What is the season of Lent?

Lent is a 40-day journey of reflection and renewal—a time to ask big questions: Who am I? Who is God calling me to be? Rooted in Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness, Lent invites us to step away from distractions and look inward with honesty and openness.

In the Episcopal Church, we mark this season with purple, a color that symbolizes reflection, transformation, and the deep work of the soul. It’s not just about giving something up—it’s about making space for something deeper: prayer, self-examination, and acts of love.

Wherever you are on your spiritual path, Lent isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about showing up, asking the questions, and letting God meet you on your journey.

Lenten Sermon Series: Who Am I?

Lent is an invitation to examine the core of our identity—not just who we are, but who we are becoming. This series, “Who Am I?”, considers the tension between our deepest longings and our created purpose, the ways we define ourselves and the ways God reshapes us. As we journey through this season, we confront the paradox of human frailty and divine love, seeking clarity in the wilderness of self-understanding. Videos of the sermons are available on our website on Mondays.

• March 9: I am powerless to defeat sin and evil.
• March 16: I am God’s own.
• March 23: I am precious and worthy of redemption.
• March 30: I am a reconciled reconciler.
• April 6: I am ready for resurrection.
• April 13: I am a pilgrim on the way of the cross.

Who am I? A Lenten Journey of Light and Shadow

Thursdays March 13 – April 10 at HJ’s.

Dinner: 5:30 –6:00, Exploration & Discussion: 6pm-7pm

In this five-week series, we will explore the complexities of identity through the lens of archetypes & identity, scripture, art, theology, and personal reflection. Together, we will examine depictions of angels and the devil— both in scripture and artistic tradition—wrestle with the nature of sin & goodness and engage in the spiritual practices of journaling and Visio Divina to deepen our understanding. This Lenten journey is not about finding simple answers but embracing discovery—seeing ourselves more fully in both our struggles and our capacity for grace. Join us for meaningful conversation, prayerful.

Who Are We? Tracing Our Episcopal Roots

Fridays, 10:30am -11:30am beginning March 7 in the church library

This class explores the history of Anglicanism as a lens for understanding our own spiritual identity. From the English Reformation to the development of the Episcopal Church, we will trace the traditions, theology, and key moments that have shaped our faith. As we journey through Lent—a season of reflection and renewal—we will ask: How does our Anglican heritage inform who we are as individuals and as a church today? RSVP to Mtr. Jean.

Rooted & Growing: A Lenten Journey for Families

Sunday mornings, 9:15am-10am, beginning March 9 at HJ’s.

Who are we? Who are we becoming? This Lent let’s explore these questions as families—together. Parents will dive into meaningful conversations about faith, identity, and community, guided by the St. Andrew’s Lenten devotional. Meanwhile, preschool and elementary-aged kids will bring the theme to life through hands-on activities like art, storytelling, and creative play. This is more than a class—it’s a chance to pause, connect, and grow in faith as a family. Come be part of the journey!

The Open Door: Explore, Ask, and Connect

Wednesday, April 16, 5:30–6:30 PM, in the Jewell Room

RSVP by Sun. April 13 to Mtr. Jean Long.

Finding your place in a church— whether you’re new, considering membership, or looking for fresh ways to engage —can feel like a big step. Where do you start? Who do you talk to? The Open Door is an invitation to step in, ask questions, and explore how St. Andrew’s can support you in deepening your faith, serving others, and building meaningful connections. Join clergy, ministry leaders, and fellow parishioners for a relaxed evening of conversation. Bring your questions, hear about different ministries, and let’s explore together where your gifts and interests align with opportunities to grow, serve, and connect.

Easter Lily Tributes

Celebrate someone special this Easter with a $25 donation toward Easter lilies. Their name will be featured in our Easter Sunday bulletin. Simply complete the lily and flower donation form here, then make your contribution online at standrewkc.org/give or by check to St. Andrew’s. You can also honor a loved one with a $60 donation for altar flowers, which includes a personal tribute message. To ensure inclusion, please submit all names and tributes by Monday, April 7.

Join the St. Andrew’s Greeter Crew

If you’ve ever visited or read about a Benedictine monastery, you know about a deeply held value expressed in the Rule of St. Benedict: “Let all guests who arrive be received as Christ.”

If you would like to make an important difference at St. Andrew’s that doesn’t take more time or energy than you have to give right now, consider becoming part of the St. Andrew’s Greeter Crew! You can help people feel “received as Christ,” to have a sense of belonging, to feel at home. To join the Greeter Crew, email Carolyn Johnson.

Journey Through Luke With the Good Book Club

Through April 23, the Good Book Club will take up the Gospel of Luke. Most scholars say Luke was written after the Roman destruction of Jerusalem in 70, perhaps around 80, using the Gospel of Mark as its main source. Following this hypothesis, Luke (like Matthew) edits Mark and adds new material—for example, the Christmas story from Mary’s perspective. Luke emphasizes Jesus’ compassion for the marginalized and downtrodden, portraying him as a friend to sinners and poor people. Luke also highlights the role of women in the disciple community and uses female characters in the narrative more often than Mark or Matthew. The Gospel of Luke includes numerous parables, including favorites not found elsewhere, such as the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son. Themes of forgiveness, repentance, and salvation are prominent in this Gospel. Overall, Luke presents a comprehensive and compassionate portrait of Jesus, highlighting his ministry and mission to bring salvation to all. You can get the readings in daily texts or emails—just contact Fr. John to sign up.

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!

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!

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.

Volunteer at Our Brookside Farmers' Market Tent

As Christ’s hands and feet in the world we are called to go beyond the four walls of our church to put love in action. St. Andrew’s is doing that by having a tent at the Brookside Farmers' Market held at HJ's parking lot each Saturday morning through early November. We are looking for volunteers to serve coffee and start conversations with market farmers and guests 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. Grab a friend or family member. To learn more contact Gina Heise or sign-up here. Thank you!

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.