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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VBS, Retreat, and Pilgrimage
A message from Mtr. Rita Kendagor, Assistant Rector
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Summer is indeed underway at St. Andrew’s. We aren’t even through the month of June, and already there have been activities, learning opportunities, and happenings that have promoted resting, playing and learning.
With a different and fresh approach to VBS, the children’s department hosted the first ever evening VBS last Friday. Over 30 children participated, and many parents enjoyed a date-night – which was appreciated greatly. One husband quipped, “Wow, I actually got a chance to take my wife out to dinner for a change!” There will be 2 other evening VBS opportunities – in July and August. Read further in this newsletter for specific dates and times.
Last weekend, 21 people, mostly St. Andrew’s parishioners, went on an overnight Contemplative and Creative Prayer retreat. The retreat title was “Be Still and Know that I Am God.” We were at Mount Saint Scholastica, a Benedictine monastery in Atchison, KS. Affectionately known as “The Mount,” there was an overwhelmingly welcoming atmosphere coupled with what felt like the results of generations of prayer and worship. Our speaker, Mtr. Carol Sanford, shared with us her journey through life’s difficulties and hard knocks, into a life of freedom in Christ. We spent time relaxing and getting to know new people, learning more about contemplative prayer, and some of us tried yoga for the first time. In addition, we enjoyed the wonderful culinary presentations at the monastery. It was indeed a weekend of rest, play and learning.
On Thursday, for the Juneteenth holiday, a few of us joined in with others from our diocese on a pilgrimage to a lynching site in Pierce City, MO. We learned about the vigilante murders of three African American men, who were falsely accused of murder. On this our third year to visit a lynching site, we once again faced our country’s dark and difficult past. Though these things may be hard, we were encouraged as we learned to embrace our history and learn from the mistakes of the past, so hopefully the same violent atrocities will not be repeated in the future.
While at the lynching site, we stopped to pray the liturgy written by Bishop Deon Johnson, of the Episcopal diocese of Missouri, entitled “A Liturgy of Lament at the Site of a Lynching.” I will end this article with one of the prayers included in this lament.
Let us pray:
O God, the creator and maker of humankind, who weeps at the injustice wrought by human brokenness; open our eyes so that we may see the dignity, beauty, and worth in every human being. Open our ears that we may hear the cries of agony echoing from the past yet painfully persistent in the present. Open our hearts that we might repent, repair, and restore the fragmented and fractured legacy of lynching in our own time; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 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
Silent Saturdays
Join us this summer for a peaceful morning of Centering Prayer. We’ll meet from 9 AM–12 PM on 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: July 16 and Aug. 13.
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Play
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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Summer Free Store 2025
This past weekend, 264 guests came to St. James Church to enjoy a vibrant day of free resources, community connection, and summer fun. From essential hygiene items and fresh groceries to face painting, music, and Kona Ice—every part of the day was made possible by the generosity of our volunteers and donors.
Thank you for helping us extend the legacy of the Winter Free Store into a joyful new summer tradition!
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More Ways to Serve this Summer
Stay tuned for more outreach opportunities coming later this summer! One of our upcoming projects includes a used clothing drive to support the work of Jewish Vocational Service (JVS), helping refugees and newcomers to Kansas City get the fresh start they need. We invite you to be part of this meaningful work and make a difference in our wider community.
If you’d like to learn more about St. Andrew’s Outreach programs or how to get involved, contact Sarah Tepikian Luna.
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Fear Less, Love More
We’re excited to launch our new campaign, Fear Less, Love More—a call to live with courage, compassion, and faith even in the midst of uncertainty. This message is rooted in recent sermons and reflects our hope for a more loving and grounded way of being in the world.
To help share this message beyond our walls, yard signs are now available in the narthex—we invite you to take one home and plant it in your yard as a visible reminder of hope. Vinyl stickers will also be available next week, perfect for water bottles, laptops, or anywhere you want to spread a little encouragement.
Let’s join together in sharing this message with our community.
ke action, so consider inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining!"
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Instructed Eucharist – This Thursday
Thursday, June 26 – 6:00- 8:00p.m at St. Andrew’s.
Curious why we kneel, cross ourselves, or say certain prayers? Join us for an Instructed Eucharist where we’ll pause along the way to explain the meaning behind our worship—bring a snack and drink to share.
Questions? Contact Mtr. Jean Long.
| | 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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Tons of Fun at VBS 2.0: Night One
What a great kickoff to VBS 2.0! Our Campfire Kickoff was full of fun, faith, and friendship. From games and crafts to snacks and camp-themed activities, preschool through 5th grade kids had a blast at HJ’s while parents enjoyed a well-earned night off.
Thanks to everyone who joined us—we’re already looking forward to the next Faith & Fun Friday!
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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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Northwest-Metro Deanery Ice Cream Social with the Bishop
Sundaes and conversation—what could be better? Join us for the 2025 Northwest-Metro Deanery Ice Cream Social on Sunday, July 20 from 3–5 p.m. at HJ’s Youth & Community Center, hosted by St. Andrew’s. Enjoy a scoop (or two!) while getting to know fellow Episcopalians from around the area, hear from Bishop Amy, and join in on an afternoon of community and connection.
Please register by Monday, July 14 at diowestmo.org—we’ll save you a seat (and a cone)!
| | 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.
Children’s Ministry: Second Fridays – Parents' Night Out!
