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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Two Things Can Be True at Once
A message from Fr. John Spicer, Rector
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The most significant week of the church year begins tomorrow with Palm Sunday. We’ll have a single service at 9:30 a.m., and we’ll start our worship in the parking lot at HJ’s Youth & Community Center. There, we’ll bless palm fronds and crosses before walking with Jesus toward his joyful confrontation with the religious leaders in Jerusalem.
“Joyful confrontation?” Is that a thing? I think so. It’s like the rest of Holy Week and our entire journey with God: As we often hear these days, two things can be true at once.
We walk in joy with Jesus on Palm Sunday because we know where this road is headed. In just a week, we’ll be back, along with hundreds of our best friends, welcoming the happy morning and proclaiming that, because Jesus has arisen, so will we. But, on that first Palm Sunday, no one had any inkling of that. The crowds were shouting “Hosanna,” which means, “Save us!” They were looking to Jesus as the revolutionary leader who would topple Pilate and Rome’s legions, bringing in a new Jewish kingdom with God’s anointed ruler on the throne. On that first Palm Sunday, the crowds were looking for new life now, not across eternity. So they were filled with hope and joy as they walked with God’s king to confront the Romans and their collaborators, the Jewish religious leaders.
As we make our way through Holy Week, that sense of two things being true at once only intensifies. We’ll offer ourselves in quiet contemplation on Monday at noon, Tuesday at 6 p.m. (Taizé worship), and Wednesday at noon, as the passion story’s foreshadowing makes us want to reach out and pull the emergency brake. On Maundy Thursday, we’ll share the disciples’ beautiful, intimate fellowship with Jesus in our agapé party at 6 p.m. and worship at 7 p.m., complete with foot- or handwashing to remind us of Jesus’ love. And then, in the blink of an eye, the disciples will abandon their friend and Lord, leaving Jesus to watch and pray alone before the police come for him.
On Good Friday—with Stations of the Cross at noon and the solemn liturgy at 7 p.m.—we’ll experience maybe the ultimate “two things can be true at once” as we try to comprehend the mystery of our Lord’s brutal death being good, the world’s salvation lifted up before us.
And then, with the Easter Vigil at 7 p.m. Saturday, we’ll find ourselves even in two places at once. First, we’ll light the new fire and bear the unquenchable light of Christ into the church darkened as a tomb. Then, as Jesus breaks the bonds of sin and death, the tomb will come to life as our portal to heaven, the world recreated as a foretaste of the eternal life we share with him.
To follow Jesus is to walk in paradox. We’re made in God’s image, but we always want more. We’re shown the path of life, but we’re free to turn away. Instead of giving up on us, God doubles down and comes to save us as one of us. God takes on powerlessness to defeat cosmic evil and death. We will each die, but we’re offered life that never ends.
Two things can be true at once. Thanks be to God.
| | | | Call our toll-free number 800-808-1625 to listen to worship on your phone! | | |
Palm Sunday
Sun., Mar. 29, 9:30 a.m.
Monday in Holy Week
Mar. 30, 12 p.m.
Taizé
Tues., Mar. 31, 6 p.m.
Wednesday in Holy Week Apr. 1, 12 p.m.
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Maundy Thursday
Apr. 2
Agapé Meal — 6:00 p.m.
Eucharist — 7 p.m.
Watch (overnight)
Good Friday
Apr. 3
Stations of the Cross
— 12 p.m.
Liturgy — 7 p.m.
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Holy Saturday Prayers Apr. 4, 9 a.m.
Easter Vigil
Sat., Apr. 4, 7 p.m.
Easter Day
Sun., Apr. 5,
8 & 10:15 a.m.
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Coming Soon: Our Eastertide Devotional
Easter isn’t just one day—it’s a 50-day season of joy, wonder, and new life. Our Eastertide devotional invites you to continue the journey, with brief daily Scripture readings and reflection questions drawn from the upcoming Sunday lectionary. Whether you spend a few quiet minutes or take time to journal and reflect more deeply, this guide offers a simple way to notice God at work in your life and grow into the promise of resurrection. Watch your mailbox in the coming week.
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Welcome Deacon Janette
The Rev. Janette Platter is serving a six-month internship at St. Andrew’s after her ordination to the diaconate (transitionally) in February. Deacon Janette is a healthcare chaplain and is passionate about spiritual formation and care. She currently serves at manager of spiritual wellness at Bishop Spencer Place, the retirement community on the Plaza founded by our diocese. Because of that role, which includes her leading worship at BSP most Sunday mornings, she will be present for St. Andrew’s worship primarily at 8 a.m. Deacon Janette is married to Jonathan and mom to Hildie, Julian, and three cats. The family moved to Kansas City in 2021 after living in England for five years, where Deacon Janette and Jonathan became parents and Anglicans. They are avid KC Current fans and local bookstore aficionados. God willing and the people consenting, Deacon Janette will be ordained to the priesthood in August, at which time her internship at St. Andrew’s will come to an end.
