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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This Sunday – Snow Keeps the Kings Away
A Message from Fr. John Spicer, Rector
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Tomorrow, Jan. 5, we had planned to celebrate the feast the Epiphany by welcoming our amazing Three Kings puppets. But with the forecast calling for ice and snow, we’ve decided (with the bishop’s permission) to postpone Epiphany one week. For tomorrow, we will have worship at both 8 and 10:15 a.m., offered both in-person and online. These will be simplified offerings of Eucharist, given that we don’t know who will be able to make it in to serve. We will not be offering Sunday school or nursery this Sunday.
Next Sunday, Jan. 12, our kings will make their visit (after all, the walk takes longer when you’re trudging through the snow). At the 10:15 a.m. service that day, the festivities will include baptism, too. So, plan to join us one week late to sing “We Three Kings” and join our royalty in offering worship and praise to the baby King.
New Year Brings Communion Change
Since April 2021, when we returned to in-person worship during the pandemic, we’ve been serving consecrated wine in individual cups at the standing Communion stations. I hope you’ll join me in offering great thanks to our Altar Guild members, who have painstakingly filled thousands of little cups for us. But now, COVID has become part of the landscape, like other contagious diseases we endure and try not to share. So, starting this Sunday, Jan. 5, to relieve the burden on the Altar Guild, the standing Communion stations will offer intinction—dipping the consecrated bread into the consecrated wine. Ministers there will offer you a chalice into which you may dip your bread, being careful not to put your fingers into the wine. Drinking from the chalice won’t be offered at these stations; as always, if you’d like to drink from the chalice, please come to the altar rail. At the same time, we know some parishioners deal with compromised immune systems, and a few of us may feel slightly under the weather any given Sunday. So, we will retain a few individual cups at the standing stations, just for those who need them. – Fr. John
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Call our toll-free number 800-808-1625 to listen to worship on your phone! | |
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Why Do We Celebrate Christmas After Christmas Day?
For Episcopalians, Christmas isn’t just a day; it’s a season. It doesn’t end Dec. 25 but begins then, running for 12 days (made famous by the carol “The 12 Days of Christmas”). In this season, we celebrate and marvel at the miracle of God coming to be born as one of us, saving humanity from the bottom up. The season ends with the feast of Epiphany, which falls on Jan. 6 (but which we’ll celebrate at St. Andrew’s on Sunday, Jan. 12).
What you’ll notice about our worship:
- Christmas décor: The festive poinsettias and other symbols of Christmas remain with us through these 12 days and on Epiphany to remind us of this season celebrating God’s Incarnation. The Advent wreath also remains, with the central, white Christ candle lit to represent the fulfillment of our Advent expectation.
- Color: White is the liturgical color of Christmas, as well as other major feasts and celebratory seasons. White reminds us of purity, joy, and the glory of God. It’s also the color of Jesus’ burial garments, representing the cost God paid to share our human experience.
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Advent Devotional Podcast Series
We talk to Ann Holliday about finding hope where you least expect it.
“When artists can envision the future or envision something else and put it down on paper or in a sculpture it allows the rest of us to see a path forward and a connection – and I think that’s about hope”
Ann Holliday talks to us about how she finds hope through art, solidarity, and ‘convivencia.’
Listen to the full interview here.
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Goodbye, Trailside; Hello, Seasonal Learning Opportunities
Looking to the new year, we’ll let go of our regular Thursday-night Trailside offerings, replacing them with a series of seasonally focused opportunities to learn and explore your spiritual path.
Our Adult Christian Formation Commission will be working with our Children’s, Youth, Young Adult, and Discernment Commissions to coordinate themes for spiritual growth across age groups and to learn from potential audiences what topics, formats, and schedules will meet their needs. Rather than setting one time slot for a variety of topics (the model with Trailside), we’ll offer a wider variety of learning opportunities in different formats offered at times potential attendees say they can come. And the topics will follow a series of seasons across the year—some based on the Church calendar (e.g., Lent) and some based on the shape of our lives (e.g., back-to-school time).
For our first season of 2025, Epiphanytide, we’ll offer a series on outreach ministry—Living the Light: Discovering God Through Serving Others. Running Thursday nights from Jan. 16 through Feb. 27 at HJ’s, we’ll explore the theology that supports outreach ministry, and we’ll hear from parishioners who lead some of our outreach partnerships about how this ministry has changed their hearts as they shine Christ’s light into the world. Living the Light begins with dinner at 5:30 p.m., and the class runs from 6 to 7 p.m. Rather than starting with Eucharist, we’ll end the sessions with Compline, a beautiful five-minute service of prayer for the end of day. For more information, contact Mtr. Jean Long. And watch for information soon about learning opportunities for Lent!