This summer, we're bringing the fun every second Friday instead of hosting traditional VBS! Welcome to:
🎉 Second Fridays: Parents' Night Out!
Let your kids enjoy an evening of joy, play, and community while you enjoy a well-deserved break!
Upcoming Dates:
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📅 July 11 – Serve & Splash: Backyard Bash (Drop-off at St. Andrew’s)
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📅 August 8 – Carnival of Joy (Drop-off at HJ’s Community Center)
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🕠 Time: 5:30–8:30 PM
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📍 Location: HJ’s (unless noted)
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👧 Ages: Preschool–5th Grade
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🍽️ Dinner Provided
- 🎨 Games, crafts, snacks, and summer fun!
🔗 RSVP required – Click here to register
*Click Here for the June Children & Youth Ministry Newsletter*
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Wednesdays – Coffee & Hangouts
A midweek break to reconnect, relax, and reflect.
📍 HJ’s or local cafes
🕒 Check GroupMe & IG for times
Upcoming Coffee Dates:
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📅 June 25 @ HJ’s: 11:30–12:15 PM & 3:00–5:00 PM
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📅 July 9 @ HJ’s: 11:30–12:15 PM & 3:00–5:00 PM
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📅 July 23 @ HJ’s: Same times; contact Veronica for alt. times
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❌ No Coffee & Hang on July 16
📆 Youth Group Sundays
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June 22 – No Youth Group
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June 29 – No Youth Group
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July 6 – Youth Group @ HJ’s, 3:30–5:30 PM
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July 13 – Youth Group @ HJ’s, 3:30–5:30 PM
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July 20 – No Youth Group
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July 25–27 – No events (rest weekend)
✨ Special Events
Friday, July 11 – Parents Night Out Volunteer Night
5:00–8:30 PM @ St. Andrew’s
Youth will lead crafts, games, and fun for children. Dinner included!
July 14–19 – MissionPalooza Week
🔨 Serve local worksites in KC
Elect Youth Delegates to Convention
St. Paul’s Church + worksite sites
Registration required – sign up before slots fill!
WEMO Youth are excited for the return of this favorite event! It’s our chance to put our faith in action. Over the course of five days we put our hands and hearts to work around the greater Kansas City area.
Volunteer worksites change each year, but how the days flow stays much the same. Each day we rise early and head to worksites to get our assignments for the day. At noon, we stop to rest and share some “family time” that includes youth led devotionals. Youth sign up for leadership positions at their worksites and help with “service projects” during the week at St. Paul’s to help keep it clean. Evenings are relaxing and there’s always fun activities to choose from, like an ice cream field trip on the Plaza, board games, or just talking with friends. Each night at 9 pm we gather to sing and hear stories about each worksite’s day and on Saturday, youth chose between “fun” sites in the afternoon. On Sunday we get to hear takeaways from youth who volunteer to be guest preachers at St. Paul’s and that’s always something special!
*Special Note: MissionPalooza is also when we elect Youth Delegates to Convention. Click here to learn more about what it means to be a Youth Delegate to Convention.
When: July 15-20, 2025
Where: St. Paul’s Episcopal Church,4111 11 East 40th Street, Kansas City, MO 64111
Who: Students in grades 9th-12th for 2025-26 school year (you must have finished eighth grade to attend); MissionPalooza is not restricted to Episcopalians or regular churchgoers. All are welcome, so feel free to invite friends and family.
Cost: $125. Payment plans are available. If you choose, UltraCamp will automatically divide the cost of MissionPalooza over the remaining months between when you register and the start of the event. The full event fee must be paid by the first day of MissionPalooza. Register early to have more, smaller payments.
Online Registration via UltraCamp! An overview of each volunteer worksite is provided so youth can indicate their top three worksite choices. This makes it possible for all required volunteer site waivers to be completed in advance.
Scholarships: The Diocesan Youth Program has money available for scholarships to help cover the cost of MissionPalooza. Click here to learn more or contact Kim Snodgrass, Interim Youth Missioner, wemoyouth@diowestmo.org with any questions.
Cancellation Deadline: Two weeks prior to the start of the MissionPalooza for a 100% refund
August 20 (Wed) – WEMO Youth Ministry Leadership Meeting
⏰ 7:00–7:30 PM (Virtual)
A 30-minute meet-up for clergy, volunteers, and parents across the diocese
💬 Churches encouraged to host local youth meetings to pair with this!
November 7–8 – Diocesan Youth Gathering (DYG) – Kansas City
Worship, youth-led Morning Prayer, and convention sessions
Observe youth delegates in action
📅 Save the date – registration opens soon!
*Click Here for the June Children & Youth Ministry Newsletter*
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20s30s Ministry
We're currently refreshing our approach to 20s & 30s programming!
Sunday calendar offerings will pause while we explore new formats to better serve our young adult community. Stay tuned for fellowship opportunities and social gatherings later this summer!
| | Adult Christian Formation | | |
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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Linny
Connie & Bill
Moses
Reed
Marion
Abby
Peter
Gail
Sue
Don
Judy
Mark
Alan
Shannon
Art
Hershel
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Andrew
Bennett
Hattie
Rodger
Penny
Gilles
Bertrand
Phyllis Anne
Vesper
Eric
Paulette
Mikeala
Pat M.
Angela
Grayson
Wyatt
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Brittany
Penny
Romo
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. 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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