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Volunteer at Our Brookside Farmers' Market Coffee Tent
St. Andrew's is once again hosting a coffee tent during the Brookside Farmers' Market 2026 outdoor season, held every Saturday morning from April 11 to October 31 at the HJs Community Center parking lot. Please join us as often as your schedule allows, whether once or twice during the season or as a regular volunteer. Enjoy coffee and conversation while building community with the market farmers, guests, and each other! We are looking for volunteers to serve coffee and start conversations in one of two shifts: 7:40 to 9:30 a.m. or 9:30 to 11:15 a.m. Two volunteers are needed per shift. To sign up contact Gina Heise or sign-up here. Thank you!
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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.
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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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Greeter Ministry Matters
We want all parishioners and newcomers to feel that St. Andrew’s is a community where they truly belong. One simple but meaningful way to help create that sense of welcome is by serving as a greeter. Our current greeter team invites you to join this important ministry, welcoming those who attend the 8:00 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. services at St. Andrew’s. We will hold a New & Refresher Greeter Training: March 22 at 9:15 a.m. in the Undercroft. Questions? Contact Carolyn Johnson.
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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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Haiti Fundraiser Save the Date
Join us on April 26th for a cocktail party at HJ’s Youth and Community Center benefitting St. Augustin School in Maniche, Haiti. All donations collected will be used to fund the lunch program that our students rely on. Enjoy a cocktail, a light bite, and hear updates about the lives of the students at St. Augustin.
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Practicing the Presence of God Retreat
May 29–31, 2026 | Savior Pastoral Center (Kansas City, KS)
Join St. Andrew’s Contemplative Ministries Commission for a two-night guided silent retreat led by Rev. Canon Lisa Senuta, centered on the teachings of Brother Lawrence.
This retreat offers gentle guidance into silence, communal prayer, reflection, and spiritual direction—whether it’s your first silent retreat or a familiar practice. Come experience rest, community, and a deeper awareness of God’s presence in daily life.
Details:
• Begins Friday, May 29 at 5 p.m. (check-in 3–5 p.m.); concludes Sunday at noon
• $250/per person, single accommodation; $210/per person, double accommodation, includes meals.
• Simple accommodations with private baths (Strecker Suites)
Participants are asked to attend the full weekend. Click here to sign up or learn more.
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Trinity Guild Meeting & Luncheon
Thursday, April 23, 10:30 a.m., St. Andrew’s Jewell Room
The ladies of the Trinity Guild invite you to the next luncheon on Thurs, April 23 at 10:30am. Our speaker will be Martha Breckenridge, who will tell us the history of the beautiful stained glass windows in our church. Please RSVP to Jean Kiene.
| | 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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April
- Apr 5 – Easter Weekend (No Youth Group) - Youth help needed for Easter Egg Hunt between services
- Apr 12 – High School Youth Group | 6:00–7:00 PM
- Apr 19 – Middle School Youth Group | 4:30–5:30 PM
- Apr 19 – Leadership Interviews | 12:00–4:00 PM
- Apr 26 – Acolyte Training | 11:30 AM–1:00 PM
- Apr 26 – High School Outreach Day (Haiti Project) | 6:00–7:00 PM
- Apr 28–30 – Haiti Project Prep | 3:00–6:00 PM
For questions about youth ministry, leadership roles, or events, please contact: Veronica Wiebold, Veronica@standrewkc.org
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The 20s and 30s are often a time of change and growth. In the midst of busy schedules and life transitions, this group gathers to build friendships, explore faith, and share life together through conversation, laughter, and service.
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Weekly Discussion Group: Meets after the 10:15 a.m. service at HJ’s Community Center to reflect on the week’s Gospel reading and sermon.
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Third Sunday Brunch: On the third Sunday of each month, the group gathers after the 10:15 a.m. service for brunch. Participants meet in the Jewell Room before heading to a nearby restaurant for an informal time of connection.
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Game Nights & Social Events: Game Nights are held every other month on the fourth Saturday at 7:00 p.m. at HJ’s (next one in April). On alternating months, the group gathers for other social events at varying times and locations.
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Service Opportunities: Members regularly volunteer with the Free Store ministries and participate in other service opportunities at church and in the wider community throughout the year.
For more information or to get connected, contact Tim Dodderidge, 20s/30s Vestry Liaison.
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Adult Spiritual Growth
"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
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Café 9:15
Sunday morning, 9:15-10 a.m.
Christian Journey
Sunday, 8:45-10 a.m.
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Good Book Club
Daily
Men's Lectionary Group
Thursday, 7:30-8:30 a.m.
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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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Steve S.
Frances
Rozzie
Bobbie
Helen
Marie
Mike
Becca
Hans
Tucker
Nancy
Cory
Abby
Thaddeus
Bill
Melina
Steve H.
Gail
Peter
Corbin
Carol
Austin
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Joanna
Frances
Steve
Wendy
Scott
Allie
Rick
Walt
Katie
Bennett
Quincie
Dick O.
Erin K.
Sally
CC
Elizabeth
Katie
Kaden
Penny
Maggie R.
Larry S.
Kathleen S.
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Tom
Carol
Gretchen
Andrew
Dennis
Amanda
Stefani
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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