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Empower Ministries by Estimating Your Giving
As we begin a new year, I’m asking for your help to empower St. Andrew’s to share hope with our members and our community.
How can you help empower our ministries to be God’s hands and heart at St. Andrew’s and beyond? By making a financial pledge. A pledge is simply a commitment to give a certain amount of financial support to St. Andrew’s over the coming year. It’s not a binding contract, but it helps us create a thoughtful and realistic budget to support the ministry and programs we’ll offer in 2025. Your pledge, whether large or small, is a way to give thanks for God’s blessings and invest in the work God is doing through our church. Pastoral visits, our glorious worship, care for people in need, Good News for people longing to hear it – your gifts make it possible for St. Andrew’s to be St. Andrew’s.
Would you please share an estimate of what you’ll give to the church in 2025? You can make your pledge online (it only takes a couple of minutes) or just email me. Thank you!
— Fr. John
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A Christmas Gift for Our Beacon of Hope
This time of year, parishioners often want to make a Christmas gift to support our beloved building’s ever-present needs. Right now, those needs are about heat and preservation. A generous gift earlier this year from parishioner Frank Thompson let us replace the boiler that heats the undercroft, nave, and parts of the classroom wing. Other spaces are served by rooftop units, two of which are nearing the end of their useful lives. Also, areas of the church’s stone south exterior need repointing. Together, these projects total about $50,000 ($28,000 for the two rooftop units and about $22,000 for the repointing). If you’d like to offer a Christmas gift toward these needs, you can offer it online or give a check with the memo “Christmas 2024.” Thanks to all who help us steward our building as a beacon of the hope of God With Us in Jesus Christ.
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Good Book Club Turns to Romans
Through Feb. 5, the Good Book Club will be reading what many scholars would call the Gospel according to the apostle Paul, the most complete statement of his theology: the Letter to the Romans. Written in the years 56-57, less than 30 years after Jesus’ death and resurrection, the letter to the Romans tries to explain how this new expression of faith is rooted in Judaism but is available to all humanity. Paul explores the concepts of salvation, the power of God, and grace. While Romans is not always easy reading, it proclaims what it means to be a disciple of Christ and how that translates into daily life, offering lessons that have been informing and inspiring Jesus’ followers for 2,000 years. You can get the readings in daily texts or emails—just contact Fr. John to sign up.
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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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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. Or listen to it on our podcast channel; 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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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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Make a New Year’s Resolution to Serve: Join the Altar Guild
As we begin a new year, St. Andrew’s Altar Guild warmly invites you to consider making a resolution to serve. Whether you’re new to this ministry or have served before, we welcome you to join us in this meaningful work.
The Altar Guild is more than preparing the sanctuary; it’s a ministry of reverence, fellowship, and a way to deepen your faith through service. By helping to set the altar, arrange flowers, and prepare for worship, you’ll contribute to a tradition that enhances our collective worship experience.
Looking for a way to meet new people or serve alongside friends? The Altar Guild offers a welcoming place for all who feel called to this special ministry.
If you feel called to join us in this special ministry, please contact Ellen Junger for more information. We would love to welcome you!'
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What is Epiphany?
Epiphany is a great occasion to welcome people into God’s beloved community. This holy day marks the turn in the salvation story whereby the Good News begins to draw in people beyond the boundaries of the people of Israel. The magi were astrologers, naturalists of their day observing the created order for signs of divine activity and direction. They saw a star that led them to seek the new king of Israel, the ruler who would be so much more than anyone expected. The Epiphany season celebrates Christ’s revelation as the light of the world, bringing life and hope, and shining brightest in our relationship with God and one another. Observed on January 6, the Feast of the Epiphany marks the Wise Men’s arrival to honor the Christ child in Bethlehem. The term “Epiphany,” derived from the Greek word meaning “manifestation” or “revealing,” signifies Jesus making God known to all. This feast concludes the Christmas season, which spans the Twelve Days of Christmas from December 25 to January 5, with some cultures celebrating January 5, or Twelfth Night, with feasting and festivities.
Liturgical Colors Timeline:
White, the festival color of the Church, is used for the Feast of the Epiphany, the days leading up to it, and the following Sunday, commemorating Jesus’ Baptism. The “Sundays after the Epiphany,” lasting 4-9 weeks depending on Easter’s date, are marked by green, representing the Church’s life and growth.
