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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The Ascension and Summer Spiritual Growth
A message from Mtr. Rita Kendagor, Assistant Rector
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For the past few weeks, you have been hearing about the All-Parish read which takes place on Thursday nights at HJs. The book is entitled – A Full-Hearted Life. The study has been well attended, plus the discussions have been thought provoking and riveting. You can still get in on the last two chapters over the next 2 Thursdays. The chapter title for next Thursday, June 6th is “From Wellness to Well Being.” A few of the questions which will be discussed are:
- Can you be happy in the midst of hard times?
- How do you respond to another person’s anger?
- Talk about a time when you showed moral or spiritual courage.
So, come and share your thoughts, or just listen to what is being shared by your fellow parishioners.
This Sunday we will observe the Ascension of Jesus. While we cannot fully know how the followers of Jesus who were present felt as they witnessed their teacher and Lord being lifted into the clouds, what we can do is remember and embrace both the humanity of Jesus and his deity.
Then the following Sunday, June 8th will be Pentecost – where the church remembers the day that the Holy Spirit fell on the followers of Jesus. In last week’s Messenger and Bulletin, Fr. John described how we will experience a taste of Pentecost as some parishioners will read the Gospel together, but in different languages. And if you’re sitting near me – you may have the opportunity to hear my rather pathetic Swahili accent.
There are many interesting opportunities coming up to develop our spirituality during the summer. The past few Messengers have highlighted Rest, Play and Serve. We leave it up to you to determine which of these will feed and enhance your spiritual growth.
This very appropriate prayer which the author of our All-Parish read, Bishop Jake Owensby, has written, is at the end of this week’s chapter:
Holy God, you have created us in your image. Help us to love as your son Jesus taught us to love. Give us the grace to forgive as we are forgiven and the courage to do the right thing when the cost is high. In Jesus’s name. Amen.
| | | | Call our toll-free number 800-808-1625 to listen to worship on your phone! | | |
A Season to Rest, Play, and Serve
As summer begins and the pace of life begins to shift, we’re entering a new season at St. Andrew’s—one we’re calling A Season to Rest, Play, and Serve.
Summer offers a chance to step out of routine and into something deeper: a sacred rhythm of renewal. Rest and play are not luxuries or rewards—they are part of honoring the sacredness of our lives as God’s beloved creation. From the very beginning, Scripture reminds us that rest is holy, and joy is part of faithful living.
So this summer, we invite you to make space—not just for doing, but for being. For laughter, beauty, music, connection, and service. Throughout the season, we’ll be offering ways to live into this rhythm together: from concerts and campfires to retreats, family fun, and hands-on outreach.
Whether you’re in a season of full schedules or quiet days, may this be a time to reconnect—with God, with others, and with your own soul. Let this summer be a sacred invitation to rest, to play, and to serve with joy.
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Rest
Be Still Retreat
Looking to slow down and reconnect with God? Join us for an overnight retreat of rest, reflection, and creative prayer. Whether you’re new to contemplative practices or seeking a spiritual reset, this is sacred space for renewal. Friday, June 13, 3:00 PM – Saturday, June 14, 5:30 PM.
Silent Saturdays
Join us this summer for a peaceful morning of Centering Prayer. We’ll meet from 9 AM–12 PM on June 21, July 19, and August 16 for a series of 20-minute silent sits with short breaks in between. Strengthen your practice and share in the quiet presence of community.
Summer Taize Worship
Join us for an evening of candlelight, song, silence, and prayer. This contemplative service offers a peaceful space to rest in God’s presence through simple chants and quiet reflection. Wednesdays: June 18, July 16, and Aug. 13.
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Play
Craftish Collab Night
Whether you’re a knitter, doodler, or just in it for the snacks and conversation—this evening is for you. Bring a project or just bring yourself. No pressure. No expectations. Just a relaxed space to create (or not), connect, and enjoy good company. Thursday, June 19 from 5:30–8:00 PM at HJ’s.
