Adult Christian Formation

Answer God’s call to learn and grow in your faith. These opportunities open doors into what it means to build stronger relationships with God and the people who take the journey alongside you.

“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

 

Daily Offerings

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8-1-8 Online Prayers

DAILY AT 8 A.M., 1 P.M., & 8 P.M.

Live three times daily on Facebook – 15-minute devotions at 8 a.m., 1 p.m., and 8 p.m. to set our hearts on Christ, and one another, rather than the anxiety around us. You can join in these prayers in your Facebook feed, or you can get there from our Watch Worship Live page on our website.

Watch on Facebook
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Distinct Voices: James, Peter, John, and Jude

The Good Book Club, Fall 2021

From Sept. 1 through Oct. 24, our Good Book Club will read the New Testament letters of James, Peter, John, and Jude. In Sunday-morning readings and Bible studies, we don’t hear much about these letters. As an interpreter of Jesus and his teachings, the apostle Paul tends to steal the show because of the number of his letters preserved in Scripture and because of their theological depth. But Scripture also offers the witness of these “lesser” letter writers, even though they sometimes conflict directly with Paul’s teaching (e.g., the Letter of James) and may make us uncomfortable by blending God’s good news with the patterns of the dominant culture (e.g., the teachings in 1 Peter about gender relationships and slavery). Each day, you’ll get a text or email with a brief summary of the daily reading, along with a link to that day’s verses.

Read more
 

New Offerings

DISCOVERING THE BIBLE

Begins September 15 from 10-11:15 a.m. on Zoom

You'll be led through the entire Bible in two 15-week series over the course of the next year. The Kerygma text ($32) covers history, theological development, major themes, and major characters. Old Testament section begins Wednesday, September 15. Financial aid for the text is available. Contact Kathy West at 816-835-6101 or by email below.

Email Kathy

Discovery

Thursdays from September 23 through October 28

Discovery is a 6-session course for anyone who is new to St. Andrew’s or the Episcopal Church, or who would just like to connect with others, while learning more about us. No matter what your experience with the Episcopal Church or what questions you have, this is the place to begin exploring and belonging. (It is also perfect for any adult wishing to be confirmed.) To RSVP, please contact Sarah Tepikian by email below.

Email Sarah
 

Ongoing Groups

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Brown Baggin' & Books

Second Wednesdays from 12-1:30 p.m. Online

This traditional-style book club discusses some of the most popular titles of the day. We have decided to continue our book discussions via zoom meetings through the rest of this year on the second Wednesdays of the month from noon to 1:30 p.m. For more information, contact Kathryn Holtze.

Email Kathryn
Future Brown Baggin' Selections

Daughters of Yalta: The Churchills, Roosevelts, and Harrimans: A Story of Love and War

By Catherine Grace Katz.

The untold story of the three intelligent and glamorous young women who accompanied their famous fathers to the Yalta Conference in February 1945, and of the conference’s fateful reverberations in the waning days of World War II. (Published in 2020)

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Cafe 9:15

Sundays from 9:15 to 10 a.m.

This gentle, accepting group meets in the undercroft, with some joining on Zoom, between the two Sunday services to share perspectives on the lectionary readings. Join us to connect with others in a meaningful way. Questions? Contact Susan Paynter.

Email Susan
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Christian Journey

Sundays from 9-10 a.m.

All are welcome to join Christian Journey discussing, Unbelievable: Why Neither Ancient Creeds Nor the Reformation can Produce a Living Faith Today, by Bible scholar and Episcopal bishop, John Shelby Spong. The author urges believers to explore their beliefs in new and poignant ways. Discussions of this selection are certain to challenge, change, and/or reinforce your current faith. Join us Sundays in the Auxiliary Room at 9 a.m. in person or on Zoom. Freely participate in open discussion convened by Dr. Vin Clark, vclark403@gmail.com. Meeting ID: 919 309 5218; Password: 914591

Join us on Zoom!

Cursillo Ministry

Cursillo is an opportunity to grow in faith and spirituality, an exploration of the teachings of Jesus and how we can serve him, an experience of living and sharing with others in a loving and caring Christian community and realizing that this can be extended into our own lives, and a continuing community that gives support and encouragement to help Christians carry out their Baptismal vows. Cursillo includes a three-day weekend beginning on a Thursday evening and concluding on a Sunday afternoon. The weekend includes fifteen talks, five meditations, and daily worship. This weekend is not a retreat, but an opportunity to meet clergy and laity seeking to strengthen their faith. It provides an environment to experience the gift of God’s love through shared prayer, individual meditation, worship, study, fellowship, laughter, tears, and unconditional love. Each person returning from a weekend is encouraged to join in the activities of a “Fourth Day” community. The purpose of this community is to give each other strength and support as we grow in faith and develop our gifts for ministry. If you would like to learn more about Cursillo, please contact Joy Bower.

Email Joy
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Fabric of Life

Wednesdays from 12:15-2:15 p.m.

Fabric of Life - St. Andrew’s quilting guild - is a ministry comprised of quilters, sewers, and crafters — male or female. The group gathers to construct quilts that will be given to people in need of comfort and hope. Participants need not have sewing skills to help, and are invited to bring their own cutting tools (rotary cutters, mats, and rulers), machines, and "gizmos and gotta-haves" to do the work of cutting, designing, sewing, and tying the quilts. The "comfort quilts" made through this ministry are donated to those in need of a parish hug as well as those affected by natural disasters. For more information and how to get involved, contact Joy Bower.

Email Joy
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Living With Spirit

Tuesdays at 10 a.m.

We discuss spiritual books, build friendships, and build community. For more information, you can contact Ann Spicer.

Email Ann

Men's Lectionary Group

Thursdays from 7:30-8:30 a.m.

We meet at HJ’s Youth and Community Center, to discuss the upcoming Sunday's Lectionary readings.

Tai Chi

Mondays at 9:30 a.m. at HJ's

This class is a stretch and balance exercise based on tai chi principles led by Jane Gilbreath. Vaccination is required and masks are worn. Attendance is limited due to COVID. For more information, contact Dorothy Curry by email below or 816-365-4583.

Email Dorothy
 

Groups currently on hiatus

Parent Group

On hiatus

Parents are invited to participate in a lively, engaging conversation based on a book read by the group. We are currently studying "The Way of Love in Community, Practices for a Jesus-Centered Life" from Presiding Bishop Curry's invitation to practice The Way of Love.

Sacred Spaces

On Summer Break

We will resume in the fall. Learn the practice of the ancient tradition of seeking silence and stillness - beyond word and thought.

Trinity Guild

On hiatus

This women's group gathers at 10 a.m. for a meeting, followed by a program and luncheon, at HJ's on the fourth Thursday of the month during September, October, December, January, February, March, April, and May. The Trinity Guild is involved in supporting many projects and collects donations of cash and items throughout the year for several charitable programs, including Rose Brooks Center, Empowering the Parent to Empower the Child (EPEC), United Thank Offering, Prison Ministry, and Freedom Fire Urban Ministries. For more information, contact Joanna Martin.

Email Joanna