day journey of reflection and renewal, rooted in Jesus’ time in the wilderness, that invites us to step away from distractions and ask deeper questions: Who am I, and who is God calling me to be? In the Episcopal Church, we mark this season with purple, a color that symbolizes reflection, transformation, and the deep work of the soul. Lent isn’t just about giving something up; it’s about making space for prayer, self-examination, and acts of love. Wherever you are on your spiritual path, Lent isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about showing up, asking the questions, and letting God meet you on the journey.
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Lenten Sermon Series: Following Jesus Together
In our Sunday Scripture readings this Lent, we’ll hear some of the greatest stories about Jesus: standing up to Satan in the wilderness, teaching the experts how to live by the Spirit, seeing deeply into the Samaritan woman’s heart, giving sight to a man born blind, and raising Lazarus from the dead. How can we follow where Jesus is leading us? When we try to travel alone, we’re more likely to get lost or stumble on the rocks along the path. But when we turn to those alongside us, the way becomes much more clear … and more life-giving. Through the Sundays of Lent, we’ll find the path Jesus is setting before us, consider how we might be tempted to stray, and give thanks for the companions God gives us on the way.
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Companion Groups: Life Shared, Faith Explored
Many of us are living with questions that don’t resolve quickly, questions about faith, about Scripture, and about how to live faithfully in a complicated and changing world. For some, long-held assumptions feel less certain. For others, faith feels active and alive, but unfinished, still asking something of us.
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus meets the deepest questions of faith and life not by sending people off on their own, but by gathering them together. He forms disciples through shared life, conversation, and presence, walking with them as they listen, question, and learn along the way. That same invitation to live and discern together remains open to us today.
Beginning in Lent, St. Andrew’s will offer Companion Groups, small groups that will gather monthly to reflect on Scripture and on how faith is intersecting with everyday life. Between gatherings, participants will spend time with Scripture using shared reflection prompts provided by the church. Group meetings will offer space for reflection, listening, and prayer.
Details at a glance:
Adults, middle school-aged youth, and high school-aged youth at St. Andrew’s are invited to take part in shared reflection and conversation. Groups will begin meeting in March and will gather monthly. Sign-ups are open now through the First Sunday of Lent.
How to sign up:
Fill out a sign-up form here, complete a paper sign-up form available in the narthex, or contact Mtr. Jean at jean@standrewkc.org.
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Lenten Devotional: Five Minutes With God
Coming soon: Our Lenten devotional, Five Minutes With God, invites you into a simple, meaningful daily practice without adding burden to your plate. With brief readings and reflection questions, the guide helps you engage Scripture, prepare for Sunday worship, and grow in relationship with God—both in personal prayer and through conversation with others. Watch your mailbox for your copy as we begin our Lenten journey together.
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Lenten Study Opportunity
Do you have a love–hate relationship with Lent? Are you looking for something deeper than a “giving up chocolate” approach? Join us for a four-week Lenten exploration of spiritual practices from The Sacred Way: Spiritual Practices for Everyday Life. Together, we’ll reflect on Sacred Reading, the Daily Office, the Ignatian Examen, and a different kind of fasting—practices designed to nurture spiritual growth in everyday life.
When: Sundays, Feb. 22, Mar. 1, Mar. 8, and Mar. 15, 9:15–10:00 a.m.
Where: St. Andrew’s (location TBA)
Who: Limited to the first 24 participants
Leader: Carolyn Johnson
To participate and receive a free copy of the book, sign up after church at the desk near the Jewell Room or email Carolyn Johnson at carolyn.swede@gmail.com.
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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. On March 10, Open Mind, Open Heart by Thomas Keating will be discussed.
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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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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 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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Winter Free Store 2026
Thank you to everyone who helped make Winter Free Store 2026 a success! Through the generosity of our parish and volunteers, we served 350 people and experienced a joyful day of community and care.
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Trinity Guild Meeting and Luncheon
You are cordially invited to join the ladies of the Trinity Guild for our next luncheon meeting on Thursday, Feb.26th at 10:30am. Our speaker this month will be a representative from the historic Union Cemetery. Come and learn about the place where many of KC’s early residents are buried. RSVP to jtk810@aol.com.
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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 Elena Lence Talley (clarinet). Learn more at standrewkc.org/music.
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Friday Christian History Class
The Friday-morning Christian History class is currently exploring The Book of Common Prayer: A Biography by Alan Jacobs and welcomes participants to join at any time.
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.
| | 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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All Youth Spring Kickoff – February 22
All middle and high school youth are invited to our Spring Kickoff on Sunday, February 22, from 4:30–5:30 p.m. at HJ’s Community Center. This gathering marks the start of our spring programming and will include a preview of what’s ahead, time for conversation, and space to reconnect as we begin something new together. We hope all youth will join us!
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.
| | Are you a young adult looking for community at St. Andrew's? We'd love for you to be a part of our 20s/30s group. Join us on Sundays after the 10:15 service for discussion at HJ's Community Center. On the third Sunday each month, join us for brunch after the 10:15 service. Contact Tim Dodderidge at dodderidget@gmail.com or 913-904-4069 for more details. | | Adult Christian Formation | | |
Episcopal 101
Thursday nights, Feb. 19 through March 26, 6-7:30 p.m.
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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The Sacred Way
Sundays in Lent, 9:15-10 a.m.
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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Thaddeus
Bill
Melina
Steve H.
Gail
Peter
Corbin
Carol
Austin
Joanna
Frances
Steve
Wendy
Scott
Allie
Rick
Walt
Katie
Bennett
Quincie
Dick O.
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Erin K.
Sally
CC
Elizabeth
Katie
Kaden
Penny
Maggie R.
Larry S.
Kathleen S.
Tom
Carol
Gretchen
Andrew
Dennis
Amanda
Stefani
Steve
Frances
Tim
Carolyn H.
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Bret
Robbie
Jack
Rozzie
Cindy
Thomas
Shana
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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