White: Sunday, Dec. 25 – Sunday, Jan. 12 (Baptism of Our Lord)
Green: Sunday, Jan. 19 – Sunday, March 2
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Events during Epiphany
January 12: Epiphany Service Featuring The Three Kings (magi) – Come take your picture!
January 18: MLK Evensong with Bishop Curry at Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral @ 4PM.
January 18: Free Store at St. James Church – Contact Melissa Rock (msrock01@gmail.com) for more info.
Jan. 23 – Feb. 27: Epiphany Outreach Series Begins – Dinner at 5:30PM, Program begins at 6PM.
January 24: Trivia Night! Hosted by St. Andrew’s Youth Ministry @ 6PM – ALL are welcome! Contact veronica@standrewkc.org.
January 26: St. Andrew’s Annual Meeting – New here? Existing member? Learn about St. Andrew’s, breakfast is served at 9:30 AM.
March 4: Shrove Tuesday Boy Scouts Pancake Dinner @ 5PM / HJ’s Building.
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Free Store - Coming January 18
This year we will continue the 25+ year legacy of Free Store on January 18th at St. James Church (55th & The Paseo). We invite you to join us in spreading hope, offering warmth, nourishment & dignity to our neighbors during a challenging time of the year.
Consider being a messenger of hope by:
GIVING financially to support the purchase of new winter clothing, hygiene items, and gas cards for our guests. Click here to give through Venmo.
SERVING as a volunteer to set up, serve a meal, shop with a family and more. Click here to sign up to volunteer.
PRAYING for those who are experiencing homelessness, poverty, and food insecurity in our community.
LEARNING more about the event & its impact at standrewkc.org/free-store.
Together, we can continue to bless our community and share God’s love. For more information please reach out to Melissa Rock or Janet Kelley.
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Thank You from Gordon Parks Elementary
Thank you for supporting and caring about Gordon Parks School and their students. In 2024, St. Andrew’s financial gift helped purchase classroom books and supplies, field trips and supported the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) program. In May, with your generosity, the 150 students received a uniform and book. With the excess funds, we purchased underwear and socks for the younger students, and gloves for every child. The school’s Annual Performance Report Score was 73 this year, a 34% improvement from 2023, and the highest improvement among Kansas City Charter Schools!
Yes, our actions follow the words of Jesus, “Whoever receives one such child receives me” (Mark 9:36-37). Have a blessed holiday season, Karen Lundgren
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Children, Youth & Young Adult Ministry | |
Contact Veronica Wiebold for questions about children, youth, or young adult ministries. | |
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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.
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Nursery (8 wks – 3yrs): Orange doors.
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PreK – 1st grade: Green doors.
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2nd – 4th grade: Red doors.
Serve Sunday School: Are you ready to dive deeper into the community of St. Andrew’s? If you enjoy kids, enjoy playing, and enjoy telling stories... Then helping in the classroom is just for you. Sign up here to serve in either of the Sunday school classes. Signing up 2 times per quarter would be tremendously helpful.
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Trivia Night 2025: Around the world in One Night - Friday, January 24th at 6:00 p.m., St. Andrew’s Undercroft
Start forming your teams and brushing up on your trivia, make sure to keep an eye on the Youth Ministry Instagram page for updates.
Ski Trip Meeting: January 28th at 7 PM
Our second Ski Trip meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 28th, at 7 PM. This session will focus on important information and logistics for everyone attending the trip.
Ski Trip: February 13th–17th
Youth Group
Youth group will resume soon!
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The Young Adults group has been a wonderful space to connect and grow together. At our most recent brunch, we had eight people join in!
Stay tuned for updates about our next brunch and additional activities coming soon. Thank you for being part of this amazing group, and I can’t wait to see you all in the new year!
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Adult Christian Formation | |
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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.
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St. Andrew's is here for you. | |
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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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Romo
David P.
Jamie P.
Rose
Destiny
Bill
Bev
Paul
Bryan
Alan
Bart
James
Julie B.
Bill
Torni
Mary S.
Carolyn H.
Tom G.
Rozzie
Matt
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Jen
Rod
Sharon
Janessa
Avery
Baby Angus
Bob
Gail
Beverly
Christine
Patrick
Gretchen
Scout
Allee
Peter
Mary L.
Sabin
Tucker
Scudder Family
July
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Peter
Corny
Quint
Peach
Eric S.
Robert
Katherine
Mary N.
Edie
Taylor M.
Mason & family
Jim
Grant
Carrie
Jerold & Isaac
Laura (Lolly)
Frank
Peggy
DeVette
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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! | |
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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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