Holy Spirits
Where good pours meet good questions. Join us for an ecumenical bourbon tasting with a side of honest conversation—no creed required, just curiosity. Sunday, July 27 at HJ’s. Taste a little. Talk a little. All are welcome.
Feast of the First Tomato
Celebrate summer’s juiciest gift at our 17th annual Feast of the First Tomato! Join us on Sunday, July 20 for a joyful Evensong at St. Andrew’s, followed by a BLT-filled feast at HJ’s. Bring a side dish to share and help us honor the humble tomato in all its glory.
VBS 2.0: Faith & Fun Fridays
Drop the kids off and enjoy a night off! From 5:30–8:30 PM at HJ’s, kids (Preschool–5th Grade) will enjoy games, crafts, snacks, and themed fun—each night with a playful twist on faith.
20s30s Game Nights
Calling all young adults—join us for Game Night every 4th Saturday at 7 PM at HJ’s! Bring a favorite game to share or jump in on someone else’s. Snacks, laughs, and friendly competition guaranteed.
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Building on the successful 25+ year legacy of Winter Free Store, we are pleased to announce the addition of a Summer Free Store this year on June 14th at St. James Church! We invite you to join us in spreading joy and hope to our neighbors during the summer season.
Consider being a part of this outreach by:
Contributing financially by purchasing diapers and wipes from our wishlist, or giving to support the purchase of new children’s underwear and socks, hygiene items, and summer reading supplies for our guests.
Serving as a volunteer to help set up, distribute items at a table, and more. To express interest, please click here…
Praying for the children of Kansas City & their families.
Together we can continue to embody the spirit of generosity to support our community!
For more information please reach out to Dana Bartimus at 913-481-3633 or mdb56@hotmail.com.
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The Episcopal Church at KC Pride 2025: June 6–8
You Are Invited: Congregations from the Diocese of West Missouri and the Diocese of Kansas are invited to prayerfully consider why and how they would like to send representatives to help us extend our best invitation into the church’s life and her service during the weekend festival, parade, and celebrations. To learn more about Pridefest and how you can volunteer click here.
| | 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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Summer Taizé Worship
This summer, come experience the quiet beauty of Taizé worship—an evening of candlelight, chant, silence, and prayer.
Rooted in the tradition of the Taizé community in France, these services offer a gentle, contemplative space to slow down and reconnect with the Spirit. Repetitive, meditative chants and extended silence invite us to listen deeply—to the music, to the stillness, and to the presence of God within and around us.
Whether you are new to this tradition or have long loved its simple grace, we invite you to step into a rhythm of prayer that opens the heart and stills the soul.
All are welcome. For more information, contact Mtr. Rita Kendagor or visit standrewkc.org/taize.
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Faith & Grief Gathering
Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at 12:00PM at Vistation Catholic Church
Lessons Learned When Impacted by an Accidental Loss – Speaker: Nancy Schorgl
Nancy will share the insights she learned while grieving the accidental death of her niece, and the hardening of her heart toward her sister, who precipitated the events leading to the fatal injury. Click here to RSVP.
Also – NEW Faith & Grief Online Caregiver Support Gathering
Fourth Monday of each month from 1:00-2:00 pm.
Register here. Join this monthly offering online for sharing experiences, encouragement and support. Caring for a loved one can be meaningful and challenging; finding support from others who understand can make a difference.
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Blood Drive at HJ’s – June 9!
Monday, June 9 – 1:00pm-6:00pm
We’re teaming up with the American Red Cross to host a blood drive at HJ’s Youth & Community Center. Did you know less than 10% of eligible Americans donate blood each year? Let’s change that.
To sign up: visit RedCrossBlood.org – use code StAndrew.
Donating takes about an hour—and can save a life. Join us!
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Newcomer Blessing –
Next Sunday, June 8
If you’ve become a member of St. Andrew’s in the past year—or missed the last Newcomer Blessing—we invite you to be formally welcomed during the 10:15 a.m. service on Sunday, June 8.
This is a special opportunity to be recognized by the congregation and celebrated as part of our community—and for the congregation to offer their blessing and extend a warm welcome in return.
