We're a church family called to love God, love neighbor, and love one another by proclaiming the grace of Jesus Christ, empowering people for ministry, and serving people within and beyond our church. |
|
The Episcopal Church's First Black Priest
A Message from Fr. John
|
Next Sunday, we’ll join with other diocesan congregations to celebrate Absalom Jones, the first Black person to be a priest in The Episcopal Church. We’ll gather for worship at 4 p.m. Feb. 6 at St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church, 2732 Benton Blvd. in Kansas City, and I hope you’ll come or watch the livestream.
Absalom Jones was born enslaved in 1746 in the Delaware colony. At 16, his mother and siblings were sold, and Jones was taken to Philadelphia. He had learned to read as a child and was allowed to attend a night school for Black people. At 20, he married and before long purchased his wife’s freedom. Eventually, at 38, Jones was freed.
The Joneses’ wedding had been in an Episcopal church. But once he was free, he began worshiping at a Methodist Episcopal congregation, as the Methodist movement was gaining steam. There, with Richard Allen, who would later found the African Methodist Episcopal denomination, Jones started an aid society for freed Black people. He and Allen were also lay ministers at the Methodist church, and through their work, the congregation grew by hundreds. The Black worshipers raised funds to build an upstairs gallery to hold the growing congregation. But the White members were threatened by all this, and the leadership decided to segregate the Black worshipers in the new upstairs gallery. One Sunday, as Jones sat downstairs, ushers tried to remove him physically; and all the Black worshipers walked out.
The aid society held religious services, and Episcopal clergy would sometimes officiate. Eventually, the congregation grew; and the group decided to affiliate with a larger church body, petitioning to become an Episcopal congregation. They did so with specific conditions: that their congregation would be received as its own body, that they would control their own affairs, and that Jones would be considered for ordination. The congregation was admitted into the Episcopal Church in 1794, and Jones was ordained a deacon a year later, eventually becoming a priest in 1802. In his preaching, Jones hammered away at the evil of slavery and called those benefitting from it to repent. But he was also a pastor beloved by his congregation for the depth of his care. He served them, and his larger community, until his death on Feb. 13, 1818.
Jones’ story is inspiring, and his example helped set The Episcopal Church on the course toward full incorporation of all people into the body of Christ and its leadership. But it’s been a long and halting journey … and one we continue to travel.
|
|
|
In challenging times, we’re here with worship that’s right for you. |
|
We're open for in-person worship! Worship is also livestreamed and daily prayer is available on Facebook Live at 8 a.m. and 8 p.m
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 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.
Worship features contemporary music; tight, relevant preaching; a message for kids; and Holy Communion.
Daily at 8 a.m. and 8 p.m – Pray at 8
Join us on Facebook Live for Pray at 8. 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.
|
|
Call our toll-free number 800-808-1625 to listen to worship on your phone! |
|
Absalom Jones Celebration
February 6 at 4 p.m.
Join the people of St. Augustine’s in a celebration of the Blessed Absalom Jones. The celebrant will be Bishop Bruce, recorded messages from the Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and the Union of Black Episcopalians will be shared. The St. Augustine’s liturgical dancers will also be taking part. For those who cannot attend in person, the event will be broadcast live on Facebook and YouTube.
|
|
Andie's Pantry - February Event
There's a family living in a food desert whose children attend Banneker Elementary. They need food and also they cannot imagine the joy of meeting you. Andie's Pantry needs you to volunteer two hours between February 3 and 11 to meet one family member, so they can select food their family needs.
|
|
Underground Production Returns to Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
Störling Dance Theater and Unite KC Collaborate to Inspire Efforts toward Racial Unity
February 4 at 7:30 p.m. and February 5 at 2 and 7 p.m.
Feeling the need for a little inspiration these days? Come to the Störling Dance Theater’s production of Underground at the Kauffman Center for Performing Arts Feb. 4 through 5.
Through dance, Underground tells the stories of three slaves on their way to freedom via the Underground Railroad. The production, which demonstrates the power of what can happen when people work together for racial unity, was the inspiration for the creation of Unite KC, a nonprofit focused on racial healing.
Tickets may be purchased at tickets.kauffmancenter.org or by calling 816-994-7222. Show times are Feb. 4 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 5 at 2:00 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are 20% off until Jan. 30 using the code 4UNITEKC.
|
|
Life at St. Andrew's
Stories, Reports, & What's Happening
|
|
Pandemic Precautions (Updated 12/18/21)
To help us love one another, St. Andrew’s continues our policy of asking everyone older than 2 who enters the church or HJ’s either to be fully vaccinated or to wear a mask. Of course, many people will choose to take both precautions, which is perfectly appropriate. Our worship also continues as it has been, the Communion Bread being given at the chancel steps with well-sanitized hands and the Wine being served in individual cups. As you greet others for the Peace or after worship, please be aware of their choices to wear or not wear a mask. If they aren’t masked, it’s OK to offer a handshake or a hug, but know they may prefer a bow or an elbow bump instead. If they are masked, assume that a contactless greeting is best.
|
|
Jesus With You … at Home and in the Chapel
If you’re worshiping 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 Kim Horgan ([email protected]; 816-523-1602, ext. 110) about arranging delivery.
|
|
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 Fr. John Spicer, rector. You can also submit a request online or call the church office at 816-523-1602.
|
|
or by texting PRAYER to 816-312-5152.
|
|
Children's Ministry
Children’s Chapel (ages 3 years - 5th grade) meets in person and online every Sunday at 10 a.m. All children and adults who are not vaccinated must wear a mask.
