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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Your Gift of Language
A message from Fr. John Spicer, Rector
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This Sunday is Pentecost, when we celebrate God sending the Holy Spirit to empower us as we walk with Jesus. We sense the Spirit’s presence and love in so many settings – everything from a quiet walk in the woods, to a stunning symphony, to being with your beloved. But in the Pentecost story from Acts, Jesus’ followers first encountered the Spirit in their ability to speak in languages they didn’t know. That gift came so they could talk with people outside their comfort zones about the new life God was sharing with them.
The Spirit’s gift of language wasn’t just a one-time miracle in Jerusalem. At our Vestry meeting this week, we had a great conversation about how the Spirit uses us as instruments for reaching others in everyday life. We talked about times we’ve found ourselves empowered to have spiritual conversations we hadn’t been expecting – maybe consoling a friend in tough times or helping someone listen for divine direction in a moment of ripe possibility. The Spirit shows up, helping us find the words to engage with others about faith and invite them to experience divine life for themselves. So, I invite you to look for those opportunities and then follow the Spirit’s nudge.
I also invite you to help us remember the Spirit’s gift of language in our worship tomorrow by reading the Gospel aloud in the language of your choosing. We’ll do this a little differently than what I described in last week’s article. The deacon will invite all of us to read aloud John 20:19-23. You can do that in a foreign language or in English.
So, if you’d like to read along in English, you’ll have the text in the bulletin. If you’d like to read in a language other than English, go to BibleGateway.com (https://www.biblegateway.com), enter “John 20:19-23” in the search box, click on “All” in the language pull-down menu, and find your tongue.
Whatever language you choose, don’t worry about reading it perfectly. The same truth holds in church as in day-to-day life: God doesn’t expect perfection. Instead, trust that the Spirit will equip you with language that’s perfect enough.
| | | | Call our toll-free number 800-808-1625 to listen to worship on your phone! | | |
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 Breathe: Summer at St. Andrew’s.
Summer means many things—travel, busy schedules, or simply a change of pace. But it can also be something more: a chance to open the windows of our hearts and let the Holy Spirit move through. In these months of “ordinary time,” we are invited into a different kind of rhythm—not one of hurry or pressure, but one of growth. Like the green season that surrounds us, this is a time for roots to grow deeper and branches to stretch higher, as we learn to notice God at work in the ordinary rhythms of our lives.
So this summer, we invite you to make space—not just for doing, but for being. To breathe deeply, to give thanks, and to pay attention to what God is already stirring within and around you. Throughout the season, there will be opportunities to rest, to connect, and to serve—simple ways to open yourself to the Spirit’s movement in everyday life.
Whether your days are full or unhurried, structured or spontaneous, may this be a season of renewal. A time to reconnect—with God, with one another, and with your own soul—and to listen for what might be next.
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Rest
Make space to slow down and be renewed. Take a walk, sit by the water, or read by the pool—simple ways to breathe deeply and reconnect with God’s presence.
Silent Saturdays
Join us this summer for a peaceful morning of Centering Prayer. We’ll meet from 9 a.m.–12 p.m. on June 20, July 18, and August 22 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. Tuesdays: June 23, July 28, and Aug. 25.
Back Porch Alliance
Join us Wednesdays at 6 p.m. on HJ’s patio. With no agenda but friendship, no work but to bring your preferred beverage (and, if you like, a snack to share), parishioners gather around the fire pit for fellowship.
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Connect
Summer is a time to gather, share life, and grow together. These opportunities create space for conversation, friendship, and discovering where you belong.
Feast of the First Tomato
Celebrate summer’s juiciest gift at our 18th annual Feast of the First Tomato! Join us on Sunday, July 19 at 5 p.m. 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.
Summer Adventure Nights
Drop the kids off and enjoy a night off! From 5:30–8:30p.m. at HJ’s, kids (Nursery–4th Grade) will enjoy games, crafts, snacks, and themed fun—each night with a playful twist on faith. 3rd Fridays: June 19, July 17, and August 21.
20s30s Game Nights
Calling all young adults—join us for Game Night on June 27 and Aug. 22 at 7 p.m. at HJ’s! Bring a favorite game to share or jump in on someone else’s. Snacks, laughs, and friendly competition guaranteed.
More ways to Connect
Visit our website for more info about classes including Friday Morning Christian History and Men’s Lectionary Group.
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Serve
As we make space in our own lives, we are also called outward. These opportunities invite you to share God’s love in tangible ways and be part of something larger than yourself.
| | Click the image above for more Summer Free Store info! | | |
The Episcopal Church at KC Pride 2026: June 5–7
For a third year the diocese is a sponsor and will have a booth in a Sponsor tent. We need to recruit and train volunteers to hand out literature, SWAG, and most importantly share God’s love with all we encounter. Head to our sign-up genius linked here to volunteer to help. We are also asking clergy to sign-up to pray and speak with the community. If you have any questions, please contact the Rev. Robin Rusconi.
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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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Help Make Summer Adventure Nights Happen
This summer, children Nursery -4th Grade are invited to St. Andrew’s Summer Adventure Nights, a monthly Parents’ Night Out series filled with Bible stories, games, crafts, music, and fun.
To make these evenings possible, we need volunteers to help with food, crafts, games, group leadership, set-up, and clean-up.