For questions, contact Mtr. Jean Long.
| | 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.
We’ve had a joyful spring season with our kids! A big thank you to everyone who helped with our Mother’s Day craft bags—your support made it extra special. Looking ahead, we’re excited to partner with our Quilting Group and Pet Ministry! The kids will be helping pack dog food and learning new ways to serve, create, and connect in June.
Mark your calendars! This summer, we’re launching a new event series called VBS 2.0 Kickoff: Kid’s Campfire & Parent’s Night Out
📅 June 13 – Campfire Kickoff
📅 July 11 – Serve & Splash: Backyard Bash
📅 August 8 – Carnival of Joy
🕠 5:30–8:30 PM | 📍 HJ’S | Ages: Preschool–5th Grade
Kids will enjoy games, crafts, snacks, and tons of fun while parents get a well-deserved evening off!
Things you need to know:
- Kids will be all dropped off at HJ’s community center June 13, & August 8th and then on July 11th please drop your kids off at the St. Andrew’s Church.
- Dinner will be served
- Please rsvp here
*Click Here for the June Children & Youth Ministry Newsletter*
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Youth Group Schedule
- June 1 – No Youth Group
- June 1–7 – Mega Camp: A week of fellowship, games, and deepening our connection with God and each other
- June 8 – Pentecost Youth Group @ HJ’s Youth and Community Center (3:30 – 5:00 PM)
- June 13 – Parents Night Out (VBS 2.0 | 5:30 – 8:30 PM)
- June 15 – Summer Fun Night @ HJ’s Youth and Community Center (3:30 – 5:00 PM)
- June 22 – Youth Group @ HJ’s Youth and Community Center (3:30 – 5:00 PM)
- June 29 – No Youth Group: Kansas Happening – A weekend retreat
*Click Here for the June Children & Youth Ministry Newsletter*
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20s30s Ministry
Our Sunday discussion group has a new meeting time—join us at 7 p.m. on Sundays at HJ’s (instead of after the 10:15 a.m. service). We’ll continue to gather for brunch on the third Sunday of each month following the 10:15 service, and we won’t meet for discussion group on those Sundays.
Interested in joining the group or learning more? Reach out to Veronica or contact Tim Dodderidge at dodderidget@gmail.com or 913-904-4069.
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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
On hiatus May 27 - Sept. 9
Tai Chi for Beginners
Monday, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Good Book Club
Daily
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Witness the Spirit’s Power in the Book of Acts
Through July 5, the Good Book Club is reading the Acts of the Apostles, the story of the birth of the Jesus movement and the Holy Spirit empowering it to change the lives of people far beyond the dusty roads of Galilee and Judea. It begins with Jesus commissioning his friends to share the news of God’s way of love “to the ends of the earth” (1:8). By the book’s end, Paul has journeyed around the Mediterranean planting Christian communities and witnessing before imperial officials. Not only is it inspiring as a study in the power of resurrected life, it’s also a story well-told—captivating reading throughout as Luke shares this sequel to the Gospel bearing his name. And it’s a story with direct relevance to the Jesus movement today. Many writers observe that we’re in a new apostolic age now, as the people with whom we interact most likely don’t know the Good News (beyond the negative version of Christianity that gains media attention). So, we’re right there with the apostles, inviting others to join this way of love as we “proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ,” “seek and serve Christ in all persons,” and “respect the dignity of every human being” (BCP 304-305). Each day, you can receive a text or email with a short summary and the daily reading. To sign up, email Fr. John Spicer.
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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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Reed
Marion
Abby
Peter
Gail
Sue
Don
Judy
Mark
Alan
Shannon
Art
Hershel
Andrew
Bennett
Hattie
Rodger
Penny
Gilles
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Bertrand
Phyllis Anne
Vesper
Eric
Paulette
Mikeala
Pat M.
Angela
Grayson
Wyatt
Brittany
Penny
Romo
David P.
Rose
Jamie P.
Destiny
Bill
Bev
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Paul
Bryan
Alan
James
Julie B.
Bill
Torni
Mary S.
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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