We will continue to offer Sunday school in the Undercroft for the time being. We had hoped to move the children back into two classrooms in February, but due to COVID and a shortage of volunteer teachers, we will remain in one classroom. For now, our classroom will be the Undercroft. We are closely monitoring COVID and our weekly attendance in order to determine when we can safely move back to Children’s Chapel.
For those not comfortable joining us in person, please use the information below to join our classroom virtually. We would love to see children on our classroom TV screen!
To join Children’s Chapel on computer or cell phone:
Meeting ID: 454-101-706
All lessons can be found online.
January lessons:
- January 30 – Jesus Goes to Nazareth and Jesus Heals, Spark Bible pg. 228-231
Consider joining our team of volunteer teachers
This is a wonderful way to get involved in our Children’s Ministry program. We need two volunteer teachers per week. Please consider signing up for one or two Sundays this winter/spring. Sign up online.
Basic teacher training will be available twice per year. Our next training will be on Saturday, January 29 from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. If you are not able to make the training, but would like to teach, please contact Ashley Pindell, ashley@standrewkc, to set up a different time.
|
|
Youth Group:
- January 30: Due to the Chiefs' playoff game, we're having a Chiefs watch party at HJ's at 2 p.m. instead of ice skating.
|
|
Adult Christian Formation
"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
|
|
Brown Baggin' & Books
Second Wednesdays at 12 p.m. on Zoom
This traditional-style book club discusses some of the most popular titles of the day. We have decided to continue our book discussions via zoom meetings through the rest of this year on the second Wednesdays of the month from noon to 1:30 p.m. If you have questions, contact Kathryn Holtze, [email protected], or 303-579-0124.
|
|
Café 9:15
Sunday mornings, 9:15 to 10 a.m. on Zoom
This gentle, accepting group meets in person and on Zoom between the two Sunday services to share perspectives on the lectionary readings. Join us to connect with others in a meaningful way. Questions? Contact Alice Whitson at [email protected].
|
|
Christian Journey
Sundays from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. in the Auxiliary Room and Zoom
All are welcome to join Christian Journey in discussing presently reading and discussing The Historical Figure of Jesus by E.P. Sanders, an internationally respected New Testament scholar. Study questions and discussion led by Dr. Vin Clark. For information, contact Dorothy Curry, [email protected].
To join Christian Journey on Zoom
Meeting ID: 919 309 5218
Password: 914591
|
|
Men's Lectionary Group
Thursdays from 7:30-8:30 a.m.
We meet Thursday mornings at HJ's Youth and Community Center to discuss the upcoming Sunday's Lectionary readings. For more information, please contact Ralph Munyan by phone or by text at 913-575-2323.
|
|
Sacred Spaces
Thursdays at 7 p.m. on Zoom
Learn the practice of the ancient tradition of seeking silence and stillness - beyond word and thought. For more information, please contact Rita Kendagor, [email protected].
|
|
Tai Chi
Starting January 10 - Mondays at 9:30 a.m. at HJ's
This stretch and balance exercise based on tai chi principles is led by Jane Gilbreath who has practiced tai chi for over 20 years. Tai chi helps with balance, coordination, flexibility, and concentration. For more information, contact Dorothy Curry at [email protected] or 816-365-4583.
|
|
The Good Book Club: The Gospel According to Luke
As we conclude this year and begin the next, join us in reading through the Gospel According to Luke! By engaging these texts daily, our hope is that you will feel as if you are sitting at the feet of Jesus, alongside his friends and disciples, learning and being shaped by his teachings. Then, as we transition into Acts of the Apostles (which we will read next), we will go along on the journey to preach to the nations about all that we have seen and heard. Each day, you will receive a text or email with a brief summary of the reading, along with a link to that day’s verses. To sign up for the Good Book Club, email Alice Whitson.
Here are the readings for this week:
|
|
You can mail your gifts to the church, give online, or text STANDREWKC to 73256.
Send a Venmo gift to Nina Edwards, finance coordinator, at [email protected]. Be sure to notate your intention for the gift.
|
|
Julie F. | Bill A. | Laura L. | Bruce R. | Andrew H. | Laura | Pierce | Ada | Lillis | Mary S.
Bill S. | Charlie M. | Sara S. | Annie | Teresa & Joe | Bob | Taylor M. | Rachel
Cindy S. | Debby L. | Kevin | Matt | Gretchen | Scout | Christine | Heather | Dillon & Kassidy B.
Karen K. | Gary & Kay | Betsy | John K. | David | Anthony & Irwin | Gigi | Paula & Rob | Peter | Sonia
Jan | Meredith | Marsha L. | Kelti | Grace | Wyatt | Celia | James | Steve | Dave | Marsha M.
Donna A. | Tucker | Jennifer F. | Mason & family | Jim | Grant | Carrie
River | Jed | Joel | Amanda, Jerold, Isaac | Laura (Lollie) & Jim | Frank | Peggy | DeVette
|
|
If you wish to add or remove a name, please notify Lauren Richardson by email ([email protected]) 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!
|
|
Bulletin & Messenger Deadline Change
The publication schedule for the Saturday Messenger and Sunday bulletins has changed. The deadline for submissions is now on Sunday at noon. Material received after Sunday at noon will be added to the next week's publications. Submit material to Lauren Richardson ([email protected]) and Kim Horgan ([email protected]).
|
|
We want to see your photos of you at worship or at our events!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