Your support will help children enjoy a fun, faith-filled evening while giving parents with young children a chance to rest, reconnect, or simply enjoy a night out.
Our first gathering, Ocean Adventure: God Is With Us, is Friday, June 19 from 5:00pm-7:30pm
Click here to sign up!
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Help Children Grow in Faith on Sunday Mornings
Sunday School is one of the first places children hear the stories of our faith, ask questions, build friendships, and discover that they belong at church.
We are looking for volunteers to help with Sunday School and nursery on Sunday mornings. No teaching experience is necessary. Curriculum, supplies, and support are provided. What matters most is a steady, caring presence and a willingness to share your time and faith with our children.
Whether you can serve once a month, occasionally, or on a regular rotation, there is a place for you to help.
Sign up here: Sunday School & Nursery Volunteer Sign-up
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HVAC Update: Air Conditioning Replacement Continues
We’ve completed installation of our new HVAC units! Over the following two weeks, the units will be brought online with a new controls system.
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United Thank Offering
Since 1889, the United Thank Offering has invited Episcopalians to express gratitude through daily prayer and giving. Each coin dropped into a Blue Box is a tangible thank-you to God, supporting grants that meet human needs around the world.
Pick up a Blue Box in the narthex, keep it where you’ll see it often, and make giving thanks a daily habit. Bring your filled (or partially filled) box to church on Sunday, May 24, as we celebrate UTO Sunday together.
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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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Edible Schoolyard Garden at Banneker Elementary
Come see children growing and learning in Banneker Elementary’s Edible Schoolyard Garden. Volunteers help students plant, maintain, harvest, and taste fresh, healthy vegetables while learning hands-on gardening skills. One new volunteer shared, “I loved it and am returning on Thursday!”
Volunteers are needed Tuesday and/or Thursday mornings, 9:00–11:00 a.m. Banneker Elementary is located on the north side of Gregory Blvd., between Bales (at the stoplight) and Askew.
To get involved, contact Dorothy Curry at 816-365-4583 (call or text).
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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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Fall Men’s Trip/Retreat
St. Andrew’s will offer a men’s trip/retreat Friday-Sunday, Sept. 11-13, at the University of the South in Sewanee, TN. Sewanee is an Episcopal university and seminary located on a beautiful mountaintop. The retreat time will include spiritual conversations (with a book to read beforehand), a talk from a faculty member, worship in the chapel, and time for hiking, fishing, golf, etc. Registration will be capped, and a few openings remain. Participants will be responsible for their travel and lodging costs; scholarships are available. For more information, contact Fr. John.
| | 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
This Week in Sunday School: “Stormy Situations!”
We learned that Jesus calms more than just storms on the water—He calms our hearts too! We talked about times when we feel scared, worried, or overwhelmed and how we can trust Jesus to be with us through every storm.
Ask your child:
- “What would you have done if you were on the boat?”
- “What helps you feel calm when you’re scared?”
- “How can we remember Jesus is with us this week?”
Summer Adventure Nights: A Parents’ Night Out
Children (Nursery–4th Grade) are invited to St. Andrew’s Summer Adventure Nights—a monthly evening of Bible stories, games, crafts, music, and fun. Our first gathering, Ocean Adventure: God Is With Us, is Friday, June 19 from 5:00–7:30 p.m., where kids will explore the story of Jesus calming the storm and learn that God is with us, even when we feel afraid. Parents, enjoy an evening out while your children enjoy an adventure of their own. Advance registration is required and space is limited—visit our website to learn more and sign up.
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Youth Lock-In: May 29–30 | For Students in 5th–12th Grade – Youth are invited to an overnight lock-in at St. Andrew’s from Friday, May 29, at 7:00 p.m. to Saturday, May 30, at 7:00 a.m. Enjoy games, pizza, snacks, and plenty of fun with friends in a safe, supervised environment. Friends are welcome, but advance sign-up is required. Please bring a sleeping bag, pillow, toiletries, any needed medications, and a refillable water bottle. For details and to sign up, email Veronica Wiebold at veronica@standrewkc.org.
Youth Group Update:
Today is our final high school Youth Group gathering of the program year from 6:00–7:00 p.m.
Summer at St. Andrew’s: Summer is packed with opportunities for St. Andrew’s youth to connect, grow, serve, and have fun. Whether it’s a backyard bash, overnight lock-in, diocesan camp experiences, Missionpalooza, or Summer Adventure Nights, we hope you’ll mark your calendars and join us for an exciting season ahead.
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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. On alternating months, the group gathers for other social events at varying times and locations. The remaining dates are as follows, from 7-10 p.m. at HJ's: June 27, Aug. 22 and Oct. 24.
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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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Amrit
Ric
Eric
Dennis
Mischel
Chris N.
Rebecca
Chuck
Sigie
Judith
Michael
Steve S.
Frances
Rozzie
Bobbie
Helen
Marie
Mike
Becca
Hans
Tucker
Nancy
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Cory
Abby
Thaddeus
Bill
Melina
Steve H.
Gail
Peter
Corbin
Carol
Austin
Joanna
Frances
Steve
Wendy
Scott
Allie
Rick
Walt
Katie
Bennett
Quincie
Dick O.
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Erin K.
Sally
Connie
Elizabeth
Katie
Kaden
Penny
Maggie R.
Larry S.
Kathleen